bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panorama das Unidades de Conservação na zona costeira e marinha do estado de São Paulo
Authors: De Sousa Evelin Eugênia , Serafini Thiago Zagonel
Published: March 2018

O Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação incorporou e adicionou categorias de áreas protegidas, ampliando as estratégias de conservação da natureza sob a tipologia de Unidade de Conservação (UC). No presente trabalho, foi realizado um levantamento das UCs criadas na zona costeira e marinha do estado de São Paulo, por meio de consultas a documentos, sites e bancos de dados governamentais. Foram levantadas 74 UCs federais, estaduais e municipais, sendo a maior parte resultante uma ação política estadual, com 69% das UCs sob sua gestão. Até o início dos anos de 1980 predominava a categoria Parque e, a partir de 2008, as UCs de uso sustentável superam em número e área as de proteção integral. Cerca de metade (53%) das UCs conta com conselho gestor, instituído em um prazo médio de 5,2 anos, e 19% contam com plano de manejo, instituído em média 21,6 anos após a sua criação. A criação de Mosaicos de UCs na zona costeira paulista se destaca, concentrando 25% de todos os mosaicos brasileiros, sendo que 59% das UCs fazem parte de ao menos um Mosaico. Atualmente as UCs são expressivas em todos os setores da zona costeira paulista, tornando-as um dos principais instrumentos de gestão costeira em São Paulo. A implementação de seus instrumentos de gestão e sua integração com outras políticas públicas, especialmente do gerenciamento costeiro, possibilitaria a inserção mais efetiva das UCs nas dinâmicas territoriais da zona costeira paulista.
CAMEL Analysis on Performance of ASEAN Public Listed Banks
Authors: Ab-Rahim Rossazana , Kadri Norlina , Ee-Ling Amy-Chin , Dee Abdul Alim
Published: March 2018

The study is conducted to measure the performance of public listed banks in five ASEAN countries. This study covers 63 public listed banks from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines over the period of 1997 to 2011. The CAMEL analysis which is based on Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Earning Quality, and Liquidity is employed in this study. The objectives of the study are to measure the performance of public listed banks as well as to compare the performance across countries. The results of the CAMEL analysis show that Singaporean public listed banks are the top performer as compared to their counterparts. Next, the comprehensive results reveal that Public Bank in Malaysia, United Overseas Bank in Singapore, Bank ArthaGraha in Indonesia, Bank of Ayudhya in Thailand and Union Bank of the Philippines are the top performed banks.
The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Behavioral Disorders in LD Children
Authors: Azizi Marziyeh , Monirpour Nader , Ebrahim Khani Sara
Published: March 2018

This study has been conducted with the objective of evaluating the role of parenting styles in prediction of behavioral disorders in children with Learning Disability (LD). This study is a descriptive work conducted using correlation methods in kind of prediction model and statistical population in this study consists of children with learning disability (LD) referring to Educational and Rehabilitation Centers for Specific Learning Disorders of Tehran during academic year 2014-15. Using purposeful and voluntary sampling method, 130 people were selected as sample size. Data collection instrument in this study includes Bumerind parenting style questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 Achenbach system of empirically based assessment (CBCL). Data analysis was done using Pearson correlation and multivariate regression using SPSS. The results obtained from the study showed that there is no significant correlation between authoritarian and authoritative parenting style and any components of behavioral disorders of LD children and only permissive parenting style has negative and significant correlation with externalized disorders of LD children.
Selectieve ‘culturalisering’ in de praktijk van de jeugdbescherming in België
Authors: Petintseva Olga
Published: March 2018

Selective ‘culturalisation’ in the practice of youth justice in Belgium

This paper focuses on the practice of youth justice (termed ‘youth protection’ in Belgium) in which professional actors ascribe deviant behaviour of youngsters to different cultural and migration backgrounds. Intra-European Roma migrants and refugees from the Northern Caucasus in Belgium are chosen as case studies. Discourse analysis of 55 youth court files and 41 expert interviews with professional actors show that deviant behaviour of these young people is explained in different manners. Two discourses are identified: ‘criminal vagabonds’ and ‘war torn children’. These discourses and their effects in practice differ tremendously for both groups. The broader discussion this article touches upon is the selective inclusion and exclusion in the institutions of formal social control, through social practices of culturalisation.
Lokale oplossingen voor problemen in asielopvang: de ‘vluchtelingencrisis’ als window of opportunity
Authors: Geuijen Karin , Dekker Rianne , Oliver Caroline
Published: March 2018

Local solutions for problems concerning the asylum reception: the ‘refugee crisis’ as window of opportunity

During the recent ‘refugee crisis’, governments have been confronted with various problems concerning asylum reception. In several locations in the Netherlands, as well as elsewhere in Europe and beyond, new local forms of experimenting around the issue of asylum reception have begun. One example is Utrecht’s ‘Plan Einstein’. In Overvecht, a district of the city, an office building has been converted into an asylum shelter, where 400 asylum seekers live together with 38 non-refugee youngsters from Utrecht. The Centre runs courses and activities, offered to both asylum seekers (including those who do not yet have a residence status) and local residents. Employing the concepts of ‘multilevel governance’ and ‘experimental governance’, this article indicates why this initiative was able to be realized at this location and at this time.
Natural compounds: A sustainable alternative for controlling phytopathogens
Authors: Jiménez-Reyes María Fernanda , Carrasco Héctor , Olea Andrés , Silva-Moreno Evelyn
Published: March 2018

Fungi are the primary infectious agents in plants causing significant economic losses in agroindustry. Traditionally, these pathogens have been treated with different synthetic fungicides such as hydroxianilides, anilinopyrimidines, and azoles, to name a few. However, the indiscriminate use of these chemicals has increased fungi resistance in plants. Natural products have been researched as a control, and an alternative to these synthetic fungicides since they are not harmful to health and contribute to the environment caring. This review describes plants extracts, essential oils, and active compounds or secondary metabolites as antifungal agents both, in vitro and in vivo. Active compounds have been recently described as the best candidates for the control of phytopathogenic fungi. When metabolized by plants, these compounds concentrations rely on the environmental conditions and pathogens incidence. However, one issue regarding the direct application of these preformed compounds in plants touch upon their low persistence in the environment, and their even lower bioavailability than synthetic fungicides. Hence the challenge is to develop useful formulations based on natural products to increase the compounds solubility facilitating thus their application in the field while maintaining their properties.
Distributional variability of bacterial wilt of chili incited by Ralstonia solanacearum in eight agro-ecological zones of Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Muhammad N , Mukhtar Tariq
Published: March 2018

Background. Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the major constraints in the production of chilies in Pakistan. As the information regarding distribution and prevalence of R. solanacearum is exiguous, the present studies were conducted during 2014-15 to determine the incidence and prevalence of R. solanacearum in the major chili growing areas from different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. Results. The overall incidence and prevalence of R. solanacearum in the country was found to be 10% and 76% respectively. Of the four provinces, maximum disease incidence of 16.4% was recorded in Sindh province followed by Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa showing 11.4% and 7% disease incidences respectively and the minimum incidence of 4.9% was observed in the province of Baluchistan. As regards prevalence, the same pattern was observed. Out of 8 agro-ecological zones the maximum disease incidence of 19.5% was observed in Indus delta followed by Sandy deserts (14.1%) while the minimum disease incidence of 5% was found in Western dry mountains. The disease incidence in other zones ranged between 5.4 and 14.1%. Similar trend was noticed regarding prevalence being the maximum in Indus delta (100%) followed by Southern irrigated plains (90%). Out of 114 R. solanacearum strains, 92 (81%) were identified as Biovar 3 while the remaining 22 (19%) were recognized as Biovar 4. Biovar 3 was recorded from all the four provinces and was found to be predominant in all the provinces while Biovar 4 was found in the Punjab and Sindh provinces only. Similarly, biovar 3 was observed from all the eight agro ecological zones and found to be predominant. On the other hand, biovar 4 was recorded from four agro ecological zones. Conclusions. The study provides first comprehensive report about the distribution of bacterial wilt of chilies in all the agro ecological zones of the country. The disease has been found fairly distributed in the country with varying intensities warranting stringent surveillance and control measures to minimize yield losses.
Repetitive low intensity magnetic field stimulation in a neuronal cell line: a metabolomics study
Authors: Hong Ivan , Garrett Andrew , Maker Garth , Mullaney Ian , Rodger Jennifer , Etherington Sarah J.
Published: March 2018

Low intensity repetitive magnetic stimulation of neural tissue modulates neuronal excitability and has promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the underpinning cellular and biochemical mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the behavioural effects of low intensity repetitive magnetic stimulation (LI-rMS) at a cellular and biochemical level. We delivered LI-rMS (10 mT) at 1 Hz and 10 Hz to B50 rat neuroblastoma cellsin vitrofor 10 minutes and measured levels of selected metabolites immediately after stimulation. LI-rMS at both frequencies depleted selected tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites without affecting the main energy supplies. Furthermore, LI-rMS effects were frequency-specific with 1 Hz stimulation having stronger effects than 10 Hz. The observed depletion of metabolites suggested that higher spontaneous activity may have led to an increase in GABA release. Although the absence of organised neural circuits and other cellular contributors (e.g., excitatory neurons and glia) in the B50 cell line limits the degree to which our results can be extrapolated to the human brain, the changes we describe provide novel insights into how LI-rMS modulates neural tissue.
The Inflation Reduction Act and Patient Costs for Drugs to Treat Heart Failure
Authors: Trish Erin , Van Nuys Karen , Wu Joanne , Desai Nihar R.
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the pre–Inflation Reduction Act out-of-pocket burden on Medicare patients taking dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and sacubitril/valsartan.
A new processing method of ground acceleration data for fast and accurate evaluation of maximum seismic structural response
Authors: Akehashi Hiroki , Fujita Naohiro
Published: October 2024

A new processing method of ground acceleration data is proposed for the fast and accurate evaluation of the maximum seismic structural responses. The proposed method consists of a trimming method and a down‐sampling method. The proposed trimming method is based on ground acceleration power and contains compensation procedures for the trimmed ground acceleration. The proposed down‐sampling method effectively uses FIR filter, whose weight coefficients are derived from the correspondence between the responses under a triangular wave and the equivalent impulse input. It is demonstrated through numerical examples for response spectrums and a full‐scale high‐rise building model that the proposed method enables fast and accurate evaluation of the maximum seismic structural responses.
FDG‐PET patterns associate with survival in patients with prion disease
Authors: Corriveau‐Lecavalier Nick , Piura Yoav D. , Appleby Brian S. , Shir Dror , Barnard Leland R. , Gogineni Venkatsampath , Jones David T. , Day Gregory S.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Prion disease classically presents with rapidly progressive dementia, leading to death within months of diagnosis. Advances in diagnostic testing have improved recognition of patients with atypical presentations and protracted disease courses, raising key questions surrounding the relationship between patterns of neurodegeneration and survival. We assessed the contribution of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG‐PET) imaging for this purpose.

Methods

FDG‐PET were performed in 40 clinic patients with prion disease. FDG‐PET images were projected onto latent factors generated in an external dataset to yield patient‐specific eigenvalues. Eigenvalues were input into a clustering algorithm to generate data‐driven clusters, which were compared by survival time.

Results

Median age at FDG‐PET was 65.3 years (range 23–85). Median time from FDG‐PET to death was 3.7 months (range 0.3–19.0). Four data‐driven clusters were generated, termed “Neocortical” (n = 7), “Transitional” (n = 12), “Temporo‐parietal” (n = 13), and “Deep nuclei” (n = 6). Deep nuclei and transitional clusters had a shorter survival time than the neocortical cluster. Subsequent analyses suggested that this difference was driven by greater hypometabolism of deep nuclei relative to neocortical areas. FDG‐PET‐patterns were not associated with demographic (age and sex) or clinical (CSF total‐tau, 14‐3‐3) variables.

Interpretation

Greater hypometabolism within deep nuclei relative to neocortical areas associated with more rapid decline in patients with prion disease and vice versa. FDG‐PET informs large‐scale network physiology and may inform the relationship between spreading pathology and survival in patients with prion disease. Future studies should consider whether FDG‐PET may enrich multimodal prion disease prognostication models.
Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolytic therapy in the extended window up to 24 hours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Janabi Omar M. , Jazayeri Seyed Behnam , Toruno Michelle A. , Mahmood Yamama M. , Ghozy Sherief , Yaghi Shadi , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Kallmes David F.
Published: October 2024

Objective

About 25% of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) present within the intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) therapeutic window of <4.5 h. This study is to elucidate the safety and efficacy of IVT in the extended therapeutic window (ETW) in patients with AIS.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. A rigorous risk of bias assessment was conducted using the RoB2 tool. Rates of excellent and good functional outcome (mRS 0–1 and mRS 0–2) at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 90 days were pooled using generalized linear mixed model and compared with controls. Meta‐analyses were conducted employing random‐effect models with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the effect of imaging modalities used for patient selection.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials (n = 2221, 59% male) were included. At 90 days IVT showed higher rates of functional recovery: mRS 0–1: RR 1.21 95% CI 1.1–1.34, p < 0.001, and mRS 0–2: RR 1.11 95% CI 1.03–1.18, p = 0.004. Rate of mortality at 90 day was not different between groups: RR 1.17 95% CI 0.93–1.48, p = 0.17. However, the rate of sICH was higher among IVT group: RR 2.93 95% CI 1.53–5.6, p = 0.001. Subgroup analysis showed higher mRS 0–1 among patients who were selected based on perfusion imaging (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

The use of IVT in AIS in ETW is beneficial especially with the use of perfusion imaging for patients' selection.
Tailoring the Tunneling‐Effect‐Boosted Interfacial Charge Trapping via Effective Conjugation Length
Authors: Prakoso Suhendro Purbo , Peng Hsun‐Xien , Chen Mei‐Nung , Hong Qi‐An , Saleh Rosari , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: October 2024

Highly efficient charge injection and charge trapping stability of the tunneling layer are of desirable and practical importance to transistor memory applications. However, both of which can be contradictory to the nature properties of its material. It is herein demonstrated that lowering the energy mismatch of the tunneling layer by employing a longer conjugation length of the polymer can improve the charge injection efficiency, albeit the trapped charges will be easily diminished and finally losing its memory characteristics, and vice versa. To further elaborate and verify this concept, both materials are blended with distinct nature of properties as the tunneling layer in pentacene‐based transistor devices. As the results, the device using 300 nm SiO2 with optimum blending ratio displays a broad memory window of ≈77.6 V which is superior to the non‐blended tunneling layer carrying appropriate energy levels and band gap energy, not to mention, revealing fast operation time (≈1 s), low driving voltage (≈20 V), long retention (>104 s), and high switching stability over 50 cycles with on–off ratio of >104. Most importantly, this finding shed insight into the design of tunneling materials for advancing organic transistor memory technologies based on tunneling‐effect‐boosted interfacial charge trapping.
Advancing Multi‐Optical Performances in Lanthanide‐Doped Fluoride Core@Shell Nanoarchitectures by Minimizing Cation Intermixing
Authors: Xu Weixin , Zhang Shuning , Wei Aoqing , Deng Degang , Zhou Su , Xu Shiqing , Lei Lei
Published: October 2024

Core/shell structures are widely employed to enhance photoluminescence efficiency and manipulate excitation dynamics in lanthanide‐doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs). However, prominent cation intermixing leads to significant deviations from the expected optical performances, presenting a formidable challenge in a deeper understanding of the chemical processes involved, as well as developing efficient suppression methods. Here, a reliable and facile multi‐optical reference strategy to reveal the integral cation intermixing processes is designed. This strategy analyzes the presence of Ce3+ ions in the core (or shell) and their influences on near‐infrared light‐triggered upconversion (UC), ultraviolet (UV)‐activated downshifting (DS), and X‐ray‐excited optical/persistent luminescence (XEOL/XEPL) of Tb3+ ions in the shell (or core). The results demonstrate that a thin surface layer of core NPs dissolves to reach dissolution equilibrium, which then distributes throughout the entire shell layer, rather than being confined to an interfacial region. It is further developed an improved technique to greatly inhibit cation intermixing by successive shell growth with excessive cation precursors, enabling superior multi‐optical performances, including UC, DS, XEOL/XEPL, and time‐dependent multicolor evolution. The findings significantly advance the development of lanthanide‐doped fluoride core/shell NPs with superior optical performances, broadening their potential applications in bio‐medicine, healthcare, industrial inspection, and optical information science.
Enhanced Local CO Coverage on Cu Quantum Dots for Boosting Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Ethylene
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Jiarui , Cai Rui , Zhang Jianfang , Xia Shuai , Li Zeping , Yu Cuiping , Wu Jingjie , Wang Peng , Wu Yucheng
Published: October 2024

Ethylene (C2H4) electrosynthesis from the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction process holds enormous potential applications in industrial production. However, the sluggish kinetics of C─C coupling often result in low yield and poor selectivity for C2H4 production. Herein, the performance of Cu catalysts of varying sizes is investigated, prepared via a cryo‐mediated liquid phase exfoliation technique, for the electrochemical CO2 reduction to C2H4. The activity and selectivity of C2H4 gradually increase as the size of the Cu catalysts decreases from tens of nanometers to a few nanometers. Impressively, the 5 nm Cu quantum dots (Cu‐5) achieve a maximum C2H4 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 81.5% and a half‐cell cathodic energy efficiency (CEE) of 42.2% with a large partial current density of 1.1 A cm−2 at −0.93 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Structural characterization and in situ spectroscopic analysis reveal that the Cu‐5 quantum dots, dominated by the (100) facet, provide an abundance of active sites that enhance CO2 adsorption and activation, promoting the formation of *CO intermediates. The accumulation of *CO intermediates on the Cu active sites facilitates the CO‐CHO coupling reaction, thus enhancing the C2H4 production rate.
Silk Proteins: Designs from Nature with Multipurpose Utility and Infinite Future Possibilities
Authors: Numata Keiji , Kaplan David L.
Published: October 2024

This is a Perspective on nature as a story‐teller, where inputs of evolution drove the remarkable protein designs found in silks. This selection process has resulted in silk materials with novel chemistry and properties to support organism survival in nature, yet with newfound utility in everything from comic books and automobiles to medicine. With growing global concerns related to environmental health, silks also serve as an invaluable instructional guide to the future of sustainable material designs.
Enhanced Ornidazole Degradation via Peroxymonosulfate Activation Using Nano CoFe2O4‐Decorated Halloysite Nanotubes: A High‐Efficiency and Stable Catalyst Approach
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Dong Guowen , Yang Ye , Niu Yu , Gao Wei , Li Zaixing
Published: October 2024

This study proposes a novel, cost‐effective nano CoFe2O4‐decorated halloysite nanotubes (CoFe2O4/HNT) catalyst, which effectively degrades the antibiotic ornidazole (ONZ) through peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. By using a simple and economical preparation method, ultra‐low amounts of CoFe2O4 are uniformly loaded onto HNTs, significantly improving the activity and stability of the catalyst. The experimental results show that the CoFe2O4/HNT+PMS system can almost completely degrade ONZ within 1 h, with good pH adaptability and resistance to anion interference. The simple synthesis process and low cost of CoFe2O4/HNT make it highly practical for large‐scale applications. Mechanism studies have shown that the synergistic effect between Co and Fe greatly improves the activation efficiency of PMS, generating reactive oxygen species (such as 1O2) that play a key role in ONZ degradation. This work not only elucidates the activation mechanism, but also provides insightful information for advanced oxidation processes (AOP). The results indicate the practicality and importance of CoFe2O4/HNT catalyst in treating harmful pollutants in water, supporting effective and sustainable water purification technologies. In addition, the study emphasizes the elasticity and adaptability of this innovative catalyst system in managing various pollutants, indicating its broad potential for environmental applications.
Retrosplenial hypometabolism precedes the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Terstege Dylan J. , Galea Liisa A. M. , Epp Jonathan R. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

Not all individuals who experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) transition through progressive stages of cognitive decline at the same rate, if at all. Previous observational studies have identified the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) as an early site of hypometabolism in MCI which seems to be predictive of later transition to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We examined N = 399 MCI subjects with baseline 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Subjects were classified based on whether their diagnosis converted from MCI to AD.

RESULTS

Whole‐brain metabolism was decreased in converters (MCI‐AD). This effect was more prominent at the RSC, where MCI‐AD subjects showed even greater hypometabolism. Observations of RSC hypometabolism and its utility in predicting transition from MCI‐AD withstood statistical analyses in a large retrospective study.

DISCUSSION

These results point to the utility of incorporating RSC hypometabolism into predictive models of AD progression risk and call for further examination of mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Highlights

Not all individuals who develop MCI will progress to AD.

Individuals with MCI who progress to AD show early whole‐brain hypometabolism.

Early hypometabolism is particularly prominent at the RSC.
A short version of the Everyday Cognition scale can predict clinical progression and cognitive decline
Authors: Manjavong Manchumad , Diaz Adam , Ashford Miriam T. , Aaronson Anna , Miller Melanie J. , Kang Jae Myeong , Mackin Scott , Tank Rachana , Weiner Michael , Nosheny Rachel ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The Everyday Cognition scale (ECog‐39) scores are associated with future cognitive decline. We investigated whether the 12‐item ECog (ECog‐12), which is being collected in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)4, can predict progression.

METHODS

Baseline self (PT)‐ and study partner (SP)‐ECog‐12 data were extracted from the 39‐item version collected in the ADNI. Weibull analysis examined the relationship between baseline ECog‐12 and future clinical progression (change in Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes [CDR‐SB] scores and diagnostic conversion).

RESULTS

Higher PT‐ and SP‐ECog‐12 scores were associated with faster CDR‐SB worsening, with hazard ratios in cognitively unimpaired (CU) 3.34 and 9.61, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 1.44 and 2.82, and dementia 0.93 and 1.82. They were associated with conversion from CU to MCI 3.01 and 6.24 and MCI to dementia 1.61 and 3.07.

DISCUSSION

SP‐ECog‐12 provided a higher prognostic value for predicting clinical progression, so this can help identify and monitor patients at risk in research and health‐care settings.

Highlights

The 12‐item Everyday Cognition scale (ECog‐12) data obtained from both raters increased diagnostic conversion risk from cognitively unimpaired to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and from MCI to dementia.

ECog‐12, rated by study partners, was associated with an increased risk of Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes worsening in all diagnostic groups.

Our results provide novel information about the specific scoring outputs and rater types (participant vs. study partner) of ECog‐12 that can facilitate screening, prioritization, and longitudinal monitoring of the clinical progression of participants in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 4 and other Alzheimer's disease clinical studies, clinical trials, and in health‐care settings.
Photoexcitation‐Enhanced High‐Ionic Conductivity in Polymer Electrolytes for Flexible, All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries Operating at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Rong‐Hao , Wang Weiyi , Zhang Yu‐Zhen , Hu Wei , Yue Liang , Ni Jia‐Hao , Zhang Wan‐Qun , Pei Gang , Yang Shangfeng , Chen Li‐Feng
Published: October 2024

Designing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with high ionic conductivity for room‐temperature operation is essential for advancing flexible all‐solid‐state energy storage devices. Innovative strategies are urgently required to develop SPEs that are safe, stable, and high‐performing. In this work, we introduce photoexcitation‐modulated heterojunctions as catalytically active fillers within SPEs, guided by photocatalytic design principles, and meanwhile employ natural bacterial cellulose to improve the compatibility with poly(ethylene oxide), improve the coordination environment of lithium salts, and optimize both ion transport and mechanical properties. In situ photothermal experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that the strong photogenerated electric field produced by trace heterojunctions within poly(ethylene oxide) electrolytes under photoexcitation significantly enhances lithium salt dissociation, increasing the concentration of mobile Li+. This results in a substantial increase in ionic conductivity, reaching 0.135 mS cm−1 at 25 °C, with a Li+ transference number as high as 0.46. The flexible all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal pouch cells exhibit an impressive discharge capacity of 178.8 mAh g−1 even after repeated bending and folding, and demonstrate exceptional long‐term cycling stability, retaining 86.7 % of their initial capacity after 250 cycles at 1 C (25 °C). This research offers a novel approach to developing high‐performance flexible lithium‐metal batteries.
Photooxidation of Polyolefins to Produce Materials with In‐Chain Ketones and Improved Materials Properties
Authors: Liu Xin , Hu Zhitao , Portela Brandon S. , Rettner Emma M. , Pineda Agustin , Miscall Joel , Rorrer Nicholas A. , Krummel Amber T. , Paton Robert S. , Miyake Garret M.
Published: October 2024

Herein, we report a selective photooxidation of commodity postconsumer polyolefins to produce polymers with in‐chain ketones. The reaction does not involve the use of catalyst, metals, or expensive oxidants, and selectively introduces ketone functional groups. Under mild and operationally simple conditions, yields up to 1.23 mol % of in‐chain ketones were achieved. Installation of in‐chain ketones resulted in materials with improved adhesion of the materials and miscibility of mixed plastics relative to the unfunctionalized plastics. The introduction of ketone groups into the polymer backbone allows these materials to react with diamines, forming dynamic covalent polyolefin networks. This strategy allows for the upcycling of mixed plastic waste into reprocessable materials with enhanced performance properties compared to polyolefin blends. Mechanistic studies support the involvement of photoexcited nitroaromatics in consecutive hydrogen and oxygen atom transfer reactions.
Quasi‐Single‐Crystal Tin Halide Perovskite Films with High Structural Integrity for Near‐Infrared Imaging Array Enabling Hidden Object Recognition
Authors: Liu Tianhua , Wang Lixia , Yuan Ziquan , Wang Junfang , Huang Junjie , Wu Weitong , Meng Xiangyue
Published: October 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) image sensors based on solution‐processed thin film are gaining prominence in various applications, including security detection, remote sensing, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring, owing to superior penetration capabilities of NIR light. However, the reported perovskite image sensors suffer from limited resolution and performance due to poor structural integrity, bioincompatibility, and constrained response wavelength range from lead‐based perovskite materials employed. In this study, we present non‐toxic quasi‐single‐crystal (QSC) CH(NH2)2SnI3 (FASnI3) perovskite films, prepared via a simple spin‐coating technique, that demonstrate high structural integrity and effective NIR response. Through a series of in situ characterizations, we reveal that the orderly growth mode of QSC‐FASnI3 perovskite films enables a more oriented crystal growth with reduced trap and grain boundaries. Consequently, self‐powered NIR photodetector based on QSC‐FASnI3 films exhibited large detectivity over 1013 Jones in the NIR range (780–890 nm). Ultimately, due to the high structural integrity, the high‐resolution 64×64 (4096) pixels NIR imaging array, exhibiting reduced photo and dark response non‐uniformity value, was fabricated on the thin‐film transistors (TFT) backplanes, enabling ultraweak NIR light (63 nW cm−2) real‐time imaging, fingerprint imaging, and hidden object recognition. This work pioneers the application of lead‐free perovskite for high‐resolution NIR imaging arrays.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Potential of Novel Schiff Base Metal Complexes: Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes Based 2‐[(2‐Chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)methylidene]aminobenzenethiol (CQAT)
Authors: Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Khalaf Mai M. , Gouda Mohamed , Amer Amer A. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Abdou Aly
Published: October 2024

This research focused on the design and comprehensive characterization of two novel transition metal complexes derived from the symmetrical Schiff base 2‐[(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)methylidene]aminobenzenethiol (CQAT), coordinated with nickel(II) (NiCQAT) and copper(II) (CuCQAT) ions. The structural elucidation of these complexes was achieved through a range of advanced analytical techniques. Thermal analysis revealed the stability and decomposition patterns of the complexes, supporting the identification of their coordination geometries. The collective data indicated that both NiCQAT and CuCQAT complexes adopt octahedral coordination, with the specific formulas [Ni(CQAT)2(H2O)2] and [Cu(CQAT)2(H2O)2], respectively. To complement the experimental findings, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed. These theoretical calculations confirmed the proposed molecular structures and provided detailed insights into key quantum chemical parameters, such as HOMO–LUMO energies, molecular orbitals, and electronic distributions, which are crucial for understanding the complexes' reactivity and stability. Furthermore, extensive in vitro biological evaluations were conducted to assess the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the synthesized complexes. These assays demonstrated that both NiCQAT and CuCQAT exhibited significantly enhanced bioactivity compared to the free CQAT ligand, suggesting a synergistic effect of metal coordination on the ligand's biological efficacy. To further explore the mode of action, molecular docking studies were performed targeting two key proteins—human cyclooxygenase‐2 (PDB ID: 5IKT) and human peroxiredoxin 2 (PDB ID: 5IJT). The docking simulations provided valuable insights into the binding affinities, interaction energies, and key amino acid residues involved in the binding process, offering a molecular‐level understanding of their potential biological mechanisms. The findings from these multidisciplinary studies highlight the therapeutic potential of CQAT and its nickel and copper complexes, positioning them as promising candidates for further development in the field of medicinal chemistry.
Powering Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Precise Control Over A Cu‐Ni Bimetallic Electrocatalyst
Authors: Liu Yaowen , Luo Zhijie , Liao Yunbin , Zheng Yuhui , Lin Yinru , Wang Qianming
Published: October 2024

Precious metals are effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, but their high cost with complicated operation steps drives people to search for non–noble‐metal alternatives. Building rational design concept for efficient electrocatalyst relies on the capability to control the structure and composition. Herein, a Ni/Cu bimetallic mesoporous MOFs with 4,4′,4″‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tribenzoic acid as the robust ligand has been assembled via a one‐step solvothermal method. Due to the extensive conjugate plane and high nitrogen content, the catalyst possesses large pore size of 17 nm and fast electron transfer rate, which favors hydrogen bubble overflow and exposes more active sites to solid–liquid interfaces. The bimetallic interaction between highly conductive Cu ions and Ni ions allows it to improve charge migration and realize excellent conductivity. The functionalized electrode requires an overpotential of 132 mV to achieve 10 mA current density with a small Tafel slope (87.7 mV·dec−1) and continuous electrolysis for 24 h.
The preparation of different types of reclaimed rubber and their applications in tire inner liner
Authors: Xu Yunhui , Wang Shifeng , Haq Zaheer ul , Ren Teng , Luo Zhenggang , Tu Hui , Wang Zaixue , Deng Min , Zhang Jianming , Zang Yanan , Li Peipei , Cong Houluo , Song Shuaishuai , Liu Feng
Published: October 2024

In this work, the application of reclaimed ground tire rubber (RGTR) and butyl reclaimed rubber (BRR) in the inner liner rubber were investigated. Carbon black dispersion, rheological, mechanical, tear strength, dynamic compression heat build‐up, aging performance, and gas barrier properties of tire inner liner were evaluated to analyze the effects of reclaimed rubbers on the tire application. It was found that RGTR improves carbon black dispersion and tear strength of tire inner liner, while maintaining comparable tensile strength, particularly with low amount of RGTR. Furthermore, compounds containing lower amounts of RGTR exhibit reduced heat build‐up during dynamic compression tests. Additionally, RGTR with higher reclamation degree demonstrates favorable aging performance, and has superior gas barrier properties at lower amount. These findings suggest promising opportunities for the application of reclaimed rubber to enhance the performance inner liner of Radial Engineering Tires and contribute to the waste management.
Construction of epoxy resin with enhanced flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and satisfactory transparency based on a novel bi‐DOPO and hydrogen‐bonding network
Authors: Lin Xiaoling , Xiao Xingzhen , Li Dingsi , Wang Yonghui , Chen Xinrong , Zhong Wei , Lan Jiashui , Zhang Simeng , Zhang Huagui , Chen Mingfeng
Published: October 2024

Establishment of high‐performance epoxy resin with satisfactory fire safety, mechanical properties, and excellent transparency is urgently desirable, but still remains significant challenges. Herein, a super‐tough yet high flame retardant epoxy resin (EP/BTD) was designed and prepared by incorporating bi‐DOPO structure and hydrogen‐bonding networks. Although the phosphorus content was only 0.69 wt% (10 wt% of bi‐DOPO flame retardant [BTD]), EP/BTD‐10 showed a high limiting oxygen index value (33.4%), satisfactory UL‐94 rating (V‐0), and good heat suppression ability (total heat release [THR] and peak heat release rate [PHRR] reduced to 29.0% and 42.2%, respectively). Furthermore, the flame retardant mechanism of EP/BTD was illustrated and attributed to dual‐phase fire‐retardant effect. Additionally, EP/BTD‐7.5 featured notably mechanical properties, of which the tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength increased by 44.6%, 40.0%, and 232.6%, respectively, due to hydrogen‐bonding network and π–π interaction. More importantly, EP/BTD maintained high visible light transmittance and excellent UV‐blocking properties. In summary, this work provided a guidance for the development of high‐performance epoxy resin and was expected to expand the practical applications.
Close‐Packed One‐Dimensional Coordination Polymer Cathode with Fast Kinetics for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lo Yi‐An , Yimtrakarn Trakarn , Chen Teng‐Hao , Lee Jui‐Chin , Kaveevivitchai Watchareeya
Published: October 2024

Sustainable sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have gained tremendous attention; however, the large‐sized Na+ poses serious challenges on the development of inorganic‐based cathodes. To overcome the issues, metal–organic electrode materials are appealing because they combine attractive characteristics of organic redox centers (e. g., flexibility, highly reversible redox properties, fast kinetics (regardless of size and charge of guest ions), structural/redox tunability, and resource abundance) with structural stability arising from metal‐ligand coordination. Herein, a one‐dimensional copper−benzoquinoid coordination polymer (CP), [CuL(Py)2]n, (LH4=1,4‐dicyano‐2,3,5,6‐tetrahydroxybenzene, Py=pyridine) is investigated as cathode for SIBs. As opposed to most CPs reported for SIBs which possess high porosity and surface area, this close‐packed CP can deliver discharge capacity as high as 277 mAh g−1 at 2C (~523 mA g−1), and at extremely high rates of 50C and 300C (~13 and 78 A g−1), reversible capacities of 131 and 74 mAh g−1 still can be delivered, respectively. The transport kinetics of Na+ in [CuL(Py)2]n is found to be even faster than that of Li+ despite the close‐packed structure. The mechanistic and kinetic studies have been performed. The findings gained in this work undoubtedly unravel a potential design strategy for high‐performance metal–organic electrode materials for emerging post‐Li‐ion batteries.
Analysis of digital capital for social inclusion in educational context
Authors: Cortoni Ida
Published: October 2024

This paper focuses on one of the aspects most investigated and monitored in recent years by the Digital Economy and Society Index on the digitisation process in Europe—human capital, with an in‐depth focus on primary school teachers. Human capital is one dimension underlying school digital capital, closely related to integrating digital into daily practices. Starting from this framework, the paper will present the results of a survey on the digital competencies of teachers from five European countries (Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Romania and Poland), carried out in the framework of the European project Erasmus+ CAVE (Communication and Visual Education in homeschooling). This survey is preparatory to a training intervention and didactic experimentation on digital education, foreseen in the project, and used as a theoretical framework of reference for the DigCompEdu survey, promoted by the European Commission. The teachers' profiles, as the output of the research, will be able to give stakeholders a picture of the investment of schools and teachers, in terms of the application of digital competencies on different educational processes: classroom teaching, assessment, professional training, preparation of teaching materials for the lesson and the implementation of competencies, including digital ones, of students.
Study of functional lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery using new ionizable tocopherol derivatives
Authors: Choi Minyoung , Jung Onesun , Lee Eunjung , Choi Joon Sig
Published: October 2024

In this study, tocopherol‐derived ionizable lipids were synthesized to create functional lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Tocopherol succinate is considered a biocompatible material because it has anti‐cancer effects and degrades into vitamin E in the body. Two types of new ionizable tocopherol derivative lipids (DMT and AIT) were synthesized by introducing ionizable functional groups. The synthesized tocopherol lipids were used to make lipid nanoparticles with helper lipid, cholesterol, and PEG‐DMG. The DMT LNP showed high mRNA encapsulation efficiency. Using HeLa cell lines, it was confirmed that gene transfection efficiency was increased approximately 2‐fold in DMT LNP‐treated cells compared to that of MC3 LNP. The two types of tocopherol derivative lipids exhibited high cell viability of over 90%, confirming very low levels of toxicity. The results of this study confirmed that lipid nanoparticles using newly developed ionizable tocopherol derivatives have potential as biocompatible and effective mRNA delivery vehicles.
Four Tremulanes and Two Pyroglutamate‐Containing Dipeptides from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Phaeosphaeriopsis sp. P11
Authors: Yuan Yong‐Cong , Li Jun‐Sheng , Shen Li , Wu Jun
Published: October 2024

Four new tremulane sesquiterpenes, named phaeosphaerienols A–D (1–4), and two new pyroglutamate‐containing dipeptides, named phaeosphaeratides A–B (5–6), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Phaeosphaeriopsis sp. P11, together with a new 2‐furancarboxylic acid derivative (7). Structurally, pheaosphaerienols A–C (1–3) are rare tremulanes containing a 1,10‐epoxide moiety. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive NMR spectroscopic data, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and Marfey's derivatization method. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic, antibacterial, and DPPH free radical scavenging effects. However, none of the compounds exhibited obvious activities.
A Rapid and Sensitive MicroPlate Assay (MPSA) Using an Alkyne‐Modified CMP‐Sialic Acid Donor to Evaluate Human Sialyltransferase Specificity
Authors: Clairene Filipe Kiamungongo , Dangudubiyyam Sushmaa , Lion Cédric , Decloquement Mathieu , Elin Teppa Roxana , Biot Christophe , Harduin‐Lepers Anne
Published: October 2024

Human sialyltransferases primarily utilize CMP‐Sias, especially transferring Neu5Ac from CMP‐Neu5Ac to various acceptors. Advances in chemical biology have led to the synthesis of novel CMP‐Sia donors suitable for bioorthogonal reactions in cell‐based assays. However, the compatibility of these donors with all human enzymes remains uncertain. We synthesized a non‐natural CMP‐Sia donor with an alkyne modification on the N‐acyl group of Neu5Ac, which was effectively used by human ST6Gal I and ST3Gal I. A sensitive MicroPlate Sialyltransferase Assay (MPSA) was developed and expanded to a panel of 13 human STs acting on glycoproteins. All assayed enzymes tolerated CMP‐SiaNAl, allowing for the determination of kinetic parameters and turnover numbers. This study enhances the biochemical characterization of human sialyltransferases and opens new avenues for developing sialyltransferase inhibitors.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Selective Fluorine Incorporation by Anthraquinone‐Based Covalent Organic Framework as Recyclable Photocatalyst
Authors: Jati Ayan , Das Sumeet Kumar , Shukla Amrendra Nath , Maji Biplab
Published: October 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) serve as an excellent foundation for heterogeneous photocatalysis. Herein, we synthesized an anthraquinone‐based COF (TpAQ) on a gram scale via a mechanochemical grinding pathway. This COF was employed as a visible‐light‐harvesting photocatalyst for selective fluorination of benzylic C─H bonds and perfluoroalkylation of arenes. The carbonyl core in the anthraquinone linker facilitated benzylic fluorination through a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway. Control experiments and photophysical analysis were conducted to gain deeper insight into the reaction mechanism. The recyclability up to the fifth cycle without significant loss of yield (>90%) highlighted the robustness of the catalyst. This reaction strategy was also executed on a gram scale to validate the scalability of the protocol.
Surface‐Engineered Pt‐Ni(111) Nanocatalysts for Boosting Their ORR Performance via Thermal Treatment
Authors: Li Can , Chen Xiaobo , Pan Jinfong , Zhou Guangwen , Fang Jiye
Published: October 2024

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical for fuel cell application, and modifying surface structures of electrocatalysts has proven effective in improving their catalytic performances. In this study, we investigated surface‐engineered Pt−Ni nano‐octahedra subjected to annealing in various atmospheres. All octahedral nanocrystals retained their Pt−Ni {111} facets at an elevated temperature following the annealing treatments. Air annealing led to the formation of nickel‐rich shells on the Pt−Ni surface. In contrast, hydrogen (H₂) as a reducing gas facilitated the reduction of surface Ni species, incorporating them into the Pt−Ni bulk alloy, which resulted in superior mass activity and specific activity for ORR‐approximately 2.4 and 2.3 times as high as those from the unmodified counterpart, respectively. After 20,000 potential cycles, the H₂/Ar‐annealed Pt−Ni nano‐octahedra maintained a mass activity of 3.92 A/
, surpassing the initial mass activity of the unannealed counterparts (2.95 A/
). These findings demonstrate a viable approach for tailoring catalyst surfaces to enhance performance in various energy storage and conversion applications.