bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green MIS: Developing Environmentally Friendly Solutions for Modern Enterprises
Authors: Islam Naim
Published: January 2025

Green Management Information Systems (Green MIS) have emerged as a transformative solution to integrate sustainability into modern business practices. This study systematically reviews the role of Green MIS in addressing environmental challenges, emphasizing its alignment with global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research highlights the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which enhance the effectiveness of Green MIS by enabling real-time analytics, transparency, and resource optimization. While Green MIS offers significant environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced carbon footprints and cost savings, its implementation faces barriers, including high initial costs and technical challenges. Addressing these challenges through financial incentives, standardized metrics, and collaborative efforts is essential for unlocking the full potential of Green MIS. The findings underscore the importance of Green MIS as a strategic tool for businesses to achieve operational efficiency and ecological responsibility.
L’immigration, la diversité et l’investissement en Recherche et développement dans les entreprises canadiennes
Authors: Zhu Nong , Zhong Jianwei
Published: January 2025

En utilisant la Base de données canadienne sur la dynamique employeurs-employés, la présente étude analyse l’impact de l’immigration sur l’investissement en Recherche et développement (R et D) dans les entreprises canadiennes. Nous comparons d’abord les activités de R et D entre entreprises natives, immigrantes et mixtes. Ensuite, nous examinons l’effet des caractéristiques de l’entreprise et des personnes immigrantes propriétaires sur l’investissement en R et D en utilisant des estimations économétriques. Nos principaux résultats sont les suivants : (i) l’immigration renforce dans l’ensemble les activités en R et D des entreprises ; en particulier, les entreprises mixtes occupent une place importante dans la R et D ; (ii) la diversité socioculturelle et l’accumulation de capital humain des personnes immigrantes ont un impact positif sur la R et D ; et (iii) les étudiantes et les étudiants internationaux favorisent la R et D dans les entreprises.
Parcours croisés : intersections entre trajectoires migratoires et expériences
périnatales dans les parcours de vie de femmes sud-asiatiques à Montréal
Authors: Schneider Jacqueline
Published: January 2025

À la lumière d’une recherche sur la périnatalité réalisée auprès de femmes
sud-asiatiques récemment immigrées à Montréal, cet article montre l’existence de liens entre
leurs trajectoires migratoires et leurs expériences périnatales. À partir de l’analyse de
39 récits biographiques construits au sein d’un terrain ethnographique d’une durée de
13 mois, l’existence de quatre parcours type a été dégagée, mettant d’abord en exergue la
variabilité des parcours migratoires et des expériences périnatales. Plus profondément, nous
tentons surtout de démontrer, d’une part, que certains éléments présents dans les
expériences migratoires, notamment le type de projet migratoire initial, s’inscrivent dans
les expériences périnatales et, d’autre part, nous présentons les réponses formulées par les
femmes afin d’y faire face.
LL’intelligenza artificiale generativa: rischi e opportunità in ambito educativo. Il progetto «CounselorBot» per il supporto tutoriale
Authors: Dragoni Daniele , Margottini Massimo
Published: January 2025

GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION. THE «COUNSELORBOT» PROJECT FOR TUTORIAL SUPPORT Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively entering educational practices, influencing teaching and learning methodologies. Its use raises issues of various kinds – educational, methodological-didactic, and ethical – highlighting risks such as discrimination, increasing technological dependency, and the uncontrolled generation of inaccurate and hardly recognizable content due to biases in datasets. The European Union, through the AI Act, has classified the use of AI in education as «high risk», emphasizing the importance of a cautious and responsible approach. This article analyzes the opportunities offered by AI and the strategies to mitigate its risks, examines the AI Act, and presents the «Counselor-Bot» project, a concrete example of an application designed to support students in their educational and career guidance paths.
Usi intelligenti dell’intelligenza artificiale. Il man-with-the-machine learning
Authors: Trinchero Roberto
Published: January 2025

INTELLIGENT USES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. THE MAN-WITH-THE-MACHINE LEARNING Abstract The use of artificial intelligence systems capable of conversing in natural language with humans and responding to precise inquiries by leveraging a network-powered knowledge base (chatbots) is also expanding into the educational field, suggesting new possibilities and risks. This paper aims to present some reflections on the use of machines for teaching and their evolution into intelligent tutoring systems, outlining the possibilities and risks of a machine-driven and a human-driven learning/teaching interaction. The reflections focus on possible principles and methods to establish effective learning/teaching relationships that can enhance the peculiar aspects of human intelligence and empower them with the help of machine «intelligence». The «man-with-the-machine learning» perspective defines and promotes ways of synergistic interaction between the two types of intelligence – deeply and structurally different – showing how they can act together and complement each other.
Hacia la autonomía espiritual de América Latina: filosofía bárbara y colono psicológico en Ramiro Pérez Reinoso (1930-1947)
Authors: Ahumada Infante Aldo
Published: January 2025

El presente trabajo analiza parte del pensamiento filosófico de Ramiro Pérez Reinoso (1901-1994), intelectual peruano poco estudiado cuyo afán fue desarrollar una propuesta intelectual que lleve a la cultura latinoamericana hacia una 'autonomía espiritual'. Para la comprensión de dicho propósito, estudiaremos algunos elementos de su contexto histórico (décadas de los treinta y cuarenta) además de su pensamiento sociológico y político que contribuirán a dicho fin. Luego, analizaremos los conceptos de filosofía bárbara y de colono psicológico, de gran relevancia para una autonomía en el pensar y habitar el mundo según el autor. Finalmente, brindaremos algunas reflexiones en tor- no al contexto intelectual de los 30 y 40 del siglo XX chileno que nos permitirán comprender la importancia de este pensador en dicho campo cultural.
Condiciones de calidad educativa y pedagógica en niños y madres gestantes en contexto carcelario en Colombia
Authors: Castro Martínez Jaime , Correa Grijalba Jesús , Bautista Sabogal Karina
Published: January 2025

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender las condiciones de calidad educativa y pedagógica en la atención integral de niños de 0 a 3 años y mujeres gestantes que se encuentran en situación de reclusión en un contexto carcelario de mujeres en Colombia, con la intención de contribuir a la creación de modelos diferenciados de atención en educación inicial para niños cuyas madres están privadas de libertad. Se utilizaron cuatro instrumentos para identificar los componentes de calidad de la atención educativa propuestos por el Ministerio de Educación Nacional y el Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar de Colombia (ICBF). Los resultados de este estudio indican que existen desafíos para mejorar la calidad educativa en entornos de reclusión. Esto implica desarrollar un modelo pedagógico propio, revisar el rol e interacción con los cuidadores y comprender la comunidad educativa en espacios carcelarios, lo que incluye al colectivo de reclusas.
Testimonios de mujeres esterilizadas. Violaciones de derechos y resiliencia en comunidades rurales peruanas
Authors: Ramos López José
Published: January 2025

El presente escrito resalta las principales contribuciones del libro de "testimonios de mujeres esterilizadas" situando la investigación en un contexto de continuidad de violencias hacia pueblos indígenas, discursos racistas que han constituido los proyectos de modernización del Estado nación y criterios de exclusión a quiénes no constituían "ciudadanos deseables" del proyecto nacional.
Diario de la misión que fue a Copiapó y a Paposo en enero de 1841, Estudio preliminar, transcripción y notas de Alex San Francisco y Benjamín Ballester, Pampa Negra Ediciones, Antofagasta, 2023.
Authors: Cortés Larravide Enrique
Published: January 2025

Se reseña el libro Diario de la misión que fue a Copiapó y a Paposo en enero de 1841, Estudio preliminar, transcripción y notas de Alex San Francisco y Benjamín Ballester, Pampa Negra Ediciones, Antofagasta, 2023.
Modernización del espacio cívico en La Araucanía: La plaza republicana a inicios del siglo XX
Authors: Pérez Bustamante Leonel , Arévalo Molina Yabel , Sáez Orrego Bárbara , Fuentes Hernández Pablo
Published: January 2025

En el marco de la consolidación de Estados nacionales latinoamericanos durante el siglo XIX, en particular el caso chileno en La Araucanía, la transición de una ocupación militar hacia una sociedad modernizada tuvo una expresión material dentro del espacio urbano, pasando de edificaciones propias del poder militar y religioso hacia funciones cívicas cercanas al ideal republicano. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo caracterizar la concentración de nuevas funciones alrededor de los espacios cívicos de La Araucanía a inicios del siglo XX, indicando su pertinencia como dispositivos utilizados durante un complejo proceso de modernización social impulsado por el Estado. Para ello, se realiza una revisión de fuentes primarias y secundarias que permitan pesquisar las variables morfológicas del espacio público, enfocándose específicamente las plazas centrales. Los resultados indican que se fortaleció el entorno inmediato de las plazas con usos y equipamientos propios del ideal decimonónico, a menudo asociados al progreso y al capitalismo, mientras que al interior de las plazas paulatinamente se incorporó mobiliario arquitectónico dedicado a la vida cívica. Finalmente, destaca como particularidad la ocurrencia de terremotos que sucesivamente han obligado a reconfigurar el espacio urbano.
Las intermitentes en Morelos: paludismo, precariedad e insalubridad (1880-1917)
Authors: Rodríguez Alarcón María Nazareth
Published: January 2025

El propósito del artículo es analizar las condiciones materiales de la entidad mexicana de Morelos, en articulación con la persistencia del paludismo o malaria, entre 1880 y 1917; e identificar algunas de las interpretaciones científicas y sociales que dominaban con relación a la enfermedad. Dicho período abarca los inicios de la promoción e institucionalización nacional de la salubridad pública y la higiene hasta el reconocimiento de la salud como un derecho, con la promulgación de la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Además, durante esos años se advierten mutaciones importantes en las dinámicas productivas y socioterritoriales de Morelos, con escasas mejoras en la calidad de vida de las comunidades. La investigación representa un esfuerzo crítico por avanzar en el examen de enfermedades específicas en entornos locales y comprender la vulnerabilidad de sus poblaciones frente a estos fenómenos, especialmente en la referida entidad, donde los estudios de este tipo son prácticamente inexistentes. Se recurre a la revisión de fuentes primarias adoptando un enfoque histórico y social, que trasciende las explicaciones netamente médicas y epidemiológicas. Los hallazgos permiten concluir que, si bien, la presencia del mosquito transmisor estuvo influenciada por características geofísicas y climáticas, la persistencia e impacto de la malaria se hallaba estrechamente ligada al contexto sociohistórico. Por ende, los éxitos y fracasos en su control no se debieron exclusivamente a intervenciones técnicas y médicas, también estuvieron influenciados por condiciones de existencia y particularidades en la ocupación e intervención del territorio morelense.
Vulnerabilidad y devoción: San Emigdio patrón tutelar contra los terremotos en Guatemala
Authors: Viceconte Milena
Published: January 2025

En el contexto de la religiosidad vinculadas a los terremotos del Reino de Guatemala, fueron varios los santos invocados por las comunidades para lidiar con el azote sísmico. En particular, destaca la devoción hacia san Emigdio, un santo mártir celebrado en las fuentes hagiográficas por su labor como obispo de Ascoli, en Italia, y que desde 1703 se venera como protector celestial contra los fenómenos telúricos. Este artículo pretende explorar, analizando la documentación de archivo y las fuentes visuales de la época, aspectos vinculados con el origen y la promoción de este culto en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII, cuando Emigdio se consagró como protector oficial de Ciudad de Guatemala. La producción figurativa atestigua el fermento devocional hacia este santo, especialmente mediante pinturas de mediano formato localizadas en iglesias, museos y colecciones privadas. El análisis de las diversas representaciones del santo que se han podido rastrear ha revelado una coherencia en la apariencia iconográfica, basada en un modelo común codificado entre Nápoles y España. Se trata de una primera aproximación a la historia de esta devoción, que sigue una tendencia también compartida en otros territorios americanos amenazados por los terremotos.
Racialización, etnización, blanquidad: Horizontes de historicidad y lugarización de la diferencia/ desigualdad
Authors: Restrepo Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Este artículo parte de examinar la fuerza de lo que puede considerarse como el embrujo racial y los escozores que genera el concepto raza. El que algunos colegas consideren que debe ser sustituida la palabra raza por términos que no apuntalen el racismo como grupo étnico o cultura, es una expresión de sensibilidades teóricas y políticas que ameritan ser abordadas. No es simple ceguera ideológica de la que estarían exentos otros colegas que abogan por la relevancia de no abandonar raza en el análisis. Racialización, etnización y blanquidad se abordan en sus especificidades, desde una labor teórica necesaria para interrumpir no pocos lugares comunes. Entender sus distinciones y particulares anudamientos es lo que busca la segunda parte de este artículo. No toda diferencia como jerarquía supone marcaciones racializadas ni racismo, así como la apelación a la diferencia cultural no garantiza que se no se reproduzcan los entrampamientos de las categorías raciales.
Finalmente, en este artículo se explora la idea de horizontes de historicidad para complementar el concepto de formaciones nacionales de alteridad, proporcionando una perspectiva histórica que incluye las anterioridades de la nación. Este enfoque permite entender las articulaciones entre los procesos de formación de la nación y sus antecedentes históricos, para que desde genealogías más amplias se pueda examinar cómo estos han influido en cómo hemos llegado naturalizar hoy ciertas diferencias/desigualdades.
Sepúlveda, Lucía (coord.) (2023) Las otras heridas: Extractivismo y 50 años de lucha socioambiental en Chile. Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales. Santiago, Chile. ISBN 978-956-7958-13-9
Authors: Julián Dasten
Published: January 2025

El Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales (OLCA) ha llevado a cabo un trabajo sostenido en el tiempo en la visibilización de las principales consecuencias, causas, actores, ideologías y capitales que han profundizado el modelo extractivista en América Latina. La enorme persistencia de inscribirse en las preguntas que ponen el acento en las relaciones entre empresas, gobiernos y territorios le ha consolidado como un actor muy relevante en la integración de conocimientos científicos, diálogo de saberes, vínculos con comunidades y movimientos sociales, desde una práctica activa, viva y anfibia de generar incidencia pública, asociatividad y la promoción de alternativas al capitalismo
Effects of Chemical Thinning Agents on the Growth, Fruit Set, Yield and Quality of the Nectarine Cultivar 'Silver King'
Authors: Hussain Sharbat , Bhat Rifat , Ahmad Mohammad , Jan Sehrish , Gulzar Arifa
Published: January 2025

The investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of the Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar campus, during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the effects of chemical thinning agents on vegetative growth, fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of the nectarine cultivar 'Silver King.' The chemicals tested, were Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Urea, and Ethephon and were applied after petal fall. The findings revealed that NAA (30 ppm) significantly enhanced vegetative parameters such as plant height, shoot elongation, and leaf area. Both NAA and ethephon effectively reduced fruit set and overall yield while improving fruit quality traits, including fruit size, weight, and coloration. Additionally, ethephon (150 ppm) accelerated fruit maturation by 7–8 days. These results indicate that chemical thinning, particularly with NAA and ethephon, holds potential for optimizing fruit quality and marketability in the 'Silver King' nectarine cultivar.
Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Reincke Martin , Fleseriu Maria
Published: July 2023

Importance

Cushing syndrome is defined as a prolonged increase in plasma cortisol levels that is not due to a physiological etiology. Although the most frequent cause of Cushing syndrome is exogenous steroid use, the estimated incidence of Cushing syndrome due to endogenous overproduction of cortisol ranges from 2 to 8 per million people annually. Cushing syndrome is associated with hyperglycemia, protein catabolism, immunosuppression, hypertension, weight gain, neurocognitive changes, and mood disorders.

Observations

Cushing syndrome characteristically presents with skin changes such as facial plethora, easy bruising, and purple striae and with metabolic manifestations such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, and excess fat deposition in the face, back of the neck, and visceral organs. Cushing disease, in which corticotropin excess is produced by a benign pituitary tumor, occurs in approximately 60% to 70% of patients with Cushing syndrome due to endogenous cortisol production. Evaluation of patients with possible Cushing syndrome begins with ruling out exogenous steroid use. Screening for elevated cortisol is performed with a 24-hour urinary free cortisol test or late-night salivary cortisol test or by evaluating whether cortisol is suppressed the morning after an evening dexamethasone dose. Plasma corticotropin levels can help distinguish between adrenal causes of hypercortisolism (suppressed corticotropin) and corticotropin-dependent forms of hypercortisolism (midnormal to elevated corticotropin levels). Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling, and adrenal or whole-body imaging can help identify tumor sources of hypercortisolism. Management of Cushing syndrome begins with surgery to remove the source of excess endogenous cortisol production followed by medication that includes adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors, pituitary-targeted drugs, or glucocorticoid receptor blockers. For patients not responsive to surgery and medication, radiation therapy and bilateral adrenalectomy may be appropriate.

Conclusions and Relevance

The incidence of Cushing syndrome due to endogenous overproduction of cortisol is 2 to 8 people per million annually. First-line therapy for Cushing syndrome due to endogenous overproduction of cortisol is surgery to remove the causative tumor. Many patients will require additional treatment with medications, radiation, or bilateral adrenalectomy.
Cocaine or Methamphetamine Use During Young Adulthood Following Stimulant Use for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder During Adolescence
Authors: McCabe Sean Esteban , Schulenberg John E. , Wilens Timothy E. , Schepis Ty S. , McCabe Vita V. , Veliz Phil T.
Published: July 2023

Importance

The prescribing of stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased in the US. Prescription stimulants are one of the most commonly misused controlled substances during adolescence. Despite a 10-fold increase in stimulant-related overdose deaths in the past decade, the transitions from prescription stimulants to illicit stimulants (eg, cocaine, methamphetamine) remain relatively unknown in longitudinal population-based studies.

Objective

To determine the longitudinal transitions from adolescents’ prescription stimulant exposure (ie, stimulant therapy for ADHD and prescription stimulant misuse [PSM]) to later cocaine and methamphetamine use during young adulthood.

Design, Setting, and Participants

National longitudinal multicohort panels of US 12th grade public and private school students in the coterminous US were assessed annually (baseline cohort years 2005-2017 [between March and June]) and followed up across 3 waves over a 6-year period to 23 to 24 years of age (follow-up years 2011-2021 [between April and October]).

Exposure

History of self-reported stimulant therapy for ADHD at baseline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence and prevalence of past-year use of cocaine and methamphetamine during young adulthood (19-24 years of age).

Results

Among 5034 students enrolled at baseline (2589 [52.0%] female), 470 (10.2% [95% CI, 9.4%-11.2%]) reported use of stimulant therapy for ADHD, 671 (14.6% [95% CI, 13.5%-15.6%]) reported PSM only, and 3459 (75.2% [95% CI, 73.9%-76.4%]) reported neither (and served as population controls). In controlled analyses, there were no statistically significant differences between adolescents who reported stimulant therapy for ADHD at baseline compared with population controls in the adjusted odds of transitioning to later cocaine or methamphetamine initiation or use during young adulthood (19-24 years of age). In contrast, PSM during adolescence in those not treated with stimulants for ADHD had significantly higher odds of transitioning to later cocaine or methamphetamine initiation and use during young adulthood compared with population controls (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.54-4.55]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicohort study, adolescents’ stimulant therapy for ADHD was not associated with increased risk of later cocaine and methamphetamine use during young adulthood. Adolescents’ prescription stimulant misuse offered a signal for subsequent cocaine or methamphetamine use and warrants monitoring and screening.
Tin Doping Induced High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Ga2O3 Photosensor toward Neuromorphic Visual System
Authors: Li Peng , Shan Xuanyu , Lin Ya , Meng Xiangjing , Ma Jiangang , Wang Zhongqiang , Zhao Xiaoning , Li Bingsheng , Liu Weizhen , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: July 2023

Ga2O3 is an emerging wide‐bandgap semiconductor with high deep ultraviolet absorption, tunable persistent photoconductivity, and excellent stability toward electric fields, making it a promising component for neuromorphic visual systems (NVSs). However, Ga2O3‐based photosensors with high responsivity and long response decay times are required for efficient NVSs. A solution‐processed doping strategy for fabrication of Ga2O3 is proposed with tin foil as a dopant source. Tin‐doped Ga2O3 (Ga2O3:Sn) photosensors are obtained with ultrahigh responsivity and extremely long response decay times. These behaviors are attributed to substitutional tin and oxygen vacancies that modulate defect‐related hole trapping. High‐performance Ga2O3:Sn photosensors can mimic photonic synaptic behaviors and image pre‐processing functions. NVSs based on a Ga2O3:Sn photonic synapse array perform pattern recognition with an accuracy of 97.3% under an unprecedented low‐light pulse stimuli of 0.5 µW cm−2. This work provides a low‐cost solution‐processed approach to ultrasensitive Ga2O3:Sn NVSs and will facilitate developments in artificial intelligence technology.
Bimetallic Organic Frameworks of High Piezovoltage for Sono‐Piezo Dynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Qiqi , Tian Yue , Yao Meng , Fu Jingke , Wang Lianzhou , Zhu Yingchun
Published: July 2023

Piezoelectric materials produce charges to directly act on cancer medium or promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for novel tumor therapy triggered by sonography. Currently, piezoelectric sonosensitizers are mainly used to catalyze ROS generation by the band‐tilting effect for sonodynamic therapy. However, it remains a challenge for piezoelectric sonosensitizers to produce high piezovoltages to overcome the bandgap barrier for direct charge generation. Herein, Mn–Ti bimetallic organic framework tetragonal nanosheets (MT‐MOF TNS) are designed to produce high piezovoltages for novel sono‐piezo (SP)‐dynamic therapy (SPDT) with remarkable antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The MT‐MOF TNS comprise non‐centrosymmetric secondary building units of Mn–Ti–oxo cyclic octamers with charge heterogeneous components for piezoelectricity. The MT‐MOF TNS promotes strong sonocavitation to induce piezoelectric effect with a high SP voltage (2.9 V) in situ, to directly excite charges, which is validated by SP‐excited luminescence spectrometry. The SP voltage and charges depolarize the mitochondrial and plasma membrane potentials and cause ROS overproduction and serious tumor cell damage. Importantly, MT‐MOF TNS can be decorated with targeting molecules and chemotherapeutics for more severe tumor regression by combining SPDT with chemodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. This report develops a fascinating MT‐MOF piezoelectric nano‐semiconductor and provides an efficient SPDT strategy for tumor treatment.
Engineering Relaxor Behavior in (BaTiO3)n/(SrTiO3)n Superlattices
Authors: Lupi Eduardo , Wexler Robert B. , Meyers Derek , Zahradnik Anton , Jiang Yizhe , Susarla Sandhya , Ramesh Ramamoorthy , Martin Lane W. , Rappe Andrew M.
Published: July 2023

Complex‐oxide superlattices provide a pathway to numerous emergent phenomena because of the juxtaposition of disparate properties and the strong interfacial interactions in these unit‐cell‐precise structures. This is particularly true in superlattices of ferroelectric and dielectric materials, wherein new forms of ferroelectricity, exotic dipolar textures, and distinctive domain structures can be produced. Here, relaxor‐like behavior, typically associated with the chemical inhomogeneity and complexity of solid solutions, is observed in (BaTiO3)n/(SrTiO3)n (n = 4–20 unit cells) superlattices. Dielectric studies and subsequent Vogel–Fulcher analysis show significant frequency dispersion of the dielectric maximum across a range of periodicities, with enhanced dielectric constant and more robust relaxor behavior for smaller period n. Bond‐valence molecular‐dynamics simulations predict the relaxor‐like behavior observed experimentally, and interpretations of the polar patterns via 2D discrete‐wavelet transforms in shorter‐period superlattices suggest that the relaxor behavior arises from shape variations of the dipolar configurations, in contrast to frozen antipolar stripe domains in longer‐period superlattices (n = 16). Moreover, the size and shape of the dipolar configurations are tuned by superlattice periodicity, thus providing a definitive design strategy to use superlattice layering to create relaxor‐like behavior which may expand the ability to control desired properties in these complex systems.
Titania‐Supported Cu‐Single‐Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical Reduction of Acetylene to Ethylene at Low‐Concentrations with Suppressed Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Zeping , Shang Lu , Yang Hongzhou , Zhao Yunxuan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N. , Li Dong , Shi Run , Zhang Tierui
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical acetylene reduction (EAR) is a promising strategy for removing acetylene from ethylene‐rich gas streams. However, suppressing the undesirable hydrogen evolution is vital for practical applications in acetylene‐insufficient conditions. Herein, Cu single atoms are immobilized on anatase TiO2 nanoplates (Cu‐SA/TiO2) for electrochemical acetylene reduction, achieving an ethylene selectivity of ≈97% with a 5 vol% acetylene gas feed (Ar balance). At the optimal Cu‐single‐atom loading, Cu‐SA/TiO2 is able to effectively suppress HER and ethylene over‐hydrogenation even when using dilute acetylene (0.5 vol%) or ethylene‐rich gas feeds, delivering a 99.8% acetylene conversion, providing a turnover frequency of 8.9 × 10−2 s−1, which is superior to other EAR catalysts reported to date. Theoretical calculations show that the Cu single atoms and the TiO2 support acted cooperatively to promote charge transfer to adsorbed acetylene molecules, whilst also inhibiting hydrogen generation in alkali environments, thus allowing selective ethylene production with negligible hydrogen evolution at low acetylene concentrations.
4D Printing of Reprogrammable Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Synergistic Photochromism and Photoactuation
Authors: Chen Mei , Hou Yanbei , An Ran , Qi H. Jerry , Zhou Kun
Published: July 2023

4D printing of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) via direct ink writing has opened up great opportunities to create stimuli‐responsive actuations for applications such as soft robotics. However, most 4D‐printed LCEs are limited to thermal actuation and fixed shape morphing, posing a challenge for achieving multiple programmable functionalities and reprogrammability. Here, a 4D‐printable photochromic titanium‐based nanocrystal (TiNC)/LCE composite ink is developed, which enables the reprogrammable photochromism and photoactuation of a single 4D‐printed architecture. The printed TiNC/LCE composite exhibits reversible color‐switching between white and black in response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and oxygen exposure. Upon near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the UV‐irradiated region can undergo photothermal actuation, allowing for robust grasping and weightlifting. By precisely controlling the structural design and the light irradiation, the single 4D‐printed TiNC/LCE object can be globally or locally programmed, erased, and reprogrammed to achieve desirable photocontrollable color patterns and 3D structure constructions, such as barcode patterns and origami‐ and kirigami‐inspired structures. This work provides a novel concept for designing and engineering adaptive structures with unique and tunable multifunctionalities, which have potential applications in biomimetic soft robotics, smart construction engineering, camouflage, multilevel information storage, etc.
Lattice Strain Engineering of Ni2P Enables Efficient Catalytic Hydrazine Oxidation‐Assisted Hydrogen Production
Authors: Feng Chao , Lv Miaoyuan , Shao Jiaxin , Wu Hanyang , Zhou Weiliang , Qi Shuai , Deng Chen , Chai Xiaoyan , Yang Hengpan , Hu Qi , He Chuanxin
Published: July 2023

Hydrazine‐assisted water electrolysis provides new opportunities to enable energy‐saving hydrogen production while solving the issue of hydrazine pollution. Here, the synthesis of compressively strained Ni2P as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for boosting both the anodic hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported. Different from a multistep synthetic method that induces lattice strain by creating core–shell structures, a facile strategy is developed to tune the strain of Ni2P via dual‐cation co‐doping. The obtained Ni2P with a compressive strain of −3.62% exhibits significantly enhanced activity for both the HzOR and HER than counterparts with tensile strain and without strain. Consequently, the optimized Ni2P delivers current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 at small cell voltages of 0.16 and 0.39 V for hydrazine‐assisted water electrolysis, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the compressive strain promotes water dissociation and concurrently tunes the adsorption strength of hydrogen intermediates, thereby facilitating the HER process on Ni2P. As for the HzOR, the compressive strain reduces the energy barrier of the potential‐determining step for the dehydrogenation of *N2H4 to *N2H3. Clearly, this work paves a facile pathway to the synthesis of lattice‐strained electrocatalysts via the dual‐cation co‐doping.
Poly(l‐Histidine)‐Mediated On‐Demand Therapeutic Delivery of Roughened Ceria Nanocages for Treatment of Chemical Eye Injury
Authors: Yang Chia‐Jung , Nguyen Duc Dung , Lai Jui‐Yang
Published: July 2023

Development of topical bioactive formulations capable of overcoming the low bioavailability of conventional eye drops is critically important for efficient management of ocular chemical burns. Herein, a nanomedicine strategy is presented to harness the surface roughness‐controlled ceria nanocages (SRCNs) and poly(l‐histidine) surface coatings for triggering multiple bioactive roles of intrinsically therapeutic nanocarriers and promoting transport across corneal epithelial barriers as well as achieving on‐demand release of dual drugs [acetylcholine chloride (ACh) and SB431542] at the lesion site. Specifically, the high surface roughness helps improve cellular uptake and therapeutic activity of SRCNs while exerting a negligible impact on good ocular biocompatibility of the nanomaterials. Moreover, the high poly(l‐histidine) coating amount can endow the SRCNs with an ≈24‐fold enhancement in corneal penetration and an effective smart release of ACh and SB431542 in response to endogenous pH changes caused by tissue injury/inflammation. In a rat model of alkali burn, topical single‐dose nanoformulation can efficaciously reduce corneal wound areas (19‐fold improvement as compared to a marketed eye drops), attenuate ≈93% abnormal blood vessels, and restore corneal transparency to almost normal at 4 days post‐administration, suggesting great promise for designing multifunctional metallic nanotherapeutics for ocular pharmacology and tissue regenerative medicine.
Aldolase A Accelerates Cancer Progression by Modulating mRNA Translation and Protein Biosynthesis via Noncanonical Mechanisms
Authors: Song Junjiao , Li Hongquan , Liu Yanfang , Li Xinrong , Shi Qili , Lei Qun‐Ying , Hu Weiguo , Huang Shenglin , Chen Zhiao , He Xianghuo
Published: July 2023

Aldolase A (ALDOA), a crucial glycolytic enzyme, is often aberrantly expressed in various types of cancer. Although ALDOA has been reported to play additional roles beyond its conventional enzymatic role, its nonmetabolic function and underlying mechanism in cancer progression remain elusive. Here, it is shown that ALDOA promotes liver cancer growth and metastasis by accelerating mRNA translation independent of its catalytic activity. Mechanistically, ALDOA interacted with insulin‐ like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) to facilitate its binding to m6A‐modified eIF4G mRNA, thereby increasing eIF4G protein levels and subsequently enhancing overall protein biosynthesis in cells. Importantly, administration of GalNAc‐conjugated siRNA targeting ALDOA effectively slows the tumor growth of orthotopic xenografts. Collectively, these findings uncover a previously unappreciated nonmetabolic function of ALDOA in modulating mRNA translation and highlight the potential of specifically targeting ALDOA as a prospective therapeutic strategy in liver cancer.
Asymmetric N, P‐Coordinated Single‐Atomic Fe Sites with Fe2P Nanoclusters/Nanoparticles on Porous Carbon Nanosheets for Highly Efficient Oxygen Electroreduction
Authors: Liu Heng , Jiang Luozhen , Sun Yanyan , Khan Javid , Feng Bin , Xiao Jiamin , Zhang Handong , Xie Haijiao , Li Lina , Wang Shuangyin , Han Lei
Published: July 2023

Disrupting the symmetrical electron distribution of single‐atomic Fe sites is proposed as an effective strategy for improving the intrinsic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein asymmetric N, P‐coordinated single‐atomic Fe sites with Fe2P nanoclusters/nanoparticles on porous carbon nanosheets (FePNC) are constructed by a soft‐template self‐sacrificing pyrolysis. The synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy confirms the coexistence of FeN3P1 moieties by the coordination of Fe atom with three nitrogen atoms and one phosphorus atom, and a small amount of Fe2P nanoclusters/nanoparticles. Benefiting from the unique asymmetric electronic and geometric configurations, the resultant FePNC catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity with half‐wave potential of 0.76 V (0.5 m H2SO4) and 0.90 V (0.1 m KOH), and good Zn–air battery performance. Theoretical analysis reveals that the synergistic effect of P coordination and Fe2P nanoclusters induces asymmetrical electron redistribution of single‐atomic Fe sites and thus optimize the absorption strength toward the ORR intermediates, which contribute to the improved ORR activity.
Using international migration links for early detection of COVID‐19 risk exposure in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Khan Mahreen , Ahsan Reshad , Iqbal Kazi , Mobarak Ahmed Mushfiq , Shonchoy Abu S.
Published: July 2023

Reliable testing data for new infectious diseases like COVID‐19 is scarce in developing countries making it difficult to rapidly diagnose spatial disease transmission and identify at‐risk areas. We propose a method that uses readily available data on bi‐lateral migration channels combined with COVID‐19 cases at respective migrant destinations to construct a spatially oriented risk index. We find significant and consistent association between our measure and various types of outcomes including actual COVID‐19 cases and deaths, indices of government policy responses, and community mobility patterns. Results suggest that future pandemic models should incorporate migration‐linkages to predict regional socio‐economic and health risk exposure.
Distributionally robust chance‐constrained optimization with Sinkhorn ambiguity set
Authors: Yang Shu‐Bo , Li Zukui
Published: July 2023

A novel distributionally robust chance‐constrained optimization (DRCCP) method is proposed in this work based on the Sinkhorn ambiguity set. The Sinkhorn ambiguity set is constructed based on the Sinkhorn distance, which is a variant of the Wasserstein distance with the entropic regularization. The proposed method can hedge against more general families of uncertainty distributions than the Wasserstein ambiguity set‐based methods. The presented approach is formulated as a tractable conic model based on the Conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) approximation and the discretized kernel distribution relaxation. This model is compatible with more general constraints that are subject to uncertainty than the Wasserstein‐based methods. Accordingly, the presented Sinkhorn DRCCP is a more practical approach that overcomes the limitations of the traditional Wasserstein DRCCP approaches. A numerical example and a nonlinear chemical process optimization case are studied to demonstrate the efficacy of the Sinkhorn DRCCP and its advantages over the Wasserstein DRCCP.
Calculation of the solid fat content of vegetable fats using the Hildebrand equation
Authors: Schaink Hermanus Martinus
Published: July 2023

Vegetable fats are complex multi‐component mixtures of triglycerides. Here, the solidification behavior of a few vegetable fats is calculated using the Hildebrand equation. This calculation assumes, in the liquid phase, ideal mixing of the different components, in combination with literature data about the temperatures and enthalpies of fusion of the individual triglycerides. It further assumes a decomposition of the triglyceride blend into binary blends dissolved in an inert solvent. The solid fat content is calculated as function of the temperature, for only all α and only β and only β' crystal modifications. The minor triglyceride components are explicitly included in the calculation. The calculated solid fat contents for cocoa butter, palm oil, inter‐esterified palm oil and palm kernel olein oil are compared to pNMR data, reported in the literature. The standard deviations between calculated and experimental solid fat content lie between 4% and 14%. Temperature ranges are found, in which specific crystal modifications match to the pNMR data for the solid fat content. These temperature ranges are found to be consistent with literature data obtained using x‐ray diffraction. As a by‐product, the calculation presented here, enables the construction of scenarios that describe which triglyceride solidifies in which temperature interval.
Effect of treatment type of natural fibers on the rheological and micromechanical behavior of polyvinyl alcohol composites
Authors: Sifuentes‐Nieves Israel , Hernandez‐Gamez Jose F. , Flores‐Silva Pamela C. , Gudiño‐Rivera Javier , Rivera‐Salinas Jorge E. , Saucedo‐Salazar Esmeralda , Hernández‐Hernández Ernesto
Published: July 2023

The viscoelastic and mechanical performance of sustainable raw materials on biodegradable matrices provide insights into how to develop and improve materials that contribute to the circular economy. Thus, we aim to evaluate the effect of conventional (acid or alkali) and dual (alkali/acid‐ultrasound) treatment on Agave fibers, as well as their rheological and micromechanical performance on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based composites. TGA results indicate that the treatments promote the removal of moisture, waxes, pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin from the fibers to different extents. PVA matrix containing modified fibers exhibits low viscosity, flux index, and critical shear values, indicating a high interaction and dispersion of the filler in the matrix. Furthermore, tensile tests and theoretical predictions of micromechanics‐based finite element analysis show evidence that the modified fiber type provides a different stress transfer ratio () than in the matrix, which changes Young's modulus values. The results indicate that Agave fibers modified by dual treatment are a useful filler to produce soft or stiff PVA composites when looking for potential applications in the mobility industry or other fields like the packaging.
Input‐constrained optimal output synchronization of heterogeneous multiagent systems via observer‐based model‐free reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Jia Yingmin
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a new formulation of input‐constrained optimal output synchronization problem and proposes an observer‐based distributed optimal control protocol for discrete‐time heterogeneous multiagent systems with input constraints via model‐free reinforcement learning. First, distributed adaptive observers are designed for all agents to estimate the leader's trajectory without requiring its dynamics knowledge. Subsequently, the optimal control input associated with the optimal value function is derived based on the solution to the tracking Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation, which is always difficult to solve analytically. To this end, motivated by reinforcement learning technique, a model‐free Q‐learning policy iteration algorithm is proposed, and the actor‐critic neural network structure is implemented to iteratively find the optimal tracking control input without knowing system dynamics. Moreover, inputs of all agents are constrained in the permitted bounds by inserting a nonquadratic function into the performance function, where input constraints are encoded into the optimization problem. Finally, a numerical simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
CSOs working for peace through education in conflict‐affected areas: The case of Cyprus
Authors: Hajisoteriou Christina
Published: July 2023

This article discusses the results of a qualitative study examining the ways civil society organisations (CSOs) may better support grass‐roots initiatives for everyday peacebuilding via education in conflict‐affected societies, where official state processes have failed. Our research is set in the Cyprus context, where the conflict between the Greek‐Cypriot and Turkish‐Cypriot communities that has led to the division of the island seems rather ‘intractable’ and ‘frozen’. From the process of the analysis, three thematic categories emerged: (a) cultivating citizen empowerment and civil initiatives; (b) enhancing children's and youth's voices; and (c) launching partnerships with state and societal actors. We discuss our findings under the framework of intercultural education and change. It is argued that for peacebuilding to flourish, CSOs should use education to cultivate social and sympathetic imagination by enabling people from both communities to imagine other, more socially just, but also socio‐economically better, alternatives to the current status quo, through everyday peace and education initiatives.
Insurance in the Time of ESG
Authors: Struck Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Daniel J. Struck is a partner in the Chicago office of Culhane Meadows PLLC and the chair of the firm's Insurance Practice. In this article, he discusses how D&O insurers are responding to emerging ESG claims, and the practical steps that boards can take to minimize the risk to their directors and officers while mitigating expensive missteps.
Effects of anesthetic adjunctive agents on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Lichi , Xu Shuxiang , Zhang Yuelun , Huang Yuguang
Published: July 2023

Background

Elderly patients are prone to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The comparison of the effects of anesthetic adjuvant drugs on POCD in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery remains controversial.

Methods

The final search took place on June 10, 2023. Randomized controlled trials including ketamine, ulinastatin, dexmedetomidine, parecoxib, and midazolam on the prevention and treatment of POCD in elderly undergoing noncardiac surgery were collected. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis was performed to quantitatively combine the evidence.

Results

A total of 35 randomized trials were finally included in this systematic review, and the overall risk of bias is Allocation concealment. These anesthetic adjuvant drugs did not show significant differences in preventing POCD on postoperative days 1 and 7 compared with each other, but ulinastatin may be more effective in preventing POCD than dexmedetomidine [odds ratio (OR) = 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.10, 0.71)] and parecoxib [OR = 0.3, 95% CI = (0.10, 0.82 on postoperative day 3. The efficiency ranking results also find that ulinastatin and ketamine might provide better effects regarding POCD prevention.

Conclusions

Ketamine and ulinastatin might have better effects in preventing POCD in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Our meta‐analysis provided evidence for the use of ulinastatin and ketamine in the prevention of POCD in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some Bromophenols and Their Derivatives Including Natural Products
Authors: Bayrak Cetin , Taslimi Parham , Kilinc Namik , Gulcin Ilhami , Menzek Abdullah
Published: July 2023

In addition to the first synthesis of the natural bromophenol butyl 2‐(3,5‐dibromo‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetate (1), indene derivatives 34 and 35 were synthesized from 3‐phenylpropenal derivatives in BBr3 medium. Five known natural bromophenols and some derivatives were synthesized by known methods. Cholinesterase (ChEs) inhibitors reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine and are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia symptoms. The inhibition effects of all obtained compounds were examined towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and α‐glycosidase enzymes. All synthesized compounds demonstrated the strong inhibition effects against both cholinergic enzymes. For determination of Ki values of novel bromophenols Lineweaver‐Burk graphs were obtained. Ki values were found in the ranging of 0.13–14.74 nM for AChE, 5.11–23.95 nM for BChE, and 63.96–206.78 nM for α‐glycosidase, respectively. All bromophenols and their derivatives exhibit effective inhibition profile when compared to positive controls.