bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of formation of budget expenditures in the conditions of deficit budgets
Authors: Гварлиани Татьяна , Gvarliani Tat'yana , Оборин Матвей , Oborin Matvey , Сарян Акоп , Saryan Akop
Published: November 2017

Object. The article considers problems of formation and regulation of the expenditure of the state budget. The subject of analysis: dynamics of the major indicators of the budgets of 2015-2017. The subject of the study. The article deals with conditions and factors affecting the formation of budget expenditures in the current conditions in the context of the more General problems of budget planning. Goal: to identify ways of overcoming the problems of forming and management of budget expenditures because of unfavorable conditions and factors (slow economic growth, sanctions and other reasons).The hypothesis of the study. The efficiency of solving modern problems of formation and management of budget expenditures is determined by the identification and use of measures for budget planning. Methodology. The methodological basis of the article is a set of methods for the study of the theory and practice of budget planning and formation of budget expenditures at the property. Results. The results, reflecting the characteristics of the dynamics of the main parameters of the budgets, identified key problems affecting the quality of the formation costs. Proposed measures to balance the budgets of subjects of the Russian Federation through the optimization of processes of formation of their expenses. Conclusions. The main problem is the lost revenue, is the adaptation of methods of forming the budget expenses to the prevailing economic and financial conditions. The acceleration of this process and enhancing its effectiveness requires the development of internal systems for the formation of budget revenues, reduce to an acceptable level by their dependence on external factors and improve the administration of budget expenditures, providing timely and targeted use of them in full. The scope of the results. The results of research on the topic of the article can be used by practitioners in the process of developing regional budgets and the formation of their expenditure commitments for writing scientific papers and in the educational process. Limitations and directions for future research. Limitations, future research on the topic of the article is the lack of openness and transparency of the budget process, especially at the level of local budgets. Promising areas of research in the area of budget planning are topics related to the formation of budget revenues, diversification in modern conditions.
Measuring the Performance of Logistics Industry in the Context of Karachi
Authors: Quais Ifrah , Siddiqui Danish Ahmed
Published: November 2017

The Freight Forwarding and Logistics industry play a vital role in the overall economy of Pakistan. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the dynamic capabilities, services, capabilities, competitive advantage, and information sharing capabilities on organizational performance in the logistics industry in Karachi, Pakistan. Dynamic capabilities, services, capabilities, competitive advantage, and information sharing capabilities hypothesized as positively impacting on organizational performance. An online survey was conducted and the data were obtained from a sample size of 100 full time and part time employees from the logistics industry in Karachi. We performed multiple regression analysis to indicate all factors significant impact on organizational performance. The reliability test was also performed which showed that our study is significant. Conducting the research in a city with low literacy rate and low employee growth rate resulted in a small sample size because many people tend not to respond to online surveys.
Systemic manifestations of Cuterebra infection in dogs and cats: 42 cases (2000–2014)
Authors: Rutland Bronwyn E. , Byl Kevin M. , Hydeskov Helle B. , Miniter Brianna , Johnson Cheri A.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE To document clinical signs in cats and dogs with Cuterebra infection, determine the outcome of infected animals, and determine whether Yorkshire Terriers were more commonly affected than other breeds of dogs.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 22 cats and 20 dogs with Cuterebra infection.

PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs and cats with Cuterebra infection were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and outcome.

RESULTS Most (16/20 [80%]) of the dogs weighed ≤ 4.5 kg (10 lb), and Yorkshire Terriers were overrepresented (8/20 [40%]), compared with dogs of other breeds. Ten (50%) dogs and 3 (14%) cats had systemic inflammatory response syndrome at the time of initial evaluation, and 8 (40%) dogs but none of the cats had disseminated intravascular coagulation. The overall mortality rate was 17% (7/42), but was higher for dogs (6/20 [30%]) than cats (1/22 [4.5%]). All 6 dogs that died weighed ≤ 4.5 kg and had systemic inflammatory response syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or both.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that Cuterebra infection can cause severe systemic illness in small-breed dogs. Yorkshire Terriers were more commonly affected than were dogs of other breeds and, subjectively at least, appeared to be more likely to develop severe systemic illness.
Feasibility of manufacture and investigation of physicochemical properties of camel milk – based ice cream
Authors: Jafarpour Afshin
Published: November 2017

Ice cream is one of the most popular foods worldwide commonly made from cow milk. Camel milk is an invaluable foods component which is less frequently used in diets. The aim of this study was to provide a proper formulation for manufacture of ice cream using camel milk and investigate the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of camel milk – made ice cream. The results showed no significant difference between fat and protein contents however solid matters content viscosity and melting point of cow milk containing sample were higher than those of camel milk containing ice cream. Sensory tests also did not show any significant difference among samples. Thus manufacture and competition of an ice cream made from camel milk is feasible
Questing to Understand the Other without “Othering”: An Exploration of the Unique Qualities and Properties of Science Fiction as a Means for Exploring and Improving Social Inequity
Authors: Evans Janelle Marie
Published: November 2017

While many branches of science have sought to understand—and to even cure—human bigotry, and thereby cure the deleterious results thereof, the champion most likely to prevail in this quest is the hybrid child of art and science: the literary and cinematic genre of Science fiction. From its mixed literary heritage to its inability to be summarized by a catchall definition to its endlessly elastic point of view, Science fiction is uniquely suited to the herculean task of allowing our species to experience, understand, and accept the varied ways in which people express what it means to be human.
Evaluation of Suitability of a Parametrically Controlled Louvers for Various Orientations throughout a Year Comparing to an Existing Case
Authors: Eltaweel Ahmad , Su Yuehong
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, daylighting systems and shading devices are controlled automatically to achieve their optimum benefits. For more comprehensive accuracy, parametric control was recently used to manage complex parameters with more accuracy. Such a system was proposed and investigated in a previous research to provide steadier and more uniform daylight illuminance during the day and reduce more than 80% of the electricity consumption. This study is examining the daylighting performance by using the parametric system in different orientations and comparing with the conventional ones. Furthermore, the study will evaluate the suitability of the parametric system throughout the year during the working hours in a typical office room.
Prospects for Assessing Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Basement Rock Flow Stimulation by Wellbore Temperature Data
Authors: Leary Peter , Malin Peter , Saarno Tero , Kukkonen Ilmo
Published: November 2017

We use Matlab 3D finite element fluid flow/transport modelling to simulate localized wellbore temperature events of order 0.05–0.1 °C logged in Fennoscandia basement rock at ~1.5 km depths. The temperature events are approximated as steady-state heat transport due to fluid draining from the crust into the wellbore via naturally occurring fracture-connectivity structures. Flow simulation is based on the empirics of spatially-correlated fracture-connectivity fluid flow widely attested by well-log, well-core, and well-production data. Matching model wellbore-centric radial temperature profiles to a 2D analytic expression for steady-state radial heat transport with Peclet number Pe ≡ r0φv0/D (r0 = wellbore radius, v0 = Darcy velocity at r0, φ = ambient porosity, D = rock-water thermal diffusivity), gives Pe ~ 10–15 for fracture-connectivity flow intersecting the well, and Pe ~ 0 for ambient crust. Darcy flow for model Pe ~ 10 at radius ~10 m from the wellbore gives permeability estimate κ ~ 0.02 Darcy for flow driven by differential fluid pressure between least principal crustal stress pore pressure and hydrostatic wellbore pressure. Model temperature event flow permeability κm ~ 0.02 Darcy is related to well-core ambient permeability κ ~ 1 µDarcy by empirical poroperm relation κm ~ κ exp(αmφ) for φ ~ 0.01 and αm ~ 1000. Our modelling of OTN1 wellbore temperature events helps assess the prospect of reactivating fossilized fracture-connectivity flow for EGS permeability stimulation of basement rock.
Microbial Insight into a Pilot-Scale Enhanced Two-Stage High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion System Treating Waste Activated Sludge
Authors: Wu Jing , Cao Zhiping , Hu Yuying , Wang Xiaolu , Wang Guangqi , Zuo Jiane , Wang Kaijun , Qian Yi
Published: November 2017

High solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD) is a rapidly developed anaerobic digestion technique for treating municipal sludge, and has been widely used in Europe and Asia. Recently, the enhanced HSAD process with thermal treatment showed its advantages in both methane production and VS reduction. However, the understanding of the microbial community is still poor. This study investigated microbial communities in a pilot enhanced two-stage HSAD system that degraded waste activated sludge at 9% solid content. The system employed process “thermal pre-treatment (TPT) at 70 °C, thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), and mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD)”. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanothermobacter spp. dominated the system with relative abundance up to about 100% in both TAD and MAD. Syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO) bacteria were discovered in TAD, and they converted acetate into H2 and CO2 to support hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The microbial composition and conversion route of this system are derived from the high solid content and protein content in raw sludge, as well as the operational conditions. This study could facilitate the understanding of the enhanced HSAD process, and is of academic and industrial importance.
Evaluation of Inulin Replacing Chitosan in a Polyurethane/Polysaccharide Material for Pb2+ Removal
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Angel , Molina Gustavo , Jiménez-Hernández Luis , Oskam Adrian , Fonseca Gerardo , Estevez Miriam
Published: November 2017

Downstream waste from industry and other industrial processes could increase concentration of heavy metals in water. These pollutants are commonly removed by adsorption because it is an effective and economical method. Previously, we reported adsorption capacity of a chitosan/polyurethane/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite for three ions in a dynamic wastewater system. There, increasing the chitosan concentration in composite increased the cation removal as well; however, for ratios higher than 50% of chitosan/TiO2, the manufacturing cost increased significantly. In this work, we address the manufacturing cost problem by proposing a new formulation of the composite. Our hypothesis is that inulin could replace chitosan in the composite formulation, either wholly or in part. In this exploratory research, three blends were prepared with a polyurethane matrix using inulin or/and chitosan. Adsorption was evaluated using a colorimetric method and the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis curves were obtained to characterize blends. Results indicate that blends are suitable for toxic materials removal (specifically lead II, Pb2+). Material characterization indicates that polysaccharides were distributed in polyurethane’s external part, thus improving adsorption. Thermal degradation of materials was found above 200 °C. Comparing the blends data, inulin could replace chitosan in part and thereby improve the cost efficiency and scalability of the production process of the polyurethane based-adsorbent. Further research with different inulin/chitosan ratios in the adsorbent and experiments with a dynamic system are justified.
Ferrocholesteric–ferronematic transitions induced by shear flow and magnetic field
Authors: Makarov Dmitriy V , Novikov Alexander A , Zakhlevnykh Alexander N
Published: November 2017

We study the unwinding of the ferrocholesteric helical structure induced by a combined action of a magnetic field and a shear flow. Both influences are able to induce the ferrocholesteric–ferronematic transition independently; however, the differences between the magnetic field orientation and the flow alignment direction lead to a competition between magnetic and hydrodynamic mechanisms of influence on the ferrocholesteric structure. We analyze various orientations of a magnetic field relative to the direction of a shear flow. The pitch of the ferrocholesteric helix is obtained as function of the strength and the orientation angle of the magnetic field, the shear velocity gradient and a reactive parameter. Phase diagrams of ferrocholesteric–ferronematic transition and the pitch of the ferrocholesteric helix as functions of the material and the governing parameters are calculated. We find out that imposing a shear flow leads to a shift of the magnetic field threshold. The value of the critical magnetic field depends on the magnetic field orientation, the velocity gradient, and the viscous coefficients. We show that the interplay of a magnetic field and a shear flow can induce reentrant orientational transitions that are ferrocholesteric–ferronematic–ferrocholesteric.
Atlantic Water advection vs. glacier dynamics in northern Spitsbergen since early deglaciation
Authors: Bartels Martin , Titschack Jürgen , Fahl Kirsten , Stein Rüdiger , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Hillaire-Marcel Claude , Hebbeln Dierk
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Atlantic Water (AW) advection plays an important role in climatic, oceanographic and environmental conditions in the eastern Arctic. Situated along the only deep connection between the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans, the Svalbard Archipelago is an ideal location to reconstruct the past AW advection history and document its linkage with local glacier dynamics, as illustrated in the present study of a 275 cm long sedimentary record from Woodfjorden (northern Spitsbergen; water depth: 171 m) spanning the last  ∼  15 500 years. Sedimentological, micropalaeontological and geochemical analyses were used to reconstruct changes in marine environmental conditions, sea ice cover and glacier activity. Data illustrate a partial break-up of the Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet from Heinrich Stadial 1 onwards (until  ∼  14.6 ka). During the Bølling–Allerød ( ∼  14.6–12.7 ka), AW penetrated as a bottom water mass into the fjord system and contributed significantly to the destabilization of local glaciers. During the Younger Dryas ( ∼  12.7–11.7 ka), it intruded into intermediate waters while evidence for a glacier advance is lacking. A short-term deepening of the halocline occurred at the very end of this interval. During the early Holocene ( ∼  11.7–7.8 ka), mild conditions led to glacier retreat, a reduced sea ice cover and increasing sea surface temperatures, with a brief interruption during the Preboreal Oscillation ( ∼  11.1–10.8 ka). Due to a  ∼  6000-year gap, the mid-Holocene is not recorded in this sediment core. During the late Holocene ( ∼  1.8–0.4 ka), a slightly reduced AW inflow and lower sea surface temperatures compared to the early Holocene are reconstructed. Glaciers, which previously retreated to the shallower inner parts of the Woodfjorden system, likely advanced during the late Holocene. In particular, topographic control in concert with the reduced summer insolation partly decoupled glacier dynamics from AW advection during this recent interval.
On the value of water quality data and informative flow states in karst modelling
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Barberá Juan Antonio , Andreo Bartolomé
Published: November 2017

Abstract. If properly applied, karst hydrological models are a valuable tool for karst water resource management. If they are able to reproduce the relevant flow and storage processes of a karst system, they can be used for prediction of water resource availability when climate or land use are expected to change. A common challenge to apply karst simulation models is the limited availability of observations to identify their model parameters. In this study, we quantify the value of information when water quality data (NO3− and SO42−) is used in addition to discharge observations to estimate the parameters of a process-based karst simulation model at a test site in southern Spain. We use a three-step procedure to (1) confine an initial sample of 500 000 model parameter sets by discharge and water quality observations, (2) identify alterations of model parameter distributions through the confinement, and (3) quantify the strength of the confinement for the model parameters. We repeat this procedure for flow states, for which the system discharge is controlled by the unsaturated zone, the saturated zone, and the entire time period including times when the spring is influenced by a nearby river. Our results indicate that NO3− provides the most information to identify the model parameters controlling soil and epikarst dynamics during the unsaturated flow state. During the saturated flow state, SO42− and discharge observations provide the best information to identify the model parameters related to groundwater processes. We found reduced parameter identifiability when the entire time period is used as the river influence disturbs parameter estimation. We finally show that most reliable simulations are obtained when a combination of discharge and water quality date is used for the combined unsaturated and saturated flow states.
FUNCTIONING OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF SOCIAL COOPERATIVES OF THE PROVINCE WIELKOPOLSKA
Authors: Błażejowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

The article analyzes 20 social cooperatives operating in rural areas of the province. Wielkopolska. On the basis of data from the National Court Register, the profile of activity, number of employees, period of activity, founders and financial situation of analyzed entities were examined. The differences in the functioning of social cooperatives, due to the legal status of the founders, were indicated. Among cooperatives founded by legal persons, over half (58%) earned income and employed more than 10 employees. Among the cooperatives founded by physical persons 75% of them reported a loss from their operations, a much lower armount of revenues (63% below the 100 thousand) and the number of employees (average 7).The results showed that cooperatives founded by community with conty have the greatest chance of development.
CASH FLOW FOR THE VAT IN THE FARMING
Authors: Kondraszuk Tomasz
Published: November 2017

The aim of this article is to present the possibility of using farmers’ cash accounting method. It is regarding farmers which resigned from the lump sum and became active paymasters of this tax. The cash method used in the tax and revenue book (PKPiR) was critically evaluated. At the same time, on the example of the Agricultural Accountancy Calendar (RKR), it has been shown that it is possible to integrate accounting with the accounting method of VAT accounting with accounting entries in the RKR enabling direct cash flows from operations, investment, financial and private operations. It is also possible to draw up other financial statements: profit and loss account, balance sheet and changes in equity. For a farmer, the significant benefit of using a cash-flow method is to reduce the risk of congestion resulting from the need to settle VAT before receiving payments from the debtor. For the tax office, the necessity to pay the full payment before claiming the input VAT refund significantly limits the possibility of fraud in this regard.
NON-AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE SYSTEMS OF PUBLIC SOCIAL INSURANCE AND SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR FARMERS
Authors: Wasąg Zbigniew
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to compare conducting economic activity by people covered by social insurance and by social insurance for farmers in the years 2013-2017. The former included old-age pension insurance, disability and survivors’ insurance, sickness insurance, accident and health insurance as well as contributions for the Labour Fund. Social insurance for farmers was defined based on old-age and disability insurance, sickness insurance, accident insurance and maternity insurance. Monthly contributions for social insurance for persons conducting non-agricultural economic activity were three times higher in the public system of social insurance (ZUS, or National Social Insurance Institution). However, when health insurance and Labuor Fund contributions were included, they were five times higher than agricultural social insurance (KRUS, or Agricultural Social Insurance Fund). The share of social and health insurance in the income of persons commencing economic activity was more than twice higher than in the income of persons insured by KRUS.
Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using a Nonpoisonous Extraction System for the Determination of Crustacean Protein in Processed Foods
Authors: Koizumi Daisuke , Shirota Kazuya , Oda Hiroshi , Adachi Reiko , Sakai Shinobu , Akiyama Hiroshi , Nishimaki-Mogami Tomoko , Teshima Reiko
Published: November 2017

Crustacean proteins are food allergens that cause severe allergic reactions in patients with food allergies; therefore, the identification of crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster as ingredients in processed food products is mandatory in Japan. We previously developed and validated an ELISA method coupled with an extraction process using the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate and the reductant 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) to quantify crustacean protein. However, 2-ME was designated as poisonous in Japan in 2008. Therefore, in this study, we developed and evaluated an ELISA method for detecting and quantifying crustacean protein that uses sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) in place of 2-ME for extraction. The proposed ELISA method showed high sensitivity, with an LOQ of 0.66 μg protein/g food sample. Furthermore, the proposed method showed high specificity for the Decapoda order within the subphylum Crustacea, with recoveries ranging from 83.8 to 100.8% for model processed foods, as well as high reproducibility (intra- and interassay CVs of ≤8.2%) and high correlation with our previously validated ELISA method for processed foods (correlation coefficient of 0.996). The proposed ELISA method does not require the use of poisonous reagents, provides acceptable accuracy, and is useful for the routine monitoring of food products.
Ordinary kriging vs inverse distance weighting: spatial interpolation of the sessile community of Madagascar reef, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zarco-Perello Salvador , Simões Nuno
Published: November 2017

Information about the distribution and abundance of the habitat-forming sessile organisms in marine ecosystems is of great importance for conservation and natural resource managers. Spatial interpolation methodologies can be useful to generate this information fromin situsampling points, especially in circumstances where remote sensing methodologies cannot be applied due to small-scale spatial variability of the natural communities and low light penetration in the water column. Interpolation methods are widely used in environmental sciences; however, published studies using these methodologies in coral reef science are scarce. We compared the accuracy of the two most commonly used interpolation methods in all disciplines, inverse distance weighting (IDW) and ordinary kriging (OK), to predict the distribution and abundance of hard corals, octocorals, macroalgae, sponges and zoantharians and identify hotspots of these habitat-forming organisms using data sampled at three different spatial scales (5, 10 and 20 m) in Madagascar reef, Gulf of Mexico. The deeper sandy environments of the leeward and windward regions of Madagascar reef were dominated by macroalgae and seconded by octocorals. However, the shallow rocky environments of the reef crest had the highest richness of habitat-forming groups of organisms; here, we registered high abundances of octocorals and macroalgae, with sponges,Millepora alcicornisand zoantharians dominating in some patches, creating high levels of habitat heterogeneity. IDW and OK generated similar maps of distribution for all the taxa; however, cross-validation tests showed that IDW outperformed OK in the prediction of their abundances. When the sampling distance was at 20 m, both interpolation techniques performed poorly, but as the sampling was done at shorter distances prediction accuracies increased, especially for IDW. OK had higher mean prediction errors and failed to correctly interpolate the highest abundance values measuredin situ, except for macroalgae, whereas IDW had lower mean prediction errors and high correlations between predicted and measured values in all cases when sampling was every 5 m. The accurate spatial interpolations created using IDW allowed us to see the spatial variability of each taxa at a biological and spatial resolution that remote sensing would not have been able to produce. Our study sets the basis for further research projects and conservation management in Madagascar reef and encourages similar studies in the region and other parts of the world where remote sensing technologies are not suitable for use.
Böden als Ackerstandorte – physikalische Aspekte
Authors: Horn Rainer , Fleige Heiner , Mordhorst Anneka
Published: October 2024

Ackerstandorte sollten nicht nur einen gut strukturierten, lockeren und humosen Oberboden (A‐Horizont), sondern auch einen leicht durchwurzelbaren Unterboden mit einer stabilen Bodenstruktur besitzen. Letztere verkörpert ein stabiles und kontinuierliches Porensystem mit einem günstigen luft‐ und wasserhaltenden und ‐leitenden Porensystem sowie eine gute Erreichbarkeit der Sorptionsflächen von Tonpartikeln und organischer Substanz für Nährstoffe. Günstige Standorteigenschaften werden heutzutage aufgrund nicht angepasster Bewirtschaftung häufig nicht mehr gewährleistet, sodass die Böden zunehmend physiologisch flachgründig und weniger resilient und damit besonders in Zeiten extremer Witterungsbedingungen (zu nass oder zu trocken) weniger ertragssicher werden. Negative Gefügeveränderungen im Unterboden, z. B. durch Verdichtung, beeinträchtigen nicht nur wichtige natürliche Funktionen im Nährstoff‐, Wärme‐, Luft‐ und Wasserhaushalt sowie die Pflanzenproduktivität, sondern können auch weitreichende Folgen für die Umwelt haben, wie eine geringere Grundwasserneubildung oder eine erhöhte Wassererosion. Eine nachhaltige Nutzung der Ackerböden ist gerade im Zuge des Klimawandels besonders wichtig, denn nur so können wir eine hohe Resilienz gegenüber äußeren Einflüssen gewährleisten.
AI‐assisted research collaboration with open data for fair and effective response to call for proposals
Authors: Valluru Siva Likitha , Widener Michael , Srivastava Biplav , Natarajan Sriraam , Gangopadhyay Sugata
Published: October 2024

Building teams and promoting collaboration are two very common business activities. An example of these are seen in the TeamingForFunding problem, where research institutions and researchers are interested to identify collaborative opportunities when applying to funding agencies in response to latter's calls for proposals. We describe a novel deployed system to recommend teams using a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods, such that (1) each team achieves the highest possible skill coverage that is demanded by the opportunity, and (2) the workload of distributing the opportunities is balanced among the candidate members. We address these questions by extracting skills latent in open data of proposal calls (demand) and researcher profiles (supply), normalizing them using taxonomies, and creating efficient algorithms that match demand to supply. We create teams to maximize goodness along a novel metric balancing short‐ and long‐term objectives. We evaluate our system in two diverse settings in US and India of researchers and proposal calls, at two different time instants about 1 year apart (total 4 settings), to establish generality of our approach, and deploy it at a major US university. We validate the effectiveness of our algorithms (1) quantitatively, by evaluating the recommended teams using a goodness score and find that more informed methods lead to recommendations of smaller number of teams and higher goodness, and (2) qualitatively, by conducting a large‐scale user study at a college‐wide level, and demonstrate that users overall found the tool very useful and relevant.
The Effect of Grain Boundary Misorientation on Hydrogen Flux Using a Phase‐Field‐Based Diffusion and Trapping Model
Authors: Hussein Abdelrahman , Kim Byungki , Verbeken Kim , Depover Tom
Published: October 2024

Understanding hydrogen–grain boundary (GB) interactions is critical to the analysis of hydrogen embrittlement in metals. This work presents a mesoscale fully kinetic model to investigate the effect of GB misorientation on hydrogen diffusion and trapping using phase‐field‐based representative volume elements (RVEs). The flux equation consists of three terms: a diffusive term and two terms for high and low angle grain boundary (H/LAGB) trapping. Uptake simulations show that decreasing the grain size results in higher hydrogen content due to increasing the GB density. Permeation simulations show that GBs are high‐flux paths due to their higher enrichment with hydrogen. Since HAGBs have higher enrichment than LAGBs, due to their higher trap‐binding energy, they generally have the highest hydrogen flux. Nevertheless, the flux shows a convoluted behavior as it depends on the local concentration, alignment of GB with external concentration gradient as well as the GB network connectivity. Finally, decreasing the grain size resulted in a larger break‐through time and a larger steady‐state exit flux.
In Vitro Sonodynamic Therapy Using a High Throughput 3D Glioblastoma Spheroid Model with 5‐ALA and TMZ Sonosensitizers
Authors: Datta Priyankan , Lee Nan Sook , Moolayadukkam Sreejesh , Sahu Rakesh P. , Yu Xi , Guo Tianze , Zhou Qifa , Wang Y. , Puri Ishwar K.
Published: October 2024

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) administered using low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound and sonosensitizers is an emerging, minimally invasive, targeted deep‐tissue therapy for solid tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Initial clinical trials show promising outcomes for SDT treatments of GBM. A crucial aspect of SDT is the sonosensitizer that interacts with ultrasound, facilitating energy transfer to the tumor, thus inducing therapeutic efficacy. Current in vitro methods for determining the therapeutic efficacies of sonosensitizers are time‐consuming and expensive. A novel high‐throughput magnetically printed 3D GBM model is used to overcome this challenge. The hypothesis is that the use of two sonosensitizers, one a chemotherapeutic drug, enhances SDT efficacy through their additive chemical interactions. The GBM model is used to evaluate the effectiveness of two sonosensitizer molecules, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved chemotherapeutic drug Temozolomide (TMZ). It is confirmed that implement high‐throughput GBM models to evaluate sonosensitizer combinations and their efficacies is feasible and, for the first time, show that the combined effect of both sensitizers, 5‐ALA and TMZ, is superior for preventing spheroid growth than employing each molecule separately. This finding is relevant for future clinical trials of GBM treatment with SDT.
CD169+ Macrophages Mediate the Immune Response of Allergic Rhinitis Through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 Axis
Authors: Qi Wenwen , Liu Chengcheng , Shi Lei , Li Hui , Hou Xiaozhi , Du Hongjie , Chen Luqiu , Gao Xiaochen , Cao Xue , Guo Na , Dong Yuhan , Li Chengzhilin , Yuan Fanyu , Teng Zhenxiao , Hu Houyang , Zhu Fangyuan , Zhou Xuanchen , Guo Lulu , Zhao Miaoqing , Xia Ming
Published: October 2024

CD169+ macrophages are a newly defined macrophage subpopulation that can recognize and bind with other cells through related ligands, playing an essential role in antigen presentation and immune tolerance. However, its role in Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is still unclear. To investigate the characteristics of CD169+ macrophages in AR, this work first detects their expression patterns in the nasal mucosa of clinical patients. These results show a significant increase in CD169+ macrophages in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR. Subsequently, this work establishes an animal AR model using CD169 transgenic mice and compared the advantages of the two models. Moreover, this work also demonstrates the effects of CD169 knockout on eosinophils, Th cells, Treg cells, and the migration of dendritic cells (DCs). In addition, this metabolomic data shows that CD169+ macrophages can upregulate alanine production and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This process may be mediated through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. In addition, this work also finds that SLC38A2 plays an essential role in the process of CD169+ macrophages promoting alanine uptake by DCs. This study confirms that CD169+ macrophages can upregulate their internal alanine production and increase ROS levels through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 axis, playing an irreplaceable role in AR.
Pericytes Modulate Third‐Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Sensitivity in EGFR‐Mutated Lung Cancer Cells Through IL32‐β5‐Integrin Paracrine Signaling
Authors: Huang Cheng , Huang Xi , Qiu Xiaoyi , Kong Xiangzhan , Wu Chunmiao , Jiang Xue , Yao Mingkang , Wang Minghui , Su Liangping , Lv Cui , Wong Ping‐Pui
Published: October 2024

EGFR‐mutated lung cancer patients sometimes display restricted responses to third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), potentially attributable to undervalued input from stromal cells, notably pericytes (PCs). The study shows that PCs isolated from EGFR‐mutated patients have a unique secretome profile, notably secreting IL32 and affecting signaling pathways and biological processes linked to TKI sensitivity. Clinical evidence, supported by single‐cell RNA sequencing and multiplex immunostaining of tumor tissues, confirms the presence of IL32‐expressing pericytes closely interacting with β5‐integrin‐expressing cancer cells in EGFR‐mutated patients, impacting therapeutic response and prognosis. Co‐culture and conditioned medium experiments demonstrate that PCs reduce TKI effectiveness in EGFR‐mutated cancer cells, a reversible phenomenon through silencing IL32 expression in PCs or depleting the IL32 receptor β5‐integrin on cancer cells, thereby restoring cancer cell sensitivity. Mechanistically, it is shown that YY1 signaling upregulates IL32 secretion in PCs, subsequently activating the β5‐integrin‐Src‐Akt pathway in EGFR‐mutated cancer cells, contributing to their TKI sensitivity. In animal studies, co‐injection of cancer cells with PCs compromises TKI effectiveness, independently of blood vessel functions, while inhibition of β5‐integrin restores tumor cell sensitivity. Overall, the findings highlight direct crosstalk between cancer cells and pericytes, impacting TKI sensitivity via IL32‐β5‐integrin paracrine signaling, proposing an enhanced therapeutic approach for EGFR‐mutated patients.
Boosting Coercivity of 3D Printed Hard Magnets through Nano‐Modification of the Powder Feedstock
Authors: Gabriel Philipp , Nallathambi Varatharaja , Liu Jianing , Staab Franziska , Oyedeji Timileyin David , Yang Yangyiwei , Hantke Nick , Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Recalde‐Benitez Oscar , Molina‐Luna Leopoldo , Rao Ziyuan , Gault Baptiste , Sehrt Jan T. , Scheibel Franziska , Skokov Konstantin , Xu Bai‐Xiang , Durst Karsten , Gutfleisch Oliver , Barcikowski Stephan , Ziefuss Anna Rosa
Published: October 2024

The demand for strong, compact permanent magnets essential for the energy transition drives innovation in magnet manufacturing. Additive manufacturing, particularly Powder Bed Fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF‐LB/M), offers potential for near‐net‐shaped Nd‐Fe‐B permanent magnets but often falls short compared to conventional methods. A less explored strategy to enhance these magnets is feedstock modification with nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that modifying a Nd‐Fe‐B‐based feedstock with 1 wt.% Ag nanoparticles boost the coercivity of the magnets to a record value of 935 ± 6 kA m−1 without further post‐processing or heat treatments. Suitable volumetric energy densities for the PBF‐LB/M process are determined using finite element simulations predicting melt pool behavior and part density. Microstructural analyses reveal finer grain sizes and more equiaxed nanocrystalline structures due to the modification. Atom probe tomography identifies three phases in the Ag‐modified samples, with Ag forming nanophase regions with rare‐earth elements near the amorphous Zr‐Ti‐B‐rich intergranular phase, potentially decoupling the Nd2Fe14B primary phase. The study shows that superior magnetic properties primarily result from microstructure modification rather than part density. These findings highlight inventive material design approaches via feedstock surface modification to achieve superior magnetic performance in additively manufactured Nd‐Fe‐B magnets.
Challenges and Prospects of Low‐Temperature Rechargeable Batteries: Electrolytes, Interfaces, and Electrodes
Authors: Yang Yaxuan , Zhao Lingfei , Zhang Yiyang , Yang Zhuo , Lai Wei‐Hong , Liang Yaru , Dou Shi‐Xue , Liu Min , Wang Yun‐Xiao
Published: October 2024

Rechargeable batteries have been indispensable for various portable devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage stations. The operation of rechargeable batteries at low temperatures has been challenging due to increasing electrolyte viscosity and rising electrode resistance, which lead to sluggish ion transfer and large voltage hysteresis. Advanced electrolyte design and feasible electrode engineering to achieve desirable performance at low temperatures are crucial for the practical application of rechargeable batteries. Herein, the failure mechanism of the batteries at low temperature is discussed in detail from atomic perspectives, and deep insights on the solvent–solvent, solvent–ion, and ion–ion interactions in the electrolytes at low temperatures are provided. The evolution of electrode interfaces is discussed in detail. The electrochemical reactions of the electrodes at low temperatures are elucidated, and the approaches to accelerate the internal ion diffusion kinetics of the electrodes are highlighted. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the working mechanism of low‐temperature batteries at the atomic scale to shed light on the future development of low‐temperature rechargeable batteries.
Enriched Environment Reduces Seizure Susceptibility via Entorhinal Cortex Circuit Augmented Adult Neurogenesis
Authors: Li Zhongxia , Chen Liying , Fei Fan , Wang Wenqi , Yang Lin , Wang Yu , Cheng Heming , Xu Yingwei , Xu Cenglin , Wang Shuang , Gu Yan , Han Feng , Chen Zhong , Wang Yi
Published: October 2024

Enriched environment (EE), characterized by multi‐sensory stimulation, represents a non‐invasive alternative for alleviating epileptic seizures. However, the mechanism by which EE exerts its therapeutic impact remains incompletely understood. Here, it is elucidated that EE mitigates seizure susceptibility through the augmentation of adult neurogenesis within the entorhinal cortex (EC) circuit. A substantial upregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis concomitant with a notable reduction in seizure susceptibility has been found following exposure to EE. EE‐enhanced adult‐born dentate granule cells (abDGCs) are functionally activated during seizure events. Importantly, the selective activation of abDGCs mimics the anti‐seizure effects observed with EE, while their inhibition negates these effects. Further, whole‐brain c‐Fos mapping demonstrates increased activity in DG‐projecting EC CaMKIIα+ neurons in response to EE. Crucially, EC CaMKIIα+ neurons exert bidirectional modulation over the proliferation and maturation of abDGCs that can activate local GABAergic interneurons; thus, they are essential components for the anti‐seizure effects mediated by EE. Collectively, this study provides compelling evidence regarding the circuit mechanisms underlying the effects of EE treatment on epileptic seizures, shedding light on the involvement of the EC‐DG circuit in augmenting the functionality of abDGCs. This may help for the translational application of EE for epilepsy management.
Role of Trapping in Non‐Volatility of Electrochemical Neuromorphic Organic Devices
Authors: Barbosa Henrique Frulani de Paula , Schander Andreas , Asyuda Andika , Bislich Luka , Bornemann Sarah , Lüssem Björn
Published: October 2024

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) require a better platform to reduce their energy consumption and achieve their full potential. Electrochemical devices like the Electrochemical Neuromorphic Organic Device (ENODe) stand out as a potential building block for ANNs, due to their lower energy demand, in addition to their biocompatibility and access to multiple and stable memory levels. However, the non‐volatile effect observed in these devices is not yet fully understood. Hence, here we propose a 2D drift‐diffusion model that is capable to reproduce the device behavior. The model relies on the assumption of trapping sites for cations, which are increasingly filled or emptied during subsequent pre‐synaptic pulses. The model is verified by experiments on devices with varying post‐synaptic dimensions. Overall, the results provide a framework to discuss ENODe operation and design strategies for ENODes with well‐controlled memory states.
Partial‐Oxidation Enabling Homologous Ru/RuO2 Heterostructures With Proper d‐Dand Center as Efficient and Durable Cathode Catalysts for Ultralong Cycle Life in Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Xiao Fenglong , Li Meiyan , Cui Deliang , Wang Qilong , Dang Feng , Yu Haohai , Lian Gang
Published: October 2024

The sluggish cycle kinetics is one of the major obstacles to the commercial application of Li–O2 batteries (LOBs), despite their large theoretical energy density. Efficient and long‐term durable cathode catalysts are urgently desired to strengthen their cycle stability and rate performance. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Ru/RuO2 Mott–Schottky heterostructures can manipulate the adsorption capacities of intermediates by modulating the d‐band center and redistribute interfacial charges, enabling efficient redox kinetics, reducing overpotentials, and optimizing the growth pathway of discharge products. Herein, a wet impregnation approach followed by partial oxidization of Ru nanodots to construct homologous Ru/RuO2 heterostructures as advanced cathode catalysts for boosting the electrochemical activities of LOBs is employed. They exhibit superior electrochemical performance, including high discharge specific capacity (17 120 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1), small overpotential (0.96 V), and ultralong cycle lifetime of 1209 cycles (>2400 h) at 500 mA g−1. Over 1260‐h stable cycle in air atmosphere at 500 mA g−1 demonstrates the potential application prospects of the Ru/RuO2 heterostructures in Li‐air batteries. Multiple ex/in situ measurements and theoretical calculation are conducted to investigate the optimizing mechanism of electrochemical performances.
Fertilizer nitrogen rate effects on broiler litter–fertilized corn: Grain yield and nutrient composition
Authors: Singh Rajveer , Prasad Rishi
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen (N) plays an important role in corn (Zea mays L.) production, but little is known of optimum fertilizer N rates for corn grain yield and nutrient composition when poultry manure such as broiler litter (BL) (Gallus gallus domesticus) is applied. Typically, farmers consider BL as a soil conditioner and often do not discount the N contribution from the BL application. Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 over three diverse environments across Alabama to determine the agronomic optimum nitrogen rate (AONR) for BL–fertilized dryland corn with five side dress fertilizer N rates (0, 84, 140, 196, and 252 kg N ha−1). The study utilized a yield response curve and evaluated the effect of fertilizer N rate on grain nutrient composition. BL (4.48 Mg ha−1 equivalent to 2‐ton acre−1) was applied to the study sites before planting each year. The AONRs for grain yield across these environments varied from 114 to 223 kg N ha−1 (0.013–0.027 kg of fertilizer N per kg of grain yield ha−1). The predicted grain yield at the AONRs ranged from 4.22 to 13.27 Mg ha−1. Grain N concentration increased with increasing fertilizer N rate. However, the weak to nonexistent correlation between fertilizer N and other grain nutrient elements suggests that raising the fertilizer N rate does not necessarily lead to higher nutrient levels in corn grain. Overall, these findings could be useful for developing N management guidelines for corn fields that receive BL in Alabama.
Circularity, Sustainability, and the Quality of Coffee Sold via Vending Machines: What Do Italian Consumers Prefer?
Authors: Bertossi Alberto , Troiano Stefania , Marangon Francesco
Published: October 2024

Vending is an important sector in the daily lives of many people, and coffee is the most frequently consumed product in the European market. Like many other sectors, vending is responding to the challenge of sustainable development by taking various actions, such as offering increasingly ecologically sound coffee while maintaining/improving its quality. These are factors that consumers care greatly about. Although the scientific literature on coffee is vast, few studies have focused on the vending sector. The aim of the present study was to fill this gap by performing a choice experiment in Italy to understand which attributes (sustainable or nonsustainable) Italian consumers prioritized when purchasing coffee via vending machines. The results showed that the physical quality of coffee was paramount, while sustainability (although important) played a secondary role. The circularity of cups was the least considered aspect. The data obtained for this study contribute to academic knowledge of consumer behavior regarding the purchase of sustainable coffee at vending machines and can be used as a starting point for the development of strategies in line with sustainability principles.