bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excellent catalytic activity of NiPd/C nanocatalysts for anodic oxidation of methanol in alkaline media
Authors: Nguyen Son Truong , Minh Vu Tan , Boi Ly Tuyen , Cao Ngan Ngo Hoang , Nguyen Minh Truong Xuan , Nguyen Kha Minh , Ngo Thang Manh , Huynh Ha Ky Phuong , Nguyen Duy Phuc Thanh , Nguyen Hoang , Phan Anh N 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, nanocatalyst NiPd was synthesized via a successful two-stage reduction process with NaBH4 and PVP. More specifically, the first stage involves NaBH4 reduction of Ni2+ ion to metallic Ni. Afterwards, Pd would be coated on the surface of the aformentioned Ni particles by reducing Pd2+ using the remaining NaBH4. The effect of experimental parameters on the synthesis and catalytic activity of the nanocatalysts, such as reaction temperature (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 °C), reaction time (60, 90, 120, 150, 180 minutes), Pd:Ni mole ratio (1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10). were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyse the surface structure, composition and morphology of the catalyst samples. The catalytic activity and stability of the resulting NiPd/C catalysts were investigated towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline environment by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. The results showed that the highest catalytic activity was found for the sample synthesized at 50 °C with 120-minute reaction time and the Pd:Ni molar ratio of 5:10. The influence of KOH and methanol concentrations on the catalytic activity of NiPd/C for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline medium was also investigated. The results demonstrated the promising potential of NiPd/C nanomaterials as catalyst materials for the anodic layer in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Patterns in the Distribution and Abundance of the Post-Outbreak Population of the Coconut Leaf Beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Albay, Philippines
Authors: Galicia G L , Medina C dR , Velasco L R I , Ceballo F A , Rebancos C M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Field monitoring of the coconut leaf beetle (CLB) population in old stands (more than 7 years old) and young stands of coconut (3-5 years old) was conducted in Albay Philippines where an outbreak of the pest occurred in 2006. The study was conducted to characterize the changes in the population of the CLB over time and space and to relate these changes to the infestation pattern, age of palms, development and reproduction of the pest, growth, and development of the coconut leaf. The spatial distribution of the CLB population as well as the infested palms were aggregated throughout the monitoring period based on the Index of dispersion and Lloyd’s mean crowding. Development time and reproduction of CLB is inferred to be synchronous with the emergence of each leaflet in the spear of coconut which has an average of 23 days before another leaflet emerges. This complemented the biology studies where CLB was able to complete from egg to adult in 34.33±2.59 and 32.00±0.93 days in females for both laboratory and greenhouse studies. The infestation of CLB was shown not to spread even if there was an increase in the population.
Sustainable Utilization of King Coconut Husk as a Feedstock in Biochar Production with the Highest Conversion Efficiency and Desirable Properties
Authors: Ekanayaka E. M. G. N. , Dissanayake D. K. R. P. L. , Udumann S. S. , Dissanayaka D. M. N. S. , Nuwarapaksha T. D. , Herath H. M. S. K. , Atapattu Anjana J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
King coconut husk biochar is a soil amendment that can potentially increase soil fertility in degraded soils under perennial coconut plantations. This experiment was conducted in a laboratory to investigate the properties of biochar produced with different cut sizes of king coconut husk under different pyrolysis conditions. Full husk, 1/2nd cuts, 1/4th cuts, 1/8th cuts, and chips of king coconut husk were pyrolyzed at 300°C and 500°C temperatures for 20, 30, 40, 60, 90, and 180 minutes of residence times, respectively. Even though partial pyrolysis was observed at 300°C under a few residence times, complete pyrolysis was observed at 500°C under all six residence times. Increasing the residence time caused a statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in biochar yield at 500°C due to the removal of chemical compounds and gases by thermal decomposition under prolonged high-temperature conditions, resulting in low biochar output. The fixed carbon, volatile matter, ash, and pH levels have not improved substantially due to prolonged residence time. The highest level of fixed carbon was detected after 60 minutes of residence time with the least amount of ash and volatile components. Using biochar made from king coconut husk with a 1/4th cut size as a soil amendment with minimal processing and drying activity will be economically viable to increase carbon sequestration.
Pest and Disease Challenges, Control Strategies as Well as Policy Support for The IPM Program on Coconut
Authors: Hosang M L A , Alouw J C , Rahma  , Sambiran J W , Pinaria B A N , Kardinan Agus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Coconut played an important role in humans as an estate commodity. Many efforts have been made to increase coconut production through intensification, extensification, and diversification but those efforts have not given maximum results yet, likewise, assembling superior coconut varieties also have been carried out, to produce superior coconut varieties such as Tall coconut, Dwarf coconut, Hybrid coconut, but this is also not been able to increase coconut production optimally. On the other hand, several factors can cause the decline in coconut production, such as severe damage caused by major pests and diseases. The list of highlighted major pests in this article was as follows, Rhynchophorus spp., Cyrtotrachelus sp., Oryctes rhinoceros, Amblypelta sp., and Opisina arenosella. Three species of it were categorized as new emerging pests in Indonesia: Cyrtotrachelus sp., Amblypelta sp., and O. arenosella. Cyrtotrachelus sp. has been reported to cause damage, and mortality of coconut plants reached 10.63%, as well as Amblypelta sp., as reported in North Sulawesi Province, while the O. arenosella has been reported to caused severe damage to coconut plantations in West Java. For diseases, are Bud Rot Disease and Nut Fall Disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora. In 2022, Nias Yellow Dwarf coconuts in Tiniawangko Village, South Minahasa, North Sulawesi, infected with Bud Rot disease by 31.53%, causing coconut plants to die, and Nut Fall Disease causing a decrease in production by 25.00%. In addition, it was found that coconut plants died due to infection with an Unknown Disease. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective approach to control all pests and diseass, where possible. This is a combination of methods (pesticides, physical controls such as site hygiene, and biological controls) to minimize the use of pesticides and the cost of control. The IPM program can run well if there is policy support from the government.
Quercetin nanoformulations: recent advancements and therapeutic applications
Authors: Kaur Simrandeep , Goyal Ayushi , Rai Arya , Sharma Akshay , Ugoeze Kenneth Chinedu , Singh Inderbir 
Published: September 2023

AbstractQuercetin is a natural bioflavonoid and is an inevitable part of a person’s daily diet. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial effects and is used for the treatment of several diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and microbial infections. The major limitations of quercetin are low water solubility, less chemical stability, low bioavailability, and short biological half-life. All these major drawbacks can be overcome by its encapsulation in various nanocarriers (nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, nanocrystals, nanomicelles, etc). Such quercetin encapsulated nanoformulations displayed enhanced solubility, stability, bioavailability, high encapsulation efficiency, controlled drug release and extended systemic circulation time period. Quercetin loaded nanocarriers can easily pass across different barriers like blood brain barrier (BBB), skin barriers, mucosal membrane, hence providing target site specific delivery. They also exhibited improved therapeutic effects such as enhanced anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-psoriasis, anti-oxidant, anti-asthmatic, anti-acne, skin-whitening, hepatoprotective, photoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective and cardioprotective actions. Major health issues associated with nanoformulations are risk of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mutations that can be minimised with continual advancements in nanotechniques. The present review discusses quercetin, its historical background, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and therapeutic applications with major emphasis on the quercetin nanoformulations such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, nanocrystals, nanosuspensions and nanomicelles that enhances its physicochemical stability, solubility, and therapeutic applications. Also this review includes different quercetin nanoformulations developed for colon cancer and colorectal cancer treatment, brief description of pre-clinical & clinical studies, toxicological concerns, challenges & opportunities, future aspects, patents and marketed quercetin products.
Green nanosilica and highly efficient removal of methylene blue
Authors: Thuadaij Pattaranun , Yodyingyong Supan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A new precipitation method has been developed for improving the production of nanosilica that is faster and more environmentally friendly. The study investigates the effects of different acid types and concentrations, as well as aging times, to determine the optimal conditions for preparing nanosilica from sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). Nanosilica synthesised with citric acid exhibits a higher specific surface area (554.01 m2 g−1) and yield (88.54%) compared to those synthesised with sulfuric, oxalic, and acetic acids. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that the synthesised nanosilica has an amorphous silica phase with a particle diameter of approximately 5.6 nm. The applicability of the synthesised nanosilica as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) is studied. Various conditions such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration of MB are evaluated. The results reveal that the synthesised nanosilica has a high adsorption capacity (232.29 mg g−1) and removal efficiency (R%) of 90% for MB. The experimental results align with the Freundlich model and can be used for effective dye removal. The development of a simple and environmentally friendly method for synthesising nanosilica with superior adsorption properties is an important contribution to the field of waste management and provides a useful tool for tackling environmental pollution caused by organic dyes.
Revealing flat bands and hybridization gaps in a twisted bilayer graphene device with microARPES
Authors: Jiang Zhihao , Hsieh Kimberly , Jones Alfred J H , Majchrzak Paulina , Sahoo Chakradhar , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Miwa Jill A , Chen Yong P , Ulstrup Søren 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Controlling the electronic structure of two-dimensional materials using the combination of twist angle and electrostatic doping is an effective means to induce emergent phenomena. In bilayer graphene with an interlayer twist angle near the magic angle, the electronic dispersion is strongly modified by a manifold of hybridizing moiré Dirac cones leading to flat band segments with strong electronic correlations. Numerous technical challenges arising from spatial inhomogeneity of interlayer interactions, twist angle and device functionality have so far limited momentum-resolved electronic structure measurements of these systems to static conditions. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the electronic structure exhibiting miniband dispersions for twisted bilayer graphene, near the magic angle, integrated in a functional device architecture using micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The optimum conditions for visualizing the miniband dispersion are determined by exploiting the spatial resolution and photon energy tunability of the light source and applied to extract a hybridization gap size of

(
0.14
±
0.03
)

eV and flat band segments extending across a moiré mini Brillouin zone. In situ electrostatic gating of the sample enables significant electron-doping, causing the conduction band states to shift below the Fermi energy. Our work emphasizes key challenges in probing the electronic structure of magic angle bilayer graphene devices and outlines conditions for exploring the doping-dependent evolution of the dispersion that underpins the ability to control many-body interactions in the material.
Optimizing process for pulsed laser additive manufacturing of nickel-based single crystal superalloy
Authors: Ci Shiwei , Liang Jingjing , Li Jinguo , Zhou Yizhou , Sun Xiaofeng , Cheng Zonghui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The relationship between pulsed laser processing parameters and epitaxial growth of alloy is essential to additive manufacturing technology in repairing and manufacturing nickel-based single crystal (SX) superalloys. In this paper, orthogonal experiments of Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED-L) process have been designed to optimize the process for the epitaxial growth of the SX superalloy. The relationship between process parameters and epitaxial growth of SX superalloy is established in a radar map, which shows that low laser power, pulse width and powder feeding rate help epitaxial growth in the DED-L process. It is implied that increasing the powder feeding rate value in the process range decreases the epitaxial growth rate of the molten pool and increases manufacturing efficiency. The size of the cladding layer width is greatly influenced by laser power (reached 44%) and pulse width (reached 38%). The deposited heigh of the cladding layer is mainly influenced by pulse width (reached 45%) and powder feeding rate (reached 42%). The process parameters have a similar level (approximately 33%) of influence on the powder using efficiency.
Analysis of heat transfer performance and thermo-hydraulic characteristics of graphene nanofluids: impact of sedimentation effects
Authors: Lakshmanan Periyannan , Periyasamy Saravanan , kanagarajan Saranya , Dhairiyasamy Ratchagaraja 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the heat transfer performance and thermo-hydraulic characteristics of nanofluids containing graphene nanoparticles in a water and ethylene glycol mixture. Results show that both nanofluid samples, with concentrations of 0.15% and 0.10% by volume, experience increased heat transfer coefficients (h) compared to the base fluid under various operating conditions, with average reductions of approximately 21% and 26%, respectively. Additionally, the nanofluids exhibit higher friction losses and pressure drops compared to the base fluid. The friction factor and head loss increased by 8.7% and 7.7% for the 0.15% concentration sample and 12.7% and 12.4% for the 0.10% concentration sample. These findings indicate that the thermo-hydraulic performance of the nanofluids is unsatisfactory, offering limited advantages over the base fluid. Surprisingly, the sedimentation of nanoparticles in the test section leads to unexpected results. Contrary to typical observations, the higher concentration sample shows a lower head loss. This discrepancy is attributed to nanoparticle sedimentation, increasing friction factors, and pressure drops. The study also examines the thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanofluids. It is found that even at low concentrations, graphene nanofluids exhibit higher thermal conductivity than the base fluid. The dynamic viscosity slightly increases with concentration, aligning well with theoretical models. Further research is needed to optimize nanofluid performance and address these issues in practical applications.
Machine learning (ML)-assisted surface tension and oscillation-induced elastic modulus studies of oxide-coated liquid metal (LM) alloys
Authors: Hossain Kazi Zihan , Kamran Sharif Amit , Tavakkoli Alireza , Khan M Rashed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pendant drops of oxide-coated high-surface tension fluids frequently produce perturbed shapes that impede interfacial studies. Eutectic gallium indium or Galinstan are high-surface tension fluids coated with a ∼5 nm gallium oxide (Ga2O3) film and falls under this fluid classification, also known as liquid metals (LMs). The recent emergence of LM-based applications often cannot proceed without analyzing interfacial energetics in different environments. While numerous techniques are available in the literature for interfacial studies- pendant droplet-based analyses are the simplest. However, the perturbed shape of the pendant drops due to the presence of surface oxide has been ignored frequently as a source of error. Also, exploratory investigations of surface oxide leveraging oscillatory pendant droplets have remained untapped. We address both challenges and present two contributing novelties- (a) by utilizing the machine learning (ML) technique, we predict the approximate surface tension value of perturbed pendant droplets, (ii) by leveraging the oscillation-induced bubble tensiometry method, we study the dynamic elastic modulus of the oxide-coated LM droplets. We have created our dataset from LM’s pendant drop shape parameters and trained different models for comparison. We have achieved >99% accuracy with all models and added versatility to work with other fluids. The best-performing model was leveraged further to predict the approximate values of the nonaxisymmetric LM droplets. Then, we analyzed LM’s elastic and viscous moduli in air, harnessing oscillation-induced pendant droplets, which provides complementary opportunities for interfacial studies alternative to expensive rheometers. We believe it will enable more fundamental studies of the oxide layer on LM, leveraging both symmetric and perturbed droplets. Our study broadens the materials science horizon, where researchers from ML and artificial intelligence domains can work synergistically to solve more complex problems related to surface science, interfacial studies, and other studies relevant to LM-based systems.
Atrial fibrillation-associated electrical remodelling in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes: a novel pathway for antiarrhythmic therapy development
Authors: Seibertz Fitzwilliam , Rubio Tony , Springer Robin , Popp Fiona , Ritter Melanie , Liutkute Aiste , Bartelt Lena , Stelzer Lea , Haghighi Fereshteh , Pietras Jan , Windel Hendrik , Pedrosa Núria Díaz i , Rapedius Markus , Doering Yannic , Solano Richard , Hindmarsh Robin , Shi Runzhu , Tiburcy Malte , Bruegmann Tobias , Kutschka Ingo , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Kensah George , Cyganek Lukas , Zimmermann Wolfram H , Voigt Niels 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with tachycardia-induced cellular electrophysiology alterations which promote AF chronification and treatment resistance. Development of novel antiarrhythmic therapies is hampered by the absence of scalable experimental human models that reflect AF-associated electrical remodelling. Therefore, we aimed to assess if AF-associated remodelling of cellular electrophysiology can be simulated in human atrial-like cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells in the presence of retinoic acid (iPSC-aCM), and atrial-engineered human myocardium (aEHM) under short term (24 h) and chronic (7 days) tachypacing (TP).

Methods and results
First, 24-h electrical pacing at 3 Hz was used to investigate whether AF-associated remodelling in iPSC-aCM and aEHM would ensue. Compared to controls (24 h, 1 Hz pacing) TP-stimulated iPSC-aCM presented classical hallmarks of AF-associated remodelling: (i) decreased L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and (ii) impaired activation of acetylcholine-activated inward-rectifier K+ current (IK,ACh). This resulted in action potential shortening and an absent response to the M-receptor agonist carbachol in both iPSC-aCM and aEHM subjected to TP. Accordingly, mRNA expression of the channel-subunit Kir3.4 was reduced. Selective IK,ACh blockade with tertiapin reduced basal inward-rectifier K+ current only in iPSC-aCM subjected to TP, thereby unmasking an agonist-independent constitutively active IK,ACh. To allow for long-term TP, we developed iPSC-aCM and aEHM expressing the light-gated ion-channel f-Chrimson. The same hallmarks of AF-associated remodelling were observed after optical-TP. In addition, continuous TP (7 days) led to (i) increased amplitude of inward-rectifier K+ current (IK1), (ii) hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential, (iii) increased action potential-amplitude and upstroke velocity as well as (iv) reversibly impaired contractile function in aEHM.

Conclusions
Classical hallmarks of AF-associated remodelling were mimicked through TP of iPSC-aCM and aEHM. The use of the ultrafast f-Chrimson depolarizing ion channel allowed us to model the time-dependence of AF-associated remodelling in vitro for the first time. The observation of electrical remodelling with associated reversible contractile dysfunction offers a novel platform for human-centric discovery of antiarrhythmic therapies.
Floral Diversity and Pollination Syndromes in Agave subgenus Manfreda
Authors: MacNeill Bryan N , Ortiz-Brunel Juan Pablo , Rodríguez Aarón , Ruiz-Sánchez Eduardo , Navarro-Moreno Jesús , Hofford Nathaniel P , McKain Michael R 
Published: September 2023

Synopsis
The genus Agave is an ecological keystone of American deserts and both culturally and economically important in Mexico. Agave is a large genus of about 250 species. The radiation of Agave is marked by an initial adaptation to desert environments and then a secondary diversification of species associated with pollinator groups, such as hummingbirds and nocturnal moths. Phylogenetic analyses place Agave subgenus Manfreda, or the “herbaceous agaves,” in a monophyletic clade that likely evolved in part as an adaptation to novel pollination vectors. Here, we present a morphological and observational study assessing the evolution of floral form in response to pollinator specialization within this understudied group. We found significant visitation by hummingbirds and nocturnal moths to several species within the Agave subgenus Manfreda. These observations also align with our morphological analyses of floral organs and support the evolution of distinct pollination syndromes. We found that not all floral morphology is consistent within a pollination syndrome, suggesting hidden diversity in the evolution of floral phenotypes in Agave. We also characterize the morphological variation between herbarium and live specimens, demonstrating that special consideration needs to be made when combining these types of data. This work identifies the potential for studying the functional evolution of diverse floral forms within Agave and demonstrates the need to further explore ecological and evolutionary relationships to understand pollinator influence on diversification in the genus.