bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐Step One‐Pot Synthesis of NiCo2O4/Molybdate Nanocomposites for Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Somsongkul Voranuch , Chirawatkul Prae , Duffort Victor , Mountadir Soukaina , Capoen Edouard , Vannier Rose‐Noëlle , Kongmark Chanapa
Published: June 2024

Energy storage technology plays a critical role in integrating variable energy sources into the grid and ensuring energy consistency. Electrochemical supercapacitors are one of the most promising energy storage devices, as they present multiple advantages of high power density, rapid charge/discharge characteristics, and long‐term cycle stability. Herein, the NiCo2O4/molybdate nanocomposites are developed as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The NiCo2O4/molybdate nanocomposites are synthesized by a facile single‐pot hydrothermal method and are coated on a carbon cloth substrate to form flexible supercapacitor electrodes. The structures, chemical compositions, morphologies, and textural properties of these materials are carefully studied by X‐Ray diffraction, X‐Ray absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy mapping, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The formation of spinel NiCo2O4 nanorods decorated with molybdate (AMoO4, A = Co, Ni) particles is confirmed for all samples. The NiCo2O4/CoMoO4 electrode exhibits pseudocapacitive behavior and provides the highest specific capacitance (287.28 F g−1 at current density 6 A g−1), about 5.5 times as high as that of NiCo2O4, with excellent cycle stability (107% specific capacitance retention after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1). Therefore, the NiCo2O4/CoMoO4 composites can be considered as a promising pseudocapacitor electrode material.
Low‐Threshold Amplified Spontaneous Emission of Dion–Jacobson‐Phase Perovskite Films Achieved by Tuning Diamine Cation Size
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Yongxiang , Yan Mengtong , Zhang Junxi , Lu Hongbo , Lyu Mei , Zhu Jun
Published: June 2024

Dion–Jacobson (DJ)‐phase perovskites have received attention in the field of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and lasers due to their excellent structural stability and charge‐transfer performance. However, the effect of the diamine cation size on the ASE properties of DJ‐phase perovskite has not been studied. Herein, the effect is systematically studied and in the results it is shown that tuning the size of the diamine cation can inhibit the formation of the small‐n phases, reduce the surface roughness, and passivate defects of DJ‐phase perovskite films. Based on those, the low‐threshold ASE (61 μJ cm−2 under nanosecond laser excitation) of the 1,3‐propylenediamine‐cation‐based DJ‐phase perovskite films is realized. Additionally, the film exhibits excellent photostability. The ASE intensity remains at 90% of the original value after a pulsed laser irradiation of 3000 μJ cm−2 for 120 min. In this work, a strategy is provided to realize high‐performance DJ‐phase perovskite ASE and lasers.
Artificial intelligence‐based data path control in low Earth orbit satellites‐driven optical communications
Authors: Wrona Andrea , Tantucci Andrea
Published: June 2024

Free space optical communication has emerged as a promising technology for high‐speed and secure data transmission between ground stations on Earth and orbiting satellites. However, this communication technology suffers from signal attenuation due to atmospheric turbulence and beam alignment precision. Low Earth orbit satellites play a pivotal role in optical communication due to their low altitude over the Earth surface, which mitigates the atmospheric precipitation effects. This paper introduces a novel data path control law for satellite optical communication exploiting artificial intelligence‐based predictive weather forecasting and a node selection mechanism based on reinforcement learning. Extensive simulations on three case studies demonstrate that the proposed control technique achieves remarkable gains in terms of link availability with respect to other state‐of‐the‐art solutions.
Investigation of Permeability Against Some Metals with a Functional Thiophene Based Polymeric Membrane Sensor
Authors: Kocaeren Aysel Aydın , Karakurt Emine
Published: June 2024

There are many advantages of using membranes in the separation of wastewater, but their uses are limited because they are not reusable due to blockages in the membrane. In this study, alginate‐based poly(ethyl‐methacrylate) (PEMA) polymeric membranes containing previously synthesized IOS, which are known to be selective against Fe3+, were prepared and their permeability against heavy metals such as Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were investigated. The properties of membranes characterized by UV‐Vis and FT‐IR spectrophotometry, were investigated with analysis techniques such as SEM, contact angle measurements, TG‐DTG, DSC and AFM. As a result of the measurements taken from the UV spectrophotometer of the filtrates passed through various aqueous ion solutions of the membranes as mentioned above, it was concluded that the ion to which the membrane was most selective was the Fe3+ ion. Moreover, it could be said that thanks to the repeated filtration processes the membrane prepared retained some Fe3+ ion in each measurement and could be used many times in the filtration process. Resultantly, it is possible to say that the polymeric Fe3+ membrane sensor produced may be suitable for use when it is necessary to remove Fe3+ ion from a polluted aqueous environment.
Fused Thienopyrimidines as Versatile Pharmacophores for the Development of Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitors
Authors: Thakur Shikha , Arora Sahil , Katiyar Madhurendra K. , Joshi Gaurav , Kumar Raj
Published: June 2024

Inflammation is an essential body immune system response against various infections and tissue injuries and maintains normal homeostasis. Alterations in inflammatory responses lead to multiple disorders like heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. Cyclooxygenases (COXs), the enzymes, exist in two isoforms (COX‐1 and COX‐2) that catalyze the rate‐determining step of prostaglandin biogenesis and play a significant role in inflammation. COX‐2 inhibitors, although effective anti‐inflammatory agents are considered to be highly unsafe for long‐term usage due to their possible side and adversative effects. Recently, fused‐thienopyrimidines have emerged as a privileged scaffold with excellent anti‐inflammatory potential. In the present review, we have emphasized the recent developments in the design and synthetic strategies of fused‐thienopyrimidine derivatives and their detailed structure‐activity‐relationship (SAR) studies. The primary goal of this review is to provide restructuring knowledge about this template, which could prove beneficial and valuable for chemists working in the anti‐inflammatory area.
Synthesis, ADME Profiling, Antibacterial Screening and Molecular Docking of Some New Tetrazole‐Heterocycle Hybrids
Authors: Gailan Mahmoud Hammadi , Hussein Maha Salih , Elmasry Ghada F.
Published: June 2024

Over the past 20 years, there has been a notable rise in the incidence of invasive bacterial infections. This increase has been mostly linked to the growth of drug‐resistant bacteria. Tetrazoles have been considered as promising antibacterial agents and their effectiveness may be enhanced by hybridization with other antibacterial pharmacophores. In this work, a series of tetrazole hybrids (1‐6) containing oxazepane and pyrazole rings as well as Mannich bases (7,8) were synthesizedviathe Schiff and Mannich reactions, respectively. The compositions were proven spectroscopically using infrared spectra, proton (1H) and carbon‐13 (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and elemental analyses. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic propertiesvizAbsorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) were predictedin silicousing SwissADME server. Compounds1,2and4–6attaining the best drug‐likeness properties were screened for their antibacterial activities againstStaphylococcus epidermidisandStreptococcus mutansat different concentrations in comparison with tetracycline and amikacin, respectively. Afterwards, a molecular docking study was performed to explore the potential binding patterns of the new antibacterial compounds. Collectively, the tetrazole hybrids4and5have been found to have higher inhibitory potencies compared to tetracycline, serving them as potential antibacterial candidates which can be further optimized in the future.
Structural Preferences of Metal Chalcogenide based Nanothreads (MX; M=Au, Ag; X=S, Se): A Computational Study
Authors: Srinivasan Marutheeswaran , Sivasamy Ramesh , Kaur Kulwinder , Hima Sindhu K. N. , Khandy Shakeel Ahmad , Patra Lokanath
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the structural stability and electronic properties of α‐MX nanothreads and β‐MX nanosheets (M=Au, Ag; X=S, Se) using density functional theory. Our findings confirm the thermal and dynamic stability of all nanostructures, with β‐MX phases being more stable than α‐MX, albeit with minimal energy differences between the two phases. Electron localization analysis reveals predominantly ionic bonding character between M (Ag and Au) and X (S and Se) atoms. All the phase exhibits metallophilic interactions (Argentophilic and Aurophilic), with α‐MX nanothreads demonstrating a higher level of interaction compared to β‐MX nanosheets, attributed to the curvature inherent in the nanothreads. Significantly, these interactions are effectively small and do not compromise the relative stability between the α‐MX and β‐MX phases. Additionally, both α‐MX and β‐MX structures exhibit characteristics of indirect bandgap semiconductor behaviour. The band gap values do not significantly differ between α‐MX and β‐MX phases. Fermi analysis reveals that α‐MX phases exhibit small effective electron masses and large hole mobility along the uniaxial direction. These findings suggest promising prospects for α‐MX nanothreads as 1D semiconductors in nano‐electronics and nano‐optoelectronics applications in the future.
Quaternized Graphene for High‐Performance Moisture Swing Direct Air Capture of CO2
Authors: Nicotera Isabella , Enotiadis Apostolos , Simari Cataldo
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, moisture‐swing adsorption technology still relies on quaternary ammonium resins with limited CO2 capacity under ambient air conditions. In this work, a groundbreaking moisture‐driven sorbent is developed starting from commercial graphene flakes and using glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride for incorporation of CO2‐sensitive quaternary ammonium functional groups. Boasting an outstanding CO2 capture performance under ultra‐diluted conditions (namely, 3.24 mmol g−1 at CO2 400 ppm and 20% RH), the functionalized sorbent (fGO) features clear competitive advantages over current technologies for direct air capture. Notably, fGO demonstrated unprecedented moisture‐swing capacity, ease of regenerability, versatility, selectivity, and longevity. These distinctive features position the fGO as an advanced and promising solution, showcasing its potential to outperform existing methods for moisture‐swing direct air capture of CO2.
Accelerated and Guided Zn2+ Diffusion via Polarized Interface Engineering Toward High Performance Wearable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Ren Tiantian , Liu Chengxin , Wu Qiao , Xia Yuan , Liu Xiaojie
Published: June 2024

Rechargeable aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered as a new energy storage device for wearable electronic equipment. Nowadays, dendrite growth and uneven deposition of zinc have been the principal problems to suppress the development of high‐performance wearable zinc‐ion batteries. Herein, a perovskite material of LaAlO3 nanoparticle has been applied for interface engineering and zinc anode protection. By adjusting transport channels and accelerating the Zn2+ diffusion, the hydrogen evolution reaction potential is improved, and electric field distribution on the Zn electrode surface is regulated to navigate the fast and uniform deposition of Zn2+. As a proof of demonstration, the assembled LAO@Zn||MnO2 batteries can display the highest capacity of up to 140 mAh g−1 without noticeable decay even after 1000 cycles. Moreover, a motor‐driven fan and electronic wristwatch powered by wearable ZIBs can demonstrate the practical feasibility of LAO@Zn||MnO2 in wearable electronic equipment.
Surface Crystal and Degradability of Shape Memory Scaffold Essentialize Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Cho Sungwoo , Lee Kang Suk , Lee Kyubae , Kim Hye‐Seon , Park Suji , Yu Seung Eun , Ha Hyunsu , Baek Sewoom , Kim Jueun , Kim Hyunjae , Lee Ji Youn , Lee Sangmin , Sung Hak‐Joon
Published: June 2024

The minimally invasive deployment of scaffolds is a key safety factor for the regeneration of cartilage and bone defects. Osteogenesis relies primarily on cell‐matrix interactions, whereas chondrogenesis relies on cell–cell aggregation. Bone matrix expansion requires osteoconductive scaffold degradation. However, chondrogenic cell aggregation is promoted on the repellent scaffold surface, and minimal scaffold degradation supports the avascular nature of cartilage regeneration. Here, a material satisfying these requirements for osteochondral regeneration is developed by integrating osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HAp) with a chondroconductive shape memory polymer (SMP). The shape memory function‐derived fixity and recovery of the scaffold enabled minimally invasive deployment and expansion to fill irregular defects. The crystalline phases on the SMP surface inhibited cell aggregation by suppressing water penetration and subsequent protein adsorption. However, HAp conjugation SMP (H‐SMP) enhanced surface roughness and consequent cell‐matrix interactions by limiting cell aggregation using crystal peaks. After mouse subcutaneous implantation, hydrolytic H‐SMP accelerated scaffold degradation compared to that by the minimal degradation observed for SMP alone for two months. H‐SMP and SMP are found to promote osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, respectively, in vitro and in vivo, including the regeneration of rat osteochondral defects using the binary scaffold form, suggesting that this material is promising for osteochondral regeneration.
Tortuosity Engineering of Water Channels to Customized Water Supply for Enhancing Hydrogel Solar Evaporation
Authors: Zhao Zexiang , Wang Chengbing , Wei Dan , Hu Qinxue , Tan Puxin , Wang Fan , Xie Yunong , Zhang Wenhe , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2024

Hydrogel as a solar evaporator shows great potential in freshwater production. However, hydrogels often lead to an imbalance between solar energy input and water supply management due to their excessively high saturated water content. Thus, achieving a stable water‐energy‐balance in hydrogel evaporators remains challenging. Here, by tortuosity engineering designed water transport channels, a seamless high‐tortuosity/low‐tortuosity/high‐tortuosity structured hydrogel (SHLH structure hydrogel) evaporator is developed, which enables the hydrogel with customized water transport rate, leading to the controlled water supply at the evaporator interface. An excellent equilibrium between the photothermal conversion and water supply is established, and the maximum utilization of solar energy is realized, thereby achieving an excellent evaporation rate of 3.64 kg m–2 h–1 under one solar illumination. This tortuosity engineering controlled SHLH structured evaporator provides a novel strategy to attain water‐energy‐balance and expands new approaches for constructing hydrogel‐based evaporators with tailored water transportation capacity.
Reducing Ohmic Resistances in Membrane Capacitive Deionization Using Micropatterned Ion‐Exchange Membranes, Ionomer Infiltrated Electrodes, and Ionomer‐Coated Nylon Meshes
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Shrimant Bharat , Waters Colton Burke , Gorski Christopher A. , Arges Christopher G.
Published: June 2024

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is an emerging water desalination platform that is compact, electrified, and does not require high‐pressure piping. Herein, highly conductive poly(phenylene alkylene) ion‐exchange membranes (IEMs) are micropatterned with different surface geometries for MCDI. The micropatterned membranes increase the interfacial area with the liquid stream leading to a 700 mV reduction in cell voltage when operating at constant current (2 mA cm−2; 2000 ppm NaCl feed) while improving the energy normalized adsorbed salt (ENAS) value by 1.4 times. Combining the micropatterned poly(phenylene alkylene) IEMs with poly(phenylene alkylene) ionomer‐filled electrodes reduces the cell voltage by 1000 mV and improves the ENAS values by 2.3 times relative to the base case. This reduction in cell voltage allows for higher current density operation (i.e., 3–4 mA cm−2) . The reduction in cell voltage is ascribed to the ameliorating ohmic resistances related to ion transport at the membrane‐process stream interface and in the carbon cloth electrode. Finally, porous ionic conductors are implemented into the spacer channel with flat and micropatterned IEM configurations and ionomer infiltrated electrodes. For the configuration with flat IEMs, the porous ionic conductor improves ENAS values across the current density regime (2–4 mA cm−2), while for micropatterned IEMs it gets improved only at 4 mA cm−2.
A self‐reported instrument to measure and foster students' science connection to life with the CARE‐KNOW‐DO model and open schooling for sustainability
Authors: Okada Alexandra
Published: June 2024

National governments are concerned about the disconnection of young people from science, which hampers the development of a scientifically literate society promoting sustainable development, wellbeing, equity, and a green economy. Introduced in 2015 alongside Agenda 2030, the “open schooling” approach aims at enhancing students' science connections through real‐life problem solving with families and scientists, necessitating solid evidence for scalability and sustainability. This study conceptualizes “science connection,” a term yet underexplored, as the integration of science's meaning and purpose into personal, social, and global actions informed by socioscientific thinking. It details a novel 32‐item self‐report questionnaire developed and validated from insights of 85 teachers into “science connection”‐enhanced learning. A new consensual qualitative analysis method with visual and textual snapshots enabled developing quantitative measures from the qualitative findings with rigor. The multilanguage instrument provided just‐in‐time actionable data, enhancing the immediacy and applicability of the feedback to 2082 underserved students aged 11–18 across five countries participating in open schooling activities using the CARE‐KNOW‐DO model. This innovative feature supports open science and responsible open research, offering real‐time insights and fostering immediate educational impact. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed five components of science connection: Confidence and aspiration in science; Fun participatory science with teachers, family, and experts; Active learning approaches; Involvement in‐and‐outside school science activities; and Valuing science's role to life‐and‐society. Many students felt connected to science— Brazil: 80%, Spain: 79%, Romania: 73%, Greece: 70%, UK: 57%— with boys: 75%, girls: 73%, nonbinary students: 56%. These differences need in‐depth research. Results suggest that science connections decline from the primary to secondary education, but the CARE‐KNOW‐DO model may reengage older students. A robust science connection enhances scientific literacy and builds science capital. This instrument aids policymakers, educators, and learners in identifying factors that facilitate or impede students' engagement with science for sustainable development efforts.
Effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and halloysite nanotubes on plasma lipid profiles and autophagic lipolysis pathways in mouse aortas and hearts
Authors: Cheng Yujia , Zhang Yimin , Wang Canyang , Zhao Weichao , Huang Chaobo , Zhang Zelin , Sheng Liping , Song Fengmei , Cao Yi
Published: June 2024

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are widely used tubular‐structured nanomaterials (NMs), but their cardiovascular effects are not clear. This study compared the effects of MWCNTs and HNTs on lipid profiles in mouse plasma and gene expression profiles in aortas and hearts. Mice were intravenously injected with 50 μg NMs, once a day, for 5 days. Then, the plasma was collected for lipidomics analysis, and aortas and hearts were collected for RNA‐sequencing analysis. While MWCNTs or HNTs did not induce obvious pathological changes in aortas or hearts, the lipid profiles in mouse plasma were altered. Further analysis revealed that MWCNTs more effectively upregulated sphingolipids and sterol lipids, whereas HNTs more effectively upregulated glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls. Consistently, RNA‐sequencing data indicated that MWCNTs and HNTs altered signaling pathways related with lipid synthesis and metabolism, as well as those related with endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and autophagy, more significantly in aortas than in hearts. We further verified the changes of proteins involved in autophagic lipolysis, that MWCNTs were more effectively to suppress the autophagic biomarker LC3, whereas HNTs were more effectively to affect lipid metabolism proteins. These results may provide novel understanding about the influences of MWCNTs and HNTs on lipid profiles and lipid signaling pathways in cardiovascular systems. Importantly, previous studies considered HNTs as biocompatible materials, but the results from this study suggested that both MWCNTs and HNTs were capable to affect lipid profiles and autophagic lipolysis pathways in cardiovascular systems, although their exact influences were different.
Excision of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in a dog using short‐wave infrared fluorescence imaging and indocyanine green
Authors: Choi Jinyoung , Lee Sungin
Published: June 2024

A 7‐year‐old castrated male Golden Retriever weighing 36.8 kg presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with vomiting, anorexia and depression. After blood tests, radiographic, ultrasound and computed tomography examinations, a 7.85 × 5.90 × 8.75 cm mass was identified in the caecum. To visualise the tumour margin and improve the accuracy of tumour resection, intraoperative short‐wave infrared imaging using indocyanine green was performed during surgery. An indocyanine green solution was injected intravenously as a bolus of 5 mg/kg 24 h before surgery. Tumour resection was performed with a 0.5 cm margin from the fluorescent‐marked tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) and the absence of neoplastic cells in the surgical margin, indicating a successful surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a GIST resection in a dog using intraoperative short‐wave infrared imaging.
Serial MRI to monitor the progression of a case of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis in a dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Aledon Irene , Mahon Elizabeth , Staudacher Anne , Stabile Fabio
Published: June 2024

A 2‐year‐5‐month‐old, male, neutered, crossbreed dog presented with third eyelid protrusion, right eye exophthalmos and facial hyperaesthesia. Neurological examination was suggestive of a lesion affecting the right optic nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging allowed a presumptive diagnosis of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis, meningitis and right‐sided optic neuritis. The dog was discharged with clindamycin (13 mg/kg/8 h), amoxicillin–clavulanate (25 mg/kg/8 h), gabapentin (10 mg/kg/8 h), paracetamol (15 mg/kg/8 h) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/24 h). Paracetamol, gabapentin and prednisolone were gradually stopped. A 3‐month follow‐up revealed right‐eye blindness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed improvement in changes compatible with osteomyelitis and meningitis resolution, prompting clindamycin cessation. At the 6‐month follow‐up, magnetic resonance imaging indicated only right optic nerve atrophy. Amoxicillin–clavulanate was stopped. There had been no relapses at 12‐month follow‐up. Serial magnetic resonance imaging studies were pivotal in adjusting antibiotic therapy, and instilled confidence for treatment cessation upon lesion resolution. This marked the first use of serial magnetic resonance imaging to modulate sphenoid bone osteomyelitis treatment in dogs.
Synthesis and Ligand Properties of Silsesquioxane‐Caged Phosphite T7Ph7P
Authors: Hunsicker Marc , Krebs Johannes , Zimmer Michael , Morgenstern Bernd , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David
Published: June 2024

The synthesis of the phosphorus‐capped heptaphenylsilsesquioxane T7Ph7P is reported. We show that, unlike previous examples, it readily forms Lewis acid‐base adducts with boranes of different steric demand and the FeCO4 fragment. All complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy in solution and the solid state. The molecular structures of the adducts with BPh3 and B(C6F5)3 were determined from XRD suitable single crystals. The relative conformation of the Ph and C6F5 rings in T7Ph7P−B(C6F5)3 suggests favorable π‐interactions, stabilizing the adducts to such a degree that attempts to activate H2 or CO2 were unsuccessful.
Ready-to-Record Cells for Kinetic Screening of VGICs
Authors: Logette Emmanuelle , Ranjan Rajnish
Published: June 2024

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) are integral membrane proteins crucial for transmitting electrical signals in excitable cells. Understanding the kinetics of these ion channels requires conducting patch-clamp experiments using genetically modified cell lines that express a single type of ion channel gene. However, this process relies on the continuous maintenance of cell lines to ensure an adequate supply of sample cells for patch-clamp experiments. Advancements in automated patch-clamp methods have enabled researchers to significantly increase the number of patch-clamped cells per experiment, from just a few cells to as many as 384 cells. Despite this progress, the manual task of preparing the cell samples remains a significant bottleneck in the kinetic screening of VGICs. Here we describe a method to address this challenge by generating ready-to-record (RTR) VGIC-expressing cells that can be frozen and stored separately from patch-clamp experiments. This decoupling of the cell sample preparation process from the patch-clamp experiments offers a streamlined approach to studying VGICs on manual or an automated patch-clamp system.
Use of Surface Plasmon Resonance Technique for Studies of Inter-domain Interactions in Ion Channels
Authors: Tiwari Purushottam B. , Kamgar-Dayhoff Pareesa , Tiwari Prakriti , McKillop Maria I. , Brelidze Tinatin I.
Published: June 2024

Ion channels are transmembrane proteins essential for cellular functions and are important drug targets. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique for investigating protein–protein and protein–small molecule ligand interactions. SPR has been underutilized for studies of ion channels, even though it could provide a wealth of information on the mechanisms of ion channel regulation and aid in ion channel drug discovery. Here we provide a detailed description of the use of SPR technology for investigating inter-domain interactions in KCNH potassium-selective and voltage-gated ion channels.
Evaluation of Assessment Models for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Permafrost Areas
Authors: Wang Yan , Shan Wei , Guo Ying , Zhang Chengcheng , Liu Shuai
Published: June 2024

China's permafrost regions are affected by global warming and the thawing of permafrost, and the occurrence of landslide disasters has become more and more frequent, which makes the evaluation of the susceptibility to geologic hazards in China's permafrost regions is an urgent work to be carried out. Most of the existing geohazard susceptibility models have fewer test cases in the permafrost regions. Twelve evaluation factors, such as altitude, slope, slope direction, land use, and lithology, were selected to draw landslide hazard susceptibility maps by using three commonly used landslide susceptibility assessment models, including the information value model, the frequency ratio model and the random forest model, which can be implemented in GIS, taking the Lesser Khingan Mountains area located in the eastern part of permafrost region of northeast China as the study area. The applicability of the above commonly used landslide susceptibility assessment models in the permafrost regions is carried out by fieldwork and comparing the results of and model simulation. The Random Forest Model was also used to assess the importance of the factors that were adopted and to judge the degree of their influence on landslide development. The results show that the Information Value Model has a better applicability in the permafrost region. However, due to factors such as climate warming and permafrost degradation, the accuracy of the prediction results obtained by applying the existing commonly used landslide susceptibility assessment models in permafrost regions are still in need to be improved. Finally, thawing and degradation of permafrost will play a non-negligible role in influencing the occurrence of landslides in permafrost regions.
The Slope Monitoring Using Embedded System with Optical-Thermal Image Fusion and Machine Learning
Authors: Chung Chih-Chung , Chen Bo-Chi , Tseng Te-Wei , Lee Yun-Tzu
Published: June 2024

Taiwan is at the junction of tectonic plates, with high mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall due to the rich moisture of the subtropical monsoon zone, which makes the already dangerous slopes even more unstable. By applying the digital camera measurement approach, with its moderate installation cost, high security, and mobility, it is possible to capture and monitor the hillside over an extended period, guaranteeing its stability. Photogrammetry is a recent technology that has gained popularity in many fields. Image analysis, achieved by capturing photographs, is a growing trend. It offers a cost-effective way of transmitting information in automated Internet of Things (IoT) systems, reducing human and financial resources. Therefore, this study aims to utilize close-range photogrammetry to analyze both 2D and 3D image data. Besides, this study encompasses thermal images, enabling researchers to evaluate observed objects' temperature differences quickly. Thus, this study aims to superimpose temperature information from thermal images onto optical images, in order to analyze slope information. It focuses on creating on-site cameras that use both optical and thermal imaging, building a three-dimensional point cloud using optical systems, investigating image displacements, and tracking unstable areas using thermal imaging. Additionally, the research explores the potential of AI interpretation to aid in this process. The laboratory and the preliminary field test support the feasibility of the proposed system and interpretation methods.
Introducing Japanese Landslide Warning and Evacuation System to Sri Lanka: Field Survey of Social Aspect in the Arayanake Area
Authors: Fujita Kumiko
Published: June 2024

The central highland in Sri Lanka has a landslide-prone geo-hydrological condition. In addition, Sri Lanka has extreme rainfalls in two monsoon seasons, and most of the landslides occur during two monsoon seasons. Landslides in the central highland had been isolated events. However, the area has been developed for agriculture and human settlements, a series of landslides occurred in the mid-1980s. Since the topography, such as mountains with steep slopes and weather, such as high precipitation, are similar in Japan and Sri Lanka, similar landslide phenomena have been seen. One of the common landslide phenomena is rain-induced rapid and long-travelling landslides (RRLL). Landslide disaster risk reduction technologies have recently been developed in Sri Lanka, and foreign technologies have been introduced. Early warning and evacuation using a hazard map is a major system for landslide disaster risk reduction both in Japan and Sri Lanka. Japan has already developed and used the early warning and evacuation system using hazard maps. Since the system has been developed based on Japan’s socio-economic background, it is used successfully in Japan. Thus, when this Japanese technology is used in Sri Lanka, in addition to the engineers’ availability to master technologies, local people’s availability to accept the technology is also examined. In this research, the social background for introducing Japan’s early warning system in Sri Lanka is analyzed based on the field survey at Arayanake. The questionnaire survey and interview were implemented in January 2023, and there were 50 respondents. The survey showed some essential conditions to be improved for the successful warning and evacuation.
Interpretation and Mapping for the Prediction of Sites at Risk of Landslide Disasters: From Aerial Photography to Detection by DTMs
Authors: Miyagi Toyohiko , Ikeda Koji , Ishikawa Haruna , Doan Loi , Thanh Nguyen Kim , Van Tien Pham , Li Yuxin , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2024

By grasping the slope topography three-dimensionally and typifying and mapping the landform features, it is possible to visualize the areas at risk of landslide-induced disasters. This effort began with the interpretation of aerial photographs, and, in recent years, has shown great development with the advancement of remote sensing technology. In this chapter, we introduce the characteristics that can be extracted from remote sensing data that can be used to identify potential areas exposed to mass movement processes and landslide-induced disasters. In addition, we created a manual for landslide recognition by aerial photographs, AW3D-based wide-area maps, and specific landslide microtopography maps, which can be freely used to identify landslide landforms.
Mud-Mark-Based Estimations of Mass-Wasting Processes Caused by the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake, Japan
Authors: Nomura Fumihiko , Konagai Kazuo , Aftabur Rahman Md. , Tajima Yoshimitsu
Published: June 2024

A 7.2 Magnitude (Moment Magnitude Mw: 6.8) earthquake occurred in the south inland of Iwate prefecture at 8:43 JST on June 14, 2008. Its epicenter was about 10 km northeast of Mt. Kurikoma, an active Nasu volcanic belt composite volcano whose lava flows from several eruption centers covering underlying crumbly secondary volcaniclastic deposits. Thus, the earthquake caused over 3000 mass-wasting events in its epicentral area, encompassing the Kurikoma Volcano’s flank on the hanging side of the seismic fault. Though these mass-wasting events were blamed as the primary cause of deaths in this earthquake, they left tremendous marks of soil deformations and tsunami (seiche) runups along a dam reservoir. The earthquake thus provided unique opportunities to gain insights into the dynamics of the mass-wasting events. The traces of two highly significant mass-wasting events, namely a debris flow that buried the Komano-Yu hot spring inn and a landslide mass of about 70 million m3 that induced a tsunami in the reservoir of Aratozawa dam, were highlighted in this paper. This paper reviews the findings from our observations in the referred papers. It also compares our findings with the other researchers’ inferences from different approaches.
Increasing the Local Road Network Resilience from Natural Hazards in Municipalities in Serbia
Authors: Abolmasov Biljana , Marjanović Miloš , Stanković Ranka , Đurić Uroš , Vulović Nikola
Published: June 2024

This work is exampling a strategy for increasing climate resilience on local roads infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia, under the World Bank project framework. Methodological approach is briefly described as well as related mobile and web applications, labelled MaPLoRDs, which offers sustainable solution for resolving common issues encountered in road management at local, municipality level. It utilizes field and spatial data modelling as separate procedures which can be coupled or produce outputs independently, with minimal interaction with the operating staff. Collected data are translated into scores of exposure to main types of hazard (landslides, rockfalls, floods and flash floods) followed by vulnerability and criticality scores allocated per each road link. Final risk calculation allows ranking of highly impacted links that can be prioritized during subsequent road investment planning, enabling more rational budgeting. The concept is tested on two neighbouring pilot areas, the City of Kraljevo and the Aleksandrovac Municipality in Serbia, which are very different in terms of capacity, equipment and experience in dealing with natural hazards. Initial investment simulations for both pilots imply that MaPLoRds is a powerful tool for undertaking the first steps toward climate resilient roads.
Observation of Seismic Ground Motion and Pore Water Pressure in Lineated Valley Fill of Wakayama, Southwest Japan
Authors: Matsunami Koji , Sassa Kyoji , Doan Loi , Weerasinghe Ranjan , Munasinghe Tania
Published: June 2024

We performed in-situ observations of seismic ground motion, pore-water pressure, and ground-water level at lineated valley fill (LVF) in Wakayama city, southwest Japan, from 2004 to 2008. In Wakayama city and its surrounding area, felt earthquakes often occur with epicenters in the northwestern part of the Kii Peninsula and the Nankai Trough off the coast of the Kii Peninsula. We obtained simultaneous observation records of surface ground motion and pore-water pressure from several small- to medium-sized earthquakes. The excess pore-water pressure was clearly observed during a medium-sized earthquake with magnitude Mj 4.5. From the detailed analysis of surface ground motion, we detected a long-period pulse, although it was usually hidden behind oscillating short-period components with large amplitudes. The strong shaking induced ground tilting motion, causing a step-like acceleration change in the seismometer pendulum. Although no ground deformation could be confirmed through visual observation during the earthquake, the in-situ instrumental observation revealed ground tilting motion. Theoretical long-period pulses were synthesized assuming models of ground tilting motion during an earthquake. From comparison of the theoretical model with the observed long-period pulse, the permanent tilt is of an order of 10−6 degree down nearly toward the direction of the valley line.
Global Warming May Accelerate Submarine Landslides in the Oceans -Possible Disaster Chain Reactions-
Authors: Kitazato Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Climate changes give affection to both atmosphere and hydrosphere. It is appeared in the form of rising both air and water temperatures on the Earth. The climate change introduces vigorous meteorological disasters in the world, such as super storms, heavy rain precipitations along linear rain belts, tornadoes and others on lands. Oceanic environments also should be affected from the climate changes. I try to figure out possible submarine hazards that may be increased in correlate to climate changes. The hazardous event may take place in the shape of disaster chain reactions as cascades.
Landslide Hazard Evaluation of a Large Waste Landfill in Bogotá City
Authors: Lozano Juan , Ávila Guillermo
Published: June 2024

The Doña Juana waste landfill receives solid urban waste from about nine million people living in Bogotá and several nearby municipalities. This article describes the characteristics of this landfill which has suffered some important landslides with serious environmental effects, shows the main geotechnical studies carried out for the characterization of the materials, analyzes the operation and monitoring processes, especially the pore pressures generated by leachate and the results of the landslide hazard evaluation in terms of the probability of failure for static and pseudo-static conditions.
Emerging Seismicity Trends Linked to Catastrophic Landslides Behavior in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dias A. A. Virajh , Gunathilake A. A. Jagath , Sassa Kyoji
Published: June 2024

Sri Lanka was historically not known to be situated in a seismic hotspot. However, in 2022, the island nation experienced seven earthquakes, and in the past few months of 2023, nine seismic tremors have occurred. This marks a significant increase as typically 2–3 seismic events were reported annually. As the seismic activity in the region gains attention, it becomes imperative to understand how these seismic trends influence the stability of fragment rock slopes and nearby deposits. This paper investigates the emerging seismicity trends on the interpretation of major landslides and understanding catastrophic landslides settings in hill country. The outcomes of this study demonstrates that seismicity around Sri Lanka cannot be no longer ignored in slopes stability and should include seismic hazards assessment. Such approach will ultimately contributing to the development of effective mitigation strategies for enhancing public safety and safeguarding critical infrastructure in seismic-prone areas.
No Future? Age and Ageing in the “Ageing Society”
Authors: Lang Frieder R. , Lessenich Stephan , Rothermund Klaus
Published: June 2024

The diversity of age and ageing and the experience of old age was a central concern of the project Ageing as Future. From images of old age to provision for the future and actions over time, there is a consistent indication that age and aging can be best analyzed and understood related to specific life contexts.
Age(ing) as Future: Future of Age(ing)
Authors: Lang Frieder R. , Lessenich Stephan , Rothermund Klaus
Published: June 2024

Findings from the Ageing as Future project prove that variability and vulnerability are the main characteristics of old age. The chapter discusses the project’s findings concerning the role of vulnerability of old age as a shared framework within which social diversity and ambivalence of aging manifests itself. It is suggested that based on such insights, it is time to understand and negotiate old age as what it is: another phase of life, different from previous ones.
Strategic Action Line LI7: Digital Platforms, Modelling, AI, Cybersecurity
Authors: Pontrandolfo Pierpaolo , Colombo Guido , Fornasiero Rosanna , Vistoli Maria Cristina , Messina Angelo , Zanichelli Francesco
Published: June 2024

The objective of this chapter is to describe the strategic action line related to digital technologies for production processes and systems (LI7). In particular, this chapter proposes research and innovation priorities aimed at innovative digital architectures for the monitoring, control and management of manufacturing activities and related assets, modelling new products/services and production processes, use of Al, Big data and adequate Cybersecurity systems. More specifically, the research and innovation priorities are based on the assumption that criteria need to be defined for the management and transformation of raw production data into strategic information for decision makers, identifying the information to be collected from each digital access point by means of suitable enabling technologies and then delivered as appropriate. Digital platforms and cybersecurity also play a significant role in the definition of dynamic supply chain models.
Interaction of NF-κB and FOSL1 drives glioma stemness
Authors: Ramar Vanajothi , Guo Shanchun , Hudson Breanna , Khedri Azam , Guo Alyssa A. , Li Jason , Liu Mingli
Published: June 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor; GBM’s inevitable recurrence suggests that glioblastoma stem cells (GSC) allow these tumors to persist. Our previous work showed that FOSL1, transactivated by the STAT3 gene, functions as a tumorigenic gene in glioma pathogenesis and acts as a diagnostic marker and potential drug target in glioma patients. Accumulating evidence shows that STAT3 and NF-κB cooperate to promote the development and progression of various cancers. The link between STAT3 and NF-κB suggests that NF-κB can also transcriptionally regulate FOSL1 and contribute to gliomagenesis. To investigate downstream molecules of FOSL1, we analyzed the transcriptome after overexpressing FOSL1 in a PDX-L14 line characterized by deficient FOSL1 expression. We then conducted immunohistochemical staining for FOSL1 and NF-κB p65 using rabbit polyclonal anti-FOSL1 and NF-κB p65 in glioma tissue microarrays (TMA) derived from 141 glioma patients and 15 healthy individuals. Next, mutants of the human FOSL1 promoter, featuring mutations in essential binding sites for NF-κB were generated using a Q5 site-directed mutagenesis kit. Subsequently, we examined luciferase activity in glioma cells and compared it to the wild-type FOSL1 promoter. Then, we explored the mutual regulation between NF-κB signaling and FOSL1 by modulating the expression of NF-κB or FOSL1. Subsequently, we assessed the activity of FOSL1 and NF-κB. To understand the role of FOSL1 in cell growth and stemness, we conducted a CCK-8 assay and cell cycle analysis, assessing apoptosis and GSC markers, ALDH1, and CD133 under varying FOSL1 expression conditions. Transcriptome analyses of downstream molecules of FOSL1 show that NF-κB signaling pathway is regulated by FOSL1. NF-κB p65 protein expression correlates to the expression of FOSL1 in glioma patients, and both are associated with glioma grades. NF-κB is a crucial transcription factor activating the FOSL1 promoter in glioma cells. Mutual regulation between NF-κB and FOSL1 contributes to glioma tumorigenesis and stemness through promoting G1/S transition and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, the FOSL1 molecular pathway is functionally connected to NF-κB activation, enhances stemness, and is indicative that FOSL1 may potentially be a novel GBM drug target.
Analysing and organising human communications for AI fairness assessment
Authors: Dankloff Mirthe , Skoric Vanja , Sileno Giovanni , Ghebreab Sennay , Ossenbruggen Jacco van , Beauxis-Aussalet Emma
Published: June 2024

Algorithms used in the public sector, e.g., for allocating social benefits or predicting fraud, often require involvement from multiple stakeholders at various phases of the algorithm’s life-cycle. This paper focuses on the communication issues between diverse stakeholders that can lead to misinterpretation and misuse of algorithmic systems. Ethnographic research was conducted via 11 semi-structured interviews with practitioners working on algorithmic systems in the Dutch public sector, at local and national levels. With qualitative coding analysis, we identify key elements of the communication processes that underlie fairness-related human decisions. More specifically, we analyze the division of roles and tasks, the required skills, and the challenges perceived by diverse stakeholders. Three general patterns emerge from the coding analysis: (1) Policymakers, civil servants, and domain experts are less involved compared to developers throughout a system’s life-cycle. This leads to developers taking on the role of decision-maker and policy advisor, while they potentially miss the required skills. (2) End-users and policy-makers often lack the technical skills to interpret a system’s output, and rely on actors having a developer role for making decisions concerning fairness issues. (3) Citizens are structurally absent throughout a system’s life-cycle. This may lead to unbalanced fairness assessments that do not include key input from relevant stakeholders. We formalize the underlying communication issues within such networks of stakeholders and introduce the phase-actor-role-task-skill (PARTS) model. PARTS can both (i) represent the communication patterns identified in the interviews, and (ii) explicitly outline missing elements in communication patterns such as actors who miss skills or collaborators for their tasks, or tasks that miss qualified actors. The PARTS model can be extended to other use cases and used to analyze and design the human organizations responsible for assessing fairness in algorithmic systems. It can be further extended to explore communication issues in other use cases, design potential solutions, and organize accountability with a common vocabulary.