bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailoring the Electrocatalytic Activity of Pentlandite FexNi9‐XS8 Nanoparticles via Variation of the Fe : Ni Ratio for Enhanced Water Oxidation
Authors: Amin Hatem M. A. , Attia Mina , Tetzlaff David , Apfel Ulf‐Peter 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe development of efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalytic materials is an important part in scaling up sustainable electrochemical energy devices such as electrolyzers and fuel cells. In particular, the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during water splitting renders the need of a catalyst indispensable. However, the development of catalysts is often based on laboratorial trial‐and‐error approaches and complex synthetic routes. Herein, the facile and systematic synthesis of pentlandite‐like FexNi9‐xS8 (x=0–9) nanosized particles from its elements with distinct Fe: Ni ratios was achieved using a mechanochemical method. The OER performance is optimized through tailoring the surface properties via altering the catalyst composition. The catalytic activity increases with higher nickel content in the structure, accomplishing an overpotential of 354 and 420 mV for ‘Ni9S8’ to drive 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, with high stability. The in‐situ formed nickel oxide/hydroxide species concurrent with sulphur depletion from the pentlandite structure upon OER are more active than NiS, inferring the crucial role of the pentlandite structure in activity. The herein reported simple synthetic approach could bring significant progress in the catalyst material development via rationally screening pentlandites with desired properties for modern energy systems.
Understanding consumer's adoption of financial robo‐advisors at the outbreak of the COVID‐19 crisis in Malaysia
Authors: Gan Li Yin , Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Liew Tze Wei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 crisis that resulted in diminished close contact interaction and increased financial volatility could influence consumer's perception toward online automated financial robo‐advisor, in order to manage their financial planning. Based on the data collected (i.e., between February [9 reported cases] and March [36 reported cases] 2020) within the developed urban cities in Malaysia just before the nationwide lockdown, the present study examines the antecedents of financial robo‐advisor's adoption during the COVID‐19 crisis. A variance based analysis shows that consumers with higher financial knowledge and having a greater tendency to rely on robo‐advisor tend to adopt financial robo‐advisor in times of crisis. In line with the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, performance expectancy, social influence, and trust in robo‐advisor, in particular during the pandemic, drive consumer's intention to subscribe online financial robo‐advisor. The findings imply how consumers, robo‐advisory service providers, and regulators could respond to unprecedented crisis such as novel corona virus‐19.
Self‐Propelling Hybrid Gels Incorporating an Active Self‐Assembled, Low‐Molecular‐Weight Gelator
Authors: Piras Carmen C. , Smith David K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHybrid gel beads based on combining a low‐molecular‐weight gelator (LMWG) with a polymer gelator (PG) demonstrate an enhanced ability to self‐propel in water, with the LMWG playing an active role. Hybrid gel beads were loaded with ethanol and shown to move in water owing to the Marangoni effect changes in surface tension caused by the expulsion of ethanol – smaller beads move farther and faster than larger beads. Flat shapes of the hybrid gel were cut using a “stamp” – circles moved the furthest, whereas stars showed more rotation on their own axes. Comparing hybrid LMWG/PG gel beads with PG‐only beads demonstrated that the LMWG speeds up the beads, enhancing the rate of self‐propulsion. Self‐assembly of the LMWG into a “solid‐like” network prevents its leaching from the gel. The LMWG also retains its own unique function – specifically, remediating methylene blue pollutant dye from basic water as a result of noncovalent interactions. The mobile hybrid beads accumulate this dye more effectively than PG‐only beads. Self‐propelling gel beads have potential applications in removal/delivery of active agents in environmental or biological settings. The ability of self‐assembling LMWGs to enhance mobility and control removal/delivery suggests that adding them to self‐propelling systems can add significant value.
The Influence of Secondary Interactions on the [N−I−N]+ Halogen Bond
Authors: Lindblad Sofia , Boróka Németh Flóra , Földes Tamás , von der Heiden Daniel , Vang Herh G. , Driscoll Zakarias L. , Gonnering Emily R. , Pápai Imre , Bowling Nathan , Erdelyi Mate 
Published: August 2021

Abstract[Bis(pyridine)iodine(I)]+ complexes offer controlled access to halonium ions under mild conditions. The reactivity of such stabilized halonium ions is primarily determined by their three‐center, four‐electron [N−I−N]+ halogen bond. We studied the importance of chelation, strain, steric hindrance and electrostatic interaction for the structure and reactivity of halogen bonded halonium ions by acquiring their 15N NMR coordination shifts and measuring their iodenium release rates, and interpreted the data with the support of DFT computations. A bidentate ligand stabilizes the [N−I−N]+ halogen bond, decreasing the halenium transfer rate. Strain weakens the bond and accordingly increases the release rate. Remote modifications in the backbone do not influence the stability as long as the effect is entirely steric. Incorporating an electron‐rich moiety close by the [N−I−N]+ motif increases the iodenium release rate. The analysis of the iodine(I) transfer mechanism highlights the impact of secondary interactions, and may provide a handle on the induction of stereoselectivity in electrophilic halogenations.
Importance of including soil moisture in drought monitoring over the Brazilian semiarid region: An evaluation using the JULES model, in situ observations, and remote sensing
Authors: Zeri Marcelo , Williams Karina , Cunha Ana Paula M. A. , Cunha‐Zeri Gisleine , Vianna Murilo S. , Blyth Eleanor M. , Marthews Toby R. , Hayman Garry D. , Costa José Maria , Marengo José A. , Alvalá Regina C. S. , Moraes Osvaldo L. L. , Galdos Marcelo V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSoil moisture information is essential to monitoring of the intensity of droughts, the start of the rainy season, planting dates and early warnings of yield losses. We assess spatial and temporal trends of drought over the Brazilian semiarid region by combining soil moisture observations from 360 stations, root zone soil moisture from a leading land surface model, and a vegetation health index from remote sensing. The soil moisture dataset was obtained from the network of stations maintained by the National Center of Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), in Brazil. Soil water content at 10 to 35 cm depth, for the period 1979–2018, was obtained from running the JULES land surface model (the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator). The modelled soil moisture was correlated with measurements in the common period of 2015–2018, resulting in an average correlation coefficient of 0.48 across the domain. The standardized soil moisture anomaly (SMA) was calculated for the long‐term modelled soil moisture and revealed strong negative values during well‐known drought periods in the region, especially during El‐Niño years. The performance of SMA in identifying droughts during the first 2 months of the raining and cropping season was similar to the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), commonly used for drought assessment: 12–14 events were identified by both indices. Finally, the temporal relationship between both SMA and SPI with the Vegetation Health Index (VHI) was assessed using the cross‐wavelet transform. The results indicated lagged correlations of 1 to 1.5 months in the annual scale, suggesting that negative trends in SMA and SPI can be an early warning to yield losses during the growing season. Public policies on drought assessment should consider the combination of multiple drought indices, including soil moisture anomaly.
The complex synaptic pathways onto a looming‐detector neuron revealed using serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Wernitznig Stefan , Rind F. Claire , Zankel Armin , Bock Elisabeth , Gütl Daniel , Hobusch Ulrich , Nikolic Manuela , Pargger Lukas , Pritz Elisabeth , Radulović Snježana , Sele Mariella , Summerauer Susanne , Pölt Peter , Leitinger Gerd 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe ability of locusts to detect looming stimuli and avoid collisions or predators depends on a neuronal circuit in the locust's optic lobe. Although comprehensively studied for over three decades, there are still major questions about the computational steps of this circuit. We used fourth instar larvae of Locusta migratoria to describe the connection between the lobula giant movement detector 1 (LGMD1) neuron in the lobula complex and the upstream neuropil, the medulla. Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the connecting neurons termed trans‐medullary afferent (TmA) neurons and their synaptic connectivity. This enabled us to trace neurons over several hundred micrometers between the medulla and the lobula complex while identifying their synapses. We traced two different TmA neurons, each from a different individual, from their synapses with the LGMD in the lobula complex up into the medulla and describe their synaptic relationships. There is not a simple downstream transmission of the signal from a lamina neuron onto these TmA neurons; there is also a feedback loop in place with TmA neurons making outputs as well as receiving inputs. More than one type of neuron shapes the signal of the TmA neurons in the medulla. We found both columnar and trans‐columnar neurons connected with the traced TmA neurons in the medulla. These findings indicate that there are computational steps in the medulla that have not been included in models of the neuronal pathway for looming detection.
Genomic regions associated with salinity tolerance in lowland switchgrass
Authors: Nayak Santosh , Bhandari Hem , Pantalone Vince , Saha Malay C. , Ali Shahjahan , Sams Carl 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising candidate species for sustainable biofuel feedstock production on marginal land. Soil salinity is one of the significant factors that limits sustainable agricultural production worldwide including a substantial reduction in biomass yield of switchgrass. This study was designed to assess genetic variation in lowland switchgrass and identify genomic regions contributing to an increased level of salinity tolerance using a subset (550 pseudo F2) of a nested association mapping (NAM) population. Salinity tolerance was evaluated based on salt injury score (SIS) using a 1 to 9 scale (1 = the most tolerant, 9 = the most sensitive) and stress tolerance index (STI) calculated from plant height measurements. Substantial variation among NAM families and genotypes within families was observed (p < .05) for SIS. However, no variation was evident among NAM families and genotypes within families for STI. The switchgrass plant accessions EG 1104–1, and EG 1104–2 displayed a high level of salinity tolerance based on SIS which can be used as source material for cultivar development. A total of five quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with SIS were detected by composite interval mapping on four chromosomes 2B, 6B, 7B, and 9B. The phenotypic variation explained by an individual QTL ranged from 1.4 to 6.5%. The additive genetic effects of individual QTL ranged from −0.07 to 0.63. Homologs of five candidate genes were identified, which were reported to be associated with salinity tolerance.
Tumescent anaesthesia for liposuction surgery—A review
Authors: Goyal Nilesh Narendra 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLiposuction surgery has traditionally been performed under systemic anaesthesia since its invention in mid 1970s. The concept of liposuction under tumescent local anaesthesia by Jeffrey Klein MD, USA, using a dilute mixture of lidocaine, adrenaline and sodium bicarbonate in normal saline has radically modified the outcomes of the procedure making it very safe and at the same time effective to conduct the procedure. Tumescent anaesthesia is very well accepted by dermatologists performing liposuction around the world. Not a single death has been recorded when the principles of tumescent anaesthesia have been followed strictly during liposuction. The article is a review of different types of anaesthesia and issues specific to their use in liposuction surgery. It is the end result of an extensive search and compilation of facts from scientific publications (articles and chapters form textbooks) in the dermatologic, plastic surgery, pharmacology and anaesthesia fields.
History of dermatologic liposuction and autologous fat grafting—Review
Authors: Goyal Nilesh N. , Peros Ioannis , Ntasiou‐Plakida Dimitra , Lestari Sri , Lillis Patrick 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIt is indeed our fortune to have inherited the legacy of great inventor surgeons who worked incessantly to devise ways to remove fat from under the skin to give the body the desired appearance. The procedure underwent refining by doctors from varied streams and from across continents to the present level of precision in achieving the perfect body shape. Over the four decades since its invention, liposuction and fat grafting have undergone significant technological improvisations and mechanization leading to the emergence of non‐surgical techniques for body shaping. The review is very fascinating as it shows the blend of techniques developed by surgeons and dermatologists to achieve proficiency in body shaping. It is the largest collection of facts in this regard, all of which have been ascertained by the creators themselves.
Wildfire and climate change adaptation of western North American forests: a case for intentional management
Authors: Hessburg Paul F. , Prichard Susan J. , Hagmann R. Keala , Povak Nicholas A. , Lake Frank K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractForest landscapes across western North America (wNA) have experienced extensive changes over the last two centuries, while climatic warming has become a global reality over the last four decades. Resulting interactions between historical increases in forested area and density and recent rapid warming, increasing insect mortality, and wildfire burned areas, are now leading to substantial abrupt landscape alterations. These outcomes are forcing forest planners and managers to identify strategies that can modify future outcomes that are ecologically and/or socially undesirable. Past forest management, including widespread harvest of fire‐ and climate‐tolerant large old trees and old forests, fire exclusion (both Indigenous and lightning ignitions), and highly effective wildfire suppression have contributed to the current state of wNA forests. These practices were successful at meeting short‐term demands, but they match poorly to modern realities. Hagmann et al. review a century of observations and multi‐scale, multi‐proxy, research evidence that details widespread changes in forested landscapes and wildfire regimes since the influx of European colonists. Over the preceding 10 millennia, large areas of wNA were already settled and proactively managed with intentional burning by Indigenous tribes. Prichard et al. then review the research on management practices historically applied by Indigenous tribes and currently applied by some managers to intentionally manage forests for resilient conditions. They address 10 questions surrounding the application and relevance of these management practices. Here, we highlight the main findings of both papers and offer recommendations for management. We discuss progress paralysis that often occurs with strict adherence to the precautionary principle; offer insights for dealing with the common problem of irreducible uncertainty and suggestions for reframing management and policy direction; and identify key knowledge gaps and research needs.
Adapting western North American forests to climate change and wildfires: 10 common questions
Authors: Prichard Susan J. , Hessburg Paul F. , Hagmann R. Keala , Povak Nicholas A. , Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Hurteau Matthew D. , Kane Van R. , Keane Robert E. , Kobziar Leda N. , Kolden Crystal A. , North Malcolm , Parks Sean A. , Safford Hugh D. , Stevens Jens T. , Yocom Larissa L. , Churchill Derek J. , Gray Robert W. , Huffman David W. , Lake Frank K. , Khatri‐Chhetri Pratima 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe review science‐based adaptation strategies for western North American (wNA) forests that include restoring active fire regimes and fostering resilient structure and composition of forested landscapes. As part of the review, we address common questions associated with climate adaptation and realignment treatments that run counter to a broad consensus in the literature. These include the following: (1) Are the effects of fire exclusion overstated? If so, are treatments unwarranted and even counterproductive? (2) Is forest thinning alone sufficient to mitigate wildfire hazard? (3) Can forest thinning and prescribed burning solve the problem? (4) Should active forest management, including forest thinning, be concentrated in the wildland urban interface (WUI)? (5) Can wildfires on their own do the work of fuel treatments? (6) Is the primary objective of fuel reduction treatments to assist in future firefighting response and containment? (7) Do fuel treatments work under extreme fire weather? (8) Is the scale of the problem too great? Can we ever catch up? (9) Will planting more trees mitigate climate change in wNA forests? And (10) is post‐fire management needed or even ecologically justified? Based on our review of the scientific evidence, a range of proactive management actions are justified and necessary to keep pace with changing climatic and wildfire regimes and declining forest heterogeneity after severe wildfires. Science‐based adaptation options include the use of managed wildfire, prescribed burning, and coupled mechanical thinning and prescribed burning as is consistent with land management allocations and forest conditions. Although some current models of fire management in wNA are averse to short‐term risks and uncertainties, the long‐term environmental, social, and cultural consequences of wildfire management primarily grounded in fire suppression are well documented, highlighting an urgency to invest in intentional forest management and restoration of active fire regimes.
Environmental controls on butterfly occurrence and species richness in Israel: The importance of temperature over rainfall
Authors: Comay Orr , Ben Yehuda Oz , Schwartz‐Tzachor Racheli , Benyamini Dubi , Pe'er Israel , Ktalav Inbar , Pe'er Guy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractButterflies are considered important indicators representing the state of biodiversity and key ecosystem functions, but their use as bioindicators requires a better understanding of how their observed response is linked to environmental factors. Moreover, better understanding how butterfly faunas vary with climate and land cover may be useful to estimate the potential impacts of various drivers, including climate change, botanical succession, grazing, and afforestation. It is particularly important to establish which species of butterflies are sensitive to each environmental driver.The study took place in Israel, including the West Bank and Golan Heights.To develop a robust and systematic approach for identifying how butterfly faunas vary with the environment, we analyzed the occurrence of 73 species and the abundance of 24 species from Israeli Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS‐IL) data. We used regional generalized additive models to quantify butterfly abundance, and generalized linear latent variable models and generalized linear models to quantify the impact of temperature, rainfall, soil type, and habitat on individual species and on the species community.Species richness was higher for cooler transects, and also for hilly and mountainous transects in the Mediterranean region (rendzina and Terra rossa soils) compared with the coastal plain (Hamra soil) and semiarid northern Jordan Vale (loessial sierozem soil). Species occurrence was better explained by temperature (negative correlation) than precipitation, while for abundance the opposite pattern was found. Soil type and habitat were insignificant drivers of occurrence and abundance.Butterfly faunas responded very strongly to temperature, even when accounting for other environmental factors. We expect that some butterfly species will disappear from marginal sites with global warming, and a large proportion will become rarer as the region becomes increasingly arid.
The behavioral responses of a nocturnal burrowing marsupial (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flight
Authors: Headland Taylor , Ostendorf Bertram , Taggart David 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe use of drones in wildlife research and management is increasing. Recent evidence has demonstrated the impact of drones on animal behavior, but the response of nocturnal animals to drone flight remains unknown. Utilizing a lightweight commercial drone, the behavioral response of southern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flights was observed at Kooloola Station, Swan Reach, South Australia. All wombats flown over during both day and night flights responded behaviorally to the presence of drones. The response differed based on time of day. The most common night‐time behavior elicited by drone flight was retreat, compared to stationary alertness behavior observed for daytime drone flights. The behavioral response of the wombats increased as flight altitude decreased. The marked difference of behavior between day and night indicates that this has implications for studies using drones. The behavior observed during flights was altered due to the presence of the drone, and therefore, shrewd study design is important (i.e., acclimation period to drone flight). Considering the sensory adaptations of the target species and how this may impact its behavioral response when flying at night is essential.