bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and physicochemical characterization of marine exopolysaccharide derived from the novel bacterium Algoriphagus sp. K5R and its application towards biomineralization of gold and silver
Authors: Sagpariya Tixit , Srivastava Nandita , Kumari Sumeeta , Pinnaka Anil Kumar , Roy Choudhury Anirban 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe widespread use of synthetic polymers in various industries has raised worldwide concerns regarding their ecological impact and effects on human health. As a result, biopolymers have emerged as a promising alternative. Among them, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by microbes from terrestrial niches have been extensively studied. However, recent reports have indicated that microbes from marine environments can also produce unique EPSs that could serve as sustainable substitutes to meet the escalating demand for biopolymers. The present study, for the first time, reports EPS production from novel marine bacterium Algoriphagus sp. K5R for sustainable application development. Interestingly, physicochemical analyses suggest that EPS K5R is a high molecular weight (1190.63 kDa) heteropolysaccharide composed of galacturonic acid, glucose and mannose. To evaluate EPS production, growth and fermentation kinetics were performed, which revealed that it was a primary metabolite having a maximum production of 4.79 ± 0.57 g L−1 with 2% (w/v) glucose. Moreover, EPS K5R exhibits exceptional functional properties, namely high water‐holding capacity (720% ± 80.29%) and oil‐holding capacity (493.33% ± 49.74% for coconut oil and 533.32% ± 17.47% for olive oil), and non‐Newtonian pseudo‐plastic behavior which render it a promising candidate for application in the cosmetics and food industries. In fact, its anti‐oxidant capabilities make it an ideal biological reducing agent for metal nanoparticle synthesis. Overall, this study highlights the potential of marine EPSs for a diverse array of industrial applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diagnosing electrostatic problems and hazards in industrial processes: Case studies
Authors: Ebadat Vahid , Cartwright Paul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStatic electricity is a phenomenon commonly encountered yet often misunderstood and underestimated in terms of its hazard potential; it continues to challenge the safety and reliability of industrial processes, particularly those involving flammable substances. This paper delves into the critical issue of electrostatic hazards in industrial settings by presenting two flash fire/explosion case studies, one involving biphenyl dust and the other gasoline vapor; both linked to electrostatic discharges. The first case study examines an explosion in a flaker and pack‐out hopper during biphenyl flake manufacturing. The investigation reveals the role of electrostatic charges in the incident and how well‐intentioned equipment changes created warning signs of increased risk that were missed. The second case study discusses a gasoline vapor flash fire, highlighting the common yet overlooked hazard of static electricity during the transfer of flammable liquids. It underscores how common activities involving people can generate sufficient electrostatic charge to ignite flammable vapor–air mixtures in industry. The outcomes of these studies highlight the importance of acting on early warning signs of static electricity and the crucial role of data‐driven diagnostic techniques in addressing and controlling those hazards. By dissecting the intricacies of electrostatic phenomena, safety professionals can formulate actionable strategies to adapt plant operations and prevent hazards from static electricity. The paper advocates for a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating electrostatic risks in industrial settings beginning with process hazard analyses that incorporate static electricity hazards analysis and continues through employee training to ensure that early warning signs are identified, understood, and acted upon. It stresses the need for comprehensive safety measures, including proper grounding and bonding, use of static dissipative materials, and regular maintenance of safety equipment, to prevent incidents. Through these case studies, the paper contributes to understanding of electrostatic hazards in industrial processes and highlights the importance of integrating electrostatic safety measures into routine industrial operations.
Risk and consequence analysis of ammonia storage units in a nuclear fuel cycle facility
Authors: Das Biplab , Kumar Shekhar , Sivapirakasam S. P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIndustrial disasters, such as unintended toxic gas releases resulting in fires, explosion, and fatalities, are damaging both the global ecology and the social acceptance of the related technology. Risk and consequence analysis is the key feature of process safety measures for the protection of environment and human life. In this work, the risk and consequence analysis of unintended release of anhydrous liquid ammonia for one of the storage tanks, located inside the nuclear fuel cycle facility, was analyzed for leakages leading to exposure of surrounding human population and fire with allied thermal radiation risk. The risk assessment was performed using four methods: Fault tree, E&FI methodology, Probit, and ALOHA, It was observed that while the predicted hazard severities from fault‐tree analysis, Probit analysis, and ALOHA nearly converged, the conventional F&EI, the safety workhorse of the chemical industry estimated low numeric values of the respective hazard. A methodology was proposed to load this general F&EI value for the case of chemical plant being located inside a nuclear facility. Overloaded F&EI procedure estimated hazard value for envisaged unintended ammonia release in good agreement, with results from FTA, Probit, and ALOHA analyses.
Numerical simulation study on propane gas leakage and diffusion law in slope terrain
Authors: Luan Tingting , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Lixun , Chu Yun , Zhang Qinghang , Zhang Xinyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIt is frequent that gas leakage accidents occur at chemical enterprises located in slope terrain. Meet the requirement of urgently studying the gas leakage and diffusion law in slope terrain. In this study, we utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the scenarios of propane leakage and diffusion under four distinct slope conditions, which are 0°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. The gas diffusion law under different slopes is investigated, and the influence of wind speed and wind direction on the diffusion process is also further analyzed. The study indicates that when the slope exceeds 15°, the change in slope exerts a pronounced influence on the dispersion of propane leakage. Compared with diffusion on flat ground, there is a distinct propane aggregation area at the bottom of the slope terrain. Also, the steeper the slope, the more noticeable the aggregation phenomenon. The increase of wind speed makes propane gas lifted, and the gas aggregation at the bottom of the slope decreases. In particular, at a wind speed of 3.3 m/s, the aggregation of propane at the bottom of the first 15° and 20° slopes is more pronounced. Under the upwind condition, the propane gas is entrained at the slope surface, increasing the propane concentration in the area around the tank, which in turn increases the safety risk. The findings of this study have significant implications for the rational layout of chemical enterprises, gas leakage monitoring, and emergency evacuation planning for leakage accidents. They can also help enhance chemical enterprises' safety prevention abilities and the efficiency of their emergency response.
Differential susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to single versus pyramided Bt traits in Brazilian soybean: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
Authors: Stirle Jéssica Lauanda , Matias Jordana Emannuelly Ferreira , Mendes Gabriel Ribeiro , Moscardini Valéria Fonseca , Maia Jader Braga , Michaud JP , Gontijo Pablo Costa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDLepidopteran pest control in agriculture has become heavily dependent on cultivars that express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins as ‘plant‐incorporated protectants’. However, populations of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in Brazil appear resistant to the Bt traits currently available in commercial soybean cultivars.RESULTSThis study evaluated S. frugiperda life history when feeding on three different Bt soybean cultivars. Cultivars expressing Cry1Ac + Cry1F and Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Cry1Ac Bt toxins caused 100% larval mortality in S. frugiperda. Both non‐Bt and Cry1Ac‐expressing soybean induced transgenerational effects that increased the survival of subsequent generations. A Cry1Ac soybean diet reduced the generation time (T) of S. frugiperda relative to non‐Bt soybean, resulting in shorter generation time and more rapid population growth.CONCLUSIONThe implications of these results revealed how diet can alter aspects of insect life history and biology, and have important implications for sustainable management of S. frugiperda on soybean. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamic modeling and experimental analysis of a novel bionic mantis shrimp robot
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Yidong , Yang Chenguang , Yang Xin , Hu Huosheng , Dong Fei , Zhang Jingjing , Shi Jianwei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSmall carnivorous marine animals have developed agile movement abilities through long‐term natural selection, resulting in excellent maneuverability and high swimming efficiency, making them ideal models for underwater robots. To meet the requirements for exploring narrow underwater zones, this paper designs an underwater robot inspired by mantis shrimp. By analyzing the body structure and swimming mode of the mantis shrimp, we designed a robot structure and hardware system and established a dynamic model for the coupled motion of multiple pleopods. A series of underwater experiments were conducted to verify the dynamic model and assess the performance of the prototype. The experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the dynamic model and demonstrated that the bionic mantis shrimp robot can perform multiangle turns and flexible velocity adjustments and exhibits good motion performance. This approach provides a novel solution for developing robots suitable for detecting complex underwater environments.
Protein consumption in Europe: Sustainability, tradition, and policy implications
Authors: Prochazka Petr , Soukupova Jana , Abrham Josef , Mullen Kevin J. , Tomsik Karel , Cechura Lukas , Cabelkova Inna , Smutka Lubos 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhile the consumption of animal‐based food is linked with many environmental and health‐related effects, consumption of plant‐based protein is less harmful and aligns more closely with the principles of sustainable development. This study evaluates the historical consumption of protein in Europe, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in shaping consumption patterns. It identifies factors that play a crucial role in European consumers' preferences. The results provide vital insights into the nature of protein consumption in Europe, which can serve as a foundation for proposals for future policies that prioritize sustainable development. Specifically, the findings suggest that as GDP per capita rises, protein consumption increases. Additionally, various cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical variables influence protein consumption, implying that the future behavior of consumers and the supply of plant‐based or animal‐based protein will not uniformly impact all European countries.
2D Se‐Rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C Heterostructured Composite as Ultrastable Anodes for Alkaline‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Iqbal Sikandar , Wang Lu , Kong Zhen , Zhai Yanjun , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , Sun Xiuping , Wang Bin , He Xiyu , Dou Jianmin , Xu Liqiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract2D transitional metal selenide heterostructures are promising electrode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) owing to the large surface area, high mechanical strength, and short diffusion pathways. However, the cycling performance remains a significant challenge, particularly concerning the electrochemical conversion reaction. Herein, 2D Se‐rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C heterostructured composite is fabricated via a convenient hydrothermal approach followed by selenization process, and then applied as high‐performance anodes for PIBs. For example, the capacity delivered by the heterostructured composite is mainly contributed to the synergistic effect of conversion and alloy/de‐alloy processes aroused by K+, where K+ may highly insert or de‐insert into Se‐rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C. The obtained electrode delivers an outstanding reversible charge capacity of 214 mA h g‐1 at 1 A g‐1 after 4000 cycles for PIBs, and achieves 262 mAh g‐1 when coupled with a PTCDA cathode in the full cell. The electrochemical conversion mechanism of the optimized electrode during cycling is investigated through in situ XRD, Raman, and ex situ HRTEM. In addition, the heterostructured composite as anodes also displays excellent electrochemical performances for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). This work opens up a new window for investigating novel electrode materials with excellent capacity and long durability.
Ultrasound‐Sensitive Targeted Liposomes as a Gene Delivery System for the Synergistic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Guannan , Lu Hongtong , Pan Yong , Qi Yanxin , Huang Yubin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGene therapy and sonodynamic therapy, as emerging treatment methods, have great potential in cancer treatment. However, there are significant challenges in the in vivo delivery of genes and sonosensitizers during the treatment process, which ultimately affects the therapeutic outcome. In this study, an ultrasound‐sensitive targeted liposome nanoparticle system (MLipsiBcl‐2) is developed to deliver the sonosensitizers and siRNA for the synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MLipsiBcl‐2 can be initiated through ultrasound stimulation, leading to liposome rupture and release of the sonosensitizer and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, ROS can disrupt lysosomal membranes, facilitating gene release for downregulating overexpressed antiapoptotic protein levels in cancer cells. Experimental results from in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the efficacy of synergistic treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the high biocompatibility of MLipsiBcl‐2 under ultrasound stimulation. The advancement of this ultrasound‐sensitive targeted gene delivery system shows potential as a versatile therapeutic platform that is easily operable, presenting a prospect for a synergistic treatment approach across various cancer types.
Visual detection of anti‐icing fluids freezing by a low‐temperature viscosity‐sensitive aggregation‐induced emission probe
Authors: Zhang Honghong , Li Fanghui , Yu Jiahong , Zhao Weijun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIcing detection is critically important for preventing safety accidents and economic losses, especially concerning ice formation from invalidated anti‐icing fluids (water and ethylene glycol) under extreme conditions. Traditional technologies like ultrasonics and capacitor‐antenna face challenges with limited detection areas, lower accuracy, and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Here, we introduce a novel viscosity‐ultrasensitive fluorescent probe 4′,4‴‐(2,2‐diphenylethene‐1,1‐diyl) bis‐(3,5‐dicarboxylate) (TPE‐2B4C) based on AIEgens for monitoring ice formation of anti‐icing fluids in low‐temperature environments. TPE‐2B4C, consisting of four sodium carboxylate groups and multiple freely rotating benzene rings, demonstrates outstanding solubility in anti‐icing fluids and exhibits no fluorescent background signal even at low temperatures (<−20°C). Upon freezing, TPE‐2B4C relocates from the water phase to higher viscosity ethylene glycol, causing restriction of benzene rings and a significantly increased green fluorescence signal. TPE‐2B4C can successfully determine whether the anti‐icing fluids are icing from −5 to −20°C with a high contrast ratio. Due to its simple setup, fast operation, and broad applicability, our new method is anticipated to be employed for rapid, real‐time, and large‐scale icing detection.
Are your comments outdated? Toward automatically detecting code‐comment consistency
Authors: Huang Yuan , Chen Yinan , Chen Xiangping , Zhou Xiaocong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn software development and maintenance, code comments can help developers understand source code and improve communication among developers. However, developers sometimes neglect to update the corresponding comment when changing the code, resulting in outdated comments (i.e., inconsistent codes and comments). Outdated comments are dangerous and harmful and may mislead subsequent developers. More seriously, the outdated comments may lead to a fatal flaw sometime in the future. To automatically identify the outdated comments in source code, we proposed a learning‐based method, called CoCC, to detect the consistency between code and comment. To efficiently identify outdated comments, we extract multiple features from both codes and comments before and after they change. Besides, we also consider the relation between code and comment in our model. Experiment results show that CoCC can effectively detect outdated comments with precision over 90%. In addition, we have identified the 15 most important factors that cause outdated comments and verified the applicability of CoCC in different programming languages. We also used CoCC to find outdated comments in the latest commits of open source projects, which further proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The PIM.3 process improvement process—Part of the iNTACS certified process expert training
Authors: Messnarz Richard , Djordjevic Vesna , Grémen Viktor , Menezes Winifred , Alborae Ahmed , Dreves Rainer , Norimatsu So , Wegner Thomas , Sechser Bernhard 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper documents the results of the PIM.3 (Process Improvement Management) working group in INTACS (International Assessor Certification Schema) supported by the VDA‐QMC (Verband der Deutschen Automobilindustrie/German Automotive Association–Quality Management Center). INTACS promotes Automotive SPICE, which is an international standard that allows process capability assessment of projects, which implement systems that integrate mechanics, electronics, and software including optionally cybersecurity, functional safety, and machine learning. The paper outlines that for the first time since more than 20 years, the INTACS and VDA‐QMC included a process like PIM.3 Process Improvement Management in the scope for the assessor training. Before that, the assessments focused on the management, engineering, and support processes of series projects, while the improvement management has not been trained or assessed.
Programmable Aggregation of Self‐Assembled DNA Constructs
Authors: Prasad Pragati K. , Inti Akhil , Yadav Shiv Pratap S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiomolecular aggregates ensure the optimum concentration and proximity required for biochemical processes to take place. Synthetic aggregating systems are becoming increasingly essential to study/mimic dynamic condensates in nature. Herein the ratiometric DNA aggregation of self‐assembled DNA constructs using lanthanide salts is reported. In addition, the aggregation is shown to be reversed by the addition of specific lanthanide‐binding ligands. The aggregate formation is confirmed by dynamic light scattering experiment, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and field emission scanning electron microscope. This programmed DNA aggregation and its reversion are applied to evaluating the lanthanide‐DNA and lanthanide‐ligand binding constants, respectively. To achieve this, Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair dyes at the 3′ or 5′ end of the DNA strands are strategically placed that generate unique fluorescence patterns upon interaction with the DNA constructs and different triggers such as lanthanides/ligands/monovalent cations, thus enabling the tracking of various states of binding. It also demonstrates a “fast method” to form and stabilize G‐quadruplex (GQ) using lanthanides which complements the existing slow formation of GQs with Na+/K+ ions. The formation of GQ by lanthanides is corroborated by FRET, circular dichroism (CD), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments. These DNA constructs, formed by lanthanides, have shown resistance to cleavage by DNase I, and distinctive binding to Protoporphyrin dyes and Thioflavin T.
Income inequality, banking competition, and monetary policy
Authors: Ghossoub Edgar A. , Reed Robert R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrevious research has shown that inflation contributes to income inequality. However, in recent years, there have also been increasing concerns about the effects of concentration in the banking system on economic activity. Notably, we ask the fundamental questions: “How does the concentration of assets in the banking system contribute to the concentration of income in society? Do the effects of inflation on inequality depend on the degree of banking concentration?” We develop a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents and microeconomic foundations for financial intermediaries to study the effects of concentration and monetary policy. The model predicts that concentrated banks contribute to inequality by holding large amounts of liquid assets in order to raise private—but not social—returns from capital investment. As concentrated banks distort the level of investment in the economy, the adverse effects of inflation on inequality are magnified in concentrated banking systems.
Behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete columns confined with inner steel spirals
Authors: Wang Tan , Li Liwei , Dou Lijun , Huang Qian , Zhou Zhijie , Cao Yibo , Yang Fan , Zhu Zhu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe paper investigates the behavior of glass‐fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete columns with integrated steel spirals (hybrid reinforcement). Six concrete columns were tested under eccentric axial loading, resulting in failure due to bending. Columns with outer steel longitudinal bars experienced steel yielding at peak loads, while those with GFRP outer rebars failed due to concrete crushing. The results revealed that using GFRP as outer longitudinal bars led to peak loads 3–10% lower compared to columns with steel rebars. Inner confinement by steel spirals increased the load‐carrying capacity. Additionally, columns with inner tubular steel exhibited greater strength than those with steel spirals, indicating a slightly enhanced confinement effect. A finite element model was developed to analyze structural behavior, considering both material and geometric nonlinearity. The model's accuracy was validated by comparing predictions with test results. Parametric analysis from the nonlinear FE model showed that eccentricity significantly impacted column load‐carrying capacity. Increasing inner confinement area and the number of inner longitudinal bars improved structural stiffness and load‐carrying capacity. Furthermore, a simplified theoretical method was proposed. Comparison between experimental failure loads and theoretical predictions revealed differences within 20%, indicating satisfactory reliability of the proposed method.