bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable polymer composite containing ground corn stalk modified with polydopamine
Authors: Moraczewski Krzysztof , Szabliński Krzysztof , Łączny Daniel , Malinowski Rafał , Krasinskyi Volodymyr , Trafarski Andrzej , Karasiewicz Tomasz , Stepczyńska Magdalena , Rytlewski Piotr
Published: March 2024

Modifying plant fibers before their incorporation into the polymer matrix is a crucial factor that influences the characteristics of the resulting composites. This article reports on a study that investigated how modifying ground corn stalks impacted certain properties of a biodegradable polymer composite. The composite was made up of a mixture of polylactide and polycaprolactone in a ratio of 70:30, and the filler was modified using dopamine hydrochloride to create a thin polymer layer of polydopamine on the surface of the particles. The study evaluated the structural, mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties of composites that contained 30%, 40%, or 50% of the filler by weight. Additionally, the tests to determine how well the composites would compost in an industrial setting were conducted. The results of the study showed that modifying the filler particles had a positive impact on most of the properties tested, including tensile strength, flexural strength, Young's modulus, storage modulus, and impact strength. Interestingly, despite concerns about the antibacterial properties of polydopamine, the composting tests revealed that the modification of the filler particles did not have any negative effects on the industrial composting process.
Carbon reporting regulation: Real effects, external pressures, and internal policies
Authors: Baboukardos Diogenis , Kopita Anastasia , Ranegaard Charlotte , Demetriades Elias
Published: March 2024

Mandatory climate change reporting is suggested as a mechanism for mitigating firms' climate change impact and, in particular, their carbon emissions. Although extant literature provides evidence of a negative association between the introduction of carbon reporting regulation and firms' carbon emissions, the literature on real effects of climate change reporting regulation is still in its infancy and has yet to provide evidence of the channels through which reporting regulation affects firms' real climate change‐related activities. By adopting the theoretical framework of the targeted transparency action cycle, which describes the mechanism leading to the real effects of reporting regulation, we provide empirical evidence on how external pressures exerted on firms and internal policies adopted by them shape the effects of carbon reporting regulation on firms' actual carbon emissions. We take advantage of the 2013 amendments of the UK Companies Act 2006, which made the United Kingdom the first country in the world to require its listed firms to report carbon emissions in their annual reports, and we empirically show that, first, after the introduction of the new reporting regulation, firms exhibit significantly lower levels of carbon emissions; second, these effects are more prominent in firms under higher external pressure; and third, firms that engage with relevant climate change policies exhibit a much larger reduction of their carbon emissions after the regulation took effect.
Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Matricaria Pubescens on High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: Chenna Houssem , Khelef Yahia , Halimi Imen , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Çakir Oğuz , Djouder Chaouki , Tarhan Abbas , Idoughi Khouloud , Boumendjel Mahieddine , Boumendjel Amel , Messarah Mahfoud
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of Matricaria pubescens by LC–MS/MS and evaluate the potential protective effect of its supplementation in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Twenty‐four male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group served as control and received the standard diet. The second group (HFD) received a high‐fat diet only (30 % of sheep fat). The third group‘s (control+MP) animals received a standard diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens (w/w). The fourth group (HFD+MP) received a high‐fat diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens for 16 weeks. LC–MS/MS analysis showed that M. pubescens contains many phytochemical compounds. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of M. pubescens has a higher phenolic content than the aqueous extract. The supplementation of M. pubescens (5 % w/w) to HFD rats decreased significantly (p<0.01) body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue relative weights, glycemia, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance, liver markers, TNF‐α, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level, and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities as well as ameliorated histological alterations through the reduction hepatic lipid deposition and adipocytes hypertrophy compared to the HFD group. We conclude that M. pubescens powder may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver markers while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of high‐fat diet‐fed rats.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to desogestrel intake in a young lady: A case report
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Tewari Jay , Roy Shubhajeet , Sisodia Paras , Rana Anadika , Atam Virendra , Al Hasibuzzaman Md
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is a subtype of venous thromboembolism, which occurs in the dural venous sinuses. Blockage of the venous drainage of the brain leads to the development of hemorrhages. Strokes can hence develop in any individual, irrespective of age or sex. CVST is a very serious condition requiring immediate thrombolysis to prevent residual neurological deficits. We report the case of a lady aged 25 years, who presented to the emergency department with a severe diffuse headache for 4 days, associated with vomiting. This was followed by multiple episodes of seizures and altered sensorium the previous day. She had been taking desogestrel for the past 2 months. On examination, the patient was unconscious and febrile (102.8 F). On admission, Glasgow Coma Scale score of E2V2M3 and bilateral extensor plantar response were noted. Signs of meningeal irritation were absent. Her pupils were mid‐dilated, sluggishly reactive to light, and papilledema was present bilaterally. Based on imaging studies, she was diagnosed with a case of CVST. Her homocysteine levels were elevated. She recovered on appropriate treatment and was discharged on Ryle's feeding tube after 26 days of hospital stay with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of E4V5M6 and a flexor plantar response. The case emphasizes the need to rule out CVST in young adult females on oral contraceptive pills (OCP) presenting with severe neurological dysfunction. Vigilant screening, clinical suspicion and timely management can help cut down the associated mortality and morbidity in such cases.
Facile Synthesis of Carbonized Polymer Dots and their Applications in Security Inks, Sensing, Light Emitting Diodes, and UV Shielding Films
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Xu Jiali , Li Hu , Sun Minghui , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: March 2024

Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have received much attention in recent years owing to their cost‐effective synthesis, high resistance to photobleaching, environmental friendliness, and excellent biocompatibility. However, the aggregation‐induced fluorescence quenching is a great obstacle to its applications. In this work, the highly fluorescent CPDs are prepared by a facile hydrothermal method assisted by polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the surface passivation agent, where phthalic acid and ethylenediamine are used as carbon and nitrogen source, respectively. Meanwhile, five types of PEG species are applied to prepare five CPDs to investigate PEG on optical properties of the resultant CPDs, among which the best quantum yield reaches 57.0 %. The promising applications of CPDs as fluorescent inks, sensors, light emitting diodes, and UV shielding films have been demonstrated. Overall, our contribution here develops a facile and accessible route for the synthesis of CPDs and further demonstrates its versatile applications.
Establishment of a Diamond‐Blackfan anemia like model in zebrafish
Authors: Ling Yiming , Wu Jiaye , Liu Yushi , Meng Panpan , Sun Ying , Zhao Dejian , Lin Qing
Published: March 2024

Background

Anemia is defined as a lack of erythrocytes, low hemoglobin levels, or abnormal erythrocyte morphology. Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare and severe congenital hypoplastic anemia that occurs due to the dominant inheritance of a ribosomal protein gene mutation. Even rarer is a case described as Diamond‐Blackfan anemia like (DBAL), which occurs due to a loss‐of‐function EPO mutation recessive inheritance. The effective cures for DBAL are bone marrow transfusion and treatment with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). To effectively manage the condition, construction of DBAL models to identify new medical methods or screen drugs are necessary.

Results

Here, an epoa‐deficient mutant zebrafish called epoaszy8 was generated to model DBAL. The epoa‐deficiency in zebrafish caused developmental defects in erythroid cells, leading to severe congenital anemia. Using the DBAL model, we validated a loss‐of‐function EPO mutation using an in vivo functional analysis and explored the ability of ESAs to alleviate congenital anemia.

Conclusions

Together, our study demonstrated that epoa deficiency in zebrafish leads to a phenotype resembling DBAL. The DBAL zebrafish model was found to be beneficial for the in vivo assessment of patient‐derived EPO variants with unclear implications and for devising potential therapeutic approaches for DBAL.
Dual doping: An emerging strategy to construct efficient metal catalysts for water electrolysis
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Han Ning , Wei Wei , Chu Dewei , Ni Bing‐Jie
Published: March 2024

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is critical for sustainable hydrogen energy development. For enhancing the catalytic performance of metal catalysts, dual doping has attracted enormous interest for its high effectiveness and facile realization. Dual doping is effective for tuning the electronic properties, enhancing the electrical conductivity, populating active sites, and improving the stability of metal catalysts. In this review, recent developments in cation–cation, cation–anion, and anion–anion dual‐doped catalysts for water splitting are comprehensively summarized and discussed. An emphasis is put on illustrating how dual doping regulates the external and internal properties and boosts the catalytic performance of catalysts. Additionally, perspectives are pointed out to guide future research on engineering high‐performance heteroatom‐doped electrocatalysts.
Modelling heterogeneity in the classification process in multi‐species distribution models can improve predictive performance
Authors: Adjei Kwaku Peprah , Finstad Anders Gravbrøt , Koch Wouter , O'Hara Robert Brian
Published: March 2024

Species distribution models and maps from large‐scale biodiversity data are necessary for conservation management. One current issue is that biodiversity data are prone to taxonomic misclassifications. Methods to account for these misclassifications in multi‐species distribution models have assumed that the classification probabilities are constant throughout the study. In reality, classification probabilities are likely to vary with several covariates. Failure to account for such heterogeneity can lead to biased prediction of species distributions. Here, we present a general multi‐species distribution model that accounts for heterogeneity in the classification process. The proposed model assumes a multinomial generalised linear model for the classification confusion matrix. We compare the performance of the heterogeneous classification model to that of the homogeneous classification model by assessing how well they estimate the parameters in the model and their predictive performance on hold‐out samples. We applied the model to gull data from Norway, Denmark and Finland, obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Our simulation study showed that accounting for heterogeneity in the classification process increased the precision of true species' identity predictions by 30% and accuracy and recall by 6%. Since all the models in this study accounted for misclassification of some sort, there was no significant effect of accounting for heterogeneity in the classification process on the inference about the ecological process. Applying the model framework to the gull dataset did not improve the predictive performance between the homogeneous and heterogeneous models (with parametric distributions) due to the smaller misclassified sample sizes. However, when machine learning predictive scores were used as weights to inform the species distribution models about the classification process, the precision increased by 70%. We recommend multiple multinomial regression to be used to model the variation in the classification process when the data contains relatively larger misclassified samples. Machine learning prediction scores should be used when the data contains relatively smaller misclassified samples.
How do disadvantaged groups perceive allies? Women's perceptions of men who confront sexism in an egalitarian or paternalistic way
Authors: Estevan‐Reina Lucía , de Lemus Soledad , Megías Jesús L. , Radke Helena R. M. , Becker Julia C. , McGarty Craig
Published: March 2024

In this research, we focused on women's perception of men as allies depending on the type of confrontation. We conducted four experimental scenario studies (Study 1 and 2 in a bar setting; Study 3 and 4 in a workplace setting) where a man confronted a sexist comment using either an egalitarian or paternalistic argument. Results showed that women are more likely to perceive egalitarian (vs. paternalistic) confronters as allies (Studies 1–4). This is explained by the fact that they contribute to reducing power asymmetries (decreasing perceived interpersonal power differences: Studies 2 and 4; or increasing women's empowerment: Studies 3 and 4). Furthermore, the egalitarian (vs. paternalistic) confrontation positively impacts interpersonal and intergroup relations, and this is explained by the perception of the confronter as an ally (Studies 1, 2 and 4). We discuss the role of disadvantaged group members’ perception of advantaged group members to disentangle the complexity of alliances.
Ion migration in 3D metal halide perovskite field effect transistors
Authors: Li Jinghai , Gong Yanyan , Yu William W.
Published: March 2024

3D perovskite materials are advancing rapidly in the field of photovoltaics and light‐emitting diodes, but the development in field effect transistors (FETs) is limited due to their intrinsic ion migration. Ion migration in perovskite FETs can screen the electric field of the gate and affect its modulation, as well as influence the charge carriers transport, leading to non‐ideal device characteristics and lower device stability. Here, we provide a concise review that explains the mechanism of ion migration, summarizes the strategies for suppressing ion migration, and concludes with a discussion of the future prospects for 3D perovskite FETs.
Microparticles in Wild and Caged Biota, Sediments, and Water Relative to Large Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharges
Authors: Weir Ellie M. , Kidd Karen A. , Hamilton Bonnie M. , Wu Jiabao , Servos Mark R. , Bartlett Adrienne J. , Tetreault Gerald R. , Gillis Patricia L.
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenically modified microparticles including microplastics are present in municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents; however, it is unclear whether biotic exposures are elevated downstream of these outfalls. In the fall of 2019, the present study examined whether microparticle levels in resident fish, environmental samples, and caged organisms were elevated near the Waterloo and Kitchener WWTP outfalls along the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. Wild rainbow darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) were collected from a total of 10 sites upstream and downstream of both WWTPs, along with surface water and sediment samples to assess spatial patterns over an approximately 70-km river stretch. Amphipods (Hyalella azteca), fluted-shell mussels (Lasmigona costata), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were also caged upstream and downstream of one WWTP for 14 or 28 days. Whole amphipods, fish digestive tracts, and mussel tissues (hemolymph, digestive glands, gills) were digested with potassium hydroxide, whereas environmental samples were processed using filtration and density separation. Visual identification, measurement, and chemical confirmation (subset only) of microparticles were completed. Elevated abiotic microparticles were found at several upstream reference sites as well as at one or both wastewater-impacted sites. Microparticles in amphipods, all mussel tissues, and wild fish did not show patterns indicative of increased exposures downstream of effluent discharges. In contrast, elevated microparticle counts were found in trout caged directly downstream of the outfall. Across all samples, cellulose fibers (mainly blue and clear colors) were the most common. Overall, results suggest little influence of WWTP effluents on microparticles in biota but rather a ubiquitous presence across most sites that indicates the importance of other point and nonpoint sources to this system. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1047–1061. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Spirulina platensis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds: Health implications and applications in the food industry
Authors: Uzlaşır Türkan , Selli Serkan , Kelebek Hasim
Published: March 2024

The exponential growth of the global population, coupled with issues of insufficient and imbalanced nutrition, as well as a surge in health‐related problems, has compelled individuals to seek innovative and alternative food sources while optimizing existing resources. Microalgae have been a staple source of livelihood and essential nourishment for people in various regions worldwide. Their rich content of proteins, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for nutrition, has made them a fundamental source of sustenance. Spirulina platensis (S. platensis), a single‐celled, filamentous, prokaryotic microalgae, has long been recognized as a valuable natural food source, with historical usage dating back to ancient times. On the other hand, Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum), although a freshwater species, belongs to the Pennateae group of single‐celled eukaryotic diatoms and exhibits adaptability to marine environments. S. platensis and P. tricornutum have recently gained attention due to their abundant bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and phenolic acids. These bioactive compounds are known for their potential health benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and hypocholesterolemic properties. This review examines the bioactive compounds produced by S. platensis and P. tricornutum, their impacts on human health, and their promising applications within the food industry.
Thermal analysis of rectangular moving fins with temperature‐variant properties by employing the Galerkin scheme
Authors: Gouran Sina , Ghasemi S. E.
Published: March 2024

In the present study, the thermal behavior of a longitudinal fin considering three types of heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, and radiation) is investigated. For this research, thermal conductivity, heat source, and heat transfer coefficient are assumed nonindependent. A semianalytical scheme called the Galerkin Method is utilized for solving the dimensionless governing equation. The impacts of important physical variables like Peclet number, gradient of thermal conductivity, thermo‐geometric parameter, and radiation–conduction parameter on temperature profiles are analyzed comprehensively. The obtained results indicate that raising the thermo‐geometric parameter from 0 to 2 leads to a 32% reduction in the temperature profile. Also from the results, it can be found that a 28% increment in the temperature is observed by changing the gradient of thermal conductivity from 0 to 2.
Exploration of YBX1 role in the prognostic value and immune characteristics by single‐cell and bulk sequencing analysis for liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Zhu Bingye , Yang Hongyan , Li Fei , Qu Ying , Lu Lungen , Zhang Qidi
Published: March 2024

Background

Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1) plays a variety of roles in progression of multiple tumors. However, the role of YBX1 in prognostic value and immune regulation for liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effect of YBX1 on the regulation of tumor immunity and survival prediction in LIHC patients.

Methods

YBX1‐related expression profiles and single‐cell and bulk sequencing analysis were performed using online databases. YBX1 expression was validated by a quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of overall survival (OS). The ESTIMATE (i.e., Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data) algorithm and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis were used to assess the relationships between YBX1 and LIHC immunity.

Results

YBX1 was over‐expressed in LIHC tissues and cell lines. High YBX1 expression was significantly associated with poor OS. Univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that YBX1 was an independent prognostic factor for LIHC. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that YBX1 was associated with multiple signaling pathways correlated to LIHC. Additionally, YBX1 was expressed in multiple immune cells and was significantly correlated with immune cells, immune checkpoint markers and tumor immune microenvironment. The TIDE analysis demonstrated that LIHC patients with high YBX1 expression showed a higher T‐cell dysfunction score and a higher exclusion score, as well as poorer immunotherapy response.

Conclusions

YBX1 plays crucial oncogenic roles in LIHC and is closely associated with the immune defense system. YBX1 inhibition may serve as a potential treatment for LIHC.
Application of the kinetic polynomial idea to describe catalytic hydrogenation of propene
Authors: Szukiewicz Mirosław , Chmiel‐Szukiewicz Elżbieta , Zaręba Lech
Published: March 2024

The kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions is a topic of theoretical and practical importance that combines theoretical and experimental efforts to achieve a deeper insight into the process. Theoretical aspects are concerned with determination of the process mechanism, whereas in practical applications kinetic experiments are applied to assist reactor design and scaling up of various processes. These approaches overlap; basis of the assumed mechanism that consists of many elementary steps, it is possible to find a kinetic equation for which precision is verified by comparison with experimental data. The method most often applied requires finding a single step that has the strongest influence on the process rate. This “classical approach” fails if the rate of two or more steps has comparable values, the precision of the determined kinetic rate becomes only average or even low. Such accuracy was observed, among others, for the gas‐phase hydrogenation of propene. The reaction is easy to carry out and proceeds under mild conditions; the byproducts are not observed. It suggests that there cannot be a single dominating effect step on the process rate. In this work, the application of the polynomial kinetic idea to the gas‐phase hydrogenation of the propene process realized in practice is tested. An attempt of obtaining a handy and precise relationship, without insignificant parameters was made. To realize this, the theoretical form of the polynomial kinetic was derived, and then, using statistical analysis of estimated polynomial parameters, the kinetic relationship was simplified. The final version of the kinetic polynomial and some selected kinetic equations taken from the literature were compared with respect to precision. The differences were significant: the precision of anticipation of the kinetic rate by the polynomial kinetic was 5% higher than for the power law and 12% higher than for the LHHW kinetic.
Improvements in the estimation of the Weibull tail coefficient: A comparative study
Authors: Henriques‐Rodrigues Lígia , Caeiro Frederico , Gomes M. Ivette
Published: March 2024

The Weibull tail‐coefficient (WTC) plays a crucial role in extreme value statistics when dealing with Weibull‐type tails. Several distributions, such as normal, Gamma, Weibull, and logistic distributions, exhibit this type of tail behavior. The WTC, denoted by
, is a parameter in a right‐tail function of the form
, where
represents a regularly varying cumulative hazard function with an index of regular variation equal to 1/
. The commonly used WTC‐estimators in literature are often defined as functions of the log‐excesses, making them closely related to estimators of the extreme value index (EVI) for Pareto‐type tails. For a positive EVI, the classical estimator is the Hill estimator. Generalized means have been successfully employed in estimating the EVI, leading to reduction of bias and of root mean square error for appropriate threshold values. In this study, we propose and investigate new classes of WTC‐estimators based on power
of the log‐excesses within a second‐order framework. The performance of these new estimators is evaluated through a large‐scale Monte Carlo simulation study, comparing them with existing WTC‐estimators available in the literature.
An analytical form of ring artifact correction for computed tomography based on directional gradient domain optimization
Authors: Wang Yuang , Chen Zhiqiang , Gao Hewei , Deng Yifan , Zhang Li
Published: March 2024

Background

Ring artifact is a common problem in Computed Tomography (CT), which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatment plans. It can be caused by various factors such as detector imperfections, anti‐scatter grids, or other nonuniform filters placed in the x‐ray beam. Physics‐based corrections for these x‐ray source and detector non‐uniformity, in general cannot completely get rid of the ring artifacts. Therefore, there is a need for a robust method that can effectively remove ring artifacts in the image domain while preserving details.

Purpose

This study aims to develop an effective method for removing ring artifacts from reconstructed CT images.

Methods

The proposed method starts by converting the reconstructed CT image containing ring artifacts into polar coordinates, thereby transforming these artifacts into stripes. Relative Total Variation is used to extract the image's overall structural information. For the efficient restoration of intricate details, we introduce Directional Gradient Domain Optimization (DGDO) and design objective functions that make use of both the image's gradient and its overall structure. Subsequently, we present an efficient analytical algorithm to minimize these objective functions. The image obtained through DGDO is then transformed back into Cartesian coordinates, finalizing the ring artifact correction process.

Results

Through a series of synthetic and real‐world experiments, we have effectively demonstrated the prowess of our proposed method in the correction of ring artifacts while preserving intricate details in reconstructed CT images. In a direct comparison, our method has exhibited superior visual quality compared to several previous approaches. These results underscore the remarkable potential of our approach for enhancing the overall quality and clinical utility of CT imaging.

Conclusions

The proposed method offers an analytical solution for removing ring artifacts from CT images while preserving details. As ring artifacts are a common problem in CT imaging, this method has high practical value in the medical field. The proposed method can improve image quality and reduce the difficulty of disease diagnosis, thereby contributing to better patient care.
Making Progress Towards « Green » Propellants – Part III
Authors: Dobson Rowan , Folly Patrick , Sarbach Alexandre , Van Riet Romuald , Roduit Bertrand , Sandström Jörgen , Tunestål Erik , Carlström Amy , Dejeaifve Alain
Published: March 2024

Stabilisers are an integral part of a propellant composition. They are essential for ensuring the chemical stability of nitrate‐ester based propellants, preventing oxidation, chain scission and uncontrolled heat generation. Progress is being made, especially in Europe, with REACh legislation (1907/2006) to use more environmentally‐friendly compounds. New stabilisers with a greener environmental profile and producing less toxic daughter products have been investigated by several groups, and several compounds demonstrated even better performances – more chemical stability and therefore longer shelf lives than formulations with the currently‐used stabilisers. Additionally, the good efficiencies and lower toxicities of the daughter products of the “green” stabilisers are also evaluated. This paper is a continuation of our previous work and demonstrates that for industrially‐manufactured propellants, that the tests performed by four different entities validate the stability and compatibility of the propellants, investigated previously on a laboratory scale, providing the community with safer formulations for the environment and health.
Evaluation of PSP1 biostimulant on Fusarium graminearum‐wheat pathosystem: impact on disease parameters, grain yield, and grain quality
Authors: Martínez Mauro , Arata Agustín , Dinolfo María Inés , Lázaro Laura , Welin Björn , Stenglein Sebastián
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Plant defense elicitors are valuable tools in sustainable agriculture, providing an environmentally friendly and effective means of enhancing plant defense and promoting plant health. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important fungal diseases of cereal crops worldwide. The PSP1 is a novel biopesticide formulated based on an elicitor, the extracellular protein AsES, from the fungus Sarocladium strictum. The present work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PSP1 in controlling FHB under field conditions. Experiments were conducted during three consecutive growing seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). Three biostimulant treatments were tested in different physiological stages (from late tillering to heading stage), and FHB inoculations were performed at anthesis. Disease parameters, seed parameters, grain yield, and grain quality parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Depending on the year and the genotype, reductions in disease incidence (up to 11%) and disease severity (up to 5%) were reported, although these differences could not be attributed to the use of the PSP1 biostimulant. Occasional improvements in seed parameters and grain quality were observed, suggesting that early treatments could work better than late treatments, probably due to early activation/priming of defense response mechanisms. However, more studies are deemed necessary.

CONCLUSION

The use of PSP1 biostimulant in commercial wheat crops could be a biological alternative or complement to traditional chemical fungicides to manage FHB. The reduced environmental impact and the potential benefits in grain yield and quality are other reasons that can generate new adherents of this technology in worldwide agriculture systems in the coming years. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for spray applications in mountain Nanguo pear orchards
Authors: Guo Shuang , Chen Chunling , Du Guodong , Yu Fenghua , Yao Weixiang , Lan Yubin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Nanguo pear is a distinctive pear variety in northeast China, grown mainly in mountainous areas. Due to terrain limitations, ground‐based pesticide application equipment is difficult to use. This limitation could be overcome by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide application in Nanguo pear orchards. This study evaluated the spraying performance of two UAVs in the Nanguo pear orchards and compared them with a manually used backpack electric sprayer (BES). The study also analyzed the effect of canopy size on droplet deposition and ground loss, and evaluated two sampling methods, leaf sampling and telescopic rod sampling.

RESULTS

Compared to BESs, droplet deposition is lower for UAVs, but the actual pesticide active ingredient deposition is not necessarily lower given the solution concentration. The droplet deposition varies among different UAVs due to structural differences. Under the same UAV operating parameters, droplet deposition on trees with smaller canopy sizes is typically greater than that on trees with larger canopy sizes, and the ground loss was also more severe. Although telescopic rod sampling is a quick and convenient method, it can only reflect the trend of droplet deposition, and the data error is greater compared with leaf sampling.

CONCLUSION

UAVs can achieve better droplet deposition in mountainous Nanguo pear orchards and does almost no harm to the operators compared with the BES. However, canopy size needs to be considered to adjust the application volume rate. Telescopic rods can be used for qualitative analyses, but are not recommended for quantitative analyses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Furo, Pyrano, and Pyrido[2,3‐d]Pyrimidines: A Comprehensive Review of Synthesis and Medicinal Applications
Authors: Rezaeifard Amin , Bakherad Mohammad , Navidpour Latifeh , Abedi Bajestani Mahsa , Onagh Gohar
Published: March 2024

Due to their extensive applications in pharmaceuticals and natural substances, organic synthesis and heterocyclic compounds have been at the forefront of research for many years. Pyrimidine is one of the heterocyclic compounds that have various derivatives with promising biological and pharmacological properties. This review article covers the synthesis and biological effects of pyrimidine derivatives, such as pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines, pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines, and furo[2,3‐d]pyrimidines. The compounds discussed in this review have a wide range of biological activities. Recent advances in green chemistry have led to the development of eco‐friendly synthetic methods for producing these bioactive heterocycles. This review aims to present various synthetic methods and biological effects of these compounds and provide new opportunities for organic chemists to develop potent nitrogen‐ and oxygen‐containing heterocycles for future applications. The review highlights examples of successful syntheses and applications of pyrimidine derivatives in the fields of antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, enzyme inhibition, and antiviral research.
Molecular Dynamics and Docking Investigation of Flavonol Aglycones against Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 (SUR1) for Anti–diabetic Drug Design
Authors: Oluwafisayo Akintemi Eric , Kuben Govender Krishna , Singh Thishana
Published: March 2024

The effectiveness of flavonols for the treatment of certain health conditions has highlighted their importance as an alternative to conventional therapeutic drugs. In this study, fifteen (15) flavonol aglycones (no sugar moiety) were investigated against ABC transporter sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) which regulates insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells to maintain glucose homeostasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine the molecular interactions of SUR1 with selected flavonols. The binding free energies of the ligand–receptor complexes were also investigated. Important residual interactions involving the SER595, SER599, ILE423, GLN427, ALA422, ASN426, and TRP430 amino acid residues were revealed using hydrogen bonding analysis. These residues contribute to the organization for distinct folding and selectivity at the ligand–receptor interface. Selected flavonols had reasonable binding free energies with SUR1 demonstrating their potential to be considered candidates for anti–diabetic drug design.
A Computational Investigation of Lithium‐Based Metal Hydrides for Advanced Solid‐State Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Ali Mubashar , Bibi Zunaira , Mubashir Muhammad , Younis M. W. , Afzal Usama , El‐marghany Adel
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen storage is a crucial step in commercializing hydrogen‐based energy production. Solid‐state hydrogen storage has gained much attention from researchers and needs extensive research. In the present study, we investigate the structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of lithium‐based LiAH3 (A=Mn, Fe, Co) metal hydrides to elucidate their potential for solid‐state hydrogen storage. First, we evaluate the structure stability of LiAH3 hydrides using formation enthalpies calculations. Then, the mechanical stability is determined by elastic stiffness constants, which reveal that LiAH3 hydrides are stable mechanically as they meet the Born stability requirements. Electronic band structure calculations manifest that all LiAH3 hydrides possess a metallic character. Several optical properties have been discussed in detail. The gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities of LiMnH3, LiFeH3 and LiCoH3 hydrides are 4.65, 4.60 and 4.39 wt%, respectively, achieving the target of US‐DOE for rechargeable equipment. Additionally, we have determined the volumetric hydrogen storage capacities (Cv) for all LiAH3 hydrides. It is worth mentioning that the highest Cv values have been obtained to be 180.80, 188.18 and 177.25gH2l−1 for LiMnH3, LiFeH3 and LiCoH3 hydrides, respectively, which have achieved the US‐DOE target set for 2025. Our investigation predicts the applicability of lithium‐based hydrides as promising solid‐state hydrogen storage materials.
Suzuki‐Miyaura and Buchwald‐Hartwig Cross‐Coupling Reactions Utilizing a Set of Complementary Imidazopyridine Monophosphine Ligands
Authors: Jacoby Seth A. , Harris Nekoda W. , Wiemann Alexander , Glenn Courtney D. , Kantzler A. Rae , Dinh Long P. , Yet Larry
Published: March 2024

Palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura and Buchwald‐Hartwig cross‐coupling reactions have become indispensable tools in the synthesis of otherwise inaccessible compounds because of the efficient, catalytic nature of these styles of reactions. The development of novel monophosphine ligands to achieve the cross‐coupling of substrates that are generally unreactive under standard conditions has developed into an extremely important area of research in the field of organometallic chemistry. Herein, we show the use of an imidazopyridine monophosphine ligand JagPhos I in the Suzuki‐Miyaura palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction to deliver sterically‐hindered biaryls and unsymmetrical biheterocycles. We also report the scope and limitations of imidazopyridine monophosphine ligand JagPhos II in the Buchwald‐Hartwig amination reactions of (hetero)aryl halides with anilines, secondary amines, and primary amines.
Guiding principles and processes of scholarship of teaching and learning and scholarship of practice
Authors: Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , Mendee Amarjargal , Braxton John M.
Published: March 2024

The concepts of scholarship of teaching and learning and the scholarship of practice are relatively new; therefore, their value within student affairs and institutions of higher education may be questioned. Unfamiliarity with these activities may also impede student affairs graduate faculty and scholar‐practitioners from engaging in this work. In this article, we outline why these activities should be viewed as scholarship and demonstrate how student affairs faculty and practitioners may already possess the skills needed to engage in this work.
Rényi entropy with surface defects in six dimensions
Authors: Yuan Ma-Ke , Zhou Yang
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We compute the surface defect contribution to Rényi entropy and supersymmetric Rényi entropy in six dimensions. We first compute the surface defect contribution to Rényi entropy for free fields, which verifies a previous formula about entanglement entropy with surface defect. Using conformal map to $$ {S}_{\beta}^1\times {H}^{d-1} $$

S
β
1

×

H

d
−
1

we develop a heat kernel approach to compute the defect contribution to Rényi entropy, which is applicable for p-dimensional defect in general d-dimensional free fields. Using the same geometry $$ {S}_{\beta}^1\times {H}^5 $$

S
β
1

×

H
5

with an additional background field, one can construct the supersymmetric refinement of the ordinary Rényi entropy for six-dimensional (2, 0) theories. We find that the surface defect contribution to supersymmetric Rényi entropy has a simple scaling as polynomial of Rényi index in the large N limit. We also discuss how to connect the free field results and large N results.
Y-algebroids and E7(7) × ℝ+-generalised geometry
Authors: Hulík Ondřej , Malek Emanuel , Valach Fridrich , Waldram Daniel
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We define the notion of Y-algebroids, generalising the Lie, Courant, and exceptional algebroids that have been used to capture the local symmetry structure of type II string theory and M-theory compactifications to D ≥ 5 dimensions. Instead of an invariant inner product, or its generalisation arising in exceptional algebroids, Y-algebroids are built around a specific type of tensor, denoted Y , that provides exactly the necessary properties to also describe compactifications to D = 4 dimensions. We classify “M-exact” E7-algebroids and show that this precisely matches the form of the generalised tangent space of E7(7) × ℝ+-generalised geometry, with possible twists due to 1-, 4- and 7-form fluxes, corresponding physically to the derivative of the warp factor and the M-theory fluxes. We translate the notion of generalised Leibniz parallelisable spaces, relevant to consistent truncations, into this language, where they are mapped to so-called exceptional Manin pairs. We also show how to understand Poisson-Lie U-duality and exceptional complex structures using Y-algebroids.
Non-Abelian chiral soliton lattice in rotating QCD matter: Nambu-Goldstone and excited modes
Authors: Eto Minoru , Nishimura Kentaro , Nitta Muneto
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The ground state of QCD with two flavors at a finite baryon chemical potential under rapid rotation is a chiral soliton lattice (CSL) of the η meson, consisting of a stack of sine-Gordon solitons carrying a baryon number, due to the anomalous coupling of the η meson to the rotation. In a large parameter region, the ground state becomes a non-Abelian CSL, in which due to the neutral pion condensation each η soliton decays into a pair of non-Abelian sine-Gordon solitons carrying S2 moduli originated from Nambu-Goldstone (NG) modes localized around it, corresponding to the spontaneously broken vector symmetry SU(2)V. There, the S2 modes of neighboring solitons are anti-aligned, and these modes should propagate in the transverse direction of the lattice due to the interaction between the S2 modes of neighboring solitons. In this paper, we calculate excitations including gapless NG modes and excited modes around non-Abelian and Abelian (η) CSLs, and find three gapless NG modes with linear dispersion relations (type-A NG modes): two isospinons (S2 modes) and a phonon corresponding to the spontaneously broken vector SU(2)V and translational symmetries around the non-Abelian CSL, respectively, and only a phonon for the Abelian CSL because of the recovering SU(2)V. We also find in the deconfined phase that the dispersion relation of the isospinons becomes of the Dirac type, i.e. linear even at large momentum.
Near-horizon geometries and black hole thermodynamics in higher-derivative AdS5 supergravity
Authors: Cano Pablo A. , David Marina
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Higher-derivative corrections in the AdS/CFT correspondence allow us to capture finer details of the dual CFT and to explore the holographic dictionary beyond the infinite N and strong coupling limits. Following an effective field theory approach, we investigate extremal AdS black hole solutions in five-dimensional supergravity with higher-derivative corrections. We provide a general analysis of near-horizon geometries of rotating extremal black holes and show how to obtain their corresponding charges and chemical potentials. We discuss the near-horizon solutions of the two-derivative theory, which we write using a novel parametrization that eases our computation of the higher-derivative corrections. The charges and thermodynamic properties of the black hole are computed while clarifying the ambiguities in their definitions. The charges and potentials turn out to satisfy a near-horizon version of the first law of thermodynamics whose interpretation we make clear. In the supersymmetric case, the results are shown to match the field theory prediction as well as previous results obtained from the on-shell action.
Prevalence of malocclusions requiring treatment according to the KIG classification
Authors: Kinzinger Gero Stefan Michael , Hourfar Jan , Lisson Jörg Alexander
Published: March 2024

Background and aim

In Germany, the reimbursement of orthodontic treatment costs within the framework of the statutory health insurance (GKV) was restricted on 01 January 2002 by the introduction of the orthodontic indication groups (KIG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of findings requiring treatment in a specialist practice over a 20-year period. The results were then compared with data from existing older studies.

Patients and methods

The distribution of treatment-eligible KIG (KIG classifications grades 3–5) among patients with statutory health insurance in an orthodontic practice in North Rhine was determined over a 20-year period (2002–2021) after the introduction of the KIG system. This period was additionally scrutinized in four 5‑year periods according to the operating cycles of the practice. Findings were classified into the highest of 19 possible KIG treatment needs levels. Multiple classifications were not made.

Results

Orthodontic treatment was indicated in a total of 4537 (2393 female, 2144 male) patients according to current statutory health insurance guidelines. The KIG classification “D” (increased overjet) was the most frequent within the observed 20 years with 24.3%. Among 11 KIG classifications, 86.1% of the 6 most frequent and 13.9% of the 5 rarest findings were observed constantly over all periods. Of 19 possible indications, “D4” was the most frequent with 19.6%. Of 4537 patients, 20.7% had KIG grade 3, 63.6% KIG grade 4 and 15.7% KIG grade 5. The prevalence of sagittal deviations “D” and “M” was 35.0%, transverse “B” and “K” 17.9% and vertical “O” and “T” 3.7%. Tooth position anomalies “E” and “P” had a share of 24.6%.

Conclusions

The present study confirms existing findings as well as the nationwide data of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) from 2020: The sagittal deviations “D” (increased overjet) and “M” (negative overjet) represented the most frequent findings with KIG D4 as the most common classification. The prevalence and age distribution of KIG grades 3–5 requiring treatment corresponded to nationwide comparative data.