bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimode Luminescence Tailoring and Improvement of Cs2NaHoCl6 Cryolite Crystals via Sb3+/Yb3+ Alloying for Versatile Photoelectric Applications
Authors: Wang Yingsheng , Dang Peipei , Qiu Lei , Zhang Guodong , Liu Dongjie , Wei Yi , Lian Hongzhou , Li Guogang , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: September 2023

Lead‐free halide double perovskites are currently gaining significant attention owing to their exceptional environmental friendliness, structural adjustability as well as self‐trapped exciton emission. However, stable and efficient double perovskite with multimode luminescence and tunable spectra are still urgently needed for multifunctional photoelectric application. Herein, holmium based cryolite materials (Cs2NaHoCl6) with anti‐thermal quenching and multimode photoluminescence were successfully synthesized. By the further alloying of Sb3+ (s‐p transitions) and Yb3+ (f‐f transitions) ions, its luminescence properties can be well modulated, originating from tailoring band gap structure and enriching electron transition channels. Upon Sb3+ substitution in Cs2NaHoCl6, additional absorption peaking at 334 nm results in the tremendous increase of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Meanwhile, not only the typical NIR emission around 980 nm of Ho3+ is enhanced, but also the red and NIR emissions show a diverse range of anti‐thermal quenching photoluminescence behaviors. Furthermore, through designing Yb3+ doping, the up‐conversion photoluminescence can be triggered by changing excitation laser power density (yellow‐to‐orange) and Yb3+ doping concentration (red‐to‐green). Through a combined experimental‐theoretical approach, the related luminescence mechanism is revealed. In general, by alloying Sb3+/Yb3+ in Cs2NaHoCl6, abundant energy level ladders are constructed and more luminescence modes are derived, demonstrating great potential in multifunctional photoelectric applications.
Morphological, thermal, and solid‐state viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic polyester elastomer‐graphitic carbon nitride composites
Authors: Ercan Nevra , Boroglu Mehtap Safak
Published: September 2023

In order to evaluate the effect of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) incorporation on the physical properties of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) composites using a comparative approach, the composite films were prepared by the solution mixing method and solvent evaporation methods. For this purpose, the g‐C3N4 nanoparticles were synthesized by direct thermal condensation reaction of melamine and characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, BET, and TGA, respectively. The diameters of the g‐C3N4 particles ranged from ∼90 to 480 nm and the g‐C3N4 exhibited a high thermal stability up to 570°C, which was attributed to the robust heptazine‐based structure. The morphology, structure, thermal stability, solid‐state viscoelastic behavior, and friction coefficient of the TPEE composites were evaluated depending on the composition. The results showed that the g‐C3N4 nanoparticles improved the thermal stability and reduced the friction coefficient of the TPEE films. It was also found that g‐C3N4 addition into the TPEE matrix significantly reduced the permanent deformation in the solid state. The findings indicate that low‐cost g‐C3N4 nanoparticles can be used as an effective additive to enhance the performance of TPEE films in various applications.
Research progress in the detection of common foodborne hazardous substances based on functional nucleic acids biosensors
Authors: Chen Zijie , Liu Zhen , Liu Jingjing , Xiao Xilin
Published: September 2023

With the further improvement of food safety requirements, the development of fast, highly sensitive, and portable methods for the determination of foodborne hazardous substances has become a new trend in the food industry. In recent years, biosensors and platforms based on functional nucleic acids, along with a range of signal amplification devices and methods, have been established to enable rapid and sensitive determination of specific substances in samples, opening up a new avenue of analysis and detection. In this paper, functional nucleic acid types including aptamers, deoxyribozymes, and G‐quadruplexes which are commonly used in the detection of food source pollutants are introduced. Signal amplification elements include quantum dots, noble metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, DNA walkers, and DNA logic gates. Signal amplification technologies including nucleic acid isothermal amplification, hybridization chain reaction, catalytic hairpin assembly, biological barcodes, and microfluidic system are combined with functional nucleic acids sensors and applied to the detection of many foodborne hazardous substances, such as foodborne pathogens, mycotoxins, residual antibiotics, residual pesticides, industrial pollutants, heavy metals, and allergens. Finally, the potential opportunities and broad prospects of functional nucleic acids biosensors in the field of food analysis are discussed.
Ten‐year work burden after prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Washington Samuel L. , Lonergan Peter E. , Cowan Janet E. , Zhao Shoujun , Broering Jeanette M. , Palmer Nynikka R. , Hicks Cameron , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

We aim to characterize the magnitude of the work burden (weeks off from work) associated with prostate cancer (PCa) treatment over a 10‐year period after PCa diagnosis and identify those at greatest risk.

Materials and Methods

We identified men diagnosed with PCa treated with radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or active surveillance/watchful waiting within CaPSURE. Patients self‐reported work burden and SF36 general health scores via surveys before and 1,3,5, and 10 years after treatment. Using multivariate repeated measures generalized estimating equation modeling we examined the association between primary treatment with risk of any work weeks lost due to care.

Results

In total, 6693 men were included. The majority were White (81%, 5% Black, and 14% Other) with CAPRA low‐ (60%) or intermediate‐risk (32%) disease and underwent surgery (62%) compared to 29% radiation and 9% active surveillance. Compared to other treatments, surgical patients were more likely to report greater than 7 days off work in the first year, with relatively less time off over time. Black men (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.77) and those undergoing radiation (vs. surgery, RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.41–0.51) were less likely to report time off from work over time. Mean baseline GH score (73 [SD 18]) was similar between race and treatment groups, and stable over time.

Conclusions

The work burden of cancer care continued up to 10 years after treatment and varied across racial groups and primary treatment groups, highlighting the multifactorial nature of this issue and the call to leverage greater resources for those at greatest risk.
Depression and anxiety in cancer patient enrolled in clinical trials with serious adverse events
Authors: Peng Zhen , Wang Chongwei , Sun Yubei , Ma Yan , Wang Jumei , Xu Fei , Xu Xiaoling , Chen Yin
Published: September 2023

Objective

Drug‐induced side effects, particularly serious adverse events (SAEs), often affect cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials. However, little is known about anxiety and depression in cancer patients who experienced SAEs. This study evaluated the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials who experienced SAEs and explored the risk factors.

Methods

A multi‐center, cross‐sectional survey was conducted in hospitals affiliated with the University of Science and Technology of China from December 2021 to November 2022. A total of 112 cancer patients who experienced SAEs while enrolled in clinical trials, and who completed the informed consent process and study questionnaires, were included in the final analysis.

Results

The rate of moderate–severe depression in cancer patients was 38.4% and that of moderate–severe anxiety was 13.4%. Among the patients who had moderate–severe anxiety, 93.3% had concurrent moderate–severe depression. Lower cognitive function and lower global quality of life were risk factors for depression in cancer patients who experienced SAEs. Pain, low emotional function, low global quality of life, and a high Impact of Events Scale score were risk factors for anxiety.

Conclusions

Cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial who experienced SAEs tended to be anxious and depressed, particularly the latter. These results indicate the need to evaluate anxiety and depression, and mental health treatment among cancer patients with SAEs in clinical trials.
Thermal dynamics of gold nanoshell dimers under femtosecond laser pulse irradiation: A numerical approach
Authors: Fernandes Joshua , Kang Sangmo
Published: September 2023

We present a numerical investigation of the photothermal response of gold nanoshell (AuNS) dimers when subjected to femtosecond laser pulse irradiation. The time‐varying temperature fields for core–shell AuNS dimers are quantified by implementing finite element modeling, integrating the electromagnetic and thermal dual‐physics simulations. Given the ultrafast nature of laser pulses, we employ a two‐temperature model to accurately portray the energy transfer from excited electrons to the lattice system, a process typically completed post pulse‐termination. The temporal analysis of the temperature in the AuNS and the surrounding medium, together with the spatial temperature distribution under different separation distances, elucidates the processes that drive the AuNS dimers' transient temperature distribution and heat dissipation. We report on the critical effects of geometrical parameters on the photothermal response, demonstrating that thinner shells maximize the total deposited energy per unit volume, resulting in increased temperature fields, while decreasing separation distances result in excessive field amplification due to plasmonic modes' production. Our robust numerical approach, enabling simulations with tunable material properties and configurations, may help design nanomaterials with desired features for photothermal cancer treatment and imaging.
Solid‐State Absorption, Luminescence, and Singlet Fission of Furanyl‐Substituted Diketopyrrolopyrroles with Different π‐Stacking Arrangements
Authors: Kratochvíl Matouš , Thottappali Muhammed A. , Luňák Stanislav , Pauk Karel , Rais David , Marková Aneta , Pfleger Jiří , Imramovský Aleš , Vala Martin
Published: September 2023

Small modifications of the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) molecular structure induced remarkable changes in its spectral and photophysical behavior. Using furan (F) heterosubstitution instead of thiophene (T) substituent resulted in a small blue shift and decreased Huang‐Rhys factor of the absorption spectra in solution, irrespectively to N,N'‐alkyls. Branching of alkyl side chains by formal 2‐ethylation of n‐hexyl substituent (C6 to EH) switched the slipped‐stack arrangement, irrespectively on the heteroatoms. Consequent changes in steady‐state absorption spectra of thin films were interpreted using time dependent density functional theory calculations, carried out on model dimers. Solid‐state luminescence is weak and partially dependent on an excitation wavelength. Singlet fission was observed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, with considerably different yields for variously π‐stacked FDPP‐EH (30 %) and FDPP‐C6 (160 %). The shape of triplet‐triplet absorption spectra was also influenced by various π‐stacking. The results are discussed in terms of different mixing of both Frenkel and charge transfer states in model dimers and different excitonic and electronic coupling in both types of π‐stacks, visualized by natural transition orbitals.
A prefix‐based approach for joint Doppler and channel estimation in underwater communication
Authors: Bhadouria Vijay Singh , Agrawal Monika , Kumar Ritesh
Published: September 2023

Developing a reliable and robust underwater acoustic communication system is a difficult task due to the complicated nature of the underwater channel, non‐stationary noise, and several other factors. Indeed, channel estimation or equalization presents numerous challenges in this non‐stationary, highly Doppler, multipath environment; as a result, traditional equalizers and PLL‐based methods have limited performance. Generally, communication over such time‐varying channels is accomplished via packets that contain a prefix/preamble signal for training, a payload containing the actual data, and a silent period for proper alignment. The prefix signal must be designed properly because it is used to estimate the channel and determine the start of the packet. In this paper, we propose a new prefix signal based on the hyperbolic chirp signal, which has Doppler invariance properties. These properties enable the extraction of the entire packet even under severe multipath and Doppler. Our new proposed prefix signal can accurately and efficiently characterize an underwater channel by estimating the multipath delay, amplitude, and Doppler scales. Our new method has been validated through extensive simulations using various channel models for its robustness and effectiveness under various conditions. It has also been tested on a real‐world channel.
Avoid discrimination against employees/applicants with visual and hearing disabilities
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2023

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently issued new guidance documents on how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to employees and job applicants with visual (https://bit.ly/3Otf0oe) and hearing disabilities (https://bit.ly/44eidy6).
ChatGPT use could change views on academic misconduct
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2023

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — Student and faculty use of ChatGPT has quickly become one of the biggest controversies in higher education. As detractors resist the free, online text‐generating tool like the plague and others delight in its exciting possibilities, ChatGPT is taking the world by storm, threatening to upend longstanding concepts of plagiarism, authorship, ownership, and learning, according to intellectual property expert Jacob Rooksby, J.D., Ph.D., Professor and Dean of the Gonzaga University School of Law, and IP Optimization Strategist with FIG. 1 Patents, PLLC. He spoke at Stetson University's annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education.
Major companies cracking down on customers abusing the accommodation process
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2023

Major companies, including theme parks and airlines, are refining their processes for customers who need to request accommodations due to disability. This trend, which was first reported on by the Wall Street Journal, is a response to individuals without disabilities seeking accommodations to save money, cut long lines (at theme parks), and obtain other advantages (https://on.wsj.com/3KZMV7l). Interestingly, businesses are utilizing help from nonprofits and credentialing organizations to help determine who qualifies for accommodations.
Failure to Accommodate
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2023

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Foxn1 is not essential for T‐cell development in teleosts
Authors: Schorpp Michael , Swann Jeremy B. , Hess Isabell , Ho Hsuan‐Ching , Pietsch Theodore W. , Boehm Thomas
Published: September 2023

In mammals, T‐cell development depends on the activity of the Foxn1 transcription factor in the thymic epithelium; mutations in the vertebrate‐specific Foxn1 gene are associated with profound T‐cell lymphopenia and fatal immunodeficiency. Here, we examined the extent of T‐cell development in teleosts lacking a functional foxn1 gene. In zebrafish carrying a deleterious internal deletion of foxn1, reduced but robust lymphopoietic activity is maintained in the mutant thymus. Moreover, pseudogenization or loss of foxn1 in the genomes of deep‐sea anglerfishes is independent of the presence or absence of the canonical signatures of the T‐cell lineage. Thus, in contrast to the situation in mammals, the teleost thymus can support foxn1‐independent lymphopoiesis, most likely through the activity of the Foxn4, an ancient metazoan paralog of Foxn1. Our results imply that during the early stages of vertebrate evolution, genetic control of thymopoiesis was functionally redundant and thus robust; in mammals, the genetic network was reorganized to become uniquely dependent on the FOXN1 transcription factor.
Network analyses reveal the interaction between physical features, fear of movement and neck pain and disability in people with acute and chronic whiplash‐associated disorders
Authors: Anarte‐Lazo Ernesto , Liew Bernard X. W. , Devecchi Valter , Bernal‐Utrera Carlos , Rodriguez‐Blanco Cleofas , Falla Deborah
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective

A network analysis can be used to quantitatively assess and graphically describe multiple interactions. This study applied network analyses to determine the interaction between physical and pain‐related factors and fear of movement in people with whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) during periods of acute and chronic pain.

Methods

Physical measurements, including pressure pain‐thresholds (PPT) over neural structures, cervical range of motion, neck flexor and extensor endurance and the cranio‐cervical flexion test (CCFT), in addition to subjective reports including the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK‐11), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and neck pain and headache intensity, were assessed at baseline in 47 participants with acute WAD. TSK‐11, NDI and pain intensity were assessed for the same participants 6 months later (n = 45). Two network analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between features at baseline and at 6 months and their centrality indices.

Results

Both network analyses revealed that the greatest weight indices were found for NDI and CCFT at baseline and for neck pain and headache intensity and NDI and TSK‐11 at both time points. Associations were also found betweeen cervical muscle endurance and neck pain intensity in the acute phase. Cervical muscle endurance assesssed during the acute phase was also associated with NDI after 6 months ‐ whereas PPT measured at baseline was associsated with headache intensity after 6 months.

Conclusion

The strongest associations were found for headache and neck pain intensity and neck disability and fear of movement, both during acute pain and when mesured 6 months later. The extent of neck endurance and measures of PPT at baseline may be associated with neck disability and headache, respectively, 6 months after a whiplash injury.

Significance

Through two network analyses, we evaluated the interaction between pain‐related factors, fear of movement, neck disability and physical factors in people who had experienced a whiplash injury. We demonstrated that physical factors may be involved in the maintenance and development of chronic pain after a whiplash injury. Nevertheless, the strongest associations were found for headache and neck pain intensity and neck disability and fear of movement, both during acute and chronic phases.
Epidemiological features and consequences of COVID‐19 in patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms in southwestern Iran. A retrospective observational study
Authors: Azarbakhsh Habibollah , Moftakhar Leila , Valipour Aliasghar , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Moradi Hekmat Allah , Piraee Elahe
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Some studies have shown that in addition to respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to compare the epidemiological features and consequences of COVID‐19 in patients with and without GI symptoms.

Methods

This retrospective observational study concluded on 15,323 COVID‐19 patients with GI symptoms and 95,724 patients without symptoms. All symptoms and comorbidities of the patients collected. To investigate the differences between qualitative variables in the two groups, χ2 test was used. Logistic regression analysis also used to identify determinants of mortality in patients with COVID‐19.

Results

During the course of the study, 111,047 cases of COVID‐19 occurred. Of these, 13.8% of patients had GI symptoms, and 9.9% of deaths due to COVID‐19 occurred in these patients. The most common reported GI symptoms among COVID‐19 patients were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, comorbidities, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disease were significantly higher in patients with GI symptoms. The result of multiple logistic regression showed that the chance of mortality is higher in a patient with COVID‐19 who have dyspnea, fever, cough, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and male gender. The chance of death was lower in people with GI symptoms.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were the most common GI symptoms. Also, the chance of death is higher in people with co‐morbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to follow these people closely.
RFID technology usage and supply chain global positioning information sharing system: An enablers of manufacturing enterprises' supply chain performance‐fresh insights from the Middle East region as developing countries
Authors: AL‐Shboul Moh'd Anwer
Published: September 2023

This research aims to assess a conceptual framework that includes radio frequency identification (RFID) technology usage and integrated with supply chain (SC) global positioning information system (GPIS) as antecedents to supply chain performance (SCP). A Web‐based survey questionnaire was used for the data collection process. The research framework and the derived hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling. Data were gathered from a sample of 314 participants who are working in manufacturing‐sector enterprises. The targeted respondents were categorized as either managers (IT, engineers, production, operations, logistics, sales, purchasing, etc.), supervisors (IT/technical/operational workers, etc.) in medium and large‐sized enterprises (MLEs) in developing countries (Jordan, Lebanon, King Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, and Turkey). The findings of this research indicate that RFID technology usage directly affects the integration with supply chain global positioning information system (SCGPIS) and SCP. Furthermore, SCGPIS achieves enhancing information sharing among supply chain partners, which in turn leads to enhancing SCP. This research paper offers empirical evidence for using RFID technology within the planning‐resources of manufacturing enterprises' context for enhancing their SCP.
Effects of sarcopenia and frailty on postoperative recovery in elderly patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Kedi , Wang Xinghe , Lu Xian , Yang Yuping , Lu Wensi , Wang Shuting , Tang Xihui , Wu Yan , Xu Yuqing , Chen Qingsong , Liu Su
Published: September 2023

Background

Sarcopenia and frailty are both age‐related declines in functional reserve that are linked to adverse health outcomes. It is critical to know about the outcomes of a combination of these conditions. The study aimed to investigate the effects of sarcopenia and frailty on postoperative recovery in elderly patients and to explore risk factors.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted among 608 patients aged ≥60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists I‐III, who were scheduled to undergo thoracic (non‐cardiac) and abdominal surgery from 1 March 2022 to 31 October 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Frailty was measured by the 28‐item frailty index, and sarcopenia was assessed sarcopenia was assessed by skeletal muscle index in computed tomographic scan, handgrip strength and 6‐m walk. Participants were classified as follows: Group A: both sarcopenia and frailty; Group B: sarcopenia only; Group C: frailty only; and Group D: neither frailty nor sarcopenia. The primary outcome was 90‐day morbidity. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between sarcopenia, frailty and 90‐day morbidity.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age of participants was 68 (64–72) years, and 62.7% were men. The prevalence rates of sarcopenia and frailty were 32.8% and 47.6%, respectively. The 90‐day morbidity in Group A was 58.5%, in Group B was 46.2%, in Group C was 42.0% and in Group D was 28.8%, and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, both sarcopenia and frailty [odds ratio (OR), 2.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26–3.89], sarcopenia only (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.01–3.36), frailty only (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03–3.03), women (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.99), body mass index (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99), pre‐operative albumin (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.91–1.00) and operative stress score (OSS) [OSS 3 (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21–3.67); OSS 4–5 (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.31–6.42)] were independently associated with 90‐day morbidity. In the multivariable analysis with inverse probability weighting adjusted cohort, sarcopenia and frailty were also significantly associated with 90‐day morbidity.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and frailty were associated with higher risks of postoperative 90‐day morbidity in elderly patients alone and in combination. Sex, body mass index, pre‐operative albumin and operative stress were also independent factors for postoperative morbidity within 90 days.
Molecular epidemiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in circulation in the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: de Sousa Luis Artur Ferreira , Ferreira Lucas Salomão de Sousa , Lobato Luis Felipe Lima , Ferreira Hivylla Lorrana dos Santos , Sousa Lucas Henrique dos Santos , Santos Valdenice Ferreira dos , Nunes Paulo Ricardo Silva , Maramaldo Carlos Eduardo Campos , Neto Sebastião Silveira , Sampaio Hellen Lobato , Silva Fabiano Vieira da , Brito Marcelo da Costa , Lima Washington Kleber Rodrigues , Lima Claudia Zeneida Gomes Parente Alves , Neto Lidio Gonçalves Lima
Published: September 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a coronavirus belonging to the beta CoV genus, responsible for SARS in humans, which became known as COVID‐19. The emergence of variants of this virus is related to the presence of cases of reinfection, reduced vaccine effectiveness and greater transmission of the virus. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the molecular epidemiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages circulating in the state of Maranhão. This is a cross‐sectional and retrospective epidemiological study of genomic surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2. The study comprised of 338 genomes sequenced by the Next Generation Sequencing technique on Illumina's Miseq equipment, submitted to Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data, 190 (56.2%) are from samples of female and 148 (43.8%) from male patients. Sequencing performed covered samples of patients aged between 1 and 108 years, with emphasis on the age groups from 30 to 39 years with 15.0% of sequenced genomes and 20 to 29 years with 12.4%. As for the distribution of sequenced genomes by health macro‐regions, 285 (84.3%) are from cities in the northern macro‐region. We evidenced the circulation of 29 lineages and sub‐lineages, four of which belonging to the Delta variant (AY.43, AY.99.1, AY.99.2 and AY.101 responsible for 4.5% of the genomes) and the others belonging to the Omicron variant, with emphasis on: BA.1 and sub‐lineages (42.8%); BA.4, BA.5 and sub‐lineages (5.3% and 41.1%); the sub‐lineages DL.1 and BQ.1 (5% and 2%). A strong genomic surveillance system allows the study of the natural history of the disease, when there is a resurgence of SARS‐CoV‐2 cases.
Composites of cis‐ and trans‐polyisoprene blend filled with silver nanoparticles: Dynamic mechanical, mechanical, and thermal analysis
Authors: Baboo Mahesh , Kumar Satish , Kumar Bishen , Sharma Kananbala
Published: September 2023

In this article, polymer nanocomposites of polyisoprene with specific blend ratio 25/75 wt% of cis‐polyisoprene (CPI) and trans‐polyisoprene (TPI) with varying concentration (0.1, 1, and 5 wt%) of so synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been prepared and characterized through x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. Experimental results on dynamic mechanical analysis show that addition of AgNPs to CPI/TPI blend reduces storage modulus, activation energy and fragility while enhances damping, however, glass transition temperature remains unaffected. Other mechanical properties such as toughness and tensile strength first increases on addition of AgNPs in the CPI/TPI blend, but a decrease is noticed on further increase of AgNPs concentration. Young's modulus shows a drastic decrease on addition of AgNPs into CPI/TPI blend, however, an increase is observed at higher concentration of AgNPs. Thermal analysis results show that thermal conductivity enhances with the enhancement in concentration of AgNPs into CPI/TPI blend.

Highlights

Addition of AgNPs into CPI/TPI blend reduces storage modulus, activation energy and fragility

Incorporation of AgNPs into CPI/TPI blend enhances damping but does not change glass transition temperature.

Increase in concentration of AgNPs in CPI/TPI blend increases the thermal conductivity.
Annealing Temperature Effect on the Surface Properties of the MoSe Thin Films
Authors: Choi Jinhee , Park Juyun , Kang Jisoo , Kehayias Christopher E. , Oh Jin-Woo , Kang Yong-Cheol
Published: September 2023

2D transition metal dichalcogenides have been studied extensively in the field of electronics and photonics. Among them, the molybdenum chalcogenides have been receiving considerable attention due to their potential usage in field‐effect transistors and biosensors. Despite such promising aspects of these materials, studies regarding temperature effects on MoSe remain relatively rare. Herein, MoxSey (x = 0 ≈ 10, y = 0 ≈ 2) thin films are fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron cosputtering on silicon and investigated using scanning electron microscopy for various atomic ratios and annealing temperatures from room temperature to 500 °C. Above the melting point of Se, Se evaporates and forms a layer, subsequently leading Mo to be exposed on the surface of the thin films. From the X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results, silicon peaks are observed due to the evaporation of Se. In addition, both Mo and Se are oxidized at above 300 °C. The work functions of the MoxSey thin films show the highest value at 200 °C measured by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and a Kelvin probe. Above the melting point of Se, there is a tendency for the work function to decrease due to the influence of Mo.
Unlocking the potential of responsible management education through interdisciplinary approaches
Authors: Martins Flavio , Cezarino Luciana , Liboni Lara , Hunter Trevor , Batalhao Andre , Paschoalotto Marco Antonio Catussi
Published: September 2023

Business schools are crucial to integrating sustainable development into management thought and practices, thereby promoting a paradigm shift toward responsible management education. Despite many business schools pledging to adopt the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Management Education, they have been criticized for failing to develop change agents toward sustainability. To fill this gap, this paper demonstrates how interdisciplinarity can be connected to responsible management education through critical and instrumental perspectives. To this end, we apply an interdisciplinarity model to 37 Principles for Responsible Management Education Schools' Reports, using content analysis, text‐mining, and network theory tools. As a result, our findings suggest: (i) a taxonomy of critical and instrumental interdisciplinary studies and (ii) a framework of Principles for Responsible Management Education schools engaged in critical and instrumental interdisciplinarity. The framework we develop can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for assessing how interdisciplinary can improve responsible management education in business schools. Our findings contribute to theory advancing research on the intersection of responsible management education and interdisciplinary approaches.
Electronic structure and optical absorption property of BaTiO3/BiCoO3
Authors: Wei Lijing , Pang Ling , Pang Shaoyuan , Sun Jianan , Yang Pan , Guo Jianxin
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we calculated the different forms of BaTiO3/BiCoO3 composite structure, predicting their visible light absorption performance based on the electronic structure using the first principles calculations. Firstly, six possible compounds that come from BaTiO3 and BiCoO3 were constructed. By calculating the different antiferromagnetic (AFM) structures of strip, columnar, and layered composite structures, it is found that the ground state of the composite structure changes to G‐type AFM structure from C‐type AFM structure of pure BiCoO3 under the influence of BaTiO3. Energy band calculations show that band gaps of three composite structures are smaller than those of pure BaTiO3 and pure BiCoO3. Furthermore, density of states analysis shows that the conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) of three composite structures are mainly from the contribution of Co 3d and O 2p. For the characteristic that CBM and VBM of materials come from different atoms, it would reduce the recombination opportunities of electrons and holes and is conducive to the increase of photoelectric conversion efficiency under visible light irradiation. The calculation of optical properties shows that optical absorption coefficients of three composite structures are much larger than that of BaTiO3, especially the layered composite structure. There is a high absorption peak near 500 nm of the solar spectral irradiation maximum, which is significantly important to improve the optical energy conversion efficiency of the composite materials. The work provides an effective way for the application of wide band gap ferroelectric materials in ferroelectric photovoltaic.
Joint semiparametric kernel network regression
Authors: Kim Byung‐Jun , Kim Inyoung
Published: September 2023

Variable selection and graphical modeling play essential roles in highly correlated and high‐dimensional (HCHD) data analysis. Variable selection methods have been developed under both parametric and nonparametric model settings. However, variable selection for nonadditive, nonparametric regression with high‐dimensional variables is challenging due to complications in modeling unknown dependence structures among HCHD variables. Gaussian graphical models are a popular and useful tool for investigating the conditional dependence between variables via estimating sparse precision matrices. For a given class of interest, the estimated precision matrices can be mapped onto networks for visualization. However, the limitation of Gaussian graphical models is that they are only applicable to discretized response variables and for the case when , where is the number of variables and is the sample size. They are necessary to develop a joint method for variable selection and graphical modeling. To the best of our knowledge, the methods for simultaneously selecting variable selection and estimating networks among variables in the semiparametric regression settings are quite limited. Hence, in this paper, we develop a joint semiparametric kernel network regression method to solve this limitation and to provide a connection between them. Our approach is a unified and integrated method that can simultaneously identify important variables and build a network among those variables. We developed our approach under a semiparametric kernel machine regression framework, which can allow for nonlinear or nonadditive associations and complicated interactions among the variables. The advantages of our approach are that it can (1) simultaneously select variables and build a network among HCHD variables under a regression setting; (2) model unknown and complicated interactions among the variables and estimate the network among these variables; (3) allow for any form of semiparametric model, including non‐additive, nonparametric model; and (4) provide an interpretable network that considers important variables and a response variable. We demonstrate our approach using a simulation study and real application on genetic pathway‐based analysis.
Magnetic‐optical dual functional Janus particles for the detection of metal ions assisted by machine learning
Authors: Liu Jianhang , Lv Yingdi , Li Xinghai , Feng Shi , Yang Wenbo , Zhou Yumeng , Tao Shengyang
Published: September 2023

Functional polymer microspheres have broad application prospects in various fields, such as metal ion detection, adsorption, separation, and controlled drug release. However, integrating different functions in a single microsphere system is a significant challenge in this field. In this work, we prepared multicompartmental emulsion droplets utilizing microfluidic technology. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were added to one of the compartments of the emulsion droplets as functional particles, and Janus microspheres were obtained after curing. Fluorescent probes enter the two compartments of the Janus microspheres by diffusion. The fluorescence changes of the microspheres were observed in situ and captured through a fluorescence microscope. The images are processed by image recognition software and a Python program. The “fingerprint” of the detected metal ions is obtained by dimensionality reduction of the data through Principal Component Analysis. We employ different algorithms to build Machine Learning models for predicting the metal ion species and concentration. The variation of fluorescence intensity of the three fluorescent probes and the corresponding R, G, and B channel values and time are used as descriptors. The results show that the Random Forest, K‐neighborhood (KNN), and Neural Network models demonstrated a better predicted effect with a variance (R2) greater than 0.9 and a smaller root mean square error; among them, the KNN model predicted the most accurate results.
An importance sampling approach for reliable and efficient inference in Bayesian ordinary differential equation models
Authors: Timonen Juho , Siccha Nikolas , Bales Ben , Lähdesmäki Harri , Vehtari Aki
Published: September 2023

Statistical models can involve implicitly defined quantities, such as solutions to nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), that unavoidably need to be numerically approximated in order to evaluate the model. The approximation error inherently biases statistical inference results, but the amount of this bias is generally unknown and often ignored in Bayesian parameter inference. We propose a computationally efficient method for verifying the reliability of posterior inference for such models, when the inference is performed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We validate the efficiency and reliability of our workflow in experiments using simulated and real data and different ODE solvers. We highlight problems that arise with commonly used adaptive ODE solvers and propose robust and effective alternatives, which, accompanied by our workflow, can now be taken into use without losing reliability of the inferences.
Prediction of large‐for‐gestational age at 36 weeks' gestation: two‐dimensional ultrasoundvsthree‐dimensional ultrasoundvsmagnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mazzone E. , Kadji C. , Cannie M. M. , Badr D. A. , Jani J. C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

 To compare the performance of two‐dimensional ultrasound (2D‐US), three‐dimensional ultrasound (3D‐US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 36 weeks' gestation in predicting the delivery of a large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) neonate, defined as birth weight ≥ 95thpercentile, in patients at high and low risk for macrosomia.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study conducted between January 2017 and February 2019. Women with a singleton pregnancy at 36 weeks' gestation underwent 2D‐US, 3D‐US and MRI within 15 min for estimation of fetal weight. Weight estimations and birth weight were plotted on a growth curve to obtain percentiles for comparison. Participants were considered high risk if they had at least one of the following risk factors: diabetes mellitus, estimated fetal weight ≥ 90thpercentile at the routine third‐trimester ultrasound examination, obesity (prepregnancy body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) or excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The outcome was the diagnostic performance of each modality in the prediction of birth weight ≥ 95thpercentile, expressed as the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values.

Results

A total of 965 women were included, of whom 533 (55.23%) were high risk and 432 (44.77%) were low risk. In the low‐risk group, the AUCs for birth weight ≥ 95thpercentile were 0.982 for MRI, 0.964 for 2D‐US and 0.962 for 3D‐US; pairwise comparisons were non‐significant. In the high‐risk group, the AUCs were 0.959 for MRI, 0.909 for 2D‐US and 0.894 for 3D‐US. A statistically significant difference was noted between MRI and both 2D‐US (P = 0.002) and 3D‐US (P = 0.002), but not between 2D‐US and 3D‐US (P = 0.503). In the high‐risk group, MRI had the highest sensitivity (65.79%) compared with 2D‐US (36.84%,P = 0.002) and 3D‐US (21.05%,P < 0.001), whereas 3D‐US had the highest specificity (98.99%) compared with 2D‐US (96.77%,P = 0.005) and MRI (96.97%,P = 0.004).

Conclusions

At 36 weeks' gestation, MRI has better performance compared with 2D‐US and 3D‐US in predicting birth weight ≥ 95thpercentile in patients at high risk for macrosomia, whereas the performance of 2D‐US and 3D‐US is comparable. For low‐risk patients, the three modalities perform similarly. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Non‐similar analysis of chemically reactive bioconvective Casson nanofluid flow over an inclined stretching surface
Authors: Farooq Umar , Hussain Muzamil , Farooq Umer
Published: September 2023

Bioconvection in non‐Newtonian nanofluids has a wide range of contemporary applications in biotech, biomechanics, microbiology, computational biology, medical science, etc. Considering the Casson fluid model and inclined stretching geometry a mathematical model is developed to investigate the influence of chemical reactions on bioconvection characteristics of self‐propelled microbes in a non‐Newtonian nanofluid. Nanoparticles that can be dissolved in the blood (base fluid) include titanium oxide () and aluminium oxide (). The impacts of heat generation, magnetic field, and dissipation of viscosity are also included. To simplify the governing system of partial differential equations (PDEs), boundary layer assumptions are used. By using the proper transformations, the governing PDEs and the boundary conditions that correspond with them are further changed to a dimensionless form. Utilizing a local non‐similarity technique up to the second degree of truncation in conjunction with MATLAB's (bvp4c) built‐in finite difference code, the results of the altered model are gathered. Additionally, after achieving good alignment between calculated findings and published results, the influence of changing factors on the flow of fluids and heat transfer features of the envisioned flow problems is shown and examined in graphical configuration. Tables are designed to establish numerical variants of the drag coefficient and Nusselt number. The Outcome of this study is to highlight the important role that chemical reactions play in the bioconvection of Casson nanofluids, and how manipulating the chemical reaction parameter can impact the transport and heat/mass transfer properties of the fluid. It is noted that increasing the chemical reaction parameter leads to a fall in the concentration profile of the bioconvection Casson nanofluid. Enhancing the Casson fluid parameter enhances the velocity and temperature profile. When the Peclet number is altered, the propagation of microorganisms is constrained. Moreover, it was observed that the density of motile microorganisms increased as the bioconvective Lewis numbers became higher. The coefficient of friction on the inclined stretched surface is increased significantly by the porosity parameter and Lorentz forces, as they act as amplifiers.
Resurgence analysis of the Adler function at $$ \mathcal{O} $$(1/$$ {N}_f^2 $$)
Authors: Laenen Eric , Marinissen Coenraad , Vonk Marcel
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We compute non-perturbative contributions to the Adler function, the derivative of the vacuum polarization function in gauge theory, using resurgence methods and Borel-summed gauge field propagators. At 2-loop, to order 1/Nf, we construct the full 2-parameter transseries and perform the sum over the non-perturbative sectors. We then introduce a convolution-based method to derive the transseries structure of product series, which can also be used to study higher orders in the expansion in 1/Nf. We compute 3-loop planar diagrams, at order 1/$$ {N}_f^2 $$

N
f
2

, and for each diagram study the asymptotic behavior and resulting non-perturbative information in the transseries. A structure emerges that, from a resurgence point of view, is quite different from toy models hitherto studied. We study in particular the first and second non-perturbative sectors, their relation to UV and IR renormalons, and how their presence influences the perturbative expansions in neighbouring sectors. Finally, finding that many non-perturbative sectors have asymptotic series, we derive relations among all of them, thus providing an interesting new perspective on the alien lattice for the Adler function.
Two-Dimensional Hardy–Littlewood Theorem for Functions with General Monotone Fourier Coefficients
Authors: Oganesyan Kristina
Published: September 2023

We prove the Hardy–Littlewood theorem in two dimensions for functions whose Fourier coefficients obey general monotonicity conditions and, importantly, are not necessarily positive. The sharpness of the result is given by a counterexample, which shows that if one slightly extends the considered class of coefficients, the Hardy–Littlewood relation fails.
Homeotic transformation in a terrestrial isopod: insights into the appendage identity in crustaceans
Authors: Inui Naoto , Miura Toru
Published: September 2023

In many crustacean species, an individual possesses both uniramous and biramous appendages that enable us to compare the two types on the same genetic background. Therefore, among the diverse morphologies of arthropod appendages, crustacean biramous appendages provide interesting subjects for studying the developmental mechanisms underlying appendage modifications. In this study, we report a malformed specimen of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber, in which one of the pleopods was transformed into a different structure. Morphological observations of exoskeletons and musculatures by confocal scanning laser microscopy revealed that the transformed appendage was three-segmented, with at least the apical two segments having pereopod-like musculoskeletal structures. The apical segment of the transformed appendage lacked muscles, and the following segment had a pair of muscle bundles. These findings together with those of some previous studies of gene expression patterns in this species suggest that this anomaly could be caused by homeotic transformation of a flap-like pleopod into a three-segmented pereopod tip, which may be a homologous structure of the pleopod.