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Abstract This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources (IM) with amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) in laying hens’ diets on performance, egg quality, bone, and intestinal health. The effects of 4 different diets with varying levels of AACM substitution were evaluated on 400 Lohmann White hens aged 78–98 weeks. The control diet contained only IM sources at levels of 60, 60, 7, 40, 0.2, and 2 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively. The other treatments were made by a total substitution of IM with AACM, as follows: AACM70–70% of IM levels; AACM50–50% of IM levels; and AACM40–40% of IM levels. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts and Dunnett’s test were used to determine their impact (P

Herein, we present the preparation of solid-state photoactive starches with a large Stokes shift, along with the resulting materials. In this investigation, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzazole derivatives responsive to intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state (ESIPT) were covalently bonded to the polymeric structure of starch through a reaction involving an isothiocyanate group and the hydroxyl groups of starch. These compounds exhibit absorption at approximately 350 nm, which is related to fully spin- and symmetry-allowed π → π* electronic transitions, and solid-state fluorescence at approximately 500 nm, which features a significant separation between the absorption and emission maxima (~9000 cm−1). Due to the minimal use of fluorophores in functionalized starch preparation, this modification does not affect the original properties of the starch. Finally, photoactive starch-based films with significantly high transparency were successfully produced.

The present study was to evaluate the effect of trace minerals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) from complexed amino acid minerals (ZMCAA) and bis-glycinate chelated minerals (ZMCGly) in laying hen diets on performance, internal and external egg quality, yolk mineral deposition, intestinal morphometry, and bone characteristics. From 78 to 98 weeks of age, 400 White LSL-Lite strain laying hens were distributed in a randomized design with 4 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment. Treatments were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using either Zn, Mn, and Cu of ZMCAA or ZMCGly source at 2 levels: low (20, 20, and 3.5 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively) or high (40, 40, and 7 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively). The analysis of variance was performed, and in cases where differences were observed, the means were compared using Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The source and level of trace mineral supplementation had a significant impact on the performance of laying hens. Hens fed ZMCAA had higher egg production (P = 0.01), egg weight (P = 0.02), egg mass (P = 0.01), and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.05) compared to those fed ZMCGly. The ZMCAA supplementation showed higher albumen height (P = 0.01), albumen weight (P = 0.01), and eggshell thickness (P < 0.01). The deposition of Zn (P < 0.01), Mn (P < 0.01), and Cu (P < 0.01) in the egg yolk was greater for hens received ZMCAA. Tibia weight (P = 0.04) and bone densitometry (P < 0.01) in the tibia were higher with ZMCAA supplementation. In the small intestine, ZMCAA resulted in longer villi (P = 0.02) and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.01) in the duodenum. Jejunum and ileum measurements were influenced by the level and source of trace minerals (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed ZMCAA exhibited superior performance, egg quality, deposition of trace minerals in the egg yolk, and bone density compared to hens fed ZMCGly. In this study, older laying hens supplemented with ZMCAA at lower levels demonstrated adequate levels of supplementation.

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This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and photophysical properties of thiazolidine-functionalized chiral ionic liquids (CILs) derived from L-cysteine. The synthesis involves a four-step route, encompassing N-protection, coupling reactions with bromoalcohols, and ionic liquid formation. The optical properties of the compounds were evaluated using UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies, revealing distinct behavior for different heterocycles and counter-ions. Notably, the investigation reveals that thiazolidine-based CILs exhibit unconventional intrinsic luminescence characteristics. Building upon these photophysical properties, an interaction study was conducted between copper (II) and the CILs. The findings exhibit a robust linear relationship between the optical response and the concentration of the metal ion. Through the calculation of the Stern–Volmer quenching constant, it was determined that the 1:1 binding model is applicable. This research underscores the potential of UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy as a highly sensitive method for detecting metal ions. By elucidating the synthesis, photophysical behavior, and metal ion interaction of thiazolidine-based CILs, this study contributes valuable insights into the field of functionalized ionic liquids and their potential applications in various areas.

Abstract Glycerol electro‐oxidation reaction was performed in an alkaline environment with an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) operating in bath mode at low Pt‐loadings. BAE‐synthesized Pt/C and PtCe/C nanostructured catalysts were used as anode materials during 4‐hour operation to selectively obtain 65 % and 41 % of glycerate as main product, respectively. The modification of Pt with Ce improved the catalytic activity of the Pt/C catalyst generating 30 % more energy density after 4‐hour operation by achieving a higher degree of glycerol oxidation in cogeneration with added‐value products confirmed by spectroelectrochemical (in situ FTIR) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses. The bifunctional mechanism generated by the presence of Ce is used to explain the improvement in the catalytic activity of Pt/C, due to the properties of this rare earth element to adsorb oxygenated species (OH−) and promote oxidation. The cathode material was a polyol‐synthesized PdFe/C electro‐catalyst for ORR that presented impressive stability and tolerance to glycerol.

Abstract The occurrence of plasma irregularities and ionospheric scintillation over the Caribbean region have been reported in previous studies, but a better understanding of the source and conditions leading to these events is still needed. In December 2021, three ground-based ionospheric scintillation and Total Electron Content monitors were installed at different locations over Puerto Rico to better understand the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities in the region and to quantify their impact on transionospheric signals. Here, the findings for an event that occurred on March 13–14, 2022 are reported. The measurements made by the ground-based instrumentation indicated that ionospheric irregularities and scintillation originated at low latitudes and propagated, subsequently, to mid-latitudes. Imaging of the ionospheric F-region over a wide range of latitudes provided by the GOLD mission confirmed, unequivocally, that the observed irregularities and the scintillation were indeed caused by extreme equatorial plasma bubbles, that is, bubbles that reach abnormally high apex heights. The joint ground- and space-based observations show that plasma bubbles reached apex heights exceeding 2600 km and magnetic dip latitudes beyond 28°. In addition to the identification of extreme plasma bubbles as the source of the ionospheric perturbations over low-to-mid latitudes, GOLD observations also provided experimental evidence of the background ionospheric conditions leading to the abnormally high rise of the plasma bubbles and to severe L-band scintillation. These conditions are in good agreement with the theoretical hypothesis previously proposed. Graphical Abstract

Purpose: Several bedside clinical tests have been proposed to predict difficult tracheal intubation. Unfortunately, when used alone, these tests show less than ideal prediction performance. Some multivariate tests have been proposed considering that the combination of some criteria could lead to better prediction performance. The goal of our research was to compare three previously described multivariate models in a group of adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods: This study included 220 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. A standardized airway evaluation which included modified Mallampati class (MM), thyromental distance (TMD), mouth opening distance (MOD), head and neck movement (HNM), and jaw protrusion capacity was performed before anesthesia. Multivariate models described by El-Ganzouri et al., Naguib et al., and Langeron et al. were calculated using the airway data. After anesthesia induction, an anesthesiologist performed the laryngoscopic classification and tracheal intubation. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the models were calculated. Results: The overall incidence of difficult laryngoscopic view (DLV) was 12.7%. The area under curve (AUC) for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models were 0.834, 0.805, and 0.752, respectively, (Langeron...>...El-Ganzouri, p...=...0.004; Langeron...=...Naguib, p...=...0.278; Naguib...=...El-Ganzouri, p...=...0.101). The sensitivities were 85.7%, 67.9%, and 35.7% for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models, respectively. Conclusion: The Langeron model had higher overall prediction performance than that of the El-Ganzouri model. Additionally, the Langeron score had higher sensitivity than the Naguib and El-Ganzouri scores, and therefore yielded a lower incidence of false negatives.

Abstract We have devoted efforts to the development and performance evaluation of new low-cost ionospheric instruments for studies that require distributed observations and for educational and citizen science initiatives. Here, we report results of some of these efforts. More specifically, we describe the design of new ionospheric sensors based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and single-board computers. The first sensor (ScintPi 2.0) is a multi-constellation, single-frequency ionospheric scintillation monitor. The second sensor (ScintPi 3.0) is a multi-constellation, dual-frequency ionospheric scintillation and total electron content (TEC) monitor. Both sensors were created using Raspberry Pi computers and off-the-shelf GNSS receivers. While they are not intended to fully replace commercial ionospheric monitors, they cost a fraction of their price and can be used in various scientific applications. In addition to describing these new sensors, we present examples of observations made by ScintPi 3.0 deployed in Presidente Prudente, Brazil (22.12 S, 51.41 W, − 17.67° dip latitude). These examples show the ability of our system to detect scintillation events and TEC depletions such as those associated with equatorial plasma bubbles. Additionally, our observations were made in parallel with a commercial receiver (Septentrio PolaRx5S), which allowed an evaluation of the scintillation and TEC measurements provided by our system. The comparison shows that ScintPi 3.0 can provide estimates of the amplitude scintillation index (S4) and TEC that are in excellent agreement with those provided by PolaRx5S. We also show an example of the application of ScintPi 3.0 in distributed observations of ionospheric irregularities and scintillation over South America. Graphical Abstract

Background Estuaries are transitional coastal ecosystems that are threatened by multiple sources of human pollution. In 2015, mining tailings from an upstream dam failure caused massive metal contamination that impacted benthic assemblages on the Brazilian Rio Doce estuary. Methods In this study, we investigate and compare meiofaunal assemblages with eDNA metabarcoding 1.7 years (2017) and 2.8 years (2018) after the initial contamination by mine tailings in order to evaluate the continued impact of sediment mine tailing contaminants on the structure of benthic assemblages after the disaster. Results The community was dominated by Arthropoda and Nematoda 1.7 yr after the impacts (42 and 29% of meiofaunal sequence reads, respectively) but after 2.8 years Arthropoda (64.8% of meiofaunal sequence reads) and Rotifera (11.8%) were the most common taxa. This continued impact on meiofaunal assemblage revealed a lower phylogenetic diversity (7.8-fold) in 2018, despite overall decrease in metal concentration (Al, Ba, Cr, As, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Co) in sediments. Our data suggests that differences in benthic assemblages and loss of diversity may be influenced by contaminants in sediments of this estuary, and indicate that broad eDNA assessments are greatly useful to understand the full range of biodiversity changes in dynamic estuarine ecosystems.

Using the bromide anion exchange (BAE) green method to obtain carbon‐supported nanoparticles, Pt(LaOx)/C was successfully prepared under mild conditions. This material, containing LaOx species generated in situ during the synthesis, was efficiently used as an anode to perform glycerol oxidation in alkaline medium in batch mode and at room temperature. In a direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC), this catalyst was able to boost the glycerol‐to‐glycerate conversion with a 49% selectivity and a 28% power density higher than the same system using a BAE‐synthesized Pt/C anode. The increase in catalytic activity may be due to the interaction of LaOx with the Pt active sites, acting as a bifunctional electrode. Furthermore, when used as an anode in an electrolysis setup, the selectivity of glycerol toward glycerate increased up to 67%. In situ FTIR and HPLC analyses confirmed the formation of the value‐added glycerol oxidation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sources and levels of supplemental amino acid-complexed minerals (AACM), with and without enzyme phytase (EZ). A total of 512 Dekalb White laying hens at 67 weeks of age were used in a 2 × 3 + 2 factorial arrangement of 8 treatments and 8 replications each. The main effects included EZ supplementation (10,000 FTU kg−1) and AACM inclusion level (100, 70, and 40% of inorganic mineral recommendations), plus 2 control treatments. The group of hens fed AACM-100 showed lower feed intake than the inorganic mineral (IM) group. The diet containing AACM-EZ-70 provided a higher (p < 0.05) laying percentage and a lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio than both the IM and IM-EZ diets. The groups fed AACM-EZ-40, AACM-EZ-100, and AACM-70 produced heavier yolks (p < 0.05). Hens fed IM laid eggs with the lowest yolk and albumen weights (p < 0.05). Layers fed with AACM-100 and AACM-70 produced the most resistant eggshells to breakage (p < 0.05). In diets containing phytase, the optimal AACM recommendations for better performance and egg quality in older laying hens are: 42, 49, 5.6, 28, 0.175, and 0.70 mg kg−1 for Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.

Abstract We introduce a new numerical model developed to assist with Data Interpretation and Numerical Analysis of ionospheric Missions and Observations (DINAMO). DINAMO derives the ionospheric electrostatic potential at low- and mid-latitudes from a two-dimensional dynamo equation and user-specified inputs for the state of the ionosphere and thermosphere (I–T) system. The potential is used to specify the electric fields and associated F-region E × B plasma drifts. Most of the model was written in Python to facilitate the setup of numerical experiments and to engage students in numerical modeling applied to space sciences. Here, we illustrate applications and results of DINAMO in two different analyses. First, DINAMO is used to assess the ability of widely used I–T climatological models (IRI-2016, NRLMSISE-00, and HWM14), when used as drivers, to produce a realistic representation of the low-latitude electrodynamics. In order to evaluate the results, model E × B drifts are compared with observed climatology of the drifts derived from long-term observations made by the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar. We found that the climatological I–T models are able to drive many of the features of the plasma drifts including the diurnal, seasonal, altitudinal and solar cycle variability. We also identified discrepancies between modeled and observed drifts under certain conditions. This is, in particular, the case of vertical equatorial plasma drifts during low solar flux conditions, which were attributed to a poor specification of the E-region neutral wind dynamo. DINAMO is then used to quantify the impact of meridional currents on the morphology of F-region zonal plasma drifts. Analytic representations of the equatorial drifts are commonly used to interpret observations. These representations, however, commonly ignore contributions from meridional currents. Using DINAMO we show that that these currents can modify zonal plasma drifts by up to ~ 16 m/s in the bottom-side post-sunset F-region, and up to ~ 10 m/s between 0700 and 1000 LT for altitudes above 500 km. Finally, DINAMO results show the relationship between the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) of the vertical drifts and the vertical shear in the zonal plasma drifts with implications for equatorial spread F.