bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic Parameter Identification of Deep‐Sea Mining Vehicle during Deployment and Retrieval Using a Nonlinear Filter
Authors: Guan Yingjie , Qin Hongmao , Hu Manjiang , Cui Qingjia , Zheng Hao , Ding Rongjun
Published: July 2024

The aim of this paper is to propose a novel method for identifying the hydrodynamic parameters of a deep‐sea mining vehicle during deployment and retrieval. The proposed approach combines numerical simulation with a nonlinear filter. Initially, a dedicated hydrodynamic model for the deployment and retrieval of the mining vehicle is constructed. The identification process commences with simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This approach utilizes CFD to simulate the motion of the deep‐sea mining vehicle during deployment and retrieval, employing an implicit solution approach to analyze its motion in Heave and Yaw degrees of freedom under periodic external forces. Consequently, this provides hydrodynamic performance data. Subsequently, the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) estimator is applied to optimally solve an augmented matrix that incorporates both motion data and hydrodynamic parameters, yielding numerical values for the hydrodynamic parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that, in comparison to motion performance obtained by the CFD method, the hydrodynamic model derived from UKF enables an effective prediction of the motion of the deep‐sea mining vehicle, with prediction errors consistently below 6%.
Ultrafast Laser Manipulation of In‐Lattice Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Han , Chu Lingrui , Lv Hengyue , Ye Qingchuan , Juodkazis Saulius , Chen Feng
Published: July 2024

Plasmonic nanoparticles enable manipulation and enhancement of light fields at deep subwavelength scales, leading to structures and devices for diverse applications in optics. Despite hybrid plasmonic materials display remarkable optical properties due to interactions between components in nanoproximity, scalable production of plasmonic nanostructures within a single‐crystalline matrix to achieve an ideal plasmon–crystal interface remains challenging. Here, a novel approach is presented to realize efficient manipulation of in‐lattice plasmonic nanoparticles. Employing ultrafast‐laser‐driven plasmonic nanolithography, metallic nanoparticles with controllable morphology are precisely defined in the crystalline lattice of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystal. Through direct ion implantation, hybrid plasmonic material composed of nanoparticles embedded in a sub‐surface amorphous YAG layer is created. Subsequently, femtosecond laser pulses guide formation and reshaping of plasmonic nanoparticles from the amorphous layer into the single‐crystalline matrix along direction of light propagation, facilitated by a plasmon‐mediated evolution of laser energy deposition. By tailoring resonance modes and optimizing the coupling between structured particle assemblies, a range of applications including polarization‐dependent absorption and nonlinearity, controllable photoluminescence, and structural color generation is demonstrated. This research introduces a new approach for fabricating advanced optical materials featuring in‐lattice plasmonic nanostructures, paving the way for the development of diverse functional photonic devices.
Effect of wind speed and net radiation on the oasis effect in temperate rice paddy fields
Authors: Kim Hyunki , Kim Bo‐Kyeong , Moon Hyun‐Dong , Shin Seo‐Ho , Lee Hyeong Ju , Ha Jong‐Sung , Jeong Seungtaek , Yeom Jong‐Min , Kim Yoon Hyung , Cho Jaeil
Published: July 2024

The oasis effect, characterized by atmospheric cooling due to excessive evapotranspiration (ET) and the inflow of warm air from the surroundings, has been well documented in vegetated oases. Despite its significant ET rates, the atmospheric cooling phenomenon in rice paddies has not received extensive exploration. This study investigates the oasis effect during July and August, the peak months for ET in rice fields in temperate climate. Over 3 years (2020–2022), energy flux observations using the eddy covariance method were conducted to analyze atmospheric cooling in paddy fields. The findings revealed a pronounced atmospheric cooling effect associated with negative sensible heat in paddy fields. Moreover, this cooling phenomenon exhibited heightened activity during periods of increased wind speeds (>3.5 m/s) and subdued net radiation (<400 W/m2). These results highlight rice paddies' potential to cool the atmosphere, acting as a countermeasure against global warming and the urban heat island effect.
Epitaxial Single‐Crystalline PZT Thin Films on ZrO2‐Buffered Si Wafers Fabricated Using Spin‐Coating for Mass‐Produced Memristor Devices
Authors: Li Haining , Kijima Takeshi , Yamahara Hiroyasu , Tabata Hitoshi , Seki Munetoshi
Published: July 2024

A Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin film is fabricated on SrRuO3(SRO)/Pt/ZrO2/Si, and its resistive switching properties are thoroughly investigated. The ZrO2 thin film serves as a buffer layer for the epitaxial growth of single‐crystalline PZT thin films, and spin‐coating fabrication is useful for introducing a suitable defect content to achieve effective resistive switching in PZT. The present PZT thin film exhibits improved ferroelectric properties compared with most of the spin‐coated or sol‐gel prepared PZT films reported previously, with a large saturation polarization of ≈43 µC cm−2 and coercive filed of ≈700 kV cm−1. The symmetrically reversed true‐remanent hysteresis shows no evident imprint effect and a fully saturated polarization is observed. Intrinsic ferroelectric properties indicate the presence of non‐switching components that are conducive to memory applications. Butterfly shaped electrical conduction reveals resistive switching behavior, with abnormal bipolar resistive switching (BRS) at low voltages and normal BRS at high voltages. The abnormal BRS is explained by a microscopic mechanism involving ferroelectric polarization and an induced dipole moment, whereas the normal BRS is studied by fitting different conducting models and is dominated by interfacial barriers and defects. This study presents a progressive strategy for the large‐scale production of ferroelectric perovskite thin films, specifically suitable for silicon‐based memristors.
China's meat sector growth and U.S. grain and oilseed exports
Authors: Dhoubhadel Sunil P. , Ridley William
Published: July 2024

Given China's role as a dominant grain and oilseeds importer, any changes in Chinese policy can significantly affect exporting countries. We estimate how the domestic supply and demand factors determine China's grain and oilseed imports and project the impact on U.S. exports to China with changes in Chinese policies. The results indicate that China's policy on increasing domestic soybeans and corn production and decreasing meat consumption can considerably diminish the U.S. and its competitors' exports to China. The key policy implication is that the United States should actively seek out new export markets considering China's evolving supply and demand conditions.
Wheat cover crop has minimal effect on physical soil properties in the North Carolina Piedmont
Authors: Roper Wayne R. , Osmond Deanna L. , Heitman Joshua L.
Published: July 2024

Environmental awareness about soil and water conservation in agroecosystems has shifted behaviors toward favoring conservation practices in agricultural management. Interest in conservation tillage and cover cropping has increased, but some regions encounter major challenges with adjusting management to accommodate these practices while optimizing crop production. In an Ultisol in the North Carolina Piedmont, a long‐term corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) rotation with tillage intensities ranging from no‐till to moldboard plowing in a randomized complete block design was used to assess changes in physical soil properties after introducing wheat (Triticum aestivum) as a winter cover crop. Cover crop biomass was measured along with volumetric water content (VWC) and bulk density (BD) at 0–15 cm, water retention (WR), water‐stable aggregation (WSA), and soil organic carbon (SOC) at 0–7.5 cm, and penetration resistance (PR) at 0–45 cm. No differences in VWC or WR could be solely attributed to cover cropping, but no‐till with cover cropping had the highest macroporosity where there was no vehicle traffic. Vehicle traffic had a stronger effect on soil compaction (BD and PR) than cover cropping regardless of tillage. Conservation tillage increased WSA and SOC when compared to plow tillage, but three seasons of a wheat cover crop did not significantly change these properties, possibly because wheat produced low biomass each year (750–1900 kg ha−1). Wheat had minimal effect on physical soil properties in the short term, and potential for improvement with long‐term optimal cover crop management in this region requires further assessment.
Risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms among U.S. Veterans from Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras
Authors: Tiu Andrew , McKinnell Zoe , Liu Shanshan , Gill Puneet , Antonio Martha , Shancer Zoe , Srinivasa Nandan , Diao Guoqing , Subrahmanyam Ramesh , Kessler Craig M. , Jain Maneesh
Published: July 2024

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expanded U.S. Veterans' health care and benefits for conditions linked to service‐connected exposures (e.g., Burn Pits, Agent Orange). However, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are not recognized as presumptive conditions for Veterans exposed to these toxic substances. This study evaluated the development of MPN among U.S. Veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras. This retrospective cohort study included 65 425 Korean War era Veterans; 211 927 Vietnam War era Veterans; and 214 007 Persian Gulf War era Veterans from January 1, 2006, to January 26, 2023. Veterans with MPN, thrombosis, bleeding, and cardiovascular risk factors were identified through ICD‐9 and ‐10 codes. Veterans from the Persian Gulf War era had the highest risk of developing MPN compared with Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam War eras, hazard ratio (HR) 4.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20–5.75 and HR 2.49, 95% CI 2.20–2.82, both p < .0001, respectively. Vietnam War era Veterans also had a higher risk of MPN development compared with Korean War era Veterans, HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.77–2.21, p < .0001. Persian Gulf War era Veterans were diagnosed with MPN at an earlier age, had higher risks of thrombosis and bleeding, and had lower survival rates compared with Korean War and Vietnam War era Veterans. This study reinforces evidence that environmental and occupational hazards increase the risk of clonal myeloid disorders and related complications, impacting overall survival with MPN. Limitations include the inability to confirm clonality and fully verify deployment and exposure status.
Helicene Covalent Organic Frameworks for Robust Light Harvesting and Efficient Energy Transfers
Authors: Yin Cong , Ye Xingyao , Tao Shanshan , Zhao Dan , Zhi Yongfeng , Jiang Donglin
Published: July 2024

Helicenes represent a class of fascinating π compounds with fused yet folded backbones. Despite their broad structural diversity, harnessing helicenes to develop well‐defined materials is still a formidable challenge. Here we report the synthesis of crystalline porous helicene materials by exploring helicenes to synthesize covalent 2D lattices and layered π frameworks. Topology‐directed polymerization of [6]helicenes and porphyrin creates 2D covalent networks with alternate helicene‐porphyrin alignment along the x and y directions at a 1.5‐nm interval and develops [6]helicene frameworks through reversed anti‐AA stack along the z direction to form segregated [6]helicene and porphyrin columnar π arrays. Notably, this π configuration enables the frameworks to be highly red luminescent with benchmark quantum yields. The [6]helicene frameworks trigger effieicnt intra‐framework singlet‐to‐singlet state energy transfer from [6]helicene to porphyrin and facilitate intermolecular triplet‐to‐triplet state energy transfer from frameworks to molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species, harvesting a wide range of photons from ultraviolet to near‐infrared regions for light emitting and photo‐to‐chemical conversion. This study introduces a new family of extended frameworks, laying the groundwork for exploring well‐defined helicene materials with unprecedented structures and functions.
BIM‐basierte Evaluierung nachhaltiger Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen für bestehende Gebäudestrukturen
Authors: Jäkel Jan‐Iwo , Morgenstern Hendrik , Kloesgen Linus , König Timothy , Klemt‐Albert Katharina , Raupach Michael
Published: July 2024

In Deutschland werden rd. 70 % aller Bauleistungen im Bereich des Hochbaus an bestehenden Gebäuden erbracht. Dieser hohe Anteil unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit eines ressourceneffizienten Instandhaltungsmanagements von Gebäuden. Dafür erfolgt die Verknüpfung von digitalen Methoden und Technologien unter Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten für die optimierte Entscheidungsfindung. In diesem Aufsatz wird eine ganzheitliche Methode zur Gebäudeinstandhaltung durch den Einsatz der BIM‐Methode in Kombination mit der Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten entwickelt. Dabei werden innerhalb eines teilautomatisierten Workflows verschiedene digitale Technologien miteinander kombiniert. Im ersten Schritt wird in einer Literaturrecherche der Status quo der BIM‐basierten Instandhaltung an Stahlbetonbauwerken sowie der Nachhaltigkeitsanalyse von Gebäuden analysiert. Folgend werden die prozessualen und datentechnischen Grundlagen definiert. Darauf aufbauend erfolgt die Konzeptentwicklung und Validierung unter Abhaltung der Schritte Datenerfassung, algorithmische Datenverarbeitung und Nachhaltigkeitsanalyse sowie Datenbereitstellung über Augmented Reality und Common Data Environment. Schließlich werden die Prozessschritte anhand eines realen Demonstrators validiert. Das Ergebnis des Beitrags zeigt eine teilautomatisierte Prozesskette und Entscheidungsunterstützung für ein ressourceneffizientes Instandhaltungsmanagement von Stahlbetonbauwerken.
A reflection on the voluntary disclosure of sustainable development goals: The role of sustainability committee
Authors: Hamad Salaheldin , Lai Fong‐Woon , Shad Muhammad Kashif , Shah Syed Quaid Ali , Jan Ahmad Ali , Ali Syed Emad Azhar
Published: July 2024

Limited research explores the private sector's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly regarding factors influencing disclosure practices in emerging economies. This study addresses this gap by investigating the voluntary disclosure of SDGs and the impact of the sustainability committee (SC) on such disclosure in Malaysia. Panel data from large publicly listed Malaysian companies spanning from 2016 to 2020 is employed. Manual content analysis extracts the SDGs‐related information from the annual reports. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analytical models to examine the effect of the sustainability committee's existence on the SDGs disclosure. Findings reveal an increasing trend in Malaysian companies' commitment to SDGs, with a stronger emphasis on social goals compared to environmental ones. The results of the T‐test, fixed effects, and two‐stage least squares regressions demonstrate significantly higher and more detailed SDG disclosure in companies with SCs compared to those without SCs. These findings suggest that SCs facilitate the integration of SDGs into corporate strategies and business models. Sensitivity analyses have not altered our findings. This research provides useful insights for policymakers and practitioners regarding corporate SDGs disclosure practices and the role of sustainability committees in enhancing such practices.
Strategic integration of environmental sustainability in inland logistics: A multi‐criteria decision‐making approach
Authors: Charłampowicz Jędrzej , Mańkowski Cezary , Saikouk Tarik
Published: July 2024

This study develops a reference model for managing inland logistics operations with a focus on environmental sustainability. As global supply chains face the imperative of integrating environmental practices, inland logistics operators are pivotal in this transition. Utilizing fuzzy‐DEMATEL analysis, the research identifies key management concepts and their interrelationships, highlighting strategic and operational management as the most significant. The approach distinguishes between causal and effectual concepts, prioritizing actions and resources for a dynamic management system.

Actionable strategies derived from the findings prompt inland logistics operators to focus on process management as a primary tool for implementing strategic objectives. The model suggests that environmental management, while critical, is not perceived as a priority in Polish inland transport, indicating a potential area for further development. The study's practical implications underscore the need for logistics operators to integrate this reference model, enhancing operational efficiency and addressing environmental standards.

Theoretically, the research enriches logistics management literature by offering a robust framework that operationalizes management concepts within inland logistics. By advancing the methodological application of fuzzy‐DEMATEL, the study provides a new lens for examining management dynamics. The reference model's emphasis on environmental sustainability contributes to the theoretical understanding of sustainable logistics practices.

In sum, the research offers a comprehensive framework for inland logistics operators, balancing environmental sustainability with operational efficiency. It serves as a guide for future research and practical application, setting a new direction for sustainable logistics management.
What Effects Do Magnetic Fields Exert on the Bioaccumulation of Galanthamine and Lycorine, Growth Efficiency, Capacity to Scavenge Free Radicals, and Defense Enzyme Activities of Summer Snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum L.)?
Authors: Cimen Ayca , Baba Yavuz , Birinci Yildirim Arzu , Ucar Turker Arzu
Published: July 2024

Leucojum aestivum L. is a bulbous Amaryllidaceae family plant. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of three different magnetic field (MF) intensities [50, 100 and 150 militesla (mT)] with three different exposure durations (1, 3 and 7 days) on growth parameters, alkaloid levels (galanthamine and lycorine), non‐enzymatic antioxidant activities (total phenol‐flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activity), and enzymatic antioxidant activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] compared with control (no MF) in the bulbs and leaves. Maximum bulb length was achieved with 150 mT MF application for 3 days. Galanthamine levels increased by 63 % in the bulbs with 150 mT–7 days exposure and by 79.8 % in the leaves with 50 MT–1 day exposure compared to the control. The leaves and bulbs with 100 mT exposure showed the greatest increases in lycorine concentrations (23.8 % and 62.3 % rises, respectively). MF exposures of 150 mT for 3 days gave the best radical scavenging activity and total phenol‐flavonoid content. The highest alkaloid levels in the bulbs were associated with higher SOD and CAT activity generated by MF treatments. This study revealed that the medicinal value and quantity of L. aestivum bulbs could be significantly increased with 150 mT MF intensity.
Zinc‐Binding Oligonucleotide Backbone Modifications for Targeting a DNA‐Processing Metalloenzyme
Authors: Berney Mark , Fay Ellen M. , Doherty William , Deering John J. , Dürr Eva‐Maria , Ferguson Steven , McGouran Joanna F.
Published: July 2024

A series of chemically‐modified oligonucleotides for targeting the DNA repair nuclease SNM1A have been designed and synthesised. Each oligonucleotide contains a modified internucleotide linkage designed to both mimic the native phosphodiester backbone and chelate to the catalytic zinc ion(s) in the SNM1A active site. Dinucleoside phosphoramidites containing urea, squaramide, sulfanylacetamide, and sulfinylacetamide linkages were prepared and employed successfully in solid‐phase oligonucleotide synthesis. All the modified oligonucleotides were found to interact with SNM1A in a gel electrophoresis‐based assay, demonstrating the first examples of inhibition of DNA damage repair enzymes for many of these groups in oligonucleotides. One strand containing a sulfinylacetamide‐linkage was found to have the strongest interaction with SNM1A and was further tested in a real‐time fluorescence assay. This allowed an IC50 value of 231 nM to be determined, significantly lower than previously reported substrate‐mimics targeting this enzyme. It is expected that these modified oligonucleotides will serve as a scaffold for the future development of fluorescent or biotin‐labelled probes for the in vivo study of DNA repair processes.
trans‐Selective Element–Element′ Addition to Alkynes
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Sun Yingman , Li Shiqing , Zhao Dongbing
Published: July 2024

The trans‐addition of intermetallic σ‐bonds (E−E′; E E’=Si, B, Se, P, Sn, etc.) across alkynes has emerged as an exceptionally atom‐economical means of constructing multi‐substituted alkenes, which readily transform into densely functionalized and biologically active compounds. Compared to the widely studied cis‐E−E’ additions, trans‐E−E’ additions remain a more challenging and underdeveloped area. In this article, recent advances in trans‐E−E’ additions are summarized, encompassing various interelement compounds such as Si−Si, B−B, Si−B, P−B, Se−B, and B−Sn. We aim to provide a deeper understanding of trans‐E−E’ additions and facilitate the further development of synthetic methodologies and applications of vicinally trans‐bismetallated alkenes.
On “Storage‐Oxidation” Cycling Removal of BTX Over Zeolite Composites
Authors: Liu Danyu , Wang Yu , Zhang Lanlan , Hao Zelong , Pei Shuya , Zhao Zhihe , Zhang YuZhuo , Liu Xin , Chen Bingbing , Shi Chuan
Published: July 2024

The “storage‐oxidation” cycle is an energy‐efficient process for removing low‐concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, due to the weak interaction between BTX compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) and commonly used adsorbent materials, how to prevent the BTX escape prior to oxidation remains a challenge. In this work, a comprehensive study on the critical factors influencing on the “storage‐oxidation” cycling removal of BTX are investigated. The study elucidated the relationship between different zeolites and their capacity for storing BTX. It was found that the adsorption of BTX onto various zeolites is greatly impacted by the pore size of the zeolite and the volatility of BTX. Particularly, toluene and/or m‐xylene could be preferential adsorbed by Cu2+ located on the ion‐exchange sites, forming strong bonding interactions that facilitating the in‐situ thermal regeneration. Furthermore, the experimental results suggest that a synergy between Cu2+ and CuO could accelerate the catalytic oxidation of BTX. These findings offer valuable insights for designing bifunctional catalysts for the “storage‐oxidation” cycling removal of BTX.
Capture of Sulfur Dioxide in Ship Exhaust Gas by Tertiary Amine Absorbents
Authors: Kim Kwanghwi , Lim Hyunji , Park Hyun Sic , Kang Jo Hong , Park Jinwon , Song Hojun
Published: July 2024

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from ship exhausts pose serious health and environmental concerns. Herein, the SO2 absorption and desorption characteristics of tertiary amines with different functional groups were explored under simulated ship exhaust gas conditions. Tertiary amines with electron‐donating groups had superior absorption performance to those with electron‐withdrawing groups, and highly polar absorbents exhibited enhanced SO2 absorption loading. Dimethylaniline (DMA) showed excellent desorption performance, outperforming other absorbents (amino acids, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents) in terms of cyclic capacity. Thus, tertiary amines, especially DMA, can be potentially used for the prevention of SO2 emissions from ship exhausts and other desulfurization applications.
α‐Selective Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Glycosyl Phosphate Repeating Structure Via the Phosphoramidite Method
Authors: Kawato Kazuki , Sato Kazuki , Wada Takeshi
Published: July 2024

Lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) are found on the surface of Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, and are immunologically important. Herein, disaccharide 1‐phosphate repeating units of LPGs were successfully synthesized on a solid support with high anomeric purity using a disaccharide α‐1‐phosphoramidite building block. To enhance solubility in the reaction solvent, hydroxy‐protecting groups in the form of para‐t‐butylbenzoyl were introduced to the building block. The saccharide chain was elongated via stable glycosyl boranophosphate linkages, followed by the conversion of inter‐sugar linkages to phosphodiester counterparts using an oxaziridine derivative. The addition of a silylating reagent post‐reaction with the oxaziridine derivative efficiently facilitated the conversion of boranophosphodiester to phosphodiesters. This method enabled the α‐selective synthesis of up to 15 repeating units, marking the longest homogeneous repeating units of LPGs synthesized chemically. Given the chain length equivalence to native LPGs, the method developed herein holds promise for advancing anti‐Leishmanial pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
A BODIPY‐Ferrocene Conjugate for the Combined Photodynamic Therapy and Chemodynamic Therapy with Improved Antitumor Efficiency
Authors: Yuan Bin , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Hua , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: July 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can destroy tumor cells by generating singlet oxygen (1O2) under light irradiation, which is limited by the hypoxia of the neoplastic tissue. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) can produce toxic hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) to eradicate tumor cells by catalytic decomposition of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the therapeutic effect of which is highly dependent on the concentration of H2O2. Herein, we propose a BODIPY‐ferrocene conjugate with a balanced 1O2 and ⋅OH generation capacity, which can serve as a high‐efficiency antitumor agent by combining PDT and CDT. The ferrocene moieties endow the as‐prepared conjugates with the ability of chemodynamic killing of tumor cells. Moreover, combined PDT/CDT therapy with improved antitumor efficiency can be realized after exposure to light irradiation. Compared with the monotherapy by PDT or CDT, the BODIPY‐ferrocene conjugates can significantly increase the intracellular ROS levels of the tumor cells after light irradiation, thereby inducing the tumor cell apoptosis at low drug doses. In this way, a synergistic antitumor treatment is achieved by the combination of PDT and CDT.
Surface Gold Atoms Determine Peroxidase Mimic Activity in Gold Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Spataro Giulia Maria , Yang Jijin , Coviello Vito , Agnoli Stefano , Amendola Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

The development of peroxidase mimic nanocatalysts is relevant for oxidation reactions in biosensing, environmental monitoring and green chemical processes. Several nanomaterials have been proposed as peroxidase mimic, the majority of which consists of noble metals and oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Yet, there is still limited information about how the change in the composition influences their catalytic activity. Here, the peroxidase mimic behaviour of gold NPs is compared to a traditional nanoalloy as Au−Ag and to the Au−Fe and the Au−Co nanoalloys, which were not tested before as oxidation catalysts. Since the alloys of gold with iron and cobalt are thermodynamically unstable, laser ablation in liquid (LAL) is exploited for the synthesis of these NPs. Using LAL, no chemical stabilizers or capping agents are present on the NPs surface, allowing the evaluation of the oxidation behaviour as a function of the alloy composition. The results point to the importance of surface gold atoms in the catalytic process, but also indicate the possibility of obtaining active nanocatalysts with a lower content of Au by alloying it with iron, which is earth‐abundant, non‐toxic and low cost. Overall, Au nanoalloys are worth consideration as a more sustainable alternative to pure Au nanocatalysts for oxidation reactions.
Metal‐Free Regioselective Direct C(4)−H Amination of Quinazoline with N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide
Authors: Wang Yong , Lin Xueying , Ying Xianyu , Hu Shan , Zhu Hongjun
Published: July 2024

A facile C−H amination of quinazoline employing N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) as the amination source has been disclosed in the absence of any metal, oxidant or additive. The methodology shows a board range of quinazolines with different functional groups in moderate to good yields up to 87 %. Furthermore, gram‐scale reaction, desulfonylation to amine and synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediate were also investigated, which demonstrates potential applications in medicinal chemistry. A plausible amination mechanism is proposed via F+ transfer accompanied by the removal of one molecule of PhSO2F. DFT studies with experimental work suggest that the mechanism via F+ transfer is more favorable than the free radical one.
Unveiling the influence of corporate greenwashing on employees' pro‐environmental behavior: A cross‐cultural study from China, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Japan
Authors: Tao Zhibin , Chao Jiaxiao
Published: July 2024

Corporate greenwashing and pro‐environmental behavior of employees have attracted a significant amount of research attention in journals related to corporate governance, green and sustainable development. However, limited research has currently investigated the relationship between the two, especially in today's globalized business environment. To fill this research gap, this study conducts a cross‐cultural validation of connection between the two, covering four countries: China, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Japan. The study uses structural equation model and fsQCA methods for empirical analysis. The empirical results reveal that in China, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Japan: (1) corporate greenwashing suppresses employees' pro‐environmental behavior; (2) corporate greenwashing leads to employees developing perceptions of corporate hypocrisy, negative pro‐environmental attitudes, and organizational cynicism; (3) corporate hypocrisy perception, negative pro‐environmental attitude, and organizational cynicism lead to employees displaying negative pro‐environmental behaviors; (4) corporate hypocrisy perception, negative pro‐environmental attitude, and organizational cynicism significantly mediate the influence of corporate greenwashing on employees' pro‐environmental behavior; (5) the mediating effects of these three variables do not significantly differ across the four countries; (6) the analysis results from the fsQCA method show that in China, there are 6 configurations leading to employees displaying significant (strong) negative pro‐environmental behaviors, while in the United Kingdom there are 5, and in the Republic of Korea and Japan there are 3 and 5, respectively. This cross‐cultural study offers insights for corporate management, aiding in understanding and mitigating the effects of greenwashing on employee pro‐environmental behavior. It also bolsters the creation of efficacious corporate environmental practices policies and serves as a resource for future cross‐cultural environmental preservation and corporate governance research.
Photoredox Cascade Catalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production From Sustainable Hydrogen Sources
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi
Published: July 2024

Visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production has been extensively studied as a clean and sustainable energy resource. Although sacrificial electron donors (SEDs) are commonly used to evaluate photocatalytic activity, their irreversible decomposition forces charge separation, which disrupts the inherent dual productivity of photocatalysis, that is, the formation of both the reduction and oxidation products. To achieve highly efficient photoinduced charge separation without SED decomposition, the layer‐by‐layer assembly of redox‐active photosensitizing dyes and electron mediators through Zr4+‐phosphonate bonds has been extensively studied as an artificial mimic of the electron transport chain in natural photosynthesis. This concept paper presents an overview of photoredox cascade catalytic (PRCC) systems comprising multiple Ru(II)‐trisbipyridine‐type dyes and mediator layers on Pt‐loaded TiO2 nanoparticles for H2 production from redox reversible electron donors (RREDs). The PRCC structure‐activity relationship for photocatalytic H2 production is briefly discussed in terms of layer thickness, surface structure and modification, and cooperativity with molecular oxidation catalysts. Finally, new insights into the design of efficient dual‐production photocatalysts based on the PRCC structure are presented.
Multiscale Modeling of CO2 Electrochemical Reduction on Copper Electrocatalysts: A Review of Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Gholizadeh Reza , Pavlin Matic , Huš Matej , Likozar Blaž
Published: July 2024

Although CO2 contributes significantly to global warming, it also offers potential as a raw material for the production of hydrocarbons such as CH4, C2H4 and CH3OH. Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) is an emerging technology that utilizes renewable energy to convert CO2 into valuable fuels, solving environmental and energy problems simultaneously. Insights gained at any individual scale can only provide a limited view of that specific scale. Multiscale modeling, which involves coupling atomistic‐level insights (density functional theory, DFT) and (Molecular Dynamics, MD), with mesoscale (kinetic Monte Carlo, KMC, and microkinetics, MK) and macroscale (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) simulations, has received significant attention recently. While multiscale modeling of eCO2RR on electrocatalysts across all scales is limited due to its complexity, this review offers an overview of recent works on single scales and the coupling of two and three scales, such as “DFT+MD”, “DFT+KMC”, “DFT+MK”, “KMC/MK+CFD” and “DFT+MK/KMC+CFD”, focusing particularly on Cu‐based electrocatalysts as copper is known to be an excellent electrocatalyst for eCO2RR. This sets it apart from other reviews that solely focus exclusively on a single scale or only on a combination of DFT and MK/KMC scales. Furthermore, this review offers a concise overview of machine learning (ML) applications for eCO2RR, an emerging approach that has not yet been reviewed. Finally, this review highlights the key challenges, research gaps and perspectives of multiscale modeling for eCO2RR.
Progress in Non‐Fullerene Acceptors: Evolution from Small to Giant Molecules
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yu Runnan , Lv Qianglong , Li Shuang , Yuan Haoyu , Huang Bolong , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) is increasing. According to their different chemical structures, NFAs can initially be divided into two categories: small molecule acceptors (SMAs) and polymerized small molecule acceptors (PSMAs). Due to the strong absorption capacity and controllable energy levels, the PCE of devices based on SMAs has approached 20 %. Compared with SMAs, PSMAs have advantages in stability and flexibility, and the PCE of PSMA‐based devices has exceeded 18 %. However, the higher synthesis cost and lower batch repeatability hinder its further development. Recently, the concept of giant molecule acceptors (GMAs) has been proposed. These materials have a clear molecular structure and are considered novel acceptor materials that combine the advantages of SMAs and PSMAs. Currently, the PCE of devices based on GMAs has exceeded 19 %. In this review, we will introduce the latest developments in SMAs, PSMAs, and GMAs. Then, the advantages of GMAs and the relationship between their structure and performance will be analyzed. In the end, perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of these materials are provided, which could inspire further development of NFAs for advanced OSCs.
Gen Z chooses trade schools over traditional colleges
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2024

Over the past several months, there has been a lot in the news about students from Generation Z (1997–2012) choosing to attend “trade” schools over more traditional colleges. Those of us who work in the trade schools don’t call them that. The Technical College System of Georgia is, I suppose, what others might call a trade school. The colleges in the system offer such programs as welding, automotive maintenance and repair, plumbing, construction, industrial systems maintenance, electrical lineman, and aviation maintenance, among many others.
Predictors of the efficacy of His bundle pacing in patients with a prolonged PR interval: A stratified analysis of the HOPE‐HF randomized controlled trial
Authors: Keene Daniel , Kaza Nandita , Srinivasan Divya , Ali Nadine , Tanner Mark , Foley Paul , Chandrasekaran Badri , Moore Philip , Adhya Shaumik , Qureshi Norman , Muthumala Amal , Lane Rebecca , Rinaldi Aldo , Agarwal Sharad , Leyva Francisco , Behar Jonathan , Bassi Sukh , Ng Andre , Scott Paul , Prasad Rachana , Swinburn Jon , Tomson Joseph , Sethi Amarjit , Shah Jaymin , Lim Phang Boon , Kyriacou Andreas , Thomas Dewi , Chuen Jenny , Kamdar Ravi , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Mariveles Myril , Johnson Nicholas , Falaschetti Emanuela , Howard James P. , Arnold Ahran , Cleland John G.F. , Francis Darrel P. , Whinnett Zachary , Shun‐Shin Matthew
Published: July 2024

Aims

The randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled HOPE‐HF trial assessed the benefit of atrio‐ventricular (AV) delay optimization delivered using His bundle pacing. It recruited patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, PR interval ≥200 ms, and baseline QRS ≤140 ms or right bundle branch block. Overall, there was no significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) but there was significant improvement in heart failure specific quality of life. In this pre‐specified secondary analysis, we evaluated the impact of baseline PR interval, echocardiographic E‐A fusion, and the magnitude of acute high‐precision haemodynamic response to pacing, on outcomes.

Methods and results

All 167 randomized participants underwent measurement of PR interval, acute haemodynamic response at optimized AV delay, and assessment of presence of E‐A fusion. We tested the impact of these baseline parameters using a Bayesian ordinal model on VO2max, quality of life and activity measures. There was strong evidence of a beneficial interaction between the baseline acute haemodynamic response and the blinded benefit of pacing for VO2 (Pr 99.9%), Minnesota Living With Heart Failure (MLWHF) (Pr 99.8%), MLWHF physical limitation score (Pr 98.9%), EQ‐5D visual analogue scale (Pr 99.6%), and exercise time (Pr 99.4%). The baseline PR interval and the presence of baseline E‐A fusion did not have this reliable ability to predict the clinical benefit of pacing over placebo across multiple endpoints.

Conclusions

In the HOPE‐HF trial, the acute haemodynamic response to pacing reliably identified patients who obtained clinical benefit. Patients with a long PR interval (≥200 ms) and left ventricular impairment who obtained acute haemodynamic improvement with AV‐optimized His bundle pacing were likely to obtain clinical benefit, consistent across multiple endpoints. Importantly, this gradation can be reliably tested for before randomization, but does require high‐precision AV‐optimized haemodynamic assessment to be performed.
Analytical vulnerability functions for assessing fatalities in masonry buildings
Authors: Lovon Holger , Silva Vitor , Vicente Romeu , Ferreira Tiago Miguel
Published: July 2024

The assessment of human losses and injuries due to earthquakes is critical for the development of risk reduction measures. Yet, most vulnerability studies have focused on the derivation of fragility functions for structural damage, neglecting the evaluation of the human impact. In this study, we implemented a fatality vulnerability assessment procedure based on advanced structural modelling, with an application to typical limestone and granite masonry buildings in Portugal. We performed nonlinear time‐history analysis on 3D numerical models whose characteristics were sampled from statistical models representing the geometric and mechanical properties of this type of construction. Engineering demand parameters, such as volume of loss and volume of survivable space, were estimated and converted into a fatality rate based on observations from past fatal earthquakes. We compared these vulnerability functions with other proposals from the literature in which conventional fragility functions are directly combined with collapse and fatality rates. Finally, the resulting vulnerability functions were tested for two earthquake scenarios for Portugal. The results from this study indicate that the conventional approach for fatality modelling tends to underestimate human losses for strong ground shaking due to the inability to account for catastrophic structural collapses. The fatality vulnerability functions developed in this work can be directly used in probabilistic seismic risk analysis or the assessment of earthquake scenarios.
Dynamic service function chain placement in mobile computing: An asynchronous advantage actor‐critic based approach
Authors: Jiang Heling , Xia Hai , Zare Mansoureh
Published: July 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are constantly sending data to the cloud. The resource‐rich cloud computing paradigm provides users with significant potential to reduce costs and improve quality of service (QoS). However, the centralized architecture of cloud data centers and thousands of miles away from clients has reduced the efficiency of this paradigm in delay‐sensitive and real‐time applications. In order to get over these restrictions, fog computing was integrated into cloud computing as a new paradigm. Without using the cloud, fog computing can supply the resources needed for IoT devices at the network's edge. Delay is thereby decreased because processing, analysis, and storage are located closer to the clients and the areas where the data is created. In Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) networks, this study sets up an architecture based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to deliver online services to end users. We introduce a DRL‐based method named DPPR for Dynamic service function chain (SFC) Placement that uses Parallelized virtual network functions (VNFs) and seeks to optimize the long‐term expected cumulative Reward. Online service provider DPPR can accomplish processing acceleration through parallel VNF sharing. In addition, by extracting the distribution of initialized VNFs, DPPR improves the capacity to handle subsequent requests. The conducted simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, so that the average number of accepted requests is improved by about 11.7%.
Myelin basic protein mRNA levels affect myelin sheath dimensions, architecture, plasticity, and density of resident glial cells
Authors: Bagheri Hooman , Friedman Hana , Hadwen Amanda , Jarweh Celia , Cooper Ellis , Oprea Lawrence , Guerrier Claire , Khadra Anmar , Collin Armand , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Young Amanda , Victoriano Gerardo Mendez , Swire Matthew , Jarjour Andrew , Bechler Marie E. , Pryce Rachel S. , Chaurand Pierre , Cougnaud Lise , Vuckovic Dajana , Wilion Elliott , Greene Owen , Nishiyama Akiko , Benmamar‐Badel Anouk , Owens Trevor , Grouza Vladimir , Tuznik Marius , Liu Hanwen , Rudko David A. , Zhang Jinyi , Siminovitch Katherine A. , Peterson Alan C.
Published: July 2024

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is essential for both elaboration and maintenance of CNS myelin, and its reduced accumulation results in hypomyelination. How different Mbp mRNA levels affect myelin dimensions across the lifespan and how resident glial cells may respond to such changes are unknown. Here, to investigate these questions, we used enhancer‐edited mouse lines that accumulate Mbp mRNA levels ranging from 8% to 160% of wild type. In young mice, reduced Mbp mRNA levels resulted in corresponding decreases in Mbp protein accumulation and myelin sheath thickness, confirming the previously demonstrated rate‐limiting role of Mbp transcription in the control of initial myelin synthesis. However, despite maintaining lower line specific Mbp mRNA levels into old age, both MBP protein levels and myelin thickness improved or fully normalized at rates defined by the relative Mbp mRNA level. Sheath length, in contrast, was affected only when mRNA levels were very low, demonstrating that sheath thickness and length are not equally coupled to Mbp mRNA level. Striking abnormalities in sheath structure also emerged with reduced mRNA levels. Unexpectedly, an increase in the density of all glial cell types arose in response to reduced Mbp mRNA levels. This investigation extends understanding of the role MBP plays in myelin sheath elaboration, architecture, and plasticity across the mouse lifespan and illuminates a novel axis of glial cell crosstalk.
Implementation of the pharmacovigilance database in the usage of antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital: A pilot study
Authors: Krushna Karri Juhu Kiran , Misra Arup Kumar , Saggurthi Pavani , Sharma Sushil , Madhavrao C. , Rangari Gaurav , Kutikuppala L. V. Simhachalam , Varshitha Golla
Published: July 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has evolved into a severe public health issue that defies all current control strategies and needs multidisciplinary, creative solutions. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities demand a set of tools and abilities that can be used by health systems. In view of the growing AMR and the difficulty for the surveillance of it in the developing country, this study was conducted to incorporate pharmacovigilance (PV) in the AMS program.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional pilot study was conducted to collect the PV database of antimicrobials induced adverse drug reactions (ADR) from the Adverse Drug Reactions Monitoring Center (AMC) of the institute for a period of 2 months from August 2022 to September 2022. The information from the database was analyzed to estimate the usage of antibiotics from the PV database from AMC and classified it under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical, to assess the rationality of the antimicrobial's usage based on “Access,” “Watch,” and “Reserve” (AWaRe) classification, and to assess the ADR of the antibiotics. The analysis was done by using the SPSS version 20.0 for Windows.

Results

The results showed that the prevalence of ADRs were more in adults’ population with preponderance in female. The antibiotics usage was as per with World Health Organization standard and most of the antibiotics used were from the Access group of AWaRe classifications. Tetracyclines and penicillins were the most used antibiotic group of drugs. The number of patients included in the study was 70. Most of the causality assessment was “possible” (62.85%). In the study, almost 90% of the drug was withdrawn and 70% of the patients were in the recovering stage.

Conclusion

Using existing PV approaches to address usage of antibiotics and AMR issues would allow PV to progress as a field, and governments will get a stronger return on their PV investments.