bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii) in South America: potential distribution, presence in protected areas and anthropic threats
Authors: Luzuriaga-Neira Nivia , Ennis Keenan , Moens Michaël A.J. , Leon Jose , Reyes Nathaly , Luzuriaga-Neira Agusto , Rau Jaime R. , Rojas-VeraPinto Roxana
Published: December 2023

The avifauna of South America is one of the most widely studied groups of vertebrates. However, certain species, such as the Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii), have received limited attention regarding their ecological patterns, biology, current distribution, and environmental requirements. This study analyzed observation data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) on the Andean Ibis in four countries to identify and understand critical variables that determine the species’ presence, assess the proportion of its habitat within protected areas and identify possible threats to the species. Additionally, this study considered environmental and ecological variables to model ecological niches using the maximum entropy approach in MaxEnt to map the suitable habitat of the species. The findings revealed the extent of suitable Andean Ibis habitats in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The variables that most determined the presence of the species were: altitude (36.57%), distance to lakes (23.29%) and ecological isothermality (13.34%). The distribution area of the Andean Ibis totaled 300,095.00 km2, spanning both sides of the Andean mountains range. Human activities have left a significant impact on the Andean Ibis habitat, with 48% of this area impacted by the human footprint and only 10% of the territory falling within protected areas designated by the respective countries. The results of this study show that the Andean Ibis presents characteristics of a specialist species due to its adaptation to the climate conditions of the plateau and highlands, including low temperatures, herbaceous vegetation and the presence of water bodies. The species is distributed in disconnected Andean landscape areas, whose functionality could be compromised by increased human activities. Complementary studies will be necessary to understand the ecological role and effectiveness of protected areas for conserving the species.
Wisp How to Achieve Wetback Status Tino
Authors: Towner Margaret
Published: December 2023

no presenta resumen
Masculinidad crítica y desestabilización valórica en El jardín de al lado y The picture of Dorian Gray
Authors: Toro Rodríguez Francisco
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo analiza la representación del sujeto del joven masculino (Bijou) que el protagonista y narrador de El jardín de al lado,de José Donoso, lleva a cabo en su relato. Pretendo rescatar de esta representación la atribución de una superioridad al personaje, que sitúa al narrador como un supuesto subordinado a él. Junto a esto, se provoca la agudización de una crisis valórica y pérdida de certezas con respecto a la masculinidad, vida burguesa e ideas políticas. En este sentido, es posible plantear que en la problemática subyace como intertexto la novela The Picture of Dorian Gray de Oscar Wilde y, secundariamente, el Fedro de Platón, pues en estos textos se describe un formato de interacción erótica masculina que incluye y explica aspectos como los ya mencionados.
Roundtable “Jornada de Enseñanza de Literatura en Inglés 2012”: Education of the Marginalized
Authors: Reyes Reynaldo
Published: December 2023

What I want to talk about relates a lot with what I have done in my research. I taught in middle schools, fifth to seven grades, and I have also taught third year at university. Where I teach in El Paso, almost 40% of the population is defined in the U.S. context as living in poverty. Many of those students come to our university, many of them. In fact, almost 90% of students at UTEP University come from El Paso region. The remaining 10-15% come from other places outside El Paso…
Green Books and Fun
Authors: Casals Andrea
Published: December 2023

The aim of this article is to make evident the opportunity that global concerns about the condition of life on our planet and the flourishing of reading perspectives such as ecocriticism or green studies offer with regards to the study, understanding and promotion of young readers’ literature and literacy in English. We will begin by briefly stating what conventionally has been associated with a complex category such as children’s literature. Once this has been framed, we will summarize what is currently understood as ecocriticism or green studies in order to further present an overview of texts for children and young readers within the Anglophone literary tradition that may be read through this perspective.
“Ain’t Nothin’ to It but to Do It”: The Process of Constructing an Identity as a Marginalized Subject in Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Authors: Donoso Teresa
Published: December 2023

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the process of identity construction of a marginalized subject in autobiography. For this purpose Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is studied taking into consideration gender and race as crucial aspects. A fluid approach of construction is proposed to move towards the goal of constructing a sense of identity that embraces the different positions the self may take. Through the analysis of this paper, the hidden ideologies of language are also analyzed as they represent the biggest challenge for the protagonist due to her belonging to the margins of discourse. This study shows that the construction of a sense of self is by no means easy and a marginalized subject may go beyond the hidden ideologies present in language to achieve it. Such task might be possible if the individual takes hold of language as a weapon to defend herself and refuses to be silenced.
Y del Sol queremos nacer
Authors: Behncke Ragnar
Published: December 2023

Y del sol queremos nacer. Y al sol queremos volver. Penetrante es la pregunta. Y la explicación es siempre un balbuceo. Volvemos a lo mismo Y en el instante de la partida, quebramos los pedazos. Debe ser por eso que entrevemos el destino, y nos disponemos frágiles. Del horror y las cirscunstancias surgen disímiles las antorchas del Olimpo. Enterramos todo lo entrerrable y todo vuelve a crecer. Nos deleitamos en esoñamientos. Y trajes de sables vuelven a su sitio. Yo prefiero la vulgaridad, sobre todo la vulgaridad. Me postro ante ti, oh señor, y decido ni lo uno ni lo otro. Paso las sombras y me derrito para fortalecer la sangre. Es la sangre lo que brota de mis pertenencias. Y quiero enternecer lo enternecible. Despeño y acuno, y en la verdad de todo, de todo lo muerto y todo lo llano, Escribo una ligera cirscunstancia, de miles y miles de miles. Es para beber que llueve por primera vez. Y no te confundas de lecho cuando quieras descanzar. No es en futuro noble e indemne donde no entran los fantasmas. Es Gloria y padecimiento. Es tragedia y destino, es inclemencia del tiempo. Y no por retribuir se huye ni se encaja ni se mata. Pareciera mortal. Pero no lo es. -A propósito de “The Tree of Life”, Invierno 2013.
Biostimulatory Impacts of Seed Priming through Botanical Extracts on Crop Production: A Critical Review
Authors: Indurugalla Yashoja , Manimekala Dilki , Galahitigama G. A. H.
Published: December 2023

Rapid human population increase, food scarcity, and climate change are some of the global challenges in the current scenario. Among these, climate change adversely impacts crop production by creating abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and metal toxicity. Seed emergence, the critical stage in crop development, is highly vulnerable to these abiotic stresses. Therefore, short-term approaches to increase seed germination and the initial growth of plants were investigated in advance as a solution. Seed priming is indeed a pre-sowing treatment of seeds. It is a technique used to enhance the germination and early growth of seeds by exposing them to controlled hydration and sometimes other treatments before planting. Seed priming considered a low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable technique to promote seed germination and the initial growth of plants. Though various priming methods are available, this review discusses only botanical extracts (both seaweed and plant extracts) used as priming agents in seed priming. Among the seaweed extracts, green and brown algae species such as Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum spp., and Ulva spp. enhanced the crop performances even under stress conditions. In addition, leaf extracts derived from drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and neem (Azadirachta indica) are widely used to increase the crop production under stress and non-stress environments. Furthermore, in this review discussed about priming mechanism, different extraction methods and bioextracts behavior under diverse agroecosystems are discussed in detail.
Study of the Impact of the Magnetic Field on the Electrical Parameters of the Radial Junction Photovoltaic Cell under Monochromatic Illumination
Authors: Moyenga Cyrile Constant , Zouma Bernard , Konate Ramatou , Savadogo Aboubacar , Korgo Bruno , Kam Si´e
Published: December 2023

The present work is a theoretical study of the radial junction photovoltaic cell subjected to a magnetic field under monochromatic illumination. From a three-dimensional description, new analytical expressions of photocurrent density, photovoltage and electric power as a function of the magnetic field are established and by simulation on the Mathcad 15 software, we extracted the different curves. These representations allowed a thorough investigation of the operation of this model of a photovoltaic cell. It appears from this study that the amplitudes of parameters such as photocurrent density, photovoltage and electrical power are strongly attenuated when the photovoltaic cell is in the presence of a magnetic field assumed to be uniform over the entire region. For a magnetic field of 0.35 mT and a diffusion length, the short-circuit current decreased by 59.75% and the opencircuit photovoltage by 9.32%.
Application of Bayesian Vector Autoregressive Models in the Analysis of Quasi Money and Money Supply: A Case Study of Nigeria
Authors: Israel Timothy Olaniyi Morounfolu , Kingdom Nwuju, , Yvonne Da-wariboko Asikiye , Ike Wegbom Anthony
Published: December 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to model the relationship between Nigerian quasi money and money supply using the Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (BVAR) model.

Study design:  The study collected and analyzed monthly data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) money and credit statistics over an 8-year period (November 2015 to December 2022). The analysis utilized both Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model and BVAR model to examine the dynamics between these variables and their implications for monetary policy.

Methodology: The study employed the Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (BVAR) model to analyze the relationship between Nigerian quasi money and money supply. Monthly data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over an 8-year period was collected and subjected to both Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model and BVAR model for analysis.

Results: The findings indicated that there is no long-run relationship between Nigerian narrow money and quasi money, but quasi money does granger cause changes in narrow money, and vice versa. This suggests a multi-directional effect between the two variables. The BVAR model consistently outperformed the VAR model in terms of higher Adjusted-R² values, indicating its stronger ability to explain the variance in the data. The BVAR model provided a more robust and accurate representation of the relationship between these variables. The model exhibited stability and the absence of heteroscedasticity in the residuals, indicating a stable relationship between the variables. The impulse response function showed an immediate impact of changes in narrow money on the overall money supply in Nigeria.

Conclusion: This study contributes to existing knowledge by empirically examining the relationship between Nigerian narrow money and quasi money and also concluded that there existed no co-integrating relationship between narrow money and quasi money, which has important implications for effective monetary policy strategies, particularly in Nigeria.
Language Agnostic Ontology Extension Framework
Authors: Bharara Reva , Rathore Aryan , Tiwari Krishna Kumar
Published: December 2023

Ontologies are powerful structures used to define the schema and organization of knowledge. They provide a framework for precisely and explicitly organizing concepts, entities, attributes, and relationships within a domain, enabling effective data management, knowledge sharing, and intelligent decisionmaking. Knowledge graphs, on the other hand, store data in a graphical form, facilitating semantically rich and interconnected data analysis, management, and exploration. Nodes represent entities, edges depict relationships between nodes, and attributes showcase node properties. Combining the strengths of ontology, which offers schema and concept-level modeling, with the data richness of knowledge graphs, one can unlock powerful reasoning and inference capabilities that closely resemble facts and truths. The symbiotic relationship between knowledge graphs and ontology, wherein ontology serves as a blueprint for representing knowledge in the graphs, creates a robust foundation for knowledge representation. Traditionally, ontologies have been created by experts or skilled teams with domain knowledge, aiming to build comprehensive ontologies supporting holistic data representation. However, these domain-specific ontologies require manual intervention for updates and remain language-specific, making it challenging to transfer them across different language formats. To address this challenge, a crucial component is an automatic generation framework for language-independent ontologies. Such a capability would provide a data-driven approach for creating necessary ontologies. The process involves taking a text corpus as input and subsequently constructing a knowledge graph through named entity recognition. This graph is then transformed into a concept-level modeling graph, where an ID-based approach is utilized to represent the concepts. The ID-based concepts can be extended to facilitate merging and updating the ontology with new relevant information. Concurrently, this approach can also be expanded to achieve language independence, enabling the conversion of the ontology to any required language. Expressing these ontologies in mathematical terms is essential to achieve language-agnosticism, ensuring completeness, relevance, and independence from specific domains, thereby making them applicable across various linguistic contexts.
Planning for the Development of Coffee Farming in the Context of Regional Development in Tapanuli Utara Regency
Authors: Butarbutar Yohanna Rianti , Lubis Satia Negara , Aritonang Evawany
Published: December 2023

This study aims to design a development plan for coffee farming in North Tapanuli Regency. The research methodology involves Location Quotient (LQ) analysis to identify the main bases of coffee farming, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis with an A'WOT matrix for weighting determination, and coffee production trend analysis using a linear trend model to forecast production for the period 2023-2033. The findings reveal that several districts in North Tapanuli Regency, including Parmonangan, Sipoholon, Tarutung, Siatas Barita, Pangaribuan, Sipahutar, Siborongborong, Pagaran, and Muara, are identified as the main bases for coffee farming. Determining factors involve land, capital, market, human resources, and technology. Development strategies include institutional optimization, the formation of joint cooperatives, and enhanced coordination among relevant authorities. Production forecasts indicate positive growth until 2033. Recommendations involve institutional optimization, cooperative formation, increased coordination, land protection, and efforts to enhance human resources. With the implementation of these strategies, it is anticipated that coffee farming will positively contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the local community in North Tapanuli Regency.
Isolation, Characterisation and Corrosion Inhibition Evaluation of 1, 3, 5-Trimethoxymethyl benzene from Seeds Extract of Cola nitida on Mild Steel Surface in Hyhrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Obodom Mboso I. , Abakedi Okon U. , Akpan Inemesit A.
Published: December 2023

Corrosion inhibition of Mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid solution by 1, 3, 5-trimethoxymethylbenzene (TMMB) isolated from seeds extract of Cola nitida was studied using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods. TMMB was isolated from seeds of C. nitida by 72 hours maceration of the chopped seeds with dichloromethane. Filtered and concentrated extract was subjected to a combination of vacuum liquid, column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. The isolated compound was characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrophotometer, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (+H-NMR), C13 – NMR and DEPT-135 NMR spectrophotmeters. The results showed that the inhibition efficiency recorded by the weight loss method increased with the increase in TMMB concentration, but decreased with increasing temperature. The inhibition efficiencies recorded by the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods also increased with increase in the concentration of TMMB. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the corrosion inhibition process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements confirmed that TMMB worked as a mixed – type inhibitor considering the value of Ecorrbeing less than 85 mV.  Impedance measurement revealed that the charge transfer resistance offered by TMMB to the migration of aggressive ions on the surface of mild steel in acidic solution was enough to impede corrosion. The best line of fit to the adsorption of TMMB onto mild steel surface was found in Temkin isotherm. Formation of protective dense film on the steel surface in the presence of TMMB compared to the blank was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The molecular structure of TMMB was optimized using Gausian 09 with density functional theory [DFT/B3LYP/6-31G (d,p)]. Physical adsorption has been proposed for the adsorption of TMMB onto mild steel surface.
A Review on Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition of Horticultural Crops: A Source of Income Generation for the Farmers of Bundelkhand, India
Authors: Vikram Balaji , Gangwar Shubham , Belwel Ankita , Mathur Rohit , Kumar Pradeep , Pushpandra  , Kishor Braj , Kumari Durga , Sikarwar Purnima Singh
Published: December 2023

India's horticulture sector has demonstrated impressive growth, yielding 223.089 million tonnes of produce in the 11th five-year plan, predominantly driven by fruits and vegetables. Despite utilizing a relatively small portion of the cropped area, this sector contributed a substantial 30 per cent to India's agricultural GDP. However, challenges persist in fully integrating waste utilization technologies from developed nations into Indian conditions. Thus, a need for tailor-made, cost-effective technologies specifically suited to Indian conditions is paramount, focusing on value-added product production. Efficient post-harvest management not only enhances value addition but also transforms waste into a valuable resource, ultimately reducing production costs and maximizing biomass utilization. Various advanced process technologies, including drying, freezing, fermentation and extraction, stand as promising methods for recycling and upgrading waste within the fruit and vegetable market. The study emphasizes the potential of horticultural crops in sustainable agriculture, and their economic and nutritional significance and aims to propose strategies for optimized post-harvest practices and value addition to benefit farmers in Bundelkhand.
The dual role of the DREAM/G2M pathway in non‐tumorigenic immortalization of senescent cells
Authors: Tian Jie , Jiang Liangxia , Li Haili , Dan Juhua , Luo Ying
Published: December 2023

Anti‐aging and tumorigenesis share common genes and pathways, and thus targeting these genes as part of anti‐aging interventions carries the risk of tumorigenesis. It is essential to understand the gene signatures that balance tumorigenesis and aging. To achieve this goal, we analyzed RNA‐sequencing data from three non‐tumorigenic immortalized cell lines that spontaneously escaped from senescence. By single sample gene set enrichment assay (ssGSEA) and GSEA analysis, we found that both cell growth signaling (E2F targets, MYC targets) and tumor surveillance mechanisms (DNA repair, G2M checkpoint, mitotic spindle) were up‐regulated in all three cell lines, suggesting that these genes are potential signatures for non‐tumorigenic immortalization. Further analysis revealed that the 182 commonly up‐regulated genes in these three cell lines overlapped with the DREAM/G2M pathway, which is known to be the upstream regulator of E2F, Myc targets, DNA repair, G2M checkpoint and mitotic spindle pathways in its cell cycle activation or inhibitory form. By western blotting, quantitative PCR and co‐immunoprecipitation, we verified that both forms of the DREAM pathway are up‐regulated in all three cell lines; this pathway facilitates control of cell cycle progression, supporting a new mechanism for non‐tumorigenic immortalization. Thus, we propose that the DREAM/G2M pathway plays important dual roles with respect to preventing tumorigenesis in the process of immortalization. Our data might serve as the basis for the identification of new signature pathways or gene biomarkers for non‐tumorigenic immortalization, and may aid in the discovery of new targets for tumor‐free anti‐aging drug screening.
Crack‐Free Tungsten Fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ramakrishnan Tejas , Kumar Amit , Kumar Tumulu S. , Kwon Sunyong , Muniz‐Lerma Jose A. , Gauvin Raynald , Brochu Mathieu
Published: December 2023

Additive manufacturing of tungsten (W) is challenging due to its high melting point, high thermal conductivity, oxidation tendency, and brittleness from grain boundary (GB) oxides. In this study, the processing of W through laser powder bed fusion is investigated. Parts are fabricated under argon (Ar) and nitrogen (N2) atmospheres using the same processing parameters. The part produced in Ar has cracks with oxide precipitates decorating the fractured GBs. On the other hand, crack‐free W samples are produced under N2 atmosphere without any additional process modification. In both cases, the oxygen (O) content in the LPBF samples is similar to the starting powder. Interestingly, the analysis of the samples fabricated in nitrogen suggests that nitrogen is retained beyond the equilibrium solid solubility limit, while high‐resolution electron micrographs of fractured surfaces reveal reduced levels of oxides at GBs. Increased hardness for samples processed under N2 atmosphere is observed. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations performed to study the influence of interstitial nitrogen on oxygen diffusion in W indicated a hindrance to O diffusion from the presence of dissolved N.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks Based on Endless‐Stacked Amides for Iodine Capture and Detection
Authors: Li Bin , Qiu Weiguang , Yap Glenn P. A. , Dory Yves L. , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: December 2023

Recently, hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have emerged as a rapidly advancing class of porous materials with significant potential for applications in the absorption and detection of various chemicals. Here, the unique ability of amide groups to form endless‐stacking H‐bonds is implemented in the design of HOFs. Starting from benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide and amide‐containing tribenzocyclynes as foundational building blocks, a diverse range of HOFs featuring 1D, 2D, or 3D hydrogen‐bonded frameworks has been synthesized. Among those, all three porous HOFs, HOF_B‐Hex, HOF_T‐Pr and HOF_T‐Hex exhibited permanent porosity, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of amide‐based HOFs strategy. Notably, HOF_T‐Hex stands out with a 42% pore volume and an impressive iodine capture efficiency of 6.4 g g−1. The iodine capture capacity is influenced not only by pore volume but also by the presence of accessible π‐electrons within the material (i.e., electrons not engaged in a π–π stacking interaction. Furthermore, some of these HOFs exhibited fluorescent responses to iodine positioning them as highly promising materials for both the capture and sensing of iodine.
Rapid Experimental Screening of High‐Entropy Diborides for Superior Oxidation Resistance
Authors: Tang Zhongyu , Wen Zihao , Liu Yiwen , Zhuang Lei , Yu Hulei , Chu Yanhui
Published: December 2023

Due to the huge composition space, composition screening is of great importance to the optimization of high‐entropy diborides (HEBs) with exceptional oxidation resistance. However, related studies are lacking. Here, a novel rapid, effective strategy to fully screen the compositions on the oxidation resistance of HEBs is proposed. Specifically, the synthesis of the equiatomic 1‐ to 9‐cation multicomponent diborides of the IVB, VB, and VIB groups in seconds via an ultrafast ultrahigh‐temperature synthesis technique is realized. Subsequently, combined with the thermogravimetric analysis and first‐principles calculations, the roles of incorporated elements are systematically explored. The results show that Zr, Cr, Ta, Nb, and W elements are the key to the improved oxidation resistance of HEBs, while Ti, Mo, and V elements are destructive. In particular, the positive roles of metal elements are mainly attributed to the partial dissolution of the generated metal oxides into the generated B2O3 glass, which can improve the viscosity of B2O3 and thus enhance its high‐temperature stability and reduce the oxygen diffusion rate, as confirmed by the first‐principles calculations. This study paves a way to rapidly screen the elements in HEBs, which can be a guide for further anti‐oxidation designs.
Adsorption, Single‐Molecule Manipulation, and Self‐Assembly of Borazine on Ag(111)
Authors: Weiss Tobias , Baklanov Aleksandr , Michelitsch Georg S. , Reuter Karsten , Schwarz Martin , Garnica Manuela , Auwärter Willi
Published: December 2023

The interaction of borazine with metal supports and the concomitant surface chemistry play important roles in the synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride and the assembly of BN‐doped carbon nanostructures, thus making adsorbed borazine an intriguing model system. Herein, the first real space characterization of individual borazine molecules and highly ordered borazine self‐assemblies on solid supports, combining scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunneling spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and complementary density functional theory modeling is reported. Specifically, a weak, nondissociative adsorption of borazine with the ring aligned in parallel to the surface plane is observed on Ag(111) upon low temperature deposition. Borazine is found to favor hollow adsorption sites, which guide the assembly of intricate borazine assemblies including a porous, chiral honeycomb‐like network, and dense‐packed monolayer films. Additionally, a modification of the borazine adsorption configuration by STM‐based manipulation is demonstrated. Dehydrogenation of individual molecules by voltages pulses yields an upright standing borazine fragment bound via B to Ag. This study thus provides a comprehensive, single‐molecule level characterization of borazine adsorption and surface chemistry on a characteristic coinage metal support and may serve as a reference for advanced low‐dimensional materials based on functionalized borazines or including BN units as dopants.
Fabrication of a Novel Fluorescein Embedded Photocomposite Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) and Its Application in 4D Printing
Authors: Yin Jiansong , Zhao Xianjun , Hu Bo , Zhou Qun , Yu Yijie , Zhang Yijun , Gao Jiangang , Xu Yangyang , Lalevée Jacques
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of the 3D printing technique, the concept of 4D has emerged, defining time as the fourth dimension. This concept allows for changes in the appearance, function, or other properties of 3D printed objects in response to certain controlled external stimuli over time. In this work, a new photocomposite containing fluorescein based is designed on an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) system, this system can be generated by the simultaneous photopolymerization of acrylate and epoxide monomers under visible LED@405 nm irradiation. Unexpectedly, combining the reversible fluorometric turn‐on property of fluorescein and the deformation of the IPN in the presence of water, the 3D flower structure printed from this photocomposite would demonstrate a novel dual responsive behavior with both fluorescence and shape changes when it is exposed to water for a short time. This work would present a novel functional photocomposite material and also expand the application prospect of 4D printing.
Programmable Polymeric‐Interface for Voiceprint Biometrics
Authors: Babu Anand , Raoul Ewen , Kassahun Getnet , Dufour Isabelle , Mandal Dipankar , Thuau Damien
Published: December 2023

In the age of data science, voice data can be treated as one of the crucial assets used for strengthening biometrics technologies and biomedical applications. However, voice biometrics is still at emergence state facing voice variability, cross‐linguistic variations, and voice spoofing challenges. These long‐standing issues are proposed to be solved by deploying an organic, flexible, and printed piezoelectric polymeric interface exhibiting several unique features such as strong directionality, stability over a large operating temperature range (30–90 ˚C), broad frequency (6 kHz), ultra sensitivity (5.77 V Pa−1) and high signal‐to‐noise ratio (38–55 dB). By analyzing speech processing parameters acquired by the voice sensor, an individual voiceprint is established, which is further utilized to train a neural network model for deploying artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven voice biometrics, resulting in a remarkable accuracy of >96% for population identification and speaker recognition and >93% for healthcare assessment. Featuring a versatile printing fabrication process, innovative voiceprint approach, and a robust neural network, the programmable polymeric acoustic interface proposes a promising complementary tool to the existing biometrics technologies and plays a vital role in healthcare monitoring.
Zero Birefringence Condition in Lithium Niobate on Insulator Rib Waveguides
Authors: Yusof Nor Roshidah , Ali Norshamsuri , Kolenderski Piotr , Słowik Karolina , Endut Rosdisham , Syed Junid Syed Alwee Aljunid
Published: December 2023

Birefringence, quantified as the maximum effective index difference of two orthogonally polarized modes, is one of the key characteristics of Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) waveguide devices. As LNOI optical properties strongly depend on the polarization of the propagating light beam, achieving the zero‐birefringence condition (ZBC) is highly desired. In this work, a rib LNOI waveguide is designed, and the influence of geometrical dimensions on the birefringence is characterized. From the result, the slab's height is found to be the dominant geometrical factor that significantly contributes to the birefringence, with an optimum slab's height found at 50 nm. For this optimized value, the influence of width and wavelength on birefringence are characterized. The analysis is extended to investigate the properties of group indices that can result in the temporal walk‐off phenomenon. This phenomenon can significantly impact the performance of single‐photon devices, as it can cause a polarization mismatch between the incident photon and the polarization properties of the medium, resulting in reduced efficiency of devices such as single‐photon detectors. In the analysis, the zero birefringence and walk‐off are achieved at narrow waveguide width, 𝑤 of 250 nm and wavelength, = 1500 nm, which is within the telecommunication region band.
Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: Making Atomic‐Level Magnetism Tunable with Light at Room Temperature
Authors: Ortiz Jimenez Valery , Pham Yen Thi Hai , Zhou Da , Liu Mingzu , Nugera Florence Ann , Kalappattil Vijaysankar , Eggers Tatiana , Hoang Khang , Duong Dinh Loc , Terrones Mauricio , Rodriguez Gutiérrez Humberto , Phan Manh‐Huong
Published: December 2023

The capacity to manipulate magnetization in 2D dilute magnetic semiconductors (2D‐DMSs) using light, specifically in magnetically doped transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers (M‐doped TX2, where M = V, Fe, and Cr; T = W, Mo; X = S, Se, and Te), may lead to innovative applications in spintronics, spin‐caloritronics, valleytronics, and quantum computation. This Perspective paper explores the mediation of magnetization by light under ambient conditions in 2D‐TMD DMSs and heterostructures. By combining magneto‐LC resonance (MLCR) experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the magnetization can be enhanced using light in V‐doped TMD monolayers (e.g., V‐WS2, V‐WSe2). This phenomenon is attributed to excess holes in the conduction and valence bands, and carriers trapped in magnetic doping states, mediating the magnetization of the semiconducting layer. In 2D‐TMD heterostructures (VSe2/WS2, VSe2/MoS2), the significance of proximity, charge‐transfer, and confinement effects in amplifying light‐mediated magnetism is demonstrated. We attributed this to photon absorption at the TMD layer that generates electron–hole pairs mediating the magnetization of the heterostructure. These findings will encourage further research in the field of 2D magnetism and establish a novel design of 2D‐TMDs and heterostructures with optically tunable magnetic functionalities, paving the way for next‐generation magneto‐optic nanodevices.
Glycosaminoglycans’ Ability to Promote Wound Healing: From Native Living Macromolecules to Artificial Biomaterials
Authors: Yang Peng , Lu Yifei , Gou Weiming , Qin Yiming , Tan Jianglin , Luo Gaoxing , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2023

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are important for the occurrence of signaling molecules and maintenance of microenvironment within the extracellular matrix (ECM) in living tissues. GAGs and GAG‐based biomaterial approaches have been widely explored to promote in situ tissue regeneration and repair by regulating the wound microenvironment, accelerating re‐epithelialization, and controlling ECM remodeling. However, most approaches remain unacceptable for clinical applications. To improve insights into material design and clinical translational applications, this review highlights the innate roles and bioactive mechanisms of native GAGs during in situ wound healing and presents common GAG‐based biomaterials and the adaptability of application scenarios in facilitating wound healing. Furthermore, challenges before the widespread commercialization of GAG‐based biomaterials are shared, to ensure that future designed and constructed GAG‐based artificial biomaterials are more likely to recapitulate the unique and tissue‐specific profile of native GAG expression in human tissues. This review provides a more explicit and clear selection guide for researchers designing biomimetic materials, which will resemble or exceed their natural counterparts in certain functions, thereby suiting for specific environments or therapeutic goals.
Perspectives on Li Dendrite Penetration in Li7La3Zr2O12‐Based Solid‐State Electrolytes and Batteries: Materials, Interfaces, and Charge Transfer
Authors: Biao Jie , Bai Chen , Ma Jiabin , Liu Ming , Kang Feiyu , Cao Yidan , He Yan‐Bing
Published: December 2023

Garnet‐type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid‐state electrolytes have gained significant attention as one of the most promising electrolyte candidates for high‐energy‐density energy storage devices due to their superior stability and high ionic conductivity. However, the problem of lithium (Li) dendrite penetration into LLZO hinders the practical application of LLZO in solid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs). Multidisciplinary evaluations are carried out to understand the mechanism of dendrite penetration. Herein, the formation and evolution of different types of Li dendrites within LLZO are reviewed. The Li dendrite penetration process is addressed from the perspectives of material design, Li/LLZO interfacial adaptability, and the interfacial charge transfer process. On this basis, recent efforts and solutions to inhibiting the penetration of Li dendrites in LLZO, including stabilizing LLZO phase and densification techniques, interfacial modifications, and grain boundary manipulations, are summarized. It is expected that the in‐depth understanding of the Li dendrite penetration and corresponding solutions will provide a systemic guideline toward the development of LLZO‐based solid‐state electrolytes and the commercialization of ultra‐stable SSLMBs.
Classical Invasive Description of Informationally‐Complete Quantum Processes
Authors: Richter Moritz F. , Smirne Andrea , Strunz Walter T. , Egloff Dario
Published: December 2023

In classical stochastic theory, the joint probability distributions of a stochastic process obey by definition the Kolmogorov consistency conditions. Interpreting such a process as a sequence of physical measurements with probabilistic outcomes, these conditions reflect that the measurements do not alter the state of the underlying physical system. Prominently, this assumption has to be abandoned in the context of quantum mechanics, yet there are also classical processes in which measurements influence the measured system. Here, conditions that characterize uniquely classical processes that are probed by a reasonable class of such invasive measurements are derived. We then analyze under what circumstances such classical processes can simulate the statistics arising from quantum processes associated with informationally‐complete measurements. It is expected that this investigation will help build a bridge between two fundamental traits of non‐classicality, namely, coherence and contextuality.
Interphase Regulation by Multifunctional Additive Empowering High Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Enhanced Cycle Life and Thermal Safety
Authors: Zhuang Xiangchun , Zhang Shenghang , Cui Zili , Xie Bin , Gong Tianyu , Zhang Xiaohu , Li Jiedong , Wu Rongxian , Wang Shitao , Qiao Lixin , Liu Tao , Dong Shanmu , Xu Gaojie , Huang Lang , Cui Guanglei
Published: December 2023

High energy density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) adopting high‐nickel layered oxide cathodes and silicon‐based composite anodes always suffer from unsatisfied cycle life and poor safety performance, especially at elevated temperatures. Electrode /electrolyte interphase regulation by functional additives is one of the most economic and efficacious strategies to overcome this shortcoming. Herein, cyano‐groups (−CN) are introduced into lithium fluorinated phosphate to synthesize a novel multifunctional additive of lithium tetrafluoro (1,2‐dihydroxyethane‐1,1,2,2‐tetracarbonitrile) phosphate (LiTFTCP), which endows high nickel LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/SiOx‐graphite composite full cell with an ultrahigh cycle life and superior safety characteristics, by adding only 0.5 wt % LiTFTCP into a LiPF6‐carbonate baseline electrolyte. It is revealed that LiTFTCP additive effectively suppresses the HF generation and facilitates the formation of a robust and heat‐resistant cyano‐enriched CEI layer as well as a stable LiF‐enriched SEI layer. The favorable SEI/CEI layers greatly lessen the electrode degradation, electrolyte consumption, thermal‐induced gassing and total heat‐releasing. This work illuminates the importance of additive molecular engineering and interphase regulation in simultaneously promoting the cycling and thermal safety of LIBs with high‐nickel NCMxyz cathode and silicon‐based composite anode.
Volatile Perovskite Precursor Ink Enables Window Printing of Phase‐Pure FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules in Ambient Atmosphere
Authors: Yuan Linhao , Chen Xining , Guo Xianming , Huang Shihao , Wu Xiaoxiao , Shen Yunxiu , Gu Hao , Chen Yujin , Zeng Guixiang , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Brabec Christoph J. , Yang Fu , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang
Published: December 2023

Despite the great success of perovskite photovoltaics in terms of device efficiency and stability using laboratory‐scale spin‐coating methods, the demand for high‐throughput and cost‐effective solutions remains unresolved and rarely reported because of the complicated nature of perovskite crystallization. In this work, we propose a stable precursor ink design strategy to control the solvent volatilization and perovskite crystallization to enable the wide speed window printing (0.3 to 18.0 m/min) of phase‐pure FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs) in ambient atmosphere. The FAPbI3 perovskite precursor ink uses volatile acetonitrile (ACN) as the main solvent with DMF and DMSO as coordination additives is beneficial to improve the ink stability, inhibit the coffee rings, and the complicated intermediate FAPbI3 phases, delivering high‐quality pin‐hole free and phase‐pure FAPbI3 perovskite films with large‐scale uniformity. Ultimately, small‐area FAPbI3 pero‐SCs (0.062 cm2) and large‐area modules (15.64 cm2) achieved remarkable efficiencies of 24.32 % and 21.90 %, respectively, whereas the PCE of the devices can be maintained at 23.76 % when the printing speed increases to 18.0 m/min. Specifically, the unencapsulated device exhibits superior operational stability with T90>1350 h. This work represents a step towards the scalable, cost‐effective manufacturing of perovskite photovoltaics with both high performance and high throughput.
Deconstructive Carboxylation of Activated Alkenes with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Yuan Pan‐Feng , Yang Zhao , Zhang Shan‐Shan , Zhu Can‐Ming , Yang Xiu‐Long , Meng Qing‐Yuan
Published: December 2023

Carboxylation with carbon dioxide (CO2) represents one notable methodology to produce carboxylic acids. In contrast to carbon–heteroatom bonds, carbon–carbon bond cleavage for carboxylation with CO2 is far more challenging due to their inherent and less favorable orbital directionality for interacting with transition metals. Here we report a photocatalytic protocol for the deconstructive carboxylation of alkenes with CO2 to generate carboxylic acids in the absence of transition metals. It is emphasized that our protocol provides carboxylic acids with obviously unchanged carbon numbers when terminal alkenes were used. To show the power of this strategy, a variety of pharmaceutically relevant applications including the modular synthesis of propionate nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and the late‐stage carboxylation of bioactive molecule derivatives are demonstrated.
Conjugates of amiridine and thiouracil derivatives as effective inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase with the potential to block β‐amyloid aggregation
Authors: Khudina Olga G. , Grishchenko Maria V. , Makhaeva Galina F. , Kovaleva Nadezhda V. , Boltneva Natalia P. , Rudakova Elena V. , Lushchekina Sofya V. , Shchegolkov Evgeny V. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Burgart Yanina V. , Saloutin Victor I. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: December 2023

New amiridine‐thiouracil conjugates with different substituents in the pyrimidine fragment (R = CH3, CF2Н, CF3, (CF2)2H) and different spacer lengths (n = 1–3) were synthesized. The conjugates rather weakly inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and exhibit high inhibitory activity (IC50 up to 0.752 ± 0.021 µM) and selectivity to butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which increases with spacer elongation; the lead compounds are 11c, 12c, and 13c. The conjugates are mixed‐type reversible inhibitors of both cholinesterases and practically do not inhibit the structurally related off‐target enzyme carboxylesterase. The results of molecular docking to AChE and BChE are consistent with the experiment on enzyme inhibition and explain the structure–activity relationships, including the rather low anti‐AChE activity and the high anti‐BChE activity of long‐chain conjugates. The lead compounds displace propidium from the AChE peripheral anion site (PAS) at the level of the reference compound donepezil, which agrees with the mixed‐type mechanism of AChE inhibition and the main mode of binding of conjugates in the active site of AChE due to the interaction of the pyrimidine moiety with the PAS. This indicates the ability of the studied conjugates to block AChE‐induced aggregation of β‐amyloid, thereby exerting a disease‐modifying effect. According to computer calculations, all synthesized conjugates have an ADME profile acceptable for drugs.
Covalent Organic Framework‐derived Composite Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Elmerhi Nada , Kumar Sushil , Abi Jaoude Maguy , Shetty Dinesh
Published: December 2023

Water treatment has experienced a surge in the adoption of membrane separation technology. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a class of metal‐free and open‐framework materials, have emerged as potential membrane materials owing to their interconnected periodic porosity, tunability, and chemical stability. However, the challenges associated with processing COF powders into self‐standing membranes have spurred the emergence of COF composite membranes. This review article highlights the rationale behind developing COF composite membranes and their categories, including mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and thin film composite (TFC) membranes. The common fabrication techniques of each category are presented. In addition, the influence of COF additives on the performance of the resultant composite membranes is systematically discussed, with a focus on the recent progress in applying COF composite membranes in the separation of different categories of water pollutants, including organic ions/molecules, toxic solvents, proteins, toxic heavy metals, and radionuclides.
Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography measurement of meropenem concentration in synovial fluid of patients with periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Jia‐Wei He , Jing Wang , Li Cao , Xiao‐Gang Zhang , Guo‐Qing Li , Bo‐Yong Xu , Bao‐Chao Ji , Jun‐jie Huang , Jun Zhao
Published: December 2023

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery. One potential treatment approach for PJI could be the combination of one‐stage revision and intra‐articular infusion of antibiotics. Meropenem is one of the commonly used intra‐articular antibiotics in our institution. Determining the concentration of meropenem in the joint cavity could be crucial for optimizing its local application, effectively eradicating biofilm infection, and improving PJI treatment outcomes. In this study, we developed a simple, precise, and accurate method of two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (2D‐LC) for determining the concentration of meropenem in human synovial fluid. The method was then validated based on the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Meropenem showed good linearity in the range of 0.31–25.01 μg/mL (r ≥ .999). Selectivity, intra‐day and inter‐day precision and accuracy, extraction recovery, and stability validation results were all within the acceptance range. This method has been successfully applied to the determination of synovial fluid samples from PJI patients, providing a useful detection method for meropenem therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in PJI patients.