bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofouling reduction of EPDM by radiation‐assisted modification for water environment applications
Authors: Agarwal Rohini , Kalambe Sahil Chandrakant , Chakraborty Pampi , Chowdhury Subhendu Ray , Pant Harish Jagat
Published: November 2023

Ethylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM) harbors diverse microbiota that form biofilms. Such biofilms may contaminate water and can increase drag force impacting the hydrodynamic performance of a ship, once it is used as fenders. Here, the EPDM surface is modified by radiation‐assisted grafting to prevent biofilm formation. Three different monomers, namely, methacrylic acid (MAA), isodecyl methacrylate (IDM), and lauryl methacrylate (LMA), are grafted on EPDM. The modified surfaces are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface wettability, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modified surfaces are subjected to biofouling by prominent biofilm adherents, that is, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The standard plate count and resazurin fluorescence assays are performed to observe the microbial load on these surfaces. The MAA‐grafted EPDM, which is hydrophilic in nature, shows a considerable decrease in bacterial adhesion compared to pure EPDM, but for IDM and LMA‐grafted EPDM, it is the opposite. The deterioration of the surface with bacteria by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) supports the findings. The tensile property of the modified EPDM is observed to be within satisfactory limits. After such modification, the EPDM is expected to expand its application.
Bipolymer nanofibers: Engineering nanoscale interface via bubble electrospinning
Authors: Ali Muhammad , He Ji‐Huan
Published: November 2023

Modern applications in biomedicine, drug delivery, and tissue engineering demand versatile materials capable of meeting multifaceted requirements. Conventional mono‐functional materials fall short of addressing these complex demands. To tackle this challenge, this study introduces an innovative approach utilizing bubble electrospinning for the fabrication of bipolymeric side‐by‐side nanofibers. These nanofibers incorporate distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains aligned parallel to their axis, achieved through the electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the hydrophilic component, alongside either poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) or Nylon6 as the hydrophobic component. The optimal diameter of the bubble electrospinning reservoir was theoretically determined via simulation of electric field using Maxwell 3D software and experimentally validated. Successful electrospinning resulted in nanofibers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains derived from PVA/Nylon6 and PVA/PCL polymer combinations. This innovative process yielded nanofibers with diameters as fine as 101 nm in the PVA/Nylon6 bipolymeric nanofibers. Transmission electron microscopy images provide compelling insights into the distinct interfaces formed during polymer‐polymer interactions within the nanofibers, manifesting the Janus structure. Furthermore, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of both polymers within the nanofiber matrix. This research represents a significant advancement in the efficient production of bipolymer nanofibers, holding promise for a wide range of applications.
Soft sensor based on multi‐phase stacking ensemble model with self‐selected primary learner for batch processes
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Yang Mingyi , Xu Zhigang , Wang Junyi , Wu Xinguang
Published: November 2023

In batch processes, existing soft sensing methodologies encounter substantial challenges when confronted with nonlinearity and multi‐phase issues. In response to these challenges, an innovative soft sensing framework known as the multi‐phase stacking ensemble model with self‐selected primary learner is proposed. The main innovation of this framework lies in the solution to the primary learner selection issue within the stacking model. To commence, the batch process is divided into multiple phases employing a Gaussian mixture model, thereby establishing local ensemble models for each phase. Subsequently, the iterative self‐selection of primary learners strategy is proposed, which iteratively selects suitable primary learners for these models, optimizing their combination of primary learners for each local model. This primary learner selection strategy effectively enhances the accuracy of predictions in the stacking ensemble model. To further enhance the performance, Bayesian optimization is utilized to tune the hyperparameters of each local ensemble model. This step guarantees optimal performance of the model across diverse phases. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted on an industrial penicillin fermentation process to validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. According to the findings, the model demonstrated superior performance compared to existing single‐learner soft sensing methods and commonly utilized ensemble‐based soft sensing methods in terms of both R2 score (0.97584) and RMSE (0.0513). Overall, this framework offers a novel approach for selecting primary learners in stacking ensemble models and enhancing the predictive performance in batch processes for soft sensing.
Evaluation of the Char Formation During the Hydrothermal Treatment of Wooden Balls
Authors: Pfersich Jens , Arauzo Pablo J. , Modugno Pierpaolo , Titirici Maria‐Magdalene , Kruse Andrea
Published: November 2023

With wooden balls, a visualization of the hydrothermal carbonization to show the progress of the conversion to char is presented. In the present study, the balls represent the particles of biomass to investigate the differences in conversion outside and inside of biomass particles, during hydrothermal carbonization. A special focus is on hydrochar and pyrochar formation. The wooden balls are treated in subcritical water at 220 °C for holding times between 0 and 960 min. Even after 960 min, hydrolysis of the original biomass is incomplete as cellulose and hemicellulose are linked by lignin, inhibiting the reaction with water. Moreover, two different pathways of char production can be observed. Inside of the wooden ball pyrochar is formed as any water got that deep in, on the surface hydrochar is fixed, originated from the surrounding liquid. On the ground of the HTC reactor, a thin, brittle precipitate of likely hydrochar or humins can be found either from the precipitation of loosely attached compounds on the surface of the biomass or direct precipitation from the liquid.
Therapeutic potential role of vitamin C in prevention and control of heart transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. A need for consideration
Authors: Kenedy Idd J. , Kabuhaya Jaynes F. , Mashauri Harold L.
Published: November 2023

The burden of cardiovascular diseases is rising rapidly globally. Heart transplant is one of the most last resort medical option for patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, this surgical intervention is associated with several serious complications including heart transplant rejection (HTR) and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) which can manifest just within few years' posttransplant. These complications affect significantly the prognosis and quality of life among postheart transplant patients. Several medications including immunosuppressant, antibiotics, antihypertensive, and statins have been used during posttransplant care so as to address such complications. Unfortunately, most of those drugs are expensive and pose a number of serious side effects to the patients enough to compromise patients' quality of life too. Several studies on Vitamin C are therapeutically suggestive that it can be used during postheart transplant care with more cost‐effective benefits with less and minimized side effects compared to the current drugs in place. It should be considered pharmacologically that Vitamin C has a great potential role clinically in prevention and control of HTR and CAV development. On the light of such findings as described above, we recommend more studies especially clinical trials and molecular studies to determine whether Vitamin C can be repositioned to replace or to be used along the current drug regimens used in postheart transplant care for prevention and control of HTR and CAV.
So bad it's good: When and why consumers prefer bad options
Authors: Weingarten Evan , Bhattacharjee Amit , Williams Patti
Published: November 2023

The assumption that consumers prefer better quality options over worse ones seems almost definitional. However, a variety of marketplace examples suggest that consumers sometimes choose content that is “so bad it's good,” such as Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Rebecca Black's “Friday,” over apparently better alternatives (e.g., those of mediocre quality). In 12 preregistered studies (N = 5393) across several content domains (e.g., jokes, talent show auditions), we provide the first controlled, empirical demonstration of consumer preferences for badness (i.e., choosing options because consumers expect them to be bad). We provide initial evidence that these preferences are rooted in expectations of entertainment value from the worst available option. Preferences for these options emerge more frequently when their deviations from quality standards are perceived as benign (i.e., inconsequential). Accordingly, such preferences are less prevalent when consumption is consequential, and involves utilitarian goals or monetary costs. We conclude by exploring the extent to which dimensions such as humor, absurdity, esthetic quality, and utilitarian value underlie so‐bad‐it's‐good perceptions, and highlight several open questions to spark future research.
Influenza virus cell entry and targeted antiviral development
Authors: Zhu Murong , Anirudhan Varada , Du Ruikun , Rong Lijun , Cui Qinghua
Published: November 2023

Influenza virus infection is currently one of the most prevalent and transmissible diseases in the world causing local outbreaks every year. It has the potential to cause devastating global pandemics as well. The development of anti‐influenza drugs possessing novel mechanisms of action is urgently needed to control the spread of influenza infections; thus, drugs that inhibit influenza virus entry into target cells are emerging as a hot research topic. In addition to discussing the biological significance of hemagglutinin in viral replication, this article provides recent updates on the natural products, small molecules, proteins, peptides, and neutralizing antibody‐like proteins that have anti‐influenza potency.
Impacts of Extratropical Cyclone Fiona on a sensitive coastal lagoon ecosystem
Authors: Bonnington Abigail C. , Jamieson Rob C. , Smith Kathryn A. , Oliver Allie , Johnston Lindsay H. , LeRoux Nicole K. , Somers Lauren D. , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: November 2023

Oceanic storms can strongly disturb the physical and biogeochemical conditions of transitional coastal waters. Impacts of extreme oceanic storms on coastal ecosystems have received limited attention worldwide, with no studies at higher latitudes (> 45°) where tropical cyclones have usually abated. This study investigates the combined impacts from marine and atmospheric forcing on a coastal lagoon in Prince Edward Island, Canada, during and after Extratropical Cyclone Fiona in September 2022. Physical (water levels and temperature) and biogeochemical (dissolved oxygen [DO], electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate–nitrogen concentrations, total suspended solids [TSS]) datasets from the lagoon and the watershed's tributaries, groundwater springs, and piezometers were used to assess ecosystem disturbance and recovery timelines following the storm. Fiona resulted in a 1.6 m storm surge into the lagoon that elevated water temperatures by up to 6°C, disturbed the density‐dependent stratification of salinity and temperature, and reduced the diel amplitude of DO, indicating a reduction in plant respiration due to ecosystem disturbance. The freshwater tributaries revealed sharp changes in flow (30‐fold increase), nitrate–nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations and loading (70‐fold increase), and TSS loading (40‐fold increase) to the lagoon during and immediately following the storm. The lagoon rapidly recovered (hours) from the hydraulic disturbance of the storm surge, but elevated nutrient levels persisted for months. The intensity and frequency of extratropical cyclones is projected to increase in the Northwest Atlantic, making field‐based studies of cyclone impacts on coastal waters critical for understanding future coastal ecosystem disturbance and recovery periods relative to the timing of future storms.
The Effect of Multilayered Electrospun PLLA Nanofibers Coated with Human Amnion or Bladder ECM Proteins on Epithelialization and Smooth Muscle Regeneration in the Rabbit Bladder
Authors: Gholami Keykavoos , Seyedjafari Ehsan , Mahdavi Fatemeh Sadat , Naghdipoor Mehdi , Mesbah Gholamreza , Zahmatkesh Parisa , Akbarzadehmoallemkolaei Milad , Baghdadabad Leila Zareian , Pandian Shiv Kumar , Meilika Kirolos N , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: November 2023

Nanofibrous scaffolds have attracted much attention in bladder reconstruction approaches due to their excellent mechanical properties. In addition, their biological properties can be improved by combination with biological materials. Taking into account the advantages of nanofibrous scaffolds and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) in tissue engineering, scaffolds of poly‑L‑lactic acid (PLLA) coated with decellularized human amnion membrane (hAM) or sheep bladder (SB)‐derived ECM proteins are developed (amECM‐coated PLLA and sbECM‐coated PLLA, respectively). The bladder regenerative potential of modified electrospun PLLA scaffolds is investigated in rabbits. The presence of ECM proteins is confirmed on the nanofibers’ surface. Coating the surface of the PLLA nanofibers improves cell adhesion and proliferation. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations show that rabbits subjected to cystoplasty with a multilayered PLLA scaffold show de novo formation and maturation of the multilayered urothelial layer. However, smooth muscle bundles (myosin heavy chain [MHC] and α‐smooth muscle actin [α‐SMA] positive) are detected only in ECM‐coated PLLA groups. All groups show no evidence of a diverticulumor fistula in the urinary bladder. These results suggest that the biofunctionalization of electrospun PLLA nanofibers with ECM proteins can be a promising option for bladder tissue engineering. Furthermore, hAM can also replace animal‐sourced ECM proteins in bladder tissue regeneration approaches.
When “good enough” is not good enough: How maximizing benefits financial well‐being
Authors: Silber Dietrich , Hoffmann Arvid O. I. , Belli Alex
Published: November 2023

A maximizing decision‐making style is generally associated with lower individual well‐being. That is, even though maximizers invest more time and resources in finding the best option and achieve better outcomes than satisficers, they are still more dissatisfied with those outcomes. Contrary to this general consensus that maximizing is negatively associated with overall well‐being, across two studies we show that this decision‐making style is actually positively associated with individuals' financial well‐being. We find that measured dispositional maximizing is positively associated with financial well‐being, regardless of whether maximizing is operationalized as having high standards or the tendency to engage in alternative search (Study 1) and replicate this relationship with experimentally induced situational maximizing (Study 2). We identify financial self‐control (both measured as a trait and as the behavioral outcome of an experimental choice task) as a mediator of the aforementioned relationship. Our findings offer guidance to financial service providers and policymakers on how to improve consumers' financial well‐being, such as encouraging consumers to engage in a more meticulous search while evaluating financial products and services (e.g., home loans, retirement plans, investments) to identify the best possible option.
Microbiota in cancer: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Chen Zhou , Guan Defeng , Wang Zhengfeng , Li Xin , Dong Shi , Huang Junjun , Zhou Wence
Published: November 2023

The diverse bacterial populations within the symbiotic microbiota play a pivotal role in both health and disease. Microbiota modulates critical aspects of tumor biology including cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This regulation occurs through mechanisms like enhancing genomic damage, hindering gene repair, activating aberrant cell signaling pathways, influencing tumor cell metabolism, promoting revascularization, and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. These microbiota‐mediated effects significantly impact overall survival and the recurrence of tumors after surgery by affecting the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, leveraging the microbiota for the development of biovectors, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, in addition to utilizing antibiotics, dietary adjustments, defensins, oncolytic virotherapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation, offers promising alternatives for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, due to the extensive and diverse nature of the microbiota, along with tumor heterogeneity, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of microbiota in cancer remain a subject of intense debate. In this context, we refocus on various cancers, delving into the molecular signaling pathways associated with the microbiota and its derivatives, the reshaping of the tumor microenvironmental matrix, and the impact on tolerance to tumor treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This exploration aims to shed light on novel perspectives and potential applications in the field.
Comparison of tight‐fitting 7T parallel‐transmit head array designs using excitation uniformity and local specific absorption rate metrics
Authors: Kazemivalipour Ehsan , Wald Lawrence L. , Guerin Bastien
Published: November 2023

Purpose

We model the performance of parallel transmission (pTx) arrays with 8, 16, 24, and 32 channels and varying loop sizes built on a close‐fitting helmet for brain imaging at 7 T and compare their local specific absorption rate (SAR) and flip‐angle performances to that of birdcage coil (used as a baseline) and cylindrical 8‐channel and 16‐channel pTx coils (single‐row and dual‐row).

Methods

We use the co‐simulation approach along with MATLAB scripting for batch‐mode simulation of the coils. For each coil, we extracted B1+ maps and SAR matrices, which we compressed using the virtual observation points algorithm, and designed slice‐selective RF shimming pTx pulses with multiple local SAR and peak power constraints to generate L‐curves in the transverse, coronal, and sagittal orientations.

Results

Helmet designs outperformed cylindrical pTx arrays at a constant number of channels in the flip‐angle uniformity at a constant local SAR metric: up to 29% for 8‐channel arrays, and up to 34% for 16‐channel arrays, depending on the slice orientation. For all helmet arrays, increasing the loop diameter led to better local SAR versus flip‐angle uniformity tradeoffs, although this effect was more pronounced for the 8‐channel and 16‐channel systems than the 24‐channel and 32‐channel systems, as the former have more limited degrees of freedom and therefore benefit more from loop‐size optimization.

Conclusion

Helmet pTx arrays significantly outperformed cylindrical arrays with the same number of channels in local SAR and flip‐angle uniformity metrics. This improvement was especially pronounced for non‐transverse slice excitations. Loop diameter optimization for helmets appears to favor large loops, compatible with nearest‐neighbor decoupling by overlap.
Improved reconstruction of crossing fibers in the mouse optic pathways with orientation distribution function fingerprinting
Authors: Filipiak Patryk , Sajitha Thajunnisa A. , Shepherd Timothy M. , Clarke Kamri , Goldman Hannah , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Zhang Jiangyang , Chan Kevin C. , Boada Fernando E. , Baete Steven H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The accuracy of diffusion MRI tractography reconstruction decreases in the white matter regions with crossing fibers. The optic pathways in rodents provide a challenging structure to test new diffusion tractography approaches because of the small crossing volume within the optic chiasm and the unbalanced 9:1 proportion between the contra‐ and ipsilateral neural projections from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus, respectively.

Methods

Common approaches based on Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) peak finding or statistical inference were compared qualitatively and quantitatively to ODF Fingerprinting (ODF‐FP) for reconstruction of crossing fibers within the optic chiasm using in vivo diffusion MRI ( healthy C57BL/6 mice). Manganese‐Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) was obtained after intravitreal injection of manganese chloride and used as a reference standard for the optic pathway anatomy.

Results

ODF‐FP outperformed by over 100% all the tested methods in terms of the ratios between the contra‐ and ipsilateral segments of the reconstructed optic pathways as well as the spatial overlap between tractography and MEMRI.

Conclusion

In this challenging model system, ODF‐Fingerprinting reduced uncertainty of diffusion tractography for complex structural formations of fiber bundles.
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training combined with exercise on patient‐reported outcomes measures in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carvalho Maurício Tatsch Ximenes , Guesser Pinheiro Victor Hugo , Alberton Cristine Lima
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study examined the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) added to the exercise or superimposed on voluntary contractions on patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This systematic review was described according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were obtained from a systematic literature search in five electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, LILACS, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus) in April 2022. We described the effects of intervention according to each PROMs (scores for Pain; Self‐reported functional ability; Symptoms (hear clicking, swelling, catching, restricted range of motion, and stiffness); Daily living function; Sports function; and Quality of life) and used a random‐effect model to examine the impact of NMES plus exercise on pain compared with exercise in people with knee OA.

Results

Six RCTs (n = 367) were included. In the qualitative synthesis, the systematic literature analysis showed improvement in pain after NMES plus exercise compared with exercise alone in three studies. The other three studies revealed no difference between groups in pain, although similar improvement after treatments. In the meta‐analysis, NMES at a specific joint angle combined with exercise was not superior to exercise alone in pain management (standardized mean difference = −0.33, 95% CI = −1.05 to 0.39, p = 0.37). There was no additional effect of NMES on exercise on self‐reported functional ability, stiffness, and physical function compared with exercise alone. In only one study, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports function, and quality of life improved after whole‐body electrostimulation combined with exercise.

Conclusion

This review found insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of NMES combined with exercise in treating knee OA considering PROMs. While pain relief was observed in some studies, more high‐quality clinical trials are needed to support the use of NMES added to the exercise in clinical practice. Electrical stimulation in a whole‐body configuration combined with exercise shows promise as an alternative treatment option.
Distributed constrained control for multi‐train systems with multiple cars
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zeng Mengxiang , Lin Peng
Published: November 2023

In practical multi‐train systems, there are four different kinds of necessary nonlinearities cause by the interactive forces between adjacent cars, the nonlinear resistances, the input constraints, and the velocity constraints. However, most of the existing works on distributed control for multi‐train systems only focused one or two kinds of these nonlinearities. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few works considering three kinds of these nonlinearities. In this paper, the effects of control input and velocity constraints, interactive forces between adjacent cars and the train running resistance on the system are studied, and a distributed cooperative control algorithm based on the state information of adjacent cars is proposed. The analysis is given based on model transformations, appropriate parameter selection and convex analysis. It is proved that all trains finally run in a given formation even when the inputs and velocities of all trains are constrained to lie in some given sets. Numerical simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the theoretical conclusions.
Intermittent boundary control for robust fixed‐time stabilization of uncertain reaction‐diffusion systems
Authors: Hu Xiaofang , Wang Leimin , Chen Guici , Zhu Song , Wen Shiping
Published: November 2023

Achieving the robust fixed‐time stabilization (FxTS) of uncertain reaction‐diffusion systems (RDSs) utilizing intermittent boundary control is a valuable and unresolved problem. This paper simultaneously considers the influence of the uncertainty of non‐diffusion and diffusion coefficients on RDSs and provides an effective solution for the treatment of the uncertainty of diffusion coefficient in the investigation of FxTS. Then, a fixed‐time control scheme is presented to stabilize uncertain RDSs within a fixed time, which incorporates the merits of intermittent and boundary control and reduces control costs in both the spatial and temporal domains. Besides, some sufficient conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are deduced to guarantee the robust FxTS of uncertain RDSs with Neumann and mixed boundary conditions, respectively, which contain and generalize some existing results. Finally, the validity of the intermittent boundary control scheme and the FxTS criteria developed in this paper are verified by numerical simulations.
One‐Step Pyrolysis Construction of Bimetallic Atom‐Cluster Sites for Boosting Bifunctional Catalytic Activity in Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Youpeng , Katyal Naman , Tang Yang , Li Hua , Shin Kihyun , Liu Wenqian , He Ruilin , Xu Maowen , Henkelman Graeme , Bao Shu‐Juan
Published: November 2023

Due to their unique advantages, single atoms and clusters of transition metals are expected to achieve a breakthrough in catalytic activity, but large‐scale production of active materials remains a challenge. In this work, a simple solvent‐free one‐step annealing method is developed and applied to construct diatomic and cluster active sites in activated carbon by utilizing the strong anchoring ability of phenanthroline to metal ions, which can be scaled for mass productions. Benefiting from the synergy between the different metals, the obtained sub‐nano‐bimetallic atom‐cluster catalysts (FeNiAC‐NC) exhibit high oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) activity (E1/2 = 0.936 V vs. RHE) and a small ORR/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potential gap of only 0.594 V. An in‐house pouch Zn‐air battery is assembled using an FeNiAC‐NC catalyst, which demonstrates a stability of 1000 h, outperforming previous reports. The existence of clusters and their effects on catalytic activity is analyzed by density functional theory calculations to reveal the chemistry of nano‐bimetallic atom‐cluster catalysts.
2D Ordered Mesoporous Lamellar Hetero‐Nanochannels with Asymmetric Wettability for Controllable Ion Transport
Authors: He Yanjun , Huang Zilin , Xie Lei , Zhang Xin , Hu Xiaomeng , Liang Kang , Jiang Lei , Zhou Shan , Kong Biao
Published: November 2023

Heterogeneous membranes play a crucial role in osmotic energy conversion by effectively reducing concentration polarization. However, most heterogeneous membranes mitigate concentration polarization through an asymmetric charge distribution, resulting in compromised ion selectivity. Herein, hetero‐nanochannels with asymmetric wettability composed of 2D mesoporous carbon and graphene oxide are constructed. The asymmetric wettability of the membrane endows it with the ability to suppress the concentration polarization without degrading the ion selectivity, as well as achieving a diode‐like ion transport feature. As a result, enhanced osmotic energy harvesting is achieved with a power density of 6.41 W m−2. This represents a substantial enhancement of 102.80–137.85% when compared to homogeneous 2D membranes, surpassing the performance of the majority of reported 2D membranes. Importantly, the membrane can be further used for high‐performance ionic power harvesting by regulating ion transport, exceeding previously reported data by 89.1%.
Closed-form expressions for partial safety factors used in the seismic assessment of existing RC buildings
Authors: Pereira Nuno , Skoulidou Despoina , Romão Xavier
Published: November 2023

A new set of partial safety factors is proposed for the seismic safety assessment of existing reinforced concrete buildings. These safety factors are derived using a framework that focuses on the determination of the uncertainty in the limit state capacities. Existing seismic safety assessment standards, such as EN1998-3 or ASCE 41-17, follow a component-based approach that consider limit-state acceptance criteria based on capacity-related parameters to verify the safety of ductile and brittle failure modes. Despite their similar limit-state philosophy, these standards consider different conceptual formats for introducing the effects of uncertainties: the current version of EN1998-3 adopts confidence factors (CF) that factorize the mean values of material strength, while ASCE 41-17 uses a knowledge factor (k) to reduce the capacity of the component. The CF-based approach of EN1998-3 has been seen to lead to unclear levels of safety that may not reflect the impact of all the uncertainties about the different parameters or the sensitivity of different capacity models to these parameters. To address these issues, the proposed framework establishes a set of partial safety factors derived using an approach similar to that of ASCE 41-17, and involves recent capacity models, their uncertainties and a clear uncertainty management strategy. Furthermore, these new partial safety factors can also be seen to be compatible with the safety format proposed by the upcoming second-generation EN1998-3.
Autonomous Systems and Technology Resistance:
New Tools for Monitoring Acceptance, Trust, and Tolerance
Authors: Cappuccio Massimiliano L. , Galliott Jai C. , Eyssel Friederike , Lanteri Alessandro
Published: November 2023

We introduce the notion of Tolerance for
autonomous artificial agents (and its antithetical concept, Intolerance), motivating its theoretical adoption in the fields of social
robotics and human—agent interaction, where it can effectively complement two
contiguous, but essentially distinct, constructs—Acceptance and Trust—that are broadly
used by researchers. We offer a comprehensive conceptual model of Tolerance, construed
as a user’s insusceptibility or resilience to Autonomy
Estrangement (i.e., the uncanny sense of isolation and displacement
experienced by the humans who believe, for right or wrong reasons, that robots can
subvert and/or control their lives). We also refer to Intolerance to indicate the
opposite property, that is the user’s susceptibility or proneness to Autonomy
Estrangement. Thus, Tolerance and Intolerance are inverse representations of the same
phenomenological continuum, with Intolerance increasing when Tolerance decreases and
vice versa. While Acceptance and Trust measure how the user’s interaction with a
particular robot is satisfying and efficacious, the dyad Tolerance/Intolerance reflects
how the user’s attitude is affected by deeply held normative beliefs about robots in
general. So defined, a low Tolerance (that is a high Intolerance) is expected to
correlate to antagonistic responses toward the prospect of adoption: specifically,
Intolerant attitudes predict the kind of anxious and hostile behaviours toward Agents
that originate from the concerns that autonomous systems could deeply disrupt the lives
of humans (affecting their work cultures, ways of living, systems of values, etc.) or
dominate them (making humans redundant, undermining their authority, threatening their
uniqueness, etc.). Thus, Negative beliefs and worldviews about Agents are the cause of
the Intolerant attitude toward Agents, which predicts Autonomy Estrangement, which in
turn correlates to low Adoption Propensity and avoidance and rejection
behaviours.
Generative AI and the Automating of Academia
Authors: Watermeyer Richard , Phipps Lawrie , Lanclos Donna , Knight Cathryn
Published: November 2023

The neoliberal transformation of higher education in the UK and an intertwined focus on the productive efficiency and prestige value of universities has led to an epidemic of overwork and precarity among academics. Many are found to be struggling with lofty performance expectations and an insistence that all dimensions of their work consistently achieve positional gains despite ferocious competition and the omnipresent threat of failure. Working under the current audit culture present across education, academics are thus found to overwork or commit to accelerated labour as pre-emptive compensation for the habitual inclemency of peer-review and vagaries of student evaluation, in accommodating the copiousness of ‘invisible’ tasks, and in eluding the myriad crevasses of their precarious labour. The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools and more specifically, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, offers potential relief for academics and a means to offset intensive demands and discover more of a work-based equilibrium. Through a recent survey of n = 284 UK academics and their use of GAI, we discover, however, that the digitalisation of higher education through GAI tools no more alleviates than extends the dysfunctions of neoliberal logic and deepens academia’s malaise. Notwithstanding, we argue that the proliferating use of GAI tools by academics may be harnessed as a source of positive disruption to the industrialisation of their labour and catalyst of (re)engagement with scholarly craftsmanship.
Fabrication, spectroscopic properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Chitosan-CaLi@Flumox nanocomposites
Authors: Mansour A. M. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Gad Abdul Aziz M. , Abou Hammad Ali B. , El Nahrawy Amany M.
Published: November 2023

In the current study, we examined the impact of introducing Flumox into the chitosan/calcium lithium (Chitosan-CaLi) nanocomposite on its spectroscopic, thermal, and antimicrobial characteristics. The formation of the nanocomposites was achieved using the sol–gel method/polymerization, which was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and straightforward processing. The UV–Visible optical analysis shows an absorption peak at 290 nm across all samples. Both direct and indirect energy gap types are available where the indirect event exhibits a higher value than the direct transition. There is a noticeable decrease in both transition energies with the increase in Flumox content. The findings indicated that as the Flumox concentration increased, the Ic50 value also increased, signifying a decrease in antioxidant capacity. The results from the obtained systems revealed that chitosan-CaLiO nanoparticles loaded with Flumox exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the highest growth inhibition rate. However, in the case of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, the antimicrobial activity was comparatively lower.
Outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Serratia marcescens in an intensive care unit
Authors: Vanni Tazio , Sudbrack Letícia Olivier , de Campos Tatiana Amabile , da Silva Rafael Nakamura , da Silva André Pitondo , Estefani Rodrigo Pereira , de Oliveira Tatyana Botelho , Canedo Paulo Henrique Caixeta , Guzman Ricardo Domingues , Laureto Jordana Rey , Ribeiro Julival Fagundes
Published: November 2023

We present the investigation and control of an extensively drug-resistant Serratia marcescens outbreak in a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Within 6 weeks, 4 critically ill trauma patients were infected by the same strain. Intensive containment measures limited the spread of this strain while sustaining the capacity of the trauma ICU.
Perceptions of mental health services among the children who are in conflict with the law in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Ahmed Mohd Manshoor , John Jilly
Published: November 2023

Background: Due to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, many teenagers are involved in disputes with the law. The conflict made generations suffer for decades. Such children made the mobs; being involved in life-threatening situations and the risk they confront develop psychiatric disorders. As a result of the various tense conditions when applied in multiple anti-social activities, aberrant children sent to correctional homes have to encounter numerous psychological disorders.

Aim: The motive of the study is to explore the level of awareness, availability of services, stigma and obstacles to seeking assistance.

Method: Due to the open-ended interview questions and a small sample size of 15 respondents, this study employed a qualitative methodology – a thematic analysis was done.

Results: The findings revealed that, although the stigma is not publicly acknowledged, children who break the law and seek mental health services (MHS) are stigmatised. It was also shown that minor offenders fear that when they receive services provided by the staff of the observation home (OH), there will be a violation of their privacy and fear unforeseen repercussions.

Conclusion: Collaborative action must proactively raise appropriate awareness to lessen the stigma linked with mental health problems, especially regarding MHS among these teenagers.
Slamming forces during water entry of a simple harmonic oscillator
Authors: Antolik John T. , Belden Jesse L. , Speirs Nathan B. , Harris Daniel M.
Published: November 2023

When a blunt body impacts an air–water interface, large hydrodynamic forces often arise, a phenomenon many of us have unfortunately experienced in a failed dive or ‘belly flop’. Beyond assessing risk to biological divers, an understanding and methods for remediation of such slamming forces are critical to the design of numerous engineered naval and aerospace structures. Herein we systematically investigate the role of impactor elasticity on the resultant structural loads in perhaps the simplest possible scenario: the water entry of a simple harmonic oscillator. Contrary to conventional intuition, we find that ‘softening’ the impactor does not always reduce the peak impact force, but may also increase the force as compared with a fully rigid counterpart. Through our combined experimental and theoretical investigation, we demonstrate that the transition from force reduction to force amplification is delineated by a critical ‘hydroelastic’ factor that relates the hydrodynamic and elastic time scales of the problem.
Vortex dynamics in rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Ding Shan-Shan , Ding Guang-Yu , Chong Kai Leong , Wu Wen-Tao , Xia Ke-Qing , Zhong Jin-Qiang
Published: November 2023

We investigate the spatial distribution and dynamics of the vortices in rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a reduced Rayleigh number range

$1.3\le Ra/Ra_{c}\le 83.1$

. Under slow rotations (

$Ra\approx 80\,Ra_{c}$

), the vortices are distributed randomly, which is manifested by the size distribution of the Voronoi cells of the vortex centres being a standard

$\varGamma$

distribution. The vortices exhibit Brownian-type horizontal motion in the parameter range

$Ra\gtrsim 10\,Ra_{c}$

. The probability density functions of the vortex displacements are, however, non-Gaussian at short time scales. At modest rotating rates (

$4\,Ra_{c}\le Ra\lesssim 10\,Ra_{c}$

), the centrifugal force leads to radial vortex motions, i.e. warm cyclones (cold anticyclones) moving towards (outwards from) the rotation axis. The horizontal scale of the vortices decreases with decreasing

$Ra/Ra_c$

, and the size distribution of their Voronoi cells deviates from the

$\varGamma$

distribution. In the rapidly rotating regime (

$1.6\,Ra_{c}\le Ra\le 4\,Ra_{c}$

), the vortices are densely distributed. The hydrodynamic interaction of neighbouring vortices results in the formation of vortex clusters. Within clusters, cyclones exhibit inverse-centrifugal motion as they submit to the outward motion of the strong anticyclones, and the radial velocity of the anticyclones is enhanced. The radial mobility of isolated vortices, scaled by their vorticity strength, is shown to be a simple power function of the Froude number. For all flow regimes studied, we show that the number of vortices with a lifespan greater than

$t$

decreases exponentially as

$\exp ({-t/{\tau }})$

for large time, where

$\tau$

represents the characteristic lifetime of long-lived vortices.
Association between the dietary antioxidant index and relative telomere length of leucocytes in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Linhai , Jin Wenjia , Zhang Tiantian , Lu Yufu , Liu Qiumei , Cai Jiansheng , Luo Lei , Teng Kaisheng , Guan Qinyi , Wu Songju , Rong Jiahui , Liang Yu Jian , Cao Jiejing , Qin Lidong , Huang Chuwu , Wang Xuexiu , Li You , Zhang Zhiyong , Qin Jian
Published: November 2023

Dietary antioxidant indices (DAI) may be potentially associated with relative telomere length (RTL) of leucocytes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DAI and RTL. A cross-sectional study involving 1656 participants was conducted. A generalised linear regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the correlation of DAI and its components with RTL. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that DAI (β = 0·005, P = 0·002) and the intake of its constituents vitamin C (β = 0·043, P = 0·027), vitamin E (β = 0·088, P < 0·001), Se (β = 0·075, P = 0·003), and Zn (β = 0·075, P = 0·023) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL. Sex-stratified analysis showed that DAI (β = 0·006, P = 0·005) and its constituents vitamin E (β = 0·083, P = 0·012), Se (β = 0·093, P = 0·006), and Zn (β = 0·092, P = 0·034) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL among females. Meanwhile, among males, only vitamin E intake (β = 0·089, P = 0·013) was significantly and positively associated with RTL. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed linear positive associations between DAI and its constituents’ (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in the total population. Sex-stratified analysis revealed a linear positive correlation between DAI and its constituents’ (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in females. Our study found a significant positive correlation between DAI and RTL, with sex differences.
Towards a Public Law Perspective on the Constitutional Law of Privacy in South Africa in the Age of Digitalization
Authors: Cachalia Firoz , Klaaren Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Rapid and radical digitalization and the “fourth industrial revolution” are generally associated with progress, but also pose significant risks to privacy rights and democracy. This article proposes a public law reading of the South African Constitution to respond to the dangers posed by disruptive technological change, in light of the constitution's rights-orientated and rule-of-law-centred approach to interpreting the right to privacy. It examines the legal resources available in the South African legal system and, specifically, its constitution. The article emphasizes the way South African privacy jurisprudence infuses the right to privacy with the value of dignity, and how this allows an interpretation that sees privacy as a public, as well as private, right. The article concludes that this rights jurisprudence, alongside the constitutional principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and supremacy, has established a working foundation to articulate the right to privacy in a way that is suitable in the digital age.
Subject dislocation in Ontario English: Insights from sociolinguistic typology
Authors: Tagliamonte Sali A. , Jankowski Bridget L.
Published: November 2023

Subject dislocation (SD) is common across languages. In French, it is a vernacular norm. In English, it is comparatively rare. This article examines English SD in a unique contrastive situation in Ontario, Canada: two communities where SD is a community norm, one where individuals speak both English and French (Kapuskasing), and the other where the population speaks English only (Parry Sound). Dislocated subjects are produced by the same underlying linguistic mechanisms in both places, with parallel constraints by type of subject and intervening material, suggesting a typological universal. However, SD is age-graded in Kapuskasing, regardless of heritage language. In Parry Sound, it is obsolescent, in steady decline over the twentieth century. We conclude that while typological trends are underlain by universal cognitive processes, locally embedded sociocultural influences are the source of differentiation.
Preliminary evaluation of a scenario-based nutrition literacy online programme for college students: a pilot study
Authors: Lai I-Ju , Chang Li-Chun , Lee Chia-Kuei , Liao Li-Ling
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a scenario-based nutrition literacy (NL) online programme for Taiwanese college students.

Design:

A randomised pilot trial design was used in this study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at a university in Taiwan. The intervention consisted of a five-unit web-based NL programme including videos of real-life scenario-based stories, situational analysis teaching and after-unit quizzes. Theme-related website information and smartphone apps (both iOS and Android systems) were offered for reference in every unit. The NL measure consisted of a self-rated scale, a scenario-based test and a healthy eating behaviour survey. Paired sample t-tests and ANCOVA were performed to test the effects on NL and healthy eating behaviour.

Participants:

Participants were ninety-eight students, with a retention rate of 98 %. The ratio of men to women was 0·2:1. Most students were freshmen (48 %).

Results:

Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in the NL and healthy eating behaviours after controlling for pretest scores.

Conclusions:

This pilot study offers preliminary evidence of the potential positive effects of implementing a scenario-based NL online programme for college students. It offers a possibly novel strategy to enhance health-promoting behaviours in Taiwanese universities. Further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs is warranted to confirm and build upon these initial findings.