bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodiesel production process using solid acid catalyst: influence of market variables on the process's economic feasibility
Authors: Gebremariam Shemelis Nigatu , Marchetti Jorge Mario 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere are a number of efficient alternative technologies for the production of fuel‐quality biodiesel from various feedstock types. The solid acid catalyzed transesterification process is one such approach. In this study, the whole process of biodiesel fuel production using solid acid catalysts has been simulated using commercially known software – SuperPro Designer – and the effects of some selected market variables on the economic feasibility of the whole process have been investigated. The market variables considered are oil cost, biodiesel price, alcohol cost, catalyst cost, labor cost, tax variation, maintenance cost, and glycerol selling price. Net present value and project payback time have been used as the parameters for evaluating the effect of changes in these market variables on the economic feasibility of the process. Possible market variations in oil cost and biodiesel price strongly affect the viability of the production process, whereas changes in labor cost and equipment maintenance cost could show less effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Latency‐based functional analysis and treatment of elopement
Authors: Kamlowsky Marissa E. , Wilder David A. , Ertel Hallie , Hodges Ansley C. , Colon Natalia , Domino Laurel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough functional analysis (FA) methodology has been used to identify treatments for elopement, the results of some of these analyses have been confounded by the retrieval of participants. Recently, researchers have used latency‐based FAs, which eliminate the retrieval component during a session, to assess elopement. In the current study, we replicated previous research using latency‐based FAs to assess elopement exhibited by three children with autism. In addition, we evaluated function‐based treatments for each participant. The treatments effectively decreased elopement for all participants, partially validating the latency‐based FAs.
Team‐based learning versus traditional didactic lectures in teaching clinical biochemistry at King Abdulaziz University; learning outcomes and student satisfaction
Authors: Alamoudi Aliaa Amr , Al Shawwa Lana Adey , Gad Hoda , Tekian Ara 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTeam‐based learning (TBL), which encourages students to become active rather than passive learners, has gained world‐wide popularity in medical education due to its proven positive effect on more than one aspect of the educational process. At King Abdulaziz University (KAU), clinical biochemistry is still taught in the form of didactic lectures, and while there is a need for introducing active learning, student learning response from TBL has not been explored. In this quasi‐experimental non‐equivalent comparison group design, we compared learning outcomes and student satisfaction in a clinical biochemistry course taught either via TBL to second year clinical nutrition students (n = 33) or via traditional lectures to same year nursing students (n = 70). The same summative post‐course exam was given to both student groups to assess impact on learning. Focus group discussion and a self‐administered questionnaire were used to gain insight into clinical nutrition students' level of satisfaction with TBL. In the post‐course exam results of recall and reasoning questions, nursing students (Lectures) scored an average of 38% ± 2.4 in the recall questions while clinical nutrition students (TBL) scored higher with an average of 74.5% ± 4.3 (p < .0001). In reasoning questions, nursing students (Lectures) scored lower than clinical nutrition students (TBL), 23% ± 2.7 versus 40% ± 4.2, respectively (p < .001). In comparing results of pre‐ and post‐test recall questions within each group, there was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐results for nursing students (Lectures) while clinical nutrition students (TBL) showed a significant increase in post‐versus pre‐test results of 71% versus 41% (p < .0001). In the final summative post‐course exam, nursing students scored an average of 60% ± 2.4 while clinical nutrition students (TBL) scored significantly higher with an average of 78% ± 2.4 (p < .001). Qualitative studies revealed that accountability and team‐work were positive aspects perceived by students regarding TBL. The study showed that 84% of surveyed students enjoyed the experience, however, when asked about challenges self‐study was their main challenge. TBL proved to be a successful, learner‐centered approach for clinical nutrition students at KAU in their clinical biochemistry course resulting in improved learning outcomes and higher student satisfaction when compared with traditional didactic methods of teaching.
Environmental degradation, energy consumption and sustainable development: Accounting for the role of economic complexities with evidence from World Bank income clusters
Authors: Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Nwulu Nnamdi , Bekun Festus Victor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe anthropogenic consequences of renewable and non‐renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and air transport have been assessed enormously in the literature. However, given the complexities in many economies of the world today, it is important to reassess the ecological concerns of these factors in light of the Environmental Kuznets Curve framework. Therefore, this current study investigates the global assessment using data from World Bank Development database from 1995 to 2016. Evidence from the method employed, sys‐GMM, revealed that the economic complexities index increases the carbon emission in low‐income groups while it significantly decreases the carbon emission for upper‐middle and high‐income groups. For the combined group, the EKC hypothesis holds, and ECI significantly hampers carbon emissions. For the other variables, it is worthy of note that (1) economic growth contributes to the high carbon contents across the income group especially for low‐income, upper‐middle‐income and high‐income group; (2) the effects of air transport on carbon emission is positive for lower‐middle‐income and high‐income group and negative for the upper‐middle‐income group; (3) the use of coal rents and energy use leads to high release of carbon contents across all the income groups; and (4) a significant increase in the utilization of energy leads to increase in carbon contents except for lower‐income group, it leads to a decrease. From this empirical assessment, vital energy policy directions are suggested.
Green process innovation and operational performance: The role of proactive environment strategy, technological capabilities, and organizational learning
Authors: Bhatia Manjot Singh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWith increase in the focus on environmental protection, firms are integrating sustainability issues in process and product innovations. Firms can contribute toward sustainability and also improve operational performance through green innovation practices. However, the adoption of green innovation practices depends on the proactivity of top managers toward environment management. In this paper, we study the relationships between proactive environment strategy, green process innovation (GPRI), and operational performance. Further, we examine the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities (DCs) (technological capabilities and organizational learning) between GPRI and operational performance. The proposed framework is tested by data collected from the Indian manufacturing industries and using partial least squares (PLS) technique. The findings demonstrate proactive environment strategy as an important antecedent for GPRI practices. Second, technological capabilities and organizational learning mediate between GPRI and operational performance. The results of the study are useful for managers in the manufacturing firms, who are interested to implement GPRI practices or who are in the early stage of implementing the GPRI practices.
Nonmissile penetrating head injury with a wooden table leg: An illustrative case
Authors: Finneran Megan M. , Marotta Dario A. , Nardone Emilio M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPenetrating head injuries are relatively uncommon and require a unique approach. This report highlights a previously unreported mechanism of injury with a table leg and the steps required to evaluate and promptly treat the patient.
Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methanol over Ceria‐Zirconia Supported Mono and Bimetallic Transition Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Lyu Yimeng , Jocz Jennifer N. , Xu Rui , Williams Olivia C. , Sievers Carsten 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeveral ceria‐zirconia supported mono and bi‐metallic transition metal oxide clusters containing Fe, Cu, and Ni are synthesized by dry impregnation. Through XRD, H2‐TPR, NH3‐TPD, pyridine adsorption followed by FTIR spectroscopy and XAS, the well‐dispersed nature of the transition metal oxide clusters is revealed, and the Lewis acidity of the catalysts is assessed. In‐situ FTIR spectroscopy is used to monitor the methane activation on catalyst surfaces. All catalysts activate methane at 250 °C forming methyl, alkyl, and methoxy species on the catalyst surface. By co‐feeding steam and oxygen together with methane, continuous direct oxidation of methane to methanol can be achieved, with the complete oxidation to CO2 as the other reaction path. Methoxy species are found to be a key intermediate for methanol production. Lowering the methane conversion improves the methanol selectivity. By extrapolation, it is estimated that methanol selectivity close to unity can be achieved below a threshold of methane conversion at about 0.002 %. The formation of CuO and NiO mixed metal oxides produces stronger Lewis acid sites and yields higher methanol selectivity.
Quality‐Indicator‐Based Preprocessing for the Distribution of Relaxation Times Method
Authors: Schlüter Nicolas , Bergmann Tobias , Ernst Sabine , Schröder Uwe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe deconvolution of impedance data to their respective distribution of relaxation times (DRT) is accompanied by an increase in the resolution of the frequency domain and is, thus, advantageous. Yet, most of the techniques used for computing DRT spectra from experimental data are valid only for impedance spectra that solely show polarization processes. Therefore, most experimental electrochemical impedance spectra must be corrected from perturbing inductive, capacitive, or diffusive contributions. This preprocessing is time consuming, and its quality has an enormous impact on the obtained DRT spectra. It also prohibits using the DRT method within an automated impedance evaluation. In this work, we propose a software‐aided approach for deriving optimal preprocessing. For this purpose, we first introduce a quality indicator that reflects the quality of a certain preprocessing. Based on this quality indicator, we furthermore introduce a new batch fitting approach for deriving the optimal equivalent electrical circuit within the preprocessing of experimental impedance spectra. Besides, the batch fitting displays the optimal frequency range for modeling the unwanted impedance fractions. Based on this information, the considered impedance data can finally be optimally corrected from any non‐polarization processes. The new methods and their application are tested for simulated data and experimental impedance data of a lithium‐ion cell.
Porous monoliths of 3D graphene for electric double‐layer supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Jinjue , Xu Chenyang , Gao Tian , Jiang Xiangfen , Wang Xue‐Bin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFor delivering the nanoscaled extraordinary characteristics in macroscopical bulk, it is essential to integrate two‐dimensional nanosheets into three‐dimensional (3D) porous monoliths, alternatively called as 3D architectures, 3D networks, or aerogels. The intersupported structure of porous monolithic 3D graphene (3DG) can prevent aggregation or restacking of graphene individuals, and the interconnected sp2 network of 3DG not only can provide the highway for the transport of electron/phonon but also can present continual cavities/channels for mass transfer. This review summarizes the synthesis methodology of 3DG porous monoliths and highlights the application for electric double‐layer capacitors. Present challenges and future prospects about the manufacture and application of 3DG are also discussed.
Efficient Computation of Geometries for Gold Complexes
Authors: Leach Isaac F. , Belpassi Leonardo , Belanzoni Paola , Havenith Remco W. A. , Klein Johannes E. M. N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractComputationally obtaining structural parameters along a reaction coordinate is commonly performed with Kohn‐Sham density functional theory which generally provides a good balance between speed and accuracy. However, CPU times still range from inconvenient to prohibitive, depending on the size of the system under study. Herein, the tight binding GFN2‐xTB method [C. Bannwarth, S. Ehlert, S. Grimme, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2019, 15, 1652] is investigated as an alternative to produce reasonable geometries along a reaction path, that is, reactant, product and transition state structures for a series of transformations involving gold complexes. A small mean error (1 kcal/mol) was found, with respect to an efficient composite hybrid‐GGA exchange‐correlation functional (PBEh‐3c) paired with a double‐ζ basis set, which is 2–3 orders of magnitude slower. The outlined protocol may serve as a rapid tool to probe the viability of proposed mechanistic pathways in the field of gold catalysis.
VLP‐factory™ and ADDomer©: Self‐assembling Virus‐Like Particle (VLP) Technologies for Multiple Protein and Peptide Epitope Display
Authors: Sari‐Ak Duygu , Bufton Joshua , Gupta Kapil , Garzoni Frederic , Fitzgerald Daniel , Schaffitzel Christiane , Berger Imre 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVirus‐like particles (VLPs) play a prominent role in vaccination as safe and highly versatile alternatives to attenuated or inactivated viruses or subunit vaccines. We present here two innovations, VLP‐factory™ and ADDomer©, for creating VLPs displaying entire proteins or peptide epitopes as antigens, respectively, to enable efficient vaccination. For producing these VLPs, we use MultiBac, a baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) that we developed for producing complex protein biologics in insect cells transfected with an engineered baculovirus. VLPs are protein assemblies that share features with viruses but are devoid of genetic material, and thus considered safe. VLP‐factory™ represents a customized MultiBac baculovirus tailored to produce enveloped VLPs based on the M1 capsid protein of influenza virus. We apply VLP‐factory™ to create an array of influenza‐derived VLPs presenting functional mutant influenza hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein variants. Moreover, we describe MultiBac‐based production of ADDomer©, a synthetic self‐assembling adenovirus‐derived protein‐based VLP platform designed to display multiple copies of pathogenic epitopes at the same time on one particle for highly efficient vaccination. © 2021 The Authors.This article was corrected on 20 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.Basic Protocol 1: VLP‐factory™ baculoviral genome generationBasic Protocol 2: Influenza VLP array generation using VLP‐factory™Basic Protocol 3: Influenza VLP purificationBasic Protocol 4: ADDomer© BioBrick design, expression, and purificationBasic Protocol 5: ADDomer© candidate vaccines against infectious diseases
Plasmonic Enhancement in Water Splitting Performance for NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide‐N10TC MXene Heterojunction
Authors: Wang Jin , Wei Xiaoqing , Song Wenwu , Shi Xu , Wang Xunyue , Zhong Weiting , Wang Minmin , Ju Jianfeng , Tang Yanfeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMXene‐based material has attracted wide attention due to its tunable band gap, high conductivity and impressive optical and plasmonic properties. Herein, a hetero‐nanostructured water splitting system was developed based on N‐doped Ti3C2 (N10TC) MXene and NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets. The oxygen evolution reaction performance of the NiFe‐LDH significantly enhanced to approximately 8.8‐fold after incorporation of N10TC. Meanwhile, the Tafel slope was only 58.1 mV dec−1 with light irradiation, which is lower than pure NiFe‐LDH nanosheets (76.9 mV dec−1). All results manifested the vital role of the N10TC MXene induced plasmonic hot carriers via electrophoto‐excitation in enhancing the full water splitting performance of the as‐prepared system. This work is expected to provide a platform for designing various plasmonic MXenes‐based heterogeneous structures for highly efficient catalytic applications.
Urban living influences the nesting success of Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Harvey Johanna A. , Chernicky Kiley , Simons Shelby R. , Verrett Taylor B. , Chaves Jaime A. , Knutie Sarah A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUrbanization is expanding worldwide with major consequences for organisms. Anthropogenic factors can reduce the fitness of animals but may have benefits, such as consistent human food availability. Understanding anthropogenic trade‐offs is critical in environments with variable levels of natural food availability, such as the Galápagos Islands, an area of rapid urbanization. For example, during dry years, the reproductive success of bird species, such as Darwin's finches, is low because reduced precipitation impacts food availability. Urban areas provide supplemental human food to finches, which could improve their reproductive success during years with low natural food availability. However, urban finches might face trade‐offs, such as the incorporation of anthropogenic debris (e.g., string, plastic) into their nests, which may increase mortality. In our study, we determined the effect of urbanization on the nesting success of small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa; a species of Darwin's finch) during a dry year on San Cristóbal Island. We quantified nest building, egg laying and hatching, and fledging in an urban and nonurban area and characterized the anthropogenic debris in nests. We also documented mortalities including nest trash‐related deaths and whether anthropogenic materials directly led to entanglement‐ or ingestion‐related nest mortalities. Overall, urban finches built more nests, laid more eggs, and produced more fledglings than nonurban finches. However, every nest in the urban area contained anthropogenic material, which resulted in 18% nestling mortality while nonurban nests had no anthropogenic debris. Our study showed that urban living has trade‐offs: urban birds have overall higher nesting success during a dry year than nonurban birds, but urban birds can suffer mortality from anthropogenic‐related nest‐materials. These results suggest that despite potential costs, finches benefit overall from urban living and urbanization may buffer the effects of limited resource availability in the Galápagos Islands.
Fish pass use by shads (Alosa alosa L. and Alosa fallax [Lacépède, 1803]): Implications for monitoring and management
Authors: Belo Ana F. , Cardoso Gabriela , Pereira Esmeralda , Quintella Bernardo R. , Mateus Catarina S. , Alexandre Carlos M. , Batista Carlos , Telhado Ana , Quadrado Maria Felisbina , Almeida Pedro R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFish pass monitoring is essential to ensure the device's effectiveness as a mitigation measure for river impoundment, guaranteeing the longitudinal continuity of rivers, which is particularly important for diadromous fish that depend on obligatory migrations to freshwater reproduction (anadromous) or feeding areas (catadromous) to complete their life cycle. The upstream migration of the anadromous allis (Alosa alosa L.) and twaite (Alosa fallax Lacépède, 1803) shad in the River Mondego, Central Portugal, is being monitored at the Coimbra Dam fish pass since 2013, using visual counts. Statistical models were used to evaluate shad passage and to identify the main environmental variables that seem to condition their behaviour. A total of 26,561 shad were recorded in this infrastructure during the study period (2013–2017), with 96.5% of the total counted fish being counted between April and June. Overall, water temperature and river flow are the environmental predictors that consistently influence the number of shad using the fish pass, although its individual contribution changed between years. The models (Boosted Regression Trees) obtained were robust with an average explained deviance of 0.79 (R2), despite the poorer results associated with the 2015 spawning season, that were possibly related with the low number of adult fish observed that year. Results from this study contribute to better understand the dynamics associated with fish pass use by Alosa sp. and can help the conservation and management of these species through the improvement of fish pass attractiveness and, consequently, the overall efficiency of fish pass devices targeting shads.
Ru(II)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Hydroarylative Coupling of Indolines with Internal Alkynes by C−H Activation
Authors: Raziullah  , Kumar Mohit , Khan Afsar Ali , Dutta Himangsu Sekhar , Ahmad Ashfaq , Vaishnav Jayanti , Kant Ruchir , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Koley Dipankar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe have developed a regioselective hydroarylative coupling of indolines with internal alkynes by the activation of C−H bond using inexpensive Ru(II)‐catalyst. This redox‐neutral, atom‐economical, and scalable C−H functionalization has been accomplished using easily removable weakly coordinating directing group. Diverse unsymmetrically substituted alkynes appended with pharmacologically important heterocycles were coupled with various indolines and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines to furnish the corresponding trisubstituted alkenes with very high regioselectivity. The application of the method has been demonstrated with a number of alkyne‐containing drug molecules, natural products, carbohydrates, amino acids, steroids, and other heterocycles. Preliminary mechanistic interrogation revealed that the C−H activation proceeds through base‐assisted internal electrophilic‐type substitution process.