bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction‐induced metal/oxide interfacial sites for selective CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Xie Zhenhua , Hwang Sooyeon , Chen Jingguang G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe interfacial structures of bimetallic‐derived catalysts play an important role in promoting the activation of reactants such as CO2. In particular, both the physical property (e.g., local bonding environment) and the electronic property (e.g., oxidation state) can evolve from their native states under different environments, such as upon reduction and during the catalytic reaction. Hence, taking the CO2 hydrogenation reaction over Rh‐based catalysts as a case study, the present work compares the interfacial structures in tuning the selectivity toward CH4 or CO. The combination of ex situ and in situ characterization reveals two representative interfacial structures: the Rh/CeOx interface formed over Rh/CeO2 is active and selective to produce CH4 (~95%) by following a formate‐mediated pathway; in comparison, the InOx/Rh interface derived after reduction is active for CO2 activation and enables a redox mechanism for the exclusive formation of CO (~100%). This work provides insights into the environment‐induced structural evolution at the metal−oxide interfaces, as well as the role of distinct interfacial active sites in tuning the selectivity of CO2 hydrogenation.
A descriptor of IB alloy catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Cheng Chuanqi , Xiao Liyang , Wang Min , Zhang Feifei , Wang Jiaqi , Yin Pengfei , Shen Gurong , Yang Jing , Dong Cunku , Liu Hui , Du Xiwen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlloying is regarded as one of the most promising strategies for boosting performance of catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to the adjustable electronic structure and intermediate adsorption. However, there is no theory (including d‐band center theory) can accurately guide the preparation and design of alloy catalysts, and thus resulting all the reported alloy catalysts are obtained by time‐consuming and laborious experimental exploration. Herein, we proposed a mean d‐band center (εas) as a new accurate descriptor for alloy activity prediction. Theoretical simulation and experiment results revealed that this descriptor exhibits a strong scaling relation with H adsorption energy. Besides, the obtained Cu–Ag alloy displays an optimal overpotential of 223 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4, which is more than 300 mV lower than those of pristine Cu (530 mV) and Ag (569 mV) powder. Our work provides a new idea toward designing highly efficient HER catalysts and broadens the applicability of d‐band theory to activity prediction of alloys.
Avoidance of the term agile in software engineering: Necessary and possible
Authors: Wiesmann Dirk 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe term agile is frequently used in IT especially in the area of software engineering. The broad pervasiveness of the term agile is astonishing, because it is not well defined in the area of software engineering. The fuzziness of the term agile comes with the danger of ill‐founded decisions and ideological discussions. Both slow down the gain in knowledge in the domain of software engineering. The term agile should therefore not be used either in science nor in the industry.This article provides a critical discussion of the term agile. By using a three‐layered abstraction concept for software development processes, the use of the term agile can be avoided.
Suppressive effects of Bombycis Feces (bombyx feces) and Bombyx Batryticatus (stiff silkworm) extracts on blood glucose level elevation in disaccharides‐loaded rats
Authors: Matsuda Hisashi , Nagatomo Akifumi , Hatakeyama Misaki , Manse Yoshiaki , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Morikawa Toshio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimBombycis Feces (BF) and Bombyx Batryticatus (BB) are traditional medicines derived from silkworm. We investigated the suppressive effects of BF and BB extracts on elevated blood glucose levels in disaccharide‐loaded rats.MethodsEffects of BF and BB extracts on serum glucose levels in sugar‐loaded rats and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice were recorded, and several glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined in vitro by comparing with those of the natural medicines obtained from the mulberry plant (e.g., Mori Folium, Mori Cortex, and Mori Fructus).ResultsBF and BB methanol extracts were found to suppress the elevated blood glucose level in sucrose‐loaded mice, whereas they did not exhibit any activity in the glucose‐loaded model and in the STZ‐induced model. Through the bioassay‐guided separation of the BF methanol extract using sucrase and maltase inhibitory activities, several pseudo‐sugars, including 1‐deoxynojirimycin (1), fagomine (2), and cis‐5‐hydroxy‐L‐pipecolic acid (3) were isolated as the active constituents. Oral administration (10 mg/kg) of constituent 1 simultaneous to sucrose loading in rats was found to significantly suppress elevation of the serum glucose level.ConclusionBF and BB extracts were found to inhibit the elevated blood glucose level in disaccharides‐loaded rats due to their α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities. The suppressive effects of BF and BB extracts as well as of the active constituent 1 on the increase in blood glucose were estimated to dwindle at a limited time after administration. Therefore, it is suggested that BF and BB extracts might exert their effective antidiabetic effects when taken with meals.
Effect of mir‐92a‐3p on hydroquinone induced changes in human lymphoblastoid cell cycle and apoptosis
Authors: Xuan Mei , Wu Yao , Wang Huanhuan , Ye Zhongming , Wu Haipeng , Chen Yuting , Yang Hui , Tang Huanwen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHydroquinone (HQ), one of the metabolites of benzene in humans, has significant hepatotoxic properties. Chronic exposure to HQ can lead to leukemia. In a previous study by this group, we constructed a model of malignant transformation of human lymphoblastoid cells (TK6) induced by chronic exposure to HQ with significant subcutaneous tumorigenic capacity in nude mice. miR‐92a‐3p is a tumor factor whose role in HQ‐induced malignant transformation is not yet clear. In the present study, raw signal analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter gene results suggested that miR‐92a‐3p could target and regulate TOB1, and the expression level of miR‐92a‐3p was significantly upregulated in the long‐term HQ‐induced TK6 malignant transformation model, while the anti‐proliferative factor TOB1 was significantly downregulated. To investigate the mechanism behind this, we inhibited miR‐92a‐3p in a malignant transformation model and found a decrease in cell viability, a decrease in MMP‐9 protein levels, a G2/M phase block in the cell cycle, and an upregulation of the expression of G2/M phase‐related proteins cyclinB1 and CDK1. Inhibition of miR‐92a‐3p in combination with si‐TOB1 restored cell viability, inhibited cyclin B1 and CDK1 protein levels, and attenuated the G2/M phase block. Taken together, miR‐92a‐3p reduced the cell proliferation rate of HQ19 and caused cell cycle arrest by targeting TOB1, which in turn contributed to the altered malignant phenotype of the cells. This study suggests that miR‐92a‐3p is likely to be a biomarker for long‐term HQ‐induced malignant transformation of TK6 and could be a potential therapeutic target for leukemia caused by long‐term exposure to HQ.
Nucleic acid sensors in vivo: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Liu Lu , Xiong Mengyi , Rong Qiming , Zhang Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Bing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNucleic acid biosensors, integrated with functional nucleic acids, have drawn extensive attention for diverse biomedical applications. In particular, many nucleic acid probes have been developed for biosensing and imaging of tumor‐associated species, including pH, small molecules, RNAs, metal ions, proteins, and cells. Despite the progress made, these sensors are mainly performed at the level of test tube assays or live cells for disease diagnosis and pathological studies. In recent years, increasing research works are pushing the limit of nucleic acid sensors in preclinical applications and imaging‐guided therapy. However, the applicability of current nucleic acid sensors in vivo is largely hindered by the complexity of living animals. Herein, we review recent advances in the design and applications of nucleic acid biosensors in vivo, in which the key factors for the fabrication of eligible sensors are highlighted. Additionally, given the inherent shortcomings of nucleic acid, we will also describe the challenges of the current in vivo nucleic acid biosensors and some new strategies that may significantly accelerate the development of biosensors.
Climate Change and the Ocean: The Disruption of the Coral Reef
Authors: Battaglia Fabio-Massimo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEven though coral reefs represent a negligible percentage of the ocean floor, they are wardens of incredible biodiversity. They provide support for at least 500 million people with food security and livelihoods, mostly in poor or developing countries.Despite their importance, coral reefs are also extremely fragile. They are among the most damaged and threatened ecosystem due to unprecedented global warming, ocean acidification and climate changes, combined with increasing local pressures. These incredible ecosystems are calling us into action towards more efficient protection to ensure their conservation and restoration.
Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Beyond Boxes
Authors: Santos Thauan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe 2030 Agenda is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. However, when it comes to the marine and maritime environment, references are often only made to SDG 14, which limits the integrated nature of the Agenda. Therefore, this chapter aims to map the broader extent of the seas and ocean in this Agenda, within the different SDGs. As part of our approach, we will highlight the integrative and transversal perspective of the blue economy, analysing the Brazilian case. As part of the main findings, we propose that the seas and ocean should be considered far beyond SDG 14, especially due to the direct and indirect interaction of this SDG with the others. In addition, and considering the context of the UN Ocean Decade, it is necessary to understand the strategic relevance of this environment and these resources in promoting sustainable development.
A Legal Approach to Fostering Green Infrastructure for Improved Water and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Castro Paula , Carvalho Raquel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOver the last 30 years, numerous protocols, agreements, and conventions were signed to ensure that environmental protection related to climate change, pollutants, biodiversity, soil erosion, and water quality, among others, is part of the agenda, and the language of ecology has been introduced into political discourse and public policies. However, this does not appear to have been sufficient and there remains a need for national and international instruments that respect all future citizens.Buildings account for around 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. Ways of reducing the energy consumed by buildings have already been developed, in addition to methods to improve water management. One such approach is the so-called ecosystem service-based approach for green infrastructure, with nature-based solutions that involve much more than bringing nature to cities. Green roofs retain water in times of heavy rain, especially in “waterproof cities”, mitigate the heat island effect and contribute to thermal efficiency of buildings. and air quality, with a significant effect in public health.Current construction standards do not lay down strict environmentally friendly solutions. Laws and regulations have yet to become goal-oriented, holistic, and interdisciplinary. How could (r)evolution in the law help green infrastructures to thrive?
Environmental Law in the EU: A Pathway Toward the Green Transition
Authors: de Sadeleer Nicolas 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThanks to EU environmental law, much has been achieved over the last 40 years. EU Treaties mirror this success and the importance afforded to environmental protection. The European Union’s goals are not solely economic, but also environmental. Furthermore, the proper functioning of the internal market must be accommodated with a flurry of non-market values, among which is environmental protection, the legal protection of which is also essential. Recently, the EU ambition to achieve, on its own, climate neutrality by 2050 is prompting a major legislative reform ranging from energy transition to ecosystem restoration. The emphasis is placed on a ‘net-gain principle’ underpinning a ‘regenerative growth model’ substituting the no net loss model that is insufficient to cope with the growing environmental pressures. What is more, the EU aims to reduce its global footprint. Last, the 672.5 billion euros to be invested by the 27 Member States under the Resilience Recovery Facility, which is to guarantee the economic, social and environmental resilience of the Member States, must be allocated to reforms and investments related to the green transition.
Biotechnological Patents, Compulsory Licensing and SARS-COV-2 in a Pandemic and Epidemic Context
Authors: Remédio Marques J. P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe advent of epidemics and pandemics—especially the COVID-19 virus pandemic—calls for a reflection on the social utility of patent law (and supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products) in stimulating research and development of new therapies over the course of time. These incentives, which belong to the legal subsystem of industrial property rights, are articulated with and compete with incentives for the introduction of innovative biotechnological medicines coming from the legal framework on pharmaceutical regulation, with regard to the manufacture and placing on the market of medicines and medical devices (marketing authorisation procedures). On the other hand, several legal alternatives to patent law are envisaged in order to stimulate biotechnological innovation in the medical sector. This paper seeks to highlight some “strengths” and “weaknesses” in the articulation between these legal subsystems, in addition to proposing some solutions and means of achieving consensus.
Our Blue Planet at the Crossroads. Between the Hobbesian Nightmare and a New Culture of the Commons
Authors: Soromenho-Marques Viriato , Magalhães Paulo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe exponential acceleration of the global environmental and climate crisis is becoming an imminent and dangerous existential threat to the sheer survival of humankind. The origins of this unique menacing predicament are deeply rooted in the culture developed in the cradle of European Modernity. It is a culture of utilitarianism, fuelled by an uncritical faith in the unlimited performance of technology in changing the material world. The essence of Modernity was a triumvirate—built upon the congruence between the sovereign State, the techno-science establishment, and the globalised market economy. This power-triangle commodified nature and created a pragmatic and operative fragmentary world culture that brought us to the crossroads we are now entangled in. As a result, International Law does not correctly address the prior theoretical structural problem of the existence of “global commons” that span across borders, or the intergenerational character of the concept of ‘humanity’. Global commons have always been understood only as geographical leftover territories outside political borders.Recognition of the intangible value of the ‘software’ of the Earth system and legal acknowledgement of a stable climate as a Common Heritage of Humankind will be the locus upon which an urgently needed system for management and permanent maintenance can be built, which will be essential to steer the Anthropocene wisely. This new space without enclosed territory should be the new object of global governance, and the seminal concept for a new culture of the global commons.
Human Responsibility for the Protection of Our “Common Home”
Authors: Renaud Michel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis chapter attempts to explain ethical behaviour in the protection of the environment. It begins by analysing the lived space as a place of inhabitation and outlines the differences between subjective and cosmic time. The metaphor of the “blue planet as our “common home” then makes sense”. To understand the notion of ethical responsibility, the relationship between ethics and politics is considered. For this purpose, we follow Levinas and Ricoeur’s suggestion, which distinguishes responsibility as an imputation and as an assumption of a commitment for the future. Responsibility as imputation is directed towards past acts, as opposed to the more specific ethical responsibility facing the future. The need to overcome the obstacles revealed by Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato sí thus becomes clear, in view of the experience of human solidarity in the face of the protection of our planet.
At the end of the road: Total safety
Authors: Mitteregger Mathias 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPresentations that promote the development of self-driving cars often begin with what in Michel Foucault’s words could be called a “theatre of pain” (Foucault 2012: 42). While photos show demolished school buses and cars torn in half, the presenter intersperses these drastic images with figures: 1.2 million people are killed on the roads every year, making road accidents the leading cause of death for 15- to 29-year-olds worldwide (WHO 2015: 2). Automated driving systems are to put an end to end this tragedy: humans must hand over control of the vehicle to learning algorithms that are superior to human skills and are never tired, distracted or drunk.
Integration of cycling into future urban transport structures with connected and automated vehicles
Authors: Eichholz Lutz , Kurth Detlef 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOne of the greatest challenges facing the development of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) today is that of anticipating the movements of other road users (Kahn 2018, Mingels 2019). Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, commented as follows on the matter of cycling and the ongoing automation of motor vehicles: “One of the biggest problems is people with bicycles [...], [they] don’t respect any rules usually [...] from time-to-time they behave like pedestrians and from time-to-time they behave like cars” (Reid 2018). This statement describes the conflicts that can arise from the close encounter between two modes of transport that differ greatly in terms of both propulsion and practical operation.
Integrated strategic planning approaches to automated transport in the context of the mobility transformation
Authors: Mitteregger Mathias , Allmeier Daniela , Paulhart Lucia , Bindreiter Stefan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis article uses case studies to set out specific ways in which connected and automated vehicles can be applied to bring about the required revolution in mobility. More specifically, the aim is to present and discuss strategic planning concepts for a selection of local authorities and regions in the Vienna/Lower Austria metropolitan region. These strategic planning concepts have been developed to complement existing design concepts and/or action plans that largely remain abstract and generic.
Opportunities from past mistakes: Land potential en route to an automated mobility system
Authors: Mitteregger Mathias , Soteropoulos Aggelos 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAfter the initial hype, recent years have seen markedly more restrained assessments of how connected and automated vehicle technology will develop. A revolutionary scenario that sees a single IT company suddenly launch a successful automated driving system capable of handling every driving task as well as a human (Beiker 2015) is now widely considered unlikely, at least in the medium term. Instead of this presumed revolution, we are currently facing the challenge of a decades-long period of transition – a “Long Level 4” – during which only certain parts of the road network will be accessible to automated vehicles (Mitteregger et al. 2022, Soteropoulos et al. 2020).
Lessons from local transport transition projects for connected and automated transport
Authors: Stickler Andrea 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this chapter, we will consider selected projects relating to the transport or mobility transformation in rural and suburban areas, examining them in the context of connected and automated driving. The hypothesis outlined in this study is that, while connected and automated transport can fundamentally change the existing “system of automobility” (Urry 2004), the changes in question have to be seen in the context of specific local challenges and contemporary conflicts around mobility systems. This analysis therefore focuses on local mobility projects that look beyond simply replacing automobility’s fossil fuel combustion systems, instead aiming to achieve a broader-based transition via new mobility services such as public transport microsystems, non-profit lift services and car-sharing schemes.
Self-driving turnaround or automotive continuity? Reflections on technology, innovation and social change
Authors: Manderscheid Katharina 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe automobile is one of the salient features of modern industrialized societies and symbolizes social progress and individual prosperity. In the countries of the Western world, the number of private cars per capita of the population and the distances travelled daily by car continue to increase. In 2018, there were 568 passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants in Germany (Umweltbundesamt 2019b); prior to the Corona pandemic1 each person covered an average of 29 out of 39 kilometres daily by car as a driver or passenger (Nobis/Kuhnimhof 2018: 46).
Automation, public transport and Mobility as a Service: Experience from tests with automated shuttle buses
Authors: Soteropoulos Aggelos , Bruck Emilia M. , Berger Martin , Egoldt Alexander , Holst Arne , Richter Thomas , László Zoltán 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAutomated driving will fundamentally transform future mobility and will also affect public transport. In this context, there is often talk of a further shift of the boundaries between classic public transport and motorized individual transport, with an area of transition in public individual transport with automated vehicles, or an individualization of public transport (cf. Lenz/Fraedrich 2015: 189; Röhrleef 2017: 15; Bruns et al. 2018: 12; Barillère-Scholz et al. 2020: 16): already today, mobility is becoming differentiated through new forms of services such as car sharing and ride hailing.