bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shedding light on transparency: A comprehensive study of state‐level transparency portals in Mexico
Authors: Cifuentes‐Faura Javier 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe growing demand for transparency and accountability on the part of citizens has positioned governmental electronic portals as crucial elements in the promotion of democracy and citizen participation. Mexico has devised an approach to assess the transparency of State Transparency Portals, yielding an annual indicator and ranking. The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of economic and political factors on the level of transparency of the governmental portals of the 32 Mexican states. After performing the relevant econometric analyses and the necessary tests to ensure the reliability and robustness of the results, it was found that factors such as population density, debt, unemployment and fiscal effort have a significant impact on transparency. States with a higher debt burden are more transparent and higher unemployment rates hinder government transparency. Several recommendations are offered to promote government transparency, strengthen accountability and improve the position of states in the ranking of State Transparency Portals.
Spray performance simulation and experiment analysis of a greenhouse fixed‐pipe twin‐fluid cold fogger with different nozzle settings
Authors: Li Xue , Nuyttens David , Xu Tao , Jin Zeng , Wang Shilin , Lv Xiaonlan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDHigh‐efficient pesticide application equipment for protected cultivation is scarce. In response, a fixed‐pipe twin‐fluid clod fogger (FTCF) was proposed as a potential solution. To investigate the optimal nozzle layout and spray performance, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to study the airflow distribution and spray deposition of a FTCF with different nozzle settings using the Euler–Lagrange approach. Specifically, two piping configurations, middle‐cross‐inverted (MCI) and bilateral‐malposed‐opposite (BMO), were combined with three nozzle spacings (2 m, 3 m, 4 m) resulting in six nozzle settings. Additionally, a greenhouse spray trial was conducted to test the performance of FTCF with the selected nozzle settings and to validate the model.RESULTSThe simulation results revealed that MCI piping configuration exhibited a stronger airflow disturbance compared to BMO configuration, indicating a more significant air‐guided effect in the MCI configuration. Combining this finding with the ground droplet distribution analysis of MCI piping configuration, it was observed that MCI‐2 m had the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) for ground deposition (20.56%). Consequently, MCI‐2 m was determined as the most optimal nozzle setting. Verification results demonstrated a high consistency between experimental and simulated spray deposition results.CONCLUSIONSThe FTCF system effectively generated a three‐dimensional airflow field throughout the greenhouse environment. Furthermore, jet flow produced by FTCF disrupted the overall airflow pattern within the greenhouse space which facilitated droplet suspension and dispersion. This study provides valuable insights and innovative ideas for enhancing pesticide application technologies in protected cultivations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Design, synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel berberine derivatives
Authors: Zhang Bao‐Qi , Li Fu‐Ping , An Jun‐Xia , Ma Li , Jin Ya‐Rui , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Qin Lu‐Lu , Wang Deng‐Tuo , Jing Cheng‐Xin , Chen Gui‐Sha , Mou Guo‐Liang , Liu Ying‐Qian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe threats to the safety of humans and the environment and the resistance of agricultural chemicals to plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria highlight an urgent need to find safe and efficient alternatives to chemical fungicides and bactericides. In this study, a series of Berberine (BBR) derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria.RESULTSBioassay results indicated that compounds A11, A14, A20, A21, A22, A25, A26, E1, E2, E3, Z1 and Z2 showed high inhibitory activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea. Especially, A25 showed a broad spectrum and the highest antifungal activity among these compounds. Its EC50 value against Botrytis cinerea was 1.34 μg mL−1. Compound E6 possessed high inhibitory activity against Xanthomonas oryzae and Xanthomonas Campestris, with MIC90 values of 3.12 μg mL−1 and 1.56 μg mL−1. A Topomer CoMFA model was generated for 3D‐QSAR studies based on anti‐B. cinerea effects, with high predictive accuracy, showed that the addition of an appropriate substituent group at the para‐position of benzyl of BBR derivatives could effectively improve the anti‐B. cinerea activity. In addition, compound A25 could significantly inhibit the spore germination of Botrytis cinerea at low concentration, and compound F4 exhibited remarkable curative and protective efficiencies on rice bacterial leaf blight.CONCLUSIONThis study indicates that the BBR derivatives are hopeful for further exploration as the lead compound with novel antimicrobial agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
On electrostatic interactions of adenosine triphosphate–insulin‐degrading enzyme revealed by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics
Authors: Somin Sarawoot , Kulasiri Don , Samarasinghe Sandhya 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) plays a significant role in the degradation of the amyloid beta (Aβ), a peptide found in the brain regions of the patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) allosterically regulates the Aβ‐degrading activity of IDE. The present study investigates the electrostatic interactions between ATP‐IDE at the allosteric site of IDE, including thermostabilities/flexibilities of IDE residues, which have not yet been explored systematically. This study applies the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) to the proposed computational model for exploring electrostatic interactions between ATP and IDE. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are performed at different temperatures for identifying flexible and thermostable residues of IDE. The proposed computational model predicts QM/MM energy‐minimised structures providing the IDE residues (Lys530 and Asp385) with high binding affinities. Considering root mean square fluctuation values during the MD simulations at 300.00 K including heat‐shock temperatures (321.15 K and 315.15 K) indicates that Lys530 and Asp385 are also the thermostable residues of IDE, whereas Ser576 and Lys858 have high flexibilities with compromised thermostabilities. The present study sheds light on the phenomenon of biological recognition and interactions at the ATP‐binding domain, which may have important implications for pharmacological drug design. The proposed computational model may facilitate the development of allosteric IDE activators/inhibitors, which mimic ATP interactions.
Generative AI in education and research: A systematic mapping review
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Pervin Nasrin , Román‐González Marcos , Noor Norah Md 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGiven the potential applications of generative AI (GenAI) in education and its rising interest in research, this systematic review mapped the thematic landscape of 407 publications indexed in the Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Using EPPI Reviewer, publication type, educational level, disciplines, research areas and applications of GenAI were extracted. Eight discursive themes were identified, predominantly focused on ‘application, impact and potential’, ‘ethical implication and risks’, ‘perspectives and experiences’, ‘institutional and individual adoption’, and ‘performance and intelligence’. GenAI was conceptualised as a tool for ‘pedagogical enhancement’, ‘specialised training and practices’, ‘writing assistance and productivity’, ‘professional skills and development’, and as an ‘interdisciplinary learning tool’. Key gaps highlighted include a paucity of research and discussions on GenAI in K‐12 education; a limited exploration of GenAI's impact using experimental procedures; and a limited exploration of the potential and ethical concerns of GenAI from the lens of cultural dimensions. Promising opportunities for future research are highlighted.
A novel hybrid observer‐based model‐free adaptive high‐order terminal sliding mode control for robot manipulators with prescribed performance
Authors: Zha Minxuan , Wang Haoping , Tian Yang , He Dingxin , Wei Yangchun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough widely used in industrial applications, strong nonlinearity and coupling, high computational complexity prevent high precision tracking control of manipulator. In this paper, to overcome the rely on system model and achieve prescribed convergence, a novel hybrid observer‐based model‐free adaptive high‐order fast terminal sliding model control scheme (HO‐MHTSMC) with prescribed performance is proposed for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators in the existence of friction and external disturbance. The ultra‐local model is used to approximate the original complex system in a model free form in a short sliding time window, which avoid the accurate modeling of the manipulator system. To compensate for the lumped uncertainties, a hybrid observer based on adaptive time‐delay estimation and adaptive second order sliding mode observer (SOSM) is proposed to achieve finite‐time observation and zero estimation error. Besides, a transformation using prescribed performance function is applied to the system to ensure the transient and steady‐state performance of the trajectory tracking in joint space. Furthermore, a high‐order fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm with backstepping control strategy is used to stabilize the whole system and reduce the chattering problem in conventional sliding mode control. The stability analysis of the system is provided by Lyapunov theorem. Finally, numerical study and co‐simulations show that the proposed control scheme has better performance in tracking accuracy and robustness compared with conventional control schemes.
Synthesis and Anti‐Hyperalgesic Efficacy of MP‐103, a Non‐Racemic Enantiomeric Mixture of a New 1,4‐Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan‐9‐one
Authors: Micheli Laura , Toti Alessandra , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla , Crocetti Letizia , Farina Carlo , Scherz Michael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith the aim to identify novel and improved drug candidates for the non‐opioid management of neuropathic pain, a few chiral fluorobenzenesulfonylamide derivatives of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan‐9‐one, a rigid bicyclic analogue of piracetam, were prepared and characterized in animal models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomers of these novel compounds are generally more potent than their corresponding S‐enantiomers. An oral dose of R‐2‐fluorophenyl derivative 8a is better tolerated when compared to the R‐3‐ fluorophenyl derivative 9a, (mouse Rota‐Rod test). Consequently, the enantiomeric 2‐fluorophenyl derivatives (8a and 8b) are thoroughly investigated in an enlarged panel of inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, including several models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomer (8a) is consistently more potent in its anti‐hypersensitivity profile than the S‐enantiomer (8b). Surprisingly, the non‐racemic enantiomeric mixture consisting of a 2‐to‐1, or better still, a 3‐to‐1 mixture of the R‐enantiomer (8a) over the S‐enantiomer (8b) is more potent than the R‐enantiomer (8a) alone or than their racemic mixture. These results are reminiscent of our previous report on MP‐101, a non‐racemic mixture of dimiracetam enantiomers. Although further investigations will be required to rationalize these findings at the pharmacokinetic or molecular level, racetam derivatives appear to be promising candidates for the management of persistent pain.
Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over PdCu/zirconium Phosphonate with Metal and Lewis Acid Sites
Authors: Huang Yongyu , Xia Xinxin , Li Pei , Gu Yaqian , Song Hua , Li Cuiqin , Li Feng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol under H2 and N2 atmosphere was studied over zirconium phosphonate (ZrPO)‐supported PdCu (PdCu/ZrPO) catalysts. The direct hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation activities of PdCu metal active sites and the transfer hydrogenation activity of Zr4+−O2− Lewis acid‐basic sites were investigated, respectively. The size and the distribution of Cu particles could be adjusted by altering the P/Zr molar ratio. Bimetallic PdCu could enhance the acidity of the PdCu/ZrPO catalysts, and improve the ratio of Lewis/Brønsted acid, which led to an increase in the transfer hydrogenation activity of Lewis acid‐basic pairs. The electronic effect between Pd and Cu promoted furfural to absorb onto electron‐deficient Cu through η1(O)‐aldehyde configuration, which contributed to the direct hydrogenation and the transfer hydrogenation at metal active sites. Especially, the adsorption and dissociation of H2 in electron‐rich Pd were promoted, which significantly improved the direct hydrogenation activity.
The causal effect of repealing Certificate‐of‐Need laws for ambulatory surgical centers: Does access to medical services increase?
Authors: Stratmann Thomas , Bjoerkheim Markus , Koopman Christopher 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn many states, Certificate‐of‐Need (CON) laws prevent ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) from entering the market or expanding their services. This paper estimates the causal effects of state ASC‐CON law repeal on the accessibility of medical services statewide, as well as for rural areas. Our findings show that CON law repeals increase ASCs per capita by 44%–47% statewide and 92%–112% in rural areas. Repealing ASC‐CON laws causes a continuous increase in ASCs per capita, an effect which levels off 10 years after repeal. Contrary to the “cream‐skimming” hypothesis, we find no evidence that CON repeal is associated with hospital closures in rural areas. Rather, some regression models show that repeal is associated with fewer medical service reductions.
Engineering magnetic nanosystem for TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation
Authors: Yang Fang , Ma Yaqi , Zhang Aoran , Yao Junlie , Jiang Shaohua , He Chenglong , Peng Hao , Ren Guiping , Yang Yiqian , Wu Aiguo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRecently, physical tools for remotely stimulating mechanical force‐sensitive and temperature‐sensitive proteins to regulate intracellular pathways have opened up novel and exciting avenues for basic research and clinical applications. Among the numerous modes of physical stimulation, magnetic stimulation is significantly attractive for biological applications due to the advantages of depth penetration and spatial‐temporally controlled transduction. Herein, the physicochemical parameters (e.g., shape, size, composition) that influence the magnetic properties of magnetic nanosystems as well as the characteristics of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐4 (TRPV4) channels are systematically summarized, which offer opportunities for magnetic manipulation of cell fate in a precise and effective manner. In addition, representative regulatory applications involving magnetic nanosystem‐based TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation are highlighted, both at the cellular level and in animal models. Furthermore, perspectives on the further development of this magnetic stimulation mode are commented on, with emphasis on scientific limitations and possible directions for exploitation.This article is categorized under:
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Transforming Learning: First-Person Reflections from UC Links Participants
Authors: Cano John , Welsh Mahmood Mara 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter includes nine first-person narratives from differently positioned UC Links participants including youth, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as university faculty. Together, these reflections describe how participation in UC Links programs transformed participants’ ways of thinking about teaching and learning, engaging with local communities, connecting theory and practice, and conducting research.
University-Community Partnerships as “Hybrid Contexts of Activity”: Learnings from Two Projects with Roma Children in Spain
Authors: Lalueza José Luis , Martínez-Lozano Virginia , Macías-Gómez-Estern Beatriz 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter describes two projects in Spain, one in Barcelona and one in Seville, that are considered “hybrid contexts of activity.” The Shere Rom Project links teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona with teachers, children, and families from local Roma communities and immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. La Clase Mágica-Sevilla also brings together partners from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, with mainly Roma young people from local marginalized communities. Both are inter-institutional projects in which the aims and practices of different organizations, such as universities, public schools, and neighborhood agencies converge in a new context of activity with their own aims and practices. They also have intercultural and intergenerational dimensions, bringing together participants from different groups with different life experiences.Focusing on the students’ learning and identity change processes, the authors in this chapter describe the ways in which all participants in these two projects learn and change as they develop new practices. This is done by constructing the idea of “hybrid contexts of activity,” which points to the transformative potential of the hybridity inherent in our projects as a seed for social transformation and dialogue.
Learning with the City: Establishing a Culturally Sustaining School-University-City Partnership
Authors: Middaugh Ellen , Ramos Yasmeen , Deo Amrita 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSan José Y-PLAN connects San José State University (SJSU) faculty, undergraduate and graduate students with area youth and civic partners. This chapter describes an emerging partnership between UC Berkeley, SJSU, the City of San José, and East San José middle and high schools as they adapted the Y-PLAN model to strengthen connections between systems that regulate students’ current realities and possibilities for the future. We analyze how the Y-PLAN methodology, which has operated with great success for years in urban, progressive cities, intersects with the context of a predominantly Latinx community of the third largest city in California. Specifically, we examine (1) street design as social justice work: how the Y-PLAN methodology enabled our community of practice to gain understanding of how our quality (and inequality) of life is shaped by city planning and how we can participate to make those processes representative of community needs, (2) linguistic capital and planning: how our community of practice leveraged existing competencies and developed new linguistic capital through this process, and (3) Higher education as a connector of cities and schools: what unique affordances a regional state school can bring to serve as an integrated resource for the local community.
La Mia Scuola è Differente, an After-School Program with an Intercultural Focus: The Challenges and Opportunities of Program Development
Authors: Bugno Lisa , Agostinetto Luca 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLa Mia Scuola È Differente (LMSD) is in the process of formation, aimed at creating an after-school program that promotes diversity, increases social inclusion, and empowers children who attend primary and middle schools located in a community of children and families with migrant backgrounds. The neighborhood contends with cultural segregation, lack of integration with Italian residents, and social stigma. Such a context is the setting for Padova’s 7th Instituto Comprensivo (read District) “San Camillo,” which includes four primary schools and three secondary schools. The LMSD project began in 2019 and is focused on individual and collective transformation. By using the school as a socially inclusive community hub and a transformative space during afternoons, the project reinforces the school’s role in challenging social exclusion in the neighborhood, while offering children a safe, quality environment during their caregivers’ working hours. The after-school program engages children in various creative, innovative activities that foster linguistic, emotional, scientific, and technological skills. The educational initiatives are carefully designed to promote quality experiences and embodied learning, and special attention is paid to family engagement. Intercultural education is emphasized in this chapter, as it is based on collective work and commitments.
The Wellbeing Club-Uganda: Facilitating Positive Wellbeing and Leadership Among Adolescents in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Bintliff Amy Vatne , Namanda Zaharah , Peninah Beinomugisha , Levine Rebecca S. , Nalutaaya Norah , Cheung Wendy Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Wellbeing Club-Uganda is a research-practice partnership connecting University of California, San Diego Department of Education Studies faculty and students with Africa Education and Leadership Initiative (Africa ELI), a nongovernmental organization in Kampala, Uganda, supporting low-income and refugee youth with educational and leadership opportunities. The goal of The Wellbeing Club is to support adolescent wellbeing through a positive youth development curriculum that includes teaching the 4W LIFT model of wellbeing that exposes youth to 11 dimensions of wellbeing through arts-based learning, peer-to-peer discussions, mindfulness strategies, and community engagement projects.This chapter describes Wellbeing Club practices and highlights undergraduate and graduate student involvement. Authors provide examples of the benefits of the Club for 25 Ugandan adolescents in Kampala who attended Club during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures. Participants reported enjoyment of art activities, increased voice and confidence through talking circles, improved leadership skills through community engagement projects, and higher engagement within their families and communities. Adolescents also began using the language of the model in everyday interactions which helped them identify and access strategies to help them cope, flourish, and thrive.
Transforming Systems of Activity through Expansive Learning: A Journey of Renewal
Authors: Welsh Mahmood Mara , Underwood Charles , Cano John , Trujillo N. Karla G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter applies the framework of the sociotechnical activity system to examine the UC Links network and how it has both responded to and been transformed by two definitive historical moments: the elimination of affirmative action at the University of California and across the state, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin by describing the conceptual framework for collaborative activity on which UC Links as a sociotechnical activity system is based. We then apply that framework to understand the establishment of the UC Links network as a community of learners, and the evolution of tools and practices among UC Links programs over more than 25 years. We next use the sociotechnical activity system framework to understand how the UC Links network transformed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to adapt and transform itself in response to ongoing challenges and opportunities.