Sustained Rates Research Articles

Investigation into the mechanisms of photosynthetic regulation and adaptation under salt stress in lavender.

Salinity stress is a major threat to agricultural productivity and sustainability, often causing irreversible damage to photosynthesis. Lavender, a valuable aromatic plant, experiences growth impacts under salt stress. However, the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis related to its adaptation to salt stress remain unclear. In this study, lavender was exposed to 0, 100, 200, and 300mM NaCl for 28 days. It was observed that lavender effectively maintained chlorophyll stability when salt concentrations were below 200mM and stress duration was under 21 days. The most effective model for lavender under salt stress was identified as a right-angled hyperbolic modified model. Under moderate salt stress (100mM, 200mM), genes such as LaPSB28, LaPSBS, and LaPSBR contributed to PSII core stability, enhanced photosynthetic pigment levels, and sustained high electron transfer rates to improve salt-tolerance. Additionally, LaLHCB4-1 and LaPSAK-1 regulated stomatal size, thereby facilitating gas exchange and supporting the photosynthetic process. Conversely, under high salt stress (300mM), LaPSBW-1, -2, and LaPSAB were found to reduce photosynthetic pigment levels and inhibit photosynthetic activity. However, genes such as LaCHLG-2, LaGLG-3, LaBAM1-1 and -3, and LaCHLP-3 aided in starch synthesis by increasing pigment content, thus promoting energy balance and enhancing salt tolerance. This regulation involved photosynthesis-antenna proteins and pathways related to starch, sucrose, and chlorophyll metabolism. These findings may support the cultivation of salt-tolerant lavender varieties and maximize saline soil usage.

Foreign Exchange and the Permaformance of Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: A Disaggragrated Anaylsis

The manufacturing sector in sub Saharan–Africa, particularly Nigeria is handicapped with numerous challenges like affordable energy, multiple taxation and foreign exchange; a key driver of manufacturing activities. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of foreign exchange on the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria using disaggregated analysis. Data were sourced from secondary materials collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin on manufacturing sector output, foreign exchange availability, foreign exchange rate, Nigeria foreign reserves and inflation rate from 1999 -2021. Econometric-view (E-view version 9) statistical tool was used to run the Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis. The findings of the study revealed that during the period under consideration, foreign exchange availability (FEA) has negative and significant impact on the growth of the manufacturing sector at P-value of 0.017. Foreign exchange rate (EXR) has positive and significant impact on the manufacturing sector of Nigeria, while Nigeria foreign reserves (NFR) has positive but insignificant impact at P-value of 0.547. Inflation rate has a negative and insignificant impact on the growth of manufacturing sector at -1.187 (P = 0.256). Based on the findings, the study recommended that monetary authority should take urgent steps to tackle the foreign exchange crisis and maintain a sustainable exchange rate. Importantly, foreign exchange is made available to importers of industrial raw materials and at the same time grow the country’s foreign reserves. Also, local industries should be developed to reduce dependence on imported materials and thereby conserved foreign exchange.

Safety and Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota, Live-jslm (REBYOTA®), for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Participants With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in PUNCH CD3-OLS.

Fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL; REBYOTA®), is the first single-dose, broad consortia, microbiota-based live biotherapeutic approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) in adults following standard-of-care antimicrobials. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common risk factor for rCDI, yet patients with IBD are often excluded from prospective trials. This subgroup analysis of PUNCH CD3-OLS (NCT03931941) evaluated the safety and efficacy of RBL in participants with rCDI and IBD. Participants with IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC], Crohn's disease [CD], or unspecified) who had rCDI were included. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) data were collected for up to 6 months following RBL administration. Efficacy outcomes included treatment success at 8 weeks and sustained clinical response at 6 months. Overall, 793 participants were enrolled, and 697 received RBL; 74 had IBD (UC: n = 45; CD: n = 25; unspecified IBD: n = 4). TEAEs within 8 weeks of administration were reported by 45.9% and 47.5% of participants with and without IBD, respectively; most were mild or moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. Serious TEAEs within 8 weeks of administration were reported by 1.4% and 4.2% of participants with and without IBD, respectively. The treatment success rate at 8 weeks was 78.9%, and the sustained clinical response rate at 6 months was 91.1% in participants with IBD, similar to rates in participants without IBD (73.2% and 91.0%, respectively). The results of this subgroup analysis of PUNCH CD3-OLS suggest RBL is safe and efficacious in patients with IBD.

Correction to: A state‑of‑the‑art review on sustainability evaluation of machining processes involving the effects of advanced cooling technologies

Correction to: A state‑of‑the‑art review on sustainability evaluation of machining processes involving the effects of advanced cooling technologies

Highly loaded copper on mesoporous silica as catalysts for acetaldehyde production from ethanol: their synthesis, characteristics, and catalytic properties

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study investigates copper (Cu)/mesoporous catalysts supported on mesocellular foam silica (MCF‐Si) and Santa Barbara Amorphous‐15 (SBA‐15) for ethanol dehydrogenation, focusing on catalyst synthesis, performance, and stability. Cu catalysts were impregnated on the MCF‐Si and SBA‐15 supports with different pore morphologies – spherical and hexagonal structure, respectively – using the wetness impregnation method and incipient wetness impregnation (IW), with a Cu loading of 60 wt%. The synthesized catalysts underwent physical and chemical characterization via scanning electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, N2 physisorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), carbon monoxide chemisorption, hydrogen temperature‐programmed reduction (H2 TPR), ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption, and carbon dioxide temperature‐programmed desorption.RESULTSIt was observed that copper impregnation of the support in either method did not alter the structural characteristics. Incipient wetness resulted in superior catalytic activity, particularly with Cu/MCF‐Si (IW), having pure ethanol conversion of 99.4% and acetaldehyde yield of 95.7%, attributed to effective Cu dispersion and a lower reduction temperature. Further investigation of time‐on‐stream (TOS) behavior revealed sustained ethanol conversion rates exceeding 95% with a 10% ethanol feed. However, catalyst deactivation due to coke formation occurred with 100% ethanol, highlighting the importance of understanding catalyst stability and deactivation mechanisms.CONCLUSIONIncipient wetness resulted in superior performance compared to wetness impregnation, with Cu/MCF‐Si (IW) achieving exceptional ethanol conversion rates due to effective Cu dispersion and a lower reduction temperature. TOS testing revealed sustained ethanol conversion; however, catalyst deactivation was observed with pure ethanol feed due to carbon deposition (coke formation). Characterization techniques, including XRD, TGA, and H2 TPR analyses, provided valuable insights into the deactivation processes, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate oxidation‐induced deactivation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Enhanced Antibiotic Release and Mechanical Strength in UHMWPE Antibiotic Blends: The Role of Submicron Gentamicin Sulfate Particles.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major complication of total joint replacement surgeries. This study investigated the enhancement of mechanical properties and antibiotic release in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) through the encapsulation of submicron gentamicin sulfate (GS) particles, addressing the critical need for improved implant materials in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in managing PJIs. The present study involved embedding submicron GS particles into UHMWPE flakes at concentrations of 2% to 10% by weight. These particles were prepared and blended with UHMWPE flakes using a dual asymmetric centrifugal mixer, and the blends were consolidated. The present study compared the mechanical properties and antibiotic release rate of UHMWPE containing submicron, medium (as-received), and large (resolidified) GS particles. UHMWPE samples with submicron GS particles exhibited superior mechanical properties, including higher ultimate tensile and Izod impact strengths, compared with samples with larger particles. Additionally, the submicron GS UHMWPE blends demonstrated a markedly higher and more sustained antibiotic release rate. This study highlights the potential of incorporating submicron GS particles into UHMWPE to drastically improve the feasibility of using these therapeutic and functional spacer implants in expanded indications. By offering improved mechanical strength and effective, prolonged antibiotic release, this innovative material could be used as a spacer implant to reduce the considerably high morbidity and mortality associated with PJIs. This material has the potential to prevent PJIs not only in high-risk revision cases but also in primary total joint arthroplasty procedures.

Constructing a Sustainable Evaluation Framework for AIGC Technology in Yixing Zisha Pottery: Balancing Heritage Preservation and Innovation

This study develops a sustainable evaluation framework for Yixing Zisha pottery design schemes generated by Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology, emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage preservation with innovation. As a traditional Chinese craft and a recognized element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), Yixing Zisha pottery is celebrated for its cultural depth and unique design techniques. Guided by emotional design theory, the framework assesses aesthetic, functional, and emotional dimensions through hierarchical analysis. Using the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), primary and secondary indicators were identified and weighted based on expert consensus. AIGC technology, underpinned by advanced AI algorithms, generates culturally authentic yet innovative design solutions, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. The findings reveal that this approach enhances design diversity, functionality, and efficiency while fostering global cultural awareness. By providing practical guidance for integrating AIGC technology into traditional craftsmanship, the research offers a replicable model for other traditional crafts and contributes to the theoretical advancement of sustainable cultural heritage practices. By bridging the gap between digital innovation and heritage preservation, this study addresses the critical need for sustainable strategies in the creative industries.

Sustainable Growth Rate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Likuidity, Leverage and Profitability, Financial Performance as an Intervening Variable

Objective: This research examines the impact of liquidity, leverage, and profitability on financial performance, with financial performance acting as an intervening variable in the sustainable growth rate (SGR) of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2019-2023. Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have a close relationship, because both focus on sustainable development that maintains a balance between economic, social and environmental aspects. Theoretical Framework: This research uses stakeholder theory, which explains the company's relationship with various parties who have an interest in its activities and success. Method: The study employs a quantitative approach using data from 470 companies across various sectors in Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using empirical testing to assess the relationships between liquidity, leverage, profitability, financial performance, and sustainable growth. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that liquidity and profitability have a positive influence on financial performance, while leverage does not significantly affect financial performance. Financial performance, in turn, has a direct and significant effect on the sustainable growth rate. Research Implications: The findings provide practical implications for corporate management, highlighting the importance of optimizing liquidity and profitability to enhance financial performance and achieve sustainable growth. Theoretical contributions include insights into the interconnected roles of financial factors in supporting long-term growth without excessive reliance on external financing or increased leverage. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence from the Indonesian context, emphasizing sustainable growth within a dynamic and competitive environment. Its originality lies in the integration of liquidity, leverage, profitability, and financial performance as key determinants of SGR, providing valuable insights for both academic and corporate stakeholders.

Material Sustainability of Low-Energy Housing Electric Components: A Systematic Literature Review and Outlook

As part of the energy transition, near-Zero-Energy-Buildings use electric systems that reduce emissions and consumption. Nevertheless, the increased use of such systems comes with the E-waste challenge. Circular Economy concepts try to make more efficient use of these materials, but sustainable evaluations mainly focus on energy and emissions. The developed automated text analysis tool quantifies the appearance of circularity concepts in open-access literature about different stages of production, use, and end-of-life for heat pumps, Lithium-Ion batteries, photovoltaic modules, and inverters. The energy focus is corroborated in different amounts depending on the component and stage, and when circularity concepts appear, they are centred on waste and recycling. Numerical variables to model environmental impact available in open-access literature are limited, generalised, or present in a wide range. Access to product environmental specifications should be encouraged to ensure that energy transition is sustainable in all its dimensions.

DOP006 Long term maintenance treatment with vedolizumab in pediatric IBD: a three-year follow-up of the prospective multicenter VEDOKIDS study

Abstract Background Long-term data on the use of vedolizumab in children with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are lacking and the drug is not yet approved in pediatrics. The VEDOKIDS prospective multicenter cohort study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab as maintenance therapy in children with CD and UC; this study reports the 3-year final visit outcomes (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02862132). Methods Children commenced on vedolizumab at any disease duration and with any degree of disease activity were enrolled in 17 pediatric centers in Europe, the USA and the Middle East and followed prospectively through 3 years. The primary outcome was complete remission at 3 years (i.e. steroid-free clinical remission and normal ESR/CRP with sustained vedolizumab treatment and without a surgery). Secondary outcome was loss of response (PUCAI ≥ 10 or wPCDAI ≥ 12.5 for children with UC and CD, respectively) in those achieving clinical remission at week 6. Results Altogether, 137 children were enrolled, of whom 53 (39%) continued vedolizumab treatment through three years. Sustainability rate was higher in UC (35/73 [48%]) than in CD (18/64 [28%]; OR 2.4 [95%CI 1.2-4.8]). Complete remission at three years was achieved in 19/73 (26%) children with UC vs. 9/64 (14%) with CD (OR 2.2 [95%CI 0.9-5.2]) using ITT analysis. The best predictor of complete remission at 3 years was clinical remission at week 6 measured in CD by wPCDAI ≤12.5 (AUROC 0.78 [95%CI 0.64-0.963]), and in UC by PUCAI<10 (AUROC 0.74 [0.63-0.85]). Similarly, in adjusted multivariable logistic regression, complete remission at 3 years was more likely in week-6 remitters or responders compared to non-responders (HR 2.6 [95%CI 1.1-7.2]). Of the 51 (37%) children who achieved clinical remission at week 6 (32 UC and 19 CD), the likelihood of achieving complete remission at 3 years was 41% for UC and 26% for CD (OR 1.9 [95%CI 0.6-6.6]). Of those achieving clinical remission at week 6, 22%, 28%, 31% and 38% lost response by 30, 54, 108 and 162 weeks, respectively, for UC, while for the fewer children with CD who achieved remission at week 6, 5%, 5%, 11% and 16%, respectively, lost response (Figure). Forty adverse events were recorded in 23 children (17%) as possibly related to vedolizumab, none were serious, with the most common being headache, myalgia and fever. Conclusion Vedolizumab was safe and effective for maintaining long-term remission in children with UC and CD. Remission rates were higher in UC compared to CD at the end of induction, but UC patients experienced a higher rate of loss of response over time. Achieving clinical remission by week 6 after initiation of the drug was the best predictor of long-term effectiveness in both UC and CD.

P0870 Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Adalimumab in Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter Cohort Study in Infliximab-Naïve and Infliximab-Exposed Patients

Abstract Background High adalimumab dosing for Crohn's disease remains uncertain. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of different adalimumab doses in infliximab-naïve and -exposed patients to guide individualized therapy. Methods A retrospective, multicenter cohort study with propensity score weighting included Crohn’s disease patients treated at Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital from January 2019 to July 2022. Clinical remission, objective response, and sustained remission rates were assessed at 12 and 52 weeks. Results Of 223 patients (165 standard-dose, 58 high-dose), propensity score–adjusted analysis showed no difference in clinical remission at Week 12 between high- and standard-dose groups (80.2% vs. 79.8%, P = 0.952). Infliximab exposure affected outcomes, with higher remission in the high-dose group among previously exposed patients (74.6% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.013). By Week 52, clinical remission was similar (65.2% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.099), though objective response was superior in the high-dose group for infliximab-exposed patients (71.9% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.002). In TNF-naïve patients, high-dose adalimumab increased Week 12 response (94.3% vs. 78.7%, P = 0.039) and Week 52 objective remission (48.1% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.037). Safety profiles were comparable, with similar adverse event rates (58.6% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.878). Conclusion High-dose adalimumab offers therapeutic benefits for infliximab-exposed patients in short- and long-term phases, an effect not observed in infliximab-naïve patients, with comparable safety to standard dosing.

P1156 Fidaxomicin for Clostridiodes difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with Clostridiodes difficile Infection (CDI) are at increased risk of disease exacerbations, therapy escalation, colectomy, and mortality. Data on fidaxomicin use in IBD patients with CDI are very limited. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of fidaxomicin for CDI and its impact on IBD outcomes in a large retrospective multicenter cohort study. Methods Adult ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with a CDI episode (positive toxin enzyme immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction for toxigenic C. difficile) treated with fidaxomicin for at least 7 consecutive days were included. The primary outcome was CDI recurrence rate, defined as C. difficile toxin detection and treatment with any antibiotic targeting CDI or faecal microbial transplantation within 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included sustained response rate (no CDI treatment for 12 weeks), IBD therapy escalation, colectomy, and all-cause mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days. Pre-specified and any other adverse events were collected. Results A total of 96 patients (57 CD and 39 UC) were included from 20 European IBD centers. Patient demographics, IBD, and CDI characteristics are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Most patients (73%) were on advanced IBD therapy, and 34% on steroids. Half of the patients were hospitalized, and 15% had a severe CDI episode. Half of the patients had a prior episode of CDI (30% with one, 21% with two or more), predominantly treated with vancomycin. Most patients (86%) received a fidaxomicin standard dose regimen, while 9 received extended-pulsed dosing. CDI recurrence occurred in 10 (10%) patients, while 79 (82%) patients achieved a sustained response. Compared to CDI-experienced patients, CDI naïve patients tended to have a lower recurrence (4.3 vs 16%; p=0.06) and higher sustained response (91 vs 75%; p=0.04) rate. Induction treatment with an IBD advanced therapy was required in 22 (24%), 18 (20%), and 11 (13%) patients at 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. No difference in terms of CDI recurrence and sustained response was identified between CD and UC patients. Patients achieving, compared to not-achieving, CDI sustained response, showed a numerically lower need for IBD therapy escalation, with 2 (12%) vs 20 (26%), at day 30. Five UC patients underwent colectomy. A 79-year-old UC patient died unrelated to IBD or CDI. Mild episodes of rash, nausea, conjunctivitis, asthenia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia were reported. Conclusion In this large cohort of IBD patients with CDI, fidaxomicin was effective and safe for CDI resolution, with greater effectiveness for CDI first episodes. CDI resolution might influence short-term IBD-related outcomes, although further studies are required.

Long Term Performance of Sustainable Concrete Pavement Preservation Strategies in Canada

Rigid pavement preservation and rehabilitation strategies for high traffic volume roads are important sustainable methods of extending the life of our concrete roadways. In 1989, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) undertook the rehabilitation of an exposed concrete pavement exhibiting various distresses. The existing pavement, originally constructed in 1963, consisted of 230 mm mesh reinforced Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement with dowelled joints at a spacing of 21.3 m. The preservation strategies used on the northbound lanes, which had experienced moderate deterioration, consisted of using sustainable concrete pavement restoration (CPR) techniques, material specifications and construction methods, which included full depth repair, partial depth repair, diamond grinding and joint sealant replacement. The rehabilitation strategy selected for southbound lanes was a 180 mm thick plain jointed unbonded PCC overlay to address the severe 'D' cracking and spalling at all the joints and cracks. This paper will identify the sustainable concrete pavement preservation strategies using the pavement sustainability rating system – GreenPave. It will also discuss the pavement preservation strategies and their long term performance evaluation in terms of roughness measurements, frictional resistance measured, and pavement condition ratings. Overall, the 22 year performance of these preserved and rehabilitated concrete pavements has been good with acceptable levels of ride quality, frictional resistance and distress propagation.

Squash in Los Angeles: Heat Strain and Performance Considerations at the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will mark the debut of squash, a high-intensity sport characterized by repeated efforts, posing potential thermoregulatory challenges. The demanding nature of squash results in substantial metabolic heat production, with consequential heat strain exacerbated by the indoor environment of squash courts, where low to moderate evaporative potential limits effective cooling. Players often experience increased body-heat storage and thermal strain, with muscle cramps (an early warning sign of more severe heat-related illnesses) commonly observed during tournaments. Despite these challenges, there are limited data on the thermoregulatory responses of elite squash players during match play. We discuss the thermoregulatory challenges faced by squash players and highlight key areas for research. Additionally, practical guidelines are provided for practitioners preparing squash players for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Preliminary findings from international squash tournaments reveal that elite players endure significant physiological strain, with core temperatures rising to 39.0 °C to 40.1 °C, despite matches being played in mild wet-bulb globe temperatures of 19.4 °C (0.9 °C). Sustained heart rates exceeding 90% of maximal heart rate further compound this thermal strain. However, research on how thermal strain affects squash-specific fitness, recovery, and stroke mechanics are lacking. Such information is crucial for evaluating the need and effectiveness of tailored mitigation strategies such as heat training/exposures and precooling and midcooling during warm-up and match play. Systematic research into the thermal demands of squash and their impact on fitness and skills is needed. These insights can inform evidence-based strategies to safeguard athlete well-being and optimize performance at Los Angeles 2028.

A randomized controlled trial comparing embryo vitrification with slush nitrogen to liquid nitrogen in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer: embryology and clinical outcomes.

Does the use of slush nitrogen (SN) for embryo vitrification improve embryo transfer outcomes compared to liquid nitrogen (LN)? SN is a safe method for embryo preservation and significantly improves post-warming survival rates during repeated vitrification-warming cycles; however, after a single freeze-thaw cycle, pregnancy outcomes are not improved when embryos are vitrified with SN compared to LN. SN is a combination of solid and LN, with a temperature lower than regular LN, and it is an alternative to conventional LN in achieving a faster cooling speed. Studies have shown that SN improves survival in non-human embryos and human oocytes. However, it is unknown whether the use of SN reduces blastocyst damage in humans during vitrification-as indicated by increased survival across multiple vitrification-warming cycles-or whether it enhances pregnancy outcomes in a single vitrification-warming cycle. Following the pre-clinical trial assessing embryo survival after repeated freeze-thaw cycles using SN and LN on 50 donated embryos per group, a randomized controlled trial was performed, where 253 patients were enrolled between September 2020 and January 2022, and 245 underwent an IVF stimulation, which resulted in at least one blastocyst for cryopreservation. Of those, 121 were allocated to the SN (study), and 124 were allocated to the LN (control) group. Randomization occurred on the day of blastocyst biopsy using a computer-generated block schema. Groups were assigned via opaque envelopes, opened by the embryologist on vitrification day. The patient, physician, and clinical team were blinded to the intervention. All couples with female aged between 18 and 42 years old undergoing IVF stimulation at one university-affiliated infertility center, with plan for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy and subsequent single, frozen embryo transfer (FET) were eligible for inclusion in this study. The pre-clinical trial demonstrated significant improvements in blastocyst survival, with the SN group achieving a mean of 7.5 survived vitrification-warming cycles (range: 3-22), significantly surpassing the mean of 3.0 cycles (range: 0-10) in the LN group (P < 0.0001). Following the pre-clinical trial, 223 patients randomized to SN or LN underwent single FET. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, as were embryology outcomes, including the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, fertilization rate, and total blastocysts biopsied. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, sustained implantation rate, or miscarriage rate (P = 0.16, 0.80, 0.49, and 0.74, respectively, using Student's t-test). A futility analysis indicated no value in continuing recruitment and therefore the study was closed. Neonatal or birth outcomes were not assessed. Termination of the study based on futility analysis precludes a conclusion of equivalence between SN and LN. This study demonstrates that SN is a safe alternative to traditional LN for vitrification; however, it did not demonstrate improvements in the reproductive potential of vitrified embryos. The project was funded by the Foundation for Embryonic Competence. NCT04496284. 3 August 2020. 5 September 2020.

Sustainability of Enzymatic Monomer Synthesis: Evaluation via Comparison of Petrochemical and Enzymatic Alkene Epoxidation by Life Cycle Assessment.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used, next to green chemistry concepts, to compare the full environmental impacts of the epoxidation of a bio-based monomer, which can be used for the synthesis of vitrimers. On a laboratory scale, the synthesis of the monomer can either be done via a petrochemical route or via an enzymatic reaction pathway. Both reaction pathways were initially optimized to minimize the impact of suboptimal routes on the sustainability evaluation. The subsequent assessment of the enzymatic routes shows lower impact factors for most criteria compared to the petrochemical routes. A significant drawback of the enzymatic reaction, however, is its electricity consumption. The yields of the respective reactions also proved to be crucial; realistic changes in yields revealed the petrochemical reaction to be more sustainable in some cases. LCA is therefore a valuable tool for the preliminary evaluation of the developed synthesis pathways and to identify the critical adjustments needed to increase the sustainability of each reaction.

Sustained alcohol service refusal rates to underage patrons in nightlife setting: 25-year follow-up of a Swedish alcohol prevention program

In 1996, a multicomponent alcohol prevention intervention was launched and later institutionalized in Stockholm. This study examines the long-term effects of the program on compliance with the legal minimum age limit for alcohol service at licensed premises. The intervention comprised community mobilization and collaboration, training, and enforcement aimed at preventing alcohol service to underage (<18years) or obviously intoxicated patrons. Six cross-sectional studies were conducted between 1996 and 2022 in Stockholm using pseudo-underage mystery shoppers attempting to enter licensed premises and order alcoholic beverages. The primary outcome was refusal of entry to the premises or refusal of alcohol service. Throughout the study period, regular collaboration meetings were held, the number of annual inspections and trained staff increased, and the number of sanctions varied. The refusal rate of alcohol service to pseudo-underage mystery shoppers rose from 54.8% in 1996 (baseline) to 59.1% in 1998, 67.6% in 2001, 88.3% in 2007, 91.3% in 2013, and 79.6% in 2022. Compared to the reference year 1996, all rates from 2001 to 2022 showed significant increases in the odds of refusal. The multicomponent alcohol prevention program has been successfully sustained through collaboration and community mobilization, training, and enforcement. This success is evidenced by consistently high refusal rates for alcohol sales to underage customers over an extended period.

Dual Active Site Covalent Organic Framework Anode Enables Stable Aqueous Proton Batteries

Aqueous proton batteries (APBs) have attracted increasing interest owing to their potential for grid‐scale energy storage with extraordinary sustainability and excellent rate abilities. However, there are limited anode materials and it remains a great challenge to effectively balance capacity and cycling performance. Here, we report a covalent organic framework containing C=O and C=N dual active sites (TABQ‐COF) as a high‐capacity and long‐cycle anode for proton batteries. The proton storage ability of the dual active sites and the up to nine proton redox chemistry mechanisms for each repetitive unit have been demonstrated by experiments and density functional theory calculations. The insoluble TABQ‐COF electrode displayed a remarkably high specific capacity of 401 mAh g−1, outstanding cycling stability (100% capacity retention after 7500 cycles) and high rate performance (90 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1). When coupling with a MnO2 cathode, the constructed TABQ‐COF//MnO2 battery achieves a reversible capacity of 247 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, with a remarkable capacity retention of 100% over 10000 cycles. Furthermore, the TABQ‐COF//MnO2 battery can operate well and shows high capacity and cycle stability in a frozen electrolyte at −40°C, implying great potential for energy storage at extreme temperatures.

Dual Active Site Covalent Organic Framework Anode Enables Stable Aqueous Proton Batteries.

Aqueous proton batteries(APBs) have attracted increasing interest owing to their potential for grid-scale energy storage with extraordinary sustainability and excellent rate abilities. However, there are limited anode materials and it remains a great challenge to effectively balance capacity and cycling performance. Here, we report a covalent organic framework containing C=O and C=N dual active sites (TABQ-COF) as a high-capacity and long-cycle anode for proton batteries. The proton storage ability of the dual active sites and the up to nine proton redox chemistry mechanisms for each repetitive unit have been demonstrated by experiments and density functional theory calculations. The insoluble TABQ-COF electrode displayed a remarkably high specific capacity of 401 mAh g-1, outstanding cycling stability (100% capacity retention after 7500 cycles) and high rate performance (90 mAh g-1 at 50 A g-1). When coupling with a MnO2 cathode, the constructed TABQ-COF//MnO2 battery achieves a reversible capacity of 247 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1,with a remarkable capacity retention of 100% over 10000 cycles. Furthermore, the TABQ-COF//MnO2 battery can operate well and shows high capacity and cycle stability in a frozen electrolyte at -40°C, implying great potential for energy storage at extreme temperatures.

Influence of Spray Angle on Scratch Resistance of Cold-Sprayed SS316L Deposits.

In this study, we investigated the effect of spray angle on the microstructure, bonding quality, and scratch resistance of cold-sprayed SS316L coatings on SS304 substrates. The coatings were deposited at spray angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° using a high-pressure cold spray system. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the spray angle and coating properties was conducted, with a particular focus on fracture toughness and porosity. Scratch testing, combined with real-time acoustic emission monitoring, enabled the precise identification of failure mechanisms and the assessment of coating integrity. The results indicate that microhardness and porosity are significantly influenced by the spray angle. The highest microhardness was achieved at a 45° angle, while a 90° angle resulted in the lowest porosity and superior bonding due to superior normal impact velocity. Fracture toughness was found to correlate with microstructural cohesion and particle deformation. Optimizing the incidence angle improved the coating performance by balancing strain hardening and ductility, thereby reducing the risk of premature failure. These findings are particularly relevant for industrial applications, where wear resistance and high-quality bonding are critical, such as in aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors. By adjusting the spray angles, manufacturers can enhance the longevity and reliability of the coated components, thus reducing maintenance costs and improving performance. This research highlights the importance of process parameters in achieving durable, high-quality coatings and emphasizes scratch testing as an effective, sustainable, and semi-destructive evaluation method for coating integrity.