bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economics of Super Seeder Technique of Wheat Cultivation in Haryana
Authors: Bishnoi R. , Kumar V. , Bishnoi D. K. , Meena M. S.
Published: July 2023

The study evaluates the economics of super seeder technology over conventional techniques farmers adopt in wheat cultivation in Haryana state. Multi-stage random sampling was employed in selecting the blocks, villages, and respondents. The study was carried out in the Karnal and Kaithal districts of the Haryana state during 2021-22. A sample of 100 wheat-growing farmers was selected using the various methods of paddy straw management. The super seeder technology was the most economical approach for handling paddy straw without burning it before sowing. The grain yield was higher by 50.74q/ha in super seeder than the conventional method (48.72q/ha). Super seeder produced a better net return by Rs.18724.44/ha (Rs.7688.95/ha in conventional technique). The cost-benefit ratio in Karnal and Kaithal districts in super seeder technology were 2.91 and 2.93, respectively. In nut shell, the cost-benefit ratio was 2.91 in super seeder technology than the conventional method (2.64). The better net return of Rs. 18724.44/ha was obtained from super seeder than the conventional technique (Rs.7688.95 /ha). A significant cost saving of Rs.6886.00 was found in super seeder technology, water conservation, preparatory tillage, timely sowing, and environmental benefits, i.e., reduced burning of paddy residue, reducing air pollution. Krishi vigyan kendras/state agricultural universities/state government should facilitate best use of this machine through skilled training. Timely availability of machine can also increase the area under super seeder in the state which reduce the burning cases and enhance the timely sowing of wheat crop.
Phosphorus Fraction Distribution in Soils of three Rice-Growing Blocks of Mayurbhanj District in Odisha State, India
Authors: Mohanty Prajnasmita , Swaroop Narendra , Thomas Tarence , Reddy Iska Srinath
Published: July 2023

In the month of June in three distinct blocks of the Mayurbhanj district, the twenty-seven soil samples were collected from nine different rice-growing areas at three depths and analyzed. In accordance to the findings, the soils were found to have low to medium levels of organic carbon and to be moderately acidic to slightly acidic in nature. All the soil samples were under Non-saline condition of Electrical Conductivity and suitable for crops. The study found that soil pH was the main factor influencing different Phosphorus fractions, with Reductant soluble-P being the mostpredominant fraction, followed by Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P, and Saloid-P. Al-P, Fe-P, and Ca-P were positively correlated with available Phosphorus, indicating their contribution to the soil's available Phosphorus pool. The study also found that Reductant-soluble phosphate (RS-P) was the dominant fraction that fixed and released P from the soil, proving the fixation of Phosphorus by sesquioxide in lateritic soil of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
Hurting and Healing
Authors: Sreeramoju Pranavi V.
Published: July 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a physician and single adoptive parent considers how orphaned children need not only material resources but love and specialized behavioral health care too.
Virus‐Engineered Microsol Electrospun Scaffold Promotes the Reprogramming of Fibroblasts to Neurons
Authors: Liu Changpeng , Zhang Xiongjinfu , Niu Junjie , Sun Jie , Wang Xinyue , Wang Juan , Chen Chichi , Zhou Xiaozhong , Yang Huilin , Liu Xingzhi , Cui Wenguo , Shi Qin
Published: July 2023

Lentiviral‐vector‐based therapies, widely used for treating various diseases, face limitations because of release burst, rapid clearance, and immune activation. Herein, a lentiviral vector delivery platform is proposed utilizing a virus‐engineered microsol electrospun scaffold. Identifying a remarkable upregulation of polypyrimidine tract binding protein1 (PTB) in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats, a scaffold  is constructed comprising a hyaluronic acid (HA) core encapsulating brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a polydopamine (PDA)‐modified linear poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) shell, with shPTB lentiviral vectors (LV‐shPTB) grafted via PDA. In vitro, the LV‐shPTB achieves an infection efficiency of 70%, and the oriented scaffolds significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, induce the reprogramming of fibroblasts into neurons, and sustain the release of BDNF for over 2 weeks. In vivo, the scaffolds provide physical support and neural guidance, as well as released BDNF and LV‐shPTB. LV‐shPTB delivery leads to the reprogramming of fibroblasts into neurons, and the sustained BDNF delivery maintains the neurons’ proliferation and growth, which further promotes the recovery of neurological function in SCI rats. These results demonstrate the potential application of virus‐engineered delivery platforms in SCI treatment and other medical fields.
Nanovaccine Showing Potent Immunotherapy to Tumor by Activating Γδ T Cells
Authors: Yang Zeyu , Li Liyan , Wei Chengxiu , Liu Hong , Qiao Dongdong , Wen Zhenfu , Chen Haolin , Huang Shanghui , Guo Rui , Yin Zhinan , Liu Lixin , Chen Yongming
Published: July 2023

Most vaccines are designed to attack tumor cells by activating CD4+/CD8+ αβ T cells. Unfortunately, αβ T cells, which only recognize the peptide antigens in the complexes with polymorphic MHCI/II molecules, surrender to the tumor heterogenicity. As another subset of T cells, γδ T cells become salient in antitumor because of their unique immunotherapeutic roles. Herein, a tumor vaccine is developed with multivalent antigens by fusion of tumor cell membranes with lipids and successfully activated γδ T cells via microneedle inoculation. It is certified that the evoked γδ T cells synchronize with αβ T cells revitalizing tumor‐induced immunotolerance. In turn, the tumors of mice are significantly inhibited and their median survival time is prolonged considerably. Moreover, the nanovaccine inhibits tumor recurrence after resection. The therapeutic effects are corroborated with the results from TCRδ−/− mice as well as cytokine expression in tumor.
Thermomechanical Plasticization of Fruits and Vegetables Processing Byproducts for the Preparation of Bioplastics
Authors: Merino Danila , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: July 2023

Byproducts of the processing of foods are usually non‐edible residues that are typically discarded, even though they contain large amounts of natural polymers with great potential in bioplastics and biocomposites preparation. Herein, a new method of production of vegetable‐waste‐derived biocomposites is developed. It consists of the thermomechanical processing of different residues in the presence of small amounts of water, representing an advancement in the state‐of‐the‐art in the complete conversion of fruit and vegetable biomass into biocomposites. In particular, carrot pomace (CP) is processed by compression molding at different temperatures, pressures, and times. Selected processing conditions are also applied to other food processing byproducts. The morphological, mechanical, barrier, optical, and antioxidant properties of the obtained biocomposites and their interaction with water in terms of moisture content, water solubility, and moisture absorption are reported here. Results indicate that biocomposites obtained by this method present similar properties compared to biocomposites prepared by acid or alkaline hydrolysis of biomass reported in the literature, but still inferior compared to bioplastics currently in the market. Improvements in the materials' interaction with water are highlighted here as the necessary next step to achieving the transition toward greener bioplastics.
Unveiling the Fatigue Behavior of 2D Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites: Insights for Long‐Term Durability
Authors: Kim Doyun , Vasileiadou Eugenia S. , Spanopoulos Ioannis , Wang Xuguang , Yan Jinhui , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Tu Qing
Published: July 2023

2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are commonly found under subcritical cyclic stresses and suffer from fatigue issues during device operation. However, their fatigue properties remain unknown. Here, the fatigue behavior of (C4H9‐NH3)2(CH3NH3)2Pb3I10, the archetype 2D HOIP, is systematically investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is found that 2D HOIPs are much more fatigue resilient than polymers and can survive over 1 billion cycles. 2D HOIPs tend to exhibit brittle failure at high mean stress levels, but behave as ductile materials at low mean stress levels. These results suggest the presence of a plastic deformation mechanism in these ionic 2D HOIPs at low mean stress levels, which may contribute to the long fatigue lifetime, but is inhibited at higher mean stresses. The stiffness and strength of 2D HOIPs are gradually weakened under subcritical loading, potentially as a result of stress‐induced defect nucleation and accumulation. The cyclic loading component can further accelerate this process. The fatigue lifetime of 2D HOIPs can be extended by reducing the mean stress, stress amplitude, or increasing the thickness. These results can provide indispensable insights into designing and engineering 2D HOIPs and other hybrid organic–inorganic materials for long‐term mechanical durability.
Synthesis of β‐Quaternary Lactams Using Photoenzymatic Catalysis
Authors: Turek‐Herman Joshua R. , Rosenberger Mike , Hyster Todd K.
Published: July 2023

Quaternary carbons are useful motifs in chemical synthesis but can be challenging to prepare using many chemical methods. Here, we report a stereoselective synthesis of β‐quaternary lactams using flavin‐dependent ‘ene’‐reductases via a 5‐exo‐trig radical cyclization. The products are formed in moderate to good levels of enantioselectivity using an ‘ene’‐reductase variant from Zymomonas mobilis. This method highlights the opportunity for biocatalysis to form quaternary centers using non‐natural reactions.
Smart elastomer sanitizer with chemically bonded active compound and on‐demand‐release antimicrobial functionalities
Authors: Teong Siew Ping , Armugam Arunmozhiarasi , Chan Shook Pui , Zhang Yugen
Published: July 2023

Hand or surface sanitizers are all liquid‐based products which can be mainly categorized as alcohol or non‐alcohol based. The constant release of highly persistent disinfectants and chemicals is hazardous to the environment and human health. Herein, a new concept of solid elastomer sanitizer with inherent fast‐killing antimicrobial property is described. Silicone (PDMS) was chosen as the elastomer where the active antimicrobial component of imidazolium polymer (PIM) was carefully modified and incorporated into the PDMS matrix through strong covalent bonds. This chemically bonded antimicrobial component within PDMS acts via release‐on‐demand model which allows for the long‐term reusability of the material. The resulting material can serve as a reusable solid sanitizer that is toxic‐free and skin‐friendly with fast‐killing property. It was proven to sanitize our hands or surfaces and kill microbes within 30–60 s of contact, including ESKAPE pathogens, bacteria, fungi and MS2 bacteriophage. This new concept of solid sanitizer methodology will provide an interesting insight and infinite possibilities for extending to other types of elastomers with suitable or tunable antimicrobial components. This also helps to provide a safer and greener sanitizing model which can dramatically reduce the usage and/or release of disinfectants or harmful chemicals to the environment. The possibilities of extending to other elastomers also widen its potential applications.
Insights from residents under year‐round irrigation restrictions to improve water conservation impacts
Authors: Warner Laura A. , Cardenas Bernardo , Dukes Michael D. , Taylor Nicholas , Irwin Deirdre , Harmon James , Yazdanpanah Masoud , Diaz John M.
Published: July 2023

Year‐round irrigation water restrictions can be effective water demand management tools if people adhere to them. Awareness and understanding of these regulations have important implications for compliance and long‐term water supply goals. This study quantified irrigation restriction awareness‐knowledge and how‐to knowledge using survey data from residents with automated irrigation systems. Only half of those subject to irrigation restrictions were aware of these regulations; these irrigation restriction aware individuals reported varying perceived allowable watering frequency, implying that misunderstandings exist. Education, living in a homeowners association, hiring specific professionals, and information‐seeking preferences distinguished irrigation restriction aware from unaware individuals. Binary logistic regression revealed that when considered together, race, education, income, hiring a professional for fertilizer application, and living in a homeowner association significantly influence awareness‐knowledge. There are important opportunities to improve conservation outcomes by increasing both awareness and accuracy among target audience members.
Two New Protolimonoids from the Chinese Mangrove Xylocarpus granatum Koenig
Authors: Su Ming‐Zhi , Zhou Zhen‐Fang , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: July 2023

Two new compounds including one apotirucallane protolimonoid, xylogranatriterpin A (1), and one glabretal protolimonoid, xylocarpusin A (2), along with three known related compounds were isolated from the twigs and leaves of the Chinese mangrove Xylocarpus granatum. The apotirucallane xylogranatriterpin A (1) bears an unprecedented 24‐ketal carbon connecting ring E with an epoxide ring. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported in the literatures. Plausible biosynthetic pathway to xylogranatriterpin A (1) was also proposed. None of them showed cytotoxic, neuroprotective, or protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity.
A Degron Blocking Strategy Towards Improved CRL4CRBN Recruiting PROTAC Selectivity**
Authors: Bouguenina Habib , Scarpino Andrea , O'Hanlon Jack A. , Warne Justin , Wang Hannah Z. , Wah Hak Laura Chan , Sadok Amine , McAndrew P. Craig , Stubbs Mark , Pierrat Olivier A. , Hahner Tamas , Cabry Marc P. , Le Bihan Yann‐Vaï , Mitsopoulos Costas , Sialana Fernando J. , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Burke Rosemary , van Montfort Rob L. M. , Choudhari Jyoti , Chopra Rajesh , Caldwell John J. , Collins Ian
Published: July 2023

Small molecules inducing protein degradation are important pharmacological tools to interrogate complex biology and are rapidly translating into clinical agents. However, to fully realise the potential of these molecules, selectivity remains a limiting challenge. Herein, we addressed the issue of selectivity in the design of CRL4CRBN recruiting PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Thalidomide derivatives used to generate CRL4CRBN recruiting PROTACs have well described intrinsic monovalent degradation profiles by inducing the recruitment of neo‐substrates, such as GSPT1, Ikaros and Aiolos. We leveraged structural insights from known CRL4CRBN neo‐substrates to attenuate and indeed remove this monovalent degradation function in well‐known CRL4CRBN molecular glues degraders, namely CC‐885 and Pomalidomide. We then applied these design principles on a previously published BRD9 PROTAC (dBRD9‐A) and generated an analogue with improved selectivity profile. Finally, we implemented a computational modelling pipeline to show that our degron blocking design does not impact PROTAC‐induced ternary complex formation. We believe that the tools and principles presented in this work will be valuable to support the development of targeted protein degradation.
Merger of Rotation Restriction and Symmetrical Push‐Pull to Synthesize Single‐Benzene Yellow Fluorophors
Authors: Wang Zimo , Horiguchi Genki , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: July 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Yohei Okada at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The image depicts a series of single‐benzene fluorophores. Constructing symmetrical push‐pull motifs in combination with restricting bond rotations is the key to creating small yet brightly emitting fluorophores. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202301411.
Process operation performance assessment of electro‐fused magnesium furnace based on deep auto‐encoder transfer generative adversarial network
Authors: Bu Kaiqing , Liu Yan , Wang Fuli
Published: July 2023

The process operation performance assessment (POPA) of the smelting process of electro‐fused magnesium furnaces (EFMFs) plays a very important role for improving production quality and pursuing the highest economic benefit. Most of the existing methods are based on the assumption of abundant labelled training samples. However, the lack of samples for the POPA is a challenging problem in the smelting process of EFMFs. Traditional methods for POPA make it difficult to obtain satisfactory results under small samples. A new deep auto‐encoder transfer generative adversarial network (DAETGAN) based on source domain data is proposed to improve the performance of POPA with small samples in EFMF smelting process. Firstly, a general transfer framework is proposed, in which the data of source domain is used as input to generate adversarial network (GAN), and a large number of images, sound, and current samples are generated with the same distribution as the data of target domain so as to improve the transfer learning effect. Secondly, a POPA model is proposed with the multi‐source heterogeneous information generated by DAETGAN and the original multi‐source heterogeneous information in target domain. Finally, it is verified by experiments that the DAETGAN model can generate data with the same distribution as the original data, and the accuracy of the assessment of operational performance is effectively improved.
Can co‐creating in CSR initiatives influence loyal customers? Evidence from the banking industry
Authors: Kumar T. Praveen , Basavaraj Santosh , Soundarapandiyan K.
Published: July 2023

Consumers are increasingly pressing organizations to adapt meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and seek avenues for co‐creation. Study to investigate if CSR can help co‐creation significantly contributes to the competitive advantage of banks. Many previous pieces of research have recognized CSR as a strategic imperative that may help businesses to build consumer loyalty. To address gaps in the literature based on the social identity theory and theory of social exchange, this article investigates the impact of CSR on consumer loyalty while considering the mediation effect of co‐creation. The data were collected in India, and the sample contained 520 customers of banks. Partial least squares‐structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis. The study findings show that CSR, directly and indirectly, impacts consumer loyalty through co‐creation. The current study's findings aid banking institutions in determining how to design and implement strategies based on CSR and co‐creation that could eventually result in consumer loyalty.
Trending against the grain: Bird population responses to expanding energy portfolios in the US Northern Great Plains
Authors: van der Burg Max Post , Otto Clint , MacDonald Garrett
Published: July 2023

Future global energy demand may be met through increased extraction of fossil fuels and production of renewable energy such as biofuels. Renewable energy from biofuels is often proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels; however, impacts of renewable energy sources on wildlife populations have rarely been evaluated in working landscapes. We used North American Breeding Bird Survey data (1998 to 2021) to assess whether the joint effects of oil and gas and biofuel crop production explained grassland bird population declines. We modeled location‐specific effects of land use on grassland bird habitat use for four grassland bird species (bobolink [Dolichonyx oryzivorus], grasshopper sparrow [Ammodramus savannarum], Savannah sparrow [Passerculus sandwichensis], and western meadowlark [Sturnella neglecta]) in North Dakota, a state experiencing rapid growth in both energy sectors. Our analysis showed that grassland birds responded more negatively to biofuel feedstocks (i.e., corn and soybeans) on the landscape compared with oil and gas development. Furthermore, we found that the effect of feedstocks was not generalizable to other forms of agricultural land use. When combined, these land use changes resulted in distributional shifts of grassland birds, with use by birds being lower in regions dominated by biofuel production, which appears partially responsible for observed abundance trends at the state level. Our results indicate that expansion of oil and gas development has negatively affected habitat use by some grassland birds, but this impact was more localized when compared to biofuel crops. Conservation practitioners may need to adapt their conservation strategies to account for widespread and rapid land use change driven by United States energy policies.
A new species of spider of the genus Sadala Simon, 1880 (Araneae, Sparassidae) from the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador
Authors: Peñaherrera‐R. Pedro , Cisneros‐Heredia Diego F.
Published: July 2023

We describe a new species of giant crab spider of the genus Sadala Simon, 1880 collected in Lowland Evergreen rainforests at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, Amazonian Ecuador. This new species corresponds to the first record of the genus from Ecuador. Females of the new species of Sadala are similar to S. punicea and S. nanay, by having the epigyne with a median septum diamond‐shaped posteriorly. The new species is easily distinguished from S. punicea and S. nanay by having relatively straight anterior lateral margins of the median septum. This study increases to 10 the number of described species of Sadala.
Get under the Umbrella: A Comprehensive Gateway for Researchers on Lanthanide‐Based Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Bernot Kevin
Published: July 2023

The number of scientific articles that need to be considered to cover a research topic is ever‐increasing and quite difficult for a newcomer to assimilate. This is particularly true in dynamic discipline like Molecular Magnetism. In order to help young researchers in this field, this article proposes a “review of reviews” also known as an “umbrella review” on lanthanide‐based single‐molecule magnets (4 f‐SMM). As a preamble, various bibliographic search techniques and AI‐based tools for bibliographic search, indexing, and summarization are proposed and commented. Then, the main milestones in 4 f‐SMM are identified. In the core of the paper, books, book articles, and reviews dealing with 4 f‐SMM are contextualized and classified by subtopics. This article is therefore proposed as a gateway to the 4 f‐SMM field.
Estimating atmospheric motion winds from satellite image data using space‐time drift models
Authors: Sahoo Indranil , Guinness Joseph , Reich Brian J.
Published: July 2023

Geostationary weather satellites collect high‐resolution data comprising a series of images. The Derived Motion Winds (DMW) Algorithm is commonly used to process these data and estimate atmospheric winds by tracking features in the images. However, the wind estimates from the DMW Algorithm are often missing and do not come with uncertainty measures. Also, the DMW Algorithm estimates can only be half‐integers, since the algorithm requires the original and shifted data to be at the same locations, in order to calculate the displacement vector between them. This motivates us to statistically model wind motions as a spatial process drifting in time. Using a covariance function that depends on spatial and temporal lags and a drift parameter to capture the wind speed and wind direction, we estimate the parameters by local maximum likelihood. Our method allows us to compute standard errors of the local estimates, enabling spatial smoothing of the estimates using a Gaussian kernel weighted by the inverses of the estimated variances. We conduct extensive simulation studies to determine the situations where our method performs well. The proposed method is applied to the GOES‐15 brightness temperature data over Colorado and reduces prediction error of brightness temperature compared to the DMW Algorithm.
Nonlinear dynamic seismic analysis of a modern concrete core wall building in Los Angeles using the BTM‐shell methodology
Authors: Mavros Marios , Panagiotou Marios , Koutromanos Ioannis , Restrepo Jose I.
Published: July 2023

This paper discusses the nonlinear dynamic seismic response of a 14‐story reinforced concrete core wall building designed with the prescriptive requirements of the 2019 California Building Code for a near‐fault site in Los Angeles, California, simulated with a detailed nonlinear analysis of the complete structure and subjected to an ensemble of three‐component ground motion input. The study follows up on a recently published work by the authors, which examined the response of the specific building to static lateral loads. The nonlinear model of the building was developed in the software FE‐Multiphys using a shell‐element implementation of the beam–truss model (BTM). The BTM has been extensively validated through prior studies for planar, flanged, and coupled walls under static and dynamic loading. The building model was subjected to an ensemble of ground motions scaled at the design and risk‐targeted maximum considered earthquake levels. The vertical ground motion component and the out‐of‐plane shear degradation of wall piers were included in the simulations. The analyses elucidate the profound effect of nonlinear flexure–shear interaction and of the multidirectional behavior of the flanged coupled core wall on the evolution and localization of damage and on residual deformations. The coupling behavior between the core wall, the slabs, and the columns is also analyzed, and the importance of modeling the nonlinear behavior of all slabs for the residual damage evaluation is demonstrated. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of issues arising from prescriptive design requirements as well as of issues associated with limitations of standard nonlinear seismic analysis.
Perceived change mechanisms in multi‐family therapy for anorexia nervosa: A qualitative follow‐up study of adolescent and parent experiences
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Eisler Ivan , Konstantellou Anna , Hunt Tammy , Kassamali Fatema , McLaughlin Natalie , Simic Mima , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2023

Objective

Multi‐family therapy (MFT‐AN) is a promising group‐based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to explore how young people and parents perceived change to occur during MFT treatment.

Methods

Young people (10–18 years) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa and their parents who completed MFT‐AN alongside family therapy for anorexia nervosa within the preceding 2 years were eligible for this study. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐three participants (8 young people, 10 mothers and 5 fathers) completed interviews. Five main themes were identified; (1) Powerful connection, (2) Intensity, (3) New learning and perspective shifts, (4) Comparisons, and (5) Discharge is not recovery. There was a strong sense that being with others in a similar position in an intense environment were key factors in promoting change. Comparisons were inevitable and could promote insight and foster motivation, but could also be unhelpful at times. Participants spoke about how recovery continues beyond service use and requires ongoing attention and support.

Conclusions

Through the mechanisms of connection, intensity, new learning and comparisons change is perceived to occur in MFT‐AN. Some of these are considered unique to this treatment format.
Bioactive fatty acids from non‐conventional lipid sources and their potential application in functional food development
Authors: Akonjuen Bessem M. , Onuh John O. , Aryee Alberta N. A.
Published: July 2023

There is growing evidence that bioactive fatty acids (BFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5–3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6–3), and conjugated fatty acids offer multiple biological benefits and constitute ingredients in functional food development. Despite their potential, novel and alternative/nonconventional sources with unique bioactive properties to meet growing demand remain largely unexplored, poorly characterized, and their effects are not well understood. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify studies on alternative sources of BFAs, their functions, extraction, and application in the food and nutraceutical industry. Twenty studies delved into alternate sources such as plants, bacteria, and algae. Six studies found EPA and DHA as the dominant FA in algal sources, while ten studies reported several BFAs from plant sources. Five studies assessed the health benefits of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), arachidonic acid (ARA), EPA, γ‐linolenic acid (GLA), and linoleic acid (LA). Eleven studies compared the quality of oil recovered by green solvents, pressurized liquid, supercritical fluid, and assisted extraction methods. Three studies assessed the effects of assisted extraction methods and reported that these approaches improved oil yield and quality, but the findings may have limited applicability to other lipid sources. The quality of nonconventional lipids largely depends on extraction techniques. Four studies suggested methods like 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, LC‐MS/MS; however, their analytical differences make accurate comparison inadequate. Five studies found that the incorporation of algal and seafood biolipids during product development increased EHA and DHA contents.
Nexus of financial decentralization and institutional resource consumption efficiency for a carbon neutral society: Policy implication of China
Authors: Zheng Shixin , Wang Ziren
Published: July 2023

The Chinese government's use of fiscal policy, which includes fiscal income and spending, is crucial in its fight against environmental pollution and climate change. Innovation‐driven has arisen as a new alternative to reconcile economic success with environmental conservation in light of tighter resource restrictions and the suggestion of the Chinese High‐quality Development policy. The paper uses an econometric model to examine the connection between institutional resource consumption efficiency and carbon neutrality, using a data set consisting of Chinese inter‐provincial panel data from 2007 to 2020 as a research sample; fiscal decentralization is also discussed as a potential moderating factor. Collaborative innovation positively boosts ecological efficiency and produces geographical spillovers, and the findings suggest so long as the economic distance is considered. When it comes to increasing ecological efficiency, collaborative innovation plays a more important role than financial decentralization alone. Among these is the improvement of carbon neutrality, which is best achieved via the joint promotion of ecological efficiency and industrial organizations. By reducing the intensity of the positive effect of innovative cooperation on ecological efficiency, the moderating effect suggests that fiscal decentralization is a critical factor in this relationship. Promoting China's ecological efficiency necessitates a fair distribution of local budgetary spending. China should also actively encourage the degree of synergy between institutional resource consumption efficiency and associated institutions to improve eco‐efficiency.
Geochemical characteristics and genetic types of crude oils from a variety of geological reservoir rocks (Cretaceous–Palaeogene) in the Melut Basin, southern Sudan based on biomarker and carbon isotope composition
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed H. , Abass Atif N. , Rahim Afikah , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Qadri S. M. Talha , Lashin Aref , Zahir Danish , Abdula Rzger A. , Khamieva Aliia N.
Published: July 2023

This study uses physical and geochemical characteristics of crude oil samples representing the Cretaceous and Palaeogene reservoir sequence of the Melut Basin, southern Sudan to gain information about source rock properties, including organic matter characters, depositional environment and thermal maturity. The overall results show that the Melut Basin's oils have API values between 14.6° and 33.3° and indicate that most of oils are not biodegraded; except one heavy oil sample with low API gravity of 14.6°, which is likely biodegraded. The studied oils were generated from clay‐rich source rocks, containing a blend of organic matter derived primarily from a mixed organic matter of aquatic and terrestrial origin and deposited in a lacustrine setting under suboxic to relatively oxic conditions as demonstrated by their biomarker and carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C). The biomarker maturity indicators show that most of the Melut Basin's oils were generated in the main stage of oil generation, exhibiting a range of peak‐mature to late‐mature. The biomarker environmental indicators reveal that the shale source rocks of the Al‐Gayger and Galhak formations contributed to these oil samples.
Rural pensions, intra‐household bargaining, and elderly medical expenditure in China
Authors: Chen Zeyuan , Park Albert
Published: July 2023

China's rural elderly spend less on medical expenditures as they age despite declining health, raising welfare concerns. This paper investigates the role of intrahousehold bargaining power on health expenditures of the elderly by evaluating the impact of cash transfers from a new social pension program. The program provided windfall payments to those above age 60, making it possible to employ a regression discontinuity design based on age of eligibility to estimate causal effects. Using data from the 2011 and 2013 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we find that receiving pension payments increases both the utilization of outpatient care and outpatient expenditures by the elderly who experienced illness. This result is robust to controlling for total household expenditures per capita, ruling out income effects as the main channel. Consistent with pensions increasing elderly bargaining power, we find that pensions significantly increase medical expenditures only for those elderly who co‐reside with children or grandchildren but have no effect on those who live independently.
DNA methylation of DKK‐1 may correlate with pathological bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zou Yu‐Cong , Wang Zhi‐Jun , Shao Li‐Cheng , Xia Zhi‐Hong , Lan Yi‐Feng , Yu Zhi‐Hui , Yao Jia‐Yu , Luo Zi‐Rui
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate DNA methylation (DNAm) status of dickkopf‐associated protein 1 (DKK‐1) in ossified hip capsule synovium and serum among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Western blot was applied to detect the level of DKK‐1 protein expression in hip joint capsule tissues from four patients with AS as well as four patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF) caused by trauma as control. DKK‐1 gene promoter methylation (GPM) was examined by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of DKK‐1, β‐catenin, and Wnt3a in both tissue and serum. The DNAm status of serum DKK‐1 was measured among 36 patients with AS and syndesmophytes (AS + syndesmophytes group), 40 patients with AS but no syndesmophyte (AS group), and 42 healthy individuals (control group). Also, the serum levels of DKK‐1 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The modified New York criteria (mNYC) together with the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were adopted to examine the radiographic progression of AS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to investigate the diagnostic value of the methylation rate of DKK‐1 with regard to radiographic progression.

Results

The expressions of DKK‐1 protein and mRNA in hip joint capsule tissues of AS patients were significantly lower, while DKK‐1 GPM rate, β‐catenin mRNA, and Wnt3a mRNA were markedly higher when compared with FNF group. For serum samples, the DKK‐1 methylation rate was significantly higher in AS+ syndesmophytes group in contrast to AS group and healthy controls. Serum levels of DKK‐1 protein and mRNA in AS with syndesmophytes group were markedly decreased, while β‐catenin mRNA and Wnt3a mRNA expressions were significantly increased than AS with no syndesmophyte group and the healthy control group. AS patients in Grade 4 showed a significantly higher serum DKK‐1 GPM rate than those in Grade 3 based on mNYC. Serum DKK‐1 GPM level was markedly and positively correlated with mSASSS. Serum levels of DKK‐1 in AS+ syndesmophytes group were markedly lower compared with AS but no syndesmophyte group and healthy controls. ROC curve analysis indicated that serum DKK‐1 methylation rate serves as a decent indicator for AS radiographic progression.

Conclusion

DNAm of DKK‐1 may correlate with pathological bone formation in AS, which may provide new strategies for the treatment of AS abnormal bone formation.
Temporal and consumer driven cluster analysis for identification of FDI attacks in smart grid
Authors: Sharma Richa , Joshi Amit M. , Sahu Chitrakant , Nanda Satyasai Jagannath
Published: July 2023

The performance and stability of the electric network are improved through smart grid technologies. The smart grid strongly rely on digital communication technologies creates security issues that must be addressed to distribute power efficiently and safely. For billing, load balancing, and energy management, the customer‐side smart meter regularly transmits the consumption reading to the system operator. However, dishonest customers created cyberattacks by entering fictitious readings of their electrical consumption in order to steal electricity for financial benefit. The distributed monitoring meter‐based network concept is utilized in this paper to closely monitor the losses. A two‐stage clustering‐based technique has also been suggested for the purpose of detecting theft. The approach can be detect the customer ID having abnormality in consumption pattern. To verify the effectiveness of the suggested strategy, numerical experiments on two datasets of smart meters have been conducted and four different types of attack patterns have been constructed. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is very effective for detecting various types of attack patterns. In addition, the paper helps to predict how much power and financial loss the company will suffer as a result of multiple attacks.
Microscale investigation of the anisotropic swelling of cartilage tissue and cells in response to hypo‐osmotic challenges
Authors: Moo Eng Kuan , Sibole Scott C. , Federico Salvatore , Korhonen Rami K. , Herzog Walter
Published: July 2023

Tissue swelling represents an early sign of osteoarthritis, reflecting osmolarity changes from iso‐ to hypo‐osmotic in the diseased joints. Increased tissue hydration may drive cell swelling. The opposing cartilages in a joint may swell differently, thereby predisposing the more swollen cartilage and cells to mechanical injuries. However, our understanding of the tissue–cell interdependence in osmotically loaded joints is limited as tissue and cell swellings have been studied separately. Here, we measured tissue and cell responses of opposing patellar (PAT) and femoral groove (FG) cartilages in lapine knees exposed to an extreme hypo‐osmotic challenge. We found that the tissue matrix and most cells swelled during the hypo‐osmotic challenge, but to a different extent (tissue: <3%, cells: 11%–15%). Swelling‐induced tissue strains were anisotropic, showing 2%–4% stretch and 1%–2% compression along the first and third principal directions, respectively. These strains were amplified by 5–8 times in the cells. Interestingly, the first principal strains of tissue and cells occurred in different directions (60–61° for tissue vs. 8–13° for cells), suggesting different mechanisms causing volume expansion in the tissue and the cells. Instead of the continuous swelling observed in the tissue matrix, >88% of cells underwent regulatory volume decrease to return to their pre‐osmotic challenge volumes. Cell shapes changed in the early phase of swelling but stayed constant thereafter. Kinematic changes to tissue and cells were larger for PAT cartilage than for FG cartilage. We conclude that the swelling‐induced deformation of tissue and cells is anisotropic. Cells actively restored volume independent of the surrounding tissues and seemed to prioritize volume restoration over shape restoration. Our findings shed light on tissue–cell interdependence in changing osmotic environments that is crucial for cell mechano‐transduction in swollen/diseased tissues.
Abnormal distribution of fat tissue and its association with intestinal failure–associated liver disease in children and adolescents with long‐time parenteral nutrition support: A case‐control study
Authors: Takahashi Nobuhiro , Kato Mototoshi , Yamada Yohei , Tsujikawa Hanako , Irie Rie , Okabayashi Koji , Kitagawa Yuko , Kuroda Tatsuo
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) often present with abnormal body composition characterized by high fat mass. However, the distribution of fat and its association with the development of IF‐associated liver disease (IFALD) remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the body composition and its relationship with IFALD in older children and adolescents with IF.

Methods

This retrospective case‐control study enrolled patients with IF receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) at Keio University Hospital who initiated PN before the age of 20 years (cases). The control group included patients with abdominal pain, with available computed tomography (CT) scan and anthropometric data. CT scan images of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) were used for body composition analysis and compared between the groups. Liver histology was compared with CT scan findings in IF patients who underwent biopsy.

Results

Nineteen IF patients and 124 control patients were included. To account for age distribution, 51 control patients were selected. The median skeletal muscle index was 33.9 (29.1–37.3) in the IF group and 42.1 (39.1–45.7) in the control group (P < 0.01). The median visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) was 9.6 (4.9–21.0) in the IF group and 4.6 (3.0–8.3) in the control group (P = 0.018). Among the 13 patients with IF who underwent liver biopsies, 11 (84.6%) had steatosis, and there was a tendency for fibrosis to correlate with VATI.

Conclusion

Patients with IF exhibit low skeletal muscle mass and high visceral fat, which may be related to liver fibrosis. Routine monitoring of body composition is recommended.
Evaluation of calibrated passive sampling for quantifying ammonia emissions in multi‐plot field trials with slurry application
Authors: ten Huf Martin , Reinsch Thorsten , Kluß Christof , Essich Christoph , Ruser Reiner , Buchen‐Tschiskale Caroline , Pacholski Andreas , Flessa Heinz , Olfs Hans‐Werner
Published: July 2023

Background

There is a great need for simple and inexpensive methods to quantify ammonia emissions in multi‐plot field trials. However, methods that meet these criteria have to be thoroughly validated. In the calibrated passive sampling approach, acid traps placed in the center of quadratic plots absorb ammonia, enabling relative comparisons between plots. To quantify ammonia emissions, these acid trap samplings are scaled by means of a transfer coefficient (TC) obtained from simultaneous measurements with the dynamic tube method (DTM). However, dynamic tube measurements are also comparatively costly and time‐consuming.

Aims

Our objective was to assess the best practice for using calibrated passive sampling in multi‐plot field trials. One particular challenge in such experiments is to evaluate the influence of ammonia drift between plots.

Methods

In a series of eight multi‐plot field trials, acid traps and DTM were used simultaneously on all plots to measure ammonia emissions caused by different slurry application techniques. Data obtained by both methods were correlated, and the influence of the ubiquitous ammonia background on both methods was evaluated by comparing net values, including the subtraction of the background with gross values (no background subtraction). Finally, we provide recommendations for calculating a TC for calibrating relative differences between plots, based on simultaneous acid trap and dynamic tube measurements on selected plots.

Results

Treatment mean values obtained by both methods correlated well. For most field trials, R2 values between 0.6 and 0.8 were obtained. Ammonia background concentrations affected both methods. Drift between plots contributed to the background for the acid traps, whereas the contamination of the chamber system might have caused the background for the DTM. Treatments with low emissions were comparatively more affected by that background.

Conclusion

For a robust application of calibrated passive sampling, we recommend calculating the TC based on a treatment with high ammonia emissions, reducing the relative influence of the ubiquitous ammonia background.