bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of wild olive Olea europaea leaf extract on growth, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, hematological parameters, and immune function in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Naz Saira , Majeed Saima , Tasleem Samiyah , Renuka Jyothi S. , Thakur Himani , Anuradha J. , Ujan Javed Ahmed , Ullah Mujeeb , Zahid Muhammad , Attaullah Sobia , Mohany Mohamed , Habib Syed Sikandar
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus diets with wild olive Olea europaea leaf extract (WLE) on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and antioxidant and immunological parameters.

Methods

Wild olive leaf extract was added at different concentrations (WLE 0.0 [control], 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) and fed to triplicate fish groups for 12 weeks. At the end of the trial period, growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activities, and hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and immunological parameters were evaluated.

Result

According to the results, fish that were fed with WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% exhibited significantly improved weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly reduced in fish supplied with WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0%. Additionally, weight gain and FCR showed significance at both the linear and quadratic levels, as indicated by polynomial contrasts. However, the experimental diets did not impact fish body composition, digestive enzyme activity, or survival rate. Fish that received WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% showed significantly higher levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared with the WLE 1.0% and control groups. Moreover, significant enhancements were observed in serum parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total immunoglobulins, for the WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% groups compared with the control. Fish that were fed WLE 1.5% exhibited the lowest serum cortisol level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experimental diets with WLE levels of 1.5% and 2.0% effectively enhanced both the growth and immunological parameters of Nile Tilapia.
Near‐Infrared Nanoparticle‐Mediated Photothermal Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Monitoring and Controlling Thermal Effects for Effective Cancer Treatment
Authors: Oudjedi Fatma , Kirk Andrew G.
Published: October 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. PTT uses light‐absorbing nanomaterials to induce localized hyperthermia and selectively eliminate cancer cells, thus offering advantages over traditional interventions. This literature review focuses on nanoparticles for PTT, their heating properties, and their functions in theragnostic applications for photothermal cancer treatment. It highlights the fundamental principles, recent spectroscopic developments for diagnosis and treatment monitoring, clinical advancements in near‐infrared (NIR) nanoparticle‐mediated PTT, and emerging numerical methods for preclinical planning of PTT.
Layered Graph Models for the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem With Nonlinear Charging Functions
Authors: Bruni Maria Elena , Cubillos Maximiliano , Jabali Ola
Published: October 2024

Electric vehicle routing problems (EVRPs) involve the routing of a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to visit a set of customers while typically minimizing the total travel and charging time. Due to their limited autonomy, EVs may need to recharge their batteries en‐route at charging stations (CSs). Thus, routing decisions also include which CSs to visit, and how much energy to charge during those visits. These decisions are compounded by the fact that charging times follow a nonlinear charging function with respect to the EV's state of charge (SoC). We propose a layered graph representation for the EVRP with nonlinear charging functions (EVRP‐NL). Specifically, the layers correspond to discretized SoC values. Therefore, the arcs' energy consumption is approximated to match those values. We develop two compact formulations based on the layered graph. Furthermore, we introduced two charging policies that facilitate aligning charging duration with practical considerations. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of our formulations. Our best formulation effectively handles instances with up to 40 customers. On those instances, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art compact formulation, our formulation solves 13 more instances to optimality with less than half of the computational time. Considering instances solved by both formulations to optimally, the approximation entailed by our formulation yields a 0.94% deviation on average. Since our best performing formulation is compact, it may be readily used by a broad audience. Furthermore, as the majority of algorithms for the EVPR and its variants are heuristics, our formulation could be beneficial in evaluating the performance of these methods.
Recoverable Robust Shortest Path Problem Under Interval Budgeted Uncertainty Representations
Authors: Jackiewicz Marcel , Kasperski Adam , Zieliński Paweł
Published: October 2024

This article deals with the recoverable robust shortest path problem under interval uncertainty representations. In this problem, a first‐stage path is computed, which can be modified to some extent after observing changes in the cost structure. The uncertain second‐stage arc costs are modeled by intervals, and the robust min–max criterion is used to compute an optimal solution. The problem is known to be strongly NP‐hard and also hard to approximate in general digraphs. However, until now its complexity for acyclic digraphs was unknown. In this article, it is shown that the problem in acyclic digraphs can be solved in polynomial time for the traditional interval uncertainty and all natural neighborhoods known from the literature. More efficient algorithms for layered and arc series‐parallel digraphs are constructed. Hardness results for general digraphs are also strengthened. Finally, some exact and approximate methods of solving the problem under interval budgeted uncertainty are proposed.
Mechanical and wave absorption properties of Fe3O4‐deposited Buckypaper reinforcing epoxy resin composites
Authors: Xia Zhiqiang , Dai Ruxi , Wang Rui , Gao Jianhong , Qu Bo , Chen Shaoyun , Cai Cuifang , Zhuo Dongxian
Published: October 2024

There are increasing need for the development of electromagnetic wave‐absorbing materials since the growing concern about electromagnetic interference. However, materials with integrated structure and function are difficult to attain due to the high content of functional fillers. In this paper, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were formed into a three‐dimensional porous framework, known as Buckypaper (BP), which was subsequently in situ deposited with iron tetraoxide (Fe3O4) through the sol–gel method and incorporated into epoxy resin to create Fe3O4/BP/EP composites by hot pressing. The three‐dimensional porous structure of Fe3O4/BP facilitates the high‐content incorporation and uniform dispersion of CNTs and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The results indicate that the 33%Fe3O4/BP/EP composite achieved an optimal reflection loss of −38.41 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 3.28 GHz at the optimal matching thickness of 1.5 mm. This performance primarily stems from Fe3O4 adjusting the impedance matching of BP and enhancing the magnetic loss capability of CNTs. Furthermore, the deposition of Fe3O4 on BP improves the mechanical strength of BP/EP, The 17% Fe3O4/BP/EP composite achieves a tensile strength of 35.09 MPa, which is 46.27% higher than that of BP/EP and 92.38% higher than pure EP.

Highlights

Fe3O4/BP was prepared by deposition of Fe3O4 onto surfaces of the CNTs framework.

Fe3O4/BP/EP composites with different Fe3O4/BP were fabricated.

Fe3O4 adjusts impedance matching of BP, and forms heterogeneous interfaces.

Fe3O4/BP/EP composites exhibit excellent wave absorption performance.

Fe3O4/BP/EP composites possess improved mechanical properties.
Construction of “organic–inorganic” hierarchical structure of carbon fibers and the effect on the properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Han Chen , Ma Jie , He Hongwei , Yu Wenwen
Published: October 2024

The demand for epoxy (EP) in semiconductor, aerospace, and other applications is currently on the rise. However, pure epoxy is difficult to meet these requirements, such as low thermal conductivity and poor toughness. Therefore, in this paper, sulfonamides (SAs) and core‐shell silica (SLC‐SiO2) were grafted onto the surface of short carbon fibers (SCF) with sizes of 0.1–6 mm by the chemical grafting method. As a result, the surface activity of SCF was improved and the interfacial properties of the EP composites were enhanced. The interfacial compatibility of SCF grafted with SAs and SLC‐SiO2 in EP is greatly improved, resulting in stronger mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding ability between EP and SCF. The results showed that when the content of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2/EP composites reached 0.3 wt% of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2, the impact and tensile strengths were increased from 12.15 kJ·m−2 and 43.4 MPa to 16.93 kJ·m−2 and 74.97 MPa compared with the pure epoxy, which were improved 39.3% and 72.7%. In addition, the thermal conductivity of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2/EP composites was also improved by 12.5% from 0.205 W·(m·K)−1 to 0.2306 W·(m·K)−1 compared with the pure EP. This is due to improved chemical interactions and mechanical interlocking at the fiber‐epoxy interface. This study provides a new method for the preparation of high‐performance SCF/EP composites.

Highlights

The amino group of sulfonamides was grafted with short carbon fiber to increase the surface active group of short carbon fiber.

Sulfonamides react with carboxyl groups on the surface of core‐shell silica to form an “organic–inorganic” structure.

Improve the surface roughness of short carbon fiber, and make it evenly dispersed in epoxy resin, so as to improve the performance of epoxy composite materials.
Aberrant Fetal Brain Sulcus Formation: A Clue to the Diagnosis of Sotos Syndrome
Authors: Luo Caiqun , Liu Yang , Wang Hui , Chen LiYuan , Wu XiaoXia , Geng Qian , Wen Huaxuan , Li Shengli , Wu Weiqing , Zhong Mei
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to elucidate two distinct fetal ultrasound features associated with aberrant brain sulcus formation as potential prenatal markers for Sotos syndrome caused by mutations in the NSD1 gene.

Method

This retrospective study investigated three fetuses across two pregnancies, including a pair of monochorionic diamniotic twins, all diagnosed with Sotos syndrome via whole exome sequencing (WES). Comprehensive clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Each fetus underwent a series of specialized neurosonographic assessments to evaluate the development of the cerebral cortex.

Results

All three fetuses exhibited aberrant brain sulcus formation characterized by Sylvian fissure (SF) abnormalities and shallow parietooccipital sulcus (POS). WES revealed the presence of two de novo NSD1 variants in these fetuses.

Conclusions

Fetal aberrant brain sulcus formation may represent a distinctive ultrasound feature indicative of Sotos syndrome, thereby offering additional diagnostic insights for the identification of this condition.
Contemporary Outcomes of a National Fetal Spina Bifida Surgery Service
Authors: Kik Charlotte C. , Kunpalin Yada , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Varghese Abby , Abbasi Nimrah , Ryan Greg , Dekoninck Philip L. J. , Church Paige T. , Malhotra Armaan , Raghuram Kamini , Kelly Edmond , Van Mieghem Tim
Published: October 2024

Objective

To assess contemporary outcomes of fetuses who underwent open fetal spina bifida surgery in Canada.

Methods

Our clinical program prospectively collected outcomes of all consecutive fetuses who underwent open fetal spina bifida closure at the Ontario Fetal Center in Toronto and who were at least 1 year of age at the time of postnatal follow‐up. We gathered information on the need for hydrocephalus treatment, motor function, bladder function, as well as neurodevelopment (Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Bayley's scales of infant development). Developmental outcomes were categorized as “Typical Development,” “Possible Delay,” or “Significantly Delayed.”

Results

Between 2017 and 2022, 41 fetuses underwent open fetal spina bifida closure. Twenty‐four patients (58.5%) responded to the questionnaire at a median age of 46.5 months. Eight children (33.3%) required CSF diversion procedures. Bladder management included clean intermittent catheterization (43.5%), spontaneous voiding (34.8%), or both (21.7%), with 43.5% needing medication for overactive bladder. All patients could sit independently, with 50% walking outside and 50% crawling indoors. Among those walking outdoors (50%), 25% did so without orthotics or aid, 58.3% with orthotics, and 16.7% required additional walking aids. Most children demonstrated typical communication and problem‐solving skills (79.2%), while gross motor development was significantly delayed in 91.7% of cases. Fine motor skills varied, with 56.5% showing typical development and 34.8% possibly experiencing delays.

Conclusions

This study showed a mixed developmental profile among patients who underwent open fetal spina bifida repair, consistent with the MOMs trial findings.
Heterochain entanglements forced by shear forces and their influence on the properties of polylactic acid/hydrogenated styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene tri‐block copolymers blends
Authors: Ren Yufei , Hao Wenlin , Chen Ying , Li Deling , Zhuang Wenchang , Ding Yue , Dong Liming
Published: October 2024

A forced entanglement between polylactic acid (PLA) chains and hydrogenated styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) tri‐block copolymers chains is designed based on the inertia of PLA to shear force and the sensitivity of SEBS to shear force. The melt blending of PLA with SEBS prepared through a twin‐screw extruder is a strategic method to form interchain entanglements. The influence of star‐shaped SEBS (s‐SEBS) and linear SEBS (l‐SEBS) on the compatibility, crystallization behavior, tensile properties, and rheological characteristics is systematically investigated. The incompatible interfaces between PLA and s‐SEBS or l‐SEBS are confirmed by their interfacial tension and micrographs of their cryo‐fractured surfaces. Although the interfacial incompatibility in PLA/s‐SEBS blends and PLA/l‐SEBS blends, s‐SEBS, or l‐SEBS could effectively enhance their crystallization behavior, tensile ductility and dynamic rheological properties. Relative to the Newtonian behavior of PLA, PLA/SEBS blends exhibit obvious shear‐thinning behavior under frequency‐dependent conditions, which clarifies the physical entanglements of PLA/SEBS blends. PLA/s‐SEBS blends possess stronger heterogeneous entanglements than PLA/l‐SEBS blends, which is verified by the micrographs of cryo‐fractured surfaces, crystallization characteristics, and rheological behavior. This designed concept based on the chain dynamics in the processing provides clues for polymer blends with significantly different sensitivity of chains to shear force to improve their properties.

Highlights

The melt blending of PLA with SEBS prepared through a twin‐screw extruder.

The forced entanglement between PLA chain and SEBS chain is designed.

PLA/s‐SEBS blends have stronger heterogeneous entanglement.

The addition of SEBS can enhance its crystallization behavior and toughness.

PLA/SEBS blends exhibit show shear‐thinning behavior in frequency dependence.
The role of bullying perpetration and victimization in adolescents' perceptions of school climate and social media usage
Authors: Yüksel Doğan Raziye , Demircioğlu Haktan
Published: October 2024

Previous research has reported a relationship between adolescents' perceptions of school climate and social media use. However, the underlying mechanisms associated with the relationship have yet to be fully explored. This study aimed to examine the role of peer bullying in the relationship under consideration. This cross‐sectional study applied a correlational research model to examine the perceptions of 718 adolescents aged 11–14. Data gathering entailed the School Climate Survey, Peer Bullying Self‐Report Form, and the Social Media Disorder Scale. Significant relationships between school climate, social media addiction, and peer bullying emerged from the gathered data. The study also found that peer bullying partially mediated the relationship between school climate and social media usage, both in terms of perpetrating bullying behavior and experiencing victimization. Specifically, 22.43% of the total effect of school climate on social media addiction was mediated through exposure to bullying perpetration, while 25.10% was mediated through experiencing victimization. A notable finding of this study is the role played by a perceived negative school climate in terms of increasing social media addiction; additionally, this increase may be partially mediated by exposure to peer bullying. A discussion of the results in light of the relevant literature is included, along with suggestions for future study.
Faculty training in neurodiversity: Stakeholder feedback on social validity and perceived effectiveness
Authors: Bolourian Yasamin , Zeedyk Sasha M. , Brown Haley
Published: October 2024

Neurodivergent students, including autistic students, often benefit from faculty support to navigate college challenges. To better equip faculty in their interactions with neurodivergent students and enhance their understanding, NeuroPREP, a faculty training program was developed. Comprising four 20‐min modules, NeuroPREP addresses key topics including neurodiversity, understanding neurodivergent needs and strengths, effective support strategies (e.g., universal design), and illustrative case studies. An Advisory Committee (N = 10), including faculty, autistic students, and disability support staff, assessed the social validity and perceived effectiveness of NeuroPREP through written forms and virtual sessions. On forms, Committee participants uniformly expressed positive ratings regarding the program's quality (i.e., language, content, impact, and format). Through individual interviews or focus group sessions, the Advisory Committee offered valuable feedback, suggesting improvements such as clarifying definitions, addressing misconceptions and stigmatizing language, and incorporating additional case scenarios. These recommendations informed the refinement of NeuroPREP in preparation for a pilot program. Higher education initiatives informed by stakeholders’ perspectives, like NeuroPREP, are vital for equipping faculty with the tools to foster inclusive educational environments and equitable educational experiences for neurodivergent students. Implications for practice will be discussed.
Braided Scalar Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Ćirić Marija Dimitrijević , Nikolić Biljana , Radovanović Voja , Szabo Richard J. , Trojani Guillaume
Published: October 2024

We formulate scalar electrodynamics in the braided ‐algebra formalism and study its perturbative expansion in the algebraic framework of Batalin–Vilkovisky quantization. We also confirm that UV/IR mixing is absent at one‐loop order in this noncommutative field theory, and that the non‐anomalous Ward‐Takahashi identities for the braided gauge symmetry are satisfied.
Therapeutic potential of agents targeting cannabinoid type 2 receptors in organ fibrosis
Authors: Eddin Lujain Bader , Meeran M. F. Nagoor , Subramanya Sandeep B. , Jha Niraj Kumar , Ojha Shreesh
Published: October 2024

The endocannabinoid system has garnered attention as a potential therapeutic target in a range of pathological disorders. Cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) are a class of G protein‐coupled receptors responsible for transmitting intracellular signals triggered by both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids, including those derived from plants (phytocannabinoids) or manufactured synthetically (synthetic cannabinoids). Recent recognition of the role of CB2 receptors in fibrosis has fueled interest in therapeutic targeting of CB2 receptors in fibrosis. Fibrosis is characterized by the alteration of the typical cellular composition within the tissue parenchyma, resulting from exposure to diverse etiological factors. The pivotal function of CB2 agonists has been widely recognized in the regulation of inflammation, fibrogenesis, and various other biological pathologies. The modulation of CB2 receptors, whether by enhancing their expression or activating their function, has the potential to provide benefits in numerous conditions, particularly by avoiding any associated adverse effects on the central nervous system. The sufficient activation of CB2 receptors resulted in the complete suppression of gene expression related to transforming growth factor β1 and its subsequent fibrogenic response. Multiple reports have also indicated the diverse functions that CB2 agonists possess in mitigating chronic inflammation and subsequent fibrosis development in various types of tissues. While currently in the preclinical stage, the advancement of CB2 compounds has garnered significant attention within the realm of drug discovery. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of various independent experimental studies elucidating the pivotal role of identified natural and synthetic CB2 agonists in the pathophysiology of organ fibrosis, specifically in the cardiac, hepatic, and renal systems.
Obicetrapib exhibits favorable physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties compared to previous cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors: An integrated summary of results from non‐human primate studies and clinical trials
Authors: Nicholls Stephen J. , Nelson Adam J. , Kastelein John J. P. , Ditmarsch Marc , Hsieh Andrew , Johnson Judith , Curcio Danielle , Kling Douglas , Kirkpatrick Carol F. , Davidson Michael H.
Published: October 2024

Anacetrapib, a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor previously under development, exhibited an usually extended terminal half‐life and large food effect and accumulated in adipose tissue. Other CETP inhibitors have not shown such effects. Obicetrapib, a potent selective CETP inhibitor, is undergoing Phase III clinical development. Dedicated assessments were conducted in pre‐clinical and Phase I and II clinical studies of obicetrapib to examine the pharmacokinetic issues observed with anacetrapib. After 9 months of dosing up to 50 mg/kg/day in cynomolgus monkeys, obicetrapib was completely eliminated from systemic circulation and not detected in adipose tissue after a 13‐week recovery period. In healthy humans receiving 1–25 mg of obicetrapib, the mean terminal half‐life of obicetrapib was 148, 131, and 121 h at 5, 10, and 25 mg, respectively, and food increased plasma levels by ~1.6‐fold with a 10 mg dose. At the end of treatment in Phase II trials, mean plasma levels of obicetrapib ranged from 194.5 ng/mL with 2.5 mg to 506.3 ng/mL with 10 mg. Plasma levels of obicetrapib decreased by 92.2% and 98.5% at four and 15 weeks post‐treatment, respectively. Obicetrapib shows no clinically relevant accumulation, is minimally affected by food, and has a mean terminal half‐life of 131 h for the 10 mg dose. These data support once daily, chronic dosing of obicetrapib in Phase III trials for dyslipidemia management.
Rational design and discovery of novel hydrazide derivatives as potent succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors inspired by natural d/l‐camphor
Authors: Dai Peng , Ma Zihua , Yi Guangfu , Li Yufei , Xie Kaili , Sun Yafang , Xia Qing , Liu Zewen , Zhang Weihua
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) have rapidly become one of the fastest‐growing categories of fungicides used against plant pathogenic fungi. Recent research advancements have emphasized that structural modifications of SDHIs using naturally sourced scaffolds represent an innovative strategy for developing new, highly effective, broad‐spectrum fungicides. A novel series of d/l‐camphorhydrazide derivatives potentially targeting fungal succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal effects against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum, Valsa mali and Botrytis cinerea.

RESULTS

Amongst them, compounds A1‐7 (d‐camphor) and A2‐7 (l‐camphor) displayed excellent in vitro activity against R. solani with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.38 and 0.48 μg mL−1, which were obviously superior to that of boscalid (0.87 μg mL−1). A2‐5 (l‐camphor, EC50 = 3.27 μg mL−1) exhibited good activity against V. mali. A2‐7 (2.13 μg mL−1), A2‐21 (5.2 μg mL−1) and A1‐5 (5.15 μg mL−1) showed good antifungal activity against F. graminearum with EC50 values below that of boscalid (5.85 μg mL−1). Preliminary mechanistic studies, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, indicated that compound A1‐7 induced disordered entanglement of hyphae, shrinkage of hyphal surfaces, and vacuole swelling and rupture, which disrupted normal hyphal growth. Additionally, compound A1‐7 induced the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and effectively inhibited the germination and formation of sclerotia in R. solani. Moreover, the molecular docking results and SDH enzyme assays yielded promising outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the designed and optimized compounds A1‐7 and A2‐7 emerged as promising candidates for SDH‐targeting fungicides, demonstrating strong antifungal activity. These compounds hold potential as new antifungal agents for further research. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid screening for resistance to Sitobion avenae (F.) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) in winter wheat seedlings and selection of efficient assessment methods
Authors: Qonaah Ilma A , Simon Amma L , Warner Duncan , Rostron Rosanna M , Bruce Toby J A , Ray Rumiana V
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Sitobion avenae (F.) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) are harmful pests of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)]. No genetic resistance against the aphids has been identified in commercial wheat varieties and resistance phenotyping can be time‐consuming and laborious. Here, we tested a high‐throughput phenotyping method to screen 29 commercial winter wheat varieties for alate antixenosis and antibiosis. We validated this method using comprehensive behavioural analyses, including alate attraction to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a feeding bioassay using an electrical penetration graph (EPG), subsequently highlighting possible sources of resistance.

RESULTS

We observed differences in alate behaviour upon assessing alate settlement on wheat seedlings and attraction towards VOCs, revealing the importance of visual and early post‐alighting cues for alate host selection. Aphid settlement was four times higher on the most preferred variety than on the least preferred variety. Using an EPG bioassay, we identified phloem feeding and stylet derailment parameters linked to resistance. We found antibiosis assessment on detached leaves to be an inadequate screen because it produced results inconsistent with intact leaves assessment. Alate and nymph mortality were identified as key traits signifying antibiosis, showing significant positive relationships with alate reproduction and nymph mean relative growth rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, antixenosis and antibiosis varietal responses were consistent for both aphid species. Alate settlement on wheat seedlings was a more efficient antixenosis screen than an olfactometer assay using VOCs. In addition to assessing alate and nymph survival for antibiosis, this allows for more rapid phenotyping of large numbers of genotypes to identify novel aphid resistance genes for varietal improvement. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Resistance risk assessment of Rhizoctonia solani to four fungicides
Authors: Ou Minggui , Hu Ke , Li Min , Liu Shijiang , Zhang Xinchun , Lu Xuemei , Zhan Xingyu , Liao Xun , Li Ming , Li Rongyu
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Hexaconazole, thifluzamide, difenoconazole and azoxystrobin are widely used fungicides for the control of Rhizoctonia solani in China. However, few studies have assessed the sensitivity and resistance risk of R. solani to these four fungicides.

RESULTS

The sensitivities of 126 R. solani isolates to hexaconazole, thifluzamide, difenoconazole and azoxystrobin were determined, with average half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.0386, 0.0659, 0.663 and 1.508 μg mL−1, respectively. Field resistance monitoring of the four fungicides showed that the three isolates had moderate resistance to difenoconazole. Resistant mutants to the four fungicides were obtained by fungicide adaptation, and resistance could be stably inherited by most mutants. Compared with those of the parent isolates, the biological characteristics of hexaconazole‐resistant mutants exhibited enhanced or similar compound fitness index (CFI), whereas most of the other mutants displayed reduced or comparable CFI. There was evidence of positive cross‐resistance between hexaconazole and difenoconazole. In the presence of fungicides, the expression of the CYP51 genes in hexaconazole‐ and difenoconazole‐resistant mutants significantly increased, the expression of SDH genes in thifluzamide‐resistant mutants significantly decreased, and the expression of the Cyt b gene in azoxystrobin‐resistant mutants did not significantly change.

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, we speculated that R. solani had a low‐to‐medium resistance risk to four fungicides. The change of target gene expression may be one of the reasons for fungicide resistance in R. solani. This study provides a theoretical basis for monitoring resistance emergence and developing resistance management strategies to control R. solani. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimized emamectin benzoate trunk injection: addressing temperature limitations for pine wilt disease control
Authors: Li Min , Wang Mengyao , Yang Ting , Xu Ming , Li Yue , Pei Ying , Tang Jingen , Zheng Zhe , Sun Zhaonan , Cheng Guanyi , Li Xiaojuan , Li Huan , Wang Lichao , Chen Fengmao
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, poses a significant threat to global forestry, resulting in extensive economic and ecological damage. Traditional trunk injection agents (TIAs) are limited by environmental factors, such as high winter temperatures and vigorous resin flow, particularly in southern China. This study aimed to develop an ordinary temperature trunk injection agent (OTTIA) for year‐round application and to evaluate its performance under high‐temperature conditions in comparison to commercial TIAs.

RESULTS

Extensive laboratory and field tests identified N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF) and benzyl acetate as optimal solvents and Tween‐40 as an effective emulsifier for the OTTIA formulation. The new agent was fully absorbed by Pinus massoniana within 3 h at temperatures exceeding 30 °C, outperforming existing commercial agents. Treated trees maintained comparable emamectin benzoate (EB) levels but achieved lower LC90 lethal concentration values (27.65 mg L−1), indicating greater efficacy. The OTTIA provided protection against PWD for ≥ 360 days postinjection. [Correction added after first online publication on 24 October 2024; In Abstract (RESULTS section), the symbol less than or equal to (≤) has been changed to greater than or equal symbol (≥) in the sentence “The OTTIA provided protection against PWD for ≥ 360 days postinjection”.]

CONCLUSION

The development of OTTIA marks a significant advancement in PWD management, offering an effective solution for high‐temperature regions and potentially transforming year‐round treatment strategies. The results highlight the critical role of optimizing solvent and emulsifier combinations to enhance the efficacy and application of trunk injection agents, contributing to sustainable forest management and improved protection against PWD. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Subxiphoid Uniportal Robotic Assisted Right Upper Lobectomy in Swine: A Novel Technology
Authors: Lin Lei , An Zhao , Yang Xiaodong , Zhu Yuming , Zhou Xiao
Published: October 2024

Background

Uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become widely accepted with increasing subxiphoid approach for major pulmonary resections. The purpose of this study was to verify the safety and feasibility of a SHURUI single port (SP) Robotic Surgical System in subxiphoid right upper lobectomy.

Methods

Five swine models were used to perform subxiphoid right upper lobectomy with SHURUI SP Robotic Surgical System. Operation details were recorded to assess the safety and feasibility of the SHURUI system.

Results

Results showed that the operation success was 100%. The time from anaesthesia to complete docking of the robotic system was 30.0 (20.0, 36.0) minutes and the total operation time was 125.0 (62.0, 142.5) minutes. Blood loss during operation was 30.0 (25.0, 125.0) mL. No death or complications occurred during the operation.

Conclusions

Uniportal robotics assisted right upper lobectomy via subxiphoid approach with SHURUI system performed in this study preliminary showed its safety and feasibility.
Contemporary Applications and Future Perspectives of Robots in Endodontics: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alqutaibi Ahmed Yaseen , Hamadallah Hatem Hazzaa , Aloufi Aseel Mohammed , Qurban Hatim A. , Hakeem Muhannad M. , Alghauli Mohammed Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background

In the era of modern advanced endodontics, the reduction of reliance on human hands and shifting towards robotics could benefit the precision and accuracy of endodontic treatment. This scoping review aims to describe current and emerging trends in the applications of robots in endodontics and highlight their limitations and future perspectives.

Methods

This review followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) standards. A comprehensive search of internet databases was conducted until February 2024. Studies that specifically examined robots in the field of endodontics were included.

Results

The studies focused on root canal cleaning, shaping, surgical procedures, and other applications. Robotic systems demonstrated improved accuracy, precision, reduced errors, and time savings compared with manual techniques.

Conclusion

Robotics in endodontics show promise, especially in surgical procedures, with AI integration enhancing accuracy and efficiency. Challenges such as cost, physical limitations, and absence of tactile feedback require further research and investment.
On Sequences With Exponentially Distributed Gaps
Authors: Aistleitner Christoph , Hauke Manuel , Zafeiropoulos Agamemnon
Published: October 2024

It is well known that a sequence which has Poissonian correlations of all orders necessarily has exponentially distributed nearest‐neighbor gaps. It is natural to ask whether this implication also holds in the other direction, that is, whether a sequence with exponential gap distribution must have Poissonian correlations, and by an already known fact, must be equidistributed. We show that this assertion is generally false, by constructing a sequence that has exponential gap distribution but fails to be equidistributed (and as a consequence, also fails to have Poissonian correlations of any order and scale).
How Motivation for Undergraduate Physics Interacts With Learning Activities in a System With Built‐In Autonomy
Authors: Bøe Maria Vetleseter , Lauvland Anders , Henriksen Ellen Karoline
Published: October 2024

Supporting student participation and learning in STEM involves motivating students to engage in the most effective learning activities. In this article, we study how student motivation interacts with learning activities, and we pay special attention to active learning and the Scandinavian context where participation in learning activities is largely voluntary. Twenty‐one undergraduate physics students at a large, research‐intensive university in Norway participated in nine focus group interviews at the beginning and end of the spring term of 2020. With self‐determination theory as a lens, our thematic analysis resulted in three themes: First, students' autonomous motivation came from mastery experiences and perceived learning, such as the joy of solving a problem. Second, active learning activities enabled students' autonomous motivation when these activities supported competence, for example through optimal challenge or with evident learning gains. In contrast, students experienced low or controlled motivation when excessive challenge and lack of mastery threatened their sense of competence. Third, students' sense of competence was strengthened by being part of a community of learners. The community ensured that help and mastery experiences were available, and interactions with the community made evident that other students struggle too. The emphasis on mastery and competence for these students is discussed considering how physics is associated with difficulty and extraordinary cleverness. We argue that the main threat for students who do not feel competent enough in physics is the threat of not belonging in physics due to this perceived lack of competence. Implications for teaching and research are discussed.
Systematizing Decisions in Design‐Based Research: From Theory to Design
Authors: Obczovsky Markus , Bernsteiner Angelika , Haagen‐Schützenhöfer Claudia , Schubatzky Thomas
Published: October 2024

There is a general consensus that design‐based research (DBR) is a genre of approaches in education research to design interventions for specific problems with the aim to gain an understanding of how they work in the problem context. While there is a considerable body of literature discussing the epistemic and methodological aspects of DBR, we found little guidance on how to actually design an intervention. The majority of research articles about DBR projects focus on the output of the projects rather than the process. In this article, we reflect on our approach to design processes in two DBR projects, with a particular focus on making and grounding design decisions. Our aim is to provide support to other researchers engaged in DBR projects and to contribute to a discussion about practices in DBR to contribute to design methodologies. We conclude with three key contributions. First, we emphasize the significance of awareness of design decisions as well as their groundings, advocating for thorough consideration of the applicability of theories, and transferability of empirical findings, as well as pragmatic and personal factors. Second, we recommend a flexibility in revising design decisions, allowing for meaningful refinement of interventions in response to evolving contexts and insights. Third, we propose a systematic approach to arrive at and document design decisions, facilitating communication within DBR projects and across research communities.
Ramp Rate Metric Suitable for Solar Forecasting
Authors: Nouri Bijan , Fabel Yann , Blum Niklas , Schnaus Dominik , Zarzalejo Luis F. , Kazantzidis Andreas , Wilbert Stefan
Published: October 2024

Solar irradiance forecasting plays a crucial role in integrating large quantities of intermittent solar power. Forecasting systems are commonly evaluated using metrics like root‐mean‐ square error (RMSE) and skill scores. However, these metrics aggregated over larger data sets do not adequately assess the prediction of ramp events, which are critical for many applications. This article introduces a novel, simple, and adaptable ramp rate metric that analyzes ramp events between successive lead times within forecasts. A case study on ramp rate mitigation in PV systems benchmarks suitable ramp thresholds for various solar irradiance components. The capabilities and limitations of deterministic and probabilistic forecasts from two all‐sky imager‐based models are evaluated for ramp prediction. A state‐of‐the‐art data‐driven vision transformer End2End model excels in RMSE and skill scores but performs poorly in ramp prediction. Conversely, a novel generative forecasting model combined with a convolutional neural network‐based irradiance model shows superior ramp prediction, achieving an F1 score of ≥0.7 for critical ramp events. This study underscores the importance of suitable ramp rate metrics and highlights the potential of generative models for enhancing ramp forecasting.
Coupled In Situ Electrical and Optical Characterization to Assess the Accelerated Aging of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Levtchenko Alexandra , Julien Arthur , McDermott Daniel , Puel Jean‐Baptiste , Guillemoles Jean‐François , Ory Daniel , Suchet Daniel
Published: October 2024

While perovskite (PVK)‐based solar cells exhibit excellent efficiencies and require a relatively simple synthesis process, stability issues during operation severely limit their commercial development. Therefore, degradation studies have drawn much attention, but the plethoric literature highlights the complexity of the topic. Thus far, in most studies, pre‐ and postmortem analyses are performed and the system's performances before and after aging are compared, severely limiting the understanding of degradation pathways. By contrast, in situ characterization allows the degradation to be tracked in real time and the pathways to be fully explored. To this end, a coupled current–voltage (IV)–photoluminescence (PL) characterization bench is set up inside a climate chamber, allowing for the periodic acquisition of PL spectra and IV curves during accelerated aging. In this study, the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability protocol damp–heat test (65 °C, 85% relative humidity) is applied to several PVK solar cells with various transport layer combinations. By following the evolution kinetics of PL spectra and IV curves, insights into the nature of the degradation mechanisms are obtained. Notably, it becomes possible to distinguish performance losses due to degradation of the PVK absorber from those where extracting layers are the cause.
Sustainable utilization of basalt waste dust as replacement of river sand in one‐part geopolymer mortar
Authors: Jain Dipanshu , Adhikary Satadru Das
Published: October 2024

With growing environmental concerns due to the excessive use of natural river sand in construction, finding sustainable alternatives is crucial. This study explores the potential of basalt waste dust, a by‐product of basalt rock crushing, as a replacement for river sand in one‐part geopolymer mortar. The experimental program is segmented into three series: replacing river sand with basalt waste dust at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%; adjusting the activator‐to‐binder ratio as 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, and 0.21; and modifying the aggregate‐to‐binder ratios (1, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.2). Results are discussed using various test results such as fresh property, hardened property, and microstructural property to provide a detailed analysis of mixture properties. Findings in series 1 reveal that replacing 50% of river sand with basalt waste dust optimally enhances the fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer mortar. In series 2, the varying activator‐to‐binder ratio with optimum replacement from series 1, activator‐to‐binder ratio 0.15, was found to be optimal, improving hardened properties. Further opting for this ratio in series 3 and increasing the aggregate‐to‐binder ratio to 2.2 was found to positively impact both the hardened and microstructural properties of one‐part geopolymer mortar. This study demonstrated that basalt waste dust plays a crucial role in these improvements and emphasizes the necessity of optimizing mix proportions to achieve superior performance, establishing basalt waste dust as a viable and sustainable alternative to river sand.
Design of alkali‐activated reactive powder concrete incorporating reactive MgO
Authors: Hossain Md Mamun , Sheikh M. Neaz , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the optimal mix combination of alkali‐activated reactive powder concrete (AARPC) incorporating reactive MgO (R‐MgO) under ambient curing conditions has been developed. The influence of R‐MgO, alkaline activator to binder (Al/Bi) ratio, binder to aggregate (Bi/Agg) ratio, and silicate modulus (SiO2/Na2O) on the properties of AARPC, including workability, flexural strength, and compressive strength, were investigated. A total of 18 trial experiments were designed based on Taguchi‐based weighted Grey relational analysis and executed, along with one confirmation experiment. It was found that the addition of R‐MgO improved the compressive strength by 15%, indicating a positive influence of R‐MgO on the compressive strength of AARPC. While the silicate modulus was the most significant factor influencing the properties of AARPC, R‐MgO emerged as the next most influential factor, followed by the Al/Bi ratio and Bi/Agg ratio. The optimum mix combination comprised 4% R‐MgO (% of binder), an Al/Bi ratio of 0.35, a Bi/Agg ratio of 0.90, and a silicate modulus of 1.5, which provided the highest compressive strength of 136.2 MPa with adequate workability.
Regulatory, socioeconomic, and meteorological predictors of harvest in marine recreational fisheries
Authors: Kasper Jacob M. , Shivers Nathan , Schultz Eric T.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Open-access marine recreational fisheries are a major source of fishing mortality in the United States. These fisheries are difficult to manage, as anglers change their behavior in response to regulations, socioeconomic influences, and weather. Previous studies have suggested that regulations tend to become more restrictive to reduce fishing mortality. Here, we considered how regulatory, socioeconomic, and meteorological factors influence harvest.

Methods

We collected the regulatory histories for 20 species in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Historical trends in regulations were analyzed using linear models. The daily harvest rate per species from 1997 to 2018, in defined time and geographic units, was analyzed for each species using Bayesian generalized linear models.

Result

Regulations tended to become more restrictive over time. The daily harvest rate of each species was influenced by a combination of regulatory, socioeconomic, and meteorological variables, suggesting a need for a broader consideration of nonregulatory factors when tailoring regulations. The influence of regulatory variables on daily harvest varied in sign among species; socioeconomic variables that had been previously demonstrated to influence recreational fishing participation had various associations with daily harvest. Additionally, as the number of days in the regulatory period decreased, daily harvest increased, indicating that anglers strategically modify their behavior in response to regulatory changes. Only some socioeconomic factors previously shown to determine angler participation were associated in the predicted direction with harvest. Finally, harvest changed in response to environmental factors, especially air temperature.

Conclusion

Bag limits and size limits were often not associated with harvest or were often in the direction not predicted. The efficacy of seasonal restrictions is limited by changes in angler behavior, and the efficacy of regulations designed to manage harvest is species-specific. Socioeconomic and meteorological factors are associated with harvest. Hence, effective regulations must be more tailored to the fishery and the socioeconomic and environmental context.