bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Acacia Biochar and Irrigation Scheme on Teff Production for Dry Season in Highland of Ethiopia
Authors: Ono Marcelo Takeda , Yasin Milkiyas Ahmed , Meselu Desalew Fentie , Kohira Yudai , Legesse Solomon Addisu , Abune Berhanu Belay , Sato Shinjiro
Published: December 2024

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is one of the essential cereal crops grown mainly in rainy season and barely grown in dry season, but has the lowest yield compared to other cereal crops such as wheat and barley in Ethiopia. High prices and scarcity of fertilizers challenge farmers in teff production. Nitisols in tropical Ethiopia have a characteristic of low fertility and high acidity causing low crop productivity, which require application of organic amendment to bring chemical and physical soil properties at levels to achieve a good crop productivity, which could contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different application rates of acacia biochar (ACB) under two different irrigation schemes on soil nitrogen and water dynamics and teff production. Biochar application rates were 0, 5, and 20 t ha–1 (0ACB, 5ACB, and 20ACB, respectively) and irrigation schemes were 75% and 100% of water requirement (I1 and I2, respectively) by teff according to farmers’ practice. Soil pH with 20ACB at 10 cm soil depth was significantly increased in the beginning of growing season. ACB application and irrigation schemes did not significantly affect soil NH4+-N and NO3--N at both 10 and 30 cm depths throughout growing season. Soil water content limited by dry growing season in this experiment may be critical and underrated for effective amelioration of soil acidity and plant nutrient improvement by biochar application. Under both irrigation schemes, 20ABC-I1 and 20ABC-I2 presented higher teff dry biomass (22-23% and 21-30%, respectively) and plant height (9.4-9.8% and 13.2-14.7%, respectively) than those with 0ACB and 5ACB, respectively, however only under I2 irrigation scheme it was significant. This study showed that the combination of different irrigation schemes combined with biochar application had somewhat positive impacts on teff biomass production. However, limited amount of water supplied from irrigation particularly during dry season may mask such effects of biochar on crop growth by limiting interaction of biochar with soil particles compared to wet season. This combination should contribute and stimulate crop production and efficiency of water usage. However, particularly in highland of Ethiopia, to avoid grain loss by rainfall, it is recommended to start growing period early with sowing in December for dry season. Further studies with long-term biochar application and different window of sowing time are necessary for better understanding of such practices.
Bioconversion of Food Wastes and By-products to Value-added Products: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kanchan  , Singh Archana , Parihar Vibha , Sadhvi
Published: December 2024

Food processing industries are considered to be rapidly expanding sectors due to the increase in the need for food to prevent hunger and the need for nourishing food to support the development of a healthy country. Nowadays, around one-third of the fresh crop is squandered during the food processing chain and is dumped in landfills and the ocean. According to an FAO report, 805 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, yet in 2020, the globe threw away 126 million tons of food waste. High amounts of waste and by products are produced during the manufacturing and processing of food in developing nations, which has a detrimental effect on the environment and is very expensive. It is crucial to turn these food wastes and byproducts into value-added goods for social, environmental, and economic reasons. The 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—should be adhered to in order to address the problem of food waste in the food sector. Nonetheless, there is a good chance that these biomaterials will be used to create food additives, reducing poverty and malnutrition in the underdeveloped nations where they are generated. Beneficial substances including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, micronutrients, bioactive substances, and dietary fibers can be found in abundance in many of these biomaterials. First, this overview provides brief information on the production of different types of wastes from different processing sectors. Second, the several strategies for managing food waste sustainably as well as the difficulties in implementing these strategies are covered in length here. This review, is an assortment of information pertaining to the recovery of several value-added byproducts, such as biofuel generation, dietary fibers, phytochemicals, bio-preservatives, colorants, and bioactive compounds.
Assessing Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Improved Growth Rates and Nutrient Uptake in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
Authors: Kumar Pittala Manoj , Sindhu P.V. , Beena C.
Published: December 2024

With the increasing demand for stevia as a natural sweetener among health-conscious diabetics, a field trial was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy farm, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth rates and nutrient uptake of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). The experiment followed a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with two factors: manure (no manure, vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-¹, and farmyard manure at 5 t ha-¹) and NPK levels (20:10:10, 40:20:20, and 60:30:30 kg ha-¹). The highest crop growth rate (CGR) was observed with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-¹, particularly at the 30-45 DAP stage. Relative growth rate (RGR) was significantly influenced only during the first growth period, with the highest RGR observed under FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-¹. Pooled mean nitrogen and phosphorus uptake was highest with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹, and higher potassium uptake was with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-¹ among manures The highest NPK uptake was obtained with 60:30:30 NPK kg ha⁻¹ among NPK levels. In conclusion, the combined application of FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and NPK @ 60:30:30 kg ha-¹ resulted in better growth performance and nutrient absorption by stevia.
Study of Estimation of Hardness of Water Using pH-Meter
Authors: Mallick Abhijit
Published: December 2024

The hardness of water is one of the important parameters of water quality. The complexometric titration method is a prevalent technique to estimate concentrations of  and  ions individually, which are primarily responsible for the hardness of water. However, the method needs two external indicators to mark the end points of titrations. Furthermore, accuracy of the method is sacrificed due to inevitable parallax errors during marking of the endpoint of titration.
This present work reports that during titration of a hard water sample with a complexing agent (here,  solution),  changes continuously. This change in  is closely monitored and recorded graphically. Hence the endpoint of titration is determined. The neutralization volume, thus obtained, is used to estimate  and  hardness of the water sample separately. This novel technique obviates the use of any external indicators and eliminates any possible parallax error.
The Power of Millets-transforming Bakery Products with a Revolutionary Approach to Nutrition: A Review
Authors: Ikade Avishkar R. , Kamble Kailash , Kad Vikram P. , Salve Vilas , Shelke Ganesh , Shaniware Yogesh A.
Published: December 2024

Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards healthier food choices, prompting the food industry to develop nutritious alternatives to traditional snacks. Functional foods, offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition, are gaining popularity. Millets, resilient small-seeded grasses, have emerged as a promising ingredient due to their nutritional richness and adaptability. India, a leading producer of millets, has been promoting their cultivation and consumption to enhance food security and combat malnutrition. Millets are rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, and are gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with specific dietary needs. Their incorporation into baked goods, enhances the nutritional profile and offers a healthier snack option. This article highlights the growing attention toward millets as a sustainable alternative for nutritional enhancement in bakery products. It reviews the incorporation of millets into commonly consumed bakery products, including cookies, bread, and cakes. The review reveals that millet-enriched bakery products exhibit improved nutritional profiles, notably higher fiber, protein, and mineral content. This exploration into millet-based products underscores their potential in promoting health and food security, aligning with modern consumer demands.
Translation of genome to glycome: role of the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Pothukuchi Prathyush , Agliarulo Ilenia , Russo Domenico , Rizzo Riccardo , Russo Francesco , Parashuraman Seetharaman
Published: July 2019

Glycans are one of the four biopolymers of the cell and they play important roles in cellular and organismal physiology. They consist of both linear and branched structures and are synthesized in a nontemplated manner in the secretory pathway of mammalian cells with the Golgi apparatus playing a key role in the process. In spite of the absence of a template, the glycans synthesized by a cell are not a random collection of possible glycan structures but a distribution of specific glycans in defined quantities that is unique to each cell type (Cell type here refers to distinct cell forms present in an organism that can be distinguished based on morphological, phenotypic and/or molecular criteria.) While information to produce cell type‐specific glycans is encoded in the genome, how this information is translated into cell type‐specific glycome (Glycome refers to the quantitative distribution of all glycan structures present in a given cell type.) is not completely understood. We summarize here the factors that are known to influence the fidelity of glycan biosynthesis and integrate them into known glycosylation pathways so as to rationalize the translation of genetic information to cell type‐specific glycome.
Global changes in chromatin accessibility and transcription following ATRX inactivation in human cancer cells
Authors: Liang Junbo , Liu Hongchao , Li Guangyu , Qian Jun , Gao Ran , Zhou Yanchi , Wang Xiaoyue
Published: July 2019

α‐Tthalassemia mental retardation X‐linked (ATRX) is a chromatin remodeler frequently mutated in many cancers. Despite the binding pattern of ATRX in heterochromatin, ATRX‐mediated epigenomic changes in cancer cells have not been profiled, especially for the heterochromatin regions. Here, we profiled genome‐wide maps of chromatin accessibility in ATRX‐intact and ATRX‐null human cancer cells. We found extensive changes in chromatin accessibility in both repetitive DNA regions and non‐repetitive regulatory regions following ATRX loss. These changes are highly correlated with changes in transcription, which lead to alterations in cancer‐related signalling pathways, such as upregulation of the TGF‐β pathway and downregulation of the cadherin family of proteins. These findings indicate that ATRX deficiency induces epigenomic changes and promotes tumorigenesis through both genome instability and shifts in transcription.
Biochemical characterization of archaeal homocitrate synthase from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Suzuki Tomohiro , Akiyama Nagisa , Yoshida Ayako , Tomita Takeo , Lassak Kerstin , Haurat Maria Florencia , Okada Takuya , Takahashi Kento , Albers Sonja‐Verena , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Nishiyama Makoto
Published: July 2019

The hyperthermophilic archaeon, Sulfolobus, synthesizes lysine via the α‐aminoadipate pathway; however, the gene encoding homocitrate synthase, the enzyme responsible for the first and committed step of the pathway, has not yet been identified. In the present study, we identified saci_1304 as the gene encoding a novel type of homocitrate synthase fused with a Regulation of Amino acid Metabolism (RAM) domain at the C terminus in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Enzymatic characterization revealed that Sulfolobus homocitrate synthase was inhibited by lysine; however, the mutant enzyme lacking the RAM domain was insensitive to inhibition by lysine. The present results indicated that the RAM domain is responsible for enzyme inhibition.
Evolution of Bioengineered Lung Models: Recent Advances and Challenges in Tissue Mimicry for Studying the Role of Mechanical Forces in Cell Biology
Authors: Doryab Ali , Tas Sinem , Taskin Mehmet Berat , Yang Lin , Hilgendorff Anne , Groll Jürgen , Wagner Darcy E. , Schmid Otmar
Published: July 2019

Mechanical stretch under both physiological (breathing) and pathophysiological (ventilator‐induced) conditions is known to significantly impact all cellular compartments in the lung, thereby playing a pivotal role in lung growth, regeneration and disease development. In order to evaluate the impact of mechanical forces on the cellular level, in vitro models using lung cells on stretchable membranes have been developed. Only recently have some of these cell‐stretching devices become suitable for air–liquid interface cell cultures, which is required to adequately model physiological conditions for the alveolar epithelium. To reach this goal, a multi‐functional membrane for cell growth balancing biophysical and mechanical properties is critical to mimic (patho)physiological conditions. In this review, i) the relevance of cyclic mechanical forces in lung biology is elucidated, ii) the physiological range for the key parameters of tissue stretch in the lung is described, and iii) the currently available in vitro cell‐stretching devices are discussed. After assessing various polymers, it is concluded that natural‐synthetic copolymers are promising candidates for suitable stretchable membranes used in cell‐stretching models. This work provides guidance on future developments in biomimetic in vitro models of the lung with the potential to function as a template for other organ models (e.g., skin, vessels).
Bioinspired Liposomes for Oral Delivery of Colistin to Combat Intracellular Infections by Salmonella enterica
Authors: Menina Sara , Eisenbeis Janina , Kamal Mohamed Ashraf M. , Koch Marcus , Bischoff Markus , Gordon Sarah , Loretz Brigitta , Lehr Claus‐Michael
Published: July 2019

Bacterial invasion into eukaryotic cells and the establishment of intracellular infection has proven to be an effective means of resisting antibiotic action, as anti‐infective agents commonly exhibit a poor permeability across the host cell membrane. Encapsulation of anti‐infectives into nanoscaled delivery systems, such as liposomes, is shown to result in an enhancement of intracellular delivery. The aim of the current work is, therefore, to formulate colistin, a poorly permeable anti‐infective, into liposomes suitable for oral delivery, and to functionalize these carriers with a bacteria‐derived invasive moiety to enhance their intracellular delivery. Different combinations of phospholipids and cholesterol are explored to optimize liposomal drug encapsulation and stability in biorelevant media. These liposomes are then surface‐functionalized with extracellular adherence protein (Eap), derived from Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment of HEp‐2 and Caco‐2 cells infected with Salmonella enterica using colistin‐containing, Eap‐functionalized liposomes resulted in a significant reduction of intracellular bacteria, in comparison to treatment with nonfunctionalized liposomes as well as colistin alone. This indicates that such bio‐invasive carriers are able to facilitate intracellular delivery of colistin, as necessary for intracellular anti‐infective activity. The developed Eap‐functionalized liposomes, therefore, present a promising strategy for improving the therapy of intracellular infections.
All 3D‐Printed Superhydrophobic/Oleophilic Membrane for Robotic Oil Recycling
Authors: Li Guijun , Mo Xiaoyong , Wang Yilin , Chan Ching‐Yuen , Chan Kang Cheung
Published: July 2019

Advanced materials with high oil recycling capability plays a crucial role in rescuing marine lives from oil spill catastrophe. The existing absorption and filtration method can partially solve the challenge; however, a highly recyclable, low energy cost, and environmentally friendly method for collecting oil on open water is still missing. Herein, a novel concept, using newly developed membrane for collecting oil, with surface tension confinement and gravity is proposed. Using a 3D‐printed superhydrophobic and oleophilic membrane, this self‐floating device can selectively collect oil on water surfaces. The device can be automatically driven by a robot and achieves outstanding reusability toward oil recycling. This novel chemical concept will enable future research development of oil–water separation and oil recycling.
Overcoming the Electroluminescence Efficiency Limitations in Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Khan Qasim , Subramanian Alagesan , Ahmed Imtiaz , Khan Maaz , Nathan Arokia , Wang Guoping , Wei Lei , Chen Jing , Zhang Yupeng , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: July 2019

Development of quantum dots (QDs) based light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) is driven by attractive properties of these fluorophores such as precise Gaussian distribution, tunable emission, and facile solution processability. The performance of QLED devices is limited by intrinsic factors such as luminance quenching in quantum dots due to imbalanced carrier injection predominantly caused by a large hole injection barrier as well as by extrinsic processes such as nonradiative recombination at active layer interfaces. The Auger recombination problem is overcome by charge siphoning at the interfaces between QDs and charge‐transporting material. A simplest trilayer (p–i–n) LED structure is fabricated using an all‐solution processing method: a carefully engineered p‐type polymeric hole transport layer with a gradient work function is incorporated. The gradient work function creates the cascading energy levels from the moderate Fermi level anode to the deep‐lying valence band level of QDs. As a result, the QLEDs exhibit significantly improved external quantum efficiencies and luminous efficiencies of 15.9% and 31.8 cd A−1, 17.4% and 59.3 cd A−1, and 12.8% and 14.4 cd A−1 for red, green, and blue light‐emitting devices, respectively. It is expected that the concept demonstrated here will facilitate the design and development of efficient solution‐processible QLEDs for full‐color displays.
Superlithiophilic Amorphous SiO2–TiO2 Distributed into Porous Carbon Skeleton Enabling Uniform Lithium Deposition for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xue Pan , Sun Chuang , Li Hongpeng , Liang Jiajie , Lai Chao
Published: July 2019

Lithium (Li) metal anodes have garnered increasing interest in recent years as its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential promises a myriad of opportunities for various applications. However, one critical issue to overcome is the inhomogeneous deposition of Li+ during the plating and stripping process. This inhomogeneous deposition could result in uncontrollable dendrite growth, further leading to poor coulombic efficiency, shorter lifecycles, and safety concerns due to internal short circuit and thermal runaways. To address these issues, a 3D porous core–shell fiber scaffold is presented, comprising of well‐dispersed SiO2, TiO2, and carbon, as superlithiophilic host materials for lithium anodes. The amorphous SiO2 and TiO2 allow for controllable nucleation and deposition of metal Li inside the porous core–shell fiber even at ultrahigh current densities of 10 mA cm−2. In addition, the interconnected conductive fiber with high porosity enables good electrical conductivity with fast ion transport and excellent mechanical strength to withstand massive Li loading during repeated cycles of stripping and plating. As a result, excellent cycling performance and high rate capability are observed in both symmetric cells and full cells, highlighting the feasibility of the proposed Li anode composite.
Recent Advances in Bioinspired Gel Surfaces with Superwettability and Special Adhesion
Authors: Zhang Pengchao , Zhao Chuangqi , Zhao Tianyi , Liu Mingjie , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2019

Engineering surface wettability is of great importance in academic research and practical applications. The exploration of hydrogel‐based natural surfaces with superior properties has revealed new design principles of surface superwettability. Gels are composed of a cross‐linked polymer network that traps numerous solvents through weak interactions. The natural fluidity of the trapped solvents confers the liquid‐like property to gel surfaces, making them significantly different from solid surfaces. Bioinspired gel surfaces have shown promising applications in diverse fields. This work aims to summarize the fundamental understanding and emerging applications of bioinspired gel surfaces with superwettability and special adhesion. First, several typical hydrogel‐based natural surfaces with superwettability and special adhesion are briefly introduced, followed by highlighting the unique properties and design principles of gel‐based surfaces. Then, the superwettability and emerging applications of bioinspired gel surfaces, including liquid/liquid separation, antiadhesion of organisms and solids, and fabrication of thin polymer films, are presented in detail. Finally, an outlook on the future development of these novel gel surfaces is also provided.
Polaronic Resistive Switching in Ceria‐Based Memory Devices
Authors: Sun Lu , Hao Xiamin , Meng Qingling , Wang Ligen , Liu Feng , Zhou Miao
Published: July 2019

Resistive random access memory (RRAM), or memristors, operating with a voltage‐controlled low‐ and high‐resistance state (ON/OFF), are a critical component for next‐generation nanoelectronics. Most memristors are based on oxides, but the underlying working mechanism remains generally unclear. Using first‐principles calculations, it is revealed that it is polaron that acts as the conducting species to mediate the resistive switching process in CeO2, while the commonly believed oxygen vacancy (VO2+) plays only a secondary role in assisting polaron formation. Importantly, polaron and related complexes have desired low formation energies (≈−0.3 eV) and extremely small migration barriers (≈0.1 eV), to synergistically form conductive filaments in the CeO2 matrix with shallow electronic states near Fermi level, while VO2+ has a much higher migration energy and does not change the insulating nature of CeO2. A switching field is also estimated of ≈3 V between the ON/OFF states from the relative stability of VO2+, Hint+/Hsub+ (institutional/substitutional hydrogen) and polaron complexes in reference to Fermi level, which agrees with experiments. The proposed polaron‐based switching mechanism is general, paving the way for future understanding and design of multifunctional electronic nanodevices beyond RRAM.
Promoting Highly Reversible Sodium Storage of Iron Sulfide Hollow Polyhedrons via Cobalt Incorporation and Graphene Wrapping
Authors: Huang Shaozhuan , Fan Shuang , Xie Lixin , Wu Qingyun , Kong Dezhi , Wang Ye , Lim Yew Von , Ding Meng , Shang Yang , Chen Shuo , Yang Hui Ying
Published: July 2019

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn significant attention owing to their low cost and inherent safety. However, the absence of suitable anode materials with high rate capability and long cycling stability is the major challenge for the practical application of SIBs. Herein, an efficient anode material consisting of uniform hollow iron sulfide polyhedrons with cobalt doping and graphene wrapping (named as CoFeS@rGO) is developed for high‐rate and long‐life SIBs. The graphene‐encapsulated hollow composite assures fast and continuous electron transportation, high Na+ ion accessibility, and strong structural integrity, showing an extremely small volume expansion of only 14.9% upon sodiation and negligible volume contraction during the desodiation. The CoFeS@rGO electrode exhibits high specific capacity (661.9 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), excellent rate capability (449.4 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1), and long cycle life (84.8% capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). In situ X‐ray diffraction and selected‐area electron diffraction patterns show that this novel CoFeS@rGO electrode is based on a reversible conversion reaction. More importantly, when coupled with a Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathode, the sodium ion full battery delivers a superexcellent rate capability (496.8 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1) and ≈96.5% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 500 mA g−1 in the 1.0–3.5 V window. This work indicates that the rationally designed anode material is highly applicable for the next generation SIBs with high‐rate capability and long‐term cyclability.
Food crops commercialization and household livelihoods: Evidence from rural regions in Central Africa
Authors: Ochieng Justus , Knerr Beatrice , Owuor George , Ouma Emily
Published: July 2019

Several countries in Central Africa face challenges of low food production and high incidences of poverty, particularly in rural areas. Several programs initiated in the region to increase food production and commercialization among smallholder farmers have had limited success. Over 80% of the farm households grow bananas and legumes as staple crops. We evaluate the impact of commercialization of these crops on‐farm income and the dietary diversity of rural households in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We employ three methods: propensity score matching, endogenous switching regression, and IPTW on cross‐sectional data. We find that commercialization has a robust and positive significant effect on dietary diversity and farm income, even after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity across the households. In particular, commercialization increases household incomes by 67% and dietary diversity by 11%. We find strong evidence of the impact of commercialization on incomes but little evidence of dietary diversity of rural households. Wider policy recommendations to raise the capacity of smallholders to produce for the market and improve their livelihoods are discussed. [EconLit citations: Q13, Q12, Q11]
An intrinsic kinetic model for liquid‐phase photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Karimi Estahbanati M. R. , Feilizadeh Mehrzad , Iliuta Maria C.
Published: July 2019

A kinetic study was accomplished to describe the photocatalytic production of hydrogen in liquid phase. A reaction mechanism and a kinetic model were proposed to predict the rate of hydrogen production, which is a function of light intensity, catalyst loading, substrate concentration, and time. To assess the capability of the proposed model, glycerol and ethanol were selected as representative hydrogen sources (substrates). The experimental data performed under different operating conditions, based on Box–Behnken experimental design, were used to train the developed kinetic model, optimize the parameters using genetic algorithms and check its accuracy. The analysis confirms the validity of the model under different operating conditions. In addition, the ability of the model to predict the rate of hydrogen production for other substrates, photocatalysts, and operating conditions was confirmed by comparing model predictions with experimental data from literature.
Economic and environmental strategic water management in the shale gas industry: Application of cooperative game theory
Authors: Carrero‐Parreño Alba , Quirante Natalia , Ruiz‐Femenia Rubén , Reyes‐Labarta Juan A. , Salcedo‐Díaz Raquel , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Caballero José A.
Published: July 2019

In this work, a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to address optimal shale gas‐water management strategies among shale gas companies that operate relatively close. The objective is to compute a distribution of water‐related costs and profit among shale companies to achieve a stable agreement on cooperation among them that allows increasing total benefits and reducing total costs and environmental impacts. We apply different solution methods based on cooperative game theory: The Core, the Dual Core, the Shapley value, and the minmax Core. We solved different case studies including a large problem involving four companies and 207 wells. In this example, individual cost distribution (storage cost, freshwater withdrawal cost, transportation cost, and treatment cost) assigned to each player is included. The results show that companies that adopt cooperation strategies improve their profits and enhance the sustainability of their operations through the increase in recycled water.
Multicomponent adsorption isotherm modeling using thermodynamically inconsistent and consistent models
Authors: Jadhav Ananda J. , Srivastava Vimal C.
Published: July 2019

In this work, the multicomponent adsorption modeling of the experimental adsorption data of ternary system consisting of nitrobenzene (NI), phenol (PH) and aniline (AN) onto granulated activated carbon (GAC) was performed. The Redlich–Peterson and Freundlich isotherm models provided better fitting of the single component experimental data than the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption preference of GAC was found to be: NI > PH > AN. The ternary adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by using thermodynamically consistent and inconsistent isotherm models as well as an artificial neural network model. Modified Redlich–Peterson and LeVan–Vermeulen models, and real adsorbed solution theory model provided satisfactory fit of the ternary system. Levenberg–Marquardt back‐propagation or scaled conjugate gradient back‐propagation algorithm with two neurons, either logsig or tansig transfer function in the hidden layer, and purelin transfer function in output layer were found to be the best network and gave an excellent prediction of experimental data.
Accelerometers: Assessing their potential for measuring personal flotation device use on commercial fishing vessels
Authors: Jenkins Paul L. , Knight Margaret , Hirabayashi Liane , Weil Rebecca , Echard Jessica , Krupa Nicole , Sorensen Julie A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Falls overboard are the most common cause of fatalities in commercial fishing. As a result, interventions aimed at increasing and measuring the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) are a high priority. The focus of this study was to explore the use of accelerometers as a means for objectively measuring PFD use on lobster fishing vessels.

Methods

For participating vessels, researchers attached an accelerometer to a PFD worn by a crewmember and another to the vessel's wheelhouse. GoPro videos were also employed to record crewmember activities so these could be synchronized with accelerometer outputs. Accelerometer outputs included two distinct measures, the proportional integration mode (PIM) and zero crossing mode (ZCM). Data were fitted to various equations to identify the best method for predicting PFD use.

Results

Seven lobster fishing vessels participated in the trial. Data indicated that accelerometers could predict PFD use with a fairly high degree of accuracy. In particular, a logistic equation incorporating PIM values from the PFD and the absolute value of the difference between the PFD PIM readings and the PIM readings from the stationary accelerometer demonstrated the highest degree of accuracy, with correct classifications for 73.3% to 77.6% of the 10‐second data intervals. Accuracy was highest when crew members were moving versus stationary. The predictive value of ZCM was comparatively limited.

Conclusions

PIM accelerometer readings can be used to measure PFD use with a considerably high degree of accuracy, especially for sternmen who are moving regularly and have the highest risk for falling overboard.
ICAR: endoscopic skull‐base surgery
Authors: Wang Eric W. , Zanation Adam M. , Gardner Paul A. , Schwartz Theodore H. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Adappa Nithin D. , Bettag Martin , Bleier Benjamin S. , Cappabianca Paolo , Carrau Ricardo L. , Casiano Roy R. , Cavallo Luigi M. , Ebert Charles S. , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Evans James J. , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Folbe Adam J. , Froelich Sebastien , Gentili Fred , Harvey Richard J. , Hwang Peter H. , Jane John A. , Kelly Daniel F. , Kennedy David , Knosp Engelbert , Lal Devyani , Lee John Y.K. , Liu James K. , Lund Valerie J. , Palmer James N. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Sindwani Raj , Solares C. Arturo , Tabaee Abtin , Teo Charles , Thirumala Parthasarathy D. , Thorp Brian D. , de Arnaldo Silva Vellutini Eduardo , Witterick Ian , Woodworth Bradford A. , Wormald Peter‐John , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: July 2019

Background

Endoscopic skull‐base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull‐base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull‐base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull‐Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

Methods

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence‐based review or evidence‐based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull‐base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

Results

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull‐base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

Conclusion

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence‐based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull‐base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.
Aromatic Xanthates and Dithiocarbamates for the Polymerization of Ethylene through Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT)
Authors: Wolpers Arne , Bergerbit Cédric , Ebeling Bastian , D'Agosto Franck , Monteil Vincent
Published: July 2019

Aromatic xanthates and dithiocarbamates were used as chain‐transfer agents (CTAs) in reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerizations of ethylene under milder conditions (≤80 °C, ≤200 bar). While detrimental side fragmentation of the intermediate radical leading to loss of living chain‐ends was observed before with alkyl xanthate CTAs, this was absent for the aromatic CTAs. The loss of living chain‐ends was nevertheless detected for the aromatic xanthates via a different mechanism based on cross‐termination. Narrow molar‐mass distributions with dispersities between 1.2 and 1.3 were still obtained up to number average molar masses Mn of 1000 g mol−1. The loss of chain‐ends was minor for dithiocarbamates, yielding polyethylene up to Mn=3000 g mol−1 with dispersities between 1.4 and 1.8. While systems investigated showed significant rate retardation, the dithiocarbamates are the first CTAs giving polyethylene with a high livingness via RAFT polymerization.
Access to FeII Bis(σ‐B−H) Aminoborane Complexes through Protonation of a Borohydride Complex and Dehydrogenation of Amine‐Boranes
Authors: Gorgas Nikolaus , Stöger Berthold , Veiros Luis F. , Kirchner Karl
Published: July 2019

Herein, we report on the first synthesis and structural characterization of the iron based aminoborane complexes [Fe(PNP)(H)(η2:η2‐H2B=NR2)]+ (R=H, Me). These species are formed upon protonation of the borohydride complex [Fe(PNP)(H)(η2‐BH4)] by ammonium salts [NH2R2]+ (R=H, Me). For R=Me, the reaction proceeds via the cationic dinuclear intermediate [{Fe(PNP)(H)}2(μ2,η2:η2‐BH4)]+. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed based on DFT calculations that also indicate the final aminoborane complex as the thermodynamic product. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and X‐ray crystallography.
A Surfactant‐Free and Scalable General Strategy for Synthesizing Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhuang Linzhou , Ge Lei , Liu Hongli , Jiang Zongrui , Jia Yi , Li Zhiheng , Yang Dongjiang , Hocking Rosalie K. , Li Mengran , Zhang Longzhou , Wang Xin , Yao Xiangdong , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: July 2019

Metal–organic framework (MOFs) two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets have many coordinatively unsaturated metal sites that act as active centres for catalysis. To date, limited numbers of 2D MOFs nanosheets can be obtained through top‐down or bottom‐up synthesis strategies. Herein, we report a 2D oxide sacrifice approach (2dOSA) to facilely synthesize ultrathin MOF‐74 and BTC MOF nanosheets with a flexible combination of metal sites, which cannot be obtained through the delamination of their bulk counterparts (top‐down) or the conventional solvothermal method (bottom‐up). The ultrathin iron–cobalt MOF‐74 nanosheets prepared are only 2.6 nm thick. The sample enriched with surface coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, exhibits a significantly higher oxygen evolution reaction reactivity than bulk FeCo MOF‐74 particles and the state‐of‐the‐art MOF catalyst. It is believed that this 2dOSA could provide a new and simple way to synthesize various ultrathin MOF nanosheets for wide applications.
Linear End‐On Coordination Modes of CO2
Authors: Viasus Camilo J. , Gabidullin Bulat , Gambarotta Sandro
Published: July 2019

The second case of linear end‐on and evidence for an unprecedented bridging end‐on coordination mode of CO2 have been discovered for vanadium aryloxide complexes of the tetradentate ligand system (ONNO)2− (ONNO=2,4‐Me2‐2‐(OH) C6H2CH2]2N(CH2)2NMe2). The reaction of divalent (ONNO)VII (TMEDA) with CO2 and under the appropriate reaction conditions affords the trivalent (ONNO)VIII(OH)(η1‐CO2) resulting from an intermediate CO2 deoxygenation pathway followed by H‐atom abstraction from the aromatic solvent, and CO2 fixation. In contrast, the reduction of trivalent (ONNO)VIIICl(THF) with K, followed by exposure to CO2 in ethereal solvent, afforded the dinuclear [(ONNO)VII]2 (μ,η1‐CO2).
Enantioselective N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Bis(enoate) Rauhut–Currier Reaction
Authors: Bae Song , Zhang Changhe , Gillard Rachel M. , Lupton David W.
Published: July 2019

While the enantioselective Rauhut–Currier reaction is established with bis(enone) substrates, it is yet to be reported with less electrophilic bis(enoate) substrates. By exploiting high‐nucleophilicity N‐heterocyclic carbenes, it is possible to achieve Rauhut–Currier reactions with these substrates. The reaction is demonstrated with a range of intramolecular reactions (20 examples) and six esterification/RC reaction cascades, which all proceed with high enantioselectivity (most >93:7 er).
Protein‐like Enwrapped Perylene Bisimide Chromophore as a Bright Microcrystalline Emitter Material
Authors: Schmidt David , Stolte Matthias , Süß Jasmin , Liess Andreas , Stepanenko Vladimir , Würthner Frank
Published: July 2019

Strongly emissive solid‐state materials are mandatory components for many emerging optoelectronic technologies, but fluorescence is often quenched in the solid state owing to strong intermolecular interactions. The design of new organic pigments, which retain their optical properties despite their high tendency to crystallize, could overcome such limitations. Herein, we show a new material with monomer‐like absorption and emission profiles as well as fluorescence quantum yields over 90 % in its crystalline solid state. The material was synthesized by attaching two bulky tris(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)phenoxy substituents at the perylene bisimide bay positions. These substituents direct a packing arrangement with full enwrapping of the chromophore and unidirectional chromophore alignment within the crystal lattice to afford optical properties that resemble those of their natural pigment counterparts, in which chromophores are rigidly embedded in protein environments.
Multiple Active Sites of Carbon for High‐Rate Surface‐Capacitive Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Guang , Shao Meng , Ding Huarui , Qi Ying , Lian Jiabiao , Li Sheng , Qiu Jingxia , Li Huaming , Huo Fengwei
Published: July 2019

Although sodium ion batteries (SIBs) possess many beneficial features, their rate performance, cycling stability, and safety need improvement for commercial applications. Based on the mechanisms of the sodium ions storage in carbon materials, herein we present a multiple active sites decorated amorphous carbon (MAC) with rich structural defects and heteroatom doping as an anode material for SIBs. The full utilization of fast bonding–debonding processes between the active sites and sodium ions could bring a capacitive strategy to achieve superior sodium storage properties. Consequently, after materials characterization and electrochemical evaluation, the as‐prepared electrode could deliver high rate and long‐life performance. This active‐site‐related design could be extended to other types of electrode materials, thereby contributing to future practical SIB applications.
Comparative Studies of Some Novel Cu2+ and Fe3+ Chelates Derived From Tricine (L1) by Single Crystal X‐ray, Spectroscopic and Biological Data: Applications to Investigate Antitumor Activity
Authors: Hassan Eman A. , Nawar Nagwa , Mostafa Mohsen M.
Published: July 2019

Novel Cu2+ and Fe3+ chelates derived from L1 were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The results indicate that the Fe (III) crystal, [Fe(L1‐H)Cl2], has an orthorhombic structure of the type pc2b while the dimeric Cu (II) crystal, [Cu(L1‐H)Cl … ClCu(L1‐H)], has a monoclinic with space group Cc. X‐ray diffraction and spectroscopic studies revealed that L1 acts as monobasic tetradentate with octahedral geometry in Fe (III) crystal while it behaves as dibasic tetradentate with distorted‐octahedral in the Cu (II) crystal. Also, the two chelates were characterized by spectral, magnetic and thermal analyses. DFT parameters were used to prove the liberation of a proton from COOH rather than NH groups. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of Fe (III) chelate were determined by Coats‐Redfern and Horowitz‐Metzger methods. Cyclic voltammogram provides information about the oxidation states of Cu (II) and Fe (III) chelates. Antitumor activity against Epitheliod carcinoma (Hela), breast cancer (MCF‐7) and antibacterial activities of chelates were investigated.
Accelerated ZnMoO4 photocatalytic degradation of pirimicarb under UV light mediated by peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Chen Chiing‐Chang , Fan Huan‐Jung , Shaya Janah , Chang Yi‐Kuo , Golovko Vladimir B. , Toulemonde Olivier , Huang Cheng‐Hung , Song Yu‐Xun , Lu Chung‐Shin
Published: July 2019

This paper reports the optimized synthesis of zinc molybdates by the hydrothermal method and the combination of ZnMoO4 and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under UV irradiation for the degradation of pirimicarb. The as‐prepared ZnMoO4 photocatalyst was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The effects of operational parameters in the ZnMoO4/PMS/UV system were evaluated and the results indicated the highest performance is achieved with pH = 9.0, 1 mM PMS and 1 g l−1 ZnMoO4. The degradation efficiency of pirimicarb was 98% after 3 h in the photocatalytic process. A photodegradation mechanism is proposed based on scavenger and electron spin resonance studies to decide the main active species and by using chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify the major intermediates. Pirimicarb degradation is found to be mainly driven by holes and •O2− radicals, with the contribution of •OH and SO4•− radicals enhancing the process in the tested catalytic system. The mechanism is proposed involving two routes, dealkylation and decarbamoylation. Lastly, the zinc molybdate photocatalyst is shown to be stable, reusable and efficient in the removal of pirimicarb from real water samples in the presence of PMS, demonstrating potential application in the treatment of contaminated and/or environmental water.
Silicon‐containing fluorenylacetylene resins with low curing temperature and high thermal stability
Authors: Lu Liewei , Guo Kangkang , Zhu Junli , Wang Fan , Zhu Yaping , Qi Huimin
Published: July 2019

Silicon‐containing arylacetylene resins (PSAs) are promising thermal stability polymers for many applications. However, the controllability of curing reaction limited their application because of the high curing temperature and enthalpy. In this study, Materials Genome Initiative was utilized to screen out a target monomer, 2,7‐diethynyl‐9H‐fluorene (DEF), for design of new PSAs with low curing temperature and enthalpy. After incorporation of DEF, the obtained silicon‐containing fluorenylacetylene resins (PSA‐VBF) could be cured at a lower temperature of 149.2 °C with lower enthalpy (239.8 J g−1) than the reported PSA‐V (190.0 °C, 368.3 J g−1). Moreover, the thermal curing behavior and mechanism were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results revealed that with the increased of DEF, the curing reaction of PSA‐VBF became dominated by Diels–Alder reaction. And the formed aromatic fused rings endowed the cured PSA‐VBF with excellent thermal stability, which were proved by thermogravimetric analysis results that the temperature at 5% weight loss (Td5) of the cured copolymers ranged from 630 to 639 °C, and the char yield at 1000 °C was above 90%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48262.
Preparation of PEI nanofiber membrane based on in situ and solution crosslinking technology and their adsorption properties
Authors: Song Yan , Wang Fang‐Fei , Lu Guan‐Xiu , Zhou Lin‐Yuan , Yang Qing‐Biao
Published: July 2019

Two kinds of PEI (Polyethyleneimine) nanofibers membrane were successfully prepared by electrospinning and crosslinking technology, which were insoluble in water. One Polyethyleneimine/ Epichlorohydrin/ Polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous films (abbreviated as PEI/ EPI/ PAN NFs) was prepared by in situ crosslinking of PEI/PAN nanofiber containing of EPI, and the other PEI/ PAN/ EPI NFs was prepared by crosslinking PEI/ PAN nanofibers using EPI solution. The composition and morphology of nanofibers before and after crosslinking were investigated by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. PEI/EPI/PAN nanofibers exhibited excellent adsorption properties toward heavy metal ions and methyl orange dyes, which can also be reused multiple times. The adsorption rate of methyl orange remained around 75% after 4 cycles, meanwhile, the adsorption rate of copper and lead still remained around 90% after 5 cycles. In addition, we found that PEI/ PAN/ EPI nanofibers prepared by solution crosslinking technology solved the problem of easy gel formation in in situ crosslinking technology and facilitated the continuous production of PEI/ EPI/ PAN nanofibers, which is better than in situ crosslinking technology. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48279.