bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Nanomaterials for Hydrogen Storage: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Manzoor Sumaira , Ali Shahid , Mansha Muhammad , Sadaqat Maira , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Khan Safyan Akram
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen energy heralded for its environmentally friendly, renewable, efficient, and cost‐effective attributes, stands poised as the primary alternative to fossil fuels in the future. Despite its great potential, the low volumetric density presents a formidable challenge in hydrogen storage. Addressing this challenge necessitates exploring effective storage techniques for a sustainable hydrogen economy. Solid‐state hydrogen storage in nanomaterials (physically or chemically) holds promise for achieving large‐scale hydrogen storage applications. Such approaches offer benefits, including safety, compactness, lightness, reversibility, and efficient generation of pure hydrogen fuel under mild conditions. This article presents solid‐state nanomaterials, specifically nanoporous carbons (activated carbon, carbon fibers), metal‐organic frameworks, covalently connected frameworks, nanoporous organic polymers, and nanoscale metal hydrides. Furthermore, new developments in hydrogen fuel cell technology for stationary and mobile applications have been demonstrated. The review outlines significant advancements thus far, identifies key barriers to practical implementation, and presents a perspective for future sustainable energy research. It concludes with recommendations to enhance hydrogen storage performance for cost‐effective and long‐lasting utilization.
Curriculum leadership in a rural indigenous high school in Taiwan implementing the 108 Curriculum Guidelines
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Pei , Chen Chien‐Chih
Published: May 2024

The 108 Curriculum Guidelines (108CG) were implemented in high schools in Taiwan in 2019 and have increased the flexibility of curriculum offerings. Schools must now offer diverse curricula, flexible options and self‐directed learning courses based on students' needs and teachers' expertise. This study explores how rural high schools in Taiwan promote curriculum leadership following the implementation of the 108CG. Using a case school in southern Taiwan as the study site, it examines the current implementation of the 108CG in rural high schools, the processes and strategies that school members employ in applying curriculum leadership and the challenges they encounter. Six participants from the case school were interviewed, from August 2021 to May 2022. We also conducted observations and document analyses. The results show that the principal and mid‐level leaders' collaborative efforts are integral to advancing the 108CG. However, the school faces challenges in implementing the 108CG due to its environmental context. The principal's major challenge stems from the differing curriculum interpretations by tribal chiefs and families in the community. Mid‐level leaders also grapple with students' passive learning attitudes and the need for preparedness among teachers for curriculum reform. Although the 108CG have been in operation for more than 4 years, rural high schools continue to face challenges in implementing them. Introducing collaborative lesson planning and using checklists during curriculum review meetings could help track curriculum progress.
Enhancing complex bioprocess learning through simulation technology and hybrid teaching: A case study in university education
Authors: Cotoras Davor
Published: May 2024

The utilization of computer simulators in university education is progressively being embraced to offer students a practical exposure to industrial bioprocesses. Bioreactor computer simulators hold various advantages over conventional laboratory experiments, such as cost‐effectiveness and enhanced safety. The research objective is to assess the effectiveness of integrating bioreactor computer simulators into hybrid teaching to promote active and collaborative learning experiences and evaluate their impact on student participation and understanding. A hybrid strategy combining synchronous, face‐to‐face, and online teaching has been implemented to enhance the teaching‐learning processes in the Industrial Bioprocesses course for Biochemistry students. The simulation software BIOSTAT®T Yeast was used. This software models the production of ethanol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae through batch cultivation and the determination of the kLa value of a bioreactor. In the first simulation activity, students analyzed the software response based on parameter values input by the instructor, while in the second simulation activity, students autonomously used the computer simulator under the primary oversight of the instructor. The survey results indicate that the pedagogical innovation was positively received and significantly motivating for the students. Comparing student satisfaction surveys between the two simulation activities suggests that fostering student autonomy and engagement through simulation technology can improve satisfaction and learning outcomes in bioprocess education.
Chlorogenic Acid and its Isomers Attenuate NAFLD by Mitigating Lipid Accumulation in Oleic Acid‐Induced HepG2 Cells and High‐Fat Diet‐ Fed Zebrafish
Authors: Tie Fangfang , Ding Jin , Gao Yidan , Wang Honglun
Published: May 2024

Chlorogenic acid (Chl), isochlorogenic acid A (Isochl A), and isochlorogenic acid B (Isochl B) are naturally occurring phenolic compounds, which have been shown to exert a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of these three phenolic compounds on oleic acid (OA)‐induced HepG2 cells and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed zebrafish. Lipid accumulation and triacylglycerol levels increased in OA‐induced cells, which was attenuated by Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased by Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B treatment. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B reduced the expression of lipogenesis‐related protein, including fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha gamma (PPARα) was increased by Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B treatment. In addition, our results indicated that Chl, Isochl A and Isochl B decreased lipid profiles and lipid accumulation in HFD‐fed zebrafish. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of Chl, Isochl A, and Isochl B as effective agents for treating or/and ameliorating non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Probing Glycerolipid Metabolism using a Caged Clickable Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Probe
Authors: Lou Jinchao , Ancajas Christelle F. , Zhou Yue , Lane Nicolas S. , Reynolds Todd B. , Best Michael D.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we present the probe SATE‐G3P‐N3 as a novel tool for metabolic labeling of glycerolipids (GLs) to investigate lipid metabolism in yeast cells. By introducing a clickable azide handle onto the glycerol backbone, this probe enables general labeling of glycerolipids. Additionally, this probe contains a caged phosphate moiety at the glycerol sn‐3 position to not only facilitate probe uptake by masking negative charge but also to bypass the phosphorylation step crucial for initiating phospholipid synthesis, thereby enhancing phospholipid labeling. The metabolic labeling activity of the probe was thoroughly assessed through cellular fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) experiments. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated successful incorporation of the probe into yeast cells, with labeling predominantly localized at the plasma membrane. LCMS analysis confirmed metabolic labeling of various phospholipid species (PC, PS, PA, PI, and PG) and neutral lipids (MAG, DAG, and TAG), and GL labeling was corroborated by TLC. These results showcased the potential of the SATE‐G3P‐N3 probe in studying GL metabolism, offering a versatile and valuable approach to explore the intricate dynamics of lipids in yeast cells.
Design of Bismuth‐Based Electrocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Wang Xin , Mahbub Muhammad Adib Abdillah , Das Debanjan , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: May 2024

Tuning the activity, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) is of high interest. Among the multitude of possible eCO2RR products, formic acid/formate is not only of high industrial importance but even more importantly it can be obtained at nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency if suitable catalysts are employed for the eCO2RR. Recently, two distinct strategies to modulate the eCO2RR over Bi‐based catalysts, namely phase modulation and functionalization with organic ligands, have come to the fore. This concept paper aims to string them together to accelerate their exploitation to design sophisticated electrocatalysts for the eCO2RR.
Hydrogen Tunneling Exhibiting Unexpectedly Small Primary Kinetic Isotope Effects
Authors: Roque José P. L. , Nunes Cláudio M. , Schreiner Peter R. , Fausto Rui
Published: May 2024

Probing quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) in chemical reactions is crucial to understanding and developing new transformations. Primary H/D kinetic isotopic effects (KIEs) beyond the semiclassical maximum values of 7–10 (room temperature) are commonly used to assess substantial QMT contributions in one‐step hydrogen transfer reactions, because of the much greater QMT probability of protium vs. deuterium. Nevertheless, we report here the discovery of a reaction model occurring exclusively by H‐atom QMT with residual primary H/D KIEs. 2‐Hydroxyphenylnitrene, generated in N2 matrix, was found to isomerize to an imino‐ketone via sequential (domino) QMT involving anti to syn OH‐rotamerization (rate determining step) and [1,4]‐H shift reactions. These sequential QMT transformations were also observed in the OD‐deuterated sample, and unexpected primary H/D KIEs between 3 and 4 were measured at 3 to 20 K. Analogous residual primary H/D KIEs were found in the anti to syn OH‐rotamerization QMT of 2‐cyanophenol in a N2 matrix. Evidence strongly indicates that these intriguing isotope‐insensitive QMT reactivities arise due to the solvation effects of the N2 matrix medium, putatively through coupling with the moving H/D tunneling particle. Should a similar scenario be extrapolated to conventional solution conditions, then QMT may have been overlooked in many chemical reactions.
Snake swarm optimization‐based deep reinforcement learning for resource allocation in edge computing environment
Authors: Kaliraj S. , Sivakumar V. , Premkumar N. , Vatchala S.
Published: May 2024

Mobile edge computing has become popular in the past few years as a means of creating computing resources close to end‐user nodes at the network edge. Nodes—end users—demand work offloading to improve service utilization. Furthermore, when the number of users in mobile edge computing increases, the minimal resources deployed at the edge become a problem. Develop the idea of reinforcement learning using a metaheuristic technique intended to achieve effective resource allocation and resolve offloading issues to handle this issue. The ideal way to manage the implementation of mobile edge computing with a cognitive agent's help is to request compensation for all client necessities. To complete the infrastructure type for the Internet of Things (IoT), the operator information is combined with its distinctive methodology. Neural caching during task execution is provided by reinforcement learning based on snake swarm optimization (SSO). Neural caching during task execution is provided by reinforcement learning based on SSO. In the process of creating the cost mapping table and incentive factor‐based optimal resource allocation, this suggested method is applied to a contract with effective resource allocation among the end manipulators. Using performance metrics like delivery ratio, energy consumption, throughput, and delay, the suggested approach is put into practice and examined. It is also contrasted with traditional methods like Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) ant colony optimization (ACO) and genetic algorithms (GA).
Amino‐Functionalizing Ce‐Based MOF UiO‐66 for Enhanced CO2 Adsorption and Selectivity
Authors: Senith Ravishan Fernando John , Asaithambi Shivani S. , Maruti Chavan Sachin
Published: May 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) hold great promise for CO2 adsorption due to their high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and the ability to modify their chemical properties to enhance CO2 affinity. MOFs tagged with functional groups either at linker or metal sites have shown improved CO2 uptake capacity and selectivity. This study focuses on investigating the potential of selective CO2 adsorption using amino functionalization of linker forming Ce‐UiO‐66. The physicochemical properties and characteristics of MOFs to determine the degree of amino functionalization and structural stability were examined using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transformer infra‐red (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 porosimetry and specific surface area (BET). This work unveils a novel array of results on CO2, N2 and water vapour adsorption on Ce‐UiO‐66‐NH2. The amino‐functionalized Ce‐UiO‐66‐NH2 shows 63 % higher CO2 uptake and 84 % higher CO2/N2 selectivity at 273 K and 1 bar over Ce‐UiO‐66. Ce‐UiO‐66‐NH2 also shows excellent structural stability after gas and vapour sorption making Ce‐UiO‐66‐NH2 potential adsorbent for CO2 capture.
The Perceived Functions and Phenomenological Characteristics of Future Thinking and Clinically Significant Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Hallford David J. , Seydavi Mohammad , Akbari Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Current research indicates that anxiety disorders and elevated levels of trait anxiety are associated with biases and impairments when thinking of personally relevant future events, that is, future thinking. However, to date, little research has been conducted into how people with symptoms of clinical anxiety perceive the functions of future thinking. The current study presents a cross‐sectional survey comparing individuals with elevated symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and related functional impact (N = 51, 43.1% female, Mage = 33.1, SD = 10.2) matched on age and gender with individuals with no clinically significant symptoms of GAD (N = 51, 43.1% female, Mage = 33.3, SD = 10.1) on self‐reported functions of future thinking and a battery of items assessing the phenomenological characteristics. The results indicated various significant differences in the perceived functions of future thinking and its phenomenological characteristics in those with elevated GAD symptoms. Broadly, they indicate more frequent future thinking and more commonly for self‐distraction or processing negatively valenced future events, and generally less adaptive mental representations that support current thinking on the psychopathological process of increased worry, anxious arousal and maladaptive cognition in clinical anxiety symptoms.
Transforming the Discovery of Targeted Protein Degraders: The Translational Power of Predictive PK/PD Modeling
Authors: Haid Robin Thomas Ulrich , Reichel Andreas
Published: May 2024

Targeted protein degraders (TPDs), an emerging therapeutic modality, are attracting considerable interest with the promise to address disease‐related proteins that are not druggable with conventional small molecule inhibitors. Despite their novel mechanism of action, the PK/PD relationship of degraders is still approached with a mindset deeply rooted in inhibitor drugs. Here, we establish how predictive mechanistic modeling specifically tailored to TPDs can significantly enhance the value of the available information during lead generation and optimization. By integrating the results from in vitro assays with routinely collected PK data, modeling accurately predicts degradation in vivo. These predictions transform the prioritization of compounds for in vivo studies as well as the selection of optimal dose schedules and most informative measurement time points with the least number of animals. Moreover, the comprehensive modeling framework (1) identifies the PK/PD driver of targeted protein degradation and subsequent downstream pharmacodynamic effects, and (2) uncovers the fundamental difference between degrader and inhibitor PK/PD relationships. The practical utility of our predictive modeling is demonstrated with relevant use cases. This framework will allow researchers to transition from current, mostly serendipity‐based approaches to more sound model‐informed decision making. Going forward, the presented predictive PK/PD modeling framework lays out a rational path to incorporate inter‐species differences in the pharmacology and thus promises to help with getting the dose right in clinical trials.
Comparison of Three Widely Employed Extraction Methods for Metabolomic Analysis of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Fall Fanta , Desmet Lieven , Mamede Lúcia , Schioppa Laura , de Tullio Pascal , Frédérich Michel , Govaerts Bernadette , Quetin‐Leclercq Joëlle
Published: May 2024

Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) is the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, which can be fatal if left untreated. An understanding of the parasite's cellular metabolism is vital for the discovery of new antitrypanosomal drugs and for disease eradication. Metabolomics can be used to analyze numerous metabolic pathways described as essential to Tb. brucei but has some limitations linked to the metabolites’ physicochemical properties and the extraction process. To develop an optimized method for extracting and analyzing Tb. brucei metabolites, we tested the three most commonly used extraction methods, analyzed the extracts by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC LC‐HRMS), and further evaluated the results using quantitative criteria including the number, intensity, reproducibility, and variability of features, as well as qualitative criteria such as the specific coverage of relevant metabolites. Here, we present the resulting protocols for untargeted metabolomic analysis of Tb. brucei using (HILIC LC‐HRMS). © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Culture of Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasites

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of samples for metabolomic analysis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Basic Protocol 3: LC‐HRMS‐based metabolomic data analysis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei
Elevated subgingival temperature infers high bacterial pathogen counts in severe periodontitis
Authors: Rams Thomas E. , Slots Jørgen
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Periodontal inflammation may be assessed by bleeding on probing and subgingival temperature. This pilot study evaluated the intrapatient relationship between subgingival temperature and selected bacterial groups/species in deep periodontal pockets with bleeding on probing.

Materials and Methods

In each of eight adults, an electronic temperature probe identified three “hot” pockets with elevated subgingival temperature and three “cool” pockets with normal subgingival temperature among premolars/molars with 6‒10 mm probing depths and bleeding on probing. Microbial samples collected separately from the hot and cool periodontal pockets were cultured for selected periodontal pathogens.

Results

Hot compared to cool periodontal pockets revealed significantly higher absolute and normalized subgingival temperatures and yielded higher mean proportions of Porphyromonas gingivalis (10.2% for hot vs. 2.5% for cool, p = 0.030) and total red/orange complex periodontal pathogens (48.0% for hot vs. 24.6% for cool, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Hot versus cool deep periodontal pockets harbored significantly higher levels of major periodontal pathogens. Subgingival temperature measurements may potentially be useful to assess risk of periodontitis progression and the efficacy of periodontal therapy.
An exploration of operational efficiency, market efficiency, and sustainable development in the banking industry
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chuan , Lin Tai‐Yu , Chiu Yung‐ho , Yang Ching‐I
Published: May 2024

Sustainable development is the primary goal of the current global economic transformation. The banking industry, as an intermediary institution within the financial system, not only serves as a crucial foundation for national economic development but also plays a key role in the global transition to sustainability and a low‐carbon economy. Banks can leverage the influence of financing to direct funds towards sustainable ventures and simultaneously develop green financial products, guiding ordinary consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices. How the banking industry can effectively improve operational efficiency while considering sustainable development is one of the key focuses of ongoing development in the banking sector. The main aim of this study is to incorporate the aspect of sustainable development into the evaluation of operational efficiency, aligning with the goals of corporate sustainable development. It allows for an analysis of how decision‐makers in the banking industry can adjust resources to maintain stable and sustainable profitability while promoting sustainable development. This study selected 13 financial holding banks and 19 non‐financial holding banks in Taiwan as research subjects, covering the period from 2016 to 2021. Utilizing a meta assurance regions (AR) parallel dynamic two‐stage slacks‐based measure model with “operational stage” and “market and sustainability parallel stage,” the research explores the efficiency performance of banks considering sustainable development. It examines the differences in efficiency performance at various stages among different types of banks. The research findings are as follows: (1) among the banking industry in Taiwan, operational stage efficiency ranks the highest, followed by sustainable stage efficiency, while market stage performance lags behind. (2) Financial holding banks outperform non‐financial holding banks on average in operational stage, market stage, and sustainable stage efficiency. (3) Fubon Financial, TFH, CATHAY HOLDINGS, and SKFH are benchmark performers among financial holding banks. (4) Non‐financial holding banks exhibit a higher average technical gap ratio compared to financial holding banks, indicating that non‐financial holding banks have fewer inefficient areas to improve. However, the technical efficiency of both groups of banks approaches each other over the years. (5) In the sustainable stage, financial holding banks demonstrate superior environmental indicators and corporate treatment efficiency compared to non‐financial holding banks.
Progress and Opportunities in Photocatalytic, Electrocatalytic, and Photoelectrocatalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide Coupled with Biomass Valorization
Authors: Zheng Yanmei , Zhang Yinghua , Liang Xiaoli , Ouyang Jianghong , Guo Xinli , Chen Zupeng
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been considered an energy carrier (fuel) and oxidizer for various chemical synthesis and environmental remediation processes. Biomass valorization can generate high‐value‐added products in a green and pollution‐free way to solve the energy and environmental crisis. The biomass valorization coupled with H2O2 generation via photo‐, electro‐, and photoelectrocatalysis plays a positive role in sustainable targets, which can maximize energy utilization and realize the production of value‐added products and fuel synthesis. Recently, catalyst design and mechanism studies in H2O2 generation coupled with biomass valorization are in the infancy stage. Herein, this review begins with a background on photo‐, electro‐, and photoelectrocatalytic techniques for H2O2 generation, biomass valorization, and the H2O2 generation couples with biomass valorization. Meanwhile, the progress and reaction mechanism are reviewed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of a synergistic coupled system of H2O2 synthesis and value‐added biomass in achieving high conversion, selectivity, and reaction efficiency are envisioned.
A Core/Shell Bi2S3/BiVO4 Nanoarchitecture for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Xiong Yuli , Zhang Duo , Zhao Xiaoxuan , Peng Bo , Yu Peng , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: May 2024

The construction of nanostructured heterostructure is a potent strategy for achieving high‐performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Among these, constructing BiVO4‐based heterostructure stands out as a promising method for optimizing light‐harvesting efficiency and reducing severe charge recombination. Herein, we present a novel approach to fabricate a type II heterostructure of core/shell Bi2S3/BiVO4 using electrolytic deposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) methods. We identify the type II heterostructure and the difference in fermi energy using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and PEC measurements. This redistribution of charges due to the fermi energy difference induces an interfacial built‐in electric field from BiVO4 to Bi2S3, reinforcing the photogenerated hole transfer kinetics from BiVO4 to Bi2S3. The Bi2S3/BiVO4 heterostructure exhibits a superior photocurrent (6.0 mA cm−2), enhanced charge separation efficiency (85 %), and higher open‐circuit photovoltage (350 mV). Additionally, the heterostructure displays a prolonged average lifetime of charge (1.63 ns), verifying this heterojunction could boost interfacial carriers’ migration via an additional nonradiative quenching pathway. Furthermore, the lower photoluminescence (PL) intensity demonstrates the interfacial built‐in electric field is beneficial for boosting charge migration.
Effects of different combinations of pre‐ and post‐grazing heights on herbage mass and nutrient reserves of Leymus chinensis in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Chengzhen , Chang Xiao , Li Qiang , Zhong Rongzhen , Zhou Daowei
Published: May 2024

The preservation or removal of apical meristem in Leymus chinensis is contingent upon grazing intensity and has a significant impact on above‐ and belowground biomass, nutritive value, and sustainability of L. chinensis grassland. However, this topic remains understudied. Therefore, a manipulative trial was conducted to induce grazing defoliation through mowing, where two post‐grazing heights (preservation or removal of the apical meristem) and four pre‐grazing plant heights (i.e., 18, 24, 31, and 35 cm) are combined factorially to create gradients of grazing intensities, resulting in a total of eight treatments. Additionally, two identical control treatments are also incorporated. Our results showed that apical meristem removal at various pre‐grazing heights resulted in varying degrees of increased grazing intensities, thereby enhancing the nutritive value of L. chinensis. However, this practice also led to detrimental effects on the plant's carbohydrates reserve as well as herbage mass. The results indicated that although defoliation in treatments involving apical meristem removal resulted in the highest number of frequent cuttings, it did not confer any advantages in terms of herbage mass and nutrient preserves, except for herbage nutritive values when compared to treatments involving apical meristem preservation. The apical meristem preservation treatments demonstrated the highest CP yield over a 2‐year period compared to the apical meristem removal treatments. Furthermore, within these apical meristem preservation treatments, only when the pre‐grazing height is 35 cm and post‐grazing height is 17 cm, there is no significant decrease in above‐ and belowground biomass. This establishes this specific defoliation regime as an optimal and effective management strategy for L. chinensis grassland.
Diversity and distribution of chironomids in Central European ponds
Authors: Přidalová Marcela Sedlačková , Hamerlík Ladislav , Novikmec Milan , Slobodníková Veronika , Veselská Marta , Bitušík Peter , Svitok Marek
Published: May 2024

Ponds are common freshwater habitats in the European landscape that substantially contribute to local and regional biodiversity. Chironomids often dominate invertebrate communities in ponds but are usually disregarded in ecological studies due to relatively complicated taxonomy and identification issues. We present a comprehensive overview of the chironomid diversity in 246 ponds spanning a wide range of conditions extending from the Pannonian Plain to the Carpathians. Altogether, we recorded 225 taxa including 192 species from six subfamilies (Podonominae, Tanypodinae, Diamesinae, Prodiamesinae, Orthocladiinae and Chironominae). However, the chironomid taxa inventory is far from complete and about 16% of the total diversity of pond‐dwelling chironomids remains undetected. Chironomid alpha diversity showed a significant unimodal pattern along the elevation gradient with the highest number of taxa per pond expected around 790 m a.s.l. Gamma diversity also peaked in mid‐elevations (600–800 m), and the common chironomid taxa partitioned the 2100‐m long altitudinal gradient relatively evenly. The heterogeneity of chironomid communities among ponds measured as beta diversity was significantly higher in elevations below 800 m. Temperature and the proportion of surrounding forests significantly influenced alpha diversity of chironomid communities, while urban land cover and pond size had no significant effect. Ponds with a mean annual air temperature of approximately 4.8°C and a low proportion of surrounding forests are expected to harbour the most diverse chironomid communities. Our study showed that chironomids represent a very diverse and often exceptionally rich group of pond‐dwelling macroinvertebrates. Given the high diversity and broad range of occupied niches, chironomids should not be overlooked in pond ecology studies. On the contrary, they should be considered a potential model group.
Interactive abiotic and biotic stressor impacts on a stream‐dwelling amphibian
Authors: Coyle Oliver , Vredenburg Vance T. , Stillman Jonathon H.
Published: May 2024

Organisms within freshwater and marine environments are subject to a diverse range of often co‐occurring abiotic and biotic stressors. Despite growing awareness of the complex multistress systems at play in aquatic ecosystems, many questions remain regarding how simultaneous stressors interact with one another and jointly impact aquatic species. We looked at multistress interactions in a protected stream ecosystem in Mendocino County, California. Specifically, we examined how diurnal temperature variation, turbidity, and predator cues altered the movement speed of larval Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus). In a second experiment, we looked at how simulated low‐flow summer conditions impact the expression of heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) in the same species. Larvae moved almost one and a half times faster in the presence of chemical cues from trout and suspended sediment, and almost two times faster when both sediment and trout cues were present but were only marginally affected by temperature and visual cues from conspecifics. Interestingly, the order of stressor exposure also appeared to influence larval speed, where exposure to sediment and trout in earlier trials tended to lead to faster speeds in later trials. Additionally, larvae exposed to low‐flow conditions had more variable, but not statistically significantly higher, expression of HSPs. Our findings highlight the potential interactive effects of an abiotic stressor, sedimentation, and a biotic stressor, and predator chemical cues on an ecologically important trait: movement speed. Our findings also demonstrate the likely role of HSPs in larval salamander survival in challenging summer conditions. Taken together, these findings show that larval D. tenebrosus responds behaviorally to biotic and abiotic stressors and suggests a possible pathway for physiological tolerance of environmental stress. Consideration of multistress systems and their effects is important for understanding the full effects of co‐occurring stressors on aquatic organisms to guide appropriate conservation and management efforts based on ecologically relevant responses of organisms within an environment.
Green banana resistant starch: A promising potential as functional ingredient against certain maladies
Authors: Munir Haroon , Alam Hamza , Nadeem Muhammad Tahir , Almalki Riyadh S. , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul
Published: May 2024

This review covers the significance of green banana resistant starch (RS), a substantial polysaccharide. The food industry has taken an interest in green banana flour due to its 30% availability of resistant starch and its approximately 70% starch content on a dry basis, making its use suitable for food formulations where starch serves as the base. A variety of processing techniques, such as heat‐moisture, autoclaving, microwaving, high hydrostatic pressure, extrusion, ultrasound, acid hydrolysis, and enzymatic debranching treatments, have made significant advancements in the preparation of resistant starch. These advancements aim to change the structure, techno‐functionality, and subsequently the physiological functions of the resistant starch. Green bananas make up the highest RS as compared to other foods and cereals. Many food processing industries and cuisines now have a positive awareness due to the functional characteristics of green bananas, such as their pasting, thermal, gelatinization, foaming, and textural characteristics. It is also found useful for controlling the rates of cancer, obesity, and diabetic disorders. Moreover, the use of GBRS as prebiotics and probiotics might be significantly proved good for gut health. This study aimed at the awareness of the composition, extraction and application of the green banana resistant starch in the future food products.
Evaluating the effect of grape syrup on iron deficiency anemia in women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pourhakim Rasul , Emadi Fatemeh , Razavi Dizaji Saeed , Talei Daryush , Esmaeili Saber Sayed Saeed , Iranzadasl Maryam
Published: May 2024

Globally, iron deficiency reigns as the most prevalent nutritional disorder, with anemia disproportionately impacting women of childbearing age. Despite the effectiveness of existing treatments, like iron supplements, their side effects remain a concern. This study explores the potential of grape syrup (GS), a functional iron‐rich food, to modulate markers of iron‐deficient anemia in women. A randomized, double‐blind study explored the impact of GS on iron deficiency anemia markers in 130 women. Participants were allocated to intervention or placebo groups. For 4 weeks, the intervention group received a daily 50 mg ferrous sulfate tablet alongside 10 cc of GS thrice daily. The placebo group received a 50 mg ferrous sulfate tablet with a 10 cc placebo syrup thrice daily. Before and after the intervention, key markers like red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron were assessed. Notably, both Hb and Hct levels were significantly higher in the GS group (p < .05). Additionally, RBC and MCV values showed significant improvement compared to the placebo group (p < .05). However, no significant difference was observed for other iron deficiency markers like serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC (p > .05). This study's findings suggest that combining grape syrup with iron tablets might offer potential advantages over iron tablets alone in managing iron deficiency anemia.
High–low volatility spillover network between economic policy uncertainty and commodity futures markets
Authors: Xiang Youtao , Borjigin Sumuya
Published: May 2024

Based on the formation and evolution of systemic risk, we study the high‐low volatility spillovers between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and commodity futures and identify the source of risk accumulation and risk outbreak, as well as the corresponding contagion mechanisms. Upon comparing topological characteristics on each volatility layer, our results demonstrate that high and low volatility spillover networks have different network characteristics and evolution behaviors. At the system level, high volatility spillovers are relatively stronger than spillovers in in low volatility network, while the risk propagation efficiency in the low volatility network is higher. At the market level, EPU is not only an important risk‐emitter but also a risk‐recipient most of the time. Additionally, compared with high volatility network, low volatility network characteristics have greater predictive ability for risk spillover among commodity futures, which means that it contains additional information and provides early warning signals for financial stress.
Induction of AML cell differentiation using HOXA9/DNA binding inhibitors as a potential therapeutic option for HOXA9‐dependent AML
Authors: Lambert Mélanie , Jambon Samy , Bouhlel Mohamed A. , Depauw Sabine , Vrevin Julie , Blanck Samuel , Marot Guillemette , Figeac Martin , Preudhomme Claude , Quesnel Bruno , Boykin David W. , David‐Cordonnier Marie‐Hélène
Published: May 2024

The mainstay of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment still relies on traditional chemotherapy, with a survival rate of approximately 30% for patients under 65 years of age and as low as 5% for those beyond. This unfavorable prognosis primarily stems from frequent relapses, resistance to chemotherapy, and limited approved targeted therapies for specific AML subtypes. Around 70% of all AML cases show overexpression of the transcription factor HOXA9, which is associated with a poor prognosis, increased chemoresistance, and higher relapse rates. However, direct targeting of HOXA9 in a clinical setting has not been achieved yet. The dysregulation caused by the leukemic HOXA9 transcription factor primarily results from its binding activity to DNA, leading to differentiation blockade. Our previous investigations have identified two HOXA9/DNA binding competitors, namely DB1055 and DB818. We assessed their antileukemic effects in comparison to HOXA9 knockdown or cytarabine treatment. Using human AML cell models, DB1055 and DB818 induced in vitro cell growth reduction, death, differentiation, and common transcriptomic deregulation but did not impact human CD34+ bone marrow cells. Furthermore, DB1055 and DB818 exhibited potent antileukemic activities in a human THP‐1 AML in vivo model, leading to the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. In vitro assays also demonstrated the efficacy of DB1055 and DB818 against AML blasts from patients, with DB1055 successfully reducing leukemia burden in patient‐derived xenografts in NSG immunodeficient mice. Our findings indicate that inhibiting HOXA9/DNA interaction using DNA ligands may offer a novel differentiation therapy for the future treatment of AML patients dependent on HOXA9.
The ecohydrology of rewilding: A pressing need for evidence in the restoration of upland Atlantic salmon streams
Authors: Soulsby C. , Youngson A. , Webb J.
Published: May 2024

Recent interest in landscape re‐wilding and ecological restoration has resulted in a proliferation of large‐scale projects in many countries that have the potential to cause significant ecohydrological change. In Scotland an increasing number of watershed “restoration” schemes are motivated by declining Atlantic salmon populations and the threat of climate change. These usually involve riparian planting to shade salmon streams and re‐engineering of river channels to “enhance” salmon habitat. However, the need for, and objectives of, these schemes are often highly uncertain and there is no compelling scientific evidence to suggest that they are likely to be successful in halting salmon declines. Remarkably, these schemes ‐ which affect can affect rivers with the highest conservation designations in protected landscapes ‐ have been subject to limited environmental assessment. In some cases, engineering activities pose significant potential risk to juvenile salmon, and existing high quality salmon habitat may be degraded in the re‐engineering of streams. This commentary highlights the urgent need for more evidence‐based approaches in the management of complex ecohydrological systems.
Model calibration using hydropedological insights to improve the simulation of internal hydrological processes using SWAT+
Authors: Smit Edward , van Zijl George , Riddell Edward , van Tol Johan
Published: May 2024

Soils affect the distribution of hydrological processes by partitioning precipitation into different components of the water balance. Therefore, understanding soil‐water dynamics at a catchment scale remains imperative to future water resource management. In this study, the value of hydropedological insights was examined to calibrate a processes‐based model. Soil morphology was used as soft data to assist in the calibration of the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) model at five different catchment scales (48, 56, 174, 674, and 2421 km2) in the Sabie River catchment, South Africa. The aim of this study was to calibrate the SWAT+ model to accurately simulate long‐term monthly streamflow predictions as well as to reflect internal soil hydrological processes using a procedure focusing on hydropedology as a calibration tool in a multigauge system. Results indicated that calibration improved streamflow predictions where R2 improved by 2%–8%. Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) improved from negative correlations to values exceeding 0.5 at four of the five catchment scales compared to the uncalibrated model. Results confirm that soil mapping units can be calibrated individually within SWAT+ to improve the representation of hydrological processes. Particularly, the spatial linkage between hydropedology and hydrological processes, which is captured within the soil map of the catchment, can be adequately reflected within the model simulations after calibration. This research will lead to an improved understanding of hydropedology as soft data to improve hydrological modelling accuracy.
Excitons in confined molecular aggregates
Authors: Chen Xiaozhen , Zhou Jiadong , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: May 2024

Organic optoelectronic materials have attracted extensive attention in the past decades due to their wide applications in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), photocatalysis, etc. Significant advancements have been obtained in the material designs based on the insight into the fundamental physics of exciton related to molecular stacking patterns in solid/condensed states. The exciton characteristics and behaviors are not only a starting point for studying photophysical and photochemical processes on a microscopic level, but also a crucial point in determining the optoelectronic properties of macroscopic aggregates. This review summarizes the historic development of exciton models, accompanied by the discoveries of special molecular stacking patterns (H‐/J‐/X‐/M‐aggregates), and the competitive de‐excitation pathways of excitons including fluorescence, energy transfer, singlet fission, excimer formation and symmetry‐breaking charge separation in the confined aggregate structures. Additionally, it highlights the capabilities of a correlation between molecular stacking modes and exciton behaviors, which provides new insights and perspectives for optimizing exciton character and behavior through the modulation of molecular arrangement in aggregate states, thereby enhancing the performance of optoelectronic materials.
Air‐ground integrated assisted proactive eavesdropping
Authors: Wang Xianming , Zhang Heng , Ren Yan , Xu Feiran , Gong Chenglong
Published: May 2024

Benefiting from the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, UAVs have also received extensive attention in the field of communication. In this letter, we investigate an air‐ground proactive eavesdropping system in which a legitimate ground eavesdropper can actively eavesdrop on suspected ground communication links with the assistance of a UAV. To improve the eavesdropping performance of the system, the optimal trajectory of the UAV and the appropriate power allocation ratio are sought to maximize the eavesdropping rate. A Double‐Dueling DQN (D3QN) based scheme for maximizing the eavesdropping rate is proposed through deep reinforcement learning. The joint optimization of UAV trajectory and power allocation ratio is achieved using the D3QN algorithm. From the numerical results, the optimization scheme can improve the eavesdropping rate of the system.
Safety protection using artificial intelligence internet of things for preschool education
Authors: Tan Yun , Mo Shuangyuan
Published: May 2024

With the rapid development of social economy and information technology, safety protection in daily life has become more and more important. Although the awareness of safety has increased, the children's safety is still not paid enough attention. Children still may suffer accidental injuries, especially in developing countries. Children spend most of time at school in a day. Thus, it has become an emergent challenge to guarantee children's safety at school. In order handle this issue, this paper designs an Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things (AIoT) safety protection system for preschool education. The AIoT safety protection system consists of three parts: camera, Raspberry Pi, and monitoring computer. The camera captures the images of classroom scene during preschool education. The Raspberry Pi analyzes the images from camera to determine the unsafe behaviors of children, in which a YOLOv8 model is deployed. The monitoring computer receives the alarms from Raspberry Pi. The camera, Raspberry Pi, and monitoring computer are connected using wireless sensor network. The experiments show the behavior recognition model can correctly identify most of dangerous behaviors of children in classroom. The simulation result demonstrates the AIoT safety protection system can find the dangerous behaviors in time.
Evaluating functions of praise for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Hannula Courtney , Liggett Ashley P. , Shvarts Samuel , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: May 2024

We assessed whether novel praise statements could be used to (a) maintain and increase responses with existing reinforcement histories and (b) teach a previously untaught response among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder across two experiments. During response–stimulus pairing, two responses resulted in preferred edibles but only one also produced a praise statement. In the absence of edibles, the response continuing to produce praise tended to persist more. Next, reversing the praise contingency tended to increase the other response. However, in no case did contingent delivery of those same praise statements result in the acquisition of untaught responses. These findings suggest that conditioning praise statements could serve different functions (antecedent or consequence) depending on the reinforcement history for particular responses.