bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fischer Esterification of Benzoic Acid and Polyhydric Alcohols Catalyzed by Basic Ionic Liquids of Bisimidazolium Tungstates
Authors: Wu Shi , Wang Yingting , Tao Huilin , Yu Zhongliang , Wu Lidan , Meng Xiaoyan , Zhang Yongfan
Published: February 2023

Fischer esterification referred to the reaction of carboxylic acids and alcohols, which was generally catalyzed by Brönsted or Lewis acidic catalysts. Basic ionic liquids with the nucleophilic anion were generally considered incapable of catalyzing this reaction due to sufficiency of electrons or the lack of ionizable protons. Herein, bisimidazolium tungstates were found be able to catalyze Fischer esterification of ethylene glycol (EG) and benzoic acid relying on the nucleophilic WO42− anion. The mechanism studies indicated that C6H5COO− and H−WO42− anionic intermediate was formed between benzoic acid and WO42− via hydrogen‐bond interaction under the influence of hydroxyl of EG. This intermediate could further release H atom to accelerate the reaction speed of Fischer esterification, which was similar catalytic process to that of Brönsted acidic catalysts. Furthermore, other nucleophilic anions (CO32−, OH−, OAc−, C6H5COO−) had little catalytic capacity in the reaction. This suggested that the strength of anionic nucleophilic ability played an important role in the esterification reaction.
Basic Characterization and Sputtering Processing of Diatom‐Based Anode Materials
Authors: Luo JunLong , Liu Peng , Peng GuanYa , Tao Zhang Jiang
Published: February 2023

Silicon‐based anode materials are advantageous because of its high specific capacity, rich resources and appropriate lithium deintercalation potential. However, it is also limited by some disadvantages including large volume expension, poor electronic conductivity and low Initial Coulomb Efficiency(ICE). Benefitting from the original hierarchical porous structure of diatom and amorphous framework of SiO2, we explore the diatoms cultured on a large scale as the anode materials of lithium batteries. Herein, we obtain a suitable diatom‐based anode material with particle diameter D50 4.065 μm, BET specific surface area 228.28 m2/g and biomass of carbon approximately 25 %, while it successfully solves the problems of volume expansion and electronic conductivity. Furthermore, after facile sputtering processing, we successfully introduced metallic elements into the diatom‐based anode. The elements include 3.40 % of Al, 0.75 % of Ti, 10.40 % of Ni, etc. The charge‐dischare results show that the introduction of both Al and Ti lead to performance improvement in some extend.
Graphene and Graphene Based Nanocomposites for Bio‐Medical and Bio‐safety Applications
Authors: Verma Renu , Kumar Gupta Sumit , Lamba Narendra Pal , Singh Brajendra Kumar , Singh Surendra , Bahadur Vijay , Chauhan Manmohan Singh
Published: February 2023

Graphene is allotrope of carbon with sp2 hybridization. It provides high surface area with high stability and easy modified properties, due to this it show many chemical, electrical and medicinal applications. We have compiled their many medicinal and biosafety properties and reported herein in critical way. We have also described the synthesis of graphene oxide with various methods.
A Hydrothermally Prepared Lithium and Copper MOF Composite as Anode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Aziz Umer , Aftab Sikandar , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Siddique Salma , Iqbal Muhammad Javaid
Published: February 2023

Metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs), which are porous organic/inorganic materials and can be used for various applications in battery research, have grasped interest in the domains of energy storage and conversion systems because of highly tunable morphology, open topological structure, extremely redox active and large surface area. The battery type electrodes were synthesized through a hydrothermal approach which is followed by calcination process. Initially, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope characterizations were performed to study the MOFs structural and surface topologies. Later on, electrochemical characterizations (cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge‐discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were executed. Three electrode assembly were accomplished to test the electrochemical performance of Li MOF, Cu MOF and LiCu MOF in which the LiCu MOF electrode has obtained at 3 mV/s its highest specific capacity of 484.4 C/g. After studying the experimental process, the charge storage mechanism was further scrutinized by using multiple theoretical approaches, confirming the behavior of the synthesized materials. To explore further the application of LiCu MOF, a hybrid device was fabricated with activated carbon which results in high energy of 36.1 Wh/kg and power of 5100 W/kg. The obtained LiCu MOF material is a viable option for both batteries and hybrid supercapacitors electrodes due to its suitable electrochemical properties.
Synthesis of Multifunctional Arylated Anilines and Amino‐dihydrophenanthrenes Through Arylacetonitriles Mediated Ring Transformation of 2H‐Pyran‐2‐ones/2‐oxo‐benzo[h]chromenes
Authors: Rana Shally , Althagafi Ismail , Chahal Mohit , Pratap Ramendra
Published: February 2023

We are reporting a simple and efficient synthesis of highly functionalized aniline by the reaction of 2H‐pyran‐2‐ones and benzyl cyanide in presence of sodamide in dioxane under reflux conditions. Various 4‐sec.amino‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones, 4‐methylsulfanyl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones and 2‐oxobenzo[h[chromones were used as a substrate. Further, synthetic application of obtained arylated aniline was carried out to afford multifunctional carbazoles (13). 2′′‐Bromo‐[1,1′ : 2′,1′′‐teraryl]‐3′‐amines (6) and 4‐(2‐bromoarylyl)‐9,10‐dihydrophenanthren‐3‐amines (11) was used to demonstrate the the synthesis of carbazoles. The structure of isolated product 11 d was ascertained by spectroscopic and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. We have explained the role of nonpolar solvents in the synthesis of arylated aniline.
ZnO−Ag Hybrid Nanoparticles Used in the Antimicrobial Solvent‐Based Coatings: Antibacterial Studies in the Darkness and Under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Do Truc Vy , Vuong Nguyen Thien , Viet Vu Tien , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Dung Ngo Thanh , Tam Le The , Lu Le Trong , Thi Pham Lan , Dai Tran Lam
Published: February 2023

This study explores how hybrid nanoparticles can be used to improve the antibacteial properties of both single nanoparticles and their polymeric nanocomposite coatings. Hybridization of two different nanoparicles, such as nano‐ZnO and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been carried out to combine advantages of the individual particles. For these purposes, firstly ZnO−Ag hybrid nanoparticles were chemically fabricated by reducing Ag+ precursor on the as‐received nano‐ZnO using sodium borohydride in aqueous medium. Thereafter, these ZnO−Ag nanohybrids were introduced into the acrylic polyurethane matrix (at 2 wt.%) under sonication in xylene/toluene solvents. To reveal the effect of hybridization on the antibacterial activity against E. coli of both ZnO−Ag nanohybrids and their nanocomposite coatings, two antibacterial tests have been carrieried out in presence of visible light irradiation or without light (in dark). The agar‐well diffusion method indicated that ZnO−Ag nanohybrids exhibited high antibacterial activity against E.coli at the low concentration (8 mg/mL). In addition, their larger inhibition zones under visible light exposure were observed, when compared to the dark condition. Similarity, antibacterial test (ISO 22196 : 2007 standard) indicated that nanocomposite coating under visible light exposure had a higher antibacterial activity than that in the dark condition. Data from this antibacterial test after 24 h indicated that the visible light exposure provided more bactericidal efficiency for APU/ZnO−Ag coating (4.17 log), as compared to the dark condition (4.07 log). This increase in the bactericidal efficiency can be attributed to the hybridization of nano‐ZnO and AgNPs in their hybrid nanostructure. From the experimental data, we propose the mechanism for antibacterial activity of ZnO−Ag hybrid nanoparticles. In addition, TEM photographs indicated that AgNPs (10–30 nm) were attached to the surface of nano‐ZnO (<100 nm). Data from the diffused reflectance spectra indicated that the deposition of AgNPs on nano‐ZnO reduced its band gap energy (Eg) from 3.2 eV to 2.75 eV. In case of nanocomposite coating, addition of 2 wt.% ZnO−Ag nanohybrids into the acrylic polyurethane matrix significantly increased their impact strength and abrasion resistance.
π‐Conjugated In‐Plane Heterostructure Enables Long‐Lived Shallow Trapping in Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Increased Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Zhang Ziye , Ren Liteng , Li Hao , Jiang Daochuan , Fang Yuetong , Du Haiwei , Xu Gengsheng , Zhu Chuhong , Li Huiquan , Lu Zhou , Yuan Yupeng
Published: February 2023

The relatively short‐lived excited states, such as the nascent electron–hole pairs (excitons) and the shallow trapping states, in semiconductor‐based photocatalysts produce an exceptionally high charge carrier recombination rate, dominating a low solar‐to‐fuel performance. Here, a π‐conjugated in‐plane heterostructure between graphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) and carbon rings (Crings) (labeling g‐CN/Crings) is effectively synthesized from the thermolysis of melamine–citric acid aggregates via a microwave‐assisted heating process. The g‐CN/Crings in‐plane heterostructure shows remarkably suppressed excited‐state decay and increased charge carrier population in photocatalysis. Kinetics analysis from the femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy illustrates that the g‐CN/Crings π‐conjugated heterostructure produces slower exciton annihilation (τ1 = 7.9 ps) and longer shallow electron trapping (τ2 = 407.1 ps) than pristine g‐CN (τ1 = 3.6 ps, τ2 = 264.1 ps) owing to Crings incorporation, both of which enable more photoinduced electrons to participate in the photocatalytic reactions, thereby realizing photoactivity enhancement. As a result, the photocatalytic activity exhibits an eightfold enhancement in visible‐light‐driven H2 generation. This work provides a viable route of constructing π‐conjugated in‐plane heterostructures to suppress the excited‐state decay and improve the photocatalytic performance.
Estimation of rutin‐loaded chitosan sodium alginate nanoparticles in rat plasma using a chemometrics‐assisted bioanalytical high‐performance liquid chromatography method
Authors: Palei Narahari Narayan , Surendran Vijayaraj , Ramaswamy Shanmugam , Ravula Parameshwar
Published: February 2023

Rutin, a flavonoid glycoside is mostly made up of phenolic compounds and is involved in a variety of biological processes. Rutin‐loaded chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles were prepared for enhancing the site specificity and bioavailability. The main focus of the current research work was to develop and validate a simple, accurate, and robust bioanalytical reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method using the Design of Experiments principles for the estimation of rutin‐loaded chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles in plasma. A mixture of methanol and phosphate buffer in the ratio of 45:55 v/v was used as the mobile phase. The pH of the mobile phase is adjusted to 3.2 with 80% orthophosphoric acid; the flow rate was optimized to 1.0 ml/min and the ultraviolet absorption wavelength at 254 nm. Critical analytical attributes were screened with Taguchi orthogonal array model design. To develop and analyze a “Design Space,” Box‐Behnken three‐level, three‐factorial design in the design of experiment was employed. Analysis of variance, contour plots, and three‐dimensional surface response plots were used to statistically assess this design, and the model was shown to be statistically significant. The devised approach was validated according to the recommendations of the International Council for Harmonization (Q2 R1). The linearity of the developed method showed excellent in the range of 100 to 900 ng/ml with good regression (R2 > 0.998), the limit of quantitation (30 ng/ml), and the limit of detection (10 ng/ml). The validation findings of the parameters were examined and found to be within acceptable limits. The study findings stated that the Quality by Design‐driven bioanalytical approach is applicable for the in vivo and in vitro quantification of rutin derived from bulk and rutin‐loaded chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles formation.
Construction of Non‐Precious Metal Self‐Supported Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution from a Low‐Temperature Immersion Perspective
Authors: Xin Yanmei , Cang Yegui , Wang Zhuo , Dou Xiaoru , Hao Weiju , Miao Yuqing
Published: February 2023

Water splitting is considered as a promising technology to solve energy shortage and environmental pollution. Since oxygen evolution reaction (OER) directly affects the efficiency of hydrogen evolution, the preparation of efficient and inexpensive OER catalysts is an urgent problem. “Low‐temperature immersion” (LTI) is expected to be a prospective strategy for electrocatalyst preparation due to its simplicity and energy‐saving advantages. However, there is almost no comprehensive overview on the progress of LTI engineering in the construction of non‐precious metal self‐supported electrocatalysts for OER. Herein, this review firstly introduces the principles and applications of LTI engineering‐assisted preparation of non‐precious metal self‐supported electrocatalysts in terms of etching and deposition. Then the mechanism of OER is analyzed from an amorphous viewpoint, and finally some perspective insights and future challenges of this method are discussed.
Cleavage of the Au−P Bond in Au‐Substituted Phosphines
Authors: Wei Rui , Wang Xin‐Feng , Leo Liu Liu
Published: February 2023

Three protocols that involve the cleavage of the Au−P bond in Au‐substituted phosphines (AuPhos) have been demonstrated, namely i) direct demetallation with a strong anionic base; ii) protonation followed by demetallation with a neutral base; iii) oxidation‐triggered metal migration. Specifically, direct demetallation of (CAAC)AuPPh2 (1 a) (CAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene) with KP(TMS)2 or LiC(N2)TMS yields (CAAC)AuPTMS2 (2) or (CAAC)AuC(N2)TMS (3), respectively. Treatment of (NHC)AuPPh2 (1 b) (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) with HOTf followed by the corresponding neutral phosphine gives scarce examples of aurophosphonium salts [(NHC)AuPHAd2][OTf] (5) and [((NHC)Au)2PPh2][OTf] (6). Oxidation of 1 a or 1 b with Se affords LAuSeP(Se)Ph2 (L=CAAC, 7 a; NHC, 7 b).
Metrics of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency of Software Products and Process
Authors: Kruglov Artem , Succi Giancarlo , Kholmatova Zamira
Published: February 2023

The early measuring of the software process attributes increases the chances of the software being cost-effective and energy-efficient. However, some of the crucial metrics are accessible only during the latter stages. Therefore, the set of measurements through the whole SDLC should be considered to evaluate the software development process attributes and lead the project to success. This chapter demonstrates the division of SDLC phases into early and late ones, different software quality evaluation methodologies, and a set of measurements.
GQM and Recommender System for Relevant Metrics
Authors: Kruglov Artem , Succi Giancarlo , Gorb Anna
Published: February 2023

Any software project needs metrics to measure closeness to the goal. However, it is a complicated task to identify appropriate and goal-focused metrics by hand. That is why this chapter presents the GQM-based metrics recommender—a recommender system that can automatically deduce metrics from the project goals and questions.
Is the right-angled building associated to a universal group unique?
Authors: Beßmann Lara
Published: February 2023

A universal group is a subgroup of the group of type-preserving automorphisms of a right-angled building and hence associated to this building. A question is then whether this universal group can act chamber-transitively and with compact open stabilisers on a different right-angled building of the same type. We answer this question and define two universal groups associated to different right-angled buildings which are isomorphic as topological groups. Moreover, we show that different right-angled buildings can have the same universal group.
On the effects of cutting-edge angle on high-feed turning of Inconel 718© superalloy
Authors: Amigo Francisco Javier , Urbikain Gorka , de Lacalle Luis Norberto López , Fernández-Lucio Pablo , Pereira Octavio , Fernández-Valdivielso Asier
Published: February 2023

Machining processes on heat-resistant superalloys—i.e., turbine cases, rings, or shafts—are challenging tasks. The high-added value of such parts makes cycle times be longer than expected. Recently, high-feed turning technique has attracted the attention of practitioners due to its high material removal rate capability. PrimeTurning™ tool unifies the concepts of high-feed and multidirectional turning using multiple active cutting edges. It should be capable of reducing machine downtimes in that kind of parts. However, to avoid early tool replacement and rejects on high added value parts, a deeper knowledge on the high-feed turning process is necessary. Here, inserts specifically designed for high-feed turning in heat resistant Inconel 718© alloy were tested using three cutting-edge angles. The results showed that when chip thickness is more relevant, a cutting-edge angle of 30° reduces the likelihood of notches. Even if force components are high, surface roughness is improved and the risk of fractures is minimized, together with a high evacuation volume. On the other hand, increasing the cutting-edge angle (45° and 60°) without compensating the feed rate, tends to produce tool fractures due to chip overload. Besides, experimental tests showed that long tool-to-workpiece contact times, tend to shorten tool life, due to excessive heat accumulation and poor chip control.
Study on the insecticidal activity of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the fruit fly (Anastrepha obliqua), the main pest in mango crop in Colombia
Authors: Lozano-Tovar María Denis , Ballestas Álvarez Karen Lorena , Sandoval-Lozano Luis Andrés , Palma Mendez Gloria Milena , Barrera-Cubillos Gloria Patricia
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate and select entomopathogenic fungi that produces insecticidal compounds for the control of adults of Anastrepha obliqua Macquart (Diptera: tephritidae) that are the main pest of mango (Mangifera indica L. Bark) in Colombia. Nine entomopathogenic fungi isolates were evaluated, five belonging to the genus Metarhizium and four belonging to the genus Beauveria. One strain of the species Metarhizium robertsii with insecticidal activity was selected. By column fractionation, an active fraction was obtained, which caused mortalities higher than 90% after 48 h of exposure. Through HPLC it was determined that the active fraction is composed of more than 22 metabolites. Identification of the metabolites by UHPLC MS/MS revealed the presence of destruxin in E, D, A and B groups (destruxin E-diol, destruxin D, destruxin D1, destruxin D2, destruxin A2, destruxin A, destruxin A3, dihydrodestruxin A, desmB, destruxin B2, destruxin B and destruxin B1). The evaluation of the insecticidal capacity of the organic fractions obtained by HPLC indicated that the extract obtained from the isolate M. robertsii had a compound with high activity on adults of A. obliqua (destruxin A) causing massive mortality of up to 100%, after 48 h of the treatment administration. Furthermore, two other compounds with medium activity were found (destruxin A2 and destruxin B), showing mortalities between 60.0 and 81.3%, respectively. The extract of the isolate MT008 of M. robertsii showed higher insecticidal activity and a potential source for the control of A. obliqua
Analysis of predictors for postoperative complications after pancreatectomy––what is new after establishing the definition of postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP)?
Authors: Radulova-Mauersberger O. , Oehme F. , Missel L. , Kahlert C. , Welsch T. , Weitz J. , Distler Marius
Published: February 2023

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the predictive value of hyperamylasemia after pancreatectomy for morbidity and for the decision to perform rescue completion pancreatectomy (CP) in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were extracted from a retrospective clinical database. Postoperative hyperamylasemia (POH) and postoperative hyperlipasemia (POHL) were defined by values greater than those accepted as the upper limit at our institution on postoperative day 1 (POD1). The endpoints of the study were the association of POH with postoperative morbidity and the possible predictors for postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) and severe complications such as the necessity for rescue CP.

Results

We analyzed 437 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy over a period of 7 years. Among them, 219 (52.3%) patients had POH and 200 (47.7%) had normal postoperative amylase (non-POH) levels. A soft pancreatic texture (odds ratio [OR] 3.86) and POH on POD1 (OR 8.2) were independent predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), and POH on POD1 (OR 6.38) was an independent predictor of rescue CP. The clinically relevant POPF (49.5% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001), intraabdominal abscess (38.3% vs. 15.3%, p < 0.001), postoperative hemorrhage (22.8% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001), major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification > 2) (52.5% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001), and CP (13% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001) occurred significantly more often in the POH group than in the non-POH group.

Conclusion

Although POH on POD1 occurs frequently, in addition to other risk factors, it has a predictive value for the development of postoperative morbidity associated with PPAP and CP.
New criteria for existence of solutions for equilibrium problems
Authors: Balaj Mircea , Castellani Marco , Giuli Massimiliano
Published: February 2023

Equilibrium problems provide a mathematical framework which includes optimization, variational inequalities, fixed point and saddle point problems, and noncooperative games as particular cases. In this paper sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of an equilibrium problem are given by weakening the assumption of quasiconvexity of the involved equilibrium bifunction. The existence of solutions is established both in presence of compactness of the feasible set as well with a coercivity assumption. The results are obtained in an infinite dimensional setting, and they are based on the so called finite solvability property which is weaker than the recently introduced finite intersection property and in turn, weaker than most common cyclic and proper quasimonotonicity. Some examples are presented to illustrate the various cases in which other existence results for equilibrium problems do not apply. Finally, applications to the solution of quasiequilibrium problems, quasioptimization problems and generalized quasivariational inequalities are discussed.
Multi-scale Modelling of Shear Stress on the Syncytiotrophoblast: Could Maternal Blood Flow Impact Placental Function Across Gestation?
Authors: Lee Tet Chuan , Moulvi Ali , James Joanna L. , Clark Alys R.
Published: February 2023

The placenta is a critical fetal exchange organ, with a complex branching tree-like structure. Its surface is covered by a single multinucleated cell, the syncytiotrophoblast, which bathes in maternal blood for most of pregnancy. Mechanosensing protein expression by the syncytiotrophoblast at term suggests that shear stress exerted by maternal blood flow may modulate placental development and function. However, it is not known how the mechanosensitive capacity of the syncytiotrophoblast, or the shear stress it experiences, change across gestation. Here, we show that the syncytiotrophoblast expresses both mechanosensitive ion channels (Piezo 1, Polycystin 2, TRPV6) and motor proteins associated with primary cilia (Dynein 1, IFT88, Kinesin 2), with higher staining for all these proteins seen in late first trimester placentae than at term. MicroCT imaging of placental tissue was then used to inform computational models of blood flow at the placentone scale (using a porous media model), and at the villous scale (using explicit flow simulations). These two models are then linked to produce a combined model that allows the variation of shear stress across both these scales simultaneously. This combined model predicts that the range of shear stress on the syncytiotrophoblast is higher in the first-trimester than at term (0.8 dyne/cm2 median stress compared to 0.04 dyne/cm2) when considering both these scales. Together, this suggests that the nature of blood flow through the intervillous space, and the resulting shear stress on the syncytiotrophoblast have important influences on placental morphogenesis and function from early in pregnancy.
Deep learning: survey of environmental and camera impacts on internet of things images
Authors: Kaur Roopdeep , Karmakar Gour , Xia Feng , Imran Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) images are captivating growing attention because of their wide range of applications which requires visual analysis to drive automation. However, IoT images are predominantly captured from outdoor environments and thus are inherently impacted by the camera and environmental parameters which can adversely affect corresponding applications. Deep Learning (DL) has been widely adopted in the field of image processing and computer vision and can reduce the impact of these parameters on IoT images. Albeit, there are many DL-based techniques available in the current literature for analyzing and reducing the environmental and camera impacts on IoT images. However, to the best of our knowledge, no survey paper presents state-of-the-art DL-based approaches for this purpose. Motivated by this, for the first time, we present a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of existing DL techniques available for analyzing and reducing environmental and camera lens impacts on IoT images. As part of this SLR, firstly, we reiterate and highlight the significance of IoT images in their respective applications. Secondly, we describe the DL techniques employed for assessing the environmental and camera lens distortion impacts on IoT images. Thirdly, we illustrate how DL can be effective in reducing the impact of environmental and camera lens distortion in IoT images. Finally, along with the critical reflection on the advantages and limitations of the techniques, we also present ways to address the research challenges of existing techniques and identify some further researches to advance the relevant research areas.
Widespread chromosomal rearrangements preceded genetic divergence in a monitor lizard, Varanus acanthurus (Varanidae)
Authors: Dobry Jason , Wapstra Erik , Stringer Emily J. , Gruber Bernd , Deakin Janine E. , Ezaz Tariq
Published: February 2023

Chromosomal rearrangements are often associated with local adaptation and speciation because they suppress recombination, and as a result, rearrangements have been implicated in disrupting gene flow. Although there is strong evidence to suggest that chromosome rearrangements are a factor in genetic isolation of divergent populations, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we applied an integrative cytogenetics and genomics approach testing whether chromosomal rearrangements are the initial process, or a consequence, of population divergence in the dwarf goanna, Varanus acanthurus. Specifically, we tested whether chromosome rearrangements are indicators of genetic barriers that can be used to identify divergent populations by looking at gene flow within and between populations with rearrangements. We found that gene flow was present between individuals with chromosome rearrangements within populations, but there was no gene flow between populations that had similar chromosome rearrangements. Moreover, we identified a correlation between reduced genetic variation in populations with a higher frequency of homozygous submetacentric individuals. These findings suggest that chromosomal rearrangements were widespread prior to divergence, and because we found populations with higher frequencies of submetacentric chromosomes were associated with lower genetic diversity, this could indicate that polymorphisms within populations are early indicators of genetic drift.
Evaluation of a multifaceted medication review in older patients in the outpatient setting: a before-and-after study
Authors: Zwietering N.A. , Linkens A. E. M. J. H. , van der Kuy P. H. M. , Cremers H. , van Nie-Visser N. , Hurkens K. P. G. M. , Spaetgens Bart
Published: February 2023

Background

The prevalence of medication-related emergency department visits and acute hospital admissions in older patients is rising due to the ageing of the population and increasing prevalence of multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy.

Aim

To explore whether a combined medication review performed in the outpatient setting reduces the number of medication-related emergency department visits and hospital (re)admissions.

Method

All consecutive patients visiting the geriatric outpatient clinic underwent a multifaceted medication review (i.e. evaluation by at least a geriatrician, and/or pharmacist and use of clinical decision support system). Subsequently, we analysed the number of, and reason for, emergency department visits, acute hospital admissions and readmissions in the year prior to and the year following the index-date (date of first presentation and medication review).

Results

A multifaceted medication review reduced the number of potentially medication-related emergency department visits (38.9% vs. 19.6%, p < 0.01), although the total number of ED visits or acute hospital admissions per patient in the year before and after medication review did not differ.

Conclusion

A multifaceted medication review performed in the outpatient clinic reduced the number of potentially medication-related emergency department visits and could therefore reduce negative health outcomes and healthcare costs.
Adding Modified Buckwheat Sprouts to an Atherogenic Diet — the Effect on Selected Nutritional Parameters in Rats
Authors: Molska Marta , Reguła Julita , Świeca Michał
Published: February 2023

The germinated seeds of many plants are a natural source of substances that can be used to supplement food and increase its functionality. The seeds’ metabolism may be modified during germination to produce specific health-promoting compounds. Fagopyrum esculentum Moench is a rich source of nutrients. Buckwheat seeds modified during germination may be helpful as an additive to new functional food products with anti-atherogenic properties. However, their effect and safety should be assessed in in vivo studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect that adding modified buckwheat sprouts (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) to an atherogenic (high-fat) diet has on the morphology and digestibility parameters of rats. Buckwheat seeds were modified by adding the probiotic strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. The study was carried out on 32 Wistar rats, and digestibility and blood counts were assessed during the experiment. There was no evidence of an adverse effect on the animals' weight gain and nutritional efficiency. However, the influence of diets with freeze-dried buckwheat sprouts on digestibility and morphological parameters was noticed. Fat digestibility registered a statistically significant decrease in the groups fed a high-fat diet with the addition of sprouts. The study shows a new direction in the use of buckwheat sprouts.
Parametric mapping of QTL for resistance to European canker in apple in ‘Aroma’ × ‘Discovery’
Authors: Skytte af Sätra Jonas , Odilbekov Firuz , Ingvarsson Pär K. , van de Weg Eric , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa
Published: February 2023

Resistance to European canker (Neonectria ditissima) in apple is currently one of the most important breeding targets for commercial production in Sweden. Previous research has identified significant genetic variation in susceptibility to the disease, with the local Swedish cultivar ‘Aroma’ considered as one of the most resistant cultivars. Identification of genetic regions underlying the resistance of this cultivar would be a valuable tool for future breeding. Thus, we performed Bayesian quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for resistance to European canker in a full-sib family of ‘Aroma’ × ‘Discovery’. Mapping was performed with the area under the disease progression curves (AUDPCs) from all seven (AUDPC_All7) and the first four assessments (AUDPC_First4), and three parameters of a sigmoid growth model for lesion length. As a scale for the effect of the different parameters, historic phenotypic data from screenings of a genetically diverse germplasm was compiled and re-analyzed. The parametrization of the data on lesion growth increased the number of QTL that could be identified with high statistical power, and provided some insight into their roles during different stages of disease development in the current experimental setup. Five QTL regions with strong or decisive evidence were identified on linkage groups 1, 8, 15, and 16. The QTL regions could be assigned to either of the parameters lesion length at the first assessment (‘LL_A1’), the maximal lesion growth rate (lesion length doubling time, ‘t_gen’), and the lesion length at girdling (‘LL_G’). Three of these QTL were traced along the pedigrees of some known relatives of the FS family, and discussed in relation to future crosses for breeding and genetic research.
Spatial distribution of metabolites in the retina and its relevance to studies of metabolic retinal disorders
Authors: Bonelli Roberto , Woods Sasha M. , Lockwood Sarah , Bishop Paul N. , Khan Kamron N. , Bahlo Melanie , Ansell Brendan R. E. , Fruttiger Marcus
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The primate retina has evolved regional specialisations for specific visual functions. The macula is specialised towards high acuity vision and is an area that contains an increased density of cone photoreceptors and signal processing neurons. Different regions in the retina display unique susceptibility to pathology, with many retinal diseases primarily affecting the macula.

Objectives

To better understand the properties of different retinal areas we studied the differential distribution of metabolites across the retina.

Methods

We conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis on full-thickness punches from three different regions (macula, temporal peri-macula and periphery) of healthy primate retina.

Results

Nearly half of all metabolites identified showed differential abundance in at least one comparison between the three regions. Furthermore, mapping metabolomics results from macula-specific eye diseases onto our region-specific metabolite distributions revealed differential abundance defining systemic metabolic dysregulations that were region specific.

Conclusions

The unique metabolic phenotype of different retinal regions is likely due to the differential distribution of different cell types in these regions reflecting the specific metabolic requirements of each cell type. Our results may help to better understand the pathobiology of retinal diseases with region specificity.
Effect of microorganisms on degradation of fluopyram and tebuconazole in laboratory and field studies
Authors: Podbielska Magdalena , Kus-Liśkiewicz Małgorzata , Jagusztyn Bartosz , Szpyrka Ewa
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, chemical pesticides are the most widespread measure used to control crop pests and diseases. However, their negative side effects prompted the researchers to search for alternative options that were safer for the environment and people. Pesticide biodegradation by microorganisms seems to be the most reasonable alternative. The aim of the laboratory studies was to assess the influence of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, used separately and combined together, on fluopyram and tebuconazole degradation. In field studies, the degradation of fluopyram and tebuconazole after the application of the biological preparation in apples was investigated. The results from the laboratory studies show that the greatest decomposition of fluopyram and tebuconazole was observed in tests with T. harzianum in a range of 74.3–81.5% and 44.5–49.2%, respectively. The effectiveness of fluopyram degradation by B. subtilis was 7.5%, while tebuconazole inhibited bacterial cell growth and no degradation was observed. The mixture of microorganisms affected the degradation of fluopyram in a range of 8.3–24.1% and tebuconazole in a range of 6.1–23.3%. The results from the field studies show that degradation increased from 3.1 to 30.8% for fluopyram and from 0.4 to 14.3% for tebuconazole when compared to control samples. The first-order kinetics models were used to simulate the residue dissipation in apples. For the determination of pesticide residues, the QuEChERS method for apple sample preparation was performed, followed by GC–MS/MS technique. Immediately after the treatments, the maximum residue level (MRL) values for tebuconazole were exceeded, and it was equal to 100.7% MRL for the Red Jonaprince variety and 132.3% MRL for the Gala variety. Thus, preharvest time is recommended to obtain apples in which the concentration of pesticides is below the MRL and which can be recognized as safe for humans.
The role of teachers in a sustainable university: from digital competencies to postdigital capabilities
Authors: Markauskaite Lina , Carvalho Lucila , Fawns Tim
Published: February 2023

An increase in online and hybrid education during and after the Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the infiltration of digital media into mainstream university teaching. Global challenges, such as ecological crises, call for further radical changes in university teaching, requiring an even richer convergence of ‘natural,’ ‘human’ and ‘digital’. In this paper, we argue that this convergence demands us to go beyond ‘the great online transition’ and reframe how we think about university, teachers’ roles and their competencies to use digital technologies. We focus on what it takes to be a teacher in a sustainable university and consider emerging trends at three levels of the educational ecosystem—global developments (macro), teachers’ local practices (meso), and daily activities (micro). Through discussion of examples of ecopedagogies and pedagogies of care and self-care, we argue that teaching requires a fluency to embrace different ways of knowing and collective awareness of how the digital is entwined with human practices within and across different levels of the educational ecosystem. For this, there is a need to move beyond person-centric theorisations of teacher digital competencies towards more holistic, ecological conceptualisations. It also requires going beyond functionalist views of teachers’ roles towards enabling their agentive engagement with a future-oriented, sustainable university mission.
Evolution of Martensite Tetragonality in High-Carbon Steels Revealed by In Situ High-Energy X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Kohne Thomas , Fahlkrans Johan , Stormvinter Albin , Maawad Emad , Winkelmann Aimo , Hedström Peter , Borgenstam Annika
Published: February 2023

The martensitic transformation was studied by in situ and ex situ experiments in two high-carbon, 0.54 and 0.74 wt pct C, steels applying three different cooling rates, 15 °C/s, 5 °C/s, and 0.5 °C/s, in the temperature range around Ms, to improve the understanding of the evolution of martensite tetragonality c/a and phase fraction formed during the transformation. The combination of in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction during controlled cooling and spatially resolved tetragonality c/a determination by electron backscatter diffraction pattern matching was used to study the transformation behavior. The cooling rate and the different Ms for the steels had a clear impact on the martensitic transformation with a decrease in average tetragonality due to stronger autotempering for a decreasing cooling rate and higher Ms. A slower cooling rate also resulted in a lower fraction of martensite at room temperature, but with an increase in fraction of autotempered martensite. Additionally, a heterogeneous distribution of martensite tetragonality was observed for all cooling rates.
Development of High-Resolution Nuclear Emulsion Plates for Synchrotron X-Ray Topography Observation of Large-Size Semiconductor Wafers
Authors: Harada Shunta , Nishigaki Taketo , Kitagawa Nobuko , Ishiji Kotaro , Hanada Kenji , Tanaka Atsushi , Morishima Kunihiro
Published: February 2023

Characterization of defects in semiconductor wafers is essential for the development and improvement of semiconductor devices, especially power devices. X-ray topography (XRT) using synchrotron radiation is a powerful methods used for defect characterization. To achieve detailed characterization of large-size semiconductor wafers by synchrotron XRT, we have developed nuclear emulsion plates reaching a high-resolution and wide dynamic range. We have shown that higher-resolution XRT images could be obtained using emulsions with smaller iodobromide crystals, and demonstrated clear observation of threading edge dislocations in a SiC epitaxial layer having small contrast. Furthermore, we demonstrated XRT image acquisition for almost all of a 150-mm SiC wafer with one plate. Our development will contribute to advances in electronic materials, especially in the field of power electronics, in which defect characterization is important for improving the performance and yield of devices.
Inflammatory biomarkers of ischemic stroke
Authors: Tirandi Amedeo , Sgura Cosimo , Carbone Federico , Montecucco Fabrizio , Liberale Luca
Published: February 2023

Ischemic stroke remains the second leading cause of death and among the major causes of morbidity worldwide. Therapeutic options are currently limited to early reperfusion strategies, while pharmacological neuroprotective strategies despite showing promising results in the experimental setting constantly failed to enter the clinical arena. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and mediators of inflammation have been longtime investigated as possible prognostic marker and therapeutic target for stroke patients. Here, we summarized available evidence on the role of cytokines, soluble adhesion molecules and adipokines in the pathophysiology, prognosis and therapy of ischemic stroke.
Evaluation of Different Copper Sources in Nile Tilapia Diets: Growth, Body Indices, Hematological Assay, Plasma Metabolites, Immune, Anti-Oxidative Ability, and Intestinal Morphometric Measurements
Authors: EL-Erian Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Mohamed S. , Salem Shimaa M. R. , Mohammady Eman Y. , El-Haroun Ehab R. , Hassaan Mohamed S.
Published: February 2023

The goal of the current study was to compare how well Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, utilized copper (Cu) as bulk and nano sources by evaluating fish growth, body indices, hematological assays, plasma metabolites, immune and anti-oxidative abilities, and intestinal morphometric measurements. The basal diet served as a control, with no Cu added, whereas the experimental diets were formed by adding bulk-Cu and nano-Cu to the basal diet to keep Cu levels at 3 and 6 mg kg−1, respectively, in both Cu sources. Tilapia (9.10 ± 0.014 g) were fed the control diet and four experimental diets for 12 weeks. Results indicated that growth, feed utilization, and body indices demonstrated a substantial improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in tilapia that received a diet containing 3 and 6 Nano-Cu mg kg−1 diet, compared to the performance of fish that received diets containing 3 and 6 Bulk-Cu mg kg−1 diet and the control diet. Villi height, villi width, absorption area of villous (AAV), and mucosal to serosal amplification ratio (MSR) values demonstrated a substantial increase (P ≤ 0.05) in tilapia fed 3 and 6 mg kg−1 Nano-Cu compared to the values observed in fish fed the control and Bulk-Cu supplemented diets. Fish fed Bulk-Cu recorded the highest (P ≤ 0.05) hemoglobin concentration in those fed 6 mg kg−1 compared to 3 mg kg−1. Hematocrit value considerably improved (P ≤ 0.05) by supplementation of Cu, whereas the highest significant value demonstrated in fish provided 6 mg/kg−1 Nano-Cu. A fish-fed diet containing 3 mg kg−1 Nano-Cu revealed the best (P ≤ 0.05) values of plasma albumin, total protein, and globulins. Plasma HDL-C highest concentrations (P ≤ 0.05) were reported in fish fed diet supplemented with 6 mg/kg−1 either Bulk or Nano Cu, whereas values of plasma TG and VLDL-C declined as Cu supplementation level increased either from Bulk or Nano source. Also, the best (P ≤ 0.05) values of CAT and GPX were seen in fish given diet supplemented with 6 Nano-Cu mg/kg−1. Fillets of fish-fed Nano-Cu-supplemented diets showed a marked decline (P ≤ 0.05) in moisture and fat contents, while crude protein, ash, and Cu contents considerably increased in the fillet by dietary supplementation of Nano-Cu at both levels 3 and 6 mg kg−1. In conclusion, the supplemental diets with 3 or 6 Nano-Cu mg/kg−1 enhanced growth, feed utilization, body indices, fillet nutrient composition, hematological assay, plasma metabolites, immune, antioxidant activities, and intestinal morphometry of Nile tilapia.
Lean service: a contingency perspective
Authors: Fenner Sophie , Netland Torbjørn
Published: February 2023

Many firms launch consolidated lean initiatives across all their service units, but because services differ, mandated lean practices may have a poor fit with the receiving unit. Whereas plenty of research has investigated the fit of lean implementation at the service industry level, this is the first to delineate how standard lean service practices fit different service types. Taking a contingency theory perspective, we study a leading European utility company comprising distinct service types. Using purposeful sampling, we interview 36 employees from 15 different teams representing three different service types – professional services, service factories and service shops – and 11 employees from the headquarters who are supporting these units in their lean transformation journeys. We also collect secondary data, including lean programme documentation and audit data. We find that one size does not fit all for lean service; there are important nuances to the relevance of standard lean service practices across different service types. Ten propositions are put forward suggesting how standard lean practices need to be adapted to fit the context of different service types. The findings reject the idea that all service units can progress along the same trajectory in lean service programmes. This paper informs managers how lean service programmes can be tailored to increase the fit with different service types.
Pretreatment of Grape Pomaces and Stalks Using Deep Eutectic Solvents for Succinic Acid Production Integrated in a Biorefinery Concept
Authors: Filippi Katiana , Stylianou Eleni , Pateraki Chrysanthi , Koutinas Apostolis , Ladakis Dimitrios
Published: February 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been employed for the pretreatment of grape pomace and stalks within a biorefinery concept. Four DES, produced with choline chloride (ChCl) as hydrogen bond acceptor and four carboxylic acids as hydrogen bond donors, namely formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AA), lactic acid (LA) and oxalic acid (OA), were evaluated considering lignin removal efficiency, polysaccharide hydrolysis efficiency into C5 and C6 sugars, recyclability and reusability. The mixture of ChCl:LA at 1:10 molar ratio, 120°C and 1 h pretreatment, led to 40% lignin removal over four pretreatment cycles. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the remaining solids after the first pretreatment cycle resulted in 92.7% glucan and 36.6% hemicellulose hydrolysis yield. The hydrolysate was used as fermentation feedstock in batch Actinobacillus succinogenes bioreactor cultures leading to 36 g/L succinic acid with a yield of 0.62 gSA per g total sugars and 0.65 g/(L⋅h) productivity. Using 2 kg of grape pomace and stalks in each pretreatment cycle, the succinic acid that could be produced in five consecutive cycles is 200.8 g, 208 g, 204.9 g, 184.5 g and 94.3 g.

Graphical Abstract