bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emission trading in a high dimensional context: to what extent are carbon markets integrated with the broader system?
Authors: Quatrosi Marco
Published: August 2024

The EU ETS represents the cornerstone of the EU climate policy framework. While most of the studies focus on the determinants of carbon price, this work will provide further insights into the influence of European Emission Allowance (EUA) prices on carbon dioxide trends and variables of the economic-financial-climate-environmental system considering a large set of time series. Results highlighted how CO2 appears to be more influenced by commodity prices, climate variables, and past industrial performances. Furthermore, a shock in carbon prices could potentially exert significant turbulence on the carbon dioxide series, fading in intensity as time goes by. Overall, there appears to be a net positive effect on the influence of carbon prices on the system. However, robustness checks identified how the impact of carbon price on CO2 and other variables of the model is still weak. This work sheds light on the EU ETS's influence on a set of multidimensional variables. Still, overlapping national policies appear to interfere with the EU ETS effectiveness in the EU.
Analyzing the dynamics of forest fires in Málaga province: assessing the interplay of vegetation and human influence on regional hazard trends over three decades
Authors: Moreno María Teresa González , González José María Senciales
Published: August 2024

Wildfires are a global issue, exacerbated by climate change, and are particularly significant in the Mediterranean basin. This study aims to analyze forest fire dynamics in Málaga province (Southern Spain), examine their temporal evolution, evaluate significant hazards such as vegetation and human activities, and assess the effectiveness of measures taken against forest fires. The primary objective is to identify factors that exacerbate fires and suggest mitigation strategies. The study analyzed the frequency, affected area, and casualties of forest fires over the past 30 years using data from the Andalusian Environmental Information Network (REDIAM). Vegetation flammability, generally high in the province, was evaluated by classifying plant species from the Map of Land Use and Land Cover in Andalucía (MUCVA) and comparing burned and unburned areas from 2010 to 2022. Additionally, fuel density and continuity, also notably high, were examined using REDIAM geodata. The study also assessed the implementation of the Forest Fire Fighting Plan in the Autonomous Community of Andalucía (INFOCA Plan), focusing on its spatial distribution and the “protection” provided by public administration for areas with protective designations and public forests. Finally, the effectiveness of prevention and firefighting measures in Málaga province was evaluated through an extensive literature review. The data indicates a high occurrence of fires, with three-quarters caused by human activities, and significant peaks in the affected areas. It was found that protected areas represented three-quarters of the burned area. The findings revealed that certain preventive measures were insufficient, leading to proposed improvements.
Climate Imaginaries and the Linguistic Construction of Identities on Social Media
Authors: Schwegler Carolin , Landschoff Jöran , Rommel Leyla
Published: August 2024

This article takes a linguistic approach to the construction of group identities in relation to climate imaginaries, which condition what climate futures are considered possible. It employs social identity theory along with methods from Sociolinguistics and Discourse Linguistics to analyse patterns of positioning and stance-taking in social media discourse (Twitter/X, Instagram). By identifying typical multimodal practices at a micro level, as well as introducing five functional meta categories (›awareness, advice, and agitation‹, ›ritualised appreciation‹, ›solidarity and allyship, ›voice and advocacy‹, and ›community demarcation‹), the research investigates how digital discourse reflects and shapes group identities related to climate change topics. It thereby offers insights into the role of language in co-producing climate imaginaries in digitally shared environments.
A Scale-space Approach for Surface Normal Vector Estimation from Depth Maps
Authors: Ulucan Diclehan , Ulucan Oguzhan , Ebner Marc
Published: August 2024

Surface normal vectors provide cues about the local geometric features of the scene which are utilized in many computer vision and computer graphics applications. Thus, the estimation of surface normals by utilizing structured range sensor data is an important research field. Thereupon, we propose a learning-free algorithm to estimate the surface normal vectors from depth maps. Our simple yet effective method relies on computations carried out in scale-space. Our main idea is to estimate the surface normals which cannot be properly computed in the finest scale from the coarser scales. Our method can estimate the surface normals even for images included in datasets that have challenging characteristics such as noisy real-world data or significantly large planar regions that either have a small or no gradient change. We analyze our algorithm’s performance by utilizing five benchmarks, namely, the MIT-Berkeley Intrinsic Images dataset, the New Tsukuba Dataset, the SceneNet RGB-D dataset, the IID-NORD dataset, and the NYU Depth Dataset V2, and by using two different evaluation strategies. According to the experimental results, our method can estimate surface normals efficiently without requiring neither complex computations nor huge amounts of data.
Radiocarbon dating of lipids preserved in pottery vessels: guidelines for best-practice in compound-specific 14C analyses
Authors: Casanova Emmanuelle , Knowles Timothy D J , Bayliss Alex , Evershed Richard P
Published: August 2024

Pottery vessels played a central role in the processing, storage and transport of animal and plant products by prehistoric and historic peoples with their chemical residues surviving for thousands of years. Accurate radiocarbon dating of archaeological pottery vessels by isolating reliable sources of carbon relating to the use of pots has long been a major challenge, but is now possible using compound-specific radiocarbon analysis of absorbed organic residues preserved in the ceramic fabric of the vessel wall. This method involves the radiocarbon dating of single fatty acids most commonly derived from degraded animal fats. These compounds are extracted from the ceramic matrix and isolated from potentially interfering compounds using preparative capillary gas chromatography. When coupled with lipid biomarker and compound-specific stable carbon isotope analyses, this method enables the palaeodietary and chronological information contained in archaeological lipids preserved in ceramic vessels to be interpreted together. From a practical perspective the methodology is challenging and for successful application must adhere to rigorous protocols. We present here guidelines which include (i) consideration of pottery selection, (ii) technical parameters for the isolation of fatty acids then their 14C dating and calibration, and (iii) case studies selected to illustrate the best use of this method.
Does Polarizing News Become Less Polarizing When Written by an AI?
Authors: Wischnewski Magdalena , Krämer Nicole
Published: August 2024

Abstract: In this study, we examine how readers perceive the credibility of polarizing news purportedly written by a machine. In particular, we study whether a machine attribution can decrease the polarization inflicted by the self-confirmation bias. To that end, we expect that attitude-confirming polarizing news is perceived as less credible when attributed to a machine than when attributed to a human author. We assume this is due to the lower source credibility of machines and less emotional involvement. In a preregistered online experiment, we presented N = 508 participants with a polarizing news article attributed either to a human author or a machine. The article also either confirmed or disconfirmed participants’ attitudes towards the polarizing issue. Our results show that participants did not differentiate between human and machine-attributed news. Moreover, we found no evidence that machine-attributed news affected the self-confirmation bias. However, we found that, while machine authors were perceived equally competent as human authors, they were perceived as less trustworthy. In addition, we found that the machine attribution induced less emotional involvement in terms of experienced enthusiasm but not experienced anger.
Facile assembly of flexible, stretchable and attachable symmetric microsupercapacitors with wide working voltage windows and favorable durability
Authors: Han Xiangguang , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhao Libo , Li Min , Jia Chen , Li Zhikang , Xie Jiaqi , Luo Guoxi , Yang Ping , Boukherroub Rabah , Türker Yurdanur , Özkaynak Mert Umut , Dönmez Koray Bahadır
Published: August 2024

With the increasing development of intelligent robots and wearable electronics, the demand for high-performance flexible energy storage devices is drastically increasing. In this study, flexible symmetric microsupercapacitors (MSCs) that could operate in a wide working voltage window were developed by combining laser-direct-writing graphene (LG) electrodes with a phosphoric acid-nonionic surfactant liquid crystal (PA-NI LC) gel electrolyte. To increase the flexibility and enhance the conformal ability of the MSC devices to anisotropic surfaces, after the interdigitated LG formed on the polyimide (PI) film surface, the devices were further transferred onto a flexible, stretchable and transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate; this substrate displayed favorable flexibility and mechanical characteristics in the bending test. Furthermore, the electrochemical performances of the symmetric MSCs with various electrode widths (300, 400, 500 and 600 μm) were evaluated. The findings revealed that symmetric MSC devices could operate in a large voltage range (0–1.5 V); additionally, the device with a 300 μm electrode width (MSC-300) exhibited the largest areal capacitance of 2.3 mF cm−2 at 0.07 mA cm−2 and an areal (volumetric) energy density of 0.72 μWh cm−2 (0.36 mWh cm−3) at 55.07 μW cm−2 (27.54 mW cm−3), along with favorable mechanical and cycling stability. After charging for ~20 s, two MSC-300 devices connected in series could supply energy to a calculator to operate for ~130 s, showing its practical application potential as an energy storage device. Moreover, the device displayed favorable reversibility, stability and durability. After 12 months of aging in air at room temperature, its electrochemical performance was not altered, and after charging-discharging measurements for 5000 cycles at 0.07 mA cm−2, ~93.6% of the areal capacitance was still retained; these results demonstrated its practical long-term application potential as an energy storage device.
The diagnosis of ASD with MRI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schielen Sjir J. C. , Pilmeyer Jesper , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Zinger Svitlana
Published: August 2024

While diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on an objective test is desired, the current diagnostic practice involves observation-based criteria. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that aim to diagnose ASD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main objective is to describe the state of the art of diagnosing ASD using MRI in terms of performance metrics and interpretation. Furthermore, subgroups, including different MRI modalities and statistical heterogeneity, are analyzed. Studies that dichotomously diagnose individuals with ASD and healthy controls by analyses progressing from magnetic resonance imaging obtained in a resting state were systematically selected by two independent reviewers. Studies were sought on Web of Science and PubMed, which were last accessed on February 24, 2023. The included studies were assessed on quality and risk of bias using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. A bivariate random-effects model was used for syntheses. One hundred and thirty-four studies were included comprising 159 eligible experiments. Despite the overlap in the studied samples, an estimated 4982 unique participants consisting of 2439 individuals with ASD and 2543 healthy controls were included. The pooled summary estimates of diagnostic performance are 76.0% sensitivity (95% CI 74.1–77.8), 75.7% specificity (95% CI 74.0–77.4), and an area under curve of 0.823, but uncertainty in the study assessments limits confidence. The main limitations are heterogeneity and uncertainty about the generalization of diagnostic performance. Therefore, comparisons between subgroups were considered inappropriate. Despite the current limitations, methods progressing from MRI approach the diagnostic performance needed for clinical practice. The state of the art has obstacles but shows potential for future clinical application.
A cross-over, randomised feasibility study of digitally-printed versus hand-painted artificial eyes in adults: PERSONAL-EYE-S
Authors: Woodward Amie , Coleman Elizabeth , Ronaldson Sarah , Zoltie Tim , Bartlett Paul , Wilson Laura , Archer Tom , Kawalek Jessica , Boele Florien , Chang Bernard , Kalantzis George , Theaker Mike , El-Hindy Nabil , Walshaw Emma , Gout Taras , Watson Judith
Published: August 2024

Background/objectives

Over 60,000 patients in the United Kingdom are estimated to have artificial eyes. Manufacturing and hand-painting of artificial eyes have not changed significantly since 1948. Delays and colour-matching issues may severely impact a patient’s rehabilitation pathway. Technology advances mean alternatives are now possible. This cross-over, randomised feasibility trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digitally-printed artificial eyes compared to hand-painted.

Subjects/methods

Patients aged ≥18 years who were longstanding artificial eye users requiring a replacement were randomised to receive either a hand-painted or digitally-printed eye first followed by the other type of eye. Participants were asked to approach a close contact (CC) willing to participate alongside them. A subset of participants, their CCs, and staff were interviewed about their opinions on trial procedures, artificial eyes, delivery times and satisfaction.

Results

Thirty-five participants were randomised and 10 CCs consented. Participant retention at final follow-up was 85.7%. Outcome data completion rates ranged from 91–100%. EQ-5D-5L completion ranged from 83–97%. Resource-use completion ranged from 0–94% with total costs at £347 for hand-painted and £404 for digitally-printed eye. There were two adverse events. Twelve participants, five CCs, and five staff were interviewed. There were positive and negative features of both types of eyes. We identified that social and psychological wellbeing is affected, often for many years after eye removal. Participation in the feasibility study was well accepted.

Conclusions

The feasibility study outcomes indicate that a full trial is achievable.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN85921622.
Detection of differentially methylated CpGs between tumour and adjacent benign cells in diagnostic prostate cancer samples
Authors: FitzGerald Liesel M. , Jung Chol-hee , Wong Ee Ming , Joo JiHoon E. , Bassett Julie K. , Dowty James G. , Wang Xiaoyu , Dai James Y. , Stanford Janet L. , O’Callaghan Neil , Nottle Tim , Pedersen John , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C.
Published: August 2024

Differentially methylated CpG sites (dmCpGs) that distinguish prostate tumour from adjacent benign tissue could aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. Previously, the identification of such dmCpGs has only been undertaken in radical prostatectomy (RP) samples and not primary diagnostic tumour samples (needle biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate). We interrogated an Australian dataset comprising 125 tumour and 43 adjacent histologically benign diagnostic tissue samples, including 41 paired samples, using the Infinium Human Methylation450 BeadChip. Regression analyses of paired tumour and adjacent benign samples identified 2,386 significant dmCpGs (Bonferroni p < 0.01; delta-β ≥ 40%), with LASSO regression selecting 16 dmCpGs that distinguished tumour samples in the full Australian diagnostic dataset (AUC = 0.99). Results were validated in independent North American (npaired = 19; AUC = 0.87) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; npaired = 50; AUC = 0.94) RP datasets. Two of the 16 dmCpGs were in genes that were significantly down-regulated in Australian tumour samples (Bonferroni p < 0.01; GSTM2 and PRKCB). Ten additional dmCpGs distinguished low (n = 34) and high Gleason (n = 88) score tumours in the diagnostic Australian dataset (AUC = 0.95), but these performed poorly when applied to the RP datasets (North American: AUC = 0.66; TCGA: AUC = 0.62). The DNA methylation marks identified here could augment and improve current diagnostic tests and/or form the basis of future prognostic tests.
Machine learning in diagnostic support in medical emergency departments
Authors: Brasen Claus Lohman , Andersen Eline Sandvig , Madsen Jeppe Buur , Hastrup Jens , Christensen Henry , Andersen Dorte Patuel , Lind Pia Margrethe , Mogensen Nina , Madsen Poul Henning , Christensen Anne Friesgaard , Madsen Jonna Skov , Ejlersen Ejler , Brandslund Ivan
Published: August 2024

Diagnosing patients in the medical emergency department is complex and this is expected to increase in many countries due to an ageing population. In this study we investigate the feasibility of training machine learning algorithms to assist physicians handling the complex situation in the medical emergency departments. This is expected to reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient logistics and outcome. We included a total of 9,190 consecutive patient admissions diagnosed and treated in two hospitals in this cohort study. Patients had a biochemical workup including blood and urine analyses on clinical decision totaling 260 analyses. After adding nurse-registered data we trained 19 machine learning algorithms on a random 80% sample of the patients and validated the results on the remaining 20%. We trained algorithms for 19 different patient outcomes including the main outcomes death in 7 (Area under the Curve (AUC) 91.4%) and 30 days (AUC 91.3%) and safe-discharge(AUC 87.3%). The various algorithms obtained areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristics -curves in the range of 71.8–96.3% in the holdout cohort (68.3–98.2% in the training cohort). Performing this list of biochemical analyses at admission also reduced the number of subsequent venipunctures within 24 h from patient admittance by 22%. We have shown that it is possible to develop a list of machine-learning algorithms with high AUC for use in medical emergency departments. Moreover, the study showed that it is possible to reduce the number of venipunctures in this cohort.
Inhalational anaesthetic agent consumption within a multidisciplinary veterinary teaching hospital: an environmental audit
Authors: Elzahaby Dany , Mirra Alessandro , Levionnois Olivier Louis , Spadavecchia Claudia
Published: August 2024

Inhalational anaesthetic agents are routinely used in veterinary anaesthesia practices, yet their consumption contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. We conducted a 55-day observational study at a veterinary teaching hospital in Switzerland, monitoring isoflurane and sevoflurane consumption across small, equine and farm animal clinics and analysed the resulting environmental impact. Results revealed that in total, 9.36 L of isoflurane and 1.27 L of sevoflurane were used to anaesthetise 409 animals across 1,489 h. Consumption rates varied among species, with small and farm animals ranging between 8.7 and 13 mL/h, while equine anaesthesia exhibited a higher rate, 41.2 mL/h. Corresponding to 7.36 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in total environmental emissions or between 2.4 and 31.3 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per hour. Comparison to human anaesthesia settings showed comparable consumption rates to small animals, suggesting shared environmental implications, albeit on a smaller scale. This research highlights the importance of continued evaluation of veterinary anaesthesia practices to balance patient safety with environmental stewardship; potential mitigation strategies are explored and discussed.
Optimisation of acid hydrolysis conditions of choline esters and mass spectrometric determination of total choline in various foods
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshinari , Fujita Kazuhiro , Katayama Masako , Yokozeki Toshiaki , Takahashi Yushi , Yoshida Izumi , Nakagawa Kiyotaka
Published: August 2024

Determining the content of the nutrient choline in foods and obtaining the required amount from the diet are crucial. One way to measure choline in foods is by converting choline esters to free choline via acid hydrolysis, followed by quantifying the total choline, as adopted by the AOAC method (AOAC-Choline); however, certain choline esters are difficult to hydrolyse. Here, we investigated various acid hydrolysis conditions to establish a reliable method for determining the total choline in foods by detecting free choline using highly sensitive and selective mass spectrometry. Hydrolysis in 0.055 mol/L HCl for 8 h in an autoclave (121 °C) was found to be optimal for the hydrolysis of choline esters in various foods. Twenty-four foods, including grains, seed, vegetables, fruits, mushroom, algae, fish, meats, beverage, processed foods, and egg, were measured. The trends in the total choline content were consistent with previous reports; however, the choline content was 10–20% higher than that measured using AOAC-Choline. Therefore, re-evaluation of the total choline content in foods using our constructed method is recommended. This reassessment will allow for a more reliable determination of choline intake for maintaining health.
Eye tracking insights into physician behaviour with safe and unsafe explainable AI recommendations
Authors: Nagendran Myura , Festor Paul , Komorowski Matthieu , Gordon Anthony C. , Faisal Aldo A.
Published: August 2024

We studied clinical AI-supported decision-making as an example of a high-stakes setting in which explainable AI (XAI) has been proposed as useful (by theoretically providing physicians with context for the AI suggestion and thereby helping them to reject unsafe AI recommendations). Here, we used objective neurobehavioural measures (eye-tracking) to see how physicians respond to XAI with N = 19 ICU physicians in a hospital’s clinical simulation suite. Prescription decisions were made both pre- and post-reveal of either a safe or unsafe AI recommendation and four different types of simultaneously presented XAI. We used overt visual attention as a marker for where physician mental attention was directed during the simulations. Unsafe AI recommendations attracted significantly greater attention than safe AI recommendations. However, there was no appreciably higher level of attention placed onto any of the four types of explanation during unsafe AI scenarios (i.e. XAI did not appear to ‘rescue’ decision-makers). Furthermore, self-reported usefulness of explanations by physicians did not correlate with the level of attention they devoted to the explanations reinforcing the notion that using self-reports alone to evaluate XAI tools misses key aspects of the interaction behaviour between human and machine.
Differentially localized protein identification for breast cancer based on deep learning in immunohistochemical images
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Fu Lei , Yun Bei , Wang Xu , Wang Xiaoxi , Wu Yifan , Lv Junjie , Chen Lina , Li Wan
Published: August 2024

The mislocalization of proteins leads to breast cancer, one of the world’s most prevalent cancers, which can be identified from immunohistochemical images. Here, based on the deep learning framework, location prediction models were constructed using the features of breast immunohistochemical images. Ultimately, six differentially localized proteins that with stable differentially predictive localization, maximum localization differences, and whose predicted results are not affected by removing a single image are obtained (CCNT1, NSUN5, PRPF4, RECQL4, UTP6, ZNF500). Further verification reveals that these proteins are not differentially expressed, but are closely associated with breast cancer and have great classification performance. Potential mechanism analysis shows that their co-expressed or co-located proteins and RNAs may affect their localization, leading to changes in interactions and functions that further causes breast cancer. They have the potential to help shed light on the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and provide assistance for its early diagnosis and treatment.
Key phosphorylation sites for robust β-arrestin2 binding at the MOR revisited
Authors: Underwood Owen , Fritzwanker Sebastian , Glenn Jaqueline , Blum Nina Kathleen , Batista-Gondin Arisbel , Drube Julia , Hoffmann Carsten , Briddon Stephen J. , Schulz Stefan , Canals Meritxell
Published: August 2024

Desensitisation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is proposed to underlie the initiation of opioid analgesic tolerance and previous work has shown that agonist-induced phosphorylation of the MOR C-tail contributes to this desensitisation. Moreover, phosphorylation is important for β-arrestin recruitment to the receptor, and ligands of different efficacies induce distinct phosphorylation barcodes. The C-tail 370TREHPSTANT379 motif harbours Ser/Thr residues important for these regulatory functions. 375Ser is the primary phosphorylation site of a ligand-dependent, hierarchical, and sequential process, whereby flanking 370Thr, 376Thr and 379Thr get subsequently and rapidly phosphorylated. Here we used GRK KO cells, phosphosite specific antibodies and site-directed mutagenesis to evaluate the contribution of the different GRK subfamilies to ligand-induced phosphorylation barcodes and β-arrestin2 recruitment. We show that both GRK2/3 and GRK5/6 subfamilies promote phosphorylation of 370Thr and 375Ser. Importantly, only GRK2/3 induce phosphorylation of 376Thr and 379Thr, and we identify these residues as key sites to promote robust β-arrestin recruitment to the MOR. These data provide insight into the mechanisms of MOR regulation and suggest that the cellular complement of GRK subfamilies plays an important role in determining the tissue responses of opioid agonists.
Anomalous quantum transport in fractal lattices
Authors: Rojo-Francàs Abel , Pansari Priyanshu , Bhattacharya Utso , Juliá-Díaz Bruno , Grass Tobias
Published: August 2024

Fractal lattices are self-similar structures with repeated patterns on different scales. Quantum transport through such structures is subtle due to the possible co-existence of localized and extended states. Here, we study the dynamical properties of two fractal lattices, the Sierpiński gasket and the Sierpiński carpet. While the gasket exhibits sub-diffusive behavior, sub-ballistic transport occurs in the carpet. We show that the different dynamical behavior is in line with qualitative differences of the systems’ spectral properties. Specifically, in contrast to the Sierpiński carpet, the Sierpiński gasket exhibits an inverse power-law behavior of the level spacing distribution. As a possible technological application, we discuss a memory effect in the Sierpiński gasket which allows to read off the phase information of an initial state from the spatial distribution after long evolution times. We also show that interpolating between fractal and regular lattices allows for flexible tuning between different transport regimes.
Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTW) for Sustainable Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sahreen Sania , Mukhtar Hamid
Published: August 2024

Water pollution is continuously on the rise due to industrialization, rapid urbanization, agricultural activities, and global economic development. Developing countries directly discharge 80% of their untreated water, including industrial effluents, into water bodies without prior treatment. Finding a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for industrial wastewater treatment remains a challenge. Floating treatment wetlands (FTW) offer an effective and sustainable technology for water treatment. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of FTW as a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment. The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of sustainable industrial wastewater treatment and introduces FTW as a viable approach. Next, FTW classification, principal components, and basic structural and design considerations are discussed in detail. The chapter further addresses the significance and working mechanism of plant–bacteria partnership in wastewater treatment as crucial aspects of FTW. Additionally, FTW as sustainable industrial wastewater management tools are also discussed through supporting case studies. Lastly, care, maintenance, and associated challenges in FTW implementation for wastewater treatment and enhancement strategies to overcome these challenges were briefed. In conclusion, FTW present a valuable opportunity for transforming industrial wastewater treatment into a more ecologically balanced and sustainable practice.
Materials evaluation using cell-sized liposomes
Authors: Yoda Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2024

This review introduces various studies on cell-sized liposomes, which facilitate observation for the rapid detection and analysis of diverse materials based on their size, dynamic shape changes, and phase separation, providing valuable insights.
In vitro dioxygenase activity characterization using headspace stir bar sorptive extraction (HSSE)
Authors: Morote Lucía , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes , López-Jimenez Alberto , Ahrazem Oussama , Rubio-Moraga Ángela
Published: August 2024

An analytical approach employing headspace sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSSE-GC-MS) has been developed for the determination of the enzymatic activity of carotenoid cleavage enzymes (CCDs).
Synthesis of polysubstituted pyridazines via Cu-mediated C(sp3)–C(sp3) coupling/annulation of saturated ketones with acylhydrazones
Authors: Zhou Honggui , Li Zhefeng , Chen Juehong , Zhou Si , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Linwei , Chen Jiuxi , Lv Ningning
Published: August 2024

A Cu-mediated C(sp3)–C(sp3) coupling/cyclization sequences of unactivated ketones and acylhydrazones is reported for the expeditious construction of 3,4,6-trisubstituted and 3,5-disubstituted pyridazines.
Highly active chromium-based selective ethylene tri-/tetramerization catalysts supported by alkenylphosphanyl PNP ligands
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zuo Jing , Xie Haojie , Zhao Xing , Zhao Mei-Xin , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2024

A series of novel diphosphinoamine (PNP) ligands bearing a P-alkenyl group were synthesized and applied in chromium-catalyzed selective ethylene tri-/tetramerization, most of which are highly active with considerable selectivities.
Mechanistic elucidation of O2 production from tBuOOH in water using the Mn(ii) catalyst [Mn2(mcbpen)2(H2O)2]2+: a DFT study
Authors: Ariafard Alireza , Longhurst Matthew , Swiegers Gerhard F. , Stranger Robert
Published: August 2024

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to explore the mechanistic details of O2 generation from tBuOOH, using H218O as the solvent, in the presence of the binuclear Mn(ii) catalyst [Mn2(mcbpen)2(H2O)2]2+.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates in emerging recycling technologies for a circular materials economy
Authors: Clarke Ryan W. , Rosetto Gloria , Uekert Taylor , Curley Julia B. , Moon Hyunjin , Knott Brandon C. , McGeehan John E. , Knauer Katrina M.
Published: August 2024

This paper discusses the scale-up feasibility and industrial adoption of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), emphasizing the need to link PHA development with recycling technologies and highlighting strategies for designing PHAs for closed-loop recycling.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of madecassic acid–silybin conjugate compounds in liver cancer cells
Authors: Tran Chien Van , Tran Thao Thi Phuong , Nguyen Anh The , Tran Loc Van , Pham Ninh Thi , Nguyen Luu Thi , Nguyen Dung Thi , Garrett Michelle D. , Nguyen Nga Thi , Do Thao Thi , Serpell Christopher J. , Tran Sung Van
Published: August 2024

Madecassic acid and silybin have been conjoined to produce hybrid compounds with improved and different activity against liver cancer cells.
Predicting the mechanical properties of pristine and defective carbon nanotubes using a random forest model
Authors: Ibn Malek Ihtesham , Sarkar Koushik , Zubair Ahmed
Published: August 2024

A dataset of mechanical properties of pristine and defective carbon nanotubes was created by molecular dynamics simulation. A random forest model was trained, which is capable of predicting mechanical properties outside of the training dataset.
Adducts of a sterically hindered tellurium(iv) catecholate with diimines
Authors: Petrov Pavel A. , Filippova Elizaveta A. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Sheven Dmitriy G. , Novikov Alexander S.
Published: August 2024

The structures of sterically hindered tellurium(iv) 3,6-di-tert-butyl-catecholate Te(Cat36)2 and its adducts with various diimines were studied; the estimated strength of non-covalent interactions in the adducts is 0.6 to 5.6 kcal mol−1.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: August 2024

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as nitidane from Heteromurus nitidus.
Titanium in photocatalytic organic transformations: current applications and future developments
Authors: Tu Jia-Lin , Huang Binbin
Published: August 2024

This review focuses on the latest achievements made in titanium-involved photocatalytic organic transformations, aiming to provide references for further research and technological innovation within this fast-developing field.
Synthesis of indolyl pyrroloindolines via a cascade arylation/cyclization of indole acetamides with 3-substituted indoles
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Shuai , Zhang Si-Yi , Jiang Dong-Xiao , Chen Jinjin , Wang Zhen , Zeng Yao-Fu
Published: August 2024

A novel TEA-mediated cascade arylation/cyclization reaction between indole acetamides and 3-substituted indoles for the synthesis of various indolyl pyrroloindolines has been developed.
DDQ catalyzed oxidative lactonization of indole-3-butyric acids
Authors: Nixarlidis Christos , Chisholm John D.
Published: August 2024

Indole-3-butyric acids can be oxidized to lactones via 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) catalysis with MnO2 as the stoichiometric oxidant.
Propane dehydrogenation on an extra-framework and framework-embedded metal site within ZSM-5 zeolite from first-principles microkinetic simulations
Authors: Du Yujue , Hu Wende , Chen Yunlei , Wang Chuanming , Yang Weimin
Published: August 2024

The Lewis acid sites in ZSM-5 zeolite involving Co, Ni, and Cu cations were computationally studied on the stability and the PDH catalytic activity.
The role of copolymers towards key materials in electrochemical supercapacitors: a review
Authors: Yin Song , Bai Xiaojie , Jiang Di , Liao Libing , Liu Hao
Published: August 2024

This review provides recent advances about roles of copolymers towards key materials in supercapacitors, such as electrodes, electrolytes, and binders, focusing on the effects of preparation methods, material selections, and structural design.
2D metal–organic framework derived ultra-thin nitrogen-doped oxygen rich porous carbon nanosheets for zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Han Yu , Zhang Chiyu , Chen Kai-Jie , Wang Teng
Published: August 2024

2D MOF derived ultra-thin carbon nanosheets with high reactivity, super-hydrophilicity and hierarchical porosity are prepared. The corresponding Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor delivers exceptional energy storage capability with long cycling stability.
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist eplerenone and MR modulator balcinrenone prevent renal extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation via the MR/proteoglycan/TLR4 pathway
Authors: Palacios-Ramirez Roberto , Soulié Matthieu , Fernandez-Celis Amaya , Nakamura Toshifumi , Boujardine Nabiha , Bonnard Benjamin , Bamberg Krister , Lopez-Andres Natalia , Jaisser Frederic
Published: August 2024

Excessive activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is implicated in cardiovascular and renal disease. Decreasing MR activation with MR antagonists (MRA) is effective to slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and its cardiovascular comorbidities in animal models and patients. The present study evaluates the effects of the MR modulator balcinrenone and the MRA eplerenone on kidney damage in a metabolic CKD mouse model combining nephron reduction and a 60% high-fat diet. Balcinrenone and eplerenone prevented the progression of renal damages, extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation to a similar extent. We identified a novel mechanism linking MR activation to the renal proteoglycan deposition and inflammation via the TLR4 pathway activation. Balcinrenone and eplerenone similarly blunted this pathway activation.
Candesartan restores blood–brain barrier dysfunction, mitigates aberrant gene expression, and extends lifespan in a knockin mouse model of epileptogenesis
Authors: Hammer Michael F. , Bahramnejad Erfan , Watkins Joseph C. , Ronaldson Patrick T.
Published: August 2024

Blockade of Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) has potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of numerous detrimental consequences of epileptogenesis, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. We have recently shown that many of these pathological processes play a critical role in seizure onset and propagation in the Scn8a-N1768D mouse model. Here we investigate the efficacy and potential mechanism(s) of action of candesartan (CND), an FDA-approved angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for hypertension, in improving outcomes in this model of pediatric epilepsy. We compared length of lifespan, seizure frequency, and BBB permeability in juvenile (D/D) and adult (D/+) mice treated with CND at times after seizure onset. We performed RNAseq on hippocampal tissue to quantify differences in genome-wide patterns of transcript abundance and inferred beneficial and detrimental effects of canonical pathways identified by enrichment methods in untreated and treated mice. Our results demonstrate that treatment with CND gives rise to increased survival, longer periods of seizure freedom, and diminished BBB permeability. CND treatment also partially reversed or ‘normalized’ disease-induced genome-wide gene expression profiles associated with inhibition of NF-κB, TNFα, IL-6, and TGF-β signaling in juvenile and adult mice. Pathway analyses reveal that efficacy of CND is due to its known dual mechanism of action as both an AT1R antagonist and a PPARγ agonist. The robust effectiveness of CND across ages, sexes and mouse strains is a positive indication for its translation to humans and its suitability of use for clinical trials in children with SCN8A epilepsy.
A fast-filament eruption observed in the Hα spectral line
Authors: Cabezas Denis P. , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , Asai Ayumi , UeNo Satoru , Morita Satoshi , Otsuji Ken-ichi , Shibata Kazunari
Published: August 2024

Context. Solar filament eruptions usually appear to occur in association with the sudden explosive release of magnetic energy accumulated in long-lived arched magnetic structures. The released energy occasionally drives fast-filament eruptions that can be the source regions of coronal mass ejections. A quantitative analysis of high-speed filament eruptions is thus essential to help elucidate the formation and early acceleration of coronal mass ejections.

Aims. The goal of this paper is to investigate the dynamic processes of a fast-filament eruption by using unprecedented high-resolution full-disk Hα imaging spectroscopy observations.

Methods. The whole process of the eruption was captured in a wide spectral window of the Hα line (±9.0 Å), which allowed for the detection of highly Doppler-shifted plasma. By applying the “cloud model” and obtaining two-dimensional optical thickness spectra, we derived the Doppler velocity; the true eruption profiles (height, velocity, and acceleration); and the trajectory of the filament eruption in 3D space.

Results. The Doppler velocity maps show that the filament was predominantly blueshifted. During the main and final process of the eruption, strongly blueshifted materials manifest, traveling with velocities exceeding 250 km s−1. The spectral analysis further revealed that the erupting filament is made of multiple components, some of which were Doppler-shifted approximately to −300 km s−1. We found that the filament eruption attains a maximum true velocity and acceleration of about 600 km s−1 and 2.5 km s−2, respectively, and its propagation direction deviates from the radial direction. On the other hand, downflows manifested as redshifted plasma close to the footpoints of the erupting filament move with velocities of 45–125 km s−1. We interpret these redshifted signatures as draining material and therefore as mass loss of the filament, which has implications for the dynamic and the acceleration process of the eruption. Furthermore, we have estimated the total mass of the Hα filament, resulting in ∼5.4 × 1015 g.
Analysis of industry 4.0 applications for Turkish agriculture
Authors: Temimhan Damla , Ekinci Esra , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: August 2024

This article presents analysis of industry 4.0 applications for the Turkish agriculture sector. Applications were picked and explained. However industry 4.0 applications were explained in the literature, there are not adequate studies indicate the relationship and impact of the technologies on the agriculture sector. Also to adapt these applications, most related and solution oriented applications needs to be picked by decision makers. Study aims to evaluate and scale alternatives using interpretive structural modelling method of Multicriteria Decision Aiding. Experts are reviewed the correlation between technologies to consider and apply ISM method. The By applying this method ordering and convenient applications will be ranked and review could be interpreted in simple way.
Application of mathematical models and hierarchical relationships method of residential properties valuation in Bulgaria
Authors: Iliychovski Svetoslav , Filipova Teodora , Petrova Mariana
Published: August 2024

Green Deal and achieving its objectives require changes in the development of the construction and real estate operations sectors. There are many reasons, such as the depletion of natural resources, the transition to a circular economy, decarbonization, and the new tax policies. The transition to ecological construction with minimal energy losses and pollution also means higher construction prices. This goal requires compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This would lead not only to a review of the strategies that companies develop but also to a change in their valuation as a whole and the valuation of individual assets. Therefore, there is a constant need to search for opportunities to improve and obtain more accurate and reliable options in the field of business valuation theory in Bulgarian practice. The relationship, the dependence between the prices of residential properties and the factors that influence them, can be presented in mathematical models, and based on them, an indicative value can be derived.
Next-generation innovation: Food security modeling for positive social effects
Authors: Ganushchak Tetiana , Sova Olena , Oviechkina Olena , Olasiuk Hanna
Published: August 2024

The purpose of the study is to offer recommendations for the sustainable growth of food industry enterprises by employing mathematical modeling, aiming to achieve a beneficial social impact during the technological innovations’ era. The article is dedicated to investigating the process of food security at enterprises using digital solutions, taking into account the social tasks. The practical aspect of dairy industry development and the innovative direction of food safety management in several countries worldwide are identified. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the following aspects: further development of the categorical framework of food security of enterprises, considering the fluidity of time, exogenous and endogenous influencing factors, application of legal and financial prevention measures, consideration of social influencing factors and digital innovations, as well as the integration of logistics, environmental marketing, and digital marketing in the food industry. The paper’s practical significance is the forecast of the development of food security for enterprises, enabling timely measures to improve the food industry performance while considering digital innovations and socio-economic needs. Innovative research on food security opens up opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange among different socio-cultural groups, fostering the strengthening of social capital and the building of long-term interactions that promote tolerance and mutual understanding that addresses the needs of modern society.
Circular food waste management in Türkiye to stay within planetary boundaries
Authors: Maçin Kadriye Elif
Published: August 2024

Today 1/3 of the food is wasted and almost 10% of the world is hungry. The agricultural sector generates 62.2 million food waste, while households generate 17.7 million and farms generate 198.9 million in Türkiye. The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts and circularity of various food waste management scenarios in Türkiye, and to compare the results with planetary boundaries (PBs). Four scenarios were created, which included anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration, and landfill. The circularity of the food waste was identified by the distribution of nutrients (N,P) back into the soil during land application. To identify and compare environmental impacts, the LCIA- based PBs methodology was used. The results reveal that the PB limits for circularity can be met with the nutrients found in household food waste in all four scenarios. However, waste from agriculture and farms can only meet the PB limits with an anaerobic digestion and composting. The environmental impact category results for food waste management scenarios were within the PBs limits. To maintain planetary boundaries with a circular food waste management in Turkiye AD is the most preferred option. In future studies, it is important to consider how diet change and technology in the supply chain affect PBs.
Impact of railway infrastructure on sustainable development of regions
Authors: Galushko Olena , Kovalenko-Marchenkova Yevheniia , Chernova Nataliia , Kasadzhyk Andrii , Gechbaia Badri
Published: August 2024

The study of the impact of railway infrastructure development on the sustainable development of regions is relevant for many reasons and requires additional attention. Firstly, the railway infrastructure is a crucial element of the transport system, providing communication between different regions and contributing to economic development. Secondly, the development of the railway infrastructure can improve the accessibility of the regions, which can lead to an increase in the tourist flow and trade volumes. Thirdly, the development of railway infrastructure can contribute to reducing environmental pollution, as it is a more environmentally friendly form of transport than automobile or aviation. The scientific novelty lies in using PESTE analysis to study the impact of railway infrastructure on the sustainable development of regions and in the combination of PESTE-factors with identifying opportunities and threats to regional development for each factor. General scientific and unique methods are used: analysis, synthesis, tabular-graphic, theoretical generalization and abstract-logical. Carried-out research on the railway’s infrastructure impact on the sustainable development of regions helps to determine the most effective strategies for transport system development, environmental management and regional economy.