bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facies And Biofacies Of The Late Quaternary Deposits At West Johor, Malaysia: Indicators For Sea-Level Changes, Palaeoshoreline, And Palaeonvironment
Authors:   Geology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Hashim Abdul Hadi , Jamil Habibah ,   Geology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Omar Ramlan ,   School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

In this study, sedimentological and foraminiferal analyses were conducted on two borehole samples (BH1 = 42 m and BH2 = 39 m) at Pontian in west Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. The sedimentological description established ten facies (A to J). They comprised three associations and two sedimentary environments (i.e., estuary and delta plain). The foraminiferal analysis identified four distinct biofacies through similarity plots of taxonomic compositions and their respective groups for each borehole. Each group was designated as Biofacies Ia to Id for BH1 and IIa to IId for BH2. The deposition began with the formation of a small tidal-dominated estuarine basin in the flooded palaeovalley and the subsequent development of a peat-forming estuarine channel that resulted from the flooding of a supratidal zone. Relative sea-level changes were assumed localised to a basin scale. The maximum limit of tidal influence was benchmarked using a mangrove classification for a terrestrial boundary. Based on the foraminiferal analysis, this study identified a few episodes of flooding events, implying the occurrence of several migrations of the paleoshoreline throughout the sequence that traced the configuration of the maximum paleoshoreline.
Intraplate Crustal Deformation In Sabah: Preliminary Results Of Global Positioning System/Global Navigation Satellite System Measurements In The Ranau Area
Authors:   Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia Sabah, Beg Berkunci 2042, 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Golutin Bailon , Tongkul Felix ,   Fakulti Sains Dan Sumber Alam, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Abd Rahim Ismail ,   Fakulti Sains Dan Sumber Alam, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

The Ranau area is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Sabah due to the ongoing intraplate deformation in the region. Numerous active faults have been mapped here, but to date these faults are yet to be fully documented in terms of their exact locations and movements. Since 2018, the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) has installed and monitored 31 GPS/GNSS (Global Positioning System/Global Navigation Satellite System) monuments in the Ranau area to determine crustal movements in this region. Preliminary results show minor horizontal and vertical movements (ranging from 0.1 cm to 4.3 cm) indicating that the Ranau area is undergoing intraplate crustal deformation due to both NW-SE compressional and extensional tectonics. A clear demarcation of upward and downward vertical movements recorded in areas to the NW and SE of Kundasang could be related to uplift and subsidence associated with a large open anticline and syncline. A consistent northwestward horizontal movement from Kundasang to Kota Belud indicates the presence of a single crustal block moving away from the NE-SW trending Lobou-Lobou Fault Zone. Southwestward horizontal movement in the Nalapak-Nabutan area indicates the presence of a NW-SE trending fault possibly associated with the Matupang Fault Zone. These preliminary results show that the GPS/GNSS campaign has proven to be quite successful in locating the major earthquake-generating faults in the Ranau area. However, the locations and nature of the movements of other active faults are still uncertain. It is hoped that the activity of these faults will become clearer after a few more years of monitoring.
Characterization Of Lojing Hot Springs, Gua Musang, Kelantan From Geosciences Aspects
Authors:   Program Geologi, Jabatan Sains Bumi dan Alam Sekitar, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, 43600 Selangor, Malaysia, Abdul Rahim Nur Syazwani Izzati , Arifin Mohd Hariri ,   Program Geologi, Jabatan Sains Bumi dan Alam Sekitar, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, 43600 Selangor, Malaysia, Mansor Muhammad Hasiib ,   Program Geologi, Jabatan Sains Bumi dan Alam Sekitar, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, 43600 Selangor, Malaysia, Anuar Mohammad Noor Akmal , Mohd Muztaza Nordiana ,   School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

The study was conducted to identify and determine the relationship between geology, geophysics and geochemistry of the study area. Geophysical surveys were conducted to obtain the sub-surface profile and to relate it with lineament analysis. Based on gravity method analysis, it is interpreted that the study area consists of granite bedrock close to the surface which exhibits high gravity anomalies whereas low density rock areas with high fractures and lineaments exhibit low gravity anomaly values. The electrical resistivity survey shows that the study area is underlain by granite bedrocks which also proves that the origin of the hot springs are non-volcanic as no volcanic activity or rocks can be found around the study area. Resistivity values recorded for granite bedrock exceeded 900 Ωm. Based on the resistivity profile, it is also possible to determine the reservoir zone and fractured zone which shows the resistivity values between 0 Ωm to 250 Ωm. The direction of the lineaments on the resistivity profile together with gravity survey are parallel to the lineament analysis, which is Northeast-Southwest, Northwest-Southeast and North-South. The borehole log data also shows that the study area is underlain by granite bedrock and the hot water source in this area is from confined aquifer. Geochemical and geothermometry analysis were performed on 14 hot water samples. The results of geochemical analysis show that the average elements concentration is as follows; silica 277 ppm, calcium 2.00 ppm, magnesium 0.14 ppm, potassium 2.3 ppm, sodium 29 ppm, iron 0.12 ppm, bicarbonate 41 ppm, sulphate 18 ppm, chloride 1.5 ppm and fluoride 2.9 ppm. The calculation results of quartz geothermometry shows an average temperature of 203°C, while chalcedony geothermometry shows an average temperature of 177°C. The enthalpy for heating water calculated from quartz geothermometry using the Steam Table shows an average of 864 kJ/kg which can be interpreted as a mid-level enthalpy. The geology of the hot springs area shown in the geological map and lineament analysis map proves the relationship with the geophysical survey and borehole log data.
The Structural-Stratigraphic Framework And Petroleum Systems Of The Sandakan Basin, Offshore East Sabah, Malaysia
Authors:   Malaysian Continental Shelf Project, National Security Council, c/o 11th Floor Wisma JUPEM, Jalan Semarak, 50578 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Madon Mazlan , Jong John ,   JX Nippon Oil and Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Ltd., Level 15, Menara Prestige, No. 1, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

Decades of exploration activities in the Sandakan Basin offshore eastern Sabah, Malaysia, since the 1970s have yet to yield commercial hydrocarbon discoveries. Of the nineteen wells that have been drilled in the basin up to 2015, only five are classified as discoveries, all made between 1970 and 1995. There are essentially two main proven play types: (1) Early to Middle Miocene “Segama play”, in which the reservoir targets are the Tanjong Formation equivalents within the Segama Group, which were deposited as part of the synrift sequence. (2) Middle to Late Miocene “Sebahat play” in which the reservoirs belong to the Sebahat Formation, characterised by prograding deltaic shoreface and shelf sequences, advancing eastwards and southwards from an uplifting hinterland in central and northern Sabah. The best reservoir facies are shoreface sands, which have porosities greater than 20%, particularly at depths shallower than ~2000 m. Although the generative source rocks have not been penetrated, geochemical data indicate that they are present at depths greater than 3200 m. The source rocks are characterised by predominantly Type III and Types II/III organic matter, which are typical of deltaic settings. The data indicate that hydrocarbons were generated by source rocks with a maturity range of 0.7 – 0.8% vitrinite reflectance (Ro). The Sandakan Basin was affected by several compressional deformation events which are expressed as major erosional unconformities; most significantly, the Middle Miocene (“D2 event”, 13.0 Ma) and Late Miocene (“D3 event”, 8.6 Ma). The unconformities were the result of compression and faulting which, while being responsible for trap formation, may also pose significant risk to trap integrity and preservation. Modelling results indicate that hydrocarbon generation and migration took place during Late Miocene–Early Pliocene and continues today. The basin’s prospectivity, therefore, critically depends on the delicate interplay between the timing of trap formation and hydrocarbon migration. Understanding these processes requires detailed understanding of the structural evolution and petroleum systems of the basin.
The Potential Of Acid Mine Drainage Formation At Bukit Besi, Dungun, Terengganu
Authors:   Program Geologi, Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Mohammed Nuur Hani , Wan Yaacob Wan Zuhairi
Published: December 2022

Acid mine drainage (AMD) at Bukit Besi is often accompanied by high concentrations of various heavy metal such as iron, lead, copper, zink, cadmium, manganese, nikel, and arsenic. The samples were collected from active mining site at Cheng Yu, Bukit Besi. The physical and chemical tests used are ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) test, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and clay mineralogy using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) techniques. Static test which is acid-base counting are used to predict the potential of AMD. The water analysis showed a very acidic water with pH < 3.5 with high concentration of heavy metals like Fe (822.03 mg/L) and sulfate (4455.87 mg/L). Acid-bases rock calculation shows highly significant results which have high potential of acid production (9.5 to 155.0 kg CaCO3/ton). The results from physical and chemical analysis show Bukit Besi area is potentially exposed to formation of acid mine drainage.
A Vehicle-Based Laser System for High-Resolution DEM Development – Performance in Micro-topography Measurement.
Authors:   Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA, Li Peng , Zhang Naiqian ,   Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA, Wagner Larry ,   USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colorado USA, Fox Fred ,   USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colorado USA, Oard Darrell ,   Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA, Lagae Hubert ,   USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Manhattan, Kansas USA, Han MIngqiang ,   Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
Published: December 2022

A vehicle-based laser measurement system was developed to measure the surface microtopography and to generate high-resolution digital elevation models (DEM). The accuracy of the system in microtopography measurement was evaluated in the laboratory by comparing the DEM data generated by this system with that generated by a more accurate, stationary laser profile meter for several surfaces, including an artificial sand-stone-ridged surface. DEM data was created by interpolating the 3D raw data into a regular, square grid using a two-dimensional, distance-weighted interpolation algorithm. The DEMs were compared using an image-matching method to calculate the correlation coefficient. A test to study the effect of ambient light on elevation measurement under indoor and outdoor environments was also conducted. Correlation coefficients greater than 0.935 were achieved between the DEMs measured by the vehicle-based system and the stationary laser profile meter. The correlation coefficients among the four replications of the DEMs measured by the vehicle-based system were greater than 0.988, indicating that the vehicle-based laser system can provide consistent elevation measurements. Correlation coefficients among the DEMs of the sand-stone-ridged surface measured by the vehicle-based system at different times of the day and under different indoor fluorescent lighting conditions were all above 0.982. Correlation coefficients among DEMs taken at different times of the day and under different outdoor sunlight conditions were all above 0.971. These results indicated that neither the fluorescent light nor the sunlight had a significant effect on the measurements obtained by the vehicle-based laser system. The system provided consistent elevation measurements under both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
Inversion method of target gas cloud transmittance based on atmospheric profile synthesis background
Authors: Hu Yun-You , Xu Liang , Shen Xian-Chun , Shu Sheng-Quan , Xu Huan-Yao , Deng Ya-Song , Xu Han-Yang , Liu Jian-Guo , Liu Wen-Qing ,   Key Laboratory of Environmental Optics and Technology, Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Hefei 230031, China,   University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: December 2022

The sky infrared background radiation varies greatly with spatial distribution and time. When scanning Fourier transform infrared remote sensing imaging system scans the target gas cloud with the sky as the background, the background radiation corresponding to each scanned pixel is different, and the background does not have a constant baseline. It is extremely difficult to obtain the background spectrum of each pixel in real time, which affects the inversion accuracy of the target gas cloud transmittance. An inversion method of target gas cloud transmittance based on atmospheric profile synthesis background is proposed in this work. The temperature, humidity, pressure, and ozone profiles of the measured locations and the atmospheric model are used to generate the sky infrared background in order to solve the problem, i.e. the difficulty in measuring the clean sky infrared background spectrum in the chemical industry park. This paper proposes that there is a continuous derivable relationship between the sky infrared background spectrum and the cosine of zenith angle at each wavenumber, so a small amount of sky infrared background spectrum with a zenith angle gradient can quickly generate a sky infrared background spectrum at any elevation angle. The proposed method is verified by the moderate resolution atmospheric radiative transfer model (MODTRAN) software simulation and the remote sensing imaging experiment of SF6 gas. The proposed method can quickly generate the sky infrared background spectrum corresponding to any angle within a gradient elevation angle and accurately invert the target gas cloud transmittance at each pixel. The results show that the distribution trend of the column concentration of the SF6 gas cloud is consistent with the actual distribution, and the correlation is 0.99979.
Anomalous critical supercurrent and half-integer Shapiro steps based on Josephson junction of topological insulator nanowires
Authors: Hou Yan-Liang , Wang Xiang , Sun Xiao-Pei , Lü Li ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
Published: December 2022

Topological insulator-based Josephson junction, as a candidate device for searching for Majorana zero energy modes, has attracted much attention. One of the key issues along this direction is to fabricate Josephson junctions with high-quality interfaces, hoping to searching for 4π-period current-phase relation in topologically non-trivial Josephson junction. In this work, the Josephson junctions based on three-dimensional topological insulator nanowires Bi2Te3 and Bi2(SexTe1–x)3 are fabricated to study their superconducting proximity effects, multiple Andreev reflections, and current-phase relations. A number of interesting phenomena are observed, including the anomalous enhancement in junctions’ critical supercurrent with magnetic field, and the appearance of half-integer Shapiro steps in the ac Josephson effect. And, we discuss the possible origins of the observed anomalous behaviors in general, and their relation with the ferromagnetic layer of TiTe alloy formed at the interface between the topological insulator nanowires and the Ti buffer layer of the metallic electrodes, in particular. We provide the experimental evidence for the formation of a ferromagnetic TiTe alloy layer at the interface of our device. And, we believe that the formation of such a layer in our Josephson device breaks the time reversal symmetry, leading to the observed anomalous enhancement of the critical supercurrent with magnetic field, as well as the appearance of half-integer Shapiro steps. Our results suggest that to study the topologically non-trivial behaviors such as 4π-period current-phase relation, one still needs to improve the interface quality of the superconductor-normal metal-superconductor type of Josephson junction devices.
Drosophila SUMM4 complex couples insulator function and DNA replication control
Authors: Andreyeva Evgeniya N , Emelyanov Alexander V , Nevil Markus , Sun Lu , Vershilova Elena , Hill Christina A , Keogh Michael-C , Duronio Robert J , Skoultchi Arthur I , Fyodorov Dmitry V
Published: December 2022

Asynchronous replication of chromosome domains during S phase is essential for eukaryotic genome function, but the mechanisms establishing which domains replicate early versus late in different cell types remain incompletely understood. Intercalary heterochromatin domains replicate very late in both diploid chromosomes of dividing cells and in endoreplicating polytene chromosomes where they are also underreplicated. Drosophila SNF2-related factor SUUR imparts locus-specific underreplication of polytene chromosomes. SUUR negatively regulates DNA replication fork progression; however, its mechanism of action remains obscure. Here, we developed a novel method termed MS-Enabled Rapid protein Complex Identification (MERCI) to isolate a stable stoichiometric native complex SUMM4 that comprises SUUR and a chromatin boundary protein Mod(Mdg4)-67.2. Mod(Mdg4) stimulates SUUR ATPase activity and is required for a normal spatiotemporal distribution of SUUR in vivo. SUUR and Mod(Mdg4)-67.2 together mediate the activities of gypsy insulator that prevent certain enhancer–promoter interactions and establish euchromatin–heterochromatin barriers in the genome. Furthermore, SuUR or mod(mdg4) mutations reverse underreplication of intercalary heterochromatin. Thus, SUMM4 can impart late replication of intercalary heterochromatin by attenuating the progression of replication forks through euchromatin/heterochromatin boundaries. Our findings implicate a SNF2 family ATP-dependent motor protein SUUR in the insulator function, reveal that DNA replication can be delayed by a chromatin barrier, and uncover a critical role for architectural proteins in replication control. They suggest a mechanism for the establishment of late replication that does not depend on an asynchronous firing of late replication origins.
Effects of PAHs on meiofauna from three estuaries with different levels of urbanization in the South Atlantic
Authors: da Silva Renan B. , Dos Santos Giovanni A. P. , de Farias Ana Luiza L. , França Débora A. A. , Cavalcante Raianne Amorim , Zanardi-Lamardo Eliete , de Souza Jose Roberto Botelho , Esteves Andre M.
Published: December 2022

Estuarine environments are suggested to be the final receivers of human pollution and are impacted by surrounding urbanization and compounds carried by the river waters that flow from the continent. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the contaminants that can reach estuaries and can directly affect marine conservation, being considered highly deleterious to organisms living in these environments. This research investigated the meiofauna of three estuaries exposed to different levels of urbanization and consequently different levels of PAH concentrations, in order to assess how these compounds and environmental factors affect the distribution, structure and diversity of these interstitial invertebrates. A total of 15 major meiofauna groups were identified, with Nematoda being the dominant taxon (74.64%), followed by Copepoda (9.55%) and Polychaeta (8.56%). It was possible to observe significant differences in all diversity indices studied in the estuaries. With the exception of average density, the diversity indices (richness, Shannon index and evenness) were higher in the reference estuary, Goiana estuarine system (GES). On the other hand, the Timbó estuarine system (TES) had the lowest Shannon index value and richness, while the Capibaribe estuarine system (CES) had the lowest evenness value. The latter two estuaries (TES and CES) presented intermediate and high levels of urbanization, respectively. The ecological quality assessment (EcoQ) in the studied estuaries was classified from Poor to Moderate and the estuary with the lowest demographic density in its surroundings, GES, showed a better ecological quality (Moderate EcoQ). A significant distance-based multivariate linear modelling regression (DistLM) was observed between the environmental variables and the density of the meiobenthic community, where PAHs and pH were the main contributors to organism variation. The sediments were characterized by predominance of very fine sand and silt-clay in the most polluted environments, while the control site environment (GES) was dominated by medium grains. The highest concentrations of PAHs were found in the most urbanized estuaries, and directly affected the structure of the interstitial benthic community. The metrics used in the present study proved to be adequate for assessing the environmental quality of the investigated estuaries.
Cathepsin B plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation through regulating autophagy and apoptosis in mice
Authors: Wen Zongzhuang , Zhu Haixia , Wu Bin , Zhang Aizhen , Wang Hongxiang , Cheng Yin , Zhao Hui , Li Jianyuan , Liu Min , Gao Jiangang
Published: December 2022

Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are complex and highly ordered biological processes. Any failure or disorder in these processes can cause defects in sperm morphology, motility, and fertilization ability. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is involved in the regulation of a variety of pathological processes. In the present study, we found that CTSB was abundantly expressed in the male reproductive system, however, the specific role of CTSB in regulating spermatogenesis and sperm maturation remained elusive. Hence, we generated Ctsb-/- mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In Ctsb-/- mice, sperm count was significantly decreased while the level of morphologically abnormal sperm was markedly increased. Additionally, these mice had significantly lower levels of progressive motility sperm and elevated levels of immobilized sperm. Histological analysis showed slight vacuolization in the testis epithelium, as well as the loss of epididymal epithelium cells. Further investigation showed that autophagic activity was inhibited and apoptotic activity was increased in both the testis and epididymis of Ctsb-/- mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that CTSB plays an important role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in mice.
Identifying the Extent of Need in the Different Concepts under Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences: A Basis in Developing Mobile Based e-Learning Application
Authors: Suarez Aldrich D. , Rabago Jasper Kim M. , Paguyo Carolyn G.
Published: December 2022

The study developed and validated an mobile based e-learning application in teaching the concepts under the subject Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences (DISS) for senior high school (SH). The material is inclined with the lessons based on the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) and was patterned with the sequence of the Alternative Delivery Modality (ADM) of the Department of Education. The following specific parts are provided in every lesson: (1) looking ahead; (2) essential questions; (3) concepts unlocked; (4) concept building; and (5) mind hop.

The Research and Development (R & D) method, also known as research-based development methodology, was employed. The following steps were followed: 1) preliminary preparation; 2) detailed writing specifications; 3) designing and development of the e-learning resource; and (4) content and technical validations of the material to panel of experts; 6) revision of the material based from evaluators’ comments and suggestions; and 7) final production of the e-learning resource.

This study used two data gathering instruments: 1) a survey questionnaire to assess the need-to-develop for a mobile application for the different concepts or competencies under Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences; and 2) a content validation rating scale to assess the content validity of the material together with an instrument for its technical qualities.

The content and technical validity of the e-learning resource were determined using the weighted mean. Results revealed that the criteria under the content validation are all highly satisfactory. Also, based on the results, the components under the technical aspects of the material are all highly valid.

Similar research is recommended to continue the development of an e-learning resource for the subject Disciplines and Ideas in Social Sciences and other major subjects offered in the strand Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) that are ICT-based and thus goes with the present trend making it timely and relevant to the learners’ needs.
The Role of Trehalose-producing Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azotobacter chroococcum in Enhancing Salinity Tolerance of Zea mays Plants
Authors: Ali Amal A. , Orf Heba O. M.
Published: December 2022

Salinity is one of the most potent abiotic elements in nature and is damaging to both plants and microbes. Osmostress response in bacteria involves the accumulation of small organic compounds called compatible solutes as trehalose. In this work the synthesis and accumulation of trehalose by Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain (ARC 517) were investigated. Different sources of carbon, nitrogen, initial pH, and inoculum level were studied in order to increase trehalose productivity. An optimal production medium containing glucose and yeast extract was found suitable for trehalose production. The results showed that keeping the pH of the culture broth at 6.0 is important for trehalose production. Moreover the optimal level of inoculum was 4.0%. The optimized parameters gave a maximum trehalose production of 22.65 mg ml-1. Scanning electron microscope showed that cells of B. japonicum that enhanced for trehalose was aggregated and became the longest with length about 3 times higher than that of control. The results of field experiment revealed that, the Zea mays plants treated with B. japonicum strain (ARC 517) that enhanced for trehalose + Azotobacter chroococcum retained higher relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, K+/Na+ ratio as compared to other treatments. Positive correlation between trehalose overproduction and high-yield parameters were observed under saline conditions. These findings suggest that trehalose overproduction could be a beneficial characteristic for biofertilizers.
A Biblical Approach to Teaching Leadership Skills for Future Public Administrators
Authors:   Grand Canyon University, Racette Evelyn M.
Published: December 2022

Leadership is an ambiguous term. Many people think they know the meaning, yet, when they describe it, vagueness and ambiguity show a lack of understanding. Public administrators must demonstrate clarity in their leadership. To address this, a class activity was crafted to equip future public administrators by defining and teaching the art and techniques of leadership. The activity combined biblical text, scholarly models, and current events in a small discussion-based public administration class. A verse-by-verse reading of Genesis 3 and 2nd Samuel 11-24, paired with academic models such as Fairholm’s (2004) Leadership Perspective Model (see Figure 2) and current events studies, prepares future public administrators for leadership. The discussion-led activity pushes students beyond their current understanding into the study and practice of leadership.
Motivations to stop drug use from the perspective of women: a phenomenological study / Motivações de cessar o uso de drogas na perspectiva de mulheres: estudo fenomenológico
Authors: Siepmann Soccol Keity Laís , Gomes Terra Marlene , Tisott Zaira Letícia , Porto da Silva Fabiana , Lunardi Canabarro Janaina , Foggiato de Siqueira Daiana
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: compreender as motivações que levam as mulheres a cessar o uso de drogas. Método: pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, fundamentada no referencial da fenomenologia social de Alfred Schütz. Teve como participantes 20 mulheres usuárias de drogas que estavam em tratamento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas. Para a coleta das informações utilizou-se a entrevista fenomenológica. Resultados: desvelou que as motivações que levam as mulheres a cessar o uso de drogas se relacionam com o período gestacional incluindo o cuidado com os filhos, as influências das relações sociais familiares e aos prejuízos que as drogas causam em si. Considerações finais: faz-se necessário um cuidado específico direcionado às mulheres que fazem abuso de álcool e outras drogas com ênfase em discussões sobre a feminilidade, sentimentos e objetivos de vida, gênero, autocuidado e sexualidade.
The Lost Art of Spinal Physical Examination
Authors: Talmage James B.
Published: December 2022

Spinal examination findings of “spasm” and “facet pain” are unreliable. A thorough neurological examination can help differentiate true symptomatic radiculopathy from nonverifiable radicular complaints. Manual muscle testing may miss subtle findings. The correct diagnosis for most low-back injuries in the worker's compensation setting is “nonspecific spinal pain.”
Three‐in‐One Portable Electronic Sensory System Based on Low‐Impedance Laser‐Induced Graphene On‐Skin Electrode Sensors for Electrophysiological Signal Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Quan , Qu Menglong , Liu Xingye , Cui Yilei , Hu Haining , Li Qianyun , Jin Meifu , Xian Jieyu , Nie Zhengwei , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2022

On‐skin sensors can precisely perceive important electrophysiological signals, including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and electromyogram (EMG). Despite significant advances in the development of soft materials as electrode sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) unit—another indispensable component of on‐skin electronic sensory systems—typically exhibits bulkiness or unimodal sensing, which is detrimental to the portability of the sensory system or the comprehensiveness of the perceived information. Here, a portable and multimodal DAQ unit to tackle these challenges is designed. By assembling the DAQ unit with low‐impedance (<100 Ω) laser‐induced graphene on‐skin electrode sensors, a wireless communication module, a power supply module, and a 3D printed protective shell, the completed sensory system can realize three‐in‐one monitoring of EEG, ECG, and EMG with a light weight of 22 g and a low cost of $25. Moreover, a mobile App is developed to display the perceived electrophysiological signals in real time. Human–machine interface and embedded machine learning are demonstrated using the designed sensory system, indicating its potential applications in artificial intelligence. The success of this inexpensive three‐in‐one portable electronic sensory system sheds light on design, fabrication, and commercialization of multifunctional wearable electronics with wide applications in fitness tracking, medical diagnostics, and human–machine interface.
Deciphering the Role of Hole Transport Layer HOMO Level on the Open Circuit Voltage of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhongyao , Du Tian , Lin Chieh‐Ting , Macdonald Thomas J. , Chen Jiongye , Chin Yi‐Chun , Xu Weidong , Ding Bowen , Kim Ji‐Seon , Durrant James R. , Heeney Martin , McLachlan Martyn A.
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of perovskite solar cells, reducing losses in open‐circuit voltage (Voc) is a key issue in efforts to further improve device performance. Here it is focused on investigating the correlation between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of device hole transport layers (HTLs) and device Voc. To achieve this, structurally similar HTL materials with comparable optical band gaps and doping levels, but distinctly different HOMO levels are employed. Using light‐intensity dependent Voc and photoluminescence measurements significant differences in the behavior of devices employing the two HTLs are highlighted. Light‐induced increase of quasi‐Fermi level splitting (ΔEF) in the perovskite layer results in interfacial quasi‐Fermi level bending required to align with the HOMO level of the HTL, resulting in the Voc measured at the contacts being smaller than the ΔEF in the perovskite. It is concluded that minimizing the energetic offset between HTLs and the perovskite active layer is of great importance to reduce non‐radiative recombination losses in perovskite solar cells with high Voc values that approach the radiative limit.
Highly Adaptive Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanogenerator for Scavenging Flow Energy and Self‐Powered Marine Wireless Sensing
Authors: Wang Yawei , Qian Zian , Zhao Cong , Wang Yan , Jiang Kun , Wang Junpeng , Meng Zhaochen , Li Fangming , Zhu Chuanqing , Chen Pengfei , Wang Hao , Xu Minyi
Published: December 2022

With the development of the smart ocean which contains a large number of wireless sensor nodes, it is a great demand to develop high‐performance marine energy harvesters for powering those sensors. In this work, a highly adaptive hybrid nanogenerator based on triboelectric nanogenerator and electromagnetic generator is proposed. The hybrid nanogenerator can be used for scavenging both wind energy and ocean current energy. The peak power of the hybrid nanogenerator can reach 449.74 mW, which can recharge a 50 mAh‐3.7 V Lithium battery. In addition, it is found that there is a linear relationship between the voltage frequency of the triboelectric nanogenerator and the rotation speed, indicating the hybrid nanogenerator can serve as a flow velocity sensor. A fully self‐powered marine wireless sensor node is fabricated based on the hybrid nanogenerator and management circuit. The demonstrations show that the present hybrid nanogenerator has great potential applications for marine wireless sensing in the scenarios of nearshore, offshore, and underwater.
Research Trends of Piezoelectric Nanomaterials in Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Ji Jianying , Yang Chunyu , Shan Yizhu , Sun Mingjun , Cui Xi , Xu Lingling , Liang Shiyuan , Li Tong , Fan Yijie , Luo Dan , Li Zhou
Published: December 2022

Piezoelectric nanomaterials are functional materials that hold a great promise for the nanoscale conversion of mechanical energy and electrical signals. Owing to their excellent electromechanical dependence, catalytic activity, and response sensitivity, piezoelectric nanomaterials are widely used in energy harvesting, sensors, actuators, resonators, and medical detectors. Nano‐piezoelectric materials exhibit unique electrical and chemical activities in the field of biomedical engineering, such as disease diagnosis and treatment. The working principles, device‐design mechanics, and classification of piezoelectric nanomaterials are systematically reviewed. Then, the recent advances in piezoelectric nanomaterials and their applications in tissue regeneration, antitumor/antibacterial therapy, cell force detection, controlled drug release, and pathological/physiological parameter monitoring are highlighted. Finally, the perspectives on the development of future smart piezoelectric nanomaterials, and how they can serve as a building block to inspire and impact the development of novel diagnosis and treatment applications, are presented.
Deep‐time invention and hydrodynamic convergences through amniote flipper evolution
Authors: Krahl Anna , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: December 2022

The diapsid plesiosaurs were pelagic and inhabited the oceans from the Triassic to the Cretaceous. A key evolutionary character of plesiosaurs is the four wing‐like flippers. While it is mostly accepted that plesiosaurs were underwater fliers like marine turtles, penguins, and maybe whales, other swimming styles have been suggested in the past. These are rowing and a combination of rowing and underwater flight (e.g., pig‐nosed turtle, sea lion). Underwater fliers use lift in contrast to rowers that employ drag. For efficiently profiting of lift during underwater flying, it is necessary that plesiosaurs twisted their flippers by muscular activity. To research the evolution of flipper twisting in plesiosaurs and functionally analogous taxa, including turtles, we used anatomical network analysis (AnNA) and reassessed distal flipper muscle functions. We coded bone‐to‐bone and additionally muscle‐to‐bone contacts in N × N matrices for foreflippers of the plesiosaur, the loggerhead sea turtle, the pig‐nosed turtle, the African penguin, the California sea lion, and the humpback whale based on literature data. In “R,” “igraph” was run by using a walktrap algorithm to obtain morphofunctional modules. AnNA revealed that muscle‐to‐bone contacts are needed to detect contributions of modules to flipper motions, whereas only‐bone matrices are not informative for that. Furthermore, the plesiosaur, the marine turtles, the seal, and the penguin flipper twisting mechanisms, but the penguin cannot actively twist the flipper trailing edge. Finally, the foreflipper of the pig‐nosed turtle and of the whale is not actively twisted during swimming.
A PEGylated Viologen for Crossover‐Free and High‐Capacity pH‐Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Peng Kang , Sun Pan , Yang Zhengjin , Xu Tongwen
Published: December 2022

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs), which exploit the reversible electrochemical reactions of water soluble organic electrolytes to store electricity, gain increasing momentum for the grid‐scale integration of renewable electricity. However, the crossover of organic electrolytes across the membrane and the limited capacity significantly impede the widespread adoption of AORFBs. Here we report a PEGylated viologen anolyte bearing four positive charges, namely BTMAE−Vi, for crossover‐free and high capacity pH‐neutral AORFBs. This anolyte is rationally designed by appending positively charged ethylene glycol side chains to raise water solubility and increase the molecular size. The solubility of BTMAE−Vi is increased to 3.4 M because of an improved molecular polarity and the existence of four positive charges, while membrane crossover rate is significantly reduced. A BTMAE−Vi‐based flow cell demonstrates an extremely high capacity retention rate of 99.996 % per cycle or 99.979 % per hour when the first reversible redox reaction is utilized, but the irreversible molecular decomposition of the doubly reduced BTMAE−Vi results in severe capacity fade. Our results and the proposed concept in mitigating membrane crossover and elevating capacity will pave the way for developing high‐performance AORFBs.
Nanostructuring Strategies for Silicon‐based Anodes in Lithium‐ion Batteries: Tuning Areal Silicon Loading, SEI Formation/Irreversible Capacity Loss, Rate Capability Retention and Electrode Durability
Authors: Ezzedine Mariam , Jardali Fatme , Florea Ileana , Zamfir Mihai‐Robert , Cojocaru Costel‐Sorin
Published: December 2022

Silicon is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. Silicon endures volume changes upon cycling, which leads to subsequent pulverization and capacity fading. These drawbacks lead to a poor lifespan and hamper the commercialization of silicon anodes. In this work, a hybrid nanostructured anode based on silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) anchored on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) with defined spacing to accommodate volumetric changes is synthesized on commercial macroscopic current collector. Achieving electrodes with good stability and excellent electrochemical properties remain a challenge. Therefore, we herein tune the active silicon areal loading either through the modulation of the SiNPs volume by changing the silicon deposition time at a fixed VACNTs carpet length or through the variation of the VACNT length at a fixed SiNPs volume. The low areal loading of SiNPs improves capacity stability during cycling but triggers large irreversible capacity losses due to the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. By contrast, higher areal loading electrode reduces the quantity of the SEI formed, but negatively impacts the capacity stability of the electrode during the subsequent cycles. A higher gravimetric capacity and higher areal loading mass of silicon is achieved via an increase of VACNTs carpet length without compromising cycling stability. This hybrid nanostructured electrode shows an excellent stability with reversible capacity of 1330 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles.
Offence type and neurodiversity: A comparison of 12‐17‐year‐old boys charged with a criminal offence by diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or both
Authors: Rutten Alexa X. , Kempes Maaike , Bongers Ilja L. , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M. , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs
Published: December 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been evidenced as common among adolescents with delinquent behaviour. Less is known, however, about the relationship between these disorders and type of alleged offence, when the adolescent is involved with the criminal justice system.

Aim

Our aim was to investigate whether the type of alleged index offences among 12–17‐year‐olds differ between those diagnosed with ASD, ADHD or ASD + ADHD.

Method

The sample was selected for ASD and/or ADHD diagnoses from a database of all pre‐trial forensic psychiatric and psychological assessments of male adolescents of 12–17 years old in the Netherlands for the years 2013 and 2014. For each record, independent researchers scored a 76‐item checklist encompassing health and offending characteristics. Sixty‐nine of the 1799 pre‐trial assessments of these male adolescents had a diagnosis of ASD, 90 of ADHD and 29 had been diagnosed with both; these 188 cases formed our sample.

Results

The rate of sex offences was significantly higher among those with ASD (N = 20, 29%) than those with ADHD (N = 10, 11%) or both (N = 4, 14%; Fisher's exact test = 8.54; p = 0.014). By contrast, the rate of property offences without violence was significantly higher among those with ADHD (N = 22, 24%) than those with ASD (N = 4, 6%) or both (N = 5, 17%; Fisher's exact test = 10.50, p = 0.004), whereas violent offending rates did not differ between the three groups.

Conclusion

Specific offence types were not equally distributed among male adolescents with different psychiatric diagnoses. In our sample of male adolescents suspected of an offence nearly one‐third of those diagnosed with ASD were convicted of a sex offence, suggesting highly specialised needs for further assessment and intervention. Among those diagnosed with ADHD, significantly more adolescents were charged with non‐violent property offences. Such unequal distribution of alleged offence types among adolescents with different psychiatric diagnoses justifies tailor‐made attention for offending adolescents with different psychiatric diagnoses.
Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Reactions Promoted by Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Russo Camilla , Brunelli Francesca , Cesare Tron Gian , Giustiniano Mariateresa
Published: December 2022

Isocyanide‐based multicomponent reactions claim a one century‐old history of flourishing developments. On the other hand, the enormous impact of recent progresses in visible light photocatalysis has boosted the identification of new straightforward and green approaches to both new and known chemical entities. In this context, the application of visible light photocatalytic conditions to multicomponent processes has been promoting key stimulating advancements. Spanning from radical‐polar crossover pathways, to photoinduced and self‐catalyzed transformations, to reactions involving the generation of imidoyl radical species, the present literature analysis would provide a general and critical overview about the potentialities and challenges of exploiting isocyanides in visible light photocatalytic multicomponent reactions.
POM@ZIF Derived Mixed Metal Oxide Catalysts for Sustained Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Yupeng , Gao Dandan , Liu Si , Biskupek Johannes , Kaiser Ute , Liu Rongji , Streb Carsten
Published: December 2022

The design of efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts based on noble‐metal‐free materials is crucial for energy conversion and storage. In this work, it was demonstrated how polyoxometalate (POM)‐doped ZIF‐67 can be converted into a stable oxygen evolution electrocatalyst by chemical etching, cation exchange, and thermal annealing steps. Characterization by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate that POM‐doped ZIF‐67 derived carbon‐supported metal oxides were synthesized. The resulting composite shows structural and compositional advantages which lead to low overpotential (306 mV at j=10 mA ⋅ cm−2) and long‐term stability under harsh OER conditions (1.0 M aqueous KOH).
Isomerically Pure Oxindole‐Terminated Quinoids for n‐Type Organic Thin‐Film Transistors Enabled by the Chlorination of Quinoidal Core
Authors: Lin Linlin , Wang Cheng , Deng Yunfeng , Geng Yanhou
Published: December 2022

Quinoidal compounds have great potential utility as high‐performance organic semiconducting materials because of their rigid planar structures and extended π‐conjugation. However, the existence ofEandZisomers adversely affects the charge‐transport properties of quinoidal compounds. In this study, three isomerically pure oxindole‐terminated quinoids were developed by introducing chlorine atoms in the quinoidal core. The synthesized quinoids were confirmed to have aZ,Zconfiguration by means of1H NMR spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Importantly, the strategy of chlorination allowed to maintain low‐lying frontier molecular orbital energy levels and ensure favorable intermolecular packing. Consequently, all three quinoidal compounds showed n‐type transport characteristics in organic thin‐film transistors, with electron mobilities up to 0.35 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest value reported to date for oxindole‐terminated quinoids. Our study can provide new guidelines for the design of isomerically pure quinoids with high electron mobilities.