bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of Green Technologies Use by Farmers: Implications for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
Authors: Anagah Francis I. 
Published: June 2023

Background: The study reviewed green technologies used by farmers. It specifically reviewed what green technology is all about in farming; green technologies used by farmers and its role on environmental sustainability and challenge to use of green technology in farming.
Materials and Methods: The author reviewed books, journals, bulletin theses, dissertations, research reports etc.
Results: Findings show that solar photovoltaic, wind energy, biofuel, biogas, biomass, organic farming, integrated pest management, mixed farming, etc. are the most common green technologies use by farmers in Nigeria. The findinds further showed that the adverse effect of conventional technology and modern farming practice on the natural environment were environmental degradation, global warming, climate change, reduction in biodiversity, destruction of soil health and natural habitat, economic loss to farmers, which can be addressed by green technologies use with its potentials of healing damaged natural environments and ensuring profitability as cost of production is reduced by 67% and sustainability of environment in the production process. The benefits of green technologies are quality natural environment, healthy farm produce and sustainable biodiversity while challenges to its use are cost intensive, lack of technical know-how, illiteracy of the farmers, inadequate information on the potentials and limitation of its application. Green technology is the path of rapid agricultural development and welfare improvement as it increases profitability and health of farmers and guarantees environmental sustainability. The study recommends policy measures promoting use of green technologies by farmers for environmental sustainability and profit maximization.
Assessment of a self‐inspection method and reporting measured electrometer correction factors for reference‐class electrometers in radiotherapy
Authors: Kawashima Motohiro , Varnava Maria , Ozawa Shuichi , Okada Hiroki , Higuchi Hiromitsu , Hoshino Yoshihiko , Tashiro Mutsumi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeThe standard dosimetry system of medical accelerators in radiotherapy consists of an ionization chamber, an electrometer, and cables. Guidance for TG‐51 reference dosimetry reported that the electrometer correction factor (Pelec) should be checked every few years. Therefore, continuous Pelec measurements have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to measure the Pelec with a charge generator at our institution and to evaluate variations over time. The measurements are compared with calibration data given by an Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory (ADCL).Materials and methodsWe used four reference‐class electrometers: RT521R (RTQM system/EMF Japan), Model 35040 (FLUKE), RAMTEC Duo (Toyo medic), and UNIDOS‐E (PTW). Each electrometer was connected to the charge generator, and the required charge was applied. The measurement points used were the same as those used for calibration by the ADCL. From the measured charges at each point, the Pelec was obtained from the slope of the linear regression function. The measurements were repeated over a 3‐month period to evaluate variations over time for each electrometer. Additionally, error budgets for the Pelec measurements were estimated, and the overall uncertainty was determined.ResultsThe measured Pelec values were 1.0000, 0.9995, 1.0009/0.9999, and 0.9995/0.9998 for RT521R, Model 35040, the low/medium (L/M) ranges of RAMTEC Duo, and the L/M ranges of UNIDOS‐E, respectively. The measured Pelec values agreed within 0.1% with those given by the ADCL. We found a small drift in the measurements for one electrometer. Additionally, the uncertainty considered was 0.26% for k = 2 (k, coverage factor).ConclusionIn this study, stable Pelec values were obtained for four electrometers using a charge generator over a three‐month period. The measured Pelec values were within the overall uncertainty stated in the electrometer guidelines. However, performing periodic measurements for the Pelec was able to help in detecting small errors.
A Selective, Hydrogel‐Based Prodrug Delivery System Efficiently Activates a Suicide Gene to Remove Undifferentiated Human Stem Cells Within Neural Grafts
Authors: Law Kevin C. L. , Mahmoudi Negar , Zadeh Zahra E. , Williams Richard. J. , Hunt Cameron P. J. , Nagy Andras , Thompson Lachlan H. , Nisbet David R. , Parish Clare L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into defined populations has advanced regenerative medicine, especially for Parkinson's disease where clinical trials are underway. Despite this, tumorigenic risks associated with incompletely patterned and/or quiescent proliferative cells within grafts remain. Addressing this, donor stem cells carrying the suicide gene, thymidine kinase (activated by the prodrug ganciclovir, GCV), are employed to enable the programmed ablation of proliferative cells within neural grafts. However, coinciding the short half‐life of GCV with the short S‐phase of neural progenitors is a key challenge. To overcome this, a smart hydrogel delivery matrix is fabricatedto prolong GCV presentation. Following matrix embedment, GCV retains its functionality, demonstrated by ablation of hPSCs and proliferating neural progenitors in vitro. A prolonged GCV release is measured by mass spectrometry following the injection of a GCV‐functionalized hydrogel into mouse brains. Compared to suboptimal, daily systemic GCV injections, the intracerebral delivery of the functionalized hydrogel, as a “one‐off treatment”, reduce proliferative cells in both hPSC‐derived teratomas and neural grafts, without affecting the graft's functional unit (i.e., neurons). It is demonstrated that a functionalized biomaterial can enhance prodrug delivery and address safety concerns associated with the use of hPSCs for brain repair.
Nanotargeted Delivery of Immune Therapeutics in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jung Sungwook , Ben Nasr Moufida , Bahmani Baharak , Usuelli Vera , Zhao Jing , Sabiu Gianmarco , Seelam Andy Joe , Naini Said Movahedi , Balasubramanian Hari Baskar , Park Youngrong , Li Xiaofei , Khalefa Salma Ayman , Kasinath Vivek , Williams MacKenzie D. , Rachid Ousama , Haik Yousef , Tsokos George C. , Wasserfall Clive H. , Atkinson Mark A. , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Tao Wei , Fiorina Paolo , Abdi Reza 
Published: June 2023

AbstractImmune therapeutics holds great promise in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Nonetheless, their progress is hampered by limited efficacy, equipoise, or issues of safety. To address this, a novel and specific nanodelivery platform for T1D that targets high endothelial venules (HEVs) presented in the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs) and pancreas is developed. Data indicate that the pancreata of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and patients with T1D are unique in their expression of newly formed HEVs. Anti‐CD3 mAb is encapsulated in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)–poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles (NPs), the surfaces of which are conjugated with MECA79 mAb that recognizes HEVs. Targeted delivery of these NPs improves accumulation of anti‐CD3 mAb in both the PLNs and pancreata of NOD mice. Treatment of hyperglycemic NOD mice with MECA79‐anti‐CD3‐NPs results in significant reversal of T1D compared to those that are untreated, treated with empty NPs, or provided free anti‐CD3. This effect is associated with a significant reduction of T effector cell populations in the PLNs and a decreased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokine in the mice treated with MECA79‐anti‐CD3‐NPs. In summary, HEV‐targeted therapeutics may be used as a means by which immune therapeutics can be delivered to PLNs and pancreata to suppress autoimmune diabetes effectively.
Ion‐Diffusion Management Enables All‐Interface Defect Passivation of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Lina , Song Peiquan , Zheng Lingfang , Wang Lipeng , Zhang Xiaguang , Liu Kaikai , Liang Yuming , Tian Wanjia , Luo Yujie , Qiu Jianhang , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Wei Zhanhua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated over 25% power conversion efficiency (PCE) via efficient surface passivation. Unfortunately, state‐of‐the‐art perovskite post‐treatment strategies can solely heal the top interface defects. Herein, an ion‐diffusion management strategy is proposed to concurrently modulate the top interfaces, buried interfaces, and bulk interfaces (i.e., grain boundaries) of perovskite film, enabling all‐interface defect passivation. Specifically, this method is enabled by applying double interactive salts of octylammonium iodide (OAI) and guanidinium chloride (GACl) onto the 3D perovskite surface. It is revealed that the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between OA+ and GA+ decelerates the OA+ diffusion and therefore forms a dimensionally broadened 2D capping layer. Additionally, the diffusion of GA+ and Cl− determines the composition of the bulk and buried interface of PSCs. As a result, n–inter–i–inter–p, i.e., five‐layer structured PSCs can be obtained with a champion PCE of 25.43% (certified 24.4%). This approach also enables the substantially improved operational stability of perovskite solar cells.
Direct Observation of Atomic Step‐Assisted Stabilization of Polar Surfaces
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Byun Jinho , Wang Zhen , Xing Yaolong , Seo Jinsol , Lee Jaekwang , Oh Sang Ho 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPolar surfaces are intrinsically unstable and thus highly reactive due to the uncompensated surface charges. The charge compensation is accompanied by various surface reconstructions, establishing novel functionality for their applications. The present in situ atomic‐scale electron microscopy study directly shows that the atomic step and step‐assisted reconstruction play central roles in the charge compensation of polar oxide surfaces. The flat (LaO)+‐terminated LaAlO3 (001) polar surface, when annealed at high temperature in vacuum, transits to the (015) vicinal surface via the dynamic motion and interaction of atomic steps. While the (015) vicinal surface possesses zero polarization along the surface normal, a thermodynamic ground state is achieved when the in‐plane polarization is fully compensated via the reconstruction of step‐edge atoms; the step‐edge La atoms are displaced from their ordinary atomic sites toward the adjacent Al step‐edge sites, resulting in the formation of negatively charged La vacancies at the corresponding step edges. As confirmed by first‐principles calculations, the observed step reconstruction of (015) vicinal surface can completely cancel both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane electric fields. This hitherto unknown mechanism reveals the central role of step reconstruction in stabilizing a polar surface, providing valuable insights for understanding the novel charge compensation mechanism accompanied by the step reconstruction.
Triiodide Attacks the Organic Cation in Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskites: Mechanism and Suppression
Authors: Hu Junnan , Xu Zhaojian , Murrey Tucker L. , Pelczer István , Kahn Antoine , Schwartz Jeffrey , Rand Barry P. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMolecular I2 can be produced from iodide‐based lead perovskites under thermal stress; triiodide, I3−, is formed from this I2 and I−. Triiodide attacks protic cation MA+‐ or FA+‐based lead halide perovskites (MA+, methylammonium; FA+, formamidinium) as explicated through solution‐based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies: triiodide has strong hydrogen‐bonding affinity for MA+ or FA+, which leads to their deprotonation and perovskite decomposition. Triiodide is a catalyst for this decomposition that can be obviated through perovskite surface treatment with thiol reducing agents. In contrast to methods using thiol incorporation into perovskite precursor solutions, no penetration of the thiol into the bulk perovskite is observed, yet its surface application stabilizes the perovskite against triiodide‐mediated thermal stress. Thiol applied to the interface between FAPbI3 and Spiro‐OMeTAD (“Spiro”) prevents oxidized iodine species penetration into Spiro and thus preserves its hole‐transport efficacy. Surface‐applied thiol affects the perovskite work function; it ameliorates hole injection into the Spiro overlayer, thus improving device performance. It helps to increase interfacial adhesion (“wetting”): fewer voids are observed at the Spiro/perovskite interface if thiols are applied. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporating interfacial thiol treatment maintain over 80% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 300 h of 85 °C thermal stress.
Revealing Low Amplitude Signals of Neuroendocrine Cells through Disordered Silicon Nanowires‐Based Microelectrode Array
Authors: Maita Francesco , Maiolo Luca , Lucarini Ivano , Del Rio De Vicente Josè Ignacio , Sciortino Antonio , Ledda Mario , Mussi Valentina , Lisi Antonella , Convertino Annalisa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractToday, the key methodology to study in vitro or in vivo electrical activity in a population of electrogenic cells, under physiological or pathological conditions, is by using microelectrode array (MEA). While significant efforts have been devoted to develop nanostructured MEAs for improving the electrophysiological investigation in neurons and cardiomyocytes, data on the recording of the electrical activity from neuroendocrine cells with MEA technology are scarce owing to their weaker electrical signals. Disordered silicon nanowires (SiNWs) for developing a MEA that, combined with a customized acquisition board, successfully capture the electrical signals generated by the corticotrope AtT‐20 cells as a function of the extracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration are reported. The recorded signals show a shape that clearly resembles the action potential waveform by suggesting a natural membrane penetration of the SiNWs. Additionally, the generation of synchronous signals observed under high Ca2+ content indicates the occurrence of a collective behavior in the AtT‐20 cell population. This study extends the usefulness of MEA technology to the investigation of the electrical communication in cells of the pituitary gland, crucial in controlling several essential human functions, and provides new perspectives in recording with MEA the electrical activity of excitable cells.
Toward Practical Solid‐State Polymer Lithium Batteries by In Situ Polymerization Process: A Review
Authors: Liu Qi , Wang Li , He Xiangming 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAlthough there are various strategies for solid‐state polymer lithium batteries (SSPLBs) manufacturing, the most promising is the in situ polymerization process. The in situ polymerization process inherits good liquid electrolyte/electrode interfacial contact and is compatible with existing lithium‐ion batteries manufacturing processes, making it easy to achieve scale‐up production. However, most of the current studies on the in situ polymerization process are based on lab‐level coin cells, while practical pouch cells are much less studied. There is a huge difference between lab‐level coin SSPLBs and practical pouch SSPLBs. Here, as a complement to the existing reports and reviews, a systematic review of the challenges and design principles of in situ polymerization process for fabricating practical pouch SSPLBs is provided to enable a comprehensive understanding and strategic guidance for practical SSPLBs applications. This review thoroughly discusses recent advances regarding the fabrication of SSPLBs using in situ polymerization process and presents the existing challenges and future outlook for the fabrication of practical SSPLBs by in situ polymerization processes. Furthermore, the critical issues of electrode materials for manufacturing practical SSPLBs are highlighted during the in situ polymerization process, and an attempt is made to call more attention to the performance of the practical pouch SSPLBs.
Optimizing road underpass design to maximize use by a freshwater turtle (Chelodina oblonga)
Authors: Santoro Anthony , Newsome Rachel , Regan Zoe , Chambers Jane M. , Beatty Stephen J. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Roads affect the connectivity of habitat and inhibit movements of animals as a result of road avoidance and road‐related mortalities. Freshwater turtles are particularly vulnerable to mortality on roads, as females must often cross them when they leave the aquatic environment to nest. Ecopassages designed to enable safe movement across roads by wild animals may be an effective measure to reduce adverse impacts. Limited information exists, however, on effective design criteria for freshwater turtles.
A willingness‐to‐utilize study was used to assess factors that may influence the use of a tunnel underpass by the southwestern snake‐necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga), a species whose populations are declining, in part, through road‐related mortalities of nesting females. Female C. oblonga were sourced from an urban wetland and placed in an enclosure with exits of varying tunnel lengths (12 and 25 m) and lighting treatments (‘light’ and ‘dark’) to assess the conditions that would promote successful passage.
Generalized linear modelling showed that light treatments had a significantly increased likelihood of successful and faster passage for both 12 and 25 m tunnels than the dark treatments. Tunnel length had no effect either on success or rate of passage.
This study provides the first account of the factors that may optimize successful tunnel passage by C. oblonga to reduce road‐related mortality, contributing to the conservation and management of the species and freshwater turtles more generally.
A new species of a giant tortoise from Sandelzhausen (MN5, Burdigalian/Langhian boundary, Early/Middle Miocene, South Germany)
Authors: Pappa Irena , Vlachos Evangelos , Moser Markus 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe describe a new species of a giant tortoise of the genus Titanochelon from the locality of Sandelzhausen in south Germany (MN5, Burdigalian/Langhian boundary, Early/Middle Miocene). The material comprises at least two different individuals, one of which is a male individual preserving large parts of the carapace and plastron and several appendicular elements. The second individual is quite fragmented, preserving parts of the bridge and the posterior rim of the carapace. The new species, Titanochelon schleichi sp. nov., is the first species of a giant tortoise named from Germany and allows reconstructing an important diversity and expansion of titanochelones in the Western Palaearctic during the earlier parts of the Neogene.
Event‐triggered adaptive fuzzy control for nonstrict‐feedback nonlinear systems with output hysteresis
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Fang , Ren Pengxu , You Zhaoyang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper concentrates upon the issue of adaptive fuzzy tracing control for a class of nonstrict‐feedback nonlinear systems output with hysteresis via an event‐triggered strategy. To handle the difficulty caused by the nonstrict nonlinear systems, the variable separation technique is introduced. The design difficulty of output hysteresis is addressed by employing a hysteresis inverse function and Nussbaum function to compensate unmeasurable state signal. Meanwhile, the fuzzy logic system (FLS) is used to estimate the unknown function at each step of recursion. Moreover, by devising the relative threshold event‐triggered mechanism (ETM), the frequency of actuators and controllers can be largely decreased. Thus, the adaptive fuzzy event‐triggered tracing control strategy is proposed by combining the barrier Lyapunov function and backstepping technique. With the proposed scheme, it is theoretically demonstrated that all signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded, and the tracing errors are driven to a small neighborhood of the origin under the output constraint. Eventually, two examples demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control strategy.
A randomized parent‐mediated physical activity intervention for autistic children
Authors: Prieto Laura A. , Meera Benazir , Barry Ashlyn , Swarup Gayatri , Asmus Jennifer , Ku Byungmo , Roth Kristi , Foley John T. , Columna Luis 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and post effects of a parent‐mediated physical activity intervention on the fundamental motor skills of autistic children. We randomly assigned parent‐child dyads (n = 31) of autistic children aged 4–11 years into three groups (workshop, an online, or control group). Each dyad participated in a 12‐week intervention and was given adapted physical activity equipment and over 200 activities via a mobile application. Children were tested at the start and end of the intervention. The effect size (Cohen's ) of the control group for pre‐post locomotor and ball skill scores were 0.12 and 0.06, respectively, indicating small effect size. The effect size of the online group for pre‐post locomotor and ball skill scores were 49 and 0.26, respectively, indicating medium and small effect sizes. The effect size of the in‐person group for pre‐post locomotor and ball skill scores were 1.18 and 0.82, respectively, indicating large effect sizes. The outcomes of this physical activity intervention suggest that parents may facilitate the acquisition of fundamental motor skills of their autistic children. Although these results are positive, there is a need to further identify effective interventions for fundamental motor skill development in autistic children. Clinical Trials ID: NCT05159102.
Photoautotrophic microorganisms from mangroves: a review of the ecological role and bioproducts of commercial interest
Authors: Borrego Bruna Bacaro , Melo Letícia Beatriz Ueda , Gracioso Louise Hase , Cardoso Letícia Oliveira Bispo , Perpetuo Elen Aquino 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPhotoautotrophic microorganisms, such as microalgae and cyanobacteria, are known to perform an essential role in ecological functions. Besides, they are considered cell factories, producing various bioproducts of commercial interest. In mangroves, these microorganisms are primarily responsible for the ecosystem's high productivity. Moreover, the unique natural characteristics of mangroves, coupled with the intense pressure from anthropic activities that these ecosystems typically experience, make mangrove photoautotrophic microbiota biotechnologically attractive. In this work, the ecological role and biotechnological potential of photoautotrophic mangrove microorganisms worldwide were evaluated, highlighting, their ecosystem services and bioproducts with environmental and commercial appeal, as well as their strategic and technological application through patent analysis. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Sequestration of Contaminants from Wastewater: A Review of Adsorption Processes
Authors: Somashekara Divyashree , Mulky Lavanya 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAdsorption has widespread applications in separation processes, particularly aiming at environmental decontamination owing to its economic and highly efficient outcomes. This literature studies various isotherm models concerning adsorption which is accompanied by information related to the mechanism of the adsorption process, which is a crucial aspect of the system design. Many modification techniques bring about a significant enhancement in the working capacity. The build‐up of industrial activities causes a spike in the dispersion of toxic compounds along with non‐biodegradable contaminants from industrial wastewater. The separation techniques have emerged with greater efficiency in eliminating specific pollutants in terms of discharge legislation. Such methods have been reviewed hereby in this document based on literature published lately. Concerning the process of adsorption, this review elucidates the adsorption isotherms, kinetic models, breakthrough curve modelling, thermodynamic concepts, and the regeneration of the support required in batch or continuous reactors.