Commercial Prospects Research Articles

Beyond the spotlight: Unveiling the gender bias curtain in movie reviews.

Historically, the film industry has been male-dominated both in front of and behind the camera, resulting in a longstanding gender imbalance in storytelling and representation. This legacy of male-centric narratives may unconsciously influence critics' expectations and judgments. Existing literature suggests that negative critiques in movie reviews can significantly impact actors' earnings by diminishing a film's commercial prospects. This influence extends to potential reductions in back-end compensation and marketability for future projects, and it can directly affect actors' well-being, leading to increased stress levels and elevated cardiovascular reactivity. Previously, gender biases in movie reviews were computed using disparities in male-led versus female-led movie ratings or box-office earnings; however, no work has been done to quantify the linguistic biases within movie review transcripts. This work aims to leverage our language-model-powered gender bias detection system to measure benevolent sexism, hostile sexism, explicit marking of sex, dehumanization, and generic pronouns in reviews published by professional critics. Therefore, we analyzed 17,165 professionally written reviews, comprising a total of 735,000 sentences. Our analysis uncovers pronounced representation bias in key movie roles, with 72% of first actors, 91% of first directors, and 86% of first writers being male. More importantly, the findings indicate that movies with female-dominated casts evoke, on average, 149% higher magnitude of hostile sexism and 44% higher magnitude of benevolent sexism in their reviews compared to movies with male-dominated casts. We also find that benevolent sexism is most common in Family and Music genres, reflecting the romanticization of gender roles, whereas hostile sexism peaks in Romance. A non-parametric statistical analysis revealed significant gender differences in benevolent and hostile sexism scores for movie reviews, with female first actors, directors, and writers receiving higher levels of both benevolent and hostile sexist criticism compared to their male counterparts.

Biphasic lipid extraction from microalgae after PEF-treatment reduces the energy demand of the downstream process

BackgroundThe gradual extrusion of water-soluble intracellular components (such as proteins) from microalgae after pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is a well-documented phenomenon. This could be utilized in biorefinery applications with lipid extraction taking place after such an ‘incubation’ period, i.e., a post-PEF-treatment step during which the biomass is left undisturbed before any further processing. The goal of this work was to further explore how this incubation could improve lipid extraction.ResultsExperiments were conducted on wet, freshly harvested Auxenochlorella protothecoides, treated with 0.25 or 1.5 MJ/kgDW and incubated for 24 h. Lipid extraction took place with a monophasic ethanol:hexane:water, 1:0.41:0.04 vol/vol/vol mixture with a 75.6 mL solvent per 1 g of dry biomass ratio. The kinetics of the extraction were studied with samples taken between 10 and 1080 min from fresh and incubated biomass. The yields at 10 min were significantly increased with incubation compared to without (31.2% dry weight compared to 1.81%, respectively). The experimental data were fitted with the Patricelli model where extraction occurs in two steps, a rapid washing of immediate available lipids and a slower diffusion one. During Nile-Red staining of microalgae and microscopy imaging, a shift of emission from both GFP and RFP channels to mostly RFP was observed indicating an increase in the polarity of the environment of Nile-Red. These led to an adaption of a biphasic ethanol:hexane:water 1:6:0.4 vol/vol/vol solvent with 37 mL solvent per 1 g of dry biomass ratio which while ineffective on fresh biomass, achieved a 27% dry weight yield from incubated microalgae. The extraction efficiency in the biphasic route was lower compared to the monophasic (i.e., 69% and 95%, respectively). It was compensated however, by the significant solvent reduction (37 mL to 75.6 mL respectively), in particular the ethanol minimization. For the extraction of 1 L lipids, it was estimated that the energy consumption ratio for the biphasic process was 1.6 compared to 9.9 for monophasic, making clearly the most preferential one.ConclusionsThis biphasic approach significantly reduces solvent consumption and the respective energy requirement for solvent recovery. Incubation thus could majorly improve the commercialization prospects of the process.Graphical abstract

Multiple Electron Transfers Enable High-Capacity Cathode Through Stable Anionic Redox.

Single-electron transfer, low alkali metal contents, and large-molecular masses limit the capacity of cathodes. This study uses a cost-effective and light-molecular-mass orthosilicate material, K2FeSiO4, with a high initial potassium content, as a cathode for potassium-ion batteries to enable the transfer of more than one electron. Despite the limited valence change of Fe ions during cycling, K2FeSiO4 can undergo multiple electron transfers via successive oxygen anionic redox reactions to generate a high reversible capacity. Although the formation of O‒O dimers in K2FeSiO4 occur upon removing large amounts of potassium, the strong binding effect of Si on O mitigates irreversible oxygen release and voltage degradation during cycling. K2FeSiO4 achieves 236 mAh g-1 at 50mA g-1, with an energy density of 520Wh kg-1, which can be comparable with commercial LiFePO4 materials. Moreover, it also exhibits 1400 stable cycles under high-current conditions. These findings enhance the potential commercialization prospects for potassium-ion batteries.

Superior Multimodal Luminescence in a Stable Single-Host Nanomaterial with Large-Scale Synthesis for High-Level Anti-Counterfeiting and Encryption.

Multimode luminescent materials exhibit tunable photon emissions under different excitation or stimuli channels, endowing them high encoding capacity and confidentiality for anti-counterfeiting and encryption. Achieving multimode luminescence into a stable single material presents a promising but remains a challenge. Here, the downshifting/upconversion emissions, color-tuning persistent luminescence (PersL), temperature-dependent multi-color emissions, and hydrochromism are integrated into Er3+ ions doped Cs2NaYbCl6 nanocrystals (NCs) by leveraging shallow defect levels and directed energy migration. The resulting NCs display strong static and dynamic colorful luminescence in response to ultraviolet, 980-nm laser, and X-ray. Additionally, the NCs exhibit distinct luminescent colors as the temperature increases from 330 to 430 K. Surprisingly, it also demonstrates the ability of the reversible emission modal and color in response to water. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations reveal that self-trapped exciton state (STEs), chlorine vacancy defects, and ladderlike 4f energy levels of Er3+ ions contribute to multimodal luminescence. More importantly, it has extremely remarkable environmental stability, which can be stored in the air for more than 18 months, showing promising commercial prospects. This work not only gives new insights into lanthanide-based metal halide NCs but also provides a new route for developing multimodal luminescent nanomaterials for anti-counterfeiting and encryption.

Enhancing Acclimatization Conditions for Vriesea splendens 'Fire': A Comparative Analysis of Substrate Effects on Growth and Survival.

This study investigates the acclimatization success of Vriesea splendens 'Fire', a popular ornamental bromeliad, through in vitro propagation on various substrates. Due to the increasing demand for V. splendens, micropropagation offers a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional propagation methods. In this research, acclimatization was conducted in two trial types: in the one-step greenhouse conditions, and in two-step acclimatization, which introduced a controlled laboratory step before transferring plants to the greenhouse. The substrates examined included pure and mixed forms of turf, perlite, coco coir, pine bark (hereafter referred to as bark), moss, and vermiculite. Morphological traits such as plant height, leaf length, number and length of roots, and fresh weight were evaluated, together with physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations and survival percentage, to test the effectiveness of acclimatization. Coco coir-based substrates significantly enhanced plant height, root development, and survival percentages in both experiments compared with other substrates, thus proving its suitability for the propagation of V. splendens. Vermiculite had the highest survival rate during one-step acclimatization, whereas turf showed a very good performance in two-step acclimatization. On the opposite side, substrates containing bark and moss showed a reduced effect on plant growth and survival, which indicated the vital role of substrates for best development. Statistical analyses confirmed the superiority of some combinations of substrates related to physiological health, showing that optimal acclimatization results could be improved by a chosen substrate. These results strengthen the present in vitro propagation protocols of the Vriesea species by confirming the relevance of substrate choice in producing hardy plants with good commercial prospects.

Innovating chitosan-based bioinks for dermal wound healing: Current progress and future prospects.

The field of three-dimensional (3D) bio/printing, known as additive manufacturing (AM), heavily relies on bioinks possessing suitable mechanical properties and compatibility with living cells. Among the array of potential hydrogel precursor materials, chitosan (CS) has garnered significant attention due to its remarkable physicochemical and biological attributes. These attributes include biodegradability, nontoxicity, antimicrobial properties, wound healing promotion, and immune system activation, making CS a highly appealing hydrogel-based bioink candidate. This review explores the transformative potential of CS-based bioink for enhancing dermal wound healing therapies. We highlight CS's unique qualities that make it an optimal choice for bioink development. Advancements in 3D bio/printing technology for tissue engineering (TE) are discussed, followed by an examination of strategies for CS-based bioink formulation and their impacts on wound healing. To address the progress in translating advanced wound healing from lab to clinic, we highlight the current and ongoing research in CS-based bioink for 3D bio/printing in skin wound healing applications. Finally, we explore current evidence, commercialization prospects, emerging innovations like 4D printing, and the challenges and future directions in this promising field.

Green graphitic-carbon bridged Ag2S/g-C3N4 S-scheme photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation in water with antimicrobial activity: From synthesis to commercialization prospect

Green graphitic-carbon bridged Ag2S/g-C3N4 S-scheme photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation in water with antimicrobial activity: From synthesis to commercialization prospect

Successive Reactions of Trimethylgermanium Chloride to Achieve > 26% Efficiency MA-Free Perovskite Solar Cell With 3000-Hour Unattenuated Operation.

The rapidly increased efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) indicates their broad commercial prospects, but the commercialization of perovskite faces complex optimization processes and stability issues. In this work, a simple optimized strategy is developed by the addition of trimethylgermanium chloride (TGC) into FACsPbI3 precursor solution. TGC triggers the successive interactions in perovskite solution and film, involving the hydrolysis of vulnerable Ge─Cl bond forming Ge─OH group, then forming the hydrogen bonds (O─H···N and O─H···I) with FAI. These successive interactions effectively safeguard FA+ from decomposition, accelerate crystallization, restrict ion migration, and passivate film defects. Thus, a high-quality perovskite is obtained with the super-hydrophobic surface, maintaining the light-active phase (α-phase) even after exposure to high-humidity air (RH: 85%) for 10 days. Consequently, the TGC-treated conventional (n-i-p) and inverted (p-i-n) FACsPbI3 PSCs achieve 26.03%- and 26.38%- efficiencies, respectively, retaining unattenuated operation initial efficiency after tracking at the maximum power point (MPP) under illumination for 3000h.

Advances in Electrode Materials for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries: Challenges and Future Prospects

Energy storage is crucial for modern technology, especially with the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. While lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the market due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and widespread application, the growing scarcity and rising cost of lithium are driving the exploration of alternative materials. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a highly promising solution, offering significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, abundance of sodium resources, and environmental sustainability. This review provides an in-depth examination of the working principles of SIBs, comparing their performance with LIBs and analyzing their potential in large-scale energy storage applications, including grid-level and stationary systems. Recent progress in the development of advanced cathode and anode materials is thoroughly discussed, with a particular focus on overcoming existing limitations related to energy density, cycle stability, and efficiency. Furthermore, the review addresses the prospects for SIB commercialization, along with the technical and economic challenges that remain. With continued material innovations and research, SIBs could play a vital role in creating sustainable and scalable energy storage solutions.

Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles for Liquid Cooling Systems in Battery Thermal Management

The increasing power demands and advancements in battery technology have intensified the need for efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS). Among various cooling methods, liquid cooling is favored for its superior heat capacity, though it faces challenges in thermal conductivity and maintaining temperature uniformity across cells. The incorporation of aluminum oxide nanoparticles into coolants has emerged as a promising solution to enhance heat dissipation in battery packs. Despite the potential benefits, obstacles such as nanoparticle aggregation pose significant barriers to commercialization. This paper explores the feasibility of using aluminum oxide nanoparticles in BTMS by analyzing existing literature and data. Key focus areas include optimizing nanoparticle size and dispersion techniques to mitigate aggregation and improve thermal performance. Additionally, the commercial prospects of this technology are evaluated, considering current market trends and economic viability. This comprehensive review reveals the potential of aluminum oxide nanoparticles to optimize BTMS, paving the way for more efficient and reliable energy storage solutions.

Оценка содержания вторичных метаболитов и антиоксидантной активности экстрактов каллусных культур и микрорастений in vitro Hyssopus officinalis L.

Hyssopus officinalis L. is a valuable medicinal plant. Its extracts have good commercial prospects as biologically active substances. Biotechnological production methods that yield valuable secondary metabolites often involve callus cultures, which differ in qualitative and quantitative content of target substances. This research compared phenolic secondary metabolites, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities in extracts of three callus cultures in vitro, native plants, micro-plants and a commercial preparation of H. officinalis. The extracts were obtained using 70% ethanol. The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and tannins was determined by standard methods. The method of high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the content of individual phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity tests relied on DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The antimicrobial and fungicidal activity was assessed by the disc-diffusion method. The Murashige-Skoog medium with 0.2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid demonstrated a high growth index of callus crude biomass (11.6 ± 1.4). The same culture was rich in phenolic compounds (35.5 ± 1.2 mg-eq. gallic acid/g solids), hydroxycinnamic acids (82.5 ± 2.6 mg-eq. rosmarinic acid/g solids), tannins (49.6 ± 0.8 mg-eq. gallic acid/g solids), rosmarinic acid (20.25 ± 1.84 mg/g solids), and caffeic acid (1.48 ± 0.08 mg/g solids). Its extracts showed significant antioxidant activity according to DPPH (127.8 ± 5.6 mg-eq. ascorbic acid/g solids) and FRAP (15.9 ± 1.3 mg-eq. ascorbic acid/g solids). However, they had a rather weak antibacterial and fungicidal activity against Bacillus subtilis (7.2 ± 0.2 mm) and Candida albicans (7.0 ± 0.2 mm) at a concentration of 2 mg/disk. The antibacterial and fungicidal activity against Escherichia coli was equally weak at 1 mg/disk (7.0 ± 0.3 mm) and 2 mg/disk (7.3 ± 0.1 mm), respectively. The extracts of H. officinalis callus cultures and micro-plants in vitro produced the best yield of secondary metabolites compared to the native plant extract. Biotechnological methods proved effective in obtaining valuable compounds from cell cultures.

Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: Commercial Innovations and Prospects

Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction: Commercial Innovations and Prospects

Ultra-Long Lifespan Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Batteries Enabled by a Defect-Rich Covalent Triazine Framework.

Aqueous Zinc-iodine batteries (ZIBs) are widely viewed as promising energy storage devices due to their high energy density and intrinsic safety. However, they encounter great challenges such as grievous polyiodides shuttle and sluggish iodine (I2) redox reaction kinetics, thus undesirable cycling performance. Here a high-performance ZIB with an ultra-long lifespan is reported through the rational I2 cathode catalyst design. Specifically, a covalent triazine framework with defect-rich sites and micro-mesoporous structure (i.e., CTF500) is developed as an effective I2 cathode catalyst. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of micro-mesoporous structure and defect-rich sites for the confinement and conversion of I2 species, the resulting ZIBs with I2 loaded CTF500 (I2@CTF500) cathode show an ultra-long lifespan over 75,000 cycles at 5 A g-1, and an impressive cyclic performance over 15,000 cycles at high I2 loading of 3.59mg cm-2, highlighting its commercial application prospect. In/ex situ spectral characterizations combined with theoretical calculations clearly reveal the reversible reaction mechanism of I2 species in I2@CTF500 cathode and the essential role of defect-rich sites in boosting the performance of ZIBs. This work not only guides the design of advanced I2 cathodes for metal-iodine batteries but also expands the range of possible applications for defect-rich CTFs.

Разработка интеллектуальной системы управления жизненным циклом горнодобывающего предприятия на основе технологий индустрии 4.0 и циркулярной экономики

The relevance of designing smart life cycle management systems for mining enterprises is defined by a number of global challenges that determine the development of the industry, such as the depletion of easily accessible deposits, increasing exploration and production costs, increasingly stringent environmental requirements, digitalization and automation of production processes. The purpose of the research is to create a research methodology and software and hardware support to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of mining in the context of depleting mineral resource base, more stringent environmental requirements and digital transformation of the industry. The research methodology is based on the integrated application of the system analysis, mathematical modeling, optimization and information systems design methods. The empirical basis is the data of geological and geophysical surveys, technological and commercial parameters of the mining and concentration processes, environmental and social indicators. As the result, a conceptual model and architecture of the smart life cycle management system of a mining enterprise were developed, as well as methods and algorithms for optimization of the key mining processes with account for the principles of the circular economy, and a prototype of the system tested on the data of real mining enterprises in the Russian Federation. The results obtained have a significant theoretical and practical value, offering prospects for scale-up and commercialization of the smart system to manage the life cycle of a mining enterprise in the mining industry.

Gallium Oxide and Its Applications in Electronics: An Overview

Gallium oxide (Ga₂ O₃ ), a semiconductor, has recently attracted the attention of many researchers and specialists due to its large band gap and thermal stability, which has made it widely used in several fields, including modern electronics and optoelectronics. In this paper, the many forms and properties of gallium oxide materials will be highlighted, as well as a complete analysis of their distinctive properties. The synthesis and fabrication procedures will also be discussed, which may shed light on the problems and progress made in this field. Some of the most common applications of gallium oxide will also be explored, including flash memory devices and gas sensors, in addition to its future use in data storage and environmental monitoring technology. In addition, an overview of the commercial prospects will be provided, with expectations indicating significant growth in the market, with an estimated increase of 44% by 2033, which will contribute significantly to the semiconductor industry.

Sustainable biomaterials for pharmaceutical and medical applications

The utilization of sustainable biomaterials in pharmaceutical and medical applications has gained significant momentum in recent years due to their dual ability to address environmental concerns and meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare. As the need for greener alternatives in healthcare intensifies, this review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and innovations in sustainable biomaterials for pharmaceutical and medical fields. The review begins by exploring sustainable sourcing methods and eco-friendly production techniques, which are crucial in reducing the environmental footprint of biomaterial development. Emphasis is placed on adopting renewable resources and processes that minimize waste and energy consumption, ensuring sustainability throughout the lifecycle of these materials. A diverse array of sustainable biomaterials is highlighted, including biopolymers, natural extracts, and biobased nanoparticles, with a focus on their unique properties and biomedical applications. These materials are increasingly utilized in critical areas such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, wound healing, and medical device fabrication. Their attributes, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and therapeutic efficacy, make them valuable assets in advancing healthcare solutions while preserving environmental integrity. Additionally, this review delves into regulatory considerations and the commercialization prospects of sustainable biomaterials, discussing the challenges and opportunities in integrating these materials into mainstream medical and pharmaceutical practices. Issues such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards are critically examined to understand their implications for real-world applications. By elucidating the potential, challenges, and future directions of sustainable biomaterials, this article aims to inspire further research and innovation in developing environmentally friendly and effective healthcare solutions. It advocates for a transformative approach to material science that prioritizes sustainability without compromising therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for a greener and healthier future.

The Advancement of Silicon as A Photovoltaic Material: Historical Accomplishments, Present Efficiency and Future Development

In today's society where energy and environmental issues are increasingly gaining attention, research, development, and utilization of renewable and clean energy continuously attract the interest of academia, environmental protection, and business alike. Its application has already entered people's lives and is gradually expanding its market share. As a result, there is a growing demand for more efficiently designed, environmentally friendly and less costly new energy devices. Among various energy resources such as tidal, wind or geothermal, solar energy stands out as the most widely used clean and renewable resource. Given that solar energy is virtually limitless for humans, the function of solar cells in converting solar energy to electricity demonstrates significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. For the development of solar energy and new research, photovoltaic materials are crucial. Non-toxic and with excellent photovoltaic properties, silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the most abundant in water. Since crystalline silicon solar cells produced for the first time in 1954, silicon has held the most important material position in photovoltaic cell manufacturing and maintained market dominance. The importance of silicon solar cell research, its development and current status are briefly outlined in this paper. It reviews the advantages and disadvantages of existing silicon-based photovoltaic materials and potential future developments. As a photovoltaic material, silicon holds significant advantages compared to others, suggesting a broad scope for both research and commercial prospects in the long term.

Seguros agropecuarios basados en índices. Situación actual y visión de mercado de compañías aseguradores

This paper presents the stage of development of agricultural index insurances in Argentina. Market penetration and five-year commercial prospects are analyzed using survey data from a sample of data provided of insurance companies. The majority of the parametric insurance approved by the National Insurance Superintendence in Argentina are designed to cover rainfall events for typical agricultural activities in the Pampas region, with little development for regional productions and/or areas outside the Pampas. One third of the insured companies currently offers this type of insurance, although sales level is null to medium. In the medium term, insurers perception of commercialization level of this type of insurance for crops and livestock is considered acceptable. Insurance companies agree on the importance of public-private programs to expand market, and the need of adequate climate data to improve the design and fit of these coverages to farmers.

Peptide-Based Biomaterials for Combatting Infections and Improving Drug Delivery.

This review explores the potential of peptide-based biomaterials to enhance biomedical applications through self-assembly, biological responsiveness, and selective targeting. Peptides are presented as versatile agents for antimicrobial activity and drug delivery, with recent approaches incorporating antimicrobial peptides into self-assembling systems to improve effectiveness and reduce resistance. The review also covers peptide-based nanocarriers for cancer drug delivery, highlighting their improved stability, targeted delivery, and reduced side effects. The focus of this work is on the bioactive properties of peptides, particularly in infection control and drug delivery, rather than on their structural design or material characteristics. Additionally, it examines the role of peptidomimetics in broadening biomaterial applications and enhancing resistance to enzymatic degradation. Finally, the review discusses the commercial prospects and challenges of translating peptide biomaterials into clinical applications.

Polyethylene Glycol-Protected Zinc Microwall Arrays for Stable Zinc Anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries promise good commercial application prospects due to their environmental benignity and easy assembly under atmospheric conditions, positioning them as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, some inherent issues, such as chaotic zinc dendrite growth and inevitable side reactions, challenge the commercialization progress. In this work, we imprint highly ordered zinc microwall arrays to regulate the electric field toward uniform Zn deposition. Afterward, coating a polyethylene glycol protection layer on the zinc microwalls aims to passivate the surface defects that rise unintentionally by mechanical imprinting. Polyethylene glycol can also boost oriented Zn deposition along the (002) plane and inhibit hydrogen gas production, further enhancing the stability of such three-dimensional (3D) hybrid anodes. Compared to the messy electric field near the polyethylene glycol-protected Zn foil, the uniform electric field provided by these 3D hybrid anodes can regulate the Zn deposition behaviors, enabling a longer lifespan and thus certifying the necessity of adding 3D microstructures. Additionally, 3D microstructures can offer a larger surface area than that of the planar Zn foil, providing more reaction sites and higher specific capacity. In this case, the 3D hybrid electrode exhibits a good initial capacity of approximately 120 mA h/g at a current density of 5 A/g and a nice retention of more than 80% after 800 cycles. The proposed scheme paves the way for a long-term stable 3D zinc anode solution with promising application prospects.