31325 research outputs found
Sort by
Role of Silicon as Structural Stabilizer and Redox‐Active Element in Multicomponent (Sn, Sb, Fe, Si) Alloy Electrodes for Na‐Ion Batteries
No full textMetal alloys are attractive electrode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) thanks to their high theoretical capacities. Because of its good availability and promising use in Li‐ion batteries, silicon is also interesting for SIBs. However, so far its use has not been very successful because formation of the NaSi phase (954 mAh g−1) is kinetically unfavorable. Here, the role of Si in multicomponent alloys composed of redox‐active metals tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and redox‐inactive iron (Fe) is investigated. The composites are prepared by high‐energy ball milling. The resulting particles and agglomerates are typically in the lower μm range (0.5–10 μm) and contain, depending on the composition, the different metals and the intermetallic phases SnSb, FeSn, FeSn2, FeSi and FeSi2. It is found that Si remains electrochemically inactive irrespective of its chemical state, but still provides some benefits. Similar to Fe, Si acts as a structural stabilizer for composite electrodes. Excellent rate capability is demonstrated by the Sn:Si:Fe alloy, while the highest capacity and long‐term stability are found for the Sn:Sb:Si (2:2:1) alloy. The stabilizing effect of Si (and Fe) is observed through operando electrochemical dilatometry, which shows a much smaller degree of electrode breathing compared to the Si/Fe‐free electrode.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 10.13039/501100001659Peer Reviewe
How engaging a pedestrian-level exhibition improves neighborhood connectedness and well-being
No full textThe article processing charge was funded by the Open Access Publication Fund of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.How might publicly visible art enhance well-being and positively impact mental health? One aspect of art's potential lies in its capacity to foster a sense of connection to one's neighborhood or surroundings and to enhance feelings of community. Although this has long been a goal for artists and cultural initiatives, especially in urban areas, it has not been studied experimentally. To begin to fill this gap, we investigated how a free sidewalk-level exhibition about a neighborhood in Berlin, Germany altered visitors’ connection to and satisfaction with their neighborhood, as well as their overall well-being. Using a pre-registered pre-post design, we asked passers-by to engage with the exhibition, and their attitudes and well-being were assessed before and after the experience. We also considered participants’ cognitive-affective experiences and their agreement with the intended emotions of the artist and curator as factors predicting changes. Results showed that after engaging with the exhibition, participants (N = 64) felt significantly more connected to the neighborhood and reported improved well-being. These changes were higher when participants felt the emotions intended by the artist. Additionally, feeling expansive emotions and reporting higher cognitive appraisal in terms of meaningfulness and understanding of the art related to improved neighborhood connectedness. Our findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting that publicly accessible art may function as a community-connecting node. It highlights the role of the artist's intention, felt emotions, and cognitive appraisals shaping in the impact of neighborhood galleries. These insights research could inform future public art exhibitions and urban well-being interventionsfuture exhibitions and interventions.Peer Reviewe
Trunk Tip Wear in Wild African Savanna Elephants
No full textThe anatomy and function of tactile structures, such as vibrissae, are typically studied in captive animals, but we know little about how tactile structures compare between captive and wild animals. We analyzed trunk tip morphology in wild (n = 6) and captive (n = 6) adult African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana). We found striking differences in both vibrissae and skin structure between the two groups. Wild elephants showed significant vibrissae abrasion, with frontal trunk tip vibrissae often entirely worn down, whereas captive elephants retained proportionally more long vibrissae, particularly along the trunk tip rim. In wild elephants, vibrissae rarely exceeded 1 cm in length, whereas many captive individuals had vibrissae several centimeters long. In contrast, vibrissae inside the nostril—a trunk region not directly exposed to feeding—were similar in length and density between wild and captive elephants. Additionally, trunk tip skin in wild elephants appeared to be worn down to a smooth surface, whereas all captive elephants showed distinct papillary skin structure and folds at the lateral trunk tip opening and nasal septum. These findings suggest that wild elephants experience feeding-related trunk abrasion, leading to significant alterations in both vibrissa structure and skin texture. Our results highlight the importance of studying sensory structures in wild animals to understand sensing in natural environments.Peer Reviewe
Red pulp macrophages clear parasites, while marginal metallophilic and marginal zone macrophages support CD4+ T cell activation during Plasmodium yoelii infection
No full textMalaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium spp., remains the most prevalent and dangerous vector-borne infectious disease worldwide. Effective pathogen clearance during malaria hinges on the interplay between adaptive and innate immune responses, especially on T cells, B cells, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and IFNγ response. In a previous study, we demonstrated that dendritic cell (DC) depletion resulted in impaired T cell responses. However, substantial CD4 + and CD8 + T cell activation was still detectable, suggesting that other APCs compensate for the lack of DCs. In the present study, we report an increase in splenic marginal zone macrophages (MZMΦ), and marginal metallophilic macrophages (MMMΦ) with an altered cytokine profile in DC-deficient mice upon P. yoelii infection. Ablation of macrophages by clodronate liposome (CL) application resulted in partially reduced T cell activation, which correlated with elevated parasitemia. To further elucidate the specific role of splenic macrophage subsets we studied P. yoelli infections in two transgenic C57BL/6 mouse lines. Treatment of CD169DTR mice with diphtheriatoxin (DT) efficiently depleted MMMΦ and MZMΦ, resulting in reduced IFNγ production by CD4 + T cells in P. yoelii -infected mice, though parasitemia progression was not modulated. In marked contrast, specific red pulp macrophages (RPMΦ) depletion in SpiC flox/flox x vav1cre mice resulted in elevated parasitemia. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that splenic macrophages located in or at the marginal zone contribute to CD4 + T cell activation, and that RPMΦs are indispensable for clearing of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) during P. yoelii infection.Peer Reviewe
Didaktik-Grundlagen für Lehrkräfte in der Pflege(-hilfe)
No full textEin digitaler, modularer Leitfaden für alle, die in der Pflege unterrichten. Das Handbuch bietet eine verständliche Einführung in zentrale Konzepte der Bildungsarbeit und verknüpft diese mit typischen Lernsituationen aus dem Pflegealltag. Dabei zeigt er auf, wie Theorie helfen kann, Herausforderungen im Unterricht zu meistern und setzt einen Fokus auf Heterogenität, Sprachbildung und respektvolle, geschlechtergerechte Kommunikation
Exploring the Impact of Improved Maize Seeds on Productivity of Tanzanian Family Farms: A Maize Seed Stochastic Simulation (MaizeSim) Approach
No full textInvestment in modern agricultural practices (MAPs) is crucial for improving crop productivity and household food availability in developing countries like Tanzania, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. This study assesses the impact of improved maize seeds on productivity across Tanzania’s agroecological zones using data from the Tanzanian National Panel Survey (NPS) Wave 5. A stochastic simulation model (a non-parametric model, “MaizeSim”) was employed to account for the inherent variability and uncertainty considerations in maize yields, offering a more accurate representation of outcomes for both improved seed users and non-users. The results reveal that farmers who used improved seeds had a 33% probability of achieving yields above 2 t/ha, compared to only 11% for those using local varieties. Conversely, non-users faced a 65% probability of harvesting below 1 t/ha, while this probability dropped to 38% for improved seed users. Regionally, the highest productivity gains were observed in the Central, Southern Highlands, and Northern Highlands zones, whereas the Eastern Coastal, Southern, and Lake zones experienced minimal benefits. The findings underscore the critical importance of encouraging the adoption of improved seed varieties as a pathway to enhance maize productivity, particularly in regions with favorable agroecological conditions. This study provides valuable insights for the development of the Tanzanian Seed Sector Development Strategy 2030, advocating for policies that promote increased investment in improved maize seeds. The results suggest that sustained application of these seeds, alongside complementary interventions such as agronomic training and improved access to inputs, is essential for improving the productivity and food availability of Tanzanian smallholder farmers. By addressing regional disparities and promoting tailored seed varieties, this strategy could significantly enhance the resilience and productivity of the country’s maize sector.I sincerely extend my gratitude to Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF) for their generous financial support in covering the Article Processing Charges (APC) for this manuscript. Their commitment to advancing agricultural research and knowledge dissemination has been invaluable, and their support has enabled the publication of this work. I deeply appreciate their contribution to fostering scientific collaboration and innovation.Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF)Peer Reviewe
Zum Quotativ im Cerma (Gur)
No full textThis article describes the grammaticalisation path of the quotative in Cerma, a Gur language spoken in the south-west of Burkina Faso. Unlike in neighbouring languages, the quotative is not based on the de-semanticised verb ‘to say’, but on the entire predication reduced to the subject (pronoun). Since all introductions of reported speech in Cerma are formed by narrative constructions and these are characterised by a special form of the subject pronoun, the quotative is easy to identify. Since the language has a strict agreement rule, there is no fixed quotative form. The quotative thus changes according to the nominal class of the head noun or shows the corresponding form of the personal pronouns. However, there are traces of further grammaticalisation in that the class 1 pronoun is increasingly used as complementizer in indirect speech. In addition, there is a marker which may precede the reported speech, and which presumably expresses the epistemic modality. It probably goes back to a similative conjunction
Synthesis and multi-target antiproliferative evaluation of novel 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione analogues against breast cancer: in silico and in vitro mechanistic insights†
No full textCancer remains a major global health challenge, with breast cancer representing the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women. Heterocyclic scaffolds containing nitrogen and sulfur, such as 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives, have shown broad pharmacological utility, including notable anticancer potential. In the present study, a novel series of 4,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazol-3-thione derivatives was designed, synthesized, and fully characterized using NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis. The compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cell lines. Most derivatives demonstrated notable cytotoxicity, with compound 6 exhibiting the most potent activity, achieving IC50 values of 4.23 μM and 16.46 μM against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, respectively, comparable to the reference drug vinblastine. Mechanistic investigations revealed that compound 6 acts via a multi-targeted pathway, significantly inhibiting α-glucosidase (IC50 = 122.7 μM), tubulin-β polymerization (58.5% inhibition), and aromatase activity (31% reduction). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that compound 6 induces pronounced S-phase cell cycle arrest and promotes both early and late apoptotic cell populations, along with a moderate increase in necrosis in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, compound 6 displayed dose-dependent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 25.4 μM), comparable to trolox. Complementary in silico studies provided molecular-level insights into the interactions of compound 6 with its biological targets. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities through key hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions within the active sites of tubulin, α-glucosidase, and aromatase. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns confirmed the stability of these interactions, especially with α-glucosidase, supported by consistent RMSD, compactness, and favorable per-residue energy contributions. Overall, these findings identify compound 6 as a promising multi-target lead for further development as an anticancer agent, combining cytotoxic, enzyme-inhibitory, and antioxidant properties.Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University 10.13039/501100004242Peer Reviewe
Institutional Design of Forest Landscape Restoration in Central Togo: Informing Policy-making through Q Methodology Analysis
No full textForest landscape restoration (FLR) is a promising tool for restoring ecological functionality and improving human well-being in degraded landscapes. The success of FLR efforts depends on the interests, perceptions, and actions of local communities, extension services, Non-Governmental Organizations, and policymakers. While much research focuses on the direct ecological and economic impacts of FLR, limited attention has been given to how stakeholder perceptions influence the design and implementation of restoration efforts. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for shaping effective policy interventions and ensuring long-term FLR success. This study uses Q methodology to examine stakeholder viewpoints on key considerations and priorities for designing and implementing FLR in Tchamba Prefecture, Togo. The analysis reveals three distinct perspectives: (1) Incentive-Driven Restoration, emphasizing financial incentives and private-sector partnerships as essential for FLR success; (2) Comprehensive and Collaborative Restoration, advocating for an inclusive, multidisciplinary approach that integrates community participation and long-term monitoring; and (3) Incentive-Driven Community Restoration, highlighting the importance of economic incentives in fostering local engagement. Across all perspectives, stakeholders strongly agreed on the importance of biodiversity conservation, stakeholder involvement, and conflict resolution in land use. The findings underscore the need to tailor FLR policies to local contexts and stakeholder preferences, suggesting that flexible, participatory approaches can enhance sustainability and effectiveness. This study contributes to developing inclusive, adaptive restoration policies and highlights the need to integrate behavioural insights into policy-making to foster long-term stakeholder engagement.German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)Peer Reviewe