bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on effective aerosol scavenging using different spray configurations with pre-injection of water mist for Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning
Authors: Xu Rui-Cong , Sharma Avadhesh Kumar , Ozdemir Erdal , Miwa Shuichiro , Suzuki Shunichi
Published: April 2024

During the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, it is important to consider the retrieval of resolidified debris both in air and underwater configurations. For the subsequent retrieval of debris from the reactor building, the resolidified debris must be cut into smaller pieces using various cutting methods. During the cutting process, aerosol particles are expected to be generated at the submicron scale. It has been noted that such aerosols sizing within the Greenfield gap (0.1–1 μm) are difficult to remove effectively using traditional spraying methods. Therefore, to improve the aerosol removal efficiency of the spray system, a new aerosol agglomeration method was recently proposed, which involves injecting water mist to enlarge the sizes of the aerosol particles before removing them using water sprays. In this study, a series of experiments were performed to clarify the proper spray configurations for effective aerosol scavenging and to improve the performance of the water mist. The experimental results showed that the spray flow rate and droplet characteristics are important factors for the aerosol-scavenging efficiency and performance of the water mist. The results obtained from this study will be helpful for the optimization of the spray system design for effective aerosol scavenging during the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
In silico design and evaluation of multi-epitope dengue virus vaccines: a promising approach to combat global dengue burden
Authors: Saha Otun , Razzak Abdur , Sarker Nikkon , Rahman Nymur , Zahid Abdullah bin , Sultana Afroza , Shishir Tushar Ahmed , Bahadur Newaz Mohammed , Rahaman Md. Mizanur , Hossen Foysal , Amin Mohammad Ruhul , Akter Mir Salma
Published: April 2024

Dengue virus, a pervasive mosquito-borne pathogen, imposes a substantial global health burden and is responsible for numerous fatalities annually globally, with tropical and sub-tropical regions particularly susceptible to dengue outbreaks. Despite decades of efforts, there has been no effective treatment or prevention for dengue, which makes it a life-threatening disease. Hence, this study proposes an innovative bioinformatics-driven approach to construct a vaccine targeting the dengue virus. The study involved a comprehensive analysis of conserved regions of dengue virus serotypes 1–4's non-structural proteins (NS1, NS3, and NS5) and structural protein (E) to predict the potential B & T-cell epitopes which were linked with appropriate adjuvants and linkers to generate four distinct vaccine candidates. The constructed vaccine models underwent rigorous evaluation, considering physicochemical attributes, structural integrity, population coverage, and immune system response through simulation. The results confirm that these vaccine candidates are non-allergenic, non-toxic, antigenic, and immunogenic. Additionally, they exhibit 99.70% world population coverage and 100% conservation across all dengue strains, which is crucial for vaccine efficacy. A Ramachandran plot showed that 95.6% of the amino acid residues of the candidates belong to the optimal zone, while around 4% are in additional allowed regions. Further, molecular docking and dynamic simulation of interaction with the human toll-like receptor 4, a fundamental component of innate immunity, was carried out to gain more insight into interaction dynamics. As a result of these analyses, the candidates' binding dynamics and structural stability were revealed. Overall, this study presents promising vaccine candidates for addressing dengue's global health burden. Their robust design and demonstrated immunogenicity make them attractive candidates for further experimental testing and development as potential vaccines against current strains and future variants.
Mixed Oligopoly and Public Enterprises
Authors: Poyago-Theotoky Joanna
Published: April 2024

This Element offers a review and synthesis of the theoretical analysis of mixed oligopoly, that is a hybrid market structure in which public (state-owned) and private firms interact, using a variety of strategic variables. A distinguishing feature of a mixed oligopoly is that firms have different objectives. A public firm's objective is a notion of social welfare while a private firm is profit maximising. Privatisation and partial-privatisation of a public firm is also discussed, together with several applications from diverse subfields spanning industrial organisation, applied microeconomic theory, innovation, international trade and environment policy. The authors also discuss ways in which the original analysis has been enriched to study the interaction between providers of public sector services as opposed to traditional goods.
Embracing the Crisis of Research Design: How the Collapse of Case Selection in the Field Can Uncover New Discoveries
Authors: Schwartz Rachel A.
Published: April 2024

Political science has seen a welcome increase in guidance on conducting field research, which recognizes the need for adaptability. But while disciplinary conversations on “iterating” in the field have advanced, strategies for adapting to the breakdown of one’s case selection—an all-too-frequent problem faced by field researchers—remain underspecified. I synthesize the sources of case selection collapse and puts forward four strategies to help scholars iterate when things fall apart: 1) rethinking what constitutes a “case” when fieldwork upends one’s understanding of the population to which the original case(s) belong; 2) reorienting the object of analysis from outcomes to processes when new insights question the values of the outcome variable within one’s original case(s); 3) returning to dominant theoretical models as a source of comparison when unanticipated changes cut off data or field site access; and 4) dropping case(s) that become extraneous amid fieldwork-induced changes in the project’s comparative logic. By embracing these moments of seeming crisis, we can more productively train field researchers to make the most of the inductive discoveries and new theoretical insights that often emerge when one’s original plans fall apart.
Associations between Tobacco Smoking and Self-Reported SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Infections, Disease Severity, and Duration in the German Population
Authors: Kotz Daniel , Perski Olga , Gali Kathleen , Brown Jamie , Kastaun Sabrina
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Background: Our aim was to assess, in the general German population, the association between tobacco smoking status and self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 symptom severity, and symptom duration. Methods: Cross-sectional household survey with face-to-face interviews of representative samples of the German population conducted between 02/2021-04/2022. Associations between smoking status (current, long-term ex-, never) and three self-reported outcomes (corona infection status, symptom severity, and symptom duration) were analysed with regression models, adjusted for a range of potential confounding factors, including vaccination status in a sub-sample. We also ran sensitivity analyses. Results: 872 people reported an infection (5.4 % of 16,028). There was no relevant and statistically significant association between current smoking and long-term ex-smoking compared with never smoking regarding ever being infected with corona (aOR=1.02, 95 %CI=0.86–1.20 and aOR=1.03, 95 %CI=0.83–1.28, respectively), symptom severity (aOR=0.84, 95 %CI=0.59–1.20 and aOR=0.88, 95 %CI=0.55–1.38, respectively), and symptom duration (aβ)=-0.09 months, 95 %CI=-0.45–0.28 and aβ=0.002 months, 95 %CI=-0.48–0.48). Sensitivity analyses examining the interaction between survey wave and smoking status showed that the risk of an infection increased over time, and this increase was higher in current smokers compared with never smokers. Conclusions: In the general German population smokers appear to be as likely to acquire a corona infection as long-term ex- and never smokers.
Contributions of Tropical Cyclones and Atmospheric Rivers to Extreme Precipitation Trends Over the Northeast US
Authors: Jong Bor‐Ting , Murakami Hiroyuki , Delworth Thomas L. , Cooke William F.
Published: April 2024

The Northeast United States (NEUS) has faced the most rapidly increasing occurrences of extreme precipitation within the US in the past few decades. Understanding the physics leading to long‐term trends in regional extreme precipitation is essential but the progress is limited partially by the horizontal resolution of climate models. The latest fully coupled 25‐km GFDL (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory) SPEAR (Seamless system for Prediction and EArth system Research) simulations provide a good opportunity to study changes in regional extreme precipitation and the relevant physical processes. Here, we focus on the contributions of changes in synoptic‐scale events, including atmospheric rivers (AR) and tropical cyclone (TC)‐related events, to the trend of extreme precipitation in the fall season over the Northeast US in both the recent past and future projections using the 25‐km GFDL‐SPEAR. In observations, increasing extreme precipitation over the NEUS since the 1990s is mainly linked to TC‐related events, especially those undergoing extratropical transitions. In the future, both AR‐related and TC‐related extreme precipitation over the NEUS are projected to increase, even though the numbers of TCs in the North Atlantic are projected to decrease in the SPEAR simulations using the SSP5‐8.5 projection of future radiative forcing. Factors such as enhancing TC intensity, strengthening TC‐related precipitation, and/or westward shift in Atlantic TC tracks may offset the influence of declining Atlantic TC numbers in the model projections, leading to more frequent TC‐related extreme precipitation over the NEUS.
Surface oxidation/spin state determines oxygen evolution reaction activity of cobalt-based catalysts in acidic environment
Authors: Huang Jinzhen , Borca Camelia Nicoleta , Huthwelker Thomas , Yüzbasi Nur Sena , Baster Dominika , El Kazzi Mario , Schneider Christof W. , Schmidt Thomas J. , Fabbri Emiliana
Published: April 2024

Co-based catalysts are promising candidates to replace Ir/Ru-based oxides for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis in an acidic environment. However, both the reaction mechanism and the active species under acidic conditions remain unclear. In this study, by combining surface-sensitive soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization with electrochemical analysis, we discover that the acidic OER activity of Co-based catalysts are determined by their surface oxidation/spin state. Surfaces composed of only high-spin CoII are found to be not active due to their unfavorable water dissociation to form CoIII-OH species. By contrast, the presence of low-spin CoIII is essential, as it promotes surface reconstruction of Co oxides and, hence, OER catalysis. The correlation between OER activity and Co oxidation/spin state signifies a breakthrough in defining the structure-activity relationship of Co-based catalysts for acidic OER, though, interestingly, such a relationship does not hold in alkaline and neutral environments. These findings not only help to design efficient acidic OER catalysts, but also deepen the understanding of the reaction mechanism.
Molecular patterns of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma
Authors: Lauss Martin , Phung Bengt , Borch Troels Holz , Harbst Katja , Kaminska Kamila , Ebbesson Anna , Hedenfalk Ingrid , Yuan Joan , Nielsen Kari , Ingvar Christian , Carneiro Ana , Isaksson Karolin , Pietras Kristian , Svane Inge Marie , Donia Marco , Jönsson Göran
Published: April 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has improved outcome for patients with metastatic melanoma but not all benefit from treatment. Several immune- and tumor intrinsic features are associated with clinical response at baseline. However, we need to further understand the molecular changes occurring during development of ICB resistance. Here, we collect biopsies from a cohort of 44 patients with melanoma after progression on anti-CTLA4 or anti-PD1 monotherapy. Genetic alterations of antigen presentation and interferon gamma signaling pathways are observed in approximately 25% of ICB resistant cases. Anti-CTLA4 resistant lesions have a sustained immune response, including immune-regulatory features, as suggested by multiplex spatial and T cell receptor (TCR) clonality analyses. One anti-PD1 resistant lesion harbors a distinct immune cell niche, however, anti-PD1 resistant tumors are generally immune poor with non-expanded TCR clones. Such immune poor microenvironments are associated with melanoma cells having a de-differentiated phenotype lacking expression of MHC-I molecules. In addition, anti-PD1 resistant tumors have reduced fractions of PD1+ CD8+ T cells as compared to ICB naïve metastases. Collectively, these data show the complexity of ICB resistance and highlight differences between anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 resistance that may underlie differential clinical outcomes of therapy sequence and combination.
Viability leads to the emergence of gait transitions in learning agile quadrupedal locomotion on challenging terrains
Authors: Shafiee Milad , Bellegarda Guillaume , Ijspeert Auke
Published: April 2024

Quadruped animals are capable of seamless transitions between different gaits. While energy efficiency appears to be one of the reasons for changing gaits, other determinant factors likely play a role too, including terrain properties. In this article, we propose that viability, i.e., the avoidance of falls, represents an important criterion for gait transitions. We investigate the emergence of gait transitions through the interaction between supraspinal drive (brain), the central pattern generator in the spinal cord, the body, and exteroceptive sensing by leveraging deep reinforcement learning and robotics tools. Consistent with quadruped animal data, we show that the walk-trot gait transition for quadruped robots on flat terrain improves both viability and energy efficiency. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of discrete terrain (i.e., crossing successive gaps) on imposing gait transitions, and find the emergence of trot-pronk transitions to avoid non-viable states. Viability is the only improved factor after gait transitions on both flat and discrete gap terrains, suggesting that viability could be a primary and universal objective of gait transitions, while other criteria are secondary objectives and/or a consequence of viability. Moreover, our experiments demonstrate state-of-the-art quadruped robot agility in challenging scenarios.
Expedient production of site specifically nucleobase-labelled or hypermodified RNA with engineered thermophilic DNA polymerases
Authors: Brunderová Mária , Havlíček Vojtěch , Matyašovský Ján , Pohl Radek , Poštová Slavětínská Lenka , Krömer Matouš , Hocek Michal
Published: April 2024

Innovative approaches to controlled nucleobase-modified RNA synthesis are urgently needed to support RNA biology exploration and to synthesize potential RNA therapeutics. Here we present a strategy for enzymatic construction of nucleobase-modified RNA based on primer-dependent engineered thermophilic DNA polymerases – SFM4-3 and TGK. We demonstrate introduction of one or several different base-modified nucleotides in one strand including hypermodified RNA containing all four modified nucleotides bearing four different substituents, as well as strategy for primer segment removal. We also show facile site-specific or segmented introduction of fluorophores or other functional groups at defined positions in variety of RNA molecules, including structured or long mRNA. Intriguing translation efficacy of single-site modified mRNAs underscores the necessity to study isolated modifications placed at designer positions to disentangle their biological effects and enable development of improved mRNA therapeutics. Our toolbox paves the way for more precise dissecting RNA structures and functions, as well as for construction of diverse types of base-functionalized RNA for therapeutic applications and diagnostics.
Anderson critical metal phase in trivial states protected by average magnetic crystalline symmetry
Authors: Wang Fa-Jie , Xiao Zhen-Yu , Queiroz Raquel , Bernevig B. Andrei , Stern Ady , Song Zhi-Da
Published: April 2024

Transitions between distinct obstructed atomic insulators (OAIs) protected by crystalline symmetries, where electrons form molecular orbitals centering away from the atom positions, must go through an intermediate metallic phase. In this work, we find that the intermediate metals will become a scale-invariant critical metal phase (CMP) under certain types of quenched disorder that respect the magnetic crystalline symmetries on average. We explicitly construct models respecting average C2zT, m, and C4zT and show their scale-invariance under chemical potential disorder by the finite-size scaling method. Conventional theories, such as weak anti-localization and topological phase transition, cannot explain the underlying mechanism. A quantitative mapping between lattice and network models shows that the CMP can be understood through a semi-classical percolation problem. Ultimately, we systematically classify all the OAI transitions protected by (magnetic) groups $$Pm,P{2}^{{\prime} },P{4}^{{\prime} }$$
P
m
,
P

2

′

,
P

4

′

, and $$P{6}^{{\prime} }$$
P

6

′

with and without spin-orbit coupling, most of which can support CMP.
Upcycling of polyethylene to gasoline through a self-supplied hydrogen strategy in a layered self-pillared zeolite
Authors: Cen Ziyu , Han Xue , Lin Longfei , Yang Sihai , Han Wanying , Wen Weilong , Yuan Wenli , Dong Minghua , Ma Zhiye , Li Fang , Ke Yubin , Dong Juncai , Zhang Jin , Liu Shuhu , Li Jialiang , Li Qian , Wu Ningning , Xiang Junfeng , Wu Hao , Cai Lile , Hou Yanbo , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Ferrer Pilar , Grinter David C. , Held Georg , Liu Yueming , Han Buxing
Published: April 2024

Conversion of plastic wastes to valuable carbon resources without using noble metal catalysts or external hydrogen remains a challenging task. Here we report a layered self-pillared zeolite that enables the conversion of polyethylene to gasoline with a remarkable selectivity of 99% and yields of >80% in 4 h at 240 °C. The liquid product is primarily composed of branched alkanes (selectivity of 72%), affording a high research octane number of 88.0 that is comparable to commercial gasoline (86.6). In situ inelastic neutron scattering, small-angle neutron scattering, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and isotope-labelling experiments reveal that the activation of polyethylene is promoted by the open framework tri-coordinated Al sites of the zeolite, followed by β-scission and isomerization on Brönsted acids sites, accompanied by hydride transfer over open framework tri-coordinated Al sites through a self-supplied hydrogen pathway to yield selectivity to branched alkanes. This study shows the potential of layered zeolite materials in enabling the upcycling of plastic wastes.
Late presentations and missed opportunities among newly diagnosed HIV patients presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon
Authors: Mahmoud Maya , Ballouz Tala , Lahoud Chloe , Adnan Jana , Habib Paola Abi , Saab Reem , Farhat Haya , Hussein Mohammad El , Rizk Nesrine
Published: April 2024

Late presentation to medical care of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is linked to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Missed opportunities for a prompt diagnosis are frequently reported among late presenters. We aimed to estimate the proportion of late presenters and missed opportunities in diagnosis among newly diagnosed HIV-positive subjects presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon. This is a retrospective chart review of all newly diagnosed adult HIV-positive subjects presenting to clinic from 2012 to 2022. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected at initial HIV diagnosis or presentation to medical care. We defined late presentation as having a CD4 count < 350 or AIDS-defining event regardless of CD4 count. Advanced disease is defined as having a CD4 count below 200 cells/μL or the presence of an AIDS-defining illness, regardless of the CD4 count. A missed opportunity was defined as the presence of an indicator condition (IC) that suggests infection with HIV/AIDS during 3 years preceding the actual HIV diagnosis and not followed by a recommendation for HIV testing. The proportions for demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics are calculated by excluding cases with missing information from the denominator. Our cohort included 150 subjects (92.7% males; 63.6% men who have sex with men (MSM); 33.3% heterosexuals; median age 30.5 years at diagnosis). 77 (51.3%) were late presenters and 53 (35.3% of all subjects, 68.8% of late presenters) had advanced HIV on presentation. Up to 76.5% of late presenters had a presentation with an HIV-related condition at a healthcare provider without getting HIV test within the previous 3 years. The most frequent ICs were weight loss, generalized lymphadenopathy, constitutional symptoms, and chronic idiopathic diarrhea. Overall mortality rate was 4% (6/150 individuals). All-cause mortality among those who presented with AIDS was 15.4% (6/39 subjects). In our setting, late presentations and missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis are common. In the Middle East, AIDS mortality remains high with a large gap in HIV testing. To effectively influence policies, comprehensive analyses should focus on estimating the preventable health and financial burdens of late HIV presentations. Another concern pertains to healthcare providers’ attitudes and competencies.
A mathematical model to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiocirculatory system
Authors: Tonini Andrea , Vergara Christian , Regazzoni Francesco , Dede’ Luca , Scrofani Roberto , Cogliati Chiara , Quarteroni Alfio
Published: April 2024

Impaired cardiac function has been described as a frequent complication of COVID-19-related pneumonia. To investigate possible underlying mechanisms, we represented the cardiovascular system by means of a lumped-parameter 0D mathematical model. The model was calibrated using clinical data, recorded in 58 patients hospitalized for COVID-19-related pneumonia, to make it patient-specific and to compute model outputs of clinical interest related to the cardiocirculatory system. We assessed, for each patient with a successful calibration, the statistical reliability of model outputs estimating the uncertainty intervals. Then, we performed a statistical analysis to compare healthy ranges and mean values (over patients) of reliable model outputs to determine which were significantly altered in COVID-19-related pneumonia. Our results showed significant increases in right ventricular systolic pressure, diastolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and capillary wedge pressure. Instead, physical quantities related to the systemic circulation were not significantly altered. Remarkably, statistical analyses made on raw clinical data, without the support of a mathematical model, were unable to detect the effects of COVID-19-related pneumonia in pulmonary circulation, thus suggesting that the use of a calibrated 0D mathematical model to describe the cardiocirculatory system is an effective tool to investigate the impairments of the cardiocirculatory system associated with COVID-19.
Recent advances in the approaches for improving the photovoltaic performance of porphyrin-based DSSCs
Authors: Huang Shucheng , Li Qizhao , Li Shijun , Li Chengjie , Tan Haijun , Xie Yongshu
Published: April 2024

This feature article summarizes recent research on improving the efficiencies of porphyrin-based DSSCs with emphasis on enhancing Voc and Jsc through molecular engineering and device optimization approaches.
Impact of CeO2 nanoparticles on the microbiota of the S. flos-cuculi L. (Caryophyllaceae) rhizosphere
Authors: Civilini M. , Colautti A. , Brunello A. , Saccomanno N. , Marchiol L. , Foscari A. , Iacumin L.
Published: April 2024

Influence of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) on root bacterial composition and the associated substrate (root zone soil) of Silene flos-cuculi (L.) by metabarcoding.
DNA nanostar structures with tunable auxetic properties
Authors: Du Yancheng , Li Ruixin , Madhvacharyula Anirudh S. , Swett Alexander A. , Choi Jong Hyun
Published: April 2024

A nanoscale metastructure with tunable auxetic properties is constructed with DNA origami. This DNA nanostar structure can reconfigure in two orientations that can lead to distinct negative Poisson's ratios.
Synthesis of tunable thickness-to-diameter ratio microcapsules via a diffusion-controlled process for temperature-responsive release
Authors: Zhao Jinshun , Li Chun , Sui Jiayang , Feng Tong , Li Chonghui , Liu Lifei , Xue Huimin , Zhao Weizhen , Chen Xuhuang
Published: April 2024

A mixed organic solvent is used to control the diffusion of monomers during interfacial polymerization, resulting in the successful preparation of microcapsules with tunable thickness-to-diameter ratios as well as Tg.
Role of the ZnO electron transport layer in PbS colloidal quantum dot solar cell yield
Authors: Chiu Arlene , Lu Chengchangfeng , Kachman Dana E. , Rong Eric , Chintapalli Sreyas M. , Lin Yida , Khurgin Daniel , Thon Susanna M.
Published: April 2024

This review highlights recent advancements in the zinc oxide electron transport layer for PbS colloidal quantum dot solar cells.
Cyano modified triphenylmethyl radical skeletons: higher stability and efficiency
Authors: Lv Kuo , Zhang Minzhe , Xia Xin , Liu Wenjing , Wan Keke , Zhang Ming , Li Feng
Published: April 2024

We developed two novel stable luminescent radical skeletons, BnBTM and bisBnTM, demonstrating lower frontier orbital energy levels and suppressed nonradiative transition processes than the previously reported radical skeletons.
Unravelling ionic liquid solvent effects for a non-polar Cope rearrangement reaction
Authors: Smith Gavin J. , Koutsoukos Spyridon , Lancaster Ben , Becker Julian , Welton Tom , Hunt Patricia A.
Published: April 2024

The impact of ionic liquids (ILs) on polar reactions is well recognised, however the impact of ILs on non-polar reactions is less well understood or explored.
Gas-phase electronic spectra of HC2n+1H+ (n = 2–6) chains
Authors: Marlton Samuel J. P. , Liu Chang , Watkins Patrick , Bieske Evan J.
Published: April 2024

Electronic spectra are measured for cryogenically cooled HC2n+1H+ chains containing between 5 and 13 carbon atoms.
Molecular machines working at interfaces: physics, chemistry, evolution and nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Song Jingwen , Kawakami Kohsaku
Published: April 2024

Molecular machines are evolved through changing their field of activity while maintaining their basic functions. Finally, their active field even includes the interface of living organisms.
Stability and enhanced low-temperature NH3-SCR activity of supported vanadate catalysts in a microwave field
Authors: Song Liyun , Liu Cui , Li Shuangye , Bian Chunyi , Fan Xing , He Hong
Published: April 2024

The promoting effect of microwave irradiation on the NH3-SCR activity of the NdV/Ti-x% catalysts and their stability in the microwave field.
Effect of alkali/alkaline-earth-metal doping on the Co3O4 spinel structure and N2O decomposition
Authors: Kang Bin , Guo Mengfei , Wu Haotian , Guo Xiaonan , Di Zhaoying , Wei Ying , Jia Jingbo , Wang Zhou-jun , Zhang Runduo
Published: April 2024

Doping with large-sized alkali/alkaline-earth metals causes lattice distortion and oxygen vacancy formation. A double reaction cycle with Co2+ ions neighbouring with oxygen vacancies as active sites for N2O dissociation was proposed.
Hydrogen-bonded assemblies of iron(ii) spin crossover complexes
Authors: Jornet-Mollá Verónica , Rodríguez-Tarrazó Marina I. , Dolz-Lozano Miquel J. , Giménez-Saiz Carlos , Romero Francisco M.
Published: April 2024

Dehydration induces spin crossover in hydrogen-bonded metal–organic frameworks such as [Fe(bpp)2](ADC)·9H2O, a compound showing large channels of a Wheel-of-Mainz shape.
Critical challenges and solutions: quasi-solid-state electrolytes for zinc-based batteries
Authors: Ge Haoyang , Xie Xian , Xie Xuesong , Zhang Bingyao , Li Shenglong , Liang Shuquan , Lu Bingan , Zhou Jiang
Published: April 2024

QSSEs are emerging in aqueous ZBs and modern applications. By summarizing the fundamentals of materials properties, battery performance and applications of QSSEs, this review provides insight into the future development and optimization of ZBs in wider application fields.
The first report on the assessment of maximum acceptable daily intake (MADI) of pesticides for humans using intelligent consensus predictions
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Ojha Probir Kumar , Roy Kunal
Published: April 2024

Direct or indirect consumption of pesticides and their related products by humans and other living organisms without safe dosing may pose a health risk.
Synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives via electrochemical hydrocyanomethylation or hydrogenation of quinolines with MeCN
Authors: Xia Jie , Wang Dahan , Yang Ruitong , Deng Yujie , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: April 2024

Electrochemical hydrocyanomethylation of quinoline skeletons employing acetonitrile as both a hydrogen resource and a cyanomethyl precursor has been described.
Optimization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation via photo-enzymatic cascade process
Authors: do Nascimento Marcelo A. , Haber Bernardo , Gomez Mauro R. B. P. , Leão Raquel A. C. , Pietrowski Mariusz , Zieliński Michał , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A. , Wojcieszak Robert , Itabaiana Ivaldo
Published: April 2024

Trametes versicolor's laccase (LacTV) was efficient catalyst in HMF oxidation to FDCA. Its use in an enzymatic and photocatalytic cascade process permitted a 40-fold increase in FDCA productivity compared to traditional enzymatic batch systems.
Covalent porous catalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Hu Hongyin , Sun Huimin , Yang Fulin , Zhu Han , Du Mingliang , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

This article reviews different types of covalent porous catalysts for eCO2RR, including their design principles, the latest progress and their structure–activity relationships reported in recent literature.
Non-metallic plasmon-assisted upconversion fluorescence for ultrasensitive hydrogen peroxide detection from nM to μM
Authors: Li Juan , Huang Xingwu , Chen Jiangyi , Lou Zaizhu , Li Baojun
Published: April 2024

Non-metallic plasmon-assisted upconversion fluorescence for ultrasensitive and quantitative detection of hydrogen peroxide from nM to μM.
Sustainable design of high-performance multifunctional carbon electrodes by one-step laser carbonization for supercapacitors and dopamine sensors
Authors: Moon Sanghwa , Senokos Evgeny , Trouillet Vanessa , Loeffler Felix F. , Strauss Volker
Published: April 2024

Flexible and sustainable fabrication of laser patterned carbon electrodes with high performance using biowaste as a carbon source is presented.
Self-powered photodetectors: a device engineering perspective
Authors: Goel Varun , Kumar Yogesh , Rawat Gopal , Kumar Hemant
Published: April 2024

Exploring advancements in self-powered photodetectors through device engineering and leveraging additional effects such as pyro-phototronic, piezo-phototronic, and surface plasmonics techniques.
Synthesis of alkenylphosphine oxides via Tf2O promoted addition–elimination of ketones and secondary phosphine oxides
Authors: Ma Jiangkai , Wang Lianjie , Qiao Anjiang , Li Zhongxian , Zhao Fengqian , Wu Junliang
Published: April 2024

An efficient method for the synthesis of alkenylphosphine oxides via the addition-elimination of SPOs to ketones has been developed. The reaction exhibits good yields and compatibility. Several conversions have also proven the value of this method.
Nanocarbon armor reinforced Ag particles to build a high-rate and long-lifespan aqueous Zn2+/Cl− dual-ion battery
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Zhang Tianyuan , Shu Guangchang , Fan Leiyu , Wu Zhouxiang , Yan Lei , Zhang Liyuan , Yu Haoxiang , Yi Ting-Feng , Shu Jie
Published: April 2024

A high-performance aqueous Zn2+/Cl− dual-ion battery is built by using nanocarbon armor reinforced Ag particles as the cathode, metallic Zn as the anode and ZnCl2 as the electrolyte.
Expedient radical phosphonylations via ligand to metal charge transfer on bismuth
Authors: Patra Jatin , Nair Akshay M. , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: April 2024

Herein, we have developed efficient radical phosphonylations tailored upon visible-light mediated LMCT on bismuth. Phosphonylation of a broad range of substrate classes was carried out under mild energy efficient conditions using BiCl3 as the catalyst.
The increase of steviol glycosides in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) through artificial polyploidy
Authors: Marina Herawati Maria , Petra Wibisono Andreas , Wijaya Setiawan Andree , Pudjihartati Endang
Published: April 2024

Stevia rebaudiana is a plant that produces secondary metabolites with diterpene glycosides, commonly called steviol glycosides, the Steviol glycosides as a low-calorie sweetener. Rebaudioside A and stevioside are steviol glycosides that are abundant in stevia leaves. Apart from being a sweetener, stevioside in stevia leaves has the potential as an anticancer. The obstacle to developing Stevia in Indonesia is the availability of stevia seeds of low quality, so a strategy is needed to improve the plants and increase the availability of quality stevia seeds. Artificial polyploid is one strategy for plant improvement, including increasing the production of secondary metabolites. This study aims to increase the content of steviol glycosides through artificial polyploidy using colchicine in tissue culture. The treatment was immersed in the explants in 100 mg.L-1 colchicine for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The results showed that soaking for 24 hours produced 13.63% mixoploid explants. The mixoploid explants produced the highest levels of rebaudioside A at 4.286% and the highest stevioside at 13.047%.
Evaluating Environmental Awareness in Practice on the Concept of Nutrient Cycling Among Senior High School Students
Authors: Buot Mayumi Kara M. , Manalo Cervinia V.
Published: April 2024

Nutrient cycle, a concept that highlights the path that nutrients follow as they travel from the soil to the plant and other organisms, is an important concept for students to understand since it connects human actions to their effects on the environment. Understanding how the nutrient cycle works, especially in the context of lake water, is crucial in managing ecosystems effectively and mitigating the impacts of pollution, especially when it is because of anthropogenic causes. Therefore, there is a need to integrate environmental education into class lessons so that society can fully grasp the relationship between science and society. This study surveyed a total of 110 students from three different schools using simple random sampling. These schools near Laguna Lake of Los Baños, Laguna were randomly selected. Schools near the lake were targeted because they were relatively familiar with the topic. The survey assessed environmental awareness in three categories: knowledge, attitude, and practice, validated through Cronbach’s Alpha test. From the data collected the respondents were found to have low awareness in terms of knowledge (44.6%), high awareness in terms of attitude (83.6%), and a moderately low awareness in terms of practice (67.6%). This suggests a need to enhance student understanding of environmental concepts and issues to improve their practices. Thus, motivating them in adopting sustainable practices. Overall, the results from this study support the premise that there is a need to create teaching materials and activities to improve the practices of the students.
Distribution Pattern of Black Sea Cucumber (Holothuria atra Jaeger, 1833) at the Intertidal Ecosystem of Bilik Coastal, Baluran National Park
Authors: Setiawan Rendy , Mohammad Siddiq Arif , Aprillia Mela , Pratiwi Arif
Published: April 2024

Baluran National Park (BNP) is a natural resource conservation area known for its diverse land and water ecosystems. The intertidal ecosystem of Bilik Coast is home to sea cucumbers (Holothuria atra), which have both ecological and economic value. It is important to note that H. atra is a protected species in the BNP conservation area. Therefore, studying the distribution pattern of H. atra in the intertidal ecosystem of Pesisir Bilik is crucial. This study aims to determine the type of distribution pattern of H. atra and describe its spatial distribution. Purposive sampling was conducted at maximum low tide, and biotic data were collected using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain coordinates. Biotic data were measured at 9 points as a representative area. The type of distribution pattern of H. atra was analyzed using the Nearest Neighbor Index using ArcGIS 10.7 which shows the type of distribution pattern and describes its spatial distribution. The research results showed that the distribution pattern of H. atra was categorized as clustered based on the result of R (ratio) < 1 (0.458). H. atra species were distributed in seagrass communities, macroalgae communities, open areas, and coral reef communities.
Productivity of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with the complex use of biological preparations
Authors: Fetyukhin I.V. , Baranov A.A.
Published: April 2024

The article reflects the results of studies conducted in the period from 2021 to 2023 in the dry steppe zone of the Russian Federation to assess the effectiveness of the integrated use of biological products in the cultivation of spring barley. The effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of spring barley seeds with a biofungicide followed by foliar treatment during the tillering phase with biological products that suppress the development of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria, stimulate plant growth and development, and also increase plant resistance to adverse environmental factors has been studied. Indicators of the prevalence and degree of development of root rot on spring barley were determined. Data are presented for recording the phytometric indicators of spring barley crops with the integrated use of biological products. Indicators of productivity and grain quality of spring barley were determined using biological products INBIO-FIT, BIOFIT-1.0 M and biofungicide Strekar
Differential diagnostic criteria for chemical corneal burn in dogs and cats and methods of their treatment
Authors: Saroyan Sergey , Goncharova Anna , Shtaufen Alexandra
Published: April 2024

The paper presents data on risk factors for the development of chemical burns of the cornea, and presents the most common causes that can cause burn injury to the cornea. The clinical picture of chemical burns of the cornea in dogs and cats is analyzed in detail, differential diagnostic criteria and their prognostic significance are described. A treatment regimen for chemical burns of the cornea is proposed depending on the location and size of the defect. The most common types of chemical reagents that cause corneal burns are household chemicals. The most severe type of burn is the one that affects the limbal zone, leading to the development of limbal cell insufficiency and, as a consequence, more severe complications. The proposed treatment regimen for chemical burns of the cornea, based on the size and location of the defect, has shown its effectiveness and consistency. With timely treatment, taking into account the clinical picture, and a prognosis based on it, it is possible to save not only the eyeball as an organ, but also to achieve complete restoration of the morphofunctional characteristics of the cornea.
Formation of saline soils in the dry steppe landscapes of the Western Manych Valley on different forms of microrelief
Authors: Iljina L.P. , Sushko K.S. , Shmatko V.U.
Published: April 2024

The results of studying the physical and chemical characteristics of dry-steppe saline soils of the Western Manych valley, confined to different forms of microrelief, are presented. The soil cover of the studied territory is characterized by pronounced complexity due to the interrelation of natural and anthropogenic factors. It was revealed that chestnut saline soils and chestnut saline soils are mainly formed on micro-slopes and micro-elevations, and typical hydromorphic salt marshes are formed in saucer-shaped depressions. The soil profile has both common features (the presence of a saline horizon, a heavy loamy granulometric composition, etc.) and differences (the depth of formation of a saline horizon, the degree and chemistry of salinity, the boundaries of boiling of carbonates, the occurrence of gypsum and iron oxide forms, etc.). All saline horizons have increased density values (1.43-1.64 g /cm3), reduced humus content (no more than 2.0%) compared to the upper horizons. Geobotanical studies have shown that specific vegetation, represented by xerophilous and halophilic species, is formed on micro-slopes and micro-elevations during the development of the saline process. Various meadow and halophyte communities are formed in micro-depressions.
Molarity dependence of solution on structural and hydrophobic properties of ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Belamri Zehira , Darenfad Warda , Guermat Noubeil
Published: April 2024

The impact of the molarity solution on this property of elaborated ZnO thin films coating on a metallic aluminum substrate are the aim of this present work. ZnO is the chosen material to be deposited in this work; it is one of the most used materials in the development of hydrophobic surfaces due to its interesting physical and structural properties. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and a profilometer. The wettability properties of the synthesized films were analyzed by measuring the contact angle between the surface of studied films and a deposited water drop (WCA). XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy show that ZnO is well synthesized by thermal oxidation in this present work, where the crystallization of the deposited layer increases with increasing solution molarity. The calculated crystallite sizes are in the nanometric scale and reach their maximum value for the prepared solution of 0.3 M with an average crystallites size of 32 nm. The obtained results show that the surface morphology strongly depends on solution molarity and has an effect on the hydrophobic properties of the elaborated ZnO thin films. The elaborated sample with solution of 0.2 M shows compact granular attached to each other with an average size of 200 nm. Measured surface roughness ranges from 7.653 µm to 0.526 µm. The shape and surface roughness of the prepared thin layers had an effect on the surface hydrophobicity. The largest measured contact angle of 135.72 °, was achieved with a solution molarity of 0.2 M with the greatest roughness indicate the best hydrophobicity of this sample.
Design of an Iot Based Automatic Lawn Vacuum & Leaf Bag Using Usability and Work Posture Method
Authors: Said Ade Irawan , Damanik Tania Sephia Azzahra , Yusri Ardhini Ramadhani , Sofi Nurdiyana , Purnomo Hari
Published: April 2024

Smart Garden is a system design created to make work in plantations easier. Currently, most Indonesians use sling type lawn mowers because they are cheap but can causing noise and air pollution. It can also cause CTDS in users due to bad posture while using the tool. The researchers innovated an IoT-based automatic cutting machine. Where in the machine application, the machine can be moved using a smartphone connected using bluetooth. Which consists of two options, namely machine and vacuum. The REBA method are used to analyzing ergonomics for all parts of the body and a usability method which will determine the extent to which the product can achieve effectiveness, efficiency and comfort. This data collection was carried out by distributing the SUS questionnaire. The REBA results showed that the average body posture at moderate risk had a score of 7.8 and 9 which required further analysis of the bent posture even though it was still classified as moderate. Meanwhile, the results of the usability approach use a questionnaire as a reference for processing data. From this data, users can accept the presence of the Control Smart System Application and are quite satisfied with the interface used.
A review of driver cognitive load detection using ECG signals
Authors: Tjolleng Amir , Dyota Pramudita Nyoman
Published: April 2024

Detection of the driver’s cognitive load while driving is crucial to prevent the likelihood of traffic collisions and improve road safety. A physiological-based approach has gained significant attention due to its potential to provide reliable indicators for the driver’s state. The physiological signal of electrocardiography (ECG) is considered a promising biomarker for detecting the driver’s cognitive load. Despite the interest in cognitive load detection using ECG, an attempt has yet to be made to identify the relationship between ECG measures and driver cognitive load level. This paper seeks to investigate this gap in cognitive load literature. The finding demonstrates that further research is still needed on ECG-based driver’s cognitive load detection by examining and analyzing the limitations of research challenges and earlier studies. This study also addresses the performance and problems faced in the detection of a driver’s cognitive load considering ECG. With a better understanding of how cognitive load affects ECG measures, both researchers and companies can design more effective driver’s state detection systems.
Museum Maya Indonesia: An immersive museum prototype for cultural education
Authors: Noviana Eka , Plank Uli , Wand Eku
Published: April 2024

The development of this virtual museum was a collaborative project of lecturers and students as an effort to create learning media about Indonesia’s cultural identity and history. This was practiced-based research that culminated in the creation of a high-fidelity prototype. Design thinking was used to realize ideas by considering existing problems. The empathize and define stages were conducted on 33 high school students to find out students’ insights about museums and their experiences in real or virtual museums. Visualization of objects with 3D photogrammetric techniques was used to achieve a realistic impression and a more immersive feeling. The museum also features audiovisuals, infographics, motion graphics, and animated objects. This prototype was tested directly on 12 students who were divided into three user groups, namely mobile phones, laptops, and VR. Mobile users experienced problems in accessing this museum, while laptop users managed to access the museum and had a very positive reaction. VR users felt a much more emotional experience. The test of a prototype in a school has shown that such a virtual museum will be attractive and engaging for students and schools, especially in remote areas, and should be further developed.