bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme events, trophic chain reactions, and shifts in phenotypic selection
Authors: Layton-Matthews Kate , Vriend Stefan J. G. , Grøtan Vidar , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Sæther Bernt-Erik , Fuglei Eva , Hansen Brage Bremset
Published: September 2023

Demographic consequences of rapid environmental change and extreme climatic events (ECEs) can cascade across trophic levels with evolutionary implications that have rarely been explored. Here, we show how an ECE in high Arctic Svalbard triggered a trophic chain reaction, directly or indirectly affecting the demography of both overwintering and migratory vertebrates, ultimately inducing a shift in density-dependent phenotypic selection in migratory geese. A record-breaking rain-on-snow event and ice-locked pastures led to reindeer mass starvation and a population crash, followed by a period of low mortality and population recovery. This caused lagged, long-lasting reductions in reindeer carrion numbers and resultant low abundances of Arctic foxes, a scavenger on reindeer and predator of migratory birds. The associated decrease in Arctic fox predation of goose offspring allowed for a rapid increase in barnacle goose densities. As expected according to r- and K-selection theory, the goose body condition (affecting reproduction and post-fledging survival) maximising Malthusian fitness increased with this shift in population density. Thus, the winter ECE acting on reindeer and their scavenger, the Arctic fox, indirectly selected for higher body condition in migratory geese. This high Arctic study provides rare empirical evidence of links between ECEs, community dynamics and evolution, with implications for our understanding of indirect eco-evolutionary impacts of global change.
FAM3 family genes are associated with prognostic value of human cancer: a pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Dong Qing-Tai , Ma Dan-Dan , Gong Qi , Lin Zhen-Yu , Li Zhong-Hu , Ye Jia-Xin , Qin Chun-Hui , Jin Wei-Dong , Zhang Jian-Xin , Zhang Zhi-Yong
Published: September 2023

Family with sequence similarity three member (FAM3) plays a crucial role in the malignant development of various cancers of human. However, there remains doubtful what specific role of FAM3 family genes in pan-cancer. Our study aimed to investigate the role of FAM3 family genes in prognosis, immune subtype, tumor immune microenvironment, stemness score, and anticancer drug sensitivity of pan-cancer. We obtained data from UCSC Xena GDC and CellMiner databases, and used them to study the correlation of the expression, survival, immune subtype, tumor microenvironment, stemness score, and anticancer drug sensitivity between FAM3 family genes with pan-cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the tumor cellular functions and clinical prognostic value FAMC3 in pancreatic cancer (PAAD) using cellular experiments and tissue microarray. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion, wound-healing and apoptosis assays were performed to study the effect of FAM3C on SW1990 cells’ proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to study the relationship between FAM3C expression and clinical characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients. The results revealed that FAM3 family genes are significantly differential expression in tumor and adjacent normal tissues in 7 cancers (CHOL, HNSC, KICH, LUAD, LUSC, READ, and STAD). The expression of FAM3 family genes were negatively related with the RNAss, and robust correlated with immune type, tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity. The expression of FAM3 family genes in pan-cancers were significantly different in immune type C1 (wound healing), C2 (IFN-gamma dominant), C3 (inflammatory), C4 (lymphocyte depleted), C5 (immunologically quiet), and C6 (TGF-beta dominant). Meanwhile, overexpression FAM3C promoted SW1990 cells proliferation, migration, invasion and suppressed SW1990 cells apoptosis. While knockdown of FAM3C triggered opposite results. High FAM3C expression was associated with duodenal invasion, differentiation and liver metastasis. In summary, this study provided a new perspective on the potential therapeutic role of FAM3 family genes in pan-cancer. In particular, FAM3C may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of PAAD.
Gulls as a host for both gamma and deltacoronaviruses
Authors: Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Miłek-Krupa Justyna , Pikuła Anna
Published: September 2023

The coronaviruses (CoV) are ubiquitous pathogens found in wide variety of hosts that constantly pose a threat to human and animal health as a result of their enormous capacity to generate genetic changes. Constant monitoring of virus reservoirs can constitute an early-warning tool and control the spread and evolution of the virus. Coronaviruses are common in wild birds, globally, and birds of the Charadriiformes in particular have been demonstrated to be carriers of delta- (dCoV) and gammacoronaviruses (gCoV). In this paper, we present the genetic characterisation of five CoV strains from black-headed (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and common (Larus canus) gulls. Whole genome sequence analysis showed high similarity of detected dCoV in gulls to previously identified strains from falcon, houbara, pigeon and gulls from Asia (UAE, China). However, phylogenetic analysis revealed bifurcation within a common branch. Furthermore, the accumulation of numerous amino acid changes within the S-protein was demonstrated, indicating further evolution of dCoV within a single gull host. In turn, phylogenetic analysis for the most of the structural and non-structural genes of identified gCoV confirmed that the strain belongs to the duck coronavirus 2714 (DuCoV2714) species within Igacovirus subgenera, while for the spike protein it forms a separate branch not closely related to any gCoV species known to date. The current study provides new and significant insights into the evolution and diversification of circulating coronaviruses in members of Laridae family.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and acute kidney injury: a single-center retrospective cohort
Authors: Gao Xiaolan , Ninan Jacob , Bohman John K. , Viehman Jason K. , Liu Chang , Bruns Danette , Song Xuan , Liu Xinyan , Yalamuri Suraj M. , Kashani Kianoush B.
Published: September 2023

To assess the relationship between acute kidney injury (AKI) with outcomes among patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) at a tertiary referral hospital requiring ECMO from July 1, 2015, to August 30, 2019. We assessed the temporal relationship of AKI and renal replacement therapy with ECMO type (VV vs. VA). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality rates. We used Kruskal–Wallis or chi-square tests for pairwise comparisons, cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were utilized for the association between AKI prevalence and in-hospital mortality, and a time-dependent Cox model was used to describe the association between AKI incidence and mortality. After the screening, 190 patients met eligibility criteria [133 (70%) AKI, 81 (43%) required RRT]. The median age was 61 years, and 61% were males. Among AKI patients, 48 (36%) and 85 (64%) patients developed AKI before and after ECMO, respectively. The SOFA Day 1, baseline creatinine, respiratory rate (RR), use of vasopressin, vancomycin, proton pump inhibitor, antibiotics, duration of mechanical ventilation and ECMO, and ICU length of stay were higher in AKI patients compared with those without AKI (P < 0.01). While ICU and in-hospital mortality rates were 46% and 50%, respectively, there were no differences based on the AKI status. The type and characteristics of ECMO support were not associated with AKI risk. Among AKI patients, 77 (58%) were oliguric, and 46 (60%) of them received diuretics. Urine output in the diuretic group was only higher on the first day than in those who did not receive diuretics (P = 0.03). Among ECMO patients, AKI was not associated with increased mortality but was associated with prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.
Designing an efficient organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite for simultaneous oxidative/adsorptive desulfurization of model and real fuel oils
Authors: Sadrara Mina , Khorrami Mohammadreza Khanmohammadi
Published: September 2023

In this study, an efficient organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite was designed for deep oxidative/adsorptive removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) from model and real fuel oils employing surface molecularly imprinted polymer (SMIP) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). On the surface of silanol-functionalized MCM-48-HPW prepared at different 12-tungstophosphoric acid (HPW wt%) as the oxidation catalyst, an imprinted polymethacrylic acid polymer (PMAA) as a selective adsorbent of DBT was formed using different amounts of DBT template. Then, various oxidant/sulfur molar ratios were applied during the desulfurization reactions according to the central composite design (CCD). The successful synthesis of the optimum SMIP-PMAA@MCM-48-HPW nanocomposite was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, N2-adsorption, SEM, TEM, TGA, and NMR techniques. The desulfurization percentage of the model oil reached 98.54% under the optimum conditions, and the catalyst percentage was found to be the most significant parameter for desulfurization efficiency. Comparison experiments showed that the combined role of oxidation and adsorption had an extensive impact on desulfurization efficiency. Under the optimized conditions, 96% DBT from gasoline was removed by the optimum nanocomposite. The optimum nanocomposite showed good stability and could be reused five times without a remarkable decrease in the desulfurization ability.
Sensorimotor adaptation in spatial orientation task: a fNIRS study
Authors: Yeo Sang Seok , Jang Tae Su , Yun Seong Ho
Published: September 2023

In sensorimotor conflicts, the brain forms and updates a new sensorimotor relationship through sensorimotor integration. As humans adapt to new sensorimotor mapping, goal-directed movements become increasingly precise. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, we investigated the changes in cortical activity during sensorimotor adaptation in a spatial orientation task with sensorimotor conflict. Individuals performed a reversed spatial orientation training in which the visual feedback guiding hand movements was reversed. We measured cortical activity and spatial orientation performance, including the response time, completion number, error, and accuracy. The results revealed the continuous activation in the left SMG during sensorimotor adaptation and decreased activation in the right SAC, AG and SMG after sensorimotor adaptation. These findings indicated the contribution of the left SMG to sensorimotor adaptation and the improved efficiency of cortical activity after sensorimotor adaptation, respectively. Our studies suggest the neural mechanisms related to sensorimotor adaptation to a reversed spatial orientation task.
Evaluating and prioritizing the healthcare waste disposal center locations using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making method
Authors: Beheshtinia Mohammad Ali , Bahrami Fatemeh , Fathi Masood , Asadi Shahla
Published: September 2023

Healthcare waste disposal center location (HCWDCL) impacts the environment and the health of living beings. Different and sometimes contradictory criteria in determining the appropriate site location for disposing of healthcare waste (HCW) complicate the decision-making process. This research presents a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, named PROMSIS, to determine the appropriate HCWDCL in a real case. The PROMSIS is the combination of two well-known MCDM methods, namely TOPSIS and PROMETHEE. Moreover, fuzzy theory is used to describe the uncertainties of the problem parameters. To provide a reliable decision on selecting the best HCWDCL, a comprehensive list of criteria is identified through a literature review and experts’ opinions obtained from the case study. In total, 40 criteria are identified and classified into five major criteria, namely economic, environmental, social, technical, and geological. The weight of the considered criteria is determined by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Then, the score of the alternative HCWDCLs in each considered criterion is obtained. Finally, the candidate locations for disposing of HCWs are ranked by the proposed fuzzy PROMSIS method. The results show that the most important criteria in ranking the alternatives in the studied case are economic, environmental, and social, respectively. Moreover, the sub-criteria of operating cost, transportation cost, and pollution are identified as the most important sub-criteria, respectively.
Bacteriophages with depolymerase activity in the control of antibiotic resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms
Authors: Zurabov Fedor , Glazunov Egor , Kochetova Tatiana , Uskevich Viktoria , Popova Valentina
Published: September 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is associated with a variety of infections, such as pneumonia, urogenital infection, liver abscess, and bloodstream infection. It is especially dangerous for patients in medical facilities, where it can cause ventilator-associated pneumonia or intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia. The emergence of multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains as well as the ability to form biofilms on various medical devices complicates the treatment of such infections and makes the use of antibiotics ineffective. The application of bacteriophages is a promising alternative for combating Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms. In the present study a cocktail of 3 bacteriophages with depolymerase activity was used to control antibiotic resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms in vitro. Biofilms were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results demonstrate that the studied bacteriophage cocktail can effectively disrupt Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms.
The impact of China’s energy saving and emission reduction demonstration city policy on urban green technology innovation
Authors: Nie Changfei , Li Ruyi , Feng Yuan , Chen Zhi
Published: September 2023

Urban green technology innovation (UGTI) is strongly tied to environmental regulations, which can successfully balance economic and environmental benefits. Selecting the panel data for 280 Chinese cities during 2006–2019, we take the energy saving and emission reduction (ESER) demonstration city policy as a quasi-natural experiment, then employ the difference-in-differences model to examine the effect and its mechanisms of ESER policy on UGTI. Empirical results show that the ESER policy can significantly promote UGTI, especially in the western region, the northern region, and cities with weak government environmental attention. At the same time, China’s ESER policy has a stronger promoting effect on UGTI in cities where environmental targets are more stringent. Mechanism analysis shows that the policy mainly promotes UGTI through two channels: increasing the proportion of science and technology expenditure in fiscal expenditure and upgrading the structure of the industry. In addition, we find that the development of UGTI has positive environmental effects by lowering carbon emissions and air pollution. The findings not only enrich the literature on environmental regulation policies and UGTI at the theoretical level, but also provide references for policymakers to specific implementation methods in further enforcing environmental regulation policies to improve UGTI.
Dihydroindenofluorenes as building units in organic semiconductors for organic electronics
Authors: Poriel Cyril , Rault-Berthelot Joëlle
Published: September 2023

The five DHIF cores on which are constructed DHIF-based organic semiconductors used as active materials for organic electronics.
Stereochemical modulation of ketyl radical cyclization enabled by pyridine-boryl radicals: catalytic diastereoselective synthesis of trans-2-alkyl-1-indanols
Authors: Kim Somi , Jo Junhyuk , Lee Sunggi , Chung Won-jin
Published: September 2023

Stereochemical modulation of ketyl radical cyclization was achieved by taking advantage of the pyridine-boryl radical, which leaves the synthetically modifiable boronate moiety near the reacting center during the stereo-determining cyclization step.
Development of DACN-NHS-ester and DACN-maleimide, and their application for the synthesis of artificial hybrid biomolecules
Authors: Kawasaki Yuuya , Hayashibara Tomoya , Seto Yuki , Taniguchi Yutaro , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko
Published: September 2023

Novel DACN-derivatives: DACN-NHS-ester and DACN-maleimide were developed and their ability to hybridize biomolecules were revealed.
Interfacial dipole engineering in all-inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gao Kuidong , Gao Lei , Wang Qiurui , Chang Yijie , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Yuanyuan , Tang Qunwei
Published: September 2023

Different functional groups on 7-azaindole (7-AI) alter its passivation ability and dipole moment. Finally, 7-AI-OCH3 proves to be highly effective in passivating defects and optimizing energy level alignment.
Correction: An activity-based fluorescent sensor with a penta-coordinate N-donor binding site detects Cu ions in living systems
Authors: Gupta Kunika , Datta Ankona
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘An activity-based fluorescent sensor with a penta-coordinate N-donor binding site detects Cu ions in living systems’ by Kunika Gupta et al., Chem. Commun., 2023, 59, 8282–8285, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC02201C.
Insight into the mechanism of direct N–C coupling in selective catalytic reduction of NO by CO over Ni(111)-supported graphene
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Wei Juan , Liu Pengfei , Shi Hui , Wang Qiang , Yang Yanhui
Published: September 2023

A novel mechanism of direct N–C coupling of gaseous NO and CO into ONCO and subsequent hydrogenation of *ONCO into high value-added nitrogen-containing compounds over nickel-supported graphene for selective catalytic reduction of NO using CO as a reducing agent.
In situ doping of epitaxial diamond with germanium by microwave plasma CVD in GeH4–CH4–H2 mixtures with optical emission spectroscopy monitoring
Authors: Yurov Vladimir , Bolshakov Andrey , Ralchenko Victor , Fedorova Irina , Martyanov Artem , Pivovarov Pavel , Artemov Vladimir , Khomich Andrew , Khmelnitskiy Roman , Boldyrev Kirill
Published: September 2023

Doping of homoepitaxial diamond films by microwave plasma CVD in GeH4–CH4–H2 mixtures with in situ control using optical emission spectroscopy is performed to produce germanium-vacancy (GeV) color centers emitting in yellow spectral range.
Highly selective hydroxylation of gaseous alkanes at the terminal position by wild-type CYP153A33
Authors: Kodama Yusaku , Ariyasu Shinya , Karasawa Masayuki , Aiba Yuichiro , Shoji Osami
Published: September 2023

Highly regioselective hydroxylation of propane at the terminal position has been achieved using CYP153A33 with decoy molecules. This combination can exhibit the ability to hydroxylate ethane and methane.
Hybrid nanotubes constructed by confining Ti0.95Nb0.95O4 quantum dots in porous bamboo-like CNTs: superior anode materials for boosting lithium storage
Authors: Tang Yakun , Ma Wenjie , Zhang Yue , Dong Sen , Yang Chensong , Liu Lang
Published: September 2023

Hybrids consisting of Ti0.95Nb0.95O4 quantum dots that are confined in porous bamboo-like CNTs show great application prospects in high-performance LIBs.
Evaluating the efficacy of zeolites synthesized from natural clay for the methanol-to-hydrocarbon process
Authors: You Xinyu , Zhang Xin , Ye Yiru , Zhou Hexun , Jiang Shican , Zhou Xue , Dutta Chowdhury Abhishek
Published: September 2023

Kaolin-derived SSZ-13, ZSM-5, and Beta zeolites demonstrate enhanced deactivation-resistant behavior compared to their traditional counterparts during the methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) process.
Tailoring the performance of the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode using Al2O3 and MoO3 artificial cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers through plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) coating
Authors: Jadhav Vijaykumar V. , Zhuang Zilong , Banitaba Seyedeh Nooshin , Khademolqorani Sanaz , Gandla Dayakar , Zhang Fuming , Tan Daniel Q.
Published: September 2023

PEALD was employed to coat the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 electrode with Al2O3 and MoO3 artificial CEI layers. The artificial CEI layer can reduce the Li–Ni mixing. The electrochemical performance of different coating layers was compared.
Correction: In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity of organo-nickel SCS-pincer complexes on estrogen responsive MCF7 and MC4L2 breast cancer cells. Effects of amine fragment substitutions on BSA binding and cytotoxicity
Authors: Hosseini-Kharat Mahboubeh , Zargarian Davit , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Karami Kazem , Saeidifar Maryam , Khalighfard Solmaz , Dubrulle Laurent , Zakariazadeh Mostafa , Cloutier Jean-Philippe , Sohrabijam Zahra
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity of organo-nickel SCS-pincer complexes on estrogen responsive MCF7 and MC4L2 breast cancer cells. Effects of amine fragment substitutions on BSA binding and cytotoxicity’ by Mahboubeh Hosseini-Kharat et al., Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 16944–16957, https://doi.org/10.1039/c8dt03079k.
A dual-mediator for a sulfur cathode approaching theoretical capacity with low overpotential in aqueous Zn–S batteries
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Wang Sibo , Lin Lu , Shi Hua-Yu , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: September 2023

A dual mediator is introduced in aqueous Zn–S batteries to regulate the reaction paths of S cathodes and enhance their electrochemical performance.
Molecular dipole engineering-assisted strain release for mechanically robust flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xie Lisha , Du Songyu , Li Jun , Liu Chang , Pu Zhenwei , Tong Xinyu , Liu Jian , Wang Yaohua , Meng Yuanyuan , Yang Mengjin , Li Wei , Ge Ziyi
Published: September 2023

–CN additives are used to sew defects at perovskite grain boundaries and release GB stresses, resulting in low Young's modulus & high mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, 2F-2CN with a stronger molecular dipole enhances the efficiency & stability of inverted f-PSCs, yielding exceptional efficiency.
Electrochemical synthesis of γ-keto sulfones containing a β-quaternary carbon center via 1,2-migration
Authors: Xia Wen , Yang Yawen , Zhang Xiaohui , Hu Liangzhen , Xiong Yan
Published: September 2023

An electrochemical method has been developed for the synthesis of γ-keto sulfones with a β-quaternary carbon center through 1,2-C migration mediated by sulfonyl under metal- and oxidant-free conditions.
Improved alkaline fusion method for B isotope and concentration measurements of silicate materials
Authors: Cai Yue , Ruan Ting , Li Ye , Li Baichan , Zhang Weiwei , Li Zhenghui , Wei Haizhen , Rasbury E. Troy
Published: September 2023

Boron (B) is one of the most powerful tracers of fluid-mediated processes. This improved method permits safe, precise, and accurate measurement of B isotope and B concentration through a single dissolution.
Improving the stability of LIBS for chromium in soil based on the model of micro-linear spectrum
Authors: Xu Jiang , Wang Xiao , Yao Mingyin , Liu Muhua
Published: September 2023

The intensity of the induced spectral signal is determined by the laser energy density.
Nanoengineering of electrodes via infiltration: an opportunity for developing large-area solid oxide fuel cells with high power density
Authors: Tong Xiaofeng , Li Chen , Xu Kaikuo , Wang Ningling , Brodersen Karen , Yang Zhibin , Chen Ming
Published: September 2023

The development of large-area, commercially relevant solid oxide fuel cells with high power output by employing two nanoengineered electrodes via infiltration is demonstrated.
Multimodal nanogels combining ZW800-1 as an optical absorber and gadolinium chelates for multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Gosée Camille , Moreau Juliette , Cadiou Cyril , Callewaert Maité , Henoumont Céline , Larbanoix Lionel , Molinari Michael , Voicu Sorina N. , Portefaix Christophe , Laurent Sophie , Chuburu Françoise
Published: September 2023

A new ‘all in one’ bimodal imaging system combining within nanohydrogels the photoacoustic probe ZW800-1 with magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents is presented.
Novel pyrene-calix[4]arene derivatives as highly sensitive sensors for nucleotides, DNA and RNA
Authors: Nikšić-Franjić Ivana , Colasson Benoit , Reinaud Olivia , Višnjevac Aleksandar , Piantanida Ivo , Pavlović Saftić Dijana
Published: September 2023

Pyrene-armed calix[4]arene conjugates non-covalently bind to DNA/RNA, as well as to mononucleotides, with an amazing affinity.
Correction: AlCl3@ZnO nanostructured material: an efficient green catalyst for the one-pot solvent-free synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines
Authors: Shinde Santosh T. , Kanade Kaluram G. , Gawade Ramesh B. , Hinge Vikram B. , Shinde Manish D. , Bankar Digambar B. , Thorat Nitin M. , Amalnerkar Dinesh P.
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘AlCl3@ZnO nanostructured material: an efficient green catalyst for the one-pot solvent-free synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines’ by Santosh T. Shinde et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 24767–24776, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA04277D.
Exploring senior high-school students’ understanding of electrochemical concepts: patterns of thinking across Turkish and Indonesian contexts
Authors: Nakiboglu Canan , Rahayu Sri , Nakiboğlu Nuri , Treagust David F.
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on examining senior high-school students’ conceptual understanding and difficulties concerning electrochemistry and comparing patterns of thinking across Turkish and Indonesian contexts. The Electrochemistry Concept Questionnaire (ECQ) was applied to 516 Indonesian and 516 Turkish high school students right after the teaching of the electrochemistry topics. The ECQ contains 18 multiple-choice questions and these questions belong to five different categories: reactions occurring during electrolysis, differences between electrolytic and voltaic cells, movement of ions in voltaic cells, poles in voltaic cells, and voltaic cell reactions. At the end of the study, it was determined that both Indonesian and Turkish senior high-school students’ understanding of electrochemistry concepts was relatively weak and they shared common difficulties concerning electrochemical concepts. While there was no significant difference between the average scores of the students from both countries on the test, it was determined that there were some significant differences on the basis of questions. It has been concluded that students from both countries have alternative conceptions similar to those determined in previous studies such as “during electrolysis, the electric current produces ions” and “electrons migrate through the solution from one electrode to the other”. At the end of the study, the reasons for the similar results and the significantly different results for the students of the two countries to comprehend electro-concepts were discussed.
Cu/Pd-catalyzed arylboration of a 1-silyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene for stereocontrolled and diverse cyclohexane/ene synthesis
Authors: Crook Phillip F. , Lear Alan R. , Das Suman , Brown M. Kevin
Published: September 2023

Versatile diene allows for the synthesis of diverse cyclohexane/ene by a Cu/Pd-catalyzed arylboration.
Hybrid bronzes: mixed-valence organic–inorganic metal oxides as a tunable material platform
Authors: Dayaratne W. Lakna N. , Torres-Cadena Raúl , Schmitt Bennett P. , Westrick Emma M. , Jaffe Adam
Published: September 2023

Hybrid bronzes are air/water-stable mixed-valence organic–inorganic metal oxides displaying tunable optoelectronic properties and high conductivity relevant for energy-related applications.
Does freezing induce self-assembly of polymers? A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bhendale Mangesh , Indra Aindrila , Singh Jayant K.
Published: September 2023

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the freezing-induced self-assembly (FISA) of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA-like polymers.
Looking into the faintEst WIth MUSE (LEWIS): Exploring the nature of ultra-diffuse galaxies in the Hydra-I cluster
Authors: Iodice Enrichetta , Hilker Michael , Doll Goran , Mirabile Marco , Buttitta Chiara , Hartke Johanna , Mieske Steffen , Cantiello Michele , D’Ago Giuseppe , Forbes Duncan A. , Gullieuszik Marco , Rejkuba Marina , Spavone Marilena , Spiniello Chiara , Arnaboldi Magda , Corsini Enrico M. , Greggio Laura , Falcón-Barroso Jesus , Fahrion Katja , Fritz Jacopo , La Marca Antonio , Paolillo Maurizio , Angela Raj Maria , Rampazzo Roberto , Sarzi Marc , Capasso Giulio
Published: September 2023

Looking into the faintEst WIth MUSE (LEWIS) is an ESO large observing programme that aims at obtaining the first homogeneous integral-field spectroscopic survey of 30 extremely low-surface-brightness (LSB) galaxies in the Hydra I cluster of galaxies with MUSE at ESO-VLT. The majority of LSB galaxies in the sample (22 in total) are ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs). Data acquisition started in December 2021 and is expected to be concluded by March 2024. Up to June 2023, 29 targets were observed and the redshift has been derived for 20 of them. The distribution of systemic velocities Vsys ranges between 2317 km s−1 and 5198 km s−1 and is centred on the mean velocity of Hydra I (Vsys = 3683 ± 46 km s−1). Considering the mean velocity and the velocity dispersion of the cluster (σcluster ∼ 700 km s−1), 17 out of 20 targets are confirmed cluster members. The three objects with velocities of greater than 2σcluster away from the cluster mean velocity could be two background galaxies and one foreground galaxy. To assess the quality of the data and demonstrate the feasibility of the science goals, we report the preliminary results obtained for one of the sample galaxies, UDG11. For this target, we (i) derived the stellar kinematics, including the two-dimensional maps of line-of-sight velocity and velocity dispersion, (ii) constrained age and metallicity, and (iii) studied the globular cluster (GC) population hosted by the UDG. Results are compared with the available measurements for UDGs and dwarf galaxies in the literature. By fitting the stacked spectrum inside one effective radius, we find that UDG11 has a velocity dispersion of σ = 20 ± 8 km s−1 and is old (10 ± 1 Gyr), metal-poor ([M/H] = −1.17 ± 0.11 dex), and has a total dynamical mass-to-light ratio of M/LV ∼ 14, which is comparable to those observed for classical dwarf galaxies. The spatially resolved stellar kinematics maps suggest that UDG11 does not show a significant velocity gradient along either its major or minor photometric axis, and the average value of the velocity dispersion is ⟨σ⟩e = 27 ± 8 km s−1. We find two GCs kinematically associated with UDG11. The estimated total number of GCs in UDG11 – corrected for the spectroscopic completeness limit – is NGC = 5.9−1.8+2.2, which corresponds to a GC-specific frequency of SN = 8.4−2.7+3.2.
Influence of Water on Anchor Plate Behavior in Sandy Soil with and Without Improvement
Authors: Mahdi Hasan Falih , Aziz Laith Jawad
Published: September 2023

Plate anchors are one of the most common types of ground anchors used in foundation systems, as they transfer loads from the foundation to the soil to prevent overturning the foundation and overcome the forces that could threaten the integrity of the structure. The present work concerns the study of the combined effects among the behavior of the anchor plate in sandy soil with and without water presence as a static state at a different head level (h=15, 30, and 40 cm) above the base of the anchor plate and for two states of the soil with improvement by geogrid at various location and without improvement. The soil sample was brought from AL-Nidaa district in the city of AL-Najaf (Iraq). The highest value of the ultimate uplift capacity is observed when the geogrid layer is adjacent to the anchor plate for dry and submerged cases of the soil. The negative effect of the presence of the geogrid layer appears when the water table level rises above the ground surface level.
Numerical Study of Stress Distribution in Soft Clay Treated with Stone Column
Authors: Al-Waily Maki J. M. , Al-Qaisi Maysa S.
Published: September 2023

This study used a finite element analysis approach employing Plaxis 3D to analyze the stress concentration ratio, a critical parameter in geotechnical engineering, to examine stresses operating on stone columns and soft soils. This study also looked at the effect of the stiffness ratio between the stone column and the neighboring soil. With the same length and three different diameters, 0.8 m, 1.0 m, and 1.2 m, or three area replacement ratios ranging from 7% to 16%, respectively, floating and end-bearing stone columns were used. The influence of soft soil undrained cohesion, cu ranging from 6 kPa to 40 kPa, was also considered in the current study. The stiffness ratio for columns to adjacent soil, end bearing or floating stone column, and area ratio all have a significant impression on the performance of the stone column in treating soft soil and stress transmission mechanisms in the enhanced soil body, according to parametric studies. The average stress concentration ratio in soil improved with an end-bearing stone column of φ= 35° and raised to 2.63 and 4.71 at φ = 50°, ranging from 1.41 to 2.35 for area replacement ratios of 7% and 16%.
The Simulation of Seepage Through the Foundations: Hilla Canal Main Regulator as Case Study
Authors: Mahdi Ruaa , AI-Hadidi Maysam Th.
Published: September 2023

This abstract describes a study on the Hilla Canal regulator using the SEEP/W program. The study aims to simulate and validate hydraulic head values obtained from the field. It provides information about the soil properties and mesh sizes used in the simulation and the governing equation used in the SEEP/W program. The simulation results are presented in the form of observed and simulated hydraulic head statistical and computational data, including RMSE, ME, and Maximum Relative Error. The study concludes that the model's performance is good, with an efficiency of 99.999%, and that the comparison of observed and simulated hydraulic head values confirms the model's validity. Overall, the study demonstrates the accuracy and applicability of the SEEP/W program for modeling hydraulic systems.
A Review Study on the Effect of Nanomaterials and Local Materials on Soil Geotechnical Properties
Authors: Adnan Eman , Al Waily Maki J. , Jawad Zahraa F.
Published: September 2023

Considerable strides have been made in nanotechnology in recent years, with many nanotechnology-based achievements in the geotechnical-engineering. It seems certain that nanoparticles would be widely utilized to develop the geotechnical qualities for soils in modern applications. This study covers prior research on using nanomaterials in soil, their characteristics, and their influence on soil engineering. It seems certain that nanoparticles will be widely utilized to develop soil geotechnical properties in the near future. The application of current technologies to improve soil resistance requirements has resulted in the stability of many soil types with formation issues. This study analyzes the use of some nanomaterials and lime as additives or stabilization materials to improve soil resistance properties by geotechnical researchers. Researchers have demonstrated that adding local materials such as lime enhances the properties of soil. Still, a remarkable and interesting percentage of improvement was observed when adding nanoparticles to the soil by improving its engineering qualities as well as those of some other components, such as lowering stability and compressibility, raising density, and raising shear resistance.
Experimental Investigation of Capillary Rise in Unsaturated Gypseous Soils
Authors: Al-Obaidi Ahmed A. , Alsalih Dalia
Published: September 2023

Capillary rise is a phenomenon that must be considered an inevitable factor when dealing with unsaturated gypseous soil. This study investigates the behavior of gypseous unsaturated soil under capillary action, where different gypsum content and soil densities are experimentally tested in a developed laboratory model consisting of Transparent pipes 1 m long and 0.05 m in diameter. All the pipes are placed inside a rectangular basin with a dimension of (1500×500×500 mm). The soil was taken from Tikrit city in Iraq at a depth of (1.5 to 2 m) under the natural soil surface; the laboratory tests clarified that the soil is poorly graded sand with a gypsum percent of 59%. The three other gypseous soil samples were prepared by dissolving with HCl acid to gain the required percentages of gypsum (22, 37, and 6%). The results show that the presence of gypsum in the soil slows down the rise of water in the soil after rapid rising in the first stages of the test. The low and moderately gypseous soils required a shorter time to reach the maximum capillary rise than highly gypseous soils. Also, the existence of gypsum increased the max. The height of the capillary rise and the degree of saturation in the capillary zone were also noticed for all soil densities examined. The effective stress will be low in the fully saturated parts while it’s high in the low saturated parts.
The Influence of Nano-Silica on Some Properties of Light Weight Self-Compacting Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Ali Hadeel H. , Awad Hadeel K.
Published: September 2023

Lightweight concrete (LWC) has been used successfully in building constructions for many years due to its physical properties and its lightweight with high thermal insulation and durability. Recently, this work was done on a new type of concrete: lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) that combines the feature of lightweight and self-compacting concrete simultaneously. In this study, light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) was used as coarse aggregate in (LWSCC) mixtures, using nano-silica as a partial replacement of cement with three percent (0.5, 0.75, and 1%) by mass of cement. They were tested to evaluate these values of fresh characteristics through slump flow time and diameter, L-box, and segregation tests. The results of the fresh concrete tests showed a decrease in the workability of the concrete in the mixtures containing nano-silica due to the increase in fine materials in the mixture. The effects of nano-silica on the hardened properties of (LWSCC) such as compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, oven-dry density, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), have improved. The mixtures containing nano-silica were investigated and compared with the reference mixture, where the results of the tests showed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties by (17.35, 16.27, 11.73, and 3.82%) for each of the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and oven dry density respectively. In the presence of nano-silica, the replacement percentage of 1% recorded the best results in all tests at 90 days of curing.
Compressive and Flexural Strength of High-Volume Fly Ash Mortars Aged with Air-entraining Admixtures
Authors: Ali Mohammed K. , Kareem Qays , Ahmad Shahin , Shawkat Iman A. , Kassim M. M.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the compressive and flexural strength of various cement mortars containing very high levels of Class F fly ash (HVFA). A total of twelve cement mortar mixtures with constant water/powder ratios, cement, sand, and Air-Entraining Admixtures (AEA) were subjected to 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% partial replacement of cement content with Fly Ash (HVFA) class F. The results of the tests show that the compressive and flexural strength decreased slowly as the fly ash content increased to up to 40%, but the strength values began to decrease dramatically with the addition of a higher amount of fly ash. According to the results, the best percentage of cement replacement with fly ash in mortar is 40%. It has 24% less compressive strength and 13% less flexural strength than 20% FA mortar. In general, the air-entraining admixture has no negative effect on the properties of the cement mortars. The measured properties of the hardened mortar are very satisfying.
Flexural Behavior of Rubber-Filled Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthening with CFRP Sheets
Authors: Adday Adnan A. , Ali Ahmed S.
Published: September 2023

Although there are many advantages to using rubber to produce reinforced concrete substrates, there are still few applications for rubberized concrete substrates like beams, where the mechanical properties of rubber-infused concrete, such as flexural strength, begin to decline. On the other hand, flexural strengthening constitutes a sizeable portion of the structural uses for externally carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets when used to strengthen reinforced concrete beams. For this study's rubberized concrete beams, the externally adhered (CFRP) sheets were used as a substitute for the loss of flexural strength. The study's reinforced concrete beams were split into two groups, each consisting of three beams. The first group's concrete mixture was included as a filler (5) % of the cement weight in the form of waste tire rubber with a size not more than (0.075) mm. Any group of concrete beams always had a first beam without any external reinforcement, a second beam with one layer, and a third beam with two layers of (CFRP) sheet. The results indicate that the load at the first crack increases to be equal to that of the un-rubberized beam when the rubberized reinforced concrete beam is strengthened with one layer of (CFRP) sheets, and it increases by (20%) when reinforced with two layers of (CFRP) sheets. When reinforced with one or two layers, the load at failure rises by 23.58 and 42.75 percent, respectively. The first crack deflection rises by 88.11 and 120.24 percent, while the failure deflection falls by 2.97 and 6.01 percent, respectively. On the (load-deflection) curve, the deflection decreases at symmetrical loads.
Improving Engineering Properties of Soil for Highways Purposes by Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Mukheef Itimad A. , Jawad Ibtehaj T. , Al–Kremy Abdul Rudha I. A.
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the stabilizing effects of Halloysite nanotubes on the geotechnical features of gypseous soil as a subgrade. The soil that was utilized for this study was collected from Ayn al-Tamr in Karbala City, southwest of Iraq, having an average gypsum of 30% and was designated as (SP) by (USCS). As a percentage of the dry unit weight of the soil, the gypseous soil was mixed with a small amount of nanomaterial (Halloysite nanotubes). A set of physical and chemical identification tests have been conducted on the original soil, as well as additive, direct shear, collapsibility, and California bearing ratio (CBR) testing on both untreated and treated soil samples using Halloysite nanotubes. Three different additive proportions (2.5, 5, and 7.5) % by dry unit weight of soil were added to soil samples. The results of the conducted tests revealed that the geotechnical properties of the soil sample were considerably modified. As the amount of utilized nanomaterials increases, the collapse potential instantly decreases. In addition, soil strength and stability were increased by increasing CBR values, and the collapse severity was changed from moderate trouble to no problem. Thus, the value of 2.5% of Halloysite nanotubes can be considered as an optimum percentage based on the results of the mentioned tests.
Investigate the Effect of Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement RAP and Polymer-Modified Bitumen on the Moisture Damage of Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Al-Shabani Zainab J. , Obaid Ihsan A.
Published: September 2023

Asphalt additives, in general, aim to improve the performance of asphalt mixtures by enhancing their durability and resistance to cracking and other forms of damage. Asphalt additives can be natural or synthetic, and some are biodegradable. Natural asphalt additives, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement, are much more environmentally friendly than synthetic ones. Using environmentally friendly asphalt additives can help reduce the environmental impact of the asphalt mix while enhancing its performance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of using reclaimed asphalt paving (RAP) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) on the performance and moisture damage of asphalt mixture, and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was used as mineral fillers. The research includes establishing a standard reference mix for comparison and two mixtures with different quantities of reclaimed asphalt paving at percentages (15, 30, and 45%) and polymer (SBS) at 4%. The Marshall test for stability and the indirect tensile strength test were among the tests used to evaluate the mechanical properties, and the results showed that the use of reclaimed asphalt pavers and polymer-prepared bitumen led to a significant improvement in the performance of the asphalt mixture and reduced moisture damage compared to the reference mixture.
Improving Local Asphalt Pavement with Nano-CaCO3
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed M. , Abed Alaa
Published: September 2023

During the last two decades, a significant increase in the number of vehicles in Baghdad city related to uncontrolled axle loading, hot climate summer, lack of asphalt pavement maintenance, and heavy traffic has combined and led to severe consequences in the paved road. Therefore, asphalt cement enhancement and improvement is the first key to solving and correcting these issues. Recently, nanomaterial has gained considerable recognition in asphalt technology as the new modifier due to the homogeneity, dispersion, and large surface area in contact with asphalt particles. This paper investigates the effect of adding nano CaCO3 into asphalt cement. The laboratory experiment included 40-50 penetration grades prepared with different content 1, 3,5, and 7% to quantify the potential benefit of a physical test of Asphalt, Marshall properties, and tensile strength of hot mix asphalt. The testing result indicated that nano-CaCO3 modified asphalt with a 5% improved penetration grade and softening point. On the other hand, Marshall Stability increased to 14.38 kN. Furthermore, tensile strength increased to 1121 KPa due to the stuffing effect, increased adhesion that increased the resistance of asphalt mixture towards permanent deformation during the hot summer climate in Iraq.
Processing Traffic Jam in Al-Sadrain Intersection in the Holy City of Najaf
Authors: Bedewy Baydaa A. , Abdul-Ameer Hasan N. , Al-Timimy Sophia R. A. , Abdulameer Marwan H.
Published: September 2023

Modern metropolitan cities worldwide suffer from heavy congestion due to high daily commutes for various purposes. Intersections are the most congested component of the network and represent the sites of accidents. At the same time, the intersection (Al-Sadrien) in Al- Najaf Al-Ashraf city is regarded as one of the major important intersections. Typically, this intersection increases the volume of traffic during rush hours, which raises traffic congestion, Therefor, the problem with this article is that unclear how the distribution of the surrounding areas affects traffic accidents and junction congestion. Our hypothesis to solve the problem is that an important relationship must be clear between the intersection and its surrounding areas. In this study, analysis the current service of intersection as field survey adopting the analytical approach using simulation by HCS2010 and VISSIM software, based on GIS that showed: the eastern approach (coming from Al- Kufa) was (F) (3.18.97), the result of the western approach (coming from Najaf) (F) (3.45.49), and the result of the northern approach (coming from the College of Administration and Economics) (D) (1.38). 83) and the result of the southern approach (coming from Al- Rawan Street) (E) (1.14.13). When the times of delay to the level of service intersection, as adopted by the capacity of roads on the program (HCS 2010), amounted to more than (800) seconds/vehicle at peak times. So, the classification of service at this intersection is in level (E). Through the traffic intersection analysis, recommendations and proposals must be taken before any decisions regarding land use , which has effects on the city.