bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dammed water quality—Longitudinal stream responses below beaver ponds in the Umpqua River Basin, Oregon
Authors: Stevenson John R. , Dunham Jason B. , Wondzell Steven M. , Taylor Jimmy 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBeaver‐related restoration (BRR) has gained popularity as a means of improving stream ecosystems, but the effects are not fully understood. Studies of dissolved oxygen (DO) and water temperature, key water quality metrics for salmonids, have demonstrated improved conditions in some cases, but warming and decreased DO have been more commonly reported in meta‐analyses. These results point to the contingencies that can influence outcomes from BRR. We examined water quality related to beaver ponds in a diverse coastal watershed (Umpqua River Basin, OR, USA). We monitored water temperature 0–400 m above and below beaver ponds and at pond surfaces and bottoms across seven study sites from June through September of 2019. DO was also recorded at two sites at pond surfaces and pond bottoms. Downstream monthly mean daily maximum temperatures were warmer than upstream reference locations by up to 1.9°C at beaver dam outlets but this heating signal attenuated with downstream distance. Downstream warming was greatest in June and July and best predicted by pond bottom temperatures. DO at pond surfaces and bottoms were hypoxic (≤5 mg/L) for more than half of the 32‐day monitoring period. Water temperatures increased for short distances below monitored beaver ponds and observed oxygen conditions within ponds were largely unsuitable for salmonid fishes. These findings contrast with some commonly stated expectations of BRR, and we recommend that managers consider these expectations prior to implementation. In some cases, project goals may override water quality concerns but in streams where temperature or DO restoration are objectives, managers may consider using BRR techniques with caution.
Removal of Phthalates from Water by Unconventional La‐based/WO3 Photocatalysts
Authors: Malannata Enrica Maria , Spitaleri Luca , Gulino Antonino , Balsamo Stefano Andrea , Scirè Salvatore , Fiorenza Roberto 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLa2O2CO3‐WO3 composites were here proposed as unconventional photocatalysts for the removal of phthalates in water. The high sorption properties of the lanthanum dioxide carbonate allowed a strong adsorption of the phthalates which facilitated the following solar photocatalytic degradation, further boosted by the addition of small amounts of WO3 (1 wt%). On the contrary, a higher content of WO3 had a detrimental effect due to the covering of the surface sites of La2O2CO3 that inhibited the adsorption process. This double mechanism of strong adsorption‐photocatalytic oxidation led, after 6 h of solar irradiation, to 67 % and 63 % dimethyl phthalate and di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate degradation, respectively. The phthalates were degraded to less persistent pollutants that, however, were completely removed after 9 h of irradiation. The La2O2CO3‐WO3 system appears promising for its application in the removal of the emerging contaminants from water.
Superoxide Reduction by Cu‐Amyloid Beta Peptide Complexes: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Arrigoni Federica , Di Carlo Chiara , Rovetta Alberto , De Gioia Luca , Zampella Giuseppe , Bertini Luca 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOxidative stress and copper dyshomeostasis are well established factors in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, the pathological interaction of copper with the amyloid peptide is able to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through a three‐step cycle in which O2is gradually reduced to superoxide, oxygen peroxide and finally to highly neurotoxic OH⋅ radicals. The purpose of this study has been to investigate at a computational level, by Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular mechanics techniques, the final two steps of O2reduction to OH−+OH radical i.e the superoxide and hydroperoxide reduction by ascorbate, on different Cu(II) ⋅ Aβ coordination models. At variance with the first step of O2reduction to O2.−characterized by high energy barrier, the successive O2.−and O2H−reductions are low energy barriers processes and that the OH⋅ radical formation is further favored by the possibility of Cu(II) ⋅ Aβ to form the Asp1 amino terminal radical. We discuss the results obtained from the perspective of the recent findings in the Aβ redox chemistry in AD pathology.
Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Muscle Fatty Acids, Intramuscular Fat, Cholesterol, and Antioxidant Status in Rabbits Supplemented with Kigelia pinnata Leaf Meal
Authors: Adeyemi Kazeem D. , Akinfenwa Oladayo A. , Atolani Olubunmi , Shittu Rafiat M. , Adeyina Adebisi O. , Aliyu Karimat I. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe effects of dietary Kigelia pinnata leaf (KPL) on growth, carcass, muscle fatty acids, antioxidant status, cholesterol, physicochemical properties, and sensory profile of Longissimus thoracis et lumburum (LTL) muscle in rabbits are investigated. Seventy‐two, 32 d old male New Zealand rabbits (684 ± 18 g) are randomly assigned to diets containing either no KPL (KPL‐0), 5% KPL (KPL‐5) or 10% KPL (KPL‐10) for eight weeks, and euthanized, and the LTL is refrigerated for 6 days. Dietary KPL does not influence growth performance and carcass cuts in rabbits. Abdominal fat is lower in KPL‐ rabbits than in the KPL‐0 rabbits. Supplemented LTL has lower intramuscular fat and cholesterol, and higher crude protein, polyphenol content, glutathione reductase, and catalase compared with the control LTL. Concentration of C18:3n‐3, C22:6n‐3, and C20:5n‐3 is higher in supplemented LTL than the control LTL. Supplemented meat has lower cook loss than the KPL‐0 meat at 24 h postmortem. The KPL‐10 meat has higher redness and lower malondialdehyde content than other meats on d 6 postmortem. Juiciness and overall acceptance of the supplemented meat are higher than that of the KPL‐0 meat. Supplementation with KPL‐10 enhances muscle n‐3 fatty acids, sensorial quality, and oxidative stability of rabbit meat.Practical Applications: Practical applications: Rabbit meat is replete in n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) but low in n‐3 PUFA, which heightens its n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Higher n‐6/n‐3 PUFA intake can pose serious health risks to consumers. This suggests a need to ameliorate the n‐3 PUFA of rabbit meat. Dietary KPL causes ≈147–184% increase in n‐3 PUFA and a 66–77% decrease in n‐6/n‐3 ratio in rabbit meat. Moreover, KPL improves sensorial quality and oxidative stability and lowers intramuscular fat and cholesterol content of rabbit meat. These results support the delivery of a healthier rabbit meat that responds to consumer demands. This study explicates the potential of KPL in ameliorating the nutritional value and sensory quality of rabbit meat.
Preparation of Highly Stable Z‐Isomer‐Rich Lycopene Nanodispersions via a Continuous‐Flow System with Selected Emulsifiers
Authors: Murakami Kazuya , Kageyama Hakuto , Hibino Takashi , Zhang Yelin , Goto Motonobu , Honda Masaki 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAs a potent antioxidant with numerous health benefits, lycopene finds multiple applications. Among the geometric isomers of lycopene, the Z‐isomers have greater bioavailability than the all‐E‐isomer but are less stable and hence, less suitable for practical applications. Herein, highly stable Z‐isomer‐rich lycopene nanodispersions are produced through the thermal isomerization of (all‐E)‐lycopene in a flow reactor followed by continuous dispersion in an aqueous emulsifier (Tween 20, sucrose fatty acid ester, or polyglycerol fatty acid ester [PFAE]) solution upon agitation with an in‐line swirl mixer. The effects of emulsifier type and other processing conditions (flow rate, pressure, temperature, lycopene Z‐isomer ratio) on dispersion efficiency and properties are examined in detail, and finally, Z‐isomer‐rich lycopene nanodispersions (>60% of total Z‐isomer ratio and <10 nm of mean particle size) are successfully obtained. Moreover, it is found that lycopene Z‐isomers have greater encapsulation efficiency for dispersions with emulsifiers than that of the all‐E‐isomer. The storage test of the resulting dispersions clearly shows that the highest storage stability is achieved in the case of using PFAE, which effectively inhibits lycopene degradation and reverse (Z‐ to all‐E) isomerization.Practical applications: To practical use of lycopene Z‐isomers, it is essential to improve their storage stability as well as usability (i.e., dispersibility in water). The present study reveals that when producing the lycopene dispersions, the use of PFAE as an emulsifier allows to improve the stability of lycopene isomers and inhibit the Z‐ to all‐E‐isomerization during storage. Given the high demand for stable Z‐isomer‐rich lycopene formulations, the obtained results promote the practical use of lycopene Z‐isomers in diverse (e.g., food and cosmetic) industries.
Nickel‐Catalysed Amination of Arenes and Heteroarenes
Authors: Philip Rose Mary , Veetil Saranya Padinjare , Anilkumar Gopinathan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractC(sp2)−N cross‐coupling is one of the most powerful transformations in organic synthesis to construct highly ubiquitous anilines and aniline derivatives. The dominance of Pd‐ and Cu‐based catalytic systems is evident in the field for a long time. However, Ni‐catalysed methodologies to achieve this reaction have grown gradually as sustainable alternatives in the last two decades. Recent reports of highly applicable photocatalytic and electrochemical amination strategies sufficiently enhanced the potential of Ni‐catalysed aminations. This review summarizes the advancement of this cross‐coupling reaction as a general and efficient method over the last 5 years.
Catalyst‐ and Metal‐Free Photo‐Oxidative Coupling of Thiols with BrCCl3
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Fan Jiali , Cui Dezhi , Yan Hui , Shan Shiquan , Lu Yongna , Cheng Xiamin , Loh Teck‐Peng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper reported a catalyst‐ and metal‐free method to construct disulfide bond with BrCCl3 under light irradiation. This clean and mild reaction promoted the oxidative coupling of thiols with wide substrate scope, and is applicable to benzylic, aryl and aliphatic thiols, especially cysteine derivative. The disulfides were obtained in high yields up to 98 %, avoiding the use of heating, strong oxidant, metal reagent or catalyst. This facile strategy will facilitate the synthesis of disulfide compounds.
Sensor Modified with Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized in Dialdehyde Starch/DMSO Matrix for Methyldopa Detection
Authors: Alves Freitas Aline , Cruz Vieira Iolanda 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were synthesized using a novel stabilizer based on dialdehyde starch polymer (DAS) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the nanomaterial was applied to develop a sensor for methyldopa detection. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and the proposed sensor was electrochemically characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronocoulometry and square‐wave voltammetry. Under optimized conditions (0.1 mol L−1 McIlvaine buffer solution at pH 3.5 and 50 μL AuNP/DAS‐DMSO), using square‐wave voltammetry, the calibration curve presented a linear range of 0.99 to 19.60 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.50 μmol L−1. The sensor showed good accuracy, with coefficients of variation of 7.8 % (inter‐day; n=6) and 5.9 % (intra‐day; n=3), and recovery values in the range of 95.3 to 105.2 %. The methyldopa content in a pharmaceutical sample was determined and the results show good correlation with the label value and the method recommended by the Pharmacopoeia, representing a fast and accurate alternative for detecting methyldopa in pharmaceutical products.
β‐Cyclodextrin PAMAM Dendrimer Surface Doped with Silver and Hexacyanoferrate (III) and its Applications for Dopamine Detection in Synthetic Samples
Authors: Pereira Barbosa Priscila Fernanda , Mastelaro Valmor Roberto , Guimarães Vieira Eduardo , Ribeiro do Carmo Devaney 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA synthesis of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐Cd) functionalized with polyamide dendrimer PAMAM G.0 complexed with silver and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) forming a mixed‐valence complex (β‐Cd‐PAMAM‐Ag/Fe) was proposed. This material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The hybrid complex was electrochemically investigated using cyclic voltammetry and some parameters (electrolyte, concentration of electrolyte, pH and scan rate) were evaluate in order to obtain optimum analytical responses. The β‐Cd‐PAMAM‐Ag/Fe material was successfully applied in the electrocatalytic oxidation of dopamine (DOP) using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV).
Optimization of energy ratio, benefit to cost and greenhouses gasses using metaheuristic techniques (genetic and particular swarm algorithms) and data envelopment analysis: Recommendations for mitigation of inputs consumption (a case crop: edible onion)
Authors: Elhami Behzad , Raeini Mahmoud Ghasemi Nejad , Taki Morteza , Marzban Afshin , Heidarisoltanabadi Mohsen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe present study aimed to optimize the energy, economic, and greenhouse effects indices for edible onion production in Fereydan (85 growers), and Buin (15 growers) regions in Isfahan. Required data were collected through direct measurement, interview, and questionnaire. Total energy input was obtained before and after optimization using data envelopment analysis (DEA), multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), and multi‐objective particle swarm algorithm (MOPSA), and was determined as 236,335, 213,068 (8.75% saving), 125,663 (48.63% saving), and 320,657 MJ ha−1(35.67%), respectively. In addition, energy ratio (ER) was improved from 0.79 to 0.84, 1.81, and 0.8 using DEA, MOGA, and MOPSA, respectively. By reducing the production costs by 10.2%, 63.12%, and 29.4% using DEA, MOGA, and MOPSA, respectively, benefit‐to‐cost ratio (BCR) index was improved from 1.44 to 1.88, 5.21, and 1.94, respectively. Also results showed that GHG emissions were mitigated by 18.39%, 47.56%, and 27.94%, respectively. Based on the findings, MOGA showed better performance compared to DEA, and MOPSA in terms of ER, BCR, and GHG factors. Despite applying metaheuristic, and artificial intelligence methods by MOPSA, this algorithm was not able to optimize the target factors, and applied the energy, and production costs in negative status (in reverse).
Sol‐gel based copper metallic layer as external anode for microtubular solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Shabri Hazrul Adzfar , Rudin Siti Norlaila Faeizah Mohd , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Jamil Siti Munira , Kamal Siti Nur Elida Aqmar Mohd , Abu Bakar Suriani , Osman Nafisah , Jaafar Juhana , Rahman Mukhlis A , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi 
Published: May 2022

SummarySolid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance depends greatly on the anode conductivity, which in traditional nickel‐yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni‐YSZ) anode is determined by the Ni content that is infamous for its coking problem under hydrocarbon fuel. Without the use of high content of Ni, anode conductivity can be elevated by adding an external metal layer on top of the anode. In this study, we present the incorporation of copper (Cu) metal layer on top of the anode of micro‐tubular SOFC by applying a modified sol‐gel method using syringe deposition technique at various chemical compositions and deposition cycles. Cu sol was found best to be made up of 2:1:8 ratio of Cu: citric acid: ethylene glycol, with 1.36 μm metal layer formed at 5 deposition cycle, and no obvious increase in thickness after the fifth cycle. The Cu layer elevated the conductivity by 1010 times compared to the uncoated anode. However, the coated layer also reduced the gas permeability by 10 times in the anode, which resulted from the blocking of a nano‐sized pore in the anode, rather than the micron size pore. This blocking can be resolved by increasing the amount of micron‐sized pore by using pore former during anode fabrication. From electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Cu coating reduced the ohmic resistance (Rohm) and charge transfer resistance (Rct). From the current‐voltage curve, the maximum power density (MPD) was found to increase linearly with the increase of the Cu coating cycle, but the value is almost stagnant at 2.3 to 2.5 mW cm−2 when the coating cycle of more than 4 was employed. This suggests that anode gas permeation plays an important role in anode conductivity. The findings from this study suggested that 5 deposition cycle shows to be the optimal coating layer required to achieve the percolation threshold without unnecessary loss in permeability.
Constructing micropore‐rich nitrogen‐doped carbon for high‐performance supercapacitor and adsorption of carbon dioxide
Authors: Sahu Priya , Mishra Ranjit , Panigrahy Sonali , Panda Prajnashree , Barman Sudip 
Published: May 2022

SummaryDesign of advanced highly porous heteroatom‐doped carbon is desirable for their wide presence in applications like electrochemical energy storage systems, gas adsorption, and separation processes. In this work, porous nitrogen‐doped carbon was developed from ethylenediamine via an in situ self‐doping solvothermal process followed by pyrolysis and KOH activation under high temperature. Micropore‐rich nitrogen‐containing carbon materials were prepared through variation of the KOH/C ratio during activation and their electrochemical performance in alkaline electrolyte as well as CO2 sorption behaviour was evaluated. The porous carbon developed using KOH/C ratio of 2 delivered highest supercapacitor performance in 6 M KOH achieving high specific capacitance of 353 F g−1 with 1 A g−1 of current due to its high pore volume and micropore rich surface. The functionalized carbon delivered CO2 uptake capacities of 4.48 and 3.0 mmol g−1 under temperatures of 273 and 298 K, respectively, at 1 bar pressure with a good CO2/N2 selectivity of 20.58 and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 3.83. The existence of nitrogen functional groups, high surface area, and micropore‐rich porous structures may be the essential reasons behind superior electrode performance and CO2 capture capacity of the material. This work hopefully offers a simple development of N‐doped carbon for effective energy storage and CO2 adsorption systems.
Improved platinum‐nickel nanoparticles with dopamine‐derived carbon shells for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Jang Injoon , Lee Sehyun , Jang Jue‐Hyuk , Ahn Minjeh , Yoo Sung Jong 
Published: May 2022

SummaryUsing platinum‐based alloy nanocatalysts with other transition metals has the advantages of enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and reducing the platinum usage. However, there are many challenges to using nanocatalysts, including their instability, which hinder their practical application. In this study, we employed a strategy to improve the intrinsic instability of a nanocatalyst by encapsulating a dopamine‐derived carbon layer on the surfaces of nanoparticles. The carbon layer formed on the surfaces of platinum‐nickel (PtNi) nanoparticles demonstrated improved stability by inhibiting the nanoparticle growth, even during the heat treatment process. This could induce a high degree of alloying while minimizing the loss of surface area for the nanoparticles, which ensured an improved catalyst activity. Additionally, the PtNi nanocatalyst with the dopamine‐derived carbon layer showed an improved performance and stability under long‐term fuel cell operation conditions, thus proving the practicality of this strategy. The strategy developed in this study is not only a novel and facile approach to the synthesis of alloy catalysts, but also addresses the inherent instability of nanoparticles, which will encourage the practical use and commercialization of alloy nanocatalysts.
Enhanced performance by heteroatom‐doped reduced graphene oxide‐TiO2‐based nanocomposites as photoanodes in dye‐sensitised solar cells
Authors: Ngidi Nonjabulo P. D. , Muchuweni Edigar , Nyamori Vincent O. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryThe photoanode in a dye‐sensitised solar cell (DSSC) plays a crucial role in achieving a high power conversion efficiency (PCE). It supports the sensitiser and acts as a transporter of photo‐excited electrons from the sensitiser to the external circuit. These two functions are enhanced by a large surface area and a fast charge transport rate. Typically, the photoanode consists of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. If the nanoparticles are deposited on a carbonaceous substrate, it facilitates the transport of photogenerated electrons. This study compared the photoanode performance of boron‐ or nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (B‐ or N‐rGO) nanocomposites integrated with TiO2. All nanocomposites exhibited mainly the anatase TiO2 phase, and N‐rGO‐TiO2 exhibited the lowest bandgap of 2.1 eV, which was attributed to the formation of Ti‐O‐C and Ti‐O‐N bonds. Also, N‐rGO‐TiO2 displayed good charge carrier separation ability and electron transfer. The low TiO2 content in the nanocomposites led to the suppression of electron‐hole recombination, reduction in the bandgap energy and improvement in electron transport, resulting in higher current density. Two photo‐harvesting dyes (sensitisers) were investigated, that is, eosin B and Sudan II. A higher light‐harvesting efficiency was obtained from eosin B, indicating the presence of more dye molecules anchored onto the TiO2. Photoanodes fabricated from N‐rGO‐TiO2 and B‐rGO‐TiO2 showed enhanced photo‐exciton generation, higher short‐circuit current densities and significantly better PCEs of 3.94% and 2.55%, respectively, than their undoped rGO‐TiO2 counterparts (1.78%). This work demonstrates that heteroatom‐doped rGO‐TiO2‐based nanocomposites can improve the rate of transportation and collection of electrons, thereby enhancing the performance of DSSCs.
Trash to treasure: Fallen leaves as separators for supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Shaoqin , Hu Yun H. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryElectrochemical double‐layer capacitors are an essential type of energy‐storage devices due to their fast charge/discharge rate, ultralong cycle life, and safe operation. A separator plays an important role in supercapacitors to prevent short circuit while allow ions to move through its porous structure. Herein, we demonstrated fallen leaves as efficient separators in supercapacitors with dense mesoporous carbon electrodes, achieving a high areal capacitance of 1.94 F/cm2. Among four leaves, Quercus rubra leaf exhibited the best electrochemical performance as a separator for supercapacitors, which is even comparable to the commercial glass fiber separator. This finding provides an approach not only to transfer waste into treasure but also to develop sustainable separators for energy‐storage devices.