bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of labile organic carbon fractions and mineralized carbon to straw return combined with fertilizer application in the maize–Melilotus officinalis intercropping system
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhao Hongrui , Li Ruiqi , Hao Shuai , Wang Hongyan , Wang Daqing
Published: March 2024

Mollisol is crucial for solving food security issues, but long‐term excessive application of chemical fertilizers has led to severe Mollisol degradation in Northeast China, especially a rapid decline in soil organic carbon (SOC). In context of the use of crop‐herbage intercropping and straw return as alternatives for some chemical fertilizers, it is important to understand how crop‐herbage intercropping and straw return combined with chemical fertilizers influence labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions that improve SOC. To address this, this study explored how the combined application of maize (Zea mays L.)–Melilotus officinalis intercropping, straw return, and chemical fertilizers affect LOC fractions and mineralized carbon (MC) from the perspective of physical property‐mediated pathways. Thus, a field experiment with six treatments was established in the Songnen Plain of Northeast China: (1) maize monoculture without chemical fertilizers and straw return (CK), (2) maize monoculture with chemical fertilizers and no straw return (CF), (3) maize monoculture with chemical fertilizers and straw return (CFS), (4) maize–M. officinalis intercropping and straw return combined with full application of chemical fertilizers (CFSM), (5) maize–M. officinalis intercropping and straw return combined with half application of chemical fertilizers (1/2CFSM), and (6) maize–M. officinalis intercropping and straw return without chemical fertilizers (SM). The CF and CFS groups had no effect on bulk density and porosity but reduced specific gravity. The CFSM group increased water contents, porosity, LOC fractions, SOC, MC, and CO2 release rate and decreased bulk density and specific gravity. Compared with the CF group, the 1/2CFSM group enhanced water contents, microbial biomass carbon, and water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) to 6.36%, 17.91%, and 11.6%, respectively. We found that maize–M. officinalis intercropping, straw return, and reducing chemical fertilizers application improved LOC fractions to increase SOC by positively affecting bulk density, specific gravity, and water contents. Further analysis indicated that WSOC was a key determinant of SOC and maize yields. These findings provide a strategy to increase SOC and rehabilitate degraded soils through crop‐herbage intercropping and straw return combined with reducing chemical fertilizers application, which will contribute to a sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Edged beyond thresholds of conventional vulnerabilities: Critical reflections on COVID‐19, women and gender
Authors: McApreko Prize Fourthson , Sedegah Daniella Delali , Premkumar Philippa Jilly Joel , Tuffour Michael
Published: March 2024

Though Johan Galtung's extensive application of the term structural violence in peace studies has been a subject of controversy, his rendition remains critical, seminal, and influential in broad spaces of contemporary discourse including Africa's sociocultural engagements. In his epic essay: “Violence, Peace and Peace Research” he reasoned that structural violence is violence that results in harm but is not necessarily caused by any specific identifiable actor and advanced his argument to the proposition that positive peace is the absence of structural violence. This paper probes how structural violence, seen as multiple ways in which economic, social and cultural systems in Africa, specifically Ghana, leverage their cumulative strengths to edge particular populations in this context women, to the brinks and margins of Covid‐19 related risks, thus stretching women's state of affairs beyond the thresholds of traditionally held vulnerabilities. The study unveils how women's disproportionate exposure to COVID‐19 compromises public health to the detriment of human capital. It concludes that making women's rights locally relevant in Africa constitutes an important capital investment in promoting a better human rights regime for social development as the world contemplates a post‐COVID‐19 era, expressed in shared prosperity, collective security, and equity in social justice.
The development of laboratory‐based high energy sources for XPS
Authors: Watts John F. , Castle James E.
Published: March 2024

Over the last fifty years, a number of higher energy X‐ray sources have been suggested as alternatives for the usual AlKα source found in the first commercial XPS systems and still the standard anode material for XPS today. This paper reviews the development of a number of such sources, predominantly in the authors' laboratory, and the rationale behind the desire to extend the binding energy range of the technique. The achromatic sources SiKα, ZrLα and TiKα are described along with monochromatic sources AgLα and CrKβ, both based on the standard quartz monochromator geometry but taking higher orders of diffraction. The driving force for much of this development was the desire to probe deeper core levels and CCC Auger transitions. These could be combined into initial or final state Auger parameters as described in much of the work cited in this review. The highest energy source considered is the CuKα source based around an external X‐ray tube, which provides much insight into the electronic structure of steels by measurement of the Fe1s and FeKLL peaks. The last decade or so has seen a significant increase of interest in HAXPES, and all manufacturers of turn‐key XPS instruments offer HAXPES options of one form or another, there are three dedicated HAXPES systems commercially available, which are very briefly described.
Synthesis and Identification of Heterobivalent Anticancer Compounds Containing Urea and 5‐Arylidene‐2‐Thiohydantoin Motifs
Authors: Whitely Chelsi , Winburn Haley , Li Yangmei
Published: March 2024

Urea and thiohydantoin are among the important privileged structures for drug discovery. We have developed a synthetic approach to the high‐throughput synthesis of the heterobivalent compounds containing both urea and 5‐arylidene‐2‐thiohydantoin functional groups. This synthetic methodology was applied to the synthesis of a mixture‐based library containing a total of 5280 compounds in a positional scanning format. The library was screened for its antiproliferative activity against cancer cells using a tetrazolium dye (MTT) based assay. Deconvolution of the library identified six hit compounds exhibiting moderate inhibitory potency against cancer cell proliferation.
Solubility and Stability of Carvedilol in Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Step Towards a Sustainable Pharmaceutical Formulation in the Liquid State
Authors: Lomba Laura , Polo Alejandra , Martínez Nuria , Alejandre Julia , Giner Beatriz
Published: March 2024

Carvedilol is used to treat chronic hypertension, chronic stable angina pectoris and concomitant treatment heart failure and class II of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (low solubility and poor bioavailability). This drug is only formulated as tablets, and liquid oral formulations are not available on the market. In this work, several aqueous eutectic mixtures formed by xylitol, citric acid, sorbitol and glucose (HBD) and choline chloride as HBA have been used to improve the solubility. Additionally, SwissADME was used to obtain physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters to further knowledge on the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) parameters for carvedilol.

The results reveal that the solubility of carvedilol increases as the content of water decreases, and the mixture formed by citric acid and choline chloride (CACh10) was the most soluble. The stability study shows that carvedilol in DES is stable during the test time, as the maximum and minimum concentration losses were 19.0 % and 0.2 %, respectively. These results help advance the green and sustainable development of new medicines in the liquid state.
Synthesis and DNA Interactions Study of Novel Fluorinated Pyridinium Platinum (IV) Complexes with Tumor Targeting Activity
Authors: Peng Yusheng , Shi Pengmin , Wang Changli , Wei Tangli , Yang Jing , Liao Xiali , Yang Bo , Gao Chuanzhu
Published: March 2024

Picoplatin can effectively circumvent cisplatin‐induced resistance through the “steric hindrance effect” of its structure, but there are still problems such as toxicity and side effects, so the search for safer, more efficient platinum analogs is crucial. Here we report three fluorinated pyridine‐containing Pt(IV) complexes employing biotin as an axial ligand to provide targeting functionality. Lipid solubility studies showed that all the synthesized complexes possessed improved lipid‐water partition coefficients, which are beneficial for transmembrane transport of drugs. The DNA binding activity of the compounds was studied using UV titration, fluorescence titration, and PicoGreen staining, demonstrating the presence of potential intercalation and electrostatic interaction binding modes. It probably attributable to planar π‐π interactions provided by the aromatic pyridine ligands. Meanwhile, molecular docking studies showed that the introduction of axial biotin molecules allowed the complexes to effectively target cancer cells, which was simultaneously confirmed by the results of cellular uptake studies. And another docking result showed that the Pt(IV) complexes binds to DNA by minor groove binding. The synthesized complexes exhibited similar cytotoxicity to cisplatin in five cell lines (SW480, HCT116, HepG2, A549 and LO2), with complex 3 being superior to the parent drug, picoplatin.
Synthesis, some Physicochemical and Biomedical Properties of colored Apatite‐Structured Compounds with Mn5+ and Cr5+
Authors: Vasileva Anastasyya A. , Kazakovtsev Stepan A. , Guseinov Davud V. , Ezhevskii Alexander A. , Egorikhina Marfa N. , Aleynik Diana Ya. , Bulanov Evgeny N.
Published: March 2024

Development of new non‐toxic pigments of a wide range of applications (from coloring of bone cements to aesthetic cosmetology, including tattooing) of blue and green shades is an urgent task. In the present work, colored compounds with apatite structure were synthesized by solid‐phase method. The obtained products were crystallized in hexagonal syngony of P63/m space group. The alloying elements – chromophores Mn5+ and Cr5+ in tetrahedrally coordinated positions – were responsible for sky‐blue and turquoise colors of the compounds, respectively. The conducted complex study (crystal structure, IR spectroscopy, color measurements, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, cytotoxicity, surface morphology) of the colored compounds opens new opportunities for the development of alternative pigments of similar color range and expansion of the field of application of pigments based on compounds of apatite structural type. The results of in vitro study of cytotoxicity demonstrated the potential suitability of sky‐blue color compound (Mn‐containing apatite) for further creation of cold pigments on its basis for tattoo ink and bone cement coloring.
Hetero‐Interface Engineering on 9.0 wt% CoOx‐Doped CeO2 Nanorods as Electromagnetic Wave Absorber and Integrated into Multifunctional Aerogel
Authors: Huang Wenhuan , Wang Wei , Su Chenyang , Song Ming , Kang Yifan , Fei Guiqiang
Published: March 2024

Ceria (CeO2) becomes a promising candidate as electromagnetic wave absorbing materials (EWAMs) for their abundant natural source, rich oxygen vacancy, charge conversion, and electron transfer abilities. However, it remains challenging to regulate its nanoscale and atom‐scale composition to optimize the absorbing performance and develop high‐performance commercial devices. Herein, a facile method to large‐scale synthesis CeO2@Co‐x% (x = 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) series EWAMs with diverse amounts of decorated CoOx is presented. By modulating the ratio of doped CoOx, a rational hetero‐interface is created in CeO2@Co‐9% to enhance natural and exchange resonances, improving magnetic loss capability and optimizing impedance matching. Doped CoOx promotes the charge accumulation, interfacial polarization, and multiple scattering of the CeO2 for strengthening the EW absorption and attenuation, which display superb minimum reflective loss (RLmin) of −74.4 dB with a wide effective absorbing bandwidth (EAB) of 5.26 GHz. Furthermore, a dual crosslinking strategy is employed to fabricate CeO2@Co‐9% into an aerogel device with integrated lightweight, heat insulation, compression resistance, and fame‐retardant functions. This work presents an excellent example of large‐scale fast synthesis of high‐performance CeO2‐based EWAMs and multiplication 3D devices.
Optimized Intermediates Adsorption Configuration on Co‐Doped Fe2P@NiP2 Heterojunction Interface for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrate‐To‐Ammonia Conversion
Authors: Zheng Yinan , Tan Yuan , Yu Xin , Yao Hu , Hu Songjie , Hu Jun , Chen Zhong , Guo Xiaohui
Published: March 2024

The extraction of ammonia (NH3) through electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) represents a sustainable avenue in NH3 generation and utilization. However, the catalytic efficiency of the NO3−RR is hindered by the sluggish kinetics. This study first theoretically found that phosphide‐based heterostructure can alter the adsorption structure of intermediates in the nitrate‐to‐ammonia process, thereby achieving precise regulation of the energy barrier in the rate‐determining step. Based on theoretical design, a novel Co‐doped Fe2P@NiP2 heterojunction catalyst is successfully synthesized, which deliver a notable NH3 yield rate of 0.395 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.7 V versus RHE, as well as a remarkable ammonia Faraday efficiency of 97.2% at −0.6 V versus RHE. Experimental and theoretical results further confirm that redistributing electrons and shifting the center of the d‐band upwards through interfacial doping modulate intermediates adsorption strength and inhibition of hydrogen evolution, leading to excellent performance in NO3−‐to‐NH3. Further integrating the Co‐Fe2P@NiP2 catalyst into a Zn‐nitrate battery exhibits a substantial voltage output of 1.49 V and a commendable power density of 13.2 mW cm−2. The heteroatom‐doped heterojunction strategy provides a versatile route for developing advanced catalysts, thereby broadening the horizons of electrocatalytic methodologies for nitrate reduction and ammonia synthesis.
Reducing Domain Density Enhances Conversion Efficiency in GeTe
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Fen , Yang Min‐Jung , Deng Jie‐Ru , Liao Chien‐Neng , Wu Hsin‐Jay
Published: March 2024

Incorporating dilute doping and controlled synthesis provides a means to modulate the microstructure, defect density, and transport properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and geometric phase analysis (GPA) have revealed that hot‐pressing can increase defect density, which redistributes strain and helps prevent unwanted Ge precipitates formation. An alloy of GeTe with a minute amount of indium added has shown remarkable TE properties compared to its undoped counterpart. Specifically, it achieves a maximum figure‐of‐merit zT of 1.3 at 683 K and an exceptional TE conversion efficiency of 2.83% at a hot‐side temperature of 723 K. Significant zT and conversion efficiency improvements are mainly due to domain density engineering facilitated by an effective hot‐pressing technique applied to lightly doped GeTe. The In–GeTe alloy exhibits superior TE properties and demonstrates notable stability under significant thermal gradients, highlighting its promise for use in mid‐temperature TE energy generation systems.
Precise Alkali Supply during and after Growth for High‐Performance Low Bandgap (Ag,Cu)InSe2 Solar Cells
Authors: Krause Maximilian , Moser Simon , Mitmit Ceren , Nishiwaki Shiro , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Carron Romain
Published: March 2024

Alkali treatments are crucial for low bandgap (Ag,Cu)InSe2 (ACIS) and Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐based solar cell performance. Traditionally, Ag‐alloying of CIS (ACIS) is grown on soda‐lime glass (SLG) at temperatures exceeding 500 °C, resulting in uncontrolled alkali diffusion from the substrate and variable photovoltaic properties. A substrate‐independent low‐bandgap ACIS growth process is introduced and the impact of controlled supplies of NaF and RbF alkali fluorides before and after absorber growth through precursor layers and post‐deposition treatments (PDT) are investigated. NaF and RbF precursor layers enhance carrier lifetimes and doping density, outperforming the previous SLG‐dependent strategy. Even small quantities of RbF significantly enhance device performance, while specific NaF amount during deposition are necessary to limit grain growth and achieve high doping densities and lifetimes. A certain density of grain boundaries appears crucial for high doping levels. Although subsequent NaF post‐deposition treatment (PDT) does not provide additional benefits with sufficient Na during growth, RbF‐PDT remains crucial. The best performance is achieved with a combination of NaF and RbF precursor layers along with RbF‐PDT, resulting in over 19% efficiency, 605 mV open‐circuit voltage (VOC), 73% fill factor (FF), a carrier density of 3 × 1016 cm−3, and a 700 ns lifetime. This approach supports high‐efficiency ACIS solar cell advancement, particularly for thin‐film tandem photovoltaic devices.
The Importance of Semiconductor Miscibility for the Formation of Light‐Harvesting Polymer:Fullerene Nanoparticle Dispersions
Authors: Fischer Karen , Marlow Philipp , Bitsch Kilian , Sprau Christian , Colsmann Alexander
Published: March 2024

Light‐harvesting layers in organic bulk‐heterojunction solar cells are commonly fabricated from aromatic solvents which are often toxic or hazardous. To fully omit harmful solvents, (surfactant‐free) nanoparticle dispersions of organic semiconductor blends are investigated, but only a very limited choice of materials form blend nanoparticles. This work is a systematic study of the nanoparticle formation by nanoprecipitation of electrostatically stabilized polymer: fullerene blends. It turns out that miscibility of both components is crucial for the incorporation of the fullerenes into the nanoparticles. This finding demystifies why certain polymer:fullerene combinations seemingly randomly form stable nanoparticle dispersion while others do not. The need of miscibility constitutes an important design criterion for processing future semiconductor blends along the nanoparticle route. Some mitigation to the unwanted release of larger amounts of fullerenes can be achieved by using ternary semiconductor blends.
Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen für Kranbahnen zur Lebensdauerverlängerung
Authors: Dürr André , Winkler Matthias
Published: March 2024

In den meisten Industriebetrieben werden zur flurfreien Bewegung von Gütern Brückenkrane genutzt. Diese werden meist in Hallenlängsrichtung auf Kranbahnen verfahren. Durch das Bewegen der Kranbrücke sowie das Anheben oder Absetzen von Lasten entsteht für den Kranbahnträger sowie dessen Unterstützungskonstruktionen eine vorwiegend nicht ruhende Beanspruchung, wodurch ein Nachweis gegen Ermüdung erforderlich wird. Nach Ablauf der rechnerischen Lebensdauer kann ein zeitlich begrenzter Weiterbetrieb nur durch individuelle, meist aufwendige Monitoringkonzepte sichergestellt werden. Im Zuge des Forschungsprojekts NE‐Industriebau untersuchte deshalb die Hochschule München Instandsetzungs‐, Ertüchtigungs‐ und Verstärkungsmaßnahmen, welche auf kritische Konstruktionsdetails von Bestandskranbahnträgern angewendet werden können, um die Nutzungsdauer ebendieser effektiv und sicher zu verlängern. Hierfür wurden Ermüdungsversuche an kranbahntypischen Kerbdetails mit unterschiedlichem Vorschädigungsgrad und Verstärkungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt. Zur Anwendung kamen Hämmer‐ und Schleifverfahren sowie Stahllamellenverstärkungen mit unterschiedlichen Befestigungsmethoden. In diesem Beitrag werden gängige Maßnahmen zur ermüdungsgerechten Konstruktion und Verstärkung von Kranbahnträgern sowie die bisherigen Forschungsergebnisse zusammengefasst.
Self‐Stretchable Christmas‐Tree‐Shaped Ultraflexible Neural Probes†
Authors: Tian Ye , Zhou Cunkai , Zhang Kuikui , Yang Huiran , Chen Zhaohan , Ye Yifei , Zhou Zhitao , Wei Xiaolin , Tao Tiger H. , Sun Liuyang
Published: March 2024

This paper devised a novel Christmas‐tree structure for flexible neural probes, which features recording sites on side‐branches that can be folded along the shank of the probe by temporary encapsulation before implantation. This design reduces the size of the implant and minimizes the surgical footprint. Upon implantation, the temporary encapsulation dissolves in vivo, leading to self‐stretching of the branches, and an expansion of the lateral detecting range of the probe. We conducted in vitro experiment with our probe in 0.6% agar that mimics the brain tissue environment. The results demonstrate that the neural probe we have developed exhibits self‐stretching ability and provides an increased lateral recording range without causing additional damage to the brain tissue. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Immediate repeated reading has positive effects on reading rate for English language learners: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Hansen Jennifer Hemmert , Eckstein Grant , Cox Troy L. , Luke Steven G. , Rich Krista
Published: March 2024

Fluent and skillful reading in English requires efficient and automatic letter and word recognition. Dysfluent reading can affect motivation for reading in English language learners, thereby limiting access to a wealth of language input from written texts. Extensive research of repeated reading in first language (L1) settings has been shown to increase reading rate, while comparatively little research has been done on repeated reading in second language (L2) settings. The objective of this eye‐tracking study was to accurately document early and late reading processes in an immediate repeated reading exercise to observe how repeated reading affects reading rate in adult English language learners. In our study, 30 students in an intensive English program in the United States read three short expository texts three times each. Eye‐tracking showed significant increases in reading rate measures in both early and late reading processes. For example, average first fixation duration decreased from the first to the third reading and average late dwell time decreased from the first to third reading. Repeated reading is an exercise that should be considered by educators to help English language learners increase their immediate reading rate.
Megastigmanes and other constituents from Achyranthes aspera
Authors: Thi Tuyet Lan Hoang , Mai Nguyen Thi , Thi Mai Anh Bui , Thi Dung Duong , Huu Tai Bui , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2024

A new megastigmane glycoside, (3S,5R,6R,9S)‐6,9‐epoxiionane‐3,5‐diol 3‐O‐β‐primeveroside (1) together with 7 compounds (2–8) were isolated from Achyranthes aspera L. The chemical structures were elucidated through 1D‐, 2D‐ NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS experiment. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined using combination of the experimental and theoretical calculation of CD spectra. Compounds 2 and 7 were reported for the first time from the genus Achyranthes.
The role of pores in structure of polyethylenglycol diacrylate based‐inverse opal photonic crystal in binding protein applicable to optical biosensor
Authors: Phong Pham Hong , Thuong Dao Thi , Sang Nguyen Ngoc , Nghia Nguyen Trong , Lien Nghiem Thi Ha , Toan Nguyen Duc , Ha Vu Thi Thu , Thanh Le Minh
Published: March 2024

Here, the role of pores in the structure of inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPC) in binding proteins in comparison with their parent photonic crystal (PC) templates has been investigated. For this purpose, polyethyleneglycol diacrylate (PEGDA) coated with SiO2‐based PC (PEGDA/SiO2‐based PC) and PEGDA‐based IOPC were attached with fluorophore Alexa 488, which is a polyclonal secondary antibody, to investigate their fluorescence emission. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed face centered cubic (fcc) packing of the PEGDA/SiO2‐based PC. And it remained after the formation of PEGDA‐based IOPC. The presence of 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and Alexa 488 that immobilized the PEGDA‐based PC and PEGDA‐based IOPC was recognized by the appearance of bands at 850, 1175, and a dominant increase in the band at 1750 cm−1. Those were attributed to (N─H) wagging, (C─N) stretching, and (C═O) stretching vibrations, respectively. Reflectance spectra showed a blue shift of the Bragg photonic band gap of the PEGDA‐based IOPC in comparison with that of the PEGDA/SiO2‐based PC. The fluorescence images showed a significant increase in the fluorescence intensity of PEGDA‐based IOPC owing to the resonance effect. These obtained results indicated the role of pores in structure of PEGDA‐based IOPC in improvement of the attachment of Alexa 488 protein.
Isolation and anti‐inflammatory evaluation of diterpene lactones from Andrographis paniculata collected in Bac Giang province, Vietnam
Authors: Van Loc Tran , Anh Nguyen The , Thao Tran Thi Phuong , Van Chien Tran
Published: March 2024

Phytochemical components of the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata collected in Bac Giang province was investigated. Fourteen compounds, including seven labdane diterpene lactones [andrographolide (1), 3,19‐isopropylidene‐andrographolide (2), andropanolide (4), 14‐deoxy‐12‐hydroxyandrographolide (5), 14‐dehydroxyandrographolide‐12‐sulfonic acid (6), 14‐deoxy‐11,12‐didehydroandrographolide (8), 14‐deoxy‐14,15‐didehydroandrographolide (11)], together with four diterpene glycosides [andrographiside (3), neoandrographolide (7), andropanoside (9), 14‐deoxy‐11,12‐didehydroandrographiside (10)], and three iridoid glycosides [harpagide (12), 6‐epi‐8‐O‐acetyl‐harpagide (13), procumbide (14)] were isolated. Among these, 14‐dehydroxyandrographolide‐12‐sulfonic acid (6) was isolated for the first time from natural resource, and for the first‐time harpagide (12) was isolated from Andrographis paniculata species. The detailed structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and compared to the published data. Diterpene lactones, 1–2, 5 and 10–11, were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory inhibition on LPS‐triggered inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells, in which 1 and 2 showed significantly potent inhibition on NO production with IC50 values of 1.3 and 0.34 µm, respectively.
Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles capped by Tithonia diversifolia pectin for anti‐inflammation activity
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Thi , Thuy Tran Thi Thanh , Quang Tran Huu
Published: March 2024

This work reports a green method to synthesize pectin‐capped selenium nanoparticles (PT‐SeNPs) using ascorbic acid as a reductant under mild conditions. Pectin was extracted from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray plant. Pectin played the role of a capping agent preventing the agglomeration of selenium nanoparticles. The synthesized PT‐SeNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, EDX spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, FT‐IR, XRD, and TG‐DTA. The TEM and DLS techniques revealed monodispersed spherical selenium nanoparticles with sizes range of 100–200 nm. The amorphous PT‐SeNPs showed a phase transformation of nanostructure at 132 °C and a sublimation at 486 °C. The anti‐inflammatory of the obtained PT‐SeNPs was investigated in ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)‐induced rats. Rats treated with PT‐SeNPs exhibited ear edema inhibitions of 34.8%, 43.3%, and 46.7%, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 min after EPP injection.
Theoretical Definition of a Scale-up
Authors: Coad Alex , Bornhäll Anders , Daunfeldt Sven-Olov , McKelvie Alexander
Published: March 2024

This chapter draws on the literature to develop our theoretical definition of a scale-up. A critical discussion of previous literature helps distinguish between aspects that are essential or unnecessary for a definition of a scale-up. We then put forward the following five suggestions for a theoretical definition of a scale-up: (1) Scale-ups are in all sectors, not just IT; (2) Scale-ups have relatively high levels of spending on marketing and sales; (3) Scale-ups have low marginal costs of production; (4) Scale-ups are young, but not too young; (5) In defining scale-ups, we start from the set of HGFs. The chapter ends with our own theoretical definition of a scale-up.
Universality on thermodynamic relation with corrections in de Sitter black holes
Authors: Ko Junbeom , Gwak Bogeun
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We herein investigate the universal relation proposed by Goon and Penco in de Sitter black holes with electric charge or angular momentum. Our analysis focuses on the cosmological horizon, which only exists in de Sitter and Nariai spacetimes. Because the relation is given in a general case, the overall relationship may be valid. However, we elucidate the details of the relation, highlighting distinctions from those of (anti-)de Sitter black holes while affirming the validity of the relation. Furthermore, based on our analysis of Schwarzschild-de Sitter, Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter, and Kerr-de Sitter black holes, we demonstrate the universality of the thermodynamic relation in de Sitter black holes.
Boosted dark matter from Centaurus A and its detection
Authors: Xia Chen , Xing Chuan-Yang , Xu Yan-Hao
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Dark matter can be boosted by high energy particles in astrophysical environments through elastic scattering. We study the production of boosted dark matter via scattering with electrons in the relativistic jet of the closest active galactic nucleus, Centaurus A, and its detection in the Super-Kamiokande experiment. Since there are a huge number of electrons in the jet and dark matter is extremely dense around the supermassive black hole that powers the jet, the number of boosted dark matter is tremendously large. Compared to boosted dark matter from blazars, the dark matter flux from Centaurus A is enhanced due to the proximity of Centaurus A. The constraint on dark matter-electron scattering cross section set by Super-Kamiokande is more stringent, down to ∼ 10−36 cm2 for MeV dark matter.
A background-independent algebra in quantum gravity
Authors: Witten Edward
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We propose an algebra of operators along an observer’s worldline as a background-independent algebra in quantum gravity. In that context, it is natural to think of the Hartle-Hawking no boundary state as a universal state of maximum entropy, and to define entropy in terms of the relative entropy with this state. In the case that the only spacetimes considered correspond to de Sitter vacua with different values of the cosmological constant, this definition leads to sensible results.
Pore form and size dependence on plastic joining characteristics of resin/metallic foam by friction stir incremental forming
Authors: Matsumoto Ryo , Kunisawa Shusuke , Utsunomiya Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

A metallic foam specimen was plastically joined with a resin (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) sheet by applying friction stir incremental forming (FSIF) process. In FSIF process, a rotating flat-ended (no probe) rod tool was pushed vertically and fed horizontally against the resin sheet which was placed on the foam. The tool operation heated frictionally the resin and deformed incrementally to the resin, while the tool operation did not deform plastically to the cellular matrix of the foam. Due to the plastic flow of the heated resin, the bottom of the resin was interlocked mechanically to the pores near the top surface of the foam. In this study, the relationship between the pore morphology (form and size) and the joining characteristics (joinability, flow thickness of the resin, and joining strength) was investigated using commercial open-cell nickel and closed-cell aluminum foams. According to the experimental investigations, the foam with small size and low depression angle of the surface pore showed better results in relation with the joining strength and the (flow thickness of the resin)/(depth of the surface pore).
Directed energy deposition of PH 13–8 Mo stainless steel: microstructure and mechanical property analysis
Authors: Kas Mustafa , Muslim Talha , Yilmaz Oguzhan , Karagoz Taner , Turedi Enbiya , Gumus Serap , Bayram Alperen
Published: March 2024

Laser metal deposition (LMD) is of the directed energy deposition (DED) process which is widely used for producing large-scale, dense, and functional parts in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). This research work investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of PH 13–8 Mo martensitic stainless-steel parts produced via LMD. The workshop trials were conducted using an LMD system collaborated with a robotic arm to deposit single-track thin walls and horizontal blocks. The microstructural characteristics of the additively manufactured parts were analyzed using an optical microscope. The mechanical properties were evaluated through hardness measurements and uniaxial tensile tests. The influence of energy density and powder deposition density on the characteristic geometry of straight walls was also investigated. The microstructural analysis showed that the microstructure consisted of columnar dendrites that grew epitaxially from the substrate, with primary austenite cells containing intercellular ferrite and martensite laths that were roughly parallel with the retained austenite. When the energy density increased from 43 to 86 J/mm2 (a doubling of energy density), there was an increase in secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) by approximately 250% in the first layer and approximately 90% in the top layer. The difference in SDAS change between the first and top layers can be attributed to the difference in cooling rates experienced by each layer during the additive manufacturing process. Increasing powder deposition density from 0.5 to 1 g/min results in a decrease in porosity from 3% to less than 1% and an increase in strength from 800 to over 1000 MPa. The hardness of the deposits was found to range from 300 to 400 HV. This variation in hardness can be attributed to differences in microstructure resulting from changes in cooling rates at different heights.
Outcome of parasitological examinations in dogs in Germany: a retrospective survey
Authors: Csokai Jacqueline , Heusinger Anton , Müller Elisabeth
Published: March 2024

Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several different methods: 29,219 samples were examined by flotation method and sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin concentration (SAFC) technique, 1,330 samples by Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, 12,221 samples using a Giardia coproantigen enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1,180 samples using a Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA, 1,671 samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Giardia duodenalis and 447 samples by PCR testing for Cryptosporidium spp.. A total of 7.1% of the samples were positive for parasites in the microscopical examination using the flotation method and SAFC technique. The parasites found included Cystoisospora spp. (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), Ancylostomatidae (1.8%), Toxocara canis (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%), Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Capillaria spp. (0.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.2%), Crenosoma vulpis (0.1%), Taeniidae (0.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.03%), Dipylidium caninum (0.01%), Diphyllobothrium latum (< 0.01%), Spirurida (< 0.01%) and Opisthorchiidae (< 0.01%). Using the Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in 0.75% and Crenosoma vulpis in 0.3% of the samples. ELISAs for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. revealed 13.9% and 1.0% positive faecal samples, and Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. PCRs 19.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Dogs in the first year of life were more frequently infected with parasites than older animals. In the microscopic examination using flotation method and SAFC technique, the significantly highest detection rates were found in dogs up to six months of age (p < 0.001).
Use of sawdust for production of ligninolytic enzymes by white-rot fungi and pharmaceutical removal
Authors: Hultberg M. , Golovko O.
Published: March 2024

Use of white-rot fungi for enzyme-based bioremediation of wastewater is of high interest. These fungi produce considerable amounts of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes during solid-state fermentation on lignocellulosic materials such as straw and sawdust. We used pure sawdust colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Ganoderma lucidum for extraction of ligninolytic enzymes in aqueous suspension. Crude enzyme suspensions of the three fungi, with laccase activity range 12–43 U/L and manganese peroxidase activity range 5–55 U/L, were evaluated for degradation of 11 selected pharmaceuticals spiked at environmentally relevant concentrations. Sulfamethoxazole was removed significantly in all treatments. The crude enzyme suspension from P. ostreatus achieved degradation of wider range of pharmaceuticals when the enzyme activity was increased. Brief homogenization of the colonized sawdust was also observed to be favorable, resulting in significant reductions after a short exposure of 5 min. The highest reduction was observed for sulfamethoxazole which was reduced by 84% compared to an autoclaved control without enzyme activity and for trimethoprim which was reduced by 60%. The compounds metoprolol, lidocaine, and venlafaxine were reduced by approximately 30% compared to the control. Overall, this study confirmed the potential of low-cost lignocellulosic material as a substrate for production of enzymes from white-rot fungi. However, monitoring over time in bioreactors revealed a rapid decrease in enzymatic ligninolytic activity.
Fault detection of wind turbine system based on data-driven methods: a comparative study
Authors: Elshenawy Lamiaa M. , Gafar Ahmed A. , Awad Hamdi A. , AbouOmar Mahmoud S.
Published: March 2024

Fault detection plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, availability, and reliability of modern industrial processes. This study focuses on data-driven fault detection methods, which have gained significant attention across various industrial sectors due to the rapid development of industrial automation technologies and the availability of extensive datasets. The objectives of this paper are to comprehensively review and present the theoretical foundations of widely used data-driven fault detection approaches. Specifically, these approaches are applied to fault detection in wind turbine systems, with performance evaluation conducted using multiple statistical measures. The data utilized in this study were collected from a simulated benchmark of a wind turbine system. The data-driven methods are tested under the assumption that the wind turbine operates in a steady-state region. Additionally, a comparative study is conducted to identify and discuss the primary challenges associated with the practical application of these methods in real-world scenarios. Simulation results show the effectiveness and efficacy of data-driven approaches concerning the sensitivity and robustness of wind turbine sensor faults as applied in practical industrial environments.
Exposure of Cryptococcus neoformans to low nitrogen levels enhances virulence
Authors: Bosch Caylin , Toplis Barbra , Van Staden Anton DuPreez , Volschenk Heinrich , Smith Carine , Dicks Leon , Botha Alfred
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have shown a correlation between nitrogen levels and Cryptococcus neoformans pathogenicity. Here we report on the in vivo effects of cryptococcal pre-exposure to ecologically relevant nitrogen levels. C. neoformans H99 was cultured in yeast carbon base (YCB) supplemented with 0.53 g/L NH4Cl and 0.21 g/L NH4Cl, respectively, and used to infect larvae of the Greater Wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Cells cultured in low nitrogen YCB (LN) were more virulent compared to cells cultured in high nitrogen YCB (HN). Microscopic examination of haemolymph collected from infected larvae revealed that cells cultured in LN were larger than cells cultured in HN, with the majority of LN cells exceeding 10 µm and possibly entering titanisation. Additionally, compared to HN-cultured cells, fewer LN-cultured cells were engulfed by macrophages. The enhanced virulence of LN-cultured cells was attributed to the increased cell size in vivo. In contrast, reduced macrophage uptake was attributed to increased capsule thickness of in vitro cells. Not only do these findings demonstrate the effects of culture conditions, specifically nitrogen levels, on C. neoformans virulence, but they also highlight the importance of isolate background in the cryptococcal-host interaction.
Antivirals to prepare for surges in influenza cases: an economic evaluation of baloxavir marboxil for the Netherlands
Authors: van der Pol Simon , Postma Maarten J. , Boersma Cornelis
Published: March 2024

Objectives

We perform a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and budget impact analysis (BIA) of baloxavir marboxil compared to current care in the Netherlands for patients at risk of influenza-related complications, including patients with comorbidities and the elderly.

Methods

In the CEA, a decision tree model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of baloxavir marboxil for a cohort of 52-year-olds from a societal perspective. A lifetime horizon was taken by incorporating the quality-adjusted life expectancy. The BIA included different epidemiological scenarios, estimating different plausible epidemiological scenarios for seasonal influenza considering the whole Dutch population with an increased risk of influenza complications.

Results

The base-case ICER was estimated to be €8,300 per QALY. At the willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000 per QALY, the probability of being cost effective was 58%. The base-case expected budget impact was €5.7 million on average per year, ranging from €1.5 million to €10.5 million based on the severity of the influenza epidemic and vaccine effectiveness.

Conclusion

In the Netherlands, baloxavir is a cost-effective treatment option for seasonal influenza, with a base-case ICER of €8,300 per QALY for the population aged 60 years and over and patients at high risk of influenza-related complications. For a large part, this ICER is driven by the reduction of the illness duration of influenza and productivity gains in the working population.
User journey games: automating user-centric analysis
Authors: Kobialka Paul , Lizeth Tapia Tarifa S. , Bergersen Gunnar R. , Johnsen Einar Broch
Published: March 2024

The servitization of business is moving industry to business models driven by customer demand. Customer satisfaction is connected with financial rewards, forcing companies to invest in their users’ experience. User journeys describe how users maneuver through a service. Today, user journeys are typically modeled graphically, and lack formalization and analysis support. This paper proposes a formalization of user journeys as weighted games between the user and the service provider and a systematic data-driven method to derive these user journey games from system logs, using process mining techniques. As the derived games may contain cycles, we define an algorithm to transform user journeys games with cycles into acyclic weighted games, which can be model checked using "Image missing" to uncover potential challenges in a company’s interactions with its users and derive company strategies to guide users through their journeys. Finally, we propose a user journey sliding-window analysis to detect changes in the user journey over time by model checking a sequence of generated games. Our analysis pipeline has been evaluated on an industrial case study; it revealed design challenges within the studied service and could be used to derive actionable recommendations for improvement.
Assessment of overlapping triple-frequency BDS-3/BDS-2/INS tightly coupled integration model in kinematic surveying
Authors: Xiao Kai , Sun Fuping , Zhu Xiangwei , Zhou Peiyuan , Ma Yuexin , Wang Yue
Published: March 2024

The China BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) is recognized for its advantages compared to BDS-2. However, the enhancement of performance through the simultaneous utilization of BDS-2 and BDS-3 in real-time kinematic (RTK) applications remains insufficiently investigated. Herein, we developed an overlapping triple-frequency (TF) BDS-3/BDS-2/inertial navigation system (INS) tightly coupled (TC) integration model that takes advantage of the BDS-3/BDS-2 overlapping frequencies of B1I/B2b(B2I)/B3I for intersystem combination and INS-assisted positioning. An analytical formula for ambiguity dilution of precision (ADOP) was derived, serving as the foundation for an exploration into how multi-frequency measurements and INS assistance affect ambiguity resolution (AR). A vehicle experiment was conducted in a city to evaluate the performance of the measurement models for various frequencies, available satellites, and INS assistance. Analysis of the double differencing errors of the pseudorange and carrier phases revealed that a robust model in kinematic situations is preferred over static situations. AR ability was assessed regarding ADOP, ratio test, and success rates, and the positioning and attitude determination results were examined. Overall, the characteristics of the ADOP analytic formula and processing results produce a similar conclusion regarding the contribution of multi-frequency, available measurements, and INS assistance on AR; further, they provide reference values for moving measuring system users to implement the optimal model in kinematic situations.
Understanding pre-service mathematics teachers’ intentions to use GeoGebra: The role of technological pedagogical content knowledge
Authors: Yildiz Esra , Arpaci Ibrahim
Published: March 2024

The research investigated the “Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge” (TPACK) of pre-service mathematics teachers and its impact on their sustained intention to utilize GeoGebra in teaching mathematics. This study introduced a novel research model by extending the “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology” (UTAUT) with TPACK. Through “Structural Equation Modeling” (SEM) applied to data collected from 205 pre-service teachers, the research model was evaluated. The results revealed that factors like effort expectancy, social influence, performance expectancy, and TPACK significantly predicted the continuous use intention of GeoGebra. However, no substantial relationship was found concerning facilitating conditions. The findings have managerial and practical implications for academics, teachers, principals, and decision-makers promoting the use of GeoGebra in educational settings.
S77C-ΔC7-CueR: a 199mHg PAC study of the protein metal site structure
Authors: Balogh R. K. , Jancso A. , Gyurcsik B. , Schell J. , Correia J. G. , Thulstrup P. W. , Hemmingsen L.
Published: March 2024

The CueR protein regulates the cytosolic concentration of Cu(I) in bacteria such as E. coli. With this work we aimed to remodel the linear two-coordinate metal site with Cys112 and Cys120 as ligands in CueR to a tricoordinate site similar to that observed in the Hg(II) sensor protein MerR. This was done by introducing an additional cysteine near the metal site in the modified S77C-ΔC7-CueR variant, inspired by the fact that Ser77 in CueR is replaced by a cysteine in MerR. 199mHg PAC spectroscopic data indicate that two NQIs are present at pH 8.0, most likely reflecting HgS2 and HgS3 coordination modes, and demonstrating that the design of a pure HgS3 metal site was not achieved. Lowering the pH to 6.0 or the temperature to −196 °C had surprisingly similar effects, giving rise to highly distorted trigonal Hg(II) coordination. Tentatively, this might reflect that the histidine just next to Cys77 (His76) coordinates forming a HgS2N metal site structure. Further redesign beyond the first coordination sphere appears to be required to efficiently stabilize the HgS3 metal site structure at physiological pH.