bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocontrol activity and potential mechanism of volatile organic compounds from Aspergillus niger strain La2 against pear Valsa canker
Authors: Shi Bingke , Yuan Hongbo , Wang Zhuoni , Fan Yangyang , Qin Genhong , Xiaoqian Li , Wang Li , Tu Hongtao , Hou Hui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDValsa canker caused by Valsa pyri is one of the most destructive diseases of pear, leading to severe yield and economic losses. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from endophytes have important roles in the regulation of plant disease. In this study, we investigated the biocontrol activity of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger strain La2 and its antagonistic VOCs against pear Valsa canker.RESULTSStrain La2 exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect against V. pyri. A colonization assay suggested that strain La2 could complete its life cycle on pear twigs. The symptoms of pear Valsa canker were weakened on detached pear twigs after treatment with strain La2. In addition, VOCs from strain La2 also significantly suppressed mycelial growth in V. pyri. Based on the results of headspace solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, six possible VOCs produced by strain La2 were detected, of which 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol and 4‐methyl‐1‐pentanol were the main antagonistic VOCs in terms of their effect on pear Valsa canker in vitro and in vivo. Further results showed that 4‐methyl‐1‐pentanol could destroy the V. pyri hyphal structure and cell membrane integrity. Importantly, the activities of pear defense‐related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and superoxide dismutase) were enhanced after 4‐methyl‐1‐pentanol treatment in pear twigs, suggesting that 4‐methyl‐1‐pentanol might induce a plant disease resistance response.CONCLUSIONAspergillus niger strain La2 and its VOCs 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol and 4‐methyl‐1‐pentanol have potential as novel biocontrol agents of pear Valsa canker. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reference‐Frame‐Independent Mode‐Pairing Quantum Key Distribution with Advantage Distillation
Authors: Li Yue , Sun Zhongqi , Liu Xinhe , Li Zhenhua , Li Jiaao , Wang Haoyang , Shi Kaiyi , Liu Chang , Ma Haiqiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe coordination between distance and the secure key rate is one of the main challenges in the practical application of quantum key distribution (QKD). Mode‐pairing quantum key distribution is one of the schemes that can surpass the secret key capacity for repeaterless QKD. However, the protocol utilizes phase to encode the information, which leads to the problem of active stabilization in the interferometer. In this paper, a reference‐frame‐independent mode‐pairing quantum key distribution (RFI‐MP‐QKD) is proposed as an effective scheme to solve this problem. Moreover, the performance of the RFI‐MP‐QKD protocol is improved by applying the Advantage Distillation (AD) method in data post‐processing, which separates the highly correlated raw key bits from the weakly correlated information. The simulation results show that the secure key rate of RFI‐MP‐QKD has almost no degradation for reference frame deviation angles of . Compared to RFI‐MP‐QKD without AD method, the AD method decreases the quantum bit error rate from 0.04 to 0.012 and increases the maximum transmission distance from 406 to 450 km. The scheme proposed is expected to facilitate the practical implementation of RFI‐MP‐QKD, especially in cases of concerning reference frame alignment and high channel loss.
Large‐vessel vasculitis induced by pegfilgrastim and immune checkpoint inhibitor in a patient with small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shiraha Keisuke , Takigawa Yuki , Sato Akiko , Fujiwara Keiichi , Matsuo Yuka , Goda Mayu , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Nakamura Eri , Fujiwara Miho , Matsuoka Suzuka , Watanabe Hiromi , Kudo Kenichiro , Sato Ken , Shibayama Takuo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 75‐year‐old woman with stage IVB (cT3N3M1c) extensive disease small‐cell lung cancer was treated with carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab. Ten days after pegfilgrastim initiation, during the second chemotherapy cycle, she experienced back pain. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed soft tissue thickening around the descending aorta and brachiocephalic artery. She was diagnosed with atezolizumab and pegfilgrastim‐induced large‐vessel vasculitis (LVV) and was treated with prednisolone, which was tapered and discontinued after 14 weeks, with no symptom recurrence. LVV should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with nonspecific body pain when pegfilgrastim and immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in combination.
Event‐based adaptive resilient control for networked nonlinear systems against unknown deception attacks and actuator saturation
Authors: Cao Yumeng , Niu Ben , Wang Huanqing , Zhao Xudong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates an event‐triggered adaptive resilient control problem for nonlinear systems against unknown false data injection and actuator saturation. The sensors of the controlled system are subject to unknown false data injection attacks so that all original states can not be directly applied in the controller design process. To address the negative effects of the false data injection attacks, attack compensators are introduced in control design. Simultaneously, a dynamic event‐triggering mechanism is set up to reduce the communication burden of the network. Furthermore, an auxiliary system is constructed to cope with the actuator saturation that commonly exists in practical systems. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, it is demonstrated that the designed adaptive controller can guarantee the stability of the controlled system and the boundedness of all signals. The validity of the proposed control scheme is evidenced by simulation examples.
Reinforcement learning‐based event‐triggered optimal control for unknown nonlinear systems with input delay
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Sun Weiwei , Gao Xinci , Li Yongshu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe optimal control issue of discrete‐time nonlinear unknown systems with time‐delay control input is the focus of this work. In order to reduce communication costs, a reinforcement learning‐based event‐triggered controller is proposed. By applying the proposed control method, closed‐loop system's asymptotic stability is demonstrated, and a maximum upper bound for the infinite‐horizon performance index can be calculated beforehand. The event‐triggered condition requires the next time state information. In an effort to forecast the next state and achieve optimal control, three neural networks (NNs) are introduced and used to approximate system state, value function, and optimal control. Additionally, a M NN is utilized to cope with the time‐delay term of control input. Moreover, taking the estimation errors of NNs into account, the uniformly ultimately boundedness of state and NNs weight estimation errors can be guaranteed. Ultimately, the validity of proposed approach is illustrated by simulations.
Exploring the feasibility of autonomous forestry operations: Results from the first experimental unmanned machine
Authors: La Hera Pedro , Mendoza‐Trejo Omar , Lindroos Ola , Lideskog Håkan , Lindbäck Torbjörn , Latif Saira , Li Songyu , Karlberg Magnus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article presents a study on the world's first unmanned machine designed for autonomous forestry operations. In response to the challenges associated with traditional forestry operations, we developed a platform equipped with essential hardware components necessary for performing autonomous forwarding tasks. Through the use of computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms, the machine is able to pick up logs from the ground and manoeuvre through a range of forest terrains without the need for human intervention. Our initial results demonstrate the potential for safe and efficient autonomous extraction of logs in the cut‐to‐length harvesting process. We achieved a high level of accuracy in our computer vision system, and our autonomous navigation system proved to be highly efficient. This research represents a significant milestone in the field of autonomous outdoor robotics, with far‐reaching implications for the future of forestry operations. By reducing the need for human labor, autonomous machines have the potential to increase productivity and reduce labor costs, while also minimizing the environmental impact of timber harvesting. The success of our study highlights the potential for further development and optimization of autonomous machines in the forestry industry.
A deep learning approach for the comparison of handwritten documents using latent feature vectors
Authors: Kim Juhyeon , Park Soyoung , Carriquiry Alicia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractForensic questioned document examiners still largely rely on visual assessments and expert judgment to determine the provenance of a handwritten document. Here, we propose a novel approach to objectively compare two handwritten documents using a deep learning algorithm. First, we implement a bootstrapping technique to segment document data into smaller units, as a means to enhance the efficiency of the deep learning process. Next, we use a transfer learning algorithm to systematically extract document features. The unique characteristics of the document data are then represented as latent vectors. Finally, the similarity between two handwritten documents is quantified via the cosine similarity between the two latent vectors. We illustrate the use of the proposed method by implementing it on a variety of collections of handwritten documents with different attributes, and show that in most cases, we can accurately classify pairs of documents into same or different author categories.
Talking about “bioluminescence” and “puppies of the ocean”: An anti‐deficit exploration of how families create and use digital artifacts for informal science learning during and after an aquarium visit
Authors: Kelly Kimberly R. , Maloles Claudine , George Natalie , Mokatish Selah , Neves Savannah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFamilies commonly document their outings by capturing their experiences through digital photographs and videos. However, little is known about the ways in which families engage their personal mobile devices to document educational family outings and how they subsequently talk about the digital artifacts that captured their informal learning experiences. This paper presents new evidence on family digital artifact creation during an informal science institution (ISI) visit, the expected and actual uses of their digital artifacts after the visit, and family conversations reminiscing about the ISI visit with the digital artifacts. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed‐methods design, data on family digital artifact creation during an aquarium visit (N = 204) and digital artifact use after the visit (n = 67) were collected using parent surveys. Audio‐recorded parent‐child conversations with a subset of families (n = 25) document whether and how families use their digital artifacts to reminisce about the aquarium visit. Quantitative findings detail family digital technology practices during informal learning experiences, and qualitative findings suggest evidence of informal science learning in the everyday interactions of the families who elected to continue the study. The study indicates that family storytelling and digital technology practices may help to bridge informal science learning from ISI to home and frames family non‐participation within an anti‐deficit perspective.
Green finance policy instrument mix and firms' environmental innovation: Does firm life‐cycle stage matter?
Authors: Liao Zhongju , Xu Lijun , Zhang Mengnan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMany countries around the world have introduced green finance policies to promote environmental innovation activities. Based on institutional theory and life‐cycle theory, this study constructs a model among green finance, life cycle, and firms' environmental innovation. The research sample consists of 558 Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share manufacturing listed firms from 2010 to 2021. Using multiple regression analysis, this study examines the influences of green credit, green bonds, and the mix of the two on firms' environmental innovation and the moderating role of the firm life cycle. The results indicate that green credit, green bonds, and the mix of the two have positive effects on firms' environmental innovation. Green bonds and the mix of green credit and green bonds have stronger positive effects on firms' environmental innovation in the growth stage than in the maturity and recession stages. By introducing firms' life‐cycle theory, this study reveals the mechanism between green financial policy and firms' environmental innovation, and provides a reference for optimizing combinations of green financial policy measures to promote the development of firms' environmental innovation activities.
Preparation of Novel 3,4,5‐Triaryl‐1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Derivatives: Molecular Docking and α‐Glucosidase assessment
Authors: Roustaei Sara , Saeedian Moghadam Ebrahim , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Amini Mohsen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) has become a growing health problem, across all globe. Many factors have contributed into this issue, among them inappropriate lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and growing spiritual/mental concerns are to be rated higher. Likewise much research needed to be diverted in progress for treatment of DM. Herein, we report synthesis and antidiabetic activity evaluation of ten novel phenolic derivatives of triaryl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole 7 a–j. The compounds have synthesized using multistep reactions in acceptable purity and yields. Final step was done using 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between various Schiff bases and arylnitrile oxides. 7 a–j were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and IR) and their purities were confirmed using elemental analysis. All 7 a–j were evaluated for their α‐Glucosidase inhibitory activity. All compounds showed higher activity in inhibiting the enzyme, in comparison to standard, acarbose. Compounds 7 e and 7 g exerted the best activity with the IC50 value of 193.6 and 222.0 μM respectively. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic study approach was adopted to judge the effect of 7 e on enzyme inhibition. Finally, docking simulations revealed the possible mode of interactions between 7 e and 7 g and enzyme active sites. Final conclusion of results showed that oxadiazole scaffold/s are a potential antidiabetic target.
Overcoming strategic persistence: Effects of multiple scenario analysis on strategic reorientation
Authors: Healey Mark P. , Hodgkinson Gerard P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryTo thrive in an unpredictable world, managers must adapt their decision‐making to changing events. However, a major impediment to adaptation is strategic persistence, that is, the tendency to stick with previously successful strategies. We examined whether multiple scenario analysis can help to overcome the dysfunctional effects of strategic persistence. In a laboratory study using a multi‐round strategy simulation that required players to change strategies to succeed, we found that multiple scenario analysis alleviated the effects of strategic persistence by stimulating strategic reorientation, that is, adaptive shifts in patterns of strategic choice. Multiple scenario analysis influenced strategic reorientation indirectly, by fostering belief in a new strategy, and its effectiveness depended on prior performance. We discuss implications for research on the cognitive microfoundations of strategic adaptation.Managerial SummaryWhat can managers do when their previously successful strategy stops working? We found that using multiple scenario analysis, a common strategic planning technique can help decision makers switch to a new strategy. In our study, using a business simulation game that required players to change strategies to succeed, we found that those players who imagined different industry futures as part of a multiple scenario analysis exercise were more likely to believe in new strategies and as a result more likely to switch to the winning strategy. However, this intervention was less effective for players who had high levels of success with the old strategy. We discuss how scenario‐based intervention techniques can be used to assist managers with reorientating to a new strategy.
Cholesteric Tactoids with Tunable Helical Pitch Assembled by Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Wu Chao , Bagnani Massimo , Jin Tonghui , Yuan Ye , Mezzenga Raffaele 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmyloid fibrils are biological rod‐like particles showing liquid–liquid crystalline phase separation into cholesteric phases through a complex behavior of nucleation, growth, and order‐order transitions. Yet, controlling the self‐assembly of amyloids into liquid crystals, and particularly the resulting helical periodicity, remains challenging. Here, a novel cholesteric system is introduced and characterized based on hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) amyloid fibrils and the results rationalized via a combination of experiments and theoretical scaling arguments. Specifically, the transition behaviors are elucidated from homogenous nematic, bipolar nematic to cholesteric tactoids following the classic Onsager model and the free energy functional model from Frank–Oseen elasticity theory. Additionally, the critical effects of pH and ionic strength on these order–order‐transitions, as well as on the shape and helical pitch of the cholesteric tactoids are demonstrated. It is found that a small increase in pH from 2.0 to 2.8 results in a 34% decrease in pitch, while, on the contrary, increasing ionic strength from 0 to 10 mm leads to a 39% increase in pitch. The present study provides an approach to obtain controllable chiral nematic structures from HEWL amyloid fibrils, and may contribute further to the application of protein‐based liquid crystals in pitch‐sensitive biosensors or biomimetic architectures.
Doping Ability Modulated by Interlayer Coupling in AA′ and AB Stacked Bilayer V–WS2 Grown with Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Tian Chuang , Sui Yanping , Xiao Runhan , Feng Yuhan , Liu Jiawen , Wang Haomin , Zhao Sunwen , Wang Shuang , Li Pai , Yu Guanghui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDoping in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) has received extensive attention for its prospect in the application of photoelectric devices. Currently researchers focus on the doping ability and doping distribution in monolayer TMD and have obtained a series of achievements. Bilayer TMD has more excellent properties compared with monolayer TMD. Moreover, bilayer TMD with different stacking structures presents varying performance due to the difference in interlayer coupling. Herein, this work focuses on doping ability of dopants in different bilayer stacking structures that has not been studied yet. Results of this work show that the doping ability of V atoms in bilayer AA′ and AB stacked WS2 is different, and the doping concentration of V atoms in AB stacked WS2 is higher than in AA′ stacked WS2. Moreover, dopants from top and bottom layer can be distinguished by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation further confirms the doping rule. This study reveals the mechanism of the different doping ability caused by stacking structures in bilayer TMD and lays a foundation for further preparation of controllable‐doping bilayer TMD materials.
Toward a Metal Anode‐Free Zinc‐Air Battery for Next‐Generation Energy Storage
Authors: Deckenbach Daniel , Schneider Jörg J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) promise high energy density and safety. However, the use of conventional zinc anodes affects the energy output from the battery, so that the theoretical energy density is not achievable under operation conditions. A large portion of the zinc is shielded by anode passivation during the discharge process and remains electrochemically unused, making the operation of rechargeable ZABs inefficient up to date. In a metal anode‐free ZAB, there is no unnecessary excess zinc if the zinc reservoir can be precisely adjusted by electrodeposition of zinc from the electrolyte. In this respect, an anode‐free battery uses the electrolyte offering a dual‐mode functionality not only providing ionic conductivity but also being the source of zinc. In addition, it is shown that a defined porous anode architecture is crucial for high rechargeability in this new type of ZAB. 3D‐spatially arranged carbon nanotubes as geometrically defined host structures allow a homogeneous zinc deposition from the electrolyte. Together with carbon nanohorns as an active 2e− catalyst on the cathode side, the rechargeability of this new concept reaches up to 92%.
Thermal‐to‐Electrical Conversion Based on Salinity Gradient Driven by Evaporation
Authors: Hu Lijun , Zheng Haoyang , Yang Shisheng , Liu Xinhong , Du Yi‐Meng , Li Jinao , Wang Hongqing , Sun Kuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConstructing concentration differences between anions and cations at the ends of an ionic conductor is an effective strategy in electricity generation for powering wearable devices. Temperature gradient or salinity gradient is the driving force behind such devices. But their corresponding power generation devices are greatly limited in actual application due to their complex structure and harsh application conditions. In this study, a novel ionic concentration gradient electric generator based on the evaporation difference of the electrolyte is proposed. The device can be constructed without the need for semipermeable membranes, and operation does not need to build a temperature difference. As a demonstration, a PVA–Na ionic hydrogel is prepared as an electrolyte for the device and achieved a thermovoltage of more than 200 mV and an energy density of 77.94 J m−2 at 323 K. Besides, the device exhibits the capability to sustain a continuous voltage output for a duration exceeding 1500 min, as well as enabling charging and discharging cycles for 100 iterations. For practical applications, a module comprising 16 sub‐cells is constructed and successfully utilized to directly power a light‐emitting diode. Wearable devices and their corresponding cell modules are also developed to recycle body heat.
Tuning Hole Transport Properties and Perovskite Crystallization via Pyridine‐Based Molecules for Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chai Yuru , Wu Liyuan , Chen Yu , Zhang Guikai , Guo Xihong , Wang Dan , Dong Jinquan , Huang Huan , Zhao Lina , Sun Baoyun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuasi‐2D perovskites show great potential as photovoltaic devices with superior stability, but the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is limited by poor carrier transport. Here, it is simultaneously affected the hole transport layer (HTL) and the perovskite layer by incorporating pyridine‐based materials into poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to address the key problem above in 2D perovskites. With this approach, the enhanced optoelectronic performance of the novel PEDOT:PSS is due to electron transfer between the additives and PEDOT or PSS, as well as a dissociation between PEDOT and PSS based on experimental and theoretical studies, which facilitates the charge extraction and transfer. Concurrently, in‐situ X‐ray scattering studies reveal that the introduction of pyridine‐based molecules alters the transformation process of the perovskite intermediate phase, which leads to a preferred orientation and ordered distribution caused by the Pb─N chemical bridge, achieving efficient charge transport. As a result, the pyridine‐treated devices achieve an increased short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and PCE of over 17%.