bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relaxation and entropy generation in dewetting thin glassy polymer films trapped far from equilibrium
Authors: Madhusudanan Mithun , Chowdhury Mithun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolymers when confined to a dimension comparable to the length scale of polymer chain coils such as thin films, often lead to molecular relaxation processes distinct from their bulk counterpart. Often observed as thermal and mechanical responses such relaxation has been frequently associated with the squeezing of polymer chains having conformations trapped far from thermodynamic equilibrium and subsequently generating processing‐induced molecular recoiling stress. Relaxation in polymer films can be modified by tuning the molecular recoiling stress, which is directly influenced by the preparation conditions of the polymer thin films. Hence a comprehensive understanding of the genesis and relaxation of molecular recoiling stress becomes necessary. Here, we provide insights into the nonequilibrium nature observed in polymer thin films, focusing majorly on the investigations into the molecular recoiling stress using the dewetting technique. The impact of various factors like temperature of dewetting, thickness of films, molecular weight of polymers, and physical aging affecting the relaxation of molecular recoiling stress is discussed. In addition, discussions on the possible mechanisms of relaxation and modification of molecular recoiling stress by varying the spin‐coating speed and addition of plasticizers are also provided. An alternate approach which gives a new perspective into the relaxation of molecular recoiling stress considering the entropy generated during the dewetting of polymer films is also included. The present work is expected to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of molecular recoiling stress relaxation occurring in polymer thin films.
Crown ether dopant to reduce ion suppression and improve detection in the liquid microjunction surface sampling probe
Authors: Metwally Haidy , Yu Jian , Theriault Rachel , Kolwich Jennifer L. , Ellis Randy , Ross Avena C. , Oleschuk Richard D. 
Published: August 2024

RationaleSodium and potassium are required in agar media for the growth of some microorganisms (e.g., marine bacteria). However, alkali cations are a significant source of contamination for mass spectrometry causing ion suppression and adduct formation. Conventionally, salts can be removed before mass spectrometric analysis with appropriate and often lengthy sample preparation. The direct mass spectrometric sampling of bacterial colonies grown on agar media seeks to minimize or eliminate sample preparation to improve workflow. However, this may exacerbate ion suppression and contamination since these metal cations will degrade spectral quality and limit the rapid profiling of microbial metabolites. Different approaches are needed to sequester sodium and potassium ions to minimize unwanted background interferences. Herein, we use crown ethers (CEs) in combination with a liquid microjunction surface sampling probe (LMJ‐SSP) to directly sample the surface of the bacterial colonies from two marine bacteria species (Pseudoalteromonas rubra DSM6842 and Pseudoalteromonas tunicata DSM 14096). CEs (e.g., 18‐crown‐6 or 15‐crown‐5) are added to the carrier solvent of the LMJ‐SSP, the chemical noise is reduced, and spectra are easier to interpret.MethodsThe liquid microjunction formed at the tip of LMJ‐SSP was used to directly touch bacterial colonies on agar. The carrier solvent was either methanol (100%) or methanol: H2O (50:49.9%) with or without 0.01% CEs. Information‐theoretic measures are employed to investigate qualitative changes between spectra before and after adding CEs.ResultsOur work demonstrates the capability of CEs to reduce background interferences within the direct profiling of bacterial colonies from agar plates. The data obtained from both P. rubra DSM6842 and P. tunicata DSM 14096 show that CEs can be used to mitigate the salty background and improve compound detection.ConclusionOur approach can be implemented in natural product discovery using LMJ‐SSP to allow fast and accurate detection of interesting/novel compounds.
Advancing structural elucidation of conjugation drug metabolites in metabolite profiling with novel electron‐activated dissociation
Authors: Yao Ming , Tong Nian , Baghla Rahul , Ruan Qian 
Published: August 2024

RationaleThis study focuses on the advantage of using the novel electron‐activated dissociation (EAD) technology on the QTOF system for structural elucidation of conjugation metabolites. In drug metabolite identification, conceptual “boxes” are generally used to represent potential sites of modifications, which are proposed based on MS/MS data. Electron‐activated dissociation (EAD) provides unique fragmentation patterns, potentially allowing for more precise localization of the metabolic modification sites compared to CID, particularly for conjugations.MethodKnown compounds were incubated with rat liver microsomes in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), uridine dihosphate‐glucuronic acid (UDPGA), and glutathione. Conjugation metabolites were analyzed using the QTOF system. High‐resolution MS/MS spectra were collected using EAD and CID fragmentations along with TOF MS full scan for tested drugs and metabolites. Fragmentation patterns were compared to evaluate their efficiency in structural elucidation.ResultsMetabolite profiling identified conjugation metabolites (glucuronides and GSH adducts), using characteristic mass shifts. A comparison of EAD and CID fragmentation revealed EAD‐specific fragments for most conjugates. EAD was able to break the relatively stable bonds on parent drug motifs while keeping relatively weak conjugation bonds intact, despite the generally low intensity of EAD. EAD effectively narrowed the conceptual “box” representing modification sites, providing more definitive information on conjugation sites and facilitating the structural elucidation of conjugated metabolites.ConclusionEAD is a powerful tool for metabolite profiling in drug development, particularly for identifying conjugation sites. EAD‐enabled MS/MS spectra offer a greater variety of signature fragments compared to CID, resulting in more comprehensive and unique structural information for metabolic modification analysis. Overall, EAD, complementary to CID, has the potential to narrow down potential modification sites, significantly enhancing the precision of conjugation metabolite structure elucidation.
Distributed event‐triggered consensus control for multi‐agent systems under independent DoS attacks: A randomized transmission approach
Authors: Sun Yuan‐Cheng , Yao Lina , Yang Feisheng , Lu An‐Yang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this article, the consensus problem for disturbed multi‐agent systems (MASs) under independent denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks is investigated. The concerned attacks can jam different channels independently, resulting in a time‐varying and unknown network topology. In this situation, a dynamic event‐triggered control scheme with a hybrid communication strategy is presented to schedule information interaction over the network, and a distributed prediction‐based control algorithm is proposed to ameliorate the resilience. The system stability is proved in present of DoS attacks by introducing the decay rates of Lyapunov functions associated with different connectivity modes. In comparison with the most existing MASs studies under DoS attacks, the triggering mechanism that possibly subject to the malicious attacks executed at the triggering times is protected by the proposed randomized transmission protocol, and the tolerable attack intensities are quantified. Finally, simulations are presented to substantiate that the proposed strategy is effective.
Modeling climatic, terrain and soil factors using AHP in GIS for grapevines suitability assessment
Authors: D'Antonio Paola , Fiorentino Costanza , AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Sannino Maura , Scalcione Emanuele , Lacertosa Giovanni , Modugno Felice , Marsico Antonella , Donvito Angelo R. , Conceição Luis Alcino , Drosos Marios , Scopa Antonio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe study carried out in Matera, Italy, used multi‐criteria decision‐making techniques and geographic information systems to identify optimal area management for sustainable grape production. Terrain parameters such as temperature, pH, humidity, soil texture, slope, altitude, nutrients and precipitation were considered. ArcGIS maps were created, and the northwest part of the field was identified as a favorable area. Fuzzy maps were generated, and measurements were taken in each area to determine optimal land management. The results revealed that 51% of the area was very highly suitable for agricultural activities, and 49% was considered high suitable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the AHP results demonstrated a high level of accuracy, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC). The produced maps indicated a similar trend of increasing zone management priorities for physico‐chemicals as depth fluctuate. Additionally, results showed that remote sensing indices were the most important variables to predict physico‐chemicals zone management. The study also highlighted that the majority of the area supported plant growth due to favorable temperature and humidity conditions, with only a small portion in the northwest showing less favorable results. By identifying management zones, the study aimed to protect crops, better use of irrigation water and improve yields. This study highlights the potential of integrating satellite remote sensing, GIS technology and AHP as a valuable tool for agricultural land use planners and policy makers in identifying optimal locations for managing grape production.
Vicarious trauma and the COVID‐19 pandemic: The role of organisations
Authors: Meeker Samantha A. , Lincoln Alisa K. , Molnar Beth E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVicarious trauma (VT) is an occupational challenge incurred through hearing about traumatic experiences of others such as child maltreatment, mass casualties, and others while serving in helping professions. Without sufficient resources and support, long‐term exposure can lead to symptoms such as intrusion, avoidance, arousal, emotional numbing, anxiety, and decline in one's ability to work. Organisations can mitigate VT's impact by addressing the needs of staff through 5 evidence‐informed areas of occupational health. This project explored the impact of VT‐informed practices on organisational responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We compared responses from 50 organisations on strengths and weaknesses in core areas of being VT‐informed to how those organisations responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Subscales of the VT Organizational Readiness Guide (VT‐ORG) were utilized as the exposure variables and 4 new COVID‐19 questions served as the outcome. We ran a series of multilevel linear regression models with clustering controlled for at the organisational level. Staff ratings on 4 of the 5 pillars of the VT‐ORG were positively associated with the organisation's responsiveness to the pandemic. Various demographic factors of the employees were negatively associated with organisations’ responsiveness to the pandemic. While this study contributes to the growing research on VT, it also provides justification for helping organisations to become VT‐informed; it provides evidence that being prepared for VT can also be useful to support workers and their communities during emergencies such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.
High‐Performance Tunable Near‐Infrared Emitters of Cr3+‐Activated Garnet Phosphor Enabled by Chemical Unit Co‐Substitution
Authors: Liu Ling , Yang Ye , Shen Linawa , Song Shichang , Huang Jinling , Mo Fuwang , Pang Qi , Chen Peican , Zhou Liya 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe escalating demand for portable near‐infrared (NIR) light sources has posed a formidable challenge to the development of NIR phosphors characterized by high efficiency and exceptional thermal stability. Taking inspiration from the chemical unit co‐substitution strategy, high‐performance tunable (Lu3‐xCax)(Ga5‐xGex)O12:6%Cr3+ (x = 0–3) phosphors are designed with an emission center from 704 to 780 nm and a broadest full width at half maximum (FWHM) of up to 172 nm by introducing Ca2+ and Ge4+ ions into the garnet structure. In particular, Lu3Ga5O12:6%Cr3+ demonstrates an anti‐thermal quenching phenomenon (I423K = 113.1%). Compared to Lu3Ga5O12:6%Cr3+, Lu2CaGa4GeO12:6%Cr3+ exhibits significantly improved FWHM and IQE by 108 nm and 25.5%, respectively, while maintaining good thermal stability (I423K = 80.4%). Finally, Lu2CaGa4GeO12:6%Cr3+ phosphor is combined with a 465 nm blue LED chip to fabricate NIR LED devices, exhibiting a NIR electroluminescence efficiency of 13.31%@100 mA and demonstrating successful applications in nocturnal illumination and biomedical imaging technology. This work offers a fresh perspective on the design of highly efficient NIR garnet phosphors.
A Matter of Charge: Electrostatically Tuned Coassembly of Amphiphilic Peptides
Authors: Arad Elad , Levi Topaz , Yosefi Gal , Kass Itamar , Cohen‐Erez Ifat , Azoulay Ziv , Bitton Ronit , Jelinek Raz , Rapaport Hanna 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCoassembly of peptide biomaterials offers a compelling avenue to broaden the spectrum of hierarchically ordered supramolecular nanoscale structures that may be relevant for biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this work coassemblies of amphiphilic and oppositely charged, anionic and cationic, β‐sheet peptides are studied, which may give rise to a diverse range of coassembled forms. Mixtures of the peptides show significantly lower critical coassembly concentration (CCC) values compared to those of the individual pure peptides. Intriguingly, the highest formation of coassembled fibrils is found to require excess of the cationic peptide whereas equimolar mixtures of the peptides exhibited the maximum folding into β‐sheet structures. Mixtures of the peptides coassembled sequentially from solutions at concentrations surpassing each peptide's intrinsic critical assembly concentration (CAC), are also found to require a higher portion of the cationic peptide to stabilize hydrogels. This study illuminates a systematic investigation of oppositely charged β‐sheet peptides over a range of concentrations, in solutions and in hydrogels. The results may be relevant to the fundamental understanding of such intricate charge‐driven assembly systems and to the formulation of peptide‐based nanostructures with diverse functionalities.
Self‐Exfoliating Benzotristriazine Macrocyclic Network: A New 2D Material for High‐Performance Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Vijayakumar Samyyappan , Mohanachandran Anjana P. , Rakhi Raghavan B. , Shankar Sreejith , Pillai Renjith S. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAza‐fused aromatic π–conjugated networks are an important class of 2D graphitic analogs, which are generally constructed using aromatic precursors. Herein, the study describes a new synthetic approach and electrochemical properties of a self‐exfoliating benzotristriazine 2D network (BTTN) constructed using aliphatic precursors, under relatively mild conditions. The obtained BTTN exhibits a nanodisc‐like morphology, the self‐exfoliation tendency of which is ascribed to the presence of structurally different macrocycles with high electronic repulsion between the layers. The benzotristriazine repeat units of BTTN is electroactive and holds higher carbon/nitrogen ratio when compared with the conventional graphitic aza‐fused π‐conjugated networks. The self‐exfoliated BTTN nanodiscs show excellent electrochemical energy storage of 485 and 333 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in three‐electrode and two‐electrode measurements, respectively. BTTN in a symmetric coin‐cell architecture exhibits a high specific energy value of 46 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1 kW kg−1 and shows excellent cyclic stability of 96% for 10 000 and 90% for 30 000 charge–discharge cycles at a higher current density of 5 A g−1, surpassing the device performance of most of the reported all‐organic pseudocapacitive 2D networks.
Scalable 2D Semiconductor‐Based van der Waals Heterostructure Interface with Built‐in Electric Field for Enhanced Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Eom Jeongha , Cho Yun Seong , Lee Jihun , Heo Jae Won , Plutnarová Iva , Sofer Zdeněk , Kim In Soo , Rhee Dongjoon , Kang Joohoon 
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical water splitting has received tremendous attention as an eco‐friendly approach to produce hydrogen. Noble metals and their oxides are commonly used as electrocatalysts to reduce activation energy barriers for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in high‐performance electrodes, but their cost, scarcity, and limited stability hinder widespread adoption of electrochemical water splitting. Further advancements are therefore needed to reduce reliance on noble metals and improve the long‐term stability. Herein, solution‐processed 2D van der Waals (vdW) p–n heterostructures as an interfacial layer between catalysts and the electrode are introduced to enhance the catalytic performance. These heterostructures are formed by sequentially assembling electrochemically exfoliated black phosphorus and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets into electronic‐grade p‐ and n‐type semiconductor thin films, with the scalability extending across tens‐of‐centimeter scale areas. Benefiting from the charge distribution and built‐in electric field developed upon heterojunction formation, the vdW heterostructure interfacial layer increases both the catalytic activity and stability of commercial Pt/C and Ir/C catalysts compared to when these catalysts are directly loaded onto electrodes. Additionally, the vdW heterostructure also serves as a template for synthesizing nanostructured Pt and Ir catalysts through electrodeposition, further enhancing the catalytic performance in terms of mass activity and stability.
The influence of rutin and chlorogenic acid on oxidative stress and in vivo fertility: Evaluation of the quality and antioxidant status of post‐thaw semen from Azari water buffalo bulls
Authors: Mohammadi Tohid , Hosseinchi Gharehaghaji Mohammadreza 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe vulnerability of buffalo sperm to cryoinjury necessitates the improvement of sperm cryo‐resistance as a critical strategy for the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies in buffalo.ObjectivesThe main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of rutin and chlorogenic acid (CGA) on buffalo semen quality, antioxidant activity and fertility during cryopreservation.MethodsThe semen was collected and pooled from the 3 buffaloes using an artificial vagina (18 ejaculations). The pooled sperm were divided into nine different groups: control (Tris‐based extender); 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mM rutin (rutin + Tris‐based extender); and 50, 100, 150 and 200 µM CGG (CGA + Tris‐based extender). Sperm kinematics, viability, hypo‐osmotic swelling test, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of frozen and thawed buffalo sperm were evaluated. In addition, 48 buffalo were finally inseminated, and pregnancy was rectally determined 1 month after insemination.ResultsCompared to the control group, adding R‐0.4, R‐0.6, CGA‐100 and CGA‐150 can improve total and progressive motility, motility characteristics, viability, PMF and DNA damage in buffalo sperm. In addition, the results showed that R‐0.4, R‐0.6, CGA‐50, CGA‐100 and CGA‐150 increased total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione activities and decreased MDA levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, it has been shown that adding 150 µM CGA and 0.6 mM rutin to an extender can increase in vivo fertility compared to the control group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, adding rutin and CGA to the extender improves membrane stability and in vivo fertility of buffalo sperm by reducing oxidative stress.
Potential contribution of alpha‐fetoprotein level to biomarker of pregnancy outcome in Asian elephants
Authors: Zeng Fanwen , Huang Mian , Huang Kang , Sa Jiaqi , Zhang Shouquan , Chen Xuanjiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a structural serum glycoprotein that plays vital roles in reproduction and mammalian development. Analysis of serum prolactin (PRL) is considered one of the useful methods for diagnosing pregnancy in Asian elephants. However, the expression profiles of AFP in pregnant and nonpregnant Asian elephants remain unclear, nor is the relationship with PRL. In this study, serum seven gonadal hormones and AFP in three pregnant and seven nonpregnant Asian elephants were analysed by via radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. We found that the mean (±SD) concentration of prolactin (PRL) in pregnant (136.782 ± 30.987 ng/mL) elephants was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant elephants (52.803 ± 21.070 ng/mL; p ≤ 0.0005). The mean (±SD) concentration of AFP in pregnant elephants (11.598 ± 0.824 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant elephants (7.200 ± 2.283 ng/mL; p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the AFP concentration was positively correlated with the PRL concentration in the 10 Asian elephants studied. In conclusion, our findings suggest that serum AFP concentration is a potential biomarker of pregnancy outcomes in Asian elephants.
Accessibility in Tourism 5.0 Approach: Enabling Inclusive and Meaningful Tourist Experiences
Authors: Vujičić Miroslav D. , Stankov Uglješa , Basarin Biljana , Krejtz Izabela , Krejtz Krzysztof , Masliković Dejan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, encompassing the Internet of Things (IoT), Big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, location-based services, and virtual and augmented (VR/AR) reality systems, has revolutionized the tourism landscape, automating production and service delivery. As the momentum of Industry 4.0 propels us toward the tourism-specific concept of Tourism 4.0, questions arise about the ability of humans to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements and ensure these innovations genuinely benefit society. The ongoing debate prompts a call for humanizing Industry 4.0, echoed in the emerging concept of Industry 5.0, advocating for more responsible and humane technology approaches. Concurrently, voices championing Tourism 5.0 emphasize the need to align technology with diverse human tourism needs and enhance accessibility for a more inclusive and meaningful travel experience. Through this chapter, we endeavor to establish Tourist 5.0 as a holistic alternative to the prevailing concept of digital accessibility practices within the typically limited and task-focused tourism sector. This chapter critically examines the evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, drawing parallels with Tourism 4.0 and Tourism 5.0. The central focus of this chapter is placed on the imperative of technological accessibility, exploring how it takes precedence in the latest technological developments and contributes to the creation of more inclusive and fulfilling tourism experiences.