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Gold nanoclusters have attracted significant attention due to their unique physical-chemical properties, which can be tuned by alloying with elements such as Cu, Pd, Ag, and Pt to design materials for various applications. Although Au-nanoalloys have promising applications, our atomistic understanding of the descriptors that drive their stability is far from satisfactory. To address this problem, we considered 55-atom model nanoalloys that have been synthesized by experimental techniques. Here, we combined data mining techniques for creating a large sample of representative configurations, density functional theory for performing total energy optimizations, and Spearman correlation analyses to identify the most important descriptors. Among our results, we have identified trends in core–shell formation in the AuCu and AuPd systems and an onion-like design in the AuAg system, characterized by the aggregation of gold atoms on nanocluster surfaces. These features are explained by Au's surface energy, packing efficiency, and charge transfer mechanisms, which are enhanced by the alloys' preference for adopting the structure of the alloying metal rather than the low-symmetry one presented by Au55. These generalizations provide insights into the interplay between electronic and structural properties in gold nanoalloys, contributing to the understanding of their stabilization mechanisms and potential applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nut-enriched diets are related to improve lipid and inflammatory biomarkers in meta-analyses in the context of primary cardiovascular prevention. However, primary studies on secondary cardiovascular prevention are scarce and controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nut supplementation on lipid and inflammatory profiles in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the frequency of adverse events. Methods: Six databases were used for research: PubMed, EMBASE, BVS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, until February 2023, with no language restrictions. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to compare nut-enriched diets vs. control diets for pre-post intervention changes. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the evidence's certainty. Results: From the 5187 records identified, eight publications containing data referring to five randomized clinical trials involving 439 participants were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with doses ranging between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention time varied between 6 and 12 weeks. Compared to nut-free diets, nut intake did not have a statistically significant effect on lipid profile biomarkers, except on the atherogenic index (MD: -0.32 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.06], I2 = 0% - moderate certainty of the evidence). Similarly, there was no effect of nuts on inflammatory profile biomarkers. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. Conclusions: Nut supplementation did not change lipid and inflammatory profiles in the secondary cardiovascular prevention setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, there is an increasing trend for replacing petro‐based adhesives with sustainable and eco‐friendly alternatives, especially in the wood industry. In this work it was developed and characterized novolac‐type phenolic resins from the full use of the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), an agro‐industrial residue and a rich source of phenolic compounds, sustainable alternative to petroleum‐derived chemicals, to develop bio‐based polymers. CNSL and paraformaldehyde were reacted, using oxalic acid as a catalyst, under a solvent‐free methodology. A dark and viscous resin of high molar mass and thermally stable was obtained. The development of highly bio‐based adhesives was proposed by combining CNSL‐based novolac resin (CNSL‐nov) with commercial epoxy resin (DGEBA), as an alternative to conventional hardeners. The use of the epoxy‐novolac system proved to be efficient and promising in obtaining new highly cross‐linked polymers with excellent thermal performance and with potential for wood industry, improving the bio‐based content of high‐performance adhesive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethanes (PUs) are among the most produced type of polymers in the world due to their wide field of applications. However, most commercial PUs are still prepared from non-renewable sources. In this study, we report for the first time, the preparation of PUs from the direct valorization of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) without any further purification. First, two polyols were synthesized through epoxidation of CNSL double bonds followed by ring-opening reaction, using ethanol and ethylene glycol. Then, PUs were prepared from the reaction between the synthesized polyols and toluene diisocyanate at different NCO:OH ratios (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0), and subsequently applied onto wood surfaces. All formulations were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gel content, and thermogravimetric analysis. The adhesion efficiency of PUs was investigated by lap shear strength test. The results showed that PUs with lower NCO:OH ratio presented the highest values of tensile strength. This study presents the direct usage of CNSL as an efficient and eco-friendly alternative towards the development of bio-based polyurethanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of arthropods to thermal stress are vital in ecological studies in order to understand survival, development, and reproduction. However, this subject is poorly addressed. In the order Mesostigmata, an abundance of species lives in the soil. Among these species, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) is a predator used in the control of pest organisms that live in the soil. Mites of this species are commercialized in several countries, including Brazil, presenting efficiency in pest control in several crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on S. scimitus females, as well as to monitor the temperature variation in the environment. For each temperature, 80 experimental units were assembled for different periods (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h). Experimental units were maintained at 25 °C, after exposure of the mites. Mortality and oviposition were evaluated. The results showed a 40% reduction in the survival of mites exposed to 37 °C for 4 h, compared to the control treatment (25 °C). Oviposition was less affected at 1 h exposure to temperatures of 19 and 12 °C and thermic fluctuation was observed in the greenhouse, especially inside the slabs. Understanding temperature effects in mites and the thermic fluctuation in the environment is essential to achieve satisfactory results in biological control. It is important to observe the scenario in which predatory mites will be released as these aspects are decisive in predatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the efficiency of the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus in controlling the pest Coboldia fuscipes in a commercial mushroom farm. Topics include the most cultivated mushroom species like Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus spp., Lentinula edodes, and Agaricus subrufescens, and the need to determine the number of S. scimitus to be released to effectively control the C. fuscipes population.