bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How perceived risks in interorganizational collaboration shape disaster response strategies
Authors: Song Minsun , Hwang Joungyoon , Ki Namhoon
Published: April 2024

Interorganizational collaboration is a means, through which governments to effectively respond to disasters. However, the extent to which collaboration risks embedded in interorganizational relationships shape such collaborative arrangements largely remains unanswered. This study examined the impact of collaboration risks as perceived by organizational representatives with regard to emergency management (EM). To this end, we conducted an EM survey in Seoul in 2015 and analyzed the data using a quadratic assignment procedure logistic regression. The dyadic network analytic results demonstrated that the aggregate risks as perceived by paired organizations are negatively associated with the establishment of collaboration ties. In contrast, a significant disparity in the perceived risk levels between paired organizations promotes collaborative network arrangements; when one party perceives substantially lower collaboration risks relative to the other, it can create a favorable condition for both parties to initiate interorganizational collaboration.
Novel sulfonated calixarenes derived crosslinker for reinforcing and toughening collagen: Relevance between structure and properties
Authors: Zhou Yongxiang , Zhao Jiamin , Ma Jianzhong , Gao Dangge , Zhang Xinyan
Published: April 2024

Collagen is widely used in the development of new functional materials due to its high structural stability, good biocompatibility, and excellent hydrophilicity, but the collagen protein denatures easily, which makes its thermal stability and mechanical strength difficult to reach some of the parameters required in the application. To solve this, protein crosslinking is an effective way to better use collagen. In this paper, we compared the thermal stability and morphological stability of three kinds of sulfonated calixarenes crosslinked collagen before and after the treatment. The results showed that sulfonated calixarenes could significantly improve the thermal stability and morphological stability of dermal collagen. The reinforcing and toughening mechanism of the sulfonated calixarenes was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), ultraviolet–visible–near‐infrared (UV–vis–NIR) spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction detection (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and circular dichroism (CD) detection. The results showed that sulfonated calixarenes were evenly distributed in collagen fibers and formed hydrogen bonds or electrovalent bonds with amino groups, peptide groups, or amide groups in collagen to improve the thermal stability of the collagen. Three kinds of sulfonated calixarenes enter collagen fiber to support the collagen, increase the three‐dimensional weave angle of collagen, and improve the physical and mechanical properties of collagen, thereby toughening and enhancing the collagen. Based on the above studies, the reinforcing and toughening mechanism of the sulfonated calixarenes crosslinked collagen was established. Confirmed the existence of hydrogen bonds between the three sulfonated calixarenes and collagen, and the nonchemical bond energy of the system was proportional to the molecular size of sulfonated calixarenes.
Effect of geometric structure and fiber orientation on crashworthiness of honeycomb‐inspired composite thin‐walled tubes
Authors: Feng Kangyi , Wei Guangyan , Yu Hang , Yao Lu , Wang Wei , Shen Yue , Yan Xuefeng , Ma Yan
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the crashworthiness of biomimetic composite thin‐walled tubes under quasi‐static axial crushing, focusing on the effects of geometric structure and fiber orientation. The thin‐walled tubes, inspired by honeycomb structures, were manufactured using carbon fiber composites through multi‐cavity preform mold method. Quasi‐static crushing tests and CT scanning observation were conducted to characterize the mechanical response, crashworthiness mechanisms and energy absorption capacity of the thin‐walled tubes. Results demonstrated excellent energy absorption capacities across all configurations, with the C‐0/45 configuration achieving the highest specific energy absorption at 115.03 kJ/kg. The optimal crushing energy absorption process for thin‐walled tubes involves achieving high peak loads and maintaining high load levels. Sustaining high loads requires progressive and stable damage without the formation of extensive intermediate cracks between different plies (indicative of strong interlaminar shear strength). The structural integrity of the uncrushed sections must remain intact without significant damage during the crushing process. Fiber orientation parallel to the loading direction enhances peak load levels and interlaminar shear strength between plies, but may compromise circumferential stiffness and structural stability. The influence of geometric configuration is primarily manifested in the progressive and stable crushing phase, where the tube requires sufficient space to accumulate its own debris without causing damage to the uncrushed thin‐walled structure.

Highlights

Structures and fiber orientation boost crashworthiness in biomimetic composite tubes.

Biomimetic structures were produced using a multi‐cavity preform mold method.

CT scans were conducted to characterize the energy absorption mechanisms.

Composite tubes demonstrated excellent energy absorption capacity of 115 kJ/kg.
Effect of nanosecond laser pulse width and energy on damage characteristics in carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates
Authors: Qu Meijiao , Song Yuheng , Wen Jinjun , He Weifeng , Zhu Hanrui , Liu Kai
Published: April 2024

This study explores the effects of laser pulse width and energy on CFRP laminates damage in laser bond inspection technology. Three testing programs were used, including varying laser energy while keeping pulse width constant, altering pulse width while maintaining constant power density, and modifying pulse width while keeping energy constant. The results show that when the pulse width remains constant, increased laser energy has a minimal effect on the initial damage location but leads to gradual interlayer delamination and fiber fracture propagation toward the impact surface. With constant laser energy, a specific threshold for pulse width is observed. When the laser pulse width is below this threshold, it exhibits a positive correlation with the damage characteristics of CFRP laminates, whereas when it exceeds this threshold, it shows a negative correlation. Power density correlates with damage when pulse width is constant, but there is no direct correlation when pulse width varies.

Highlights

CFRP laminates underwent laser shock tests with varying pulse widths.

Power density is positively correlated with damage under specific conditions.

There exists a specific threshold for laser pulse width.

In single‐sided laser shock, initial damage spreads within a specified range.
Prenatal cardiac findings and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Fetal detection and evaluation
Authors: Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Bassett Anne S. , Boot Erik , Marino Bruno , Moldenhauer Julie S. , Óskarsdóttir Sólveig , Putotto Carolina , Rychik Jack , Schindewolf Erica , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Blagowidow Natalie
Published: April 2024

Clinical features of 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) are highly variable between affected individuals and frequently include a subset of conotruncal and aortic arch anomalies. Many are diagnosed with 22q11.2DS when they present as a fetus, newborn or infant with characteristic cardiac findings and subsequently undergo genetic testing. The presence of an aortic arch anomaly with characteristic intracardiac anomalies increases the likelihood that the patient has 22q11.2 DS, but those with an aortic arch anomaly and normal intracardiac anatomy are also at risk. It is particularly important to identify the fetus at risk for 22q11.2DS in order to prepare the expectant parents and plan postnatal care for optimal outcomes. Fetal anatomy scans now readily identify aortic arch anomalies (aberrant right subclavian artery, right sided aortic arch or double aortic arch) in the three‐vessel tracheal view. Given the association of 22q11.2DS with aortic arch anomalies with and without intracardiac defects, this review highlights the importance of recognizing the fetus at risk for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome with an aortic arch anomaly and details current methods for genetic testing. To assist in the prenatal diagnosis of 22q11.2DS, this review summarizes the seminal features of 22q11.2DS, its prenatal presentation and current methods for genetic testing.
Does health insurance participation matter in shaping African immigrants' physical health in Guangzhou, China? The role of mental health
Authors: Du Haitao , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2024

China is a burgeoning immigrant‐receiving country, and policies on immigration are just beginning to be developed. While African immigration to China was uncommon 30 years ago, China has gradually become a major destination for African immigrants due to its robust economy, welcoming universities, and low cost of living. Currently, there are increasing numbers of African students and professionals who are migrating to China to study or work. The health status of African migrants in China shapes their wellbeing, which plays a key role in strengthening long‐term cooperative relations between China and African countries. Although previous literature has examined the socioeconomic status of these African immigrants, the role of health insurance participation in shaping the health status of African immigrants remains obscure in China. Using data from the 2019 questionnaire‐survey in Guangzhou, China, this paper investigates the underlying mechanism driving African immigrants' health insurance participation as critical to their physical and mental health. Our results demonstrate that health insurance participation is a pivotal factor in the overall health of African immigrants; specifically, purchasing health insurance and one's mental and physical health can be characterised as a feedback loop. Purchasing health insurance can positively impact mental health, and consequently, better mental health can improve physical health. Good physical health also tends to bolster mental health. Therefore, policies aimed at improving African immigrants' mental and physical health are expected to encourage them to purchase health insurance above their present low level of insurance participation. The proposal here is that health policymaking for immigrants should include the interaction mechanism between physical and mental health rather than focus only on physical health conditions.
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage due to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) associated with COVID‐19
Authors: Siddiqui Atif , Tchakarov Amanda
Published: April 2024

Key message

Delayed presentation of atypical HUS after COVID‐19 with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is uncommon and can be life threatening.
Three‐dimensionalized feature‐based LiDAR‐visual odometry for online mapping of unpaved road surfaces
Authors: Lee Junwoon , Kurisu Masamitsu , Kuriyama Kazuya
Published: April 2024

Automated maintenance and motion planning for unpaved roads are research areas of great interest in the field robotics. Constructing such systems necessitates the development of surface maps for unpaved roads. However, the lack of distinctive features on unpaved roads degrades the performance of light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐based mapping. To address this problem, this paper proposes three‐dimensionalized feature‐based LiDAR‐visual odometry (TFB odometry) for the online mapping of unpaved road surfaces. TFB odometry introduces a novel interpolation concept to directly estimate the three‐dimensional coordinates of the image features using LiDAR. Furthermore, LiDAR intensity‐weighted motion estimation is proposed to effectively mitigate the effects of dust, which significantly impact the performance of LiDAR. Finally, TFB odometry includes pose graph optimization to efficiently fuse global navigation satellite system data and poses estimated from motion estimation. Through field experiments on unpaved roads, TFB odometry demonstrated successful online full mapping and outperformed other simultaneous localization and mapping methods. Additionally, it demonstrated remarkable performance in accurately mapping road surface anomalies, even in dusty regions.
Manure fertilizer divergently affects organic and inorganic carbon in a dryland agricultural soil
Authors: Su Fuyuan , Kong Weibo , Qiu Liping , Wu Qifan , Zhu Hansong , Wei Xin , Wu Yonghong , Hao Mingde , Ni Huaqian , Wei Xiaorong
Published: April 2024

Soil carbon (C) is important to support sustainable agriculture, affect global C cycling, and influence the climate system. Manure fertilization is an important and widely used practice to increase agricultural productivity and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, whereas its effect on soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and total C in deep soils is not reported. This knowledge gap restricts our ability to accurately evaluate C budget in agricultural soils because SIC in deep soils accounts for more than half of the global soil C pools, while current earth system models rarely take them into account. Herein, we examined changes of soil C along 0‐ to 3.0‐m depth after 35 years of application of manure in a dryland agricultural ecosystem. We also measured C concentrations in soil samples (0–0.2 m) from 1985 to 2019 to evaluate C dynamics in topsoils. The objective was to understand how SIC and SOC in deep soils respond to manure fertilization in semiarid ecosystem, where SIC accounts for a large fraction of total C. We showed a divergent effect of 35 years of manure application on SOC and SIC in 0–3.0 m soil from a dryland agricultural ecosystem. Either within or across the two cropping systems examined, manure increased SOC in top 0.8 m layer but decreased SIC in 0.8–3.0 m layer, which offset SOC increase and resulted in 63.8 Mg ha−1 decrease of total C in 0–3.0 m soil layer. Given the importance of soil C for sustainable agriculture and that drylands contain 80% of the global SIC and ∼50% of world cropland, immediate attention should be paid to such divergent effects in both mechanisms understanding and model prediction.
Synthesis of Silver‐Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Sol‐Gel and Coprecipitation Techniques: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxic Effects
Authors: Shabaninia Mitra , Khorasani Manouchehr , Baniyaghoob Sahar
Published: April 2024

TiO2 nanoparticles are effective alternative to the antibiotics. The quick recombination of the photogenerated charges and the inefficient exploitation of visible light remain the major problems limiting their large‐scale applications. Modifying the TiO2 with Silver that acting as an electron trap, plays an important role in reducing the recombination of TiO2 charges and shift its photo‐response to the visible light region. The present work aims to synthesize AgTiO2 nanoparticles using sol‐gel and coprecipitation methods and evaluating the antimicrobial behavior of them. Also, to find the optimal conditions based on the anatase phase of TiO2 due to its higher antimicrobial activity than the rutile form. Among Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles obtained, the one prepared by sol‐gel method at 450 °C and PH=8–8.5 exhibits the best antimicrobial property. AgTiO2 nanoparticles have been characterized by means X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),scanning electron microscope (SEM), ζ‐potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS) that showing promising results. Zeta potential values −103 mV has been reported that is considered as a stable colloidal suspension system that prevents nanoparticles aggregation. Antimicrobial behavior of them were evaluated using Diffusion (Agar disk‐diffusion), Dilution (MIC) and Bacterial colony counting methods and diameter of the inhibitory zone 15 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration 5 mg/ml was observed.Colony count results indicated that AgTiO2 able to kill bacteria at the lowest concentration of 5 mg/ml. Outcomes of MTT assay (measure cell cytoxicity) suggesting the absence of toxicity in living Hfff cells (as a normal human fibroblast) while surviving L929 cells (as a cancer cell line originated from mouse fibroblast cells). After 24 and 48 h incubation from 100 % to 77.3 % and 57.2 % was reduced respectively. This indicates that Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles act as a anticancer drug and have inherent selective toxicity nature towards cancer cells while posing no effect to normal cells. AgTiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized using sol‐gel and coprecipitation methods. The sample prepared by the sol‐gel method at a temperature of 450 °C and pH=8.5, which corresponds to the anatase phase of TiO2 synthesis, shows the best antimicrobial properties and acts as an anticancer drug with inherent selective toxicity nature towards cancer cells while posing no effect on normal cells.
Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Exfoliated Boron‐TiO2 Composite for Degradation of Rhodamine B and Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Ramteke Pritam , Bhoyar Toshali , Umare Suresh S.
Published: April 2024

The design of an efficient, recyclable, visible light photocatalytic system was examined as a viable new green way to address environmental challenges such as removal of pollutants from wastewater and N2 fixation. The exfoliated boron (Bexf)‐Titanium oxide (TiO2) composite visible light active photocatalysts were successfully constructed via a simple wet chemical method by utilizing acetone as a solvent. The composite was evaluated for the photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and reduction of N2, which exhibits improved photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB as well as for reduction of N2. Experiments with different quenchers indicate that the photogenerated superoxide radical anion (O2⋅−) plays a significant role in the degradation of RhB as well as for N2 reduction reactions. The composite catalyst shows good photostability and there is no significant reduction of the catalyst activity for dye degradation up to 4 cycles of reaction. This work affords a significant view into the design of reusable TiO2 composite materials for photocatalytic RhB degradation and nitrogen fixation.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Molecular Docking and ADME Profiling of Methylpiperidin‐4‐ylphenyl‐nicotinamide Derivatives
Authors: Mohan Mulik Baban , Srivastava Noopur , Pendharkar Dhananjay
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we designed, synthesized, and biologically screened a series of methyl‐piperidine‐phenyl‐nicotinamide derivatives with the aim of novel derivatives as effective anticancer agents. Compounds (9 a), (9 e) and (9 k) exhibited potent anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 5.9 μM, 5.9 μM and 5.0 μM, respectively using MV411 (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and K562 (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) cell line. Our docking studies show good binding affinity of these compounds for ABL1 kinase. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited a favourable in silico ADME profile with good solubility and low clearance in Human Liver Microsomes (HLM). These derivatives represent a promising approach to initiate the development of new anticancer drugs in oncology programs.
A Silver Nanoparticle‐Embedded Tamarind Kernel Gum/Poly (Sodium Acrylate) Nanocomposite for Sustainable Release of Doxycycline
Authors: Rani Indu , Warkar Sudhir G. , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2024

The current work describes an eco‐friendly novel synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs)/Tamarind kernel gum (TKG)/Poly (sodium acrylate) (PSA) nanocomposite without the use of any toxic materials. It is a one‐step route synthesis of silver nanocomposite hydrogel in which TKG and PSA are cross‐linked using methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) cross‐linker. The developed hydrogels were characterized using XRD, FTIR, UV‐visible, FE‐SEM, and TEM techniques. Doxycycline (dox) was chosen as a model drug for release studies using TKG/PSA and Ag/TKG/PSA nanocomposite. The observation is that Ag NP/TKG/PSA nanocomposite showed a pH‐dependent swelling which is higher at pH 7.4 than at pH 1.2. Similarly, the cumulative drug release percentage (CDR %) using silver nanocomposite is higher at pH 7.4 than at pH 1.2. Also, the presence of Ag NPs decreased the swelling ratio (SR) of TKG/PSA hydrogel, which controls the rate of release of the dox drug. In addition, the dox release kinetics were studied using the Korsmeyer‐Peppas and Higuchi model. It has been found that drug release data was fitted in the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model with a higher value of regression coefficient (R2). Thus, Ag/TKG/PSA nanocomposite showed satisfactory results for sustainable release of doxycycline drug.
Evaluation of Structural, Morphological, Optical and Bactericidal Action of Branched Sm‐Doped CuO Nano‐Lanceolates
Authors: Franklin Rajesh T. S. , Jeyakumar S. C. , Sahaya Jude Dhas S. , Biju C. S. , Aswathappa Sivakumar , Suresh Kumar Raju , Almansour Abdulrahman I.
Published: April 2024

Over the years, metal oxides have been leveraged to create several intriguing novel antibacterial active materials such that while finding the ways and means to increase efficiency, rare earth elements are found to have often served as potential optical dopants such that an optimistic en route to achieve the same, branched Sm‐doped CuO nano‐lanceolates were synthesized employing a wet chemical approach. The samples were then annealed at three distinct temperatures, which were fixed to 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C. The nano‐lanceolates have crystallized in the monoclinic phase, according to the XRD analysis. The SEM image of Sm‐doped CuO captured at a magnification of 2 μm reveals a branched morphology, with multiple nano‐lanceolates stacked in a stem. TEM image reveals that the width of a typical nano‐lanceolate attached to a stem and its tip are found to be 87 nm and 212 nm, respectively and the obtained EDS data validate that elements including Cu, Sm, and O are present in the doped sample. The UV‐visible spectra of the annealed samples indicate that the sample annealed at 300 °C (1.43 eV) has a larger band gap than the other samples. The sample that was annealed at 400 °C has endured defect emissions that are more intense than those of other samples, according to the obtained PL spectra. In addition to these fascinating findings, the samples annealed at 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C exhibit a zone of inhibition of 23 mm & 24 mm, 11 mm & 12 mm and 12 mm & 11 mm, respectively for the two tested bacterial strains which authenticate that the 300 °C annealed Sm‐doped CuO nano‐lanceolate deactivates the two pathogenic bacteria more effectively compared to the other samples. As a consequence, the Sm‐doped CuO nano‐lanceolates at 300 °C could potentially be an effective alternative for antibacterial materials, particularly in biomedical applications
Accentuate the positive? Strategic negativity amid the hazard of high expectations
Authors: Parker Owen N. , Short Cole E. , Titus Varkey K. , Gong Ke , Nahm Peter Inho
Published: April 2024

Research Summary

While previous organizational impression management (OIM) research focuses on highlighting firms in a favorable light, we explore CEOs' use of “strategic negativity” to manage expectations. We draw on OIM's psychological roots to predict that despite pressure to “be positive,” when CEOs perceive stakeholders are motivated to raise their expectations and have an opportunity to do so, CEOs strategically use negativity to counteract this anticipated expectation increase. We test our predictions on 7330 quarterly earnings calls from 370 publicly traded firms (2008–2019), examining how the “motive” of a positive material earnings surprise and “opportunity” of a new fiscal year jointly increase CEO negativity in prepared remarks. We elaborate the wide applicability of strategic negativity, the “other side” of the OIM phenomenon.

Managerial Summary

In contrast to the prevailing view that CEOs usually “positively spin” the firm's situation to stakeholders, we investigate how CEOs strategically use negativity to counteract stakeholder optimism, provided CEOs perceive expectations are likely to rocket upward. We argue that positive news represents a “motive” and a chance to reflect represents an “opportunity,” and that together they risk raising expectations. Analyzing 7330 quarterly earnings calls of 370 companies (2008–2019), we specifically examined how both (1) a positive earnings surprise and (2) a new fiscal year force CEOs out of their positivity comfort zone and encourage them to be strategically negative in earnings call remarks, to try to lower stakeholder expectations. Our results support this view and pave the way for future research.
HCOO− Doping‐Induced Multiexciton Emissions in Cs3Cu2I5 Crystals for Efficient X‐Ray Scintillation
Authors: Wang Zisheng , Wang Lixiang , Xie Jiahao , Yang Yang , Song Yilong , Xiao Guanjun , Fu Yuhao , Zhang Lijun , Fang Yanjun , Yang Deren , Dong Qingfeng
Published: April 2024

Self‐trapped exciton (STE) luminescence, typically associated with structural deformation of excited states, has attracted significant attention in metal halide materials recently. However, the mechanism of multiexciton STE emissions in certain metal halide crystals remains largely unexplored. This study investigates dual luminescence emissions in HCOO− doped Cs3Cu2I5 single crystals using transient and steady‐state spectroscopy. The dual emissions are attributed to intrinsic STE luminescence originating from the host lattice and extrinsic STE luminescence induced by external dopants, respectively, each of which can be triggered independently at distinct energy levels. Theoretical calculations reveal that multiexciton emission originates from structural distortion of the host and dopant STEs within the 0D lattice in their respective excited states. By meticulously tuning the excitation wavelength and selectively exciting different STEs, the dynamic alteration of color change in Cs3Cu2I5:HCOO− crystals is demonstrated. Ultimately, owing to an extraordinarily high photoluminescence quantum yield (99.01%) and a diminished degree of self‐absorption in Cs3Cu2I5:HCOO− crystals, they exhibit remarkable X‐ray scintillation characteristics with light yield being improved by 5.4 times as compared to that of pristine Cs3Cu2I5 crystals, opening up exciting avenues for achieving low‐dose X‐ray detection and imaging.
Molecular Engineering to Regulate the Pseudo‐Graphitic Structure of Hard Carbon for Superior Sodium Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Hou Zhidong , Jiang Mingwei , Peng Jiahui , Ma Honghao , Gao Yuyang , Wang Jian‐Gan
Published: April 2024

Resin‐derived hard carbons have shown great advantages in serving as promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries due to their flexible microstructure tunability. However, it remains a daunting challenge to rationally regulate the pseudo‐graphitic crystallite and defect of hard carbon toward advanced sodium storage performance. Herein, a molecular engineering strategy is demonstrated to modulate the cross‐linking degree of phenolic resin and thus optimize the microstructure of hard carbon. Remarkably, the resorcinol endows resin with a moderate cross‐linking degree, which can finely tune the pseudo‐graphitic structure with enlarged interlayer spacing and restricted surface defects. As a consequence, the optimal hard carbon delivers a notable reversible capacity of 334.3 mAh g−1 at 0.02 A g−1, a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 82.1%, superior rate performance of 103.7 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and excellent cycling durability over 5000 cycles. Furthermore, kinetic analysis and in situ Raman spectroscopy are performed to reveal the electrochemical advantage and sodium storage mechanism. This study fundamentally sheds light on the molecular design of resin‐based hard carbons to advance sodium energy for scale‐up applications.
High Thermoelectric Performance in Bismuth Telluride via Constructing MoSe2‐2D Heterojunction
Authors: Xiong Tao , He Hailong , Tian Ge , Ren Hongrui , Niu Chunping , Liu Mengmeng , Li Youqun , Wu Yi , Rong Mingzhe
Published: April 2024

Currently, the only thermoelectric (TE) materials commercially available at room temperature are those based on bismuth telluride. However, their widespread application is limited due to their inferior thermoelectric and mechanical properties. In this study, a strategy of growing a rigid second phase of MoSe2 is employed, in situ within the matrix phase to achieve n‐type bismuth telluride‐based materials with exceptional mechanical and thermoelectric properties. The in situ grown second phase contributes to both the electronic and lattice thermal conductivities. This is primarily attributed to the strong energy filtering effect, as the second phase forms a semi‐common lattice interfacial structure with the matrix phase during growth. Furthermore, for composites containing 2 wt% MoSe2, a maximum zT value of 1.24 at 373 K can be achieved. On this basis, 8‐pair TE module is fabricated and 1‐pair TE module is optimized using a homemade p‐type material. The optimized 1‐pair TE module generates a maximum output power of 13.6 µW, which is twice that of the 8‐pair TE module and four times more than the 8‐pair TE module fabricated by commercial material. This work facilitates the development of the TE module by presenting a novel approach to obtaining bismuth telluride‐based thermoelectric materials with superior thermoelectric and mechanical properties.
Copper Ion‐Inspired Dual Controllable Drug Release Hydrogels for Wound Management: Driven by Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Wang Zhuxian , Liu Jun , Zheng Yixin , Zhang Bohai , Hu Yi , Wu Yufan , Li Yamei , Liu Li , Zhu Hongxia , Liu Qiang , Yang Bin
Published: April 2024

Bacterial infections and inflammation progression yield huge trouble for the management of serious skin wounds and burns. However, some hydrogel dressing exhibit poor wound‐healing capabilities. Additionally, little information is given on the molecular theory of hydrogel gelation mechanisms and drug release performance from drug‐polymer network in the water environment. Herein, cationic guar gum (CG) is first mixed with dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DG), and then crosslinked Cu2+ to strengthen the mechanical strength followed by encapsulating mussel adhesive protein (MAP) as composite dressings. Intriguingly, CG‐Cu2+0.5‐DG10 possessed proper rheological properties and mechanical strength predominantly driven by strong CG‐H2O‐Cu2+ and Cu2+‐CG hydrogen bonding interaction. Weak DG‐CG hydrogen bonding only controlled DG release in the initial 4 h, while strong hydrogen bonding is the main force regulating the sustained release of Cu2+ within 48 h. The incorporation of MAP further loosened the tight crosslinking of CG‐Cu2+0.5‐DG10. The screened CG‐Cu2+0.5‐DG10/MAP possessed excellent self‐healing, injectability, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, cell proliferation‐promotion activities with high biocompatibility. Therefore, CG‐Cu2+0.5‐DG10/MAP hydrogel expedited wound closure on S. aureus‐infected full‐thickness skin wound model and lowered necrosis progression to the unburned interspaces on a rat burn model. The results highlight the promising translational potential of Cu2+‐inspired hydrogels for the management of burns and infected wounds.
The effect of substance use Certificate‐of‐Need laws on access to substance use disorder treatment facilities
Authors: Shakya Shishir , Bretschneider‐Fries Christine
Published: April 2024

We investigate how substance use Certificate‐of‐Need (CON) laws influence access to substance use disorder treatment facilities in the United States. We use the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities data set, which lists all federal, state, and local government facilities and private facilities that provide substance use treatment services in 2020. Based on the locations of these facilities, we develop a novel access index to substance use disorder treatment facilities that accounts for driving distance and duration to measure the ease of reaching these facilities for individuals living at the population‐weighted county centroids. We find that counties in states with CON laws that border counties without such laws have nearly 10% less spatial accessibility to substance use disorder treatment facilities at a 5% level of significance.
Boosting the Performance of Flexible Perovskite Photodetectors Using Hierarchical Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Lee Yoon Ho , Lee Sang Hyuk , Won Yousang , Kim Hongyoon , Yang Seok Joo , Ahn Jaeyong , Mun Jungho , Lee Jeong Hun , Dou Letian , Rho Junsuk , Oh Joon Hak
Published: April 2024

Plasmonic nanostructures can enhance the performance of photodetectors (PDs) owing to their amplification effect in light absorption, leading to overcoming the inherent properties of the photoactive layer. Herein, hierarchical plasmonic nanopatterns have been prepared and used for high‐performance flexible perovskite PDs. The developed hierarchical nanostructures, featuring nanoposts on cross‐nanograting patterns, exhibit a notably enhanced light trapping effect compared to hierarchical nanostructures based on a unidirectional simple nanograting structure. Moreover, hierarchical pattern‐based perovskite PDs show a photoresponsivity of 580 mA W−1 and a specific detectivity of 3.2 × 1012 Jones, which are 420% and 990% higher than those of perovskite PDs without plasmonic nanostructures, respectively. Furthermore, a flexible 10 × 10 PD array has been developed, which enables the accurate mapping of light signals with exceptional operational and mechanical stabilities, under a bending radius as small as 8 mm and after undergoing more than 1000 bending cycles. Comprehensive analyses using finite‐difference time‐domain calculations and photoluminescence mapping reveal the effective light trapping effect of hierarchical plasmonic patterns in the perovskite layers. This work provides an efficient approach to achieve high‐performance perovskite optoelectronic devices.
The AUstralian multidomain Approach to Reduce dementia Risk by prOtecting brain health With lifestyle intervention study (AU‐ARROW): A study protocol for a single‐blind, multi‐site, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gardener Samantha L. , Fuller Stephanie J. , Naismith Sharon L. , Baker Laura , Kivipelto Miia , Villemagne Victor L. , Grieve Stuart M. , Yates Paul , Rainey‐Smith Stephanie R. , Chen Juliana , Thompson Belinda , Armstrong Nicola J. , Fernando Malika G. , Blagojevic Castro Carolina , Meghwar Silochna , Raman Rema , Gleason Andrew , Ireland Catriona , Clarnette Roger , Anstey Kaarin J. , Taddei Kevin , Garg Manohar , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Martins Ralph N.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study (FINGER) led to the global dementia risk reduction initiative: World‐Wide FINGERS (WW‐FINGERS). As part of WW‐FINGERS, the Australian AU‐ARROW study mirrors aspects of FINGER, as well as US‐POINTER.

METHOD

AU‐ARROW is a randomized, single‐blind, multisite, 2‐year clinical trial (n = 600; aged 55–79). The multimodal lifestyle intervention group will engage in aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching, dietary advice to encourage MIND diet adherence, BrainHQ cognitive training, and medical monitoring and health education. The Health Education and Coaching group will receive occasional health education sessions. The primary outcome measure is the change in a global composite cognitive score. Extra value will emanate from blood biomarker analysis, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and retinal biomarker tests.

DISCUSSION

The finalized AU‐ARROW protocol is expected to allow development of an evidence‐based innovative treatment plan to reduce cognitive decline and dementia risk, and effective transfer of research outcomes into Australian health policy.

Highlights

Study protocol for a single‐blind, randomized controlled trial, the AU‐ARROW Study.

The AU‐ARROW Study is a member of the World‐Wide FINGERS (WW‐FINGERS) initiative.

AU‐ARROW's primary outcome measure is change in a global composite cognitive score.

Extra significance from amyloid PET imaging, brain MRI, and retinal biomarker tests.

Leading to development of an innovative treatment plan to reduce cognitive decline.
Children and Adults Explore Human Beings’ Place in Nature and Culture: A Swedish Case-Study of Early Childhood Commons for More Equal and Inclusive Education
Authors: Olsson Liselott Mariett , Lecusay Robert , Nilsson Monica
Published: April 2024

This chapter accounts for a Swedish case-study on the potential of educational commons to promote more equal and inclusive education in the early years. Several conditions decisive for this potential to be activated are identified and analysed: (1) the relation between research and practice, (2) the image of the child, (3) the role of teachers, (4) the definition of the educational task, and (5) the educational methods used. These conditions are described further in terms of how they were activated within a Playworld/Interactive performance based a common research question, shared by preschool children and adults, on human beings’ place in nature and culture. The chapter concludes that educational commons may function as a catalyst in promoting more equal and inclusive education if,

the image of children and teachers is embedded within a shared, intergenerational search for meaning where both children and teachers are conceived as contributing commoners,

education defines its task not only as compensatory but also as complementary and as a place for children’s search for meaning, where imagination, play and the creative co-construction of narratives must be allowed to co-exist with more conventional and “rational” modes of learning and teaching,

methods and theoretical tools in educational practice and research carry an aesthetic variety that incorporates both sensous-perceptive experiences and an enhancement of individual and collective memories as well as opportunities for children and adults to formulate and gather around a common object of knowledge and interest.
Zusammenfassung für Entscheidungstragende
Authors: Erb Karl-Heinz , Tappeiner Ulrike , Jandl Robert , Baumgarten Andreas , Dumke Hartmut , Fischer Tatjana , Formayer Herbert , Gaube Veronika , Getzner Michael , Gingrich Simone , Gratzer Georg , Haas Willi , Hinterberger Friedrich , Jäger Jill , Kottusch Charlotte , Kraxner Florian , Lapin Katharina , Meyer Ina , Schinko Thomas , Shinozaki Kyoko , Schneider Stefan , Schüler Silvio , Stöglehner Gernot , Tasser Erich , Thaler Thomas , Weiss Peter , Wenzel Walter , Zollitsch Werner
Published: April 2024

Die Zusammenfassung für Entscheidungstragende fasst die Inhalte des APCC Special Report „Landnutzung und Klimawandel in Österreich“ in komprimierter Form zusammen. Im Lichte des Zusammenhanges von Landnutzung, Klimawandel und gesellschaftlichem Wohlergehen werden die gegenwärtige Situation und zukünftige Entwicklungen in Österreich synoptisch beschrieben, wesentliche Optionen der Klimawandelanpassung und des Klimaschutzes dargestellt, deren Trade-offs und Synergien systematisch beleuchtet und zentrale Einsichten zur Umsetzung von Strategien zum Klimaschutz und der Klimawandelanpassung in Österreich zusammengefasst.
Kapitel 5. Mitigation des Klimawandels
Authors: Kraxner Florian , Zollitsch Werner , Kottusch Charlotte , Bruckman Viktor J. , Glatzel Stephan , Hood-Nowotny Rebecca , Jandl Robert , Lindenthal Thomas , Schmid Carmen , Theurl Michaela , Tötzer Tanja
Published: April 2024

Aufgrund der Größe der betroffenen Landflächen, den bei ihrer Nutzung emittierten und sequestrierten Treibhausgasen (THG) und des teilweise ungünstigen Zustands von Böden in Hinblick auf ihren Gehalt an organisch gebundenem Kohlenstoff (C) kommt der Landnutzung a priori eine wichtige Rolle bei Mitigationsbemühungen zu. Zur Minderung des Klimawandels ist eine Verringerung der atmosphärischen CO2-Konzentration erforderlich, die durch eine Abnahme der THG-Emissionen und durch Aufnahme und langfristige Speicherung von atmosphärischem Kohlenstoff in Biomasse und Boden erreicht werden kann (Chenu et al., 2019; Mayer et al., 2018; Paustian et al., 2016; Vos et al., 2018). Der Erhaltung bzw. idealerweise Erhöhung der organischen Substanz des Bodens durch geeignete Bodenschutzmaßnahmen kommt entscheidende Bedeutung zu.
Funktionelle Nachsorge nach schließmuskelerhaltender tiefer anteriorer Rektumresektion
Authors: Müller Maren B. , Weidenauer Stefan , Kneist Werner , Rink Andreas D.
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Zur Behandlung des tiefen anterioren Resektionssyndroms („low anterior resection syndrome“, LARS) nach schließmuskelerhaltender Rektumresektion stehen verschiedene Behandlungsmöglichkeiten zur Verfügung. Inwieweit diese in der klinischen Praxis zur Anwendung kommen, ist jedoch fraglich. Klare Empfehlungen für eine strukturierte funktionelle Nachsorge gibt es zurzeit nicht.

Ziel

Das Ziel der geplanten Studie besteht in der Überprüfung der These, dass eine strukturierte funktionelle Nachsorge das funktionelle Ergebnis und die Lebensqualität von Patienten mit LARS verbessern kann.

Methoden

Im Rahmen einer offenen, prospektiv-randomisierten Studie sollen 204 Patienten mit LARS nach kurativ intendierter tiefer anterioren Rektumresektion bei Rektumkarzinomen in den UICC-Stadien I–III und nach abgeschlossener adjuvanter Therapie in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. Die Patienten werden entweder in den Standard-Nachsorgearm eingeschlossen, der eine gründliche Aufklärung über Ätiologie und Behandlungsoptionen des LARS, eine einmalige Therapieempfehlung sowie das Angebot, sich bei funktionellen Problemen wieder vorzustellen, beinhaltet, oder in den experimentellen Arm der „intensivierten Nachsorge“ randomisiert. In diesem werden die Patienten alle 3 Monate aktiv kontaktiert, bezüglich LARS-Symptomatik befragt und im Hinblick auf eine Optimierung der LARS-Therapie beraten. Die Auswahl der Therapieempfehlungen liegt im Ermessen des Behandlers. Als primäres Zielkriterium wird die Lebensqualität mit dem EORTC-QLQ-C30-Fragebogen gemessen, als sekundäre Zielkriterien werden der LARS-Score sowie die Adhärenz zu den erfolgten Therapieempfehlungen jeweils 12 Monate nach Einschluss in die Studie untersucht. Als explorative Endpunkte werden Angst, Depression sowie die psychosoziale Belastung analysiert. Die Studie wurde für die StudyBox der Deutschen Krebsgesellschaft akkreditiert und ist unter der Nummer DRKS00033615 im Deutschen Register für Klinische Studien registriert.
Ethik des langen Lebens
Authors: Ehni Hans-Jörg
Published: April 2024

Der Anstieg der durchschnittlichen Lebenserwartung, der sich seit 1850 bis heute weltweit vollzieht, kann als eine große zivilisatorische Errungenschaft gesehen werden. Viele sehen jedoch den demografischen Wandel und einen fortgesetzten Trend der steigenden Lebenserwartung über aktuelle Grenzen hinaus skeptisch. Die Gründe dafür liegen in kulturell tief verwurzelten Einstellungen zum Alter und zu älteren Menschen.

Dieser Beitrag stellt diesen Haltungen Grundsätze für ein langes Leben entgegen, die den Gewinn der ersten Revolution der Lebensverlängerung betonen. Forschung ist zu fördern, die diesen Gewinn sicherstellen kann und eine weitere Verlängerung der menschlichen Lebensspanne als Resultat einer zweiten Revolution in Aussicht stellt.
Dynamics of a Piecewise-Linear Morris–Lecar Model: Bifurcations and Spike Adding
Authors: Penalva J. , Desroches M. , Teruel A. E. , Vich C.
Published: April 2024

Multiple-timescale systems often display intricate dynamics, yet of great mathematical interest and well suited to model real-world phenomena such as bursting oscillations. In the present work, we construct a piecewise-linear version of the Morris–Lecar neuron model, denoted PWL-ML, and we thoroughly analyse its bifurcation structure with respect to three main parameters. Then, focusing on the homoclinic connection present in our PWL-ML, we study the slow passage through this connection when augmenting the original system with a slow dynamics for one of the parameters, thereby establishing a simplified framework for this slow-passage phenomenon. Our results show that our model exhibits equivalent behaviours to its smooth counterpart. In particular, we identify canard solutions that are part of spike-adding transitions. Focusing on the one-spike and on the two-spike scenarios, we prove their existence in a more straightforward manner than in the smooth context. In doing so, we present several techniques that are specific to the piecewise-linear framework and with the potential to offer new tools for proving the existence of dynamical objects in a wider context.
Differential expression of neuropeptide F in the digestive organs of female freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, during the ovarian cycle
Authors: Vetkama Warinthip , Tinikul Ruchanok , Sobhon Prasert , Tinikul Yotsawan
Published: April 2024

Neuropeptide F is a key hormone that controls feeding in invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans. We investigated the differential expression of Macrobrachium rosenbergii neuropeptide F (MrNPF) in the digestive organs of female prawns, M. rosenbergii, during the ovarian cycle. By using RT-qPCR, the expression of MrNPF mRNA in the esophagus (ESO), cardia (CD), and pylorus (PY) of the foregut (FG) gradually increased from stage II and peaked at stage III. In the midgut (MG), hindgut (HG), and hepatopancreas (HP), MrNPF mRNA increased from stage I, reaching a maximal level at stage II, and declined by about half at stages III and IV (P < 0.05). In the ESO, CD, and PY, strong MrNPF-immunoreactivities were seen in the epithelium, muscle, and lamina propria. Intense MrNPF-ir was found in the MG cells and the muscular layer. In the HG, MrNPF-ir was detected in the epithelium of the villi and gland regions, while MrNPF-ir was also more intense in the F-, R-, and B-cells in the HP. However, we found little colocalization between the MrNPF and PGP9.5/ChAT in digestive tissues, implying that most of the positive cells might not be neurons but could be digestive tract-associated endocrine cells that produce and secrete MrNPF to control digestive organ functions in feeding and utilizing feed. Taken together, our first findings indicated that MrNPF was differentially expressed in digestive organs in correlation with the ovarian cycle, suggesting an important link between MrNPF, the physiology of various digestive organs in feeding, and possibly ovarian maturation in female M. rosenbergii.
Sharp interface limit for a Navier–Stokes/Allen–Cahn system in the case of a vanishing mobility
Authors: Abels Helmut , Fei Mingwen , Moser Maximilian
Published: April 2024

We consider the sharp interface limit of a Navier–Stokes/Allen Cahn equation in a bounded smooth domain in two space dimensions, in the case of vanishing mobility$$m_\varepsilon =\sqrt{\varepsilon }$$mε=ε, where the small parameter$$\varepsilon >0$$ε>0related to the thickness of the diffuse interface is sent to zero. For well-prepared initial data and sufficiently small times, we rigorously prove convergence to the classical two-phase Navier–Stokes system with surface tension. The idea of the proof is to use asymptotic expansions to construct an approximate solution and to estimate the difference of the exact and approximate solutions with a spectral estimate for the (at the approximate solution) linearized Allen–Cahn operator. In the calculations we use a fractional order ansatz and new ansatz terms in higher orders leading to a suitable$$\varepsilon $$ε-scaled and coupled model problem. Moreover, we apply the novel idea of introducing$$\varepsilon $$ε-dependent coordinates.