bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Problem-Causing Factors for Pakistani EFL Learners in Translating Present Indefinite and Past Indefinite Tenses From Urdu Into English
Authors: Din Muhammad , Ghani Mamuna
Published: April 2019

Translation is considered one of the most important skills in studying and learning a language. It is termed as a craft which is thought to be enjoyed by those who aspire to grab a sound command over second language. This study has strived to analyze problem-causing factors faced by the EFL learners in translation particularly in translating present indefinite and past indefinite tenses from Urdu into English and present some suggestions to remedy the problems brought to light by the present study. The present study is quantitative in its approach. The subjects (n=200) of this study are the students of B.Sc. (4th Year) class. In order to achieve the set objectives of the study, the researcher has conducted an achievement test to achieve the set objectives of the study. The test was comprised of such ten (10) sentences of Urdu of which five were of present indefinite and the remaining five were of past indefinite tense. These sentences were taken from the paragraphs which were selected from the past papers of the university (Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan, Pakistan) examinations. This study has also aimed to present some suggestions as remedial measures to remedy these factors which cause problems for the Pakistani EFL learners in translating present indefinite and past indefinite tenses from Urdu into English. The present study recommends that two forms (singular/plural) of the first form of a verb should be given in the first column instead of infinitival meaning of this form, the exact Urdu meaning of this form of should be given and the grammar books should also give the meaning of the past form of a verb.
Polynomial Interpolation of Normal Conditional Expectation
Authors: Rezgui Anis
Published: April 2019

In this paper we are interested in approximating the conditional expectation of a given random variable X with respect to the standard normal distribution N(0, 1). Actually we have shown that the conditional expectation E(X|Z) could be interpolated by an N degree polynomial function of Z, φN(Z) where N is the number of observations recorded for the conditional expectation E(X|Z = z). A pointwise error estimation has been proved under reasonable condition on the random variable X.
Eleven-Barriers to Participation and One-Root
Authors: Hussain Sajad , Khuhro Rashid Ali
Published: April 2019

Peoples’ participation is an essential step in any sustainable development project, programmes or public policy. However, to achieve the well-being outcome of the participation has been considered a significant issue until now. The participatory projects and programmes encounter several barriers from involving people to attaining desirable outcomes. Most of those obstacles are linked with participants’ capability of knowledge to take part in development activities such as assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This research shows that the desired outcomes of a participatory process require a well-informed group of participants. Capacity building of participants in terms of knowledge is a key to achieve objectives of a sustainable development project. This paper identifies eleven (11) common barriers and their links with the capability of knowledge of participants. The paper also proposes a three-dimensional model which will potentially facilitate in the capacity building of participants for overcoming the challenges to participatory development projects.
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION IN POLISH CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL NEUTRALITY OF THE STATE
Authors: Papis Wojciech , Kijowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

This article is devoted to the problem of the state’s neutrality of the state - as a guarantee of freedom of conscience and religion. An additional element - to be able to speak about the guarantee of freedom of freedom of conscience and religion - is the question of separating churches and religious associations from institutions and state authorities, from the state as a whole and from the law-making process. The authors point to a deep “anchoring” of the legal issues regarding the guarantee of the freedom of conscience and religion in international law. However, the authors indicate that this does not mean that churches and religious associations should not have a moral right of expression on issues of human values and their protection in the law
CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC ICONOCLASM – A THREAT TO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Rozmus Dariusz
Published: April 2019

The vast destruction of the heritage sites in Syria and Iraq caused by the activities of ISIS may not only be attributed to fanatical iconoclasm with a religious background. The ideologists of the jihad movements in the so-called Islamic State intend to introduce one, unified version of Islam. In their world, there is no place for democracy, secularity, nationalism (even for patriotism) and other “abominations” of the West. Monuments which constituted elements of local traditions were destroyed with the application of huge resources. In the face of the tragedy of people, considerations in the field of broadly conceived culture may only supplement a description of unspeakable tragedies which were caused by the wars in the Near East. However, we may examine this question in such a way as not to separate the people from their heritage, for a human being is an integral part of his or her culture. “This isn’t a choice between people or stone,” said Deborah Lehr, chair of Antiquities Coalition. “Culture is part of who these people are, and this, ironically, is the cradle of civilization.”. Due to the situation which occurred, the stock-taking and digitalisation of artefacts and architectural monuments assumes huge significance. These proceedings should be also conducted with the use of the most recent methods of satellite teledetection.
SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE OF FAVORABLE INTERPRETATION OF THE LEGAL RULES - REFLECTIONS BASED ON ART. 7A OF THE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Authors: Strzępek Łukasz
Published: April 2019

This very study is focused on some issues related to interpertation of administrative procedural law. The latets lenghty amendment of Code of Administrative Procedure significantly changed general principles of course of procedural action. One of the most iportant changes is the newest rule – principle of favorable interpretation – art. 7a. This mstudy concentrates on some aspects of this problem, especially on prerequisites of this regulations and some of the potentional results of various methods of interpretation.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION IN GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
Authors: Kręcisz-Sarna Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

This article aims to draw attention to the duties of personal data protection in general administrative proceedings in the context of the General Data Protection Regulation, which came into force on 25 May 2018. It depicts the subjective, the objective, as well as the territorial scope of the application of GDPR, subsequently referring it to certain procedural steps taken in the course of administrative proceedings. Moreover, deliberations concerning the processing of personal data which takes place within the scope of administrative proceedings, as well as the role of the parties in such proceedings have been presented.
PROCESSING PERSONAL DATA OF A CANDIDATE FOR WORK AND AN EMPLOYEE
Authors: Fleszer Dorota
Published: April 2019

These are not only duties of the public authorities legally confirmed that include attention to the information sources in possession. The necessity of providing safety for the collected information requires application of proper organizational solutions, thus it is one of key elements of the management in a particular organizational unit. Identification of threats to the security of the information and abilities of their efficient management, become a vulnerable skill as functioning without it in the information society age is impossible.
Book Review: Text, Lies and Cataloging: Ethical Treatment of Deceptive Works in the Library
Authors: Parsons Amy
Published: April 2019

The first thing that gave this reviewer pause was the title of this book. The 1989 movie Sex, Lies and Videotape and 1981 book The Joy of Cataloging: Essays, Letters, Reviews, and Other Explosions by Sanford Berman have similarly provocative titles.1 The two books, however, are worlds apart in their content. How on earth can cataloging be sexy? The complex theme of deception is found in both the 1989 movie and Brubaker’s 2018 book, thus the similar titles.
Justiça política e memória: redemocratização na esfera lusófona
Authors: Neves Hudson Campos , Nunes Carlos Alberto Lourenço
Published: April 2019

Resenha do livroREZOLA, Maria Inácia; PIMENTEL, Irene Flunser (ORGs). Democracia, ditadura: memória e justiça política. Lisboa: ed. Tinta da China, 2013. 520 p.
(Des)Caminhos da Mineração em Brumadinho: presente, passados e futuros
Authors: Bechler Reinaldo Guilherme , Bechler Rosiane Ribeiro
Published: April 2019

Debate
História Ambiental dos Desastres: uma agenda necessária
Authors: Espindola Haruf Salmen , Guimarâes Diego Jeangregório Martins
Published: April 2019

Debate
Effects of Commercial Isotonic Sports Drinks during Intermittent Exertion
Authors: Zart Sebastian , Fröhlich Michael
Published: April 2019

Background: Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks support performance and recovery during athletic activities. The impact of these isotonic drinks is usually verified by means of placebos without energy. Objective: We checked the extent to which commercial sports drinks may be superior to a syrup–water mixture, similar in calorific value, during an intermittent exertion. Method: In a cross-sectional study, three homogeneously parallelized groups, including a total of 35 test subjects, performed full-strain endurance and speed tests (5,000 m, 3,000 m, 1,500 m, 800 m, 400 m, and 200 m). During the rest intervals, isocaloric drinks with the same CHO (6,66–7,0 g), but different sugar (ISO1: 2,46 g; ISO2: 5,6 g; syrup: 6,7 g) and electrolyte content were given in a randomized way. The parameters of running performance, body weight, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were analyzed. Results: Over the distances (p≥0.10), the results did not show any ergogenic effect of the isotonic drinks in comparison with the syrup–water mixture. There were also no significant differences in terms of rates of perceived exertion (p≥0.26) and the physiological parameters of heart rate (p≥0.30) and blood lactate (p≥0.18) among the groups. Conclusion: During intermittent and repetitive exertion below 30 minutes, homemade energy drinks exhibited the same effects as commercial sports drinks.
Biomass estimation equations for mesquite trees in the Americas
Authors: Navar Jose , Rodriguez-Flores Felipa de Jesus , Rios-Saucedo Julio
Published: April 2019

Mesquite trees are the preferred dendroenergy sources in arid and semi-arid forests. In spite of their relative importance, regional aboveground biomass (AGB) equations for mesquite trees are scarce in the scientific literature. For that reason, the aims of this study were to: (a) harvest trees and develop regional biomass equations; (b) contrast measured data with equations developed previously; and (c) test the applicability of the fitted equation for mesquite trees in the arid and semi-arid forests of the Americas. We harvested 206 new mesquite trees from arid and semi-arid forests in northern Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas) in addition to using two other previously compiled data sets from Mexico (N = 304) to develop a regional equation. To test the validity of this equation, for biomass equations reported for the rest of the country, as well as for North and South American mesquite trees, we contrasted AGB measurements with predictions of fitted equations. Statistical analysis revealed the need for a single, regional, semi-empirical equation as together the three data sets represented the variability of the aboveground biomass of mesquite trees across northern Mexico, as well as mesquite trees in America’s arid and semiarid regions. Due to the large quantity of mesquite trees harvested for sampling and their variability, the regional biomass equation developed encompasses all other North and South American equations, and is representative of mesquite trees throughout the arid and semi-arid forests of the Americas.
Effects of complex training versus heavy resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation, running economy and 5-km performance in well-trained distance runners
Authors: Li Fei , Wang Ran , Newton Robert U. , Sutton David , Shi Yue , Ding Haiyong
Published: April 2019

Background

Recently, much attention has been paid to the role of neuromuscular function in long-distance running performance. Complex Training (CT) is a combination training method that alternates between performing heavy resistance exercises and plyometric exercises within one single session, resulting in great improvement in neuromuscular adaptation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of CT vs. heavy resistance training (HRT) on strength and power indicators, running economy (RE), and 5-km performance in well-trained male distance runners.

Methods

Twenty-eight well-trained male distance runners (19–23 years old, VO2max:65.78 ± 4.99 ml.kg−1.min−1) performed one pre-test consisting of: maximum strength (1RM), counter movement jump (CMJ) height, peak power, a drop jump (DJ), and RE assessments, and blood lactate concentration (BLa) measurement at the speeds from 12–16 km.h−1, a 50-m sprint, and a 5-km running performance test. They were then divided into 3 groups: complex training group (CT, n = 10), that performed complex training and endurance training; heavy resistance training group (HRT, n = 9) that performed heavy strength training and endurance training; and control group (CON, n = 9) that performed strength-endurance training and endurance training. After the 8 weeks training intervention, all participants completed a post-test to investigate the training effects on the parameters measured.

Results

After training intervention, both the CT and HRT groups had improvements in: 1RM strength (16.88%, p < 0.001; 18.80%, p < 0.001, respectively), CMJ height (11.28%, p < 0.001; 8.96%, p < 0.001, respectively), 14 km.h−1RE (−7.68%, p < 0.001; −4.89%, p = 0.009, respectively), 50-m sprints (−2.26%, p = 0.003; −2.14%, p = 0.007, respectively) and 5-km running performance (−2.80%, p < 0.001; −2.09%, p < 0.001, respectively). The CON group did not show these improvements. All three training groups showed improvement in the 12 km.h−1RE (p ≤ 0.01). Only the CT group exhibited increases in DJ height (12.94%, p < 0.001), reactive strength index (19.99%, p < 0.001), 16 km.h−1 RE (−7.38%, p < 0.001), and a reduction of BLa concentrations at the speed of 16 km.h−1 (−40.80%, p < 0.001) between pre- and post-tests.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that CT can enhance 1RM strength, CMJ height, 12 and 14 km.h−1REs, 50-m sprints and 5-km running performances in well-trained male distance runners and may be superior to HRT for the development of reactive strength and 16 km.h−1RE, and reduction of BLa concentrations at speed of 16 km.h−1. Young male distance runners could integrate CT into their programs to improve the running performance.
Role Play as an Innovative Teaching Technique: Attitude of Agri Students
Authors: Anbarasan P.
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study is to assess student’s attitude towards role-playing in agricultural sciences. For the purpose, an initiative was taken to develop an attitude scale using Likert’s summated rating method. Twenty one (21) statements were selected by consulting the specialists and by reviewing literature and were given to the non-sample students of B.Sc. Agriculture who were exposed to the role-playing technique. Using Likert’s Summation formula, the t- value of each statement was analyzed. From the t- value, 8 statements were retained for the final scale. The reliability and validity of the scale indicate its precision and consistency of the results. This scale is the first of its kind and can be used in future to measure the attitude of the students of various disciplines towards role-playing with suitable modifications.
Antenna Accessories
Authors: Alves Plinio R. G. , Menezes Leonardo R. A. X. , Carvalho Paulo H. P. , Silva Franklin C.
Published: November 2024

Accessories in antennas can be seen as devices adapted to radiating or receiving electromagnetic wave structures. Their main purpose is to create means for the perfect operation of antennas. The accessories interconnect these antennas to the transmission and reception systems in an efficient and safe way. An electromagnetic coupling generally exists between the antennas and the accessories, and one can explore them to improve antenna performance. In this way, the accessories are as fundamental as the antenna proper, whose behavior is dependent on the appropriate connections.

Several kinds of accessories, are used more frequently: attenuators, baluns, chokes, coaxial (coax) lines, insulators, lightning arresters, planar structures, phase shifters, and twin‐lead devices. These components will be described in the following sections.
Ultra‐Wideband Radio
Authors: Siwiak Kazimierz
Published: November 2024

Ultrawideband (UWB) signaling is a modern wireless technique that reuses previously allocated RF bands by spreading the energy thinly in a wide spectrum, thus rendering signals imperceptible in the noise floor of conventional narrowband receivers. There are several methods of generating and radiating UWB signals, including a low‐duty‐cycle UWB implemented as time‐modulated UWB (TM‐UWB), and a high‐duty‐cycle direct‐sequence phase‐coded UWB (DS‐UWB). Even conventional radio techniques such as orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) have been proposed, based on the “loose” spectrum access rules of the U.S. FCC Report and Order, which legalizes the emissions. Unique ways of coding and positioning the impulses, as in transmitted‐reference delay hopped UWB (TRD‐UWB), can result in the extremely simple UWB radio architectures. Here, the technological basics and performance of time‐position‐coded impulse UWB, the direct‐sequence‐coded UWB, and the transmitted‐reference UWB approaches are compared with conventional radio approaches. Several UWB approaches have been proposed in the IEEE 802 standards arena. Applications of UWB devices are presented and potential uses of UWB are described. Short‐pulse, low‐power techniques have enabled practical through‐the‐wall radars, centimeter precision 3D positioning, and communications capabilities at the high data rates, all with exceptional spatial capacities.
Green's Function Methods
Authors: Jin Jian-Ming , Chew Weng Cho
Published: November 2024

The Greens function method is a powerful techniques for solving boundary value problems. Greens function was named after George Green (17931841), who developed a general method to obtain solutions of Poissons equation in potential theory. This method was described in an essay by Green entitled “On the application of mathematical analysis to the theories of electricity and magnetism,” published in 1828.
Iterative Methods
Authors: Burkholder Robert J. , Lee Jin‐Fa
Published: November 2024

Iterative solution algorithms are described for complex systems with a large number of degrees of freedom. Areas of application include partial differential equations, integral equations, and hybrid methods in electromagnetics. Classical (or stationary) methods and conjugate gradient (nonstationary) methods are presented. Classical methods are generalized in terms of matrix splittings. The conjugate gradient method is derived in detail from the point of view of Galerkin testing and Krylov spaces. Preconditioning is discussed, and some common preconditioners from classical methods are presented.
Radiation Monitoring
Authors: Lingren Clinton L. , Weis Daniel , Bleher George L. , Giegler Donald P.
Published: November 2024

Radiation monitoring is concerned with measuring and monitoring ionizing radiation. Little is known about the harmful effects of ionizing radiation at levels that are typically encountered in our environment (natural background levels). In today's society there are areas where the use of ionizing radiation that must be monitored according to state or federal government regulations to ensure that radiation does not pose a hazard to personnel or to the environment: areas include radiation for instructional use in schools and universities, medicine, industrial gauging, sterilization of medical supplies or food, mining and milling of radioactive ores, steel mills, space flights, fusion facilities, and nuclear reactors. Radiation monitoring in nuclear power plants is discussed in detail later in this article. Any of the facilities discussed prior that has one or more licensable radiation sources must have instruments that can measure the radiation from the source(s) and must provide personnel monitoring devices, such as film badges, ring badges, or thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), to monitor the dose that personnel receive who work where they may be exposed to radiation from the source(s) that exceeds 10% of federally established limits.
Microwave Tubes
Authors: Granatstein Victor L. , Parker Robert K.
Published: November 2024

Microwave tubes are devices that generate or amplify electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 0.3–300 GHz (microwave frequencies); they are based on the interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and a stream of electrons inside a vacuum envelope (the tube).

The superior efficiency of microwaves may be understood from the fact that in vacuum the electrons do not pass through a background material that would imped their movement. Thus, the heating of a background material is not a limiting factor of high‐power operation.
Noise and Interference Modeling
Authors: Orsak Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2024

Noise and interference are inevitable realities of collecting data or taking measurements in the real world. In some cases, the noise level may be so insignificant as to allow the engineer to ignore its effects. However, this situation generally occurs only in very controlled circumstances, such as those in the laboratory or when signal powers are exceptionally large relative to the noise.

Modeling these effects can range from being relatively straightforward to being rather difficult if not impossible. To assist in this endeavor, it is the purpose of this article to describe various methods of characterizing noise and interference
signals and to elaborate on some of the most popular models in practice today.
Telemedicine
Authors: Chen Chang Wen
Published: November 2024

Telemedicine—which combines many innovative information technologies that integrate research areas in human—computer interaction, data storage, processing, and compression with communications networking to improve healthcare—has been recognized as a way to provide an effective and versatile solution to many of the intransigent problems in healthcare delivery.
Whole Life Cycle Monitoring of Landslide Deep Deformation via Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Liu Shiming , Bi Xiangzhuang , Zhang Xiaosong , He Pengfei , Yang Yu , Li Hengyu , Cheng Xiaojun , Cheng Tinghai
Published: November 2024

The displacement monitoring of the slow landslide deep deformation is an important part of the landslide early warning system. However, the traditional energy supply mode of depth sensors limits the large‐scale landslide monitoring of the whole life cycle. Therefore, it is necessary to realize self‐powered monitoring for deep deformation at extremely low speed. Herein, an extremely low‐speed triboelectric tilt sensor (ELS‐TTS) is proposed for whole life cycle monitoring of landslide deep deformation without an energy supply. The triboelectric self‐sensing unit based on the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and the instantaneous structure of gravity energy storage is designed. A prototype of ELS‐TTS with a resolution of 0.075° is fabricated and experimented. ELS‐TTS can stably monitor extremely low speeds of below 0.0257° s−1 in different environments and motion states, and the monitoring error is less than 0.13°. Furthermore, a real‐time monitoring system for deep landslides based on a multi‐level forewarning method is proposed to realize the whole life cycle monitoring of landslides and the multi‐level forewarning of dangerous states. This work further promotes the development of TENG in the fields of natural disaster prevention and structural health monitoring.
Hybrid Hydrogel with Photothermal Stimulation Elicits Immunomodulation‐Mediated Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Rui , Feng Jin , Chen Honggui , Zhang Guo , Liang Xiaoyang , Xu Chen , Li Yang , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: November 2024

It is of paramount importance to maintain the thermal environment of wounds in order to facilitate optimal tissue repair and regeneration. Nevertheless, their potential as a hyperthermia regenerative therapy remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, a photothermal hybrid hydrogel constructed through a simple “one‐step” activation process that elicits mild thermal stimulation is presented, thereby providing a stable photothermal cycling capability activating the immune response, and accelerating the restoration of tissue redox and immune homeostasis, ultimately promoting wound healing. The results demonstrate the application of the photothermal HGBM hydrogel in an impaired wound healing model, which exhibited elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species, enhanced immune responses, and the promotion of macrophage polarization M2/M1, thereby inducing a pro‐regenerative response. The RNA‐sequencing data demonstrate that mild hyperthermia therapy at 45 °C enhances the immune response and the respiratory burst process, thereby regulating the immune microenvironment in injured tissues. Furthermore, this process results in a transition from an inflammatory state to an anti‐inflammatory and pro‐healing state, which is promoted by the production of factors such as interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐4. This work therefore provides an effective strategy for hyperthermia regenerative therapy in the context of skin wound repair and tissue regeneration.
Efficacy of pH‐Responsive Surface Functionalized Titanium Screws in Treating Implant‐associated S. aureus Osteomyelitis with Biofilms Formation
Authors: Zhou Hang , Ren Youliang , Zou Kaixiong , Jin Ying , Liu Hang , Jiang Haitao , Shi Lei , Sheng Xiaomin , Weeks Jason , Wang Hannah , Xue Thomas , Schwarz Edward M. , Xie Chao , Deng Zhongliang , Wang Lin , Chu Lei
Published: November 2024

Implant‐associated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) osteomyelitis (IASO) leads to high orthopedic implant failure rates due to the formation of Staphylococcal abscess community within the bone marrow and bacterial colonization in the osteocyte lacuno‐canalicular network (OLCN). To address this, antimicrobial peptides (HHC36)‐loaded titania nanotubes (NTs) are developed on titanium screws (Ti‐NTs‐P‐A), which integrate pH‐responsive polymethacrylic acid to control HHC36 release for eradicating bacteria in IASO. Colony‐forming unit assay confirmed that Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screws maintained sustainable antibacterial effectiveness, killing over 65% of S. aureus even after multiple bacterial solution replacements. Notably, Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screws exhibit significant pH‐responsive HHC36 release behavior and bactericidal activity, consistent with the phenotype of peptides‐killed bacteria from scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome sequencing results reveal that Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screws interfered with ribosome formation and disrupted the arginine biosynthesis, which is crucial for bacterial survival in acidic environments. In the non‐infected implant model, the bone‐implant contact ratio of the Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screw is 2.3 times that of the clinically used titanium screw. In an IASO model, Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screws effectively eradicated bacteria within the OLCN, achieving an 80% infection control rate and desirable osteointegration. Collectively, Ti‐NTs‐P‐A screws with pH‐responsive antibacterial properties exhibit great potential for eradicating bacteria and achieving osseointegration in IASO.
Multifunctional Adhesive Hydrogels: From Design to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tang Shaoxin , Feng Keru , Yang Rui , Cheng Yang , Chen Meiyue , Zhang Hui , Shi Nianyuan , Wei Zhao , Ren Hui , Ma Yufei
Published: November 2024

Adhesive hydrogels characterized by structural properties similar to the extracellular matrix, excellent biocompatibility, controlled degradation, and tunable mechanical properties have demonstrated significant potential in biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, biosensors, and drug delivery systems. These hydrogels exhibit remarkable adhesion to target substrates and can be rationally engineered to meet specific requirements. In recent decades, adhesive hydrogels have experienced significant advancements driven by the introduction of numerous multifunctional design strategies. This review initially summarizes the chemical bond‐based design strategies for tissue adhesion, encompassing static covalent bonds, dynamic covalent bonds, and non‐covalent interactions. Subsequently, the multiple functionalities imparted by these diverse design strategies, including highly stretchable and tough performances, responsiveness to microenvironments, anti‐freezing/heating properties, conductivity, antibacterial activity, and hemostatic properties are discussed. In addition, recent advances in the biomedical applications of adhesive hydrogels, focusing on tissue repair, drug delivery, medical devices, and wearable sensors are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges are highlighted and future trends in this rapidly evolving field are discussed.
Tumor‐Specific Protein Induced in Situ Self‐Assembly of Peptide Drugs for Synergistic Mitochondria Disruption
Authors: Hao Yi , Hou Da‐Yong , Zhou Lei , Fan Yan‐Lei , Wu Xiu‐Hai , Liu Yi‐Xuan , Xu Yin‐Sheng , Song Ben‐Li , Yi Li , Qiao Zeng‐Ying , Wang Hao , Xu Shou‐Ping
Published: November 2024

Mitochondria‐targeted cancer therapy is an effective method for controlling tumor growth. However, the presence of repair mechanisms in tumor cells in response to mitochondrial damage poses significant challenges for treatment. By taking advantage of intracellular self‐assembly technology, a peptide nanomaterial, RC‐K‐FX, that enters tumor cells in a monomeric form is designed. After binding to MUC1‐C inside the cell membrane, RC‐K‐FX assembles into a spherical structure that stably encapsulates MUC1‐C, inhibiting its dimerization and blocking the repair of stress‐induced mitochondrial damage in tumor cells. Moreover, the self‐assembled mitochondrial toxic peptide effectively destroys the mitochondria, and the loss of mitochondrial repair significantly increases tumor cytotoxicity by disrupting the redox balance, enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway, and suppressing the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. After intravenous administration, RC‐G‐FX accumulated at the tumor site, exhibiting improved anti‐tumor effects and extending the overall survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Therefore, the integration of the in situ self‐assembly of peptide drugs and damage to mitochondrial repair mechanisms provides effective therapeutic options for malignancy.
Sustainable Red Emissive Carbon Dots Derived From Red Beans for Pb2+ Probe
Authors: Cheng Zhaoyu , Wu Shaogui
Published: November 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a promising class of fluorescent nanomaterials. This study reports a green synthesis of red fluorescent CDs (R‐CDs) using an inexpensive and sustainable carbon source – red beans. The R‐CDs exhibits excellent optical properties and outperforms many other reported red‐emitting CDs in terms of high quantum yield (20.4%) and photostability. The R‐CDs show excitation‐independent emission behavior, indicating unique luminescent centers. The R‐CDs display remarkable dispersibility, salt‐resistance and temperature stability. Additionally, the R‐CDs demonstrate high selectivity toward Pb2+ detection with a low detection limit of 0.8 µM, expanding their application as fluorescent probes. This work establishes an effective strategy for synthesizing high‐quality R‐CDs using sustainable carbon sources, providing a new avenue for tailoring CDs with tunable fluorescence properties for broader applications in sensing and imaging.
Chemogenomic Screening in a Patient‐Derived 3D Fatty Liver Disease Model Reveals the CHRM1‐TRPM8 Axis as a Novel Module for Targeted Intervention
Authors: Youhanna Sonia , Kemas Aurino M. , Wright Shane C. , Zhong Yi , Klumpp Britta , Klein Kathrin , Motso Aikaterini , Michel Maurice , Ziegler Nicole , Shang Mingmei , Sabatier Pierre , Kannt Aimo , Sheng Hongda , Oliva‐Vilarnau Nuria , Büttner Florian A. , Seashore‐Ludlow Brinton , Schreiner Jonas , Windbergs Maike , Cornillet Martin , Björkström Niklas K. , Hülsmeier Andreas J. , Hornemann Thorsten , Olsen Jesper V. , Wang Yi , Gramignoli Roberto , Sundström Michael , Lauschke Volker M.
Published: November 2024

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with few therapeutic options. To narrow the translational gap in the development of pharmacological MASH treatments, a 3D liver model from primary human hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells derived from patients with histologically confirmed MASH was established. The model closely mirrors disease‐relevant endpoints, such as steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and multi‐omics analyses show excellent alignment with biopsy data from 306 MASH patients and 77 controls. By combining high‐content imaging with scalable biochemical assays and chemogenomic screening, multiple novel targets with anti‐steatotic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐fibrotic effects are identified. Among these, activation of the muscarinic M1 receptor (CHRM1) and inhibition of the TRPM8 cation channel result in strong anti‐fibrotic effects, which are confirmed using orthogonal genetic assays. Strikingly, using biosensors based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, a functional interaction along a novel MASH signaling axis in which CHRM1 inhibits TRPM8 via Gq/11 and phospholipase C‐mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate can be demonstrated. Combined, this study presents the first patient‐derived 3D MASH model, identifies a novel signaling module with anti‐fibrotic effects, and highlights the potential of organotypic culture systems for phenotype‐based chemogenomic drug target identification at scale.
Negative Pressure Smart Patch to Sense and Heal the Wound
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhao Peng , Wu Xiaozhuo , Zhao Yawei , Zhou Feifan , Luo Ying , Jia Xiaoli , Zhong Wen , Xing Malcolm , Lyu Guozhong
Published: November 2024

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) offers significant advantages in terms of rate and time for healing through generating sub‐vacuum to draw out inflammatory exudate and promote wound closure. However, continuous drainage probably leads to healing delay due to the lack of information about the real status of the wound bed and the potential risk of infection. To address this concern, printed Negative Pressure Smart Patch (NPSP) is reported by integrating smart real‐time sensing acidity (infection) and glucose, and anti‐infection into NPWT systems. In addition, NPSP delivers vancomycin through chitosan porous microspheres under negative pressure to modulate wound healing. Compared with NPWT, NPSP projects a promising approach to removing bacteria, reducing local inflammation, and accelerating healing in a short period of time.
Accurate Spatial Heterogeneity Dissection and Gene Regulation Interpretation for Spatial Transcriptomics using Dual Graph Contrastive Learning
Authors: Yu Zhuohan , Yang Yuning , Chen Xingjian , Wong Ka‐Chun , Zhang Zhaolei , Zhao Yuming , Li Xiangtao
Published: November 2024

Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics have enabled simultaneous preservation of high‐throughput gene expression profiles and the spatial context, enabling high‐resolution exploration of distinct regional characterization in tissue. To effectively understand the underlying biological mechanisms within tissue microenvironments, there is a requisite for methods that can accurately capture external spatial heterogeneity and interpret internal gene regulation from spatial transcriptomics data. However, current methods for region identification often lack the simultaneous characterizing of spatial structure and gene regulation, thereby limiting the ability of spatial dissection and gene interpretation. Here, stDCL is developed, a dual graph contrastive learning method to identify spatial domains and interpret gene regulation in spatial transcriptomics data. stDCL adaptively incorporates gene expression data and spatial information via a graph embedding autoencoder, thereby preserving critical information within the latent embedding representations. In addition, dual graph contrastive learning is proposed to train the model, ensuring that the latent embedding representation closely resembles the actual spatial distribution and exhibits cluster similarity. Benchmarking stDCL against other state‐of‐the‐art clustering methods using complex cortex datasets demonstrates its superior accuracy and effectiveness in identifying spatial domains. Our analysis of the imputation matrices generated by stDCL reveals its capability to reconstruct spatial hierarchical structures and refine differential expression assessment. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the versatility of stDCL in interpretability of gene regulation, spatial heterogeneity at high resolution, and embryonic developmental patterns. In addition, it is also showed that stDCL can successfully annotate disease‐associated astrocyte subtypes in Alzheimer's disease and unravel multiple relevant pathways and regulatory mechanisms.
Wholesalers and the transformation of Myanmar's maize value chains
Authors: Belton Ben , Cho Ame , Hall Michael , Minten Bart , Reardon Thomas
Published: November 2024

Wholesalers of agricultural crops have historically received limited attention in the literature on agricultural development, which has a strongly productivist focus. When wholesalers are considered, they are often framed as exploitative, taking advantage of information asymmetries, market failures, and unequal power relations to extract heavy surpluses from farmers. However, there is a growing appreciation that wholesalers may play important roles in facilitating agricultural development and rural transformation. This paper evaluates wholesaler conduct and performance using a survey of 218 maize wholesalers in 12 of the major maize‐growing and trading townships of South Shan State, Myanmar and the cities of Lashio and Muse in North Shan. Hybrid maize emerged very rapidly in Myanmar over the past two decades to become a major cash crop, supplying domestic animal feed mills and becoming one of Myanmar's most important exports to China and Thailand. Wholesalers have been central to the development of this supply chain and the sector. Contrary to recent literature from Myanmar that has cast maize wholesalers as exploitative, the survey finds that the rapidly growing wholesaler segment of the maize value chain is highly competitive, rapidly changing with respect to technology, and functions efficiently. Farmers obtaining maize inputs from wholesalers in the form of tied output credit sell their maize at prevailing market rates. The emergence of clusters of maize wholesalers and allied actors such as third‐party logistics services occurred spontaneously and symbiotically with the expansion of hybrid maize cultivation, and with each set of actors essential to the emergence of the others.
A Sustainable Catalyst‐Free Approach to Bipyrazoles Under Batch and Flow Chemistry Techniques
Authors: Kumari Akanksha , Jain Anshul , Rana Nirmal K.
Published: November 2024

We have developed an efficient and sustainable approach for the synthesis of 4,4′‐bipyrazole derivatives from spirocyclopropanyl‐pyrazolone and hydrazine under mild conditions. This methodology is catalyst‐free, operating effectively in both batch and continuous flow processes. The flow synthesis allows the production of products up to 110 mg/h which provides industrial applicability and scalability. Additionally, 4,4’‐bipyraole has been transformed into a triphenyl‐substituted pyrazole derivative.
Towards a Unified Set of Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Brownlee Wallace J. , Vidal‐Jordana Angela , Shatila Madiha , Strijbis Eva , Schoof Lisa , Killestein Joep , Barkhof Frederik , Bollo Luca , Rovira Alex , Sastre‐Garriga Jaume , Tintore Mar , Rocca Maria A. , Esposito Federica , Azzimonti Matteo , Filippi Massimo , Bodini Benedetta , Lazzarotto Andrea , Stankoff Bruno , Montalban Xavier , Toosy Ahmed T. , Thompson Alan J. , Ciccarelli Olga ,   for the MAGNIMS Study Group
Published: November 2024

Objective

The 2017 McDonald criteria continued the separation of diagnostic criteria for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) for historical, rather than biological, reasons. We aimed to explore the feasibility of a single, unified set of diagnostic criteria when applied to patients with suspected PPMS.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients evaluated for suspected PPMS at 5 European centers. The 2017 McDonald PPMS criteria was the gold standard against which the 2017 McDonald RRMS dissemination in space (DIS) and dissemination in time criteria were evaluated. We also investigated modified RRMS DIS criteria, including: (i) optic nerve lesions; (ii) ≥2 spinal cord lesions; and (iii) higher fulfilment of DIS criteria alone (lesions in ≥3 regions) without dissemination in time/positive cerebrospinal fluid, for a diagnosis of PPMS.

Results

A total of 282 patients were diagnosed with PPMS using the 2017 McDonald criteria, and 40 with alternate disorders. The 2017 McDonald RRMS DIS criteria and the modified DIS criteria including the optic nerve or ≥2 spinal cord lesions performed well in PPMS diagnosis when combined with dissemination in time/positive cerebrospinal fluid (sensitivity 92.9–95.4%, specificity 95%, accuracy 93.2–95.3%). A diagnosis of PPMS based on high fulfillment of modified RRMS DIS criteria had high specificity, but low sensitivity. A diagnostic algorithm applicable to patients evaluated for suspected MS is proposed.

Interpretation

The 2017 McDonald RRMS criteria and modifications to DIS criteria, currently under consideration, performed well in PPMS diagnosis. Forthcoming revisions to the McDonald criteria should consider a single, unified set of diagnostic criteria for MS. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:571–582
Machine Learning Assisted Prediction of Donor Numbers: Guiding Rational Fabrication of Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Yuqing , Qi Shengguang , Li Mianrui , Ma Tongmei , Song Huiyu , Cui Zhiming , Liang Zhenxing , Du Li
Published: November 2024

Polymer electrolytes are of interest in high‐energy‐density batteries. However, how the intrinsic electron‐donating capability of polymer segments involved in coordination affects lithium‐ion dissociation/transmission and rationally guides the design and fabrication of electrolytes is a highly exploratory topic. This study proposes a workable method that integrates machine learning with density functional theory to predict donor numbers (DN) for polymer building units. Using this approach, polymer chains with optimized DN are designed, effectively modulating the solvation structure of lithium‐ion. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the positive impact of polymer chains on rapid transport of lithium ions. Experimental validation of the proposed zwitterionic polymer electrolyte (ZPE) showcases satisfactory parameters: ion conductivity (0.59 mS cm−1), ion migration numbers (0.82), and activation energy (0.016 eV). Electrochemical analysis on Li|ZPE|Li symmetric batteries demonstrate sustained plating/stripping performance exceeding 3000 hours at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2. Assembled NCM|ZPE|Li batteries exhibit stable cycling over 1400 cycles at 4.3 V, with a capacity retention ratio of 92.3 %. Moreover, even under ultra‐high voltages of 4.5 V and 4.7 V, NCM|ZPE|Li batteries display stable cycling performances. This approach offers a paradigmatic strategy for polymer molecule design, advancing sustainable battery technologies.
In Situ Generation of Microwire Heterojunctions with Flexible Optical Waveguide and Hydration‐Mediated Photochromism
Authors: Dai Meiqi , Qi Zhenhong , Yan Dongpeng
Published: November 2024

Flexible heterojunctions based on molecular systems are in high demand for applications in photonics, electronics, and smart materials, but fabrication challenges have hindered progress. Herein, we present an in situ approach to creating optical heterojunctions using hydration‐mediated flexible molecular crystals. These hydrated multi‐component molecular solids display strong blue emitting optical waveguides with minimal optical loss (0.005 dB/μm) and excellent flexibility (elastic modulus: 3.87 GPa). The water‐mediated process enables the molecular microwires with tunable elastic and plastic deformation, as well as reversible uptake and release of lattice water, facilitating the formation of flexible heterojunctions. Spectral analysis and theoretical modeling reveal that these microwires exhibit both photochromism and color‐tunable dual emission (fluorescence and phosphorescence), expanding their utility in photonic information encoding. Therefore, this work introduces a hydration‐mediated molecular engineering strategy for fabricating crystalline heterojunctions with on‐demand processability and controllable emission sequences, enabling optical signal manipulation at the micro/nanoscale.
Radiation‐Sensitive Layered Hybrid Double Perovskites Driven by a Dual‐Ion‐Woven Supramolecular Framework for X‐Ray Tomography
Authors: Xu Xieming , Lu Hao , Zhang Xiong , Wang Lian , Feng Guiqing , Zheng Luying , Jiang Xiaoming , Wu Shaofan , Wang Shuaihua
Published: November 2024

A promising candidate for X‐ray detection is layered hybrid double perovskites (LHDPs) with excellent structural stability, but their sensitivity is generally limited by unsatisfactory interlayer charge transport. Herein, employing one ethylenediamine (EDA) chain as a structural inducer, we successfully obtain unusual Dion‐Jacobson (DJ) phase LHDPs, (EDABr)4AgBiBr8 and (EDABr)4CuBiBr8, featuring a Ruddlesden‐Popper‐like (RP‐like) interlayer. Thanks to the bridging of bromine anions, organic cations are linked via charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds, where two ionic spacers are orderly woven into a supramolecular framework. Consequently, the RP‐like interlayer space is regulated by the dual‐ion‐woven supramolecular framework with embedded charge‐assisted hydrogen bond networks, remarkably enriching interlayer interactions and boosting charge transport. Through theoretical calculations, structural roles of the supramolecular framework are elucidated by extra orbital contribution and large diffusion barrier of Br anions. As proof of concept, the sensitivity of RP‐like devices up to 5250 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 is a record‐high of LHDP‐based X‐ray detectors for now, while a low detection limit (91 nGyair s−1) and outstanding radiation‐resistant capability (50 Gyair) are achieved. Moreover, an oriented membrane device is prepared to demonstrate high‐performance X‐ray tomography. These findings offer a brand‐new interlayer‐modulation strategy for the construction of sensitive and stable scintillation semiconductors.