bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery and properties of novel analogues of the aphid pheromones nepetalactone and nepetalactol
Authors: Lu Yiming , Li Zhong , Shao Xusheng , Maienfisch Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPheromones have unique advantages for pest control. Current aphid pheromone research focuses on alarm and sex pheromones. However, practical applications are limited so far, as (E)‐β‐farnesene has only been investigated to a small extent as an alarm pheromone and only male aphids are targeted by sex pheromones. Previous literature reports electrophysiological responses and repellent behavior of asexual aphids to nepetalactone (1B), therefore our objective was to modify nepetalactone's structure to identify key fragments responsible for repellent effects, as guidance for subsequent modifications and further investigation.RESULTSIn this study, seven derivatives were designed and synthesized based on nepetalactol (1A) and nepetalactone (1B) as lead compounds. Free‐choice tests, conducted using cowpea aphids (Aphis craccivora), revealed that the lactone moiety was crucial for the repellent activity, and the removal of the carbonyl group eliminated the repelling effect. Compound (±)1I, an analogue of nepetalactone (1B), demonstrated a significantly higher repellent value than nepetalactone (1B) at three different concentrations, and even at 0.1 mg/mL it maintained a considerable repellent effect (26.5%). Electrostatic potential and density functional theory calculations supported the importance of the carbonyl group for the repellent effects.CONCLUSIONThe newly discovered para‐pheromone (±)1I shows improved repellent effects and potential for development as a novel biological control agent. Based on our innovative findings, analogues with improved efficacy and properties can be designed and prepared. Our research contributes to understanding the effects of structural modifications on pheromone activity and properties, which is crucial for exploring novel pheromone‐based products for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Organizational authenticity: How craft‐based ventures manage authentic identities and audience appeal
Authors: Dobrev Stanislav D. , Verhaal J. Cameron 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryCommercial success in craft‐based industries requires projecting authentic identities but direct claims of authenticity can backfire and raise suspicions of pecuniary motivation, an antithesis to authenticity. Managing authentic identities is thus central to the success of craft‐based ventures. We argue that organizations can shape their audience's perceptions of authenticity and appeal by tacitly and indirectly conveying a resonant identity meaning with visibility and credibility. Our empirical analysis, set in the US craft beer industry, reveals strong support for the idea that craft ventures can raise authenticity and appeal through managing the content/meaning, visibility, and credibility of their identity claims. We discuss the implications of our theory and findings for the role of organizations in the social construction of authenticity and appeal.Managerial SummaryManagers of craft ventures in identity‐driven markets face a strategic challenge in managing growth—how to maintain the authentic identity of their firm as its scale of operations expands. In modern‐day craft industries, consumers covet offerings from firms that they deem authentic but overt claims of authenticity by producers are ineffective. Our study of the craft beer market suggests that managers can leverage strategic assets like organizational resources (ownership structure), capabilities (investment in technology and product variety) and position (third‐party endorsements) to effectively communicate their firm's identity meaning with credibility and visibility. This holds significant practical implications for how managers can successfully navigate the growth process and their firms can continue to be viewed as authentic craft producers even as they increasingly benefit from scale.
Step‐By‐Step Standardization of the Bottom‐Up Semi‐Automated Nanocrystallization of Pharmaceuticals: A Quality By Design and Design of Experiments Joint Approach
Authors: Castillo Henríquez Luis , Bahloul Badr , Alhareth Khair , Oyoun Feras , Frejková Markéta , Kostka Libor , Etrych Tomáš , Kalshoven Luc , Guillaume Alain , Mignet Nathalie , Corvis Yohann 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNanosized drug crystals have been reported with enhanced apparent solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy compared to microcrystal materials, which are not suitable for parenteral administration. However, nanocrystal design and development by bottom‐up approaches are challenging, especially considering the non‐standardized process parameters in the injection step. This work aims to present a systematic step‐by‐step approach through Quality‐by‐Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) for synthesizing drug nanocrystals by a semi‐automated nanoprecipitation method. Curcumin is used as a drug model due to its well‐known poor water solubility (0.6 µg mL−1, 25 °C). Formal and informal risk assessment tools allow identifying the critical factors. A fractional factorial 24−1 screening design evaluates their impact on the average size and polydispersity of nanocrystals. The optimization of significant factors is done by a Central Composite Design. This response surface methodology supports the rational design of the nanocrystals, identifying and exploring the design space. The proposed joint approach leads to a reproducible, robust, and stable nanocrystalline preparation of 316 nm with a PdI of 0.217 in compliance with the quality profile. An orthogonal approach for particle size and polydispersity characterization allows discarding the formation of aggregates. Overall, the synergy between advanced data analysis and semi‐automated standardized nanocrystallization of drugs is highlighted.
Synchronous Regulation Strategy of Pyrrolidinium Thiocyanate Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Self‐Powered Photodetectors
Authors: Chen Cong , Zhang Zuolin , Wang Chen , Geng Taoran , Feng Yinsu , Ding Jike , Ma Quanxing , Gao Wenhuan , Li Mengjia , Chen Jiangzhao , Tang Jian‐xin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDeveloping inventive approaches to control crystallization and suppress trap defects in perovskite films is crucial for achieving efficient perovskite photovoltaics. Here, a synchronous regulation strategy is developed that involves the infusion of a zwitterionic ionic liquid additive, pyrrolidinium thiocyanate (PySCN), into the perovskite precursor to optimize the subsequent crystallization and defects. PySCN modification not only orchestrates the crystallization process but also deftly addresses trap defects in perovskite films. Within this, SCN− compensates for positively charged defects, while Py+ plays the role of passivating negatively charged defects. Based on the vacuum flash evaporation without anti‐solvent, the air‐processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with PySCN modification can achieve an extraordinary champion efficiency of 22.46% (0.1 cm2) and 21.15% (1.0 cm2) with exceptional stability surpassing 1200 h. Further, the self‐powered photodetector goes above and beyond, showcasing an ultra‐low dark current of 2.13 × 10−10 A·cm−2, a specific detection rate of 6.12 × 1013 Jones, and an expansive linear dynamic range reaching an astonishing 122.49 dB. PySCN modification not only signifies high efficiency but also ushers in a new era for crystallization regulation, promising a transformative impact on the optoelectronic performance of perovskite‐based devices.
Preservice elementary teachers' perceptions of their science laboratory instructors in a phenomena‐based laboratory and how it impacts their conceptual development
Authors: Sangha Alvir S. , Donnelly‐Hermosillo Dermot F. , Nelson Frederick P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhenomena‐based approaches have become popular for elementary school teachers to engage children's innate curiosity in the natural world. However, integrating such phenomena‐based approaches in existing science courses within teacher education programs present potential challenges for both preservice elementary teachers (PSETs) and for laboratory instructors, both of whom may have had limited opportunities to learn or teach science within the student and instructor roles inherent within these approaches. This study uses a convergent parallel mixed‐methods approach to investigate PSETs' perceptions of their laboratory instructor's role within a Physical Science phenomena‐based laboratory curriculum and how it impacts their conceptual development (2 instructors/121 students). We also examine how the two laboratory instructors' discursive moves within the laboratory align with their's and PSETs' perceptions of the instructor role. Qualitative data includes triangulation between a student questionnaire, an instructor questionnaire, and video classroom observations, while quantitative data includes a nine‐item open response pre‐/post‐semester conceptual test. Guided by Mortimer's and Scott's analytic framework, our findings show that students primarily perceive their instructors as a guide/facilitator or an authoritarian/evaluator. Using Linn's knowledge integration framework, analysis of pre‐/post‐tests indicates that student outcomes align with students' perceptions of their instructors, with students who perceive their instructor as a guide/facilitator having significantly better pre‐/post‐outcomes. Additional analysis of scientific discourse from the classroom observations illustrates how one instructor primarily supports PSETs' perspectives on authentic science learning through dialogic–interactive talk moves whereas the other instructor epistemologically stifles personally relevant investigations with authoritative–interactive or authoritative–noninteractive discourse moves. Overall, this study concludes by discussing challenges facing laboratory instructors that need careful consideration for phenomena‐based approaches.
The relationships between learner‐related variables and attitudes towards standard accents and pronunciation assessment: A large‐scale study of secondary‐level EFL learners in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsang Art 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite scholars' advocacy of intelligibility over nativelikeness in the EFL education context, many learners still seem to favour standard British and American accents. However, comparisons across studies have shown some changes in learners' perceptions, suggesting a move away from standard accent orientation. This article reports part of a larger study that examined the relationships between four learner‐related predictor variables (self‐rated proficiency, previous exposure to different accents, attitude towards [spoken] English, and attitude towards accuracy) and two outcome variables (learners' attitudes towards standard accents, and attitudes towards pronunciation in speaking proficiency assessment). A questionnaire was completed by 1,300 EFL secondary‐school students in Hong Kong. The four predictors were generally found to correlate significantly with the two outcomes (Pearson's rs ranging approximately from .10 to .50). Specifically, learners' attitudes towards accuracy and (spoken) English had the strongest positive relationships with the outcomes. In the multiple regression models, these two predictors together explained 32% and 11% of the variance in attitudes towards standard accents and pronunciation assessment respectively.
Biochar from sewage sludge: Effect of pyrolysis on functional properties and pollutants fate
Authors: Barbosa Taísa Andrade , Santos Roberta Menezes , Silva Wenes Ramos da , Sá Mirele Santana de , Silva Miliana Gouveia da , Navickiene Sandro , Gomes Filho Raimundo Rodrigues , Wisniewski Jr Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPyrolysis is a promising alternative for the removal or immobilization of hazardous elements in sewage sludge (SS) without compromising its biofertilizer features. However, the effects of pyrolysis on SS emerging contaminants have not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the fate of heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants in SS through pyrolysis, as well as the suitability of SS and its derived biochar (SSB) for soil application. Municipal SS was pyrolyzed at different scales (bench and micro units) and temperatures (400, 500, and 600°C) for comparison. The general properties, surface morphology, and functional groups of SS and SSB were analyzed. Also, a quantitative analysis of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) and a qualitative investigation of organic pollutants and pesticides were performed. The results demonstrated that pyrolysis at 400°C increased the stability of SS and strongly affected its surface area, resulting in a high pore structure with a developed surface charge. Simultaneously, the relative content of organic matter and nutrients remained nearly unchanged. All heavy metals analyzed in SS and SSB400 were within limits set by the International Biochar Initiative for soil application. Moreover, organic pollutants and pesticides were detected in the SS but were partially degraded or immobilized after pyrolysis > 400°C. In conclusion, the production of SSB proved to be an effective method for removing toxic elements from SS while enhancing its properties for soil remediation and crop productivity.
“Why Do You Think That?” Exploring Disciplinary Literacy in Elementary Science, History and Visual Arts
Authors: Burke Patrick , Kennedy Eithne 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTeaching disciplinary literacy in the elementary classroom provides rich potential for bridging the literacy‐content divide, building background knowledge, extending learning, and deepening student thinking. This article explores how six elementary teachers tried and tested approaches to embedding literacy in three very different subjects: science, history, and visual arts. Drawing on data from a design‐based research project, we provide suggestions for how teachers can embed high‐quality literacy instruction in multiple disciplines.
Administration of meloxicam before rather than after castration on eating, defecation and pain indicators in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Liles Marina , Brown Susan , Di Girolamo Nicola 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundRabbits are extremely sensitive to pain. There is evidence on whether non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication should be administered before or after surgery in rabbits.ObjectivesIn this study, we compared the pain scores and behaviours of rabbits administered meloxicam before or after routine castration.MethodsForty‐two healthy rabbits undergoing castration were randomly assigned to receive meloxicam (1 mg/kg SC) 1 h before or upon recovery from anaesthesia. Several parameters were recorded, including the occurrence of eating, defecating and pain scores postoperatively and change in heart rate intraoperatively.ResultsAt 4 h after surgery, eating was observed in 43% (9/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam before neutering and in 29% (6/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam after. The morning after the surgery, eating was observed in 62% (13/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam before neutering and in 57% (12/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam after. The odds of not eating increased by 1.16 times (1.03–1.29; p = 0.01) per month of age, whereas there was no significant association between eating and administration of meloxicam before or after surgery, body weight and time. Similarly, defecation, pain score and change in heart rate did not differ in animals receiving meloxicam before or after surgery.ConclusionsAdministration of meloxicam in rabbits undergoing castration before or after surgery does not have a relevant effect on eating, defecating or pain score. Younger rabbits show less obvious signs of pain and are more likely to resume eating habits sooner after surgery compared to older rabbits.
The effect of reducing dietary energy on performance, intestinal morphology and intestinal peptide and amino acid transporters in broiler chicks
Authors: Mahdavi Reza , Ghazi Harsini Shahab , Piray Ali Hossein 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has investigated the impact of different factors such as gender and age of birds, protein and amino acid levels, protein origin and the physical form of the diet, on the mRNA expression of intestinal peptides and amino acid transporters. Nevertheless, there have been no attempts to examine the impact of dietary energy density on the mRNA abundance of intestinal amino acid and peptide transporters in humans or animals. This is the first reported case in both humans and animals.ObjectivesThis experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of two levels of metabolizable energy ([ME]; 2950 and 2850 kcal ME/kg diet) on performance and jejunal morphology and mRNA expression of amino acid (B0AT, b0,+AT, CAT1 and y+LAT1) and peptide (PepT1) transporters in broiler chickens during the starter period (0–10 days of age).MethodsTwo hundred and seventy day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with nine replicates and fifteen birds in each replicate. At 10 days of age, the outcome variables were measured, which included the assessment of the mRNA abundance of PepT1, b0,+AT, B0AT, y+LAT1 and CAT1 in the jejunal section using real‐time PCR.ResultsThe findings of this study revealed no significant impact of the dietary treatments on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and the jejunal mRNA abundance of PepT1, CAT1 and y+LAT1 (p > 0.05). However, a reduction in dietary ME level from 2950 to 2850 kcal ME/kg diet resulted in a decrease in the mRNA level of B0AT and b0,+AT (p ≤ 0.05). The reduction in dietary energy level did not lead to any significant changes in villus width, villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results demonstrated that decreasing dietary energy density may alter the expression of amino acid transporters in the intestine while having no impact on the growth performance and morphometric structure of the intestine.
Using an intersectionality framework to assess gender inequities in food security: A case study from Uganda
Authors: Barak Farzaneh , Musiimenta Peace , Melgar‐Quiñonez Hugo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrior research in health equity, including food security, indicates that disadvantaged groups, such as women with limited resources, face many obstacles in achieving food security. One of the first of its kind to draw on intersectionality and the social determinants of health frameworks, this study identified and tested gender differences in experiencing food security inequities using nationally representative data from the Gallup World Poll, Uganda 2019 (N = 951). Binary logit models disaggregated by gender were estimated to identify gender differences in food security. Three points of intersection were categorized: individual characteristics (gender, age, region, marital status, household number of children and adults); available resources (education, income, employment, shelter, social support); and the socio‐political context (community infrastructures, corruption within the business). Testing the moderation effect of gender with each variable (difference‐in‐difference) showed that although most variables correlated with a difference in experiencing food security by gender, only two—marital status, and social support—presented a statistically significant difference. Accounting for this moderation effect, the final model showed that lacking shelter and residing in Eastern Uganda decreased food security. More adults in the household, higher education, higher income, available social support, and satisfaction with community infrastructures enhanced the odds of food security. Results suggest that (a) conventional food security quantitative approaches may not suffice to model inequities when gender is a control variable rather than a foundation to explain inequities; and (b) gendered‐centered analysis helps better identify disadvantaged groups and inform policies that target associated inequities.
Deep Learning-Based Pulmonary Artery Surface Mesh Generation
Authors: Krüger Nina , Brüning Jan , Goubergrits Leonid , Ivantsits Matthias , Walczak Lars , Falk Volkmar , Dreger Henryk , Kühne Titus , Hennemuth Anja 
Published: February 2024

AbstractProperties of the pulmonary artery play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. Patient-specific simulation of hemodynamics can support the planning of interventions. However, the variable complex branching structure of the pulmonary artery poses a challenge for image-based generation of suitable geometries. State-of-the-art segmentation-based approaches require an interactive 3D surface reconstruction to prepare the simulation geometry. We propose a deep learning approach to generate a 3D surface mesh of the pulmonary artery from CT images suitable for simulation. The proposed method is based on the Voxel2Mesh algorithm and includes a voxel encoder and decoder as well as a mesh decoder to deform a prototype mesh. An additional centerline coverage loss facilitates the reconstruction of the branching structure. Furthermore, vertex classification allows for the definition of in- and outlets. Our model was trained with 48 human cases and tested on 10 human cases annotated by two observers. The differences in the anatomical parameters inferred from the automatic surface generation correspond to the differences between the observers’ annotations. The suitability of the generated mesh geometries for numerical flow simulations is demonstrated.
TwinStore – Online-Plattform für Simulationsmodelle
Authors: Scheifele Christian 
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung
Komponentenhersteller suchen zunehmend nach Lösungen zur Bereitstellung Digitaler Zwillinge ihrer Hardwareprodukte, um ihren Kunden eine Virtuelle Inbetriebnahme (VIBN) von Automatisierungskonzepten und -lösungen zu ermöglichen. Die Verfügbarkeit eines Digitalen Zwillings entwickelt sich zum entscheidenden Verkaufsmerkmal eines Komponentenherstellers. Ziel der Verwendung vorgefertigter Komponentenmodelle ist die Reduzierung von Modellierungszeiten bei gleichzeitig sehr realitätsnaher virtueller Abbildung der Hardwareprodukte für die virtuelle Auslegung, den Test und die Optimierung von Steuerungssystemen im digitalen Engineering. In diesem Beitrag wird die Online-Plattform „TwinStore“ für den Austausch von Simulationsmodellen zur Virtuellen Inbetriebnahme vorgestellt. Digitale Zwillinge aus dem TwinStore, die hinsichtlich der Schnittstellen, Parameter und Eigenschaften das Verhalten der realen Hardware abbilden, können nahtlos in ein Simulationswerkzeug für die Virtuelle Inbetriebnahme eingebunden werden. Die Bibliotheken umfassen Roboter- und Greifsysteme, Antriebs- und Fördertechnik bis hin zu Sensorikkomponenten.
Konzept für die automatisierte Planung von Montagesystemen
Authors: Brovkina Daniella , Riedel Oliver 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Digitalisierung und die Ideen von Industrie 4.0 treiben die Produktionssysteme voran. Die Virtuelle Inbetriebnahme ist bereits in der Engineering-Phase der Produktionsanlage eine etablierte Methode. Solche eng mit der Virtuellen Inbetriebnahme gekoppelten Methoden wie Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) und Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) Simulationen können bereits in der Planungsphase als Validierungswerkzeug den Planungsprozess unterstützen. Im Falle von Montagesystemen erfolgt die Planung in Iterationen mit geringem Automatisierungsgrad. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Konzept für einen modellbasierten Ansatz zur vollautomatisierten Planung von Montagesystemen vorgestellt, dass eine automatisierte Layout-Generierung in Kombination mit Simulationsmodellen zur Virtuellen Inbetriebnahme ermöglicht.