Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Ultrathin Catalyst Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: Proton Transport and Water Management

Ultrathin catalyst layers (UTCLs) are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional catalyst layers in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In comparison, UTCLs have dramatically reduced Pt loading and thicknesses and are ionomer–free. We explore two open questions in the theory of UTCLs (1) the proton transport mechanism within the ionomer–free layer and (2) water management in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with UTCLs. To investigate (1), we present a UTCL model, which assumes the protons are drawn into the UTCL via their interaction with the metal surface charge. We consider a continuum model of a water–filled, cylindrical nanopore with charged walls. We derive the relation between metal potential and surface charge density from a Stern double layer model. The model suggests the proton concentration and reaction current density to be highly dependent on the charging properties of the metal|solution interface, which are parameterized primarily by the potential of zero charge. Therefore, materials for UTCLs should be selected not only for their intrinsic mass activities and durability, but also for their charging properties. A systematic evaluation of the interplay of electrostatic, kinetic, and mass transport phenomena in UTCL demanded an impedance variant of the model. Based on the general set of transient equations, we have derived analytical impedance expressions and equivalent circuit representations in 4 limiting cases. While the UTCL model suggests the charging of the metal|solution interface to be crucial to performance, theoretical studies on the charging behaviour of platinum are limited. We present a generalised computational hydrogen electrode that enables the ab initio simulation of metal|solution interfaces as a function of pH and potential. To address (2), we present a water balance model to MEAs with UTCLs. The model relates the current densities, capillary pressure distributions, and fluxes of vapor and liquid water. Analysis of the model suggests that UTCLs require efficient liquid transport paths out of the MEA at low and moderate temperature. We discuss strategies for increasing the current density for the onset of GDL flooding, via enhanced liquid permeabilities, vaporization areas, and gas pressure differentials.
Contemporary practice patterns of tyrosine kinase inhibitor use among older patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the United States

Introduction: The choice of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for the first line of therapy (LOT) for chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is tailored to disease risk and patient characteristics like comorbidities, which become more prevalent with age. However, contemporary evaluations of frontline TKI choice and the factors associated with TKI switching in this specific patient population are lacking. Methods: We sought to describe TKI use in older patients (age: 66–99 years) with CML in the United States. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database, we identified 810 older (median age: 75 years, interquartile range: 70–80 years) patients diagnosed during 2007–2015. Results: Imatinib was the most common frontline TKI (63.1%) throughout the study period, but its utilization as such decreased from 76% in 2010 to 47% in 2015. Most patients (65.3%) used only one TKI, but 12.5% of the 281 patients who switched from frontline TKI received ⩾4 LOT. Among the 167 patients switching from frontline imatinib, 18.6% eventually returned to imatinib with nearly all as the third LOT, supporting its favorable safety profile and indicating that the initial switch from imatinib might have been premature. Older patients within our cohort, white patients and those with greater comorbidity were less likely to switch from frontline TKI. Diagnosis year, geographic region, and surrogates for socioeconomic status and healthcare access had no impact on TKI switching. Conclusion: As expected, our findings highlight the frequent use of imatinib as the treatment option for older CML patients despite the availability of second-generation TKIs.
The ice flux to the Lambert Glacier and Amery Ice Shelf along the Chinese inland traverse and implications for mass balance of the drainage basins, East Antarctica

Study of the mass balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is critical to estimate its potential contribution to global sea-level rise in the future. As the largest drainage system, the Lambert Glacier–Amery Ice Shelf drainage system plays an important role in the mass balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. In this study, the ice thickness measured by airborne ice-penetrating radar with high spatial resolution and accuracy and accurate ice velocity measured by in situ GPS stations along the route of the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition inland traverse were used to calculate the ice flux with unprecedented accuracy. This transverse is from Zhongshan Station to Dome A, passing through the east side of the Lambert Glacier and the smaller coastal glacier in the C-Cp basin. The results show that the ice flux across the entire traverse is 24.7 ± 2.8 Gt a−1, along which the section in drainage basin B–C (Lambert Glacier) has an ice flux of 20.9 ± 1.9 Gt a−1 and the section in drainage basin C–Cp (basin adjacent to Lambert Glacier) contributed 3.8 ± 0.4 Gt a−1. The ice flux values in both regions are coincident with the mass balance calculated from the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite, Earth Observing System. Meanwhile, the C–Cp basin shows an ice flux value of 6.6 ± 0.8 Gt a−1 across the grounding line.
Securing Telehealth Remote Patient Monitoring Ecosystem

52 Increasingly, healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) are relying on telehealth and remote patient 53 monitoring (RPM) capabilities to treat patients at home. RPM is convenient and cost-effective, and its 54 adoption rate has increased. However, without adequate privacy and cybersecurity measures, 55 unauthorized individuals may expose sensitive data or disrupt patient monitoring services. 56 RPM solutions engage multiple actors as participants in a patient’s clinical care. These actors include 57 HDOs, telehealth platform providers, and the patients themselves. Each participant uses, manages, and 58 maintains different technology components within an interconnected ecosystem, and each is 59
Synthesis of 1-[cis-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]-uracil, -thymine and -cytosine

4-(Benzylsulfanyl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one 6a is prepared from 1-benzoyluracil 10a in three steps and in satisfactory overall yield. Reproducible conditions are found for the cycloaddition reaction between allyl benzyl ether and dichloroketene, leading to the cyclobutanone derivative 17 in good yield. trans-3-(Benzyloxymethyl)cyclobutan-1-ol 15 reacts under standard Mitsunobu conditions with the pyrimidine derivative 6a on O-2 to give compound 20, which is converted into 2-[cis-3-(hydroxymethyl)-cyclobutoxy]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one 24 in good overall yield. Under the same Mitsunobu conditions, 3-benzoyluracil 11a and 3-benzoylthymine 11b react with the trans-alcohol 15 on N-1 to give their 1-[cis-3-(benzyloxymethyl)cyclobutyl] derivatives 27a and 27b, respectively. The latter compounds 27a and 27b are converted into 1-[cis-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]uracil 13a and 1-[cis-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]thymine 13b in satisfactory overall yields. The uracil derivative 13a is converted into 1-[cis-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]cytosine 14 in good yield.
Novel Hemocompatible Imine Compounds as Alternatives for Antimicrobial Therapy in Pharmaceutical Application

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate neoteric imine compounds for antimicrobial activity and hemocompatibility. Four compounds were synthesized using 3-thiophene carboxaldehyde, ethanol, amine, and acetic acid. The compounds were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). A solubility study was conducted with various solvents and surfactants at 40 °C. An in vitro antimicrobial assay was performed against bacterial and fungal strains to determine the zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations. Finally, an in vitro hemolysis study was conducted using rat erythrocytes. The structure of the compounds was confirmed by NMR, FTIR corroborated their functional group attributes, DSC determined their enthalpies of fusion and fusion temperatures, and PXRD confirmed their crystalline nature. These compounds were water-insoluble but soluble in chloroform, with a maximum solubility of ~80 mg/mL. The antimicrobial assay suggested that two of the products exerted potent activities against C. albicans and several bacterial strains. Finally, hemolysis analysis excluded the possibility of hemolysis at the assessed concentrations. In conclusion, two of the novel imine compounds showed promise as antimicrobial agents to control local and systemic microbial infections in a suitable dosage form.
Talk about race: using critical race theory to support black social work students and prepare a representative and critical workforce

ABSTRACT Social work’s (SW) goal of preparing a workforce more representative of the diversity of people served by the profession requires the use of theories that actively confront long-held assumption of White hegemony. This paper centers the discussion of race for its simultaneous invisibility and its power to transform SW educational spaces in the United States (US) context. An overview of the cultural competence (CC) model, a theoretical framework often used to prepare SW practitioners, is provided with a critique of its avoidance of any analysis of race and racism. The ways in which this “color-blind” approach severely limits the CC model’s ability to both recognize and meet the needs of Black SW students as they navigate their dual-identities as professionals-in-training and members of a racial group who has endured historical oppression are explored. Critical race theory (CRT) is offered as an alternative conceptual framework which centers discussions of race and racism, offering opportunities to both recognize and support the learning needs and experiences of Black SW students. Guidelines for adapting SW curricula and assignments to utilize CRT in ways that support the development of critical analytic skills for SW practice are provided. Global implications for this work beyond the American context are discussed throughout.
Plasma autobiasing during Ohmic H‐mode in the STOR‐M tokamak

Application of a short current pulse on a nominal Ohmic discharge in the STOR‐M tokamak (Saskatchewan Torus‐Modified) [Phys. Fluids B 4, 3277 (1992)] triggers the Ohmic H‐mode characterized by reduced Hα radiation, increased electron density, and reduced edge density/magnetic fluctuations. Measurements of plasma floating potential at the plasma edge and in the scrape‐off layer indicate that the Ohmic H‐mode is accompanied by negative plasma autobiasing, which leads to a steeper radial electric field profile at the edge. Since the duration of the current pulse (≤20 kA, 100 μsec) is shorter than the resistive skin time (≂1 msec), preferential edge heating is expected, which is believed to be responsible for changes in the edge discharge condition favorable for inducing the Ohmic H‐mode. The electron density profile becomes steeper at the edge during the H‐mode, and clear formation of a density pedestal has been seen. The evolution of the density profile suggests the presence of particle pinch. An improved c.
A REVIEW AND CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ISO56002 INNOVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS STANDARD: EVIDENCE AND LIMITATIONS

The ISO56002 international standard for managing innovation systems was published in 2019. In this paper, we review the rationale, the key features, and the evidence base for this new standard. The primary objective of the standard is to promote the professionalisation of the field by providing a framework for management and organisational practice. The standard was developed by a wide range of stakeholders, including consultants and professional associations, and therefore features most of the elements we would expect from such a high-level, generic approach: strategy, organisation, leadership, planning, support, process, performance evaluation, and improvement. We examine the empirical base for each of these components in this paper. We also identify some critical shortcomings, such as the implicit adoption of a linear model, lack of specific tools to support practice, or any significant variation in application by sector or context. Finally, we recommend how the standard could be improved and implemented in practice.
Effectiveness of Chitosan as a Dietary Supplement in Lowering Cholesterol in Murine Models: A Meta-Analysis

This study presents a meta-analysis of studies that investigate the effectiveness of chitosan administration on lifestyle-related disease in murine models. A total of 34 published studies were used to evaluate the effect of chitosan supplementation. The effect sizes for various items after chitosan administration were evaluated using the standardized mean difference. Using Cochran’s Q test, the heterogeneity of effect sizes was assessed, after which a meta-ANOVA and -regression test was conducted to explain the heterogeneity of effect sizes using the mixed-effect model. Publication bias was performed using Egger’s linear regression test. Among the items evaluated, blood triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol showed the highest heterogeneity, respectively. Other than blood HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in feces, most items evaluated showed a negative effect size with high significance in the fixed- and random-effect model (p < 0.0001). In the meta-ANOVA and -regression test, administering chitosan and resistant starch was revealed to be most effective in lowering body weight. In addition, chitosan supplementation proved to be an effective solution for serum TNF-α inhibition. In conclusion, chitosan has been shown to be somewhat useful in improving symptoms of lifestyle-related disease. Although there are some limitations in the results of this meta-analysis due to the limited number of animal experiments conducted, chitosan administration nevertheless shows promise in reducing the risk of cholesterol related metabolic disorder.
Organic Solar Cells—The Path to Commercial Success

Organic solar cells have the potential to become the cheapest form of electricity, beating even silicon photovoltaics. This article summarizes the state of the art in the field, highlighting research challenges, mainly the need for an efficiency increase as well as an improvement in long‐term stability. It discusses possible current and future applications, such as building integrated photovoltaics or portable electronics. Finally, the environmental footprint of this renewable energy technology is evaluated, highlighting the potential to be the energy generation technology with the lowest carbon footprint of all.
Estimation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons pollution, risk assessment and loads into Mediterranean Sea from Volturno River, Southern Italy.

Background: This study reports the data on the contamination caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) drained into the Volturno River and its environmental impact on the Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea). One of the key aims of this study is to use the PAHs as indicators of pollution, by identifying the main sources from which these pollutants originate. Also, the ecosystem health risk and the seasonal and spatial distribution of PAHs in samples of water and sediment was assessed. The 16 PAHs identified by the USEPA as priority pollutants were determined in the water dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter and sediments collected from 10 sites in four seasons.Results: A multidimensional statistical approach was used to identify three pollution composite indicators. Contaminant discharges of PAHs into the sea were calculated in about 3.158,2 kg/year showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of PAHs to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Total concentrations of PAHs varied in ranges 434.8 to 872.1 ng g-1 and 256.7 to 1686.3 ng L-1 in sediment samples and in water (total of water dissolved phase and suspended particulate matter), respectively. Conclusion: The statistical results indicated that the PAHs mainly had a pyrolytic source and the rainy season was the most polluted time. The toxic equivalent concentration (TEQ) of carcinogenic PAHs was 130.3 to 302.1 ngTEQ g-1, implying that the Volturno River basin presents a definite carcinogenic risk.
Bagging cross-validated bandwidths with application to big data

Hall & Robinson (2009) proposed and analysed the use of bagged cross-validation to choose the bandwidth of a kernel density estimator. They established that bagging greatly reduces the noise inherent in ordinary cross-validation, and hence leads to a more efficient bandwidth selector. The asymptotic theory of Hall & Robinson (2009) assumes that $N$, the number of bagged subsamples, is $\infty$. We expand upon their theoretical results by allowing $N$ to be finite, as it is in practice. Our results indicate an important difference in the rate of convergence of the bagged cross-validation bandwidth for the cases $N=\infty$ and $N<\infty$. Simulations quantify the improvement in statistical efficiency and computational speed that can result from using bagged cross-validation as opposed to a binned implementation of ordinary cross-validation. The performance of the bagged bandwidth is also illustrated on a real, very large, dataset. Finally, a byproduct of our study is the correction of errors appearing in the Hall & Robinson (2009) expression for the asymptotic mean squared error of the bagging selector.
GYPSUM AMENDMENT AND EXCHANGEABLE CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM EFFECTS ON PLANT NUTRITION UNDER CONDITIONS OF INTENSIVE NUTRIENT EXTRACTION

In general, increasing the concentration of one cation species in soil solution can decrease levels of other cations in plants. It is not clear whether adjusting soil cation ratios or adding gypsum will improve plant growth. We studied the effect of adding gypsum to unleached soil, and the effect of changing soil-exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios on corn root and shoot growth and nutrient concentrations. Soil-exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios (8.0, 4.9, 1.8, 0.7, and 0.5) were obtained by leaching soil with Ca and Mg chloride, followed by leaching with Ca and Mg sulfate to remove chloride. An unleached soil treated with gypsum and an untreated control soil were also included. Corn plants were grown for 23 days in a replicated greenhouse experiment. Exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios did not substantially affect root and shoot growth in the leached soils, nor did gypsum addition to the unleached soil. However, growth in the leached soils was less than that in the unleached soils, probably because of removal of K in the leaching process. Shoots from plants from treatments with lower leached Ca/Mg ratios had less Ca and more Mg but showed no consistent changes in K. Addition of gypsum to unleached soil decreased P, increased K and Ca, and did not affect N and Mg concentrations in shoots.
Beyond free primary education: pathways to academic persistence in Kenyan free education system

ABSTRACT Persistence to complete has emerged as a pressing issue facing free primary education (FPE) in Kenya. Only 58% of the students who enroll in FPE complete and this proportion drops as they advance to higher levels. Failure to complete primary school, let alone the higher levels of education is alarming. Besides funding, this study explores the features that contribute to students’ pathways to persistence. Using data from the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), this study found the retention level to be 57%. The logistic analysis showed that parents’ level of education and student's age (i.e. 10–14 years) were over five times more likely to improve student persistent. Family socio-economic status, the level of engagement, positive school experience, parents’ involvement and collaboration with the school, and a high-quality school with supportive learning were also positively associated with academic persistence. The implications for practice and research are discussed below.
Mechanical, water absorption and wear characteristics of novel polymeric composites: Impact of hybrid natural fibers and oil cake filler addition

A novel epoxy-based composites were fabricated by reinforcing pineapple/flax (PF) fibers and peanut oil cake (PCF) filler using the hand layup cum compression moulding technique and investigated its mechanical, water absorption and wear properties as a function of wt. % of PF fibers (20–40 wt.%) and PCF (1–3 wt.%). The XRD and FTIR results proved the presence of lignocellulosic nature in PCF. Mechanical test results showed significant enhancement in the properties after the addition of PCF. The maximum tensile, flexural and impact properties of 37. 89 MPa, 70.28 MPa and 96.99 J/m were observed in the composites having 20 wt. % of PF and 2 wt. % of PCF. Taguchi based optimization observed a lower specific wear rate (SWR) with 2 wt. % PCF/20 wt. % PF/5 N load and 1500 m sliding distance (SD) combination. The ANOVA results proved the significance of PCF, PF fiber, sliding distance, and load for SWR in this experimentation. The Taguchi optimized results observed a lower coefficient of friction (COF) in 2 wt. % PCF/20 wt. % PF/5N load/500 m SD combination. SEM results displayed surface deformations in the wear-tested composites.
Sensor fault detection with Bayesian networks

Several sensors are installed in the majority of chemical reactors and storage tanks to monitor temperature proﬁles for safety and decision-making processes such as heat demand or ﬂow rate calculations. These sensors fail occasionally and generate erroneous measurement data that need to be detected and excluded from the calculations. However, due to the high number of process variables displayed in the chemical plants, this task is not trivial. In this work, a Bayesian network approach to detect faulty temperature sensors is proposed. By comparing the sensor measurements with each other, the faulty sensor is detected. A modular approach is preferred, and networks are created for 10 K temperature intervals to increase ﬂex-ibility and sensitivity. Created networks can be adjusted for the operating temperature ranges; hence, they can be used for any catalyst and entire life cycle. The developed method is demonstrated on an industrial scale hy-drocracker unit with 92 sensor couples installed in a series of reactors. From the investigated sensors, 16 of them showed a greater difference than the 2 K threshold chosen for the fault. In addition to that, 13 sensors showed an increasing temperature difference that may lead to a fault. Two scenarios were created to calculate the energy loss due to a faulty measurement, and a 5.5 K offset error was found to cause a 5.79 TJ energy loss every year for a small scale hydrocracker.