bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Typologie et fonctionnement des espaces de discussion éthique en France dans le domaine de la Santé
Authors: Bommier Côme , Simon Laura
Published: July 2023

Introduction : L’éthique médicale pose la question du sens des pratiques médicales à la lumière des sciences humaines. En France, les espaces de discussion éthique (EDE) sont multiples et hétérogènes. L’objectif de ce travail était d’étudier la typologie et le fonctionnement des EDE dans le domaine de la santé. Méthodes : Vingt-et-un entretiens semi-dirigés ont été menés auprès de membres de onze EDE différents en France. Les données ont été analysées selon les étapes de base d’une recherche qualitative : codage, catégorisation, mise en relation et présentation des résultats. Résultats : Les cinq catégories d’EDE (Comité consultatif national d’éthique, Espaces de réflexion éthique régionaux, Commission éthique des sociétés savantes médicales, Comités éthiques d’institut de recherche, Comités éthiques hospitaliers) diffèrent toutes de par leurs liens avec les institutions, leurs compositions, leurs choix de thèmes discutés et la restitution de leur travail. Cependant, toutes concordent sur les points suivants : l’importance de la pluridisciplinarité, la fréquence des réunions de travail, le sens de l’engagement éthique, l’absence de reconnaissance professionnelle, la difficile valorisation des travaux et le manque de reconnaissance par les pairs. Les répondants regrettent une insuffisante articulation entre les différents EDE, bien que leurs travaux puissent être complémentaires. Conclusion : Décloisonner les EDE et favoriser leur articulation, sans les éloigner de la pratique de soin, pourrait favoriser la visibilité de leur démarche éthique dans le quotidien des soignants. Enfin, si la réflexion éthique est encouragée par l’ensemble de la communauté scientifique, une plus grande valorisation est souhaitée par les professionnels qui participent à des recherches en éthique appliquée.
Legal Financial Framework for Regulating the Contract System for the Procurement of Goods, Works and Services for Public Needs
Authors: Fedchenko Kristina Igorevna
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the study is to identify the key legal financial framework for regulating the contract system for the procurement of goods, works and services for public needs. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that it not only substantiates the legal financial basis for regulating the contractual system, but also formulates the limits of the relevant regulation. At the same time, it was concluded that the legal financial regulation of the contract system is (and should be) limited, concentrating purely on the sphere of power and property legal relations of a public nature that arise and are implemented within the framework of the financial activities of the state and are associated with the formation, distribution and using state centralized funds. However, despite the presence of the above-mentioned limits of the legal financial regulation of the contract system, it is the financial and legal framework that acts as the basis of the contract system, since they mediate the correlation between the budget and procurement processes in the framework of achieving a single goal - the effective satisfaction of public needs while optimally spending budget funds.
The African Diaspora in Russia: History, Contributions, and Potential for Africa-Russia Relations.
Authors: Awah Jeremaih Acuro
Published: July 2023

The African diaspora in Russia has a long and complex history, dating back to the era of the Soviet Union. Despite facing significant challenges, the African diaspora in Russia has made important contributions to Russian society and has the potential to play a key role in strengthening Africa-Russia relations. This article provides an overview of the history of the African diaspora in Russia, its contributions to Russian society, and the ways in which it can contribute to Africa-Russia relations. Drawing on existing literature and case studies, the paper analyses the challenges and opportunities facing the African diaspora in Russia and provides recommendations for policymakers seeking to strengthen Africa-Russia relations. The main conclusions from this article are recommendations for policymakers. The growing economic ties between Africa and Russia provide opportunities for future development, but policymakers must address the challenges facing the African diaspora in Russia to fully realize this potential. Policymakers can strengthen Africa-Russia relations and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all by promoting anti-discrimination policies, supporting African students and entrepreneurs, increasing cultural exchange and dialogue, and considering the African diaspora as partners and not instrument to promote its own interest. This will go a long way to improve the image of Russia abroad since the diaspora always act as a bridge to other world regions.
The impact of blended learning on the adaptation processes of foreign students
Authors: Trukhacheva Nina Vasil'evna , Guseva Anna Vasil'evna , Pupyrev Nikolai Petrovich , Kudrikova Lyudmila Evdokimovna , Leskova Svetlana Sergeevna , Gribova Galina Victorovna
Published: July 2023

The object of the study are foreign students of ASMU. The purpose of the work is to assess the impact of blended learning on the adaptation of foreign students in Russian universities on the example of ASMU. The subject of the study is the adaptation to the learning process of foreign students in the university environment. An online survey developed based on a set of questions was used to collect data from 80 first-year international students. The analysis of the survey results conducted using the SPSS Statistics program empirically confirms the fact that students' perception of their university learning experience and adaptation were beneficially influenced by the mixed learning environment.       The scientific novelty consists in the fact that during the research a questionnaire was developed that allows to determine the general level of adaptation of foreign students to the learning process and to identify the problems that foreign students face more often during their studies in Russia. Based on the results of the survey, practical recommendations are proposed to improve work with foreign students for more successful adaptation in the university environment. Main conclusions 1. The studies conducted at ASMU indicate the positive impact of blended learning (thanks to digital online communication) on the interaction not only of the student and the teacher, but also on the interaction between each other. 2. The results obtained show that blended learning is the means that creates the necessary prerequisites for the emergence of internal motivation of a person's activity, especially when it is able to adapt to the characteristics of the trainees, the level of available knowledge, the pace of assimilation of new knowledge. In this case, students enjoy the learning process, their self-confidence and activity in learning increases. 3. Elements of online learning are organically combined with classroom classes, complementing them and developing self-study skills and providing accessible feedback from the teacher.
Anti-Japanese war in the fine arts of China of the XX – beginning of the XXI century
Authors: Wang Shue
Published: July 2023

This study examines the specifics of the theme of the anti-Japanese war in Chinese art at various stages from the 1930s to the beginning of the XXI century. The key works of graphic artists and painters are selected as the material, which mark the key points of the evolution of the topic under consideration. Images in Chinese art associated with the events of the anti-Japanese War or the "War of Resistance" have been created by artists for more than seven decades, changing and transforming in accordance with political, ideological, socio-cultural and artistic-stylistic factors. This topic is extremely important for the people, since it was she who gave the art of the newly born New China in the XX century a historical dimension, determined the measure of responsibility of Chinese artists to society and partly the aesthetic paradigm of the evolution of the arts. Moreover, it has served and continues to serve as a source of inspiration for new generations of masters of historical painting, especially battle artists. As a result of the analysis and generalization, four stages are distinguished. The first one is connected with the work of wartime graphs, which recorded the most important moments of the confrontation between the two armies and peoples, determining the general realistic orientation in the development of the theme and its iconography. The middle of the century is the time of the establishment of images associated with the anti-Japanese war as the main line in Chinese painting, the appearance of multi-figure subject canvases, including in the battle genre. The last third of the XX century is defined as the period of transition from the glorification of events to the embodiment of the understanding of that war as a national tragedy, as well as the enrichment of romanticized realism with new artistic forms. At the beginning of the new century, artists tended to create large-scale canvases, saturating them with complex symbolic meanings and details. Such changes indicate the continuation of the evolution of the topic under study and its further transformations.
Village dogs match pet dogs in reading human facial expressions
Authors: Lazzaroni Martina , Schär Joana , Baxter Elizabeth , Gratalon Juliette , Range Friederike , Marshall-Pescini Sarah , Dale Rachel
Published: July 2023

Most studies on dogs’ cognitive skills in understanding human communication have been conducted on pet dogs, making them a role model for the species. However, pet dogs are just a minor and particular sample of the total dog world population, which would instead be better represented by free-ranging dogs. Since free-ranging dogs are still facing the selective forces of the domestication process, they indeed represent an important study subject to investigate the effect that such a process has had on dogs’ behavior and cognition. Despite only a few studies on free-ranging dogs (specifically village dogs) having been conducted so far, the results are intriguing. In fact, village dogs seem to place a high value on social contact with humans and understand some aspects of humans’ communication. In this study we aimed to investigate village dogs’ ability in understanding a subtle human communicative cue: human facial expressions, and compared them with pet dogs, who have already provided evidence of this social skill. We tested whether subjects were able to distinguish between neutral, happy, and angry human facial expressions in a test mimicking a potential real-life situation, where the experimenter repeatedly performed one facial expression while eating some food, and ultimately dropped it on the ground. We found evidence that village dogs, as well as pet dogs, could distinguish between subtle human communicative cues, since they performed a higher frequency of aversive gazes (looking away) in the angry condition than in the happy condition. However, we did not find other behavioral effects of the different conditions, likely due to the low intensity of the emotional expression performed. We suggest that village dogs’ ability in distinguishing between human facial expressions could provide them with an advantage in surviving in a human-dominated environment.
Effect of Air Leakage of Inlet Air Exhaust Dampers in Vestibules on the Inlet Air Discharge Performance
Authors: Jang Keun-Ho , Kim Hak-Joong
Published: July 2023

To maintain the smoke wind speed of the auxiliary room smoke control system, the inlet air discharge performance must be secured. In this study, a simulation was performed for a sales facility with six floors below ground and 10 floors above ground using the CONTAM program developed by NIST in the United States to examine the effect of the leakage of the exhaust damper on the smoke control performance. As a result of examining the maximum allowable leakage of the discharge damper to meet the inlet air emission performance standard of the national fire safety standard (NFSC 501A) through simulation analysis, the leakage amount was 15.01 m3/min/m2 at a differential pressure of 3,000 Pa, and this was found to be UL555S damper leakage. Compared with the class, the maximum allowable leakage of the damper must have an airtight performance of Class II or less.
Biotechnology management in the Amazon and the production of polypropylene / Brazil Nut Shell fiber biocomposite
Authors: Soares Carlos , Moura Esperidiana , Arenhardt Valéria , Deliza Eduardo Egídio Vicensi , Pedro Filho Flávio de São
Published: July 2023

This study seeks to produce and analyze the characteristics of a polypropylene composite with vegetable fiber derived from Brazil nut shell. The objective is to develop a biocomposite material based on polypropylene fiber from the brazil nut shell, aiming at a lower environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the industrialization process of biodegradable plastic and/or derivatives. Physical and chemical characterization of vegetable fiber derived from Brazil nut shell (1); characterization of PP and composites with brazil nut shell fibers (PP/FC) (2); characterization of PP and PP/FC/RGO hybrid nanocomposites (3). The methodology used is exploratory research with laboratory tests in order to reach the most efficient result. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the use of Brazil nut shell vegetable fiber as a reinforcement for polypropylene can improve the mechanical properties of materials derived from this process, which contributes to the industrialization of biodegradable plastic materials aiming at sustainability.
Decadal Trends in Climate Change in Central Tamil Nadu, India: Implications for Climate Resilient Agriculture
Authors: Easwaran R. Salvadi
Published: July 2023

A temporal rainfall analysis of Central Tamil Nadu was carried out for 12 decades for the purpose of examining the Climate Change. The detailed statistical analysis of annual as well as season-wise rainfall data showed that there was a drastic climate change over the years, under the study. The mean annual rainfall was 862.10 mm but there was a wider range in the distribution of rainfall seasonally as well as annualy as high as 874.98 mm and the annual rainfall exhibited a very high variance of 28,094.69 mm. The coefficient of variation observed was also higher ranging from 31.95 to 104.60. An analysis of Kurtosis showed Platykurtic distribution (negative kurtosis with lighter tail) of rainfall for the first 6 decades of the 19th century (1900-1960), whereas, it was Leptokurtic distribution (positive kurtosis with heavier tail) for the rest of the 6 decades. (1961-2021). Hence, drastic climate change was clearly visible in Kurtosis analysis, when it turned from Platykurtic distribution to Leptokurtic distribution. The results suggested that there were more number of extreme events in the later decades. These facts clearly portrayed the profound effect of climate change in Central Tamil Nadu, in the years studied. Therefore, it is recommended that efficient climate resilient policy options: building resilience in soil, rainwater harvesting and recycling, water saving technologies, adapter cultivars and cropping systems, crop contingency plans, livestock and fishery intervention, weather based agro advisories and other institutional interventions should be put in place so as to increase the resilience of agricultural production to climate change in the central Tamil Nadu.
Spatial Vulnerability Assessment and Diurnal Climatology of Lightning Events in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Veina V. Harsha , Ramanathan S. P. , Kokilavani S. , Patil S. G. , Pawar S. D. , Gopalakrishnan V. , Mahapatra Somnath , Balasubramanian P.
Published: July 2023

The research probes into the seven agro climatic zones in Tamil Nadu which are highly vulnerable to lightning strikes, as well as the human fatalities caused by Cloud to Ground lightning. The purpose of the study is to find out the vulnerable hotspots and diurnal climatology of the Cloud to Ground lightning strikes during the northeast monsoon, southwest monsoon, and summer seasons. Heat maps are used for the lightning strikes using ArcGIS software and the diurnal climatology was performed by interpolating the data from the lightning location network into a 3-hour resolution. In vulnerability analysis, Northeastern zone is more prone to lightning during Southwest and Northeast Monsoon. On the other hand, High rainfall zone and Hilly zone are vulnerable to lightning in summer season. The Northeast monsoon has the highest lightning frequency ratio, followed by the summer. The maximum rate of strikes occurred between 10-15 hrs IST and showed a peak range between 10:00 to 12:00 hrs IST. A labor-intensive agricultural economy is linked to higher rates of lightning-related deaths and injuries. The results of this research could be useful in developing lightning climatology for the future climatic condition for Tamil Nadu.
Optimization of Machine Parameters for the Peeling of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Mother Corm in a Commercial Abrasive Peeler
Authors: Nagar Chetan Kumar , Dash Sanjaya Kumar , Rayaguru Kalpana
Published: July 2023

Aims: The purpose of this study was to optimize the machine parameters of a commercially available tuber peeler for the peeling of mother corms.

Study Design: CCRD (Central composite rotatable design) method of the response surface methodology (RSM) technique.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India), between June 2021 and December 2021.

Methodology: For maximum yield with minimum loss, the process was conducted with three different variables such as rotating disc speed (350, 450 and 550 rpm), peeling duration (60, 120 and 180 sec) and batch load (1, 1.5 and 2 kg) for responses such as peeling efficiency (ηp), material loss (ML) and peeling effectiveness (PE).

Results: The results showed that peeling performance was influenced by variations in disc speed, peeling duration, and batch load of the peeling process. Rotating disc speed of 455 rpm, peeling duration of 115 sec and 1.35 kg of batch load were found to be the optimum condition for taro corm peeling. The corresponding peeling efficiency, peeling effectiveness and material loss were 92.64 %, 84.87 % and 8.21% respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed that the method can be successfully utilized in the commercial processing of mother corms.
Influence of Culture Media on the Antimicrobial Activity of Fluorescents Pseudomonas Crude Supernatants Extracts against Phytophthora colocasiae, the Causal Agent of the Taro Leaf Blight
Authors: Arsène Ntyam Mendo Samuel , Brigitte Kouitcheu Mabeku Laure , Séverin Tchameni Nguemezi , Lambert Sameza Modeste , Anne Ngono Ngane Rosalie
Published: July 2023

Crude supernatant extracts of two fluorescent Pseudomonas DS15V and DS17R obtained by monoculture under King B (KB), Luria Bertanie (LB), Nutrient Broth Yeast, (NBY), Succinate medium (SM), Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) and Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) culture media were evaluated for their antimicrobial potential against Phytophthora colocasiae (PC). Co-culture supernatant extracts with PC (PCo) were also tested. Moreover, the thermostability of extracts, inhibition of zoospore potential and in situ activity were estimated by the disc leaf test. The results showed that crude supernatant extracts from KB, LB and MS significantly inhibited mycelia growth (80-100%) at concentrations of 1:1 (v/v) and/or 1:2 (v/v) which correspond to Inhibitory Activity Unit (IAU). Furthermore, these supernatant extracts were highly thermosensitive and decreased significantly their antagonistic potential against P. colocasiae mycelia at high temperatures (100 and 121°C). On the other side, supernatant extracts obtained from monoculture and co-culture in potato liquid medium (PDB) demonstrated significant activity by IAU values at concentration of 1:3 (v/v) against mycelia growth for both DS15V and DS17R. For the zoospores growth, supernatants from PDB (PCo and PMo) presented high inhibition at low concentrations (1:3 v/v) especially 17Pco which shows 100% inhibition at concentration of 1:4 (v/v). In addition, these extracts were thermoresistant and maintained their antimicrobial potential against P. colocasiae without a significant difference. The four supernatants crude extract belong to co-culture on PDB medium (15PCo, 17PMo and 17PCo) used as best extracts on disc leaf test promoted 100% leaf disc prevention against P. colocasiae at concentration of 1:1 (v/v) and exhibited it curative effect at the same concentration after 4 days of treatment thereby stabilizing the development of necrosis on leaf disc.
Pawsitive Connection: Widowers’ Life Experiences on Therapeutic Value of Owning Domestic Pets
Authors: Manero Rhea Joy , Dechusa Jasmen Lyra , Guanzon Rosalinda , Ceballo Emma C.
Published: July 2023

The loss of a close friend, partner, or psychological support can have severe consequences, including trauma, worsened health, and increased mortality risk. Studying the therapeutic value of owning domestic pets for widowers is urgent, as it can lead to more effective interventions that promote well-being and improve psychological health outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to unravel and explore the life experiences of the widowers and the therapeutic value of owning domestic pets. It employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilizing in-depth interviews to collect data from nine (9) widowers. The data was analyzed using a six-phase guide to thematic analysis to come up with themes that explored the experiences of widowers, how pets helped them in coping and their insights. The findings of the study revealed themes that represent the challenges experienced by widowers, namely; (1) desolating experience, and; (2) yearning for affection. On the other hand, it was also revealed that pets have aided widowers to cope with the mentioned challenges; (1) sense of security; (2) relief and delight through pet, and; (3) attachment and companionship. Their insights are, (1) ease loneliness and longing; (2) provide comfort and warmth; and (3) provide entertainment and happiness. Moreover, the study concluded that pets have an influence on the coping capacity of widowers and owning pets keep them from developing pervasive depression and loneliness. Finally, the study recommended community interventions that aim to improve the overall well-being of older adults utilizing pets or non-human companions.
Naloxone Accessibility Under the State Standing Order Across Mississippi
Authors: Gravlee Emily , Ramachandran Sujith , Cafer Anne , Holmes Erin , McGregor Jacob , Jordan Taylor , Rosenthal Meagen
Published: July 2023

Importance

Naloxone is a life-saving medication for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone standing orders aim to make naloxone more available by allowing patients improved access to this medication at community pharmacies; however, lawful availability does not mean that this life-saving intervention is accessible to patients.

Objective

To characterize naloxone availability and out-of-pocket cost under the state standing order in Mississippi.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This telephone-based, mystery-shopper census survey study included Mississippi community pharmacies open to the general public in Mississippi at the time of data collection. Community pharmacies were identified using the Hayes Directories April 2022 complete Mississippi pharmacy database. Data were collected from February to August 2022.

Exposures

Mississippi House bill 996, the Naloxone Standing Order Act, signed into law in 2017, allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone under a physician state standing order at a patient’s request.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were naloxone availability under Mississippi’s state standing order and the out-of-pocket cost of available formulations.

Results

There were 591 open-door community pharmacies surveyed for this study, with a 100% response rate. The most common pharmacy type was independent (328 [55.50%]), followed by chain (147 [24.87%]) and grocery store (116 [19.63%]). When asked, “Do you have naloxone that I can pick up today?” 216 Mississippi pharmacies (36.55%) had naloxone available for purchase under the state standing order. Of the 591 pharmacies, 242 (40.95%) were unwilling to dispense naloxone under the state standing order. Among the 216 pharmacies with naloxone available, the median out-of-pocket cost for naloxone nasal spray (n = 202) across Mississippi was $100.00 (range, $38.11-$229.39; mean [SD], $105.58 [$35.42]) and the median out-of-pocket cost of naloxone injection (n = 14) was $37.70 (range, $17.00-$208.96; mean [SD], $66.62 [$69.27]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study of open-door Mississippi community pharmacies, availability of naloxone was limited despite standing order implementation. This finding has important implications for the effectiveness of the legislation in preventing opioid overdose deaths in this region. Further studies are needed to understand pharmacists’ unwillingness to dispense naloxone and the implications of lack of availability and unwillingness for further naloxone access interventions.
Assessing the accuracy of paired and random sampling for quantifying plant–plant interactions in natural communities
Authors: Michalet Richard , Losapio Gianalberto , Kikvidze Zaal , Brooker Rob W. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Callaway Ragan M. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Lortie Christopher J. , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Schöb Christian
Published: July 2023

Plant interactions in extreme environments are often inferred from spatial associations and quantified by means of paired sampling. Yet, this method might be confounded by habitat‐sharing effects. Here, we address whether paired and random sampling methods provide similar results at varying levels of environmental heterogeneity. We quantified spatial associations with the two methods at three sites that encompass different micro‐environmental heterogeneity and stress levels: Mediterranean environments in Canary Islands, Spain, and Sardinia, Italy, and a cold alpine environment in Hokkaido, Japan. Then, we simulated plant communities with different levels of species micro‐habitat preferences, environmental heterogeneity, and stress levels. We found that differences in species associations between paired and random sampling were indistinguishable from zero in a homogeneous space. When simulating codispersion over a decreasing abundance gradient, both sampling methods correctly identified facilitation and distinguished it from codispersion. Yet, the pairwise method provided higher facilitation estimates than the random one. At each site, there were strong differences between beneficiary species in their spatial association with nurse species, and associations became more positive with increasing stress in Spain. Most importantly, there were no differences in results yielded by the two methods at any of the different stress levels at the Spanish and Japanese sites. At the Italian site, although micro‐environmental heterogeneity was low, we found weakly significant differences between methods that were unlikely due to habitat‐sharing effects. Thus, the paired sampling method can provide significant insights into net and long‐term effects of plant interactions in spatially conspicuous environments.
A radiomics model enables prediction venous sinus invasion in meningioma
Authors: Wang Limei , Cao Yuntai , Zhang Guojin , Sun Dandan , Zhou Wusheng , Li Wenyi , Zhou Junlin , Chen Kuntao , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2023

Objective

Preoperative prediction of meningioma venous sinus invasion would facilitate the selection of surgical approaches and predicting the prognosis. To predict venous sinus invasion in meningiomas, we used radiomic signatures to construct a model based on preoperative contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (T1C) and T2‐weighted (T2) magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

In total, 599 patients with pathologically confirmed meningioma were retrospectively enrolled. For each patient enrolled in this study, 1595 radiomic signatures were extracted from T1C and T2 image sequences. Pearson correlation analysis and recursive feature elimination were used to select the most relevant signatures extracted from different image sequences, and logistic regression algorithms were used to build a radiomic model for risk prediction of meningioma sinus invasion. Furthermore, a nomogram was built by incorporating clinical characteristics and radiomic signatures, and a decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Results

Twenty radiomic signatures that were significantly related to venous sinus invasion were screened from 3190 radiomic signatures. Venous sinus invasion was associated with tumor position, and the clinicoradiomic model that incorporated the above characteristics (20 radiomic signatures and tumor position) had the best discriminating ability. The areas under the curve for the training and validation cohorts were 0.857 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.824–0.890) and 0.824 (95% CI, 0.752–0.8976), respectively.

Interpretation

The clinicoradiomic model had good predictive performance for venous sinus invasion in meningioma, which can aid in devising surgical strategies and predicting prognosis.
Evolution of Tungsten Fiber‐Reinforced Tungsten‐Remarks on Production and Joining
Authors: Coenen Jan Willem , Lee Vivian Y. S. , Mao Yiran , Morrison Alasdair , Dorow-Gerspach Daniel , Tan Xiayue , Terra Alexis , Wu Yucheng , Linsmeier Christian
Published: July 2023

Material issues pose a significant challenge for the design of future fusion reactors. These issues require new advanced materials to be developed. W‐fiber‐reinforced W‐composite material (W
f/W) incorporates extrinsic toughening mechanisms increasing the resistance against failure and thus granting steps toward application in a future fusion reactor. W
f/W can be produced based on chemical vapor deposition or powder metallurgical routes. In this contribution, the efforts of upscaling the production of W
f/W will be reviewed based on recent results. In addition, the activities related to enabling large‐scale production for new fusion applications are being studied. Herein, two main achievements are to be highlighted. First, an upscaled production is established to produce flat tile samples for joining tests on copper and steel, and second, a new method of joining W
f/W on copper is established and tested under high heat‐flux conditions.
Black Bioinks from Superstructured Carbonized Lignin Particles
Authors: Mattos Bruno D. , Jäntti Noora , Khakalo Sergei , Zhu Ya , Miettinen Arttu , Parkkonen Joni , Khakalo Alexey , Rojas Orlando J. , Ago Mariko
Published: July 2023

A renewable source of carbon black is introduced by the processing of lignin from agro‐forestry residues. Lignin side streams are converted into spherical particles by direct aerosolization followed by carbonization. The obtained submicron black carbon is combined with cellulose nanofibers, which act as a binder and rheology modifier, resulting in a new type of colloidal bioink. The bioinks are tested in handwriting and direct ink writing. After consolidation, the black bioinks display total light reflectance (%R) at least three times lower than commercial black inks (reduction from 12 to 4%R). A loading of up to 20% of nanofibers positively affects the cohesion of the dried bioink (1 to 16 MPa), with no significant reduction in light reflectance. This is a result of the superstructuring of the ink components, which disrupts particle packing, intensifies colloidal interactions, introduces light absorption, and non‐reflective multiple scattering.
Monovalent Charge Compensation Enables Efficient Lanthanide‐Based Near‐Infrared Perovskite LEDs
Authors: Yu Yan‐Jun , Wang Hong‐Shuai , Pan Jia‐Lin , Li Sheng‐Nan , Shen Wan‐Shan , Cheng Shu‐Ning , Jin Lu‐Jie , Wang Ya‐Kun , Li You‐Yong , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: July 2023

Lanthanide ions (Yb3+ or Er3+) alloying of CsPb(Cl1‐xBrx)3 quantum dots (QDs) to emit approaching 1000 nm show promise in near‐infrared light‐emitting diodes (NIR‐LEDs). High Yb3+ alloying ratio increases the electroluminance efficiency of emission at 990 nm and enables high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of NIR‐LEDs, however, the high alloying ratio also results in inferior material stability and PLQY drop because of Yb3+‐induced nanocrystal precipitation. This study finds that the heavy alloying of Yb3+ ions causes lattice distortion and coherent energy reduction of Yb3+: CsPb(Cl1‐xBrx)3 QDs, induced by two Yb3+ ions replacing three Pb2+, which leads to the collapse of the octahedral structure in ambient conditions. It posits that spontaneous monovalent ion (Na+) alloying can address the trade‐off between material stability and emission intensity. The Na+ occupies the vacancy of Pb2+ ions, relaxing the distortion in the lattice and improving the phase stability of octahedral structure, and this optimized structure in turn allows a higher Yb3+ alloying ratio. Stability measurements show that the Na+/Yb3+ co‐alloyed films show ten‐fold higher material stability and 2.0‐fold emission efficiency related to controls. It reports that as a result Na+/Yb3+ co‐alloyed NIR‐LEDs have an EQE of 6.4% at 990 nm, which is among the highest perovskite NIR‐LEDs beyond 950 nm.
Eliminating Local Electrolyte Failure Induced by Asynchronous Reaction for High‐Loading and Long‐Lifespan All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: An Hanwen , Liu Qingsong , Deng Biao , Wang Jian , Li Menglu , Li Xin , Lou Shuaifeng , Wang Jiajun
Published: July 2023

The design of practical cathodes with high areal capacity in polymer‐based all‐solid‐state batteries remains challenged by the absence of an effective guiding principle that prolongs battery life‐span. Unlike liquid batteries, the notorious interface incompatibility between cathodes and electrolytes limited the cycling life of the all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, this study proposes a dynamically stable cathode design with a fully covered surface, effectively mitigating interface failure and enabling the cyclic time of batteries with a cathode loading of 12.7 mg cm‒2 over 10 000 h. This study unveils the importance of local state of charge in affecting the interfacial properties of particles through local oxidative‐stability of electrolytes on the interface. This study shows that the phenomena can be strongly influenced by the porosity of the cathode through the perspective of discreteness of ion transport. These insights and approach provide a broader promise for solid batteries for long lifetime.
Effect of Core Yarn on Linear Actuation of Electroactive Polymer Coated Yarn Actuators
Authors: Mehraeen Shayan , Asadi Milad , Martinez Jose G. , Persson Nils‐Krister , Stålhand Jonas , Jager Edwin W.H.
Published: July 2023

Smart textiles combine the features of conventional textiles with promising properties of smart materials such as electromechanically active polymers, resulting in textile actuators. Textile actuators comprise of individual yarn actuators, so understanding their electro‐chemo‐mechanical behavior is of great importance. Herein, this study investigates the effect of inherent structural and mechanical properties of commercial yarns, that form the core of the yarn actuators, on the linear actuation of the conducting‐polymer‐based yarn actuators. Commercial yarns were coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to make them conductive. Then polypyrrole (PPy) that provides the electromechanical actuation is electropolymerized on the yarn surface under controlled conditions. The linear actuation of the yarn actuators is investigated in aqueous electrolyte under isotonic and isometric conditions. The yarn actuators generated an isotonic strain up to 0.99% and isometric force of 95 mN. The isometric strain achieved in this work is more than tenfold and threefold greater than the previously reported yarn actuators. The isometric actuation force shows an increase of nearly 11‐fold over our previous results. Finally, a qualitative mechanical model is introduced to describe the actuation behavior of yarn actuators. The strain and force created by the yarn actuators make them promising candidates for wearable actuator technologies.
Multipotent Human Neonatal Cardiac‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Ileitis In Vivo
Authors: Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Bury Matthew I. , Sharma Tiffany T. , Wang Larry W. , Fuller Natalie J. , Krishnan Swetha T. , Kaushal Sunjay , Sharma Arun K.
Published: July 2023

Transmural skip lesions are pathognomonic for Crohn's disease (CD). Despite advances toward CD treatment, disease recurrence remains a problem. CD requires novel therapies to modulate localized intestinal inflammation and promote intestinal epithelium healing. Human neonatal cardiac‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (nMSCs) demonstrate immune cell modulation accompanied by improved cardiac function recovery in myocardial infarction models. In the established CD‐like ileitis SAMP mouse model, direct skip lesion injection of nMSCs prevents ileal skip lesion growth and significantly down‐regulates the pro‐inflammatory milieu. Significant reduction in the percentage of skip lesion CD68+ macrophages (M1 Mφ, pro‐inflammatory) accompanied by an increase of CD206+ macrophages (M2 Mφ, anti‐inflammatory/pro‐regenerative) is observed in skip lesions following nMSCs injection compared to non‐injected and placebo controls (p < 0.05). Skip lesion size is significantly reduced along with pro‐inflammatory cytokines IFN‐y and TNF‐α, with an increase in intestinal tissue anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 production. nMSCs are also retained within skip lesions 5 weeks post‐treatment. nMSC administration promotes wound remodeling by modulating inflammatory immune cells and by increasing small bowel gastrointestinal transit with concomitant decreased segment gross pathology score compared to placebo control. Data from this study demonstrate that direct injection of nMSCs into ileal skip lesions attenuates inflammation and improves intestinal physiology.
Synergized Tricomponent All‐Inorganics Solid Electrolyte for Highly Stable Solid‐State Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Guixiang , Zhang Xin , Sun Shuyang , Zhou Yangfan , Liu Yongfeng , Yang Hangwang , Huang Zhenguo , Fang Fang , Sun Wenping , Hong Zijiang , Gao Mingxia , Pan Hongge
Published: July 2023

Garnet‐type oxide Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) features superior ionic conductivity and good stability toward lithium (Li) metal, but requires high‐temperature sintering (≈1200 °C) that induces high fabrication cost, poor mechanical processability, and high interface resistance. Here, a novel high‐performance tricomponent composite solid electrolyte (CSE) comprising LLZTO−4LiBH4/xLi3BN2H8 is reported, which is prepared by ball milling the LLZTO−4LiBH4 mixture followed by hand milling with Li3BN2H8. Green pellets fabricated by heating the cold‐pressed CSE powders at 120 °C offer ultrafast room‐temperature ionic conductivity (≈1.73 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C) and ultrahigh Li‐ion transference number (≈0.9999), which enable the Li|Li symmetrical cells to cycle over 1600 h at 30 °C with only 30 mV of overpotential. Moreover, the Li|CSE|TiS2 full cells deliver 201 mAh g−1 of capacity with long cyclability. These outstanding performances are due to the low open porosity in the electrolyte pellets as well as the high intrinsic ionic conductivity and easy deformability of Li3BN2H8.
Genetically Engineered‐Cell‐Membrane Nanovesicles for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Cheng Qinzhen , Kang Yong , Yao Bin , Dong Jinrui , Zhu Yalan , He Yiling , Ji Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2023

The advent of immunotherapy has marked a new era in cancer treatment, offering significant clinical benefits. Cell membrane as drug delivery materials has played a crucial role in enhancing cancer therapy because of their inherent biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. Different cell membranes are prepared into cell membrane nanovesicles (CMNs), but CMNs have limitations such as inefficient targeting ability, low efficacy, and unpredictable side effects. Genetic engineering has deepened the critical role of CMNs in cancer immunotherapy, enabling genetically engineered‐CMN (GCMN)‐based therapeutics. To date, CMNs that are surface modified by various functional proteins have been developed through genetic engineering. Herein, a brief overview of surface engineering strategies for CMNs and the features of various membrane sources is discussed, followed by a description of GCMN preparation methods. The application of GCMNs in cancer immunotherapy directed at different immune targets is addressed as are the challenges and prospects of GCMNs in clinical translation.
High‐efficiency thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials via a shamrock‐shaped design strategy to enable OLEDs with external quantum efficiency over 38%
Authors: Li Gaoyu , Pu Junrong , Yang Zhan , Deng Huangjun , Liu Yanyan , Mao Zhu , Zhao Juan , Su Shi‐Jian , Chi Zhenguo
Published: July 2023

To achieve highly‐efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), great efforts have been devoted into constructing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with high horizontal dipole ratios (Θ//). Here, we proposed a design strategy by integrating a rigid electron‐accepting oxygen‐bridged boron core with triple electron‐donating groups, which exhibited a “shamrock‐shape”, namely BO‐3DMAC and BO‐3DPAC. Benefiting from the rigid and large‐planar skeletons brought by shamrock‐shaped design, BO‐3DMAC and BO‐3DPAC exhibit high Θ// of 84%/70% and 93%/94% in neat/doped films, respectively, and finally furnish excellent external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to 28.3% and 38.7% in 20 wt% doped OLEDs with sky‐blue emission, as well as adequate EQEs of up to 21.0% and 16.7% in nondoped OLEDs. This work unveils a promising strategy to establish high‐Θ// TADF emitters by constructing large‐planar molecular structures using shamrock‐shaped design.
On a skeletally immature individual of Unaysaurus tolentinoi (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) from the upper Triassic of southern Brazil
Authors: Müller Rodrigo T. , Garcia Maurício S. , Bem Fabiula P. , Damke Lísie V. S. , Fonseca André O. , Da‐Rosa Átila A. S.
Published: July 2023

The lineage of sauropodomorph dinosaurs raised some of the most impressive animals that ever walked on Earth. However, the massive titans of the Mesozoic Era originated from far smaller dinosaurs. The Triassic beds from Brazil yielded the earliest part of this evolutionary history. Despite the diverse fossil record of early sauropodomorphs, juvenile specimens, as well as certain species are poorly sampled. This is the case for Unaysaurus tolentinoi, an unaysaurid sauropodomorph from Caturrita Formation (ca. 225 Ma; early Norian, Late Triassic). The holotype and only specimen of U. tolentinoi was excavated from the Água Negra Locality (São Martinho da Serra, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) in 1998. More than two decades later, no other fossil vertebrates have been reported from the same fossiliferous site. Here we describe a skeletally immature specimen which was found in association with the holotype of U. tolentinoi. The specimen was discovered after a first‐hand examination of the holotype and comprises some isolated vertebrae and elements from the posterior autopodium. According to linear regressions, its metatarsal I is approximately 41.7 mm in length, compared to approximately 75.9 mm in the holotype. The repeated elements and reduced size indicates that it does not belong to the elements originally used to erect U. tolentinoi. Rather, the specimen is assigned to U. tolentinoi by topotypy and shared morphology. In addition to the reduced size, distinct lines of evidence (e.g., neurocentral sutures; bone texture) support its assignment to a skeletally immature individual. In sum, the new material expands the record of U. tolentinoi, and represents an additional juvenile dinosaur from the Caturrita Formation.
IĸB Protein BCL3 as a Controller of Osteogenesis and Bone Health
Authors: Jaffery Hussain , Huesa Carmen , Chilaka Sabarinadh , Cole John , Doonan James , Akbar Moeed , Dunning Lynette , Tanner Kathleen Elizabeth , van ‘t Hof Rob J. , McInnes Iain B. , Carmody Ruaidhrí J. , Goodyear Carl S.
Published: July 2023

Objective

IĸB protein B cell lymphoma 3‐encoded protein (BCL3) is a regulator of the NF‐κB family of transcription factors. NF‐κB signaling fundamentally influences the fate of bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts, but the role of BCL3 in bone biology has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate BCL3 in skeletal development, maintenance, and osteoarthritic pathology.

Methods

To assess the contribution of BCL3 to skeletal homeostasis, neonatal mice (n = 6–14) lacking BCL3 (Bcl3−/−) and wild‐type (WT) controls were characterized for bone phenotype and density. To reveal the contribution to bone phenotype by the osteoblast compartment in Bcl3−/− mice, transcriptomic analysis of early osteogenic differentiation and cellular function (n = 3–7) were assessed. Osteoclast differentiation and function in Bcl3−/− mice (n = 3–5) was assessed. Adult 20‐week Bcl3−/− and WT mice bone phenotype, strength, and turnover were assessed. A destabilization of the medial meniscus model of osteoarthritic osteophytogenesis was used to understand adult bone formation in Bcl3−/− mice (n = 11–13).

Results

Evaluation of Bcl3−/− mice revealed congenitally increased bone density, long bone dwarfism, increased bone biomechanical strength, and altered bone turnover. Molecular and cellular characterization of mesenchymal precursors showed that Bcl3−/− cells displayed an accelerated osteogenic transcriptional profile that led to enhanced differentiation into osteoblasts with increased functional activity, which could be reversed with a mimetic peptide. In a model of osteoarthritis‐induced osteophytogenesis, Bcl3−/− mice exhibited decreased pathological osteophyte formation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cumulatively, these findings demonstrate that BCL3 controls developmental mineralization to enable appropriate bone formation, whereas in a pathological setting, it contributes to skeletal pathology.

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Event‐triggered containment control for multi‐agent systems under hybrid cyber attacks
Authors: Zhu Hongfei , Liu Jinhai , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Zhigang
Published: July 2023

This paper studies event‐triggered containment control problem of multi‐agent systems (MASs) under deception attacks and denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. First, to save limited network resources, an event‐triggered mechanism is proposed for MASs under hybrid cyber attacks. Different from the existing event‐triggered mechanisms, the negative influences of deception attacks and DoS attacks are considered in the proposed triggering function. The communication frequencies between agents are reduced. Then, based on the proposed event‐triggered mechanism, a corresponding control protocol is proposed to ensure that the followers will converge to the convex hull formed by the leaders under deception attacks and DoS attacks. Compared with the previous researches about containment control, in addition to hybrid cyber attacks being considered, the nonlinear functions related to the states of the agents are applied to describe the deception attack signals in the MAS. By orthogonal transformation of deception attack signals, the containment control problem under deception attacks and DoS attacks is reformulated as a stability problem. Then, the sufficient conditions on containment control can be obtained. Finally, a set of simulation example is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.