bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out of thin air: surveying tropical bat roosts through air sampling of eDNA
Authors: Garrett Nina R. , Watkins Jonathan , Francis Charles M. , Simmons Nancy B. , Ivanova Natalia , Naaum Amanda , Briscoe Andrew , Drinkwater Rosie , Clare Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2023

Understanding roosting behaviour is essential to bat conservation and biomonitoring, often providing the most accurate methods of assessing bat population size and health. However, roosts can be challenging to survey,e.g., physically impossible to access or presenting risks for researchers. Disturbance during monitoring can also disrupt natural bat behaviour and present material risks to the population such as disrupting hibernation cycles. One solution to this is the use of non-invasive monitoring approaches. Environmental (e)DNA has proven especially effective at detecting rare and elusive species particularly in hard-to-reach locations. It has recently been demonstrated that eDNA from vertebrates is carried in air. When collected in semi-confined spaces, this airborne eDNA can provide remarkably accurate profiles of biodiversity, even in complex tropical communities. In this study, we deploy novel airborne eDNA collection for the first time in a natural setting and use this approach to survey difficult to access potential roosts in the neotropics. Using airborne eDNA, we confirmed the presence of bats in nine out of 12 roosts. The identified species matched previous records of roost use obtained from photographic and live capture methods, thus demonstrating the utility of this approach. We also detected the presence of the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi) which had never been confirmed in the area but was long suspected based on range maps. In addition to the bats, we detected several non-bat vertebrates, including the big-eared climbing rat (Ototylomys phyllotis), which has previously been observed in and around bat roosts in our study area. We also detected eDNA from other local species known to be in the vicinity. Using airborne eDNA to detect new roosts and monitor known populations, particularly when species turnover is rapid, could maximize efficiency for surveyors while minimizing disturbance to the animals. This study presents the first applied use of airborne eDNA collection for ecological analysis moving beyond proof of concept to demonstrate a clear utility for this technology in the wild.
Design de layout e análise comparativa de uma fábrica de cadernos por meio do software FlexSim ®
Authors: Andrade Leonardo Carneiro , Da Cunha George Pontes , Pontes Heráclito Lopes Jaguaribe , Albertin Marcos Ronaldo
Published: April 2023

O mercado, no âmbito mundial, está cada vez mais competitivo e, por essa razão, as empresas necessitam de mais tecnologias e ferramentas que as auxiliem na melhoria dos seus processos produtivos e na tomada de decisões. O presente trabalho analisou o caso de uma fábrica de cadernos e teve como objetivo obter dados para escolher o arranjo físico mais adequado, com a finalidade de alcançar um padrão de eficiência operacional otimizada. Nesse sentido, a metodologia da realização do estudo de caso se deu em três etapas: a concepção, apresentando os objetivos, a definição do sistema e a construção do modelo conceitual; a implementação, onde foi realizada a construção do modelo computacional, por meio do software FlexSim®, simulando a situação inicial, a qual utiliza o modelo de layout em linha; e a análise, propondo um modelo de layout celular, o qual foi elaborado com o auxílio de técnicas de balanceamento de linha de montagem e testado por meio da execução dos experimentos no modelo computacional, simulado no mesmo software. O modelo proposto foi comparado com o da situação inicial e resultado obtido superou os dados iniciais no que diz respeito à capacidade produtiva, ao aproveitamento da área produtiva, à redução de máquinas no processo, à redução da mão de obra necessária e à redução da perda por transporte, atestando os benefícios que a literatura apresenta acerca da aplicação dessas tecnologias nos processos produtivos.
Análise dos resultados das ações de formação e capacitação de recursos humanos estabelecidas na estratégia nacional de ciência, tecnologia e inovação 2012 – 2015
Authors: Condessa Mauricio Santos , Thielmann Ricardo
Published: April 2023

É notória a importância do Estado como indutor do desenvolvimento dos países através das políticas públicas de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, tendo especial relevância as políticas de educação para a adequada formação de recursos humanos. Dentro desse contexto, consolidou-se no Brasil a existência de programas nacionais para a implementação de estratégias articuladas que a visem a evolução do Sistema Nacional de Inovação (SNI) do país, como a Estratégia Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação 2012 – 2015 (ENCTI 2012 – 2015). Um aspecto importante com relação às políticas públicas é que estas sejam devidamente avaliadas para a medir seus resultados e promover ajustes em ações futuras, sendo a avaliação de resultados uma importante forma de avaliação. Dessa forma, este trabalho analisou os resultados obtidos com base nas principais estratégias da ENCTI 2012 – 2015 que tratam sobre a formação e capacitação de recursos humanos. A partir da pesquisa foi possível compreender que, embora as estratégias contidas no documento tenham apresentado resultados significativos no período do programa, a maior parte das metas importantes não foram atingidas, demonstrando a importância de que os esforços sejam devidamente realizados para que se possa obter resultados relevantes para os indicadores mais importantes.
Trajetória para a construção de um circuito curto de comercialização por meio do cooperativismo: o caso das cestas agroecológicas do Assentamento Milton Santos
Authors: Contrigiani Ariele Carolina , Marjotta-Maistro Marta Cristina , Montebello Adriana Estela Sanjuan , Sautier Denis
Published: April 2023

Os últimos anos foram marcados por grandes mudanças no cenário político, políticas públicas para Reforma Agrária e Agricultura Familiar foram cortadas, diminuindo assim, as possibilidades de comercialização para o mercado institucional. Isso gerou um cenário de insegurança para alguns agricultores familiares, que tiveram que buscar outras formas de se organizar e escoar a sua produção. Este artigo visa estudar a criação, trajetória e mobilização da Cooperativa da Agricultura Familiar de Americana (Cooperflora) ligada ao Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) estabelecida no Projeto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (PDS) Milton Santos, na comercialização em circuitos curtos e descrever como a organização da cooperativa contribuiu para a permanência do agricultor no campo. Para atingir os objetivos propostos foi feito um estudo de caso junto a Cooperflora, para condução do artigo utilizou-se como metodologia a pesquisa descritiva e exploratória e como procedimento de coleta de dados utilizou-se de entrevistas. Com o estudo conseguimos conhecer como se deu a criação da cooperativa e como os agricultores estão se organizando para escoar os seus produtos. Conclui-se o papel fundamental da organização coletiva como uma forma de ação educativa e para promoção desenvolvimento rural.
A Study on Consumers’ Awareness and Preference towards Millets and Its Products in Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy Rajesh , Patel Deval
Published: April 2023

This study was conducted to understand the buying pattern of consumers and the factors influencing them in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. To achieve the objectives, primary data was collected from 200 respondents using the convenience sampling method. The study shows that 96% of the respondents are aware of atleast one type of millet in the Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, followed by sorghum, bajra, and korra. Minor millets are of less prominence in the study area. The majority of respondents believe that millets help prevent type 2 diabetes and agree that they are better for health than rice and wheat. The study shows that the main source of information about millets and their health benefits is word of mouth, followed by social media. In the study, it was observed that seniors and adults consume millets more frequently, and most people prefer millets for dinner followed by breakfast. The accessibility of the millet products was found to be low and needs improvement. The most preferred platforms to purchase value-added products of millets are supermarkets, and for raw millets, Kirana stores are preferred. In the study area, consumers are eating millets such as ambali, sangati, korra rice, korra payasam, laddu, kichadi, and upma. Few consumers stated that they are using ragi, korra in dosa batter along with pulses and rice. Snacks such as cookies, chips, and murukulu are highly preferred by consumers. Accordingly, this study proposes suggestions to develop millet products and the use of promotion strategies to increase consumption.
Inhibitory Effect of Gallium Nitrate against Staphylococcus aureus and Its Action on the Formation of Biofilms on Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Assis Amanda Stefanie Jabur de , Pegoraro Guilherme Manassés , Germano-Costa Tais , Lima Renata de , Pimentel-Filho Natan de Jesus , Duarte Iolanda Cristina Silveira
Published: April 2023

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of gallium nitrate [Ga(NO3)3], an inorganic antimicrobial agent, against the growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus on the titanium surface.

Study Design: This study is a laboratory investigation involving the determination of the inhibitory concentration (IC) of Ga(NO3) 3 against the planktonic strain of S. aureus and biofilm formation on titanium coupons.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Center of Science and Technology for Sustainability (CCTS), Federal University of São Carlos, SP, Brazil, between March 2020 and March 2022.

Methodology: The inhibitory concentration of gallium nitrate was determined in a 96-well microtiter plate in Muller Hinton broth. The potential of the antimicrobial agent to inhibit biofilm formation by S. aureus on titanium surfaces was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity potential of Ga(NO3)3 was determined on V79 cells.

Results: The results showed that the susceptibility of gallium nitrate against S. aureus was 1.40 µM, while SEM images revealed that concentrations of 90 µM inhibited biofilm formation by S. aureus.

Conclusion: This research has shown promising results regarding gallium nitrate's potential of inhibiting the growth of both planktonic and sessile S. aureus cells. In addition, coating titanium surfaces with Ga(NO3)3 would be an extra alternative to prevent implant-associated infections due to its non-toxicity to cells.
Constraints to Integrated Farming System in Hadoti Region of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Avdhesh , Gautam Yash , Dey Anwesha , Ojha P. K. , Singh M. K. , Singh D. K. , Raj Satyam , Nayak S. Harshitha
Published: April 2023

The study's major goal was to find out the challenges (high cost of input, pest attack, marketing problems, high transportation cost etc.,) that farmers face in the integrated farming system. Farmers' constraints in different enterprises of the integrated farming system were recorded through a well-structured and pretested survey schedule. To confirm their validity and determine the extent to which the identified constraints were seen in crop production as well as in cattle production, goat rearing, backyard poultry production and orange cultivation, the severity of the indicated constraints in the real field condition was measured. The fieldwork was carried out in sixteen villages of the Hadoti region out of which Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar were selected randomly. A total of 112 farmers were interviewed and data was gathered through group discussions and personal interviews. The data were quantified by ranking the limitations based on the responses of the respondents.
Influence of Manures on Some Soil Fertility Properties, Yield and Agronomic Efficiencies of Soybean (Glycine max) on Degraded Acid Soil
Authors: Adegoke Julius Oluwaseun , Oyekanmi Oreofe Oyebimpe , Alabi Bolaji Toyin , Hassan Oluwaseun Anne
Published: April 2023

Aluminum toxicity is a major limitation to leguminous crop production in acidic soils but mineral and organic fertilizer applications could ameliorate the condition. Thus, the focus of this study was to evaluate the influence of manures on post-harvest soil fertility quality, yield and agronomic efficiencies of soybean (Glycine max). The study had six fertilizer treatments: poultry manures, rabbit manures, pig manures, sheep manures, cattle manures, single super phosphate and the control (no soil additive) laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with four replicates. The experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of the Wesley University, Ondo, Nigeria. The treatments were applied at the rate of 40 kg P205ha-1 and the effects of treatments on yield parameters (biomass, grain yield and total dry weight), relative agronomic efficiencies, as well as soil fertility status were observed. Data analysis using ANOVA at 5% level of probability showed the application of poultry manure to have enhanced soybean grain yield and yield component. Poultry manure treatment had the highest mean total dry weight of 11.5 g while SSP resulted in the lowest yield (4.7g). The efficiency of available P released from the applied poultry manure was 2 times higher than the referenced single super phosphate fertilizer in Ondo. Poultry manure application again had higher RAEDSW than to chemical fertilizer. Thus, applications of poultry or pig manures at 40 kg P205ha-1 could be excellent materials as alternatives to mineral fertilizer (single super phosphate) for improving soil fertility, yield of soybean and its agronomic efficiencies.
More Evidence That Hypertension Treatment Decisions Shouldn’t Depend Solely on In-Office Blood Pressure Readings
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: April 2023

This Medical News feature discusses a recent study that found in-office blood pressure readings varied from visit to visit, supporting the need for more frequent monitoring at home.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Triple and Quadruple Combination Pills vs Monotherapy, Usual Care, or Placebo for the Initial Management of Hypertension
Authors: Wang Nelson , Rueter Phidias , Atkins Emily , Webster Ruth , Huffman Mark , de Silva Asita , Chow Clara , Patel Anushka , Rodgers Anthony
Published: April 2023

Importance

Low-dose combination (LDC) antihypertensives consisting of 3 or 4 blood pressure (BP)–lowering drugs have emerged as a potentially important therapy for the initial management of hypertension.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of LDC therapies for the management of hypertension.

Data Sources

PubMed and Medline were searched from date of inception until September 2022.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials comparing LDC consisting of 3 or 4 BP-lowering drugs compared to either monotherapy, usual care, or placebo.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were extracted by 2 independent authors and synthesized using both random and fixed-effects models using risk ratios (RR) for binary outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was mean reduction in systolic BP (SBP) between LDC and monotherapy, usual care, or placebo. Other outcomes of interest included the proportion of patients achieving BP less than 140/90 mm Hg, rates of adverse effects, and treatment withdrawal.

Results

Seven trials with a total of 1918 patients (mean [mean range] age, 59 [50-70] years; 739 [38%] female) were included. Four trials involved triple-component LDC and 3 involved quadruple-component LDC. At 4 to 12 weeks follow-up, LDC was associated with a greater mean reduction in SBP than initial monotherapy or usual care (mean reduction, 7.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, 4.3-10.5) and placebo (mean reduction, 18.0 mm Hg; 95% CI, 15.1-20.8). LDC was associated with a higher proportion of participants achieving BP less than 140/90 mm Hg at 4 to 12 weeks compared to both monotherapy or usual care (66% vs 46%; RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.27-1.52) and placebo (54% vs 18%; RR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.93-4.77). There was no significant heterogeneity between trials enrolling patients with and without baseline BP-lowering therapy. Results from 2 trials indicated LDC remained superior to monotherapy or usual care at 6 to 12 months. LDC was associated with more dizziness (14% vs 11%; RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.00-1.63) but no other adverse effects nor treatment withdrawal.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings in the study showed that LDCs with 3 or 4 antihypertensives were an effective and well-tolerated BP-lowering treatment option for the initial or early management of hypertension.
Firearm Death Rates in Rural vs Urban US Counties
Authors: Reeping Paul M. , Mak Allison , Branas Charles C. , Gobaud Ariana N. , Nance Michael L.
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study examines the variability in firearm mortality risk by county type across the full rural-urban continuum in the US.
Proposal of deformation history integral‐type hysteresis model considering performance change of high‐damping rubber bearings and verification using substructure real‐time online testing system for seismically isolated structure
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Takeuchi Sadamitsu , Maruyama Kenji , Kato Koji , Murota Nobuo , Suzuki Shigenobu
Published: April 2023

A deformation history integral (DHI)‐type hysteresis model is an elastic–plastic model that was originally developed for high‐damping rubber bearings (HDRs). The model can show the complex characteristics of HDRs. However, the model cannot accurately consider performance changes due to production variation, temperature dependence, repeated loading dependence, etc. Herein, an improved DHI model that can accurately reflect performance changes is proposed. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) To reflect performance change, the DHI model is improved by defining material parameters as a function of the performance change ratios. (2) To accurately reflect repeated loading dependence, including the scragging effect, the DHI model is improved by defining the performance change ratios as a function of the cumulative energy per unit volume. The authors have previously developed a substructure real‐time online testing system. The system performs a time‐history response analysis via analysis and testing systems. To verify the accuracy of the proposed model, a time‐history response analysis is performed using the proposed model, and the results of the substructure real‐time online testing system are compared. The results show that the proposed new hysteresis model can predict the complex behavior of HDRs more accurately than existing analysis models.
Nonlinear optimal control for the rotary double inverted pendulum
Authors: Rigatos G. , Abbaszadeh M. , Siano P. , Cuccurullo G. , Pomares J. , Sari B.
Published: April 2023

The control problem of the rotary double inverted pendulum (double Furuta pendulum) is nontrivial because of underactuation and strong nonlinearities in the associated state‐space model. The system has three degrees of freedom (one actuated and two unactuated joints) while receiving only one control input. In this article, a novel nonlinear optimal (H‐infinity) control approach is developed for the dynamic model of the rotary double inverted pendulum. First, the dynamic model of the double pendulum undergoes approximate linearization with the use of first‐order Taylor series expansion and through the computation of the associated Jacobian matrices. The linearization process takes place at each sampling instance around a temporary operating point which is defined by the present value of the system's state vector and by the last sampled value of the control inputs vector. At a next stage a stabilizing H‐infinity feedback controller is designed. To compute the controller's feedback gains an algebraic Riccati equation has to be solved at each time‐step of the control algorithm. The global stability properties of the control scheme are proven through Lyapunov analysis. To implement state estimation‐based control without the need to measure the entire state vector of the rotary double‐pendulum the H‐infinity Kalman filter is used as a robust state observer. The nonlinear optimal control method achieves fast and accurate tracking of setpoints by all state variables of the rotary double inverted pendulum under moderate variations of the control input.
Enzyme‐Inspired Nanoreactor Containing Light‐Controlled “Trojan Horse” for Redox‐Hypersensitive Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Zhaoding , Peng Chuan , Zheng Yi , Zhang Yunwen , Xu Taoran , Yan Jingyue , Zhou Yeqiang , Liu Yang , Xie Huixu , Wang Chuan , Tan Hong , Fu Qiang , Ding Mingming
Published: April 2023

The applications of bioresponsive materials are limited by the low levels of physiological triggers and spatiotemporal barriers in vivo. To address these issues, a light‐controlled “Trojan horse” strategy is proposed by encapsulating a photo‐caged reducing agent within reduction‐responsive polymer vesicles. The polymersomes act as an enzyme‐inspired nanoreactor for efficient photo‐synthesis of dithiothreitol in situ, which attacks the disulfide bonds in polymer backbones and disintegrates the vehicles from the inside in a nanoconfined space. The assembly‐catalyzed photoreduction reaction overcomes the temporal and spatial barriers for hyper‐responsivity and enables ultrafast drug release even at 0.014 mm of dithiothreitol residues, a concentration 715 times lower than that required to cleave disulfide bonds. In addition, in both vitro and vivo, the equipment of upconverting nanoparticles and photothermal agents creates a near‐infrared light‐activated and self‐heating nanoreactor, which allows for efficient intracellular drug delivery and excellent photo‐chemo‐immunotherapy of tumors. This work presents a new approach to designing smart materials and a promising platform for on‐demand drug delivery applications.
Achieving Synergetic Anion‐Cation Redox Chemistry in Freestanding Amorphous Vanadium Oxysulfide Cathodes toward Ultrafast and Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Rui , Cui Fuhan , Zheng Anqi , Zhang Guoju , Jiang Zhenjing , Xiong Yuwei , Wei Lei , Zhang Qichong , Sun Litao , Yin Kuibo
Published: April 2023

Flexible aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) with high safety and low cost hold great promise for potential applications in wearable electronics, but the strong electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and crystalline structures, and the traditional cathodes with single cationic redox center remain stumbling blocks to developing high‐performance AZIBs. Herein, freestanding amorphous vanadium oxysulfide (AVSO) cathodes with abundant defects and auxiliary anionic redox centers are developed via in situ anodic oxidation strategy. The well‐designed amorphous AVSO cathodes demonstrate numerous Zn2+ isotropic pathways and rapid reaction kinetics, performing a high reversible capacity of 538.7 mAhg‐1 and high‐rate capability (237.8 mAhg‐1@40Ag‐1). Experimental results and theoretical simulations reveal that vanadium cations serve as the main redox centers while sulfur anions in AVSO cathode as the supporting redox centers to compensate local electron‐transfer ability of active sites. Significantly, the amorphous structure with sulfur chemistry can tolerate volumetric change upon Zn2+/H+ insertion and weaken electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and host materials. Consequently, the AVSO composites display alleviated structural degradation and exceptional long‐term cyclability (89.8% retention after 20 000 cycles at 40 Ag‐1). This work can be generally extended to various freestanding amorphous cathode materials of multiple redox reactions, inspiring development of designing ultrafast and long‐life wearable AZIBs.
Electro‐Elastic Wetting: A Method to Migrate and Deform Droplets
Authors: Venkata Vidyacharan Gopaluni , Orth Theodore Rex , Pan Wenyang , Amini Amirhossein , Homsy G. M. , Liu Tianshu
Published: April 2023

A new wetting mechanism, termed electro‐elastic wetting, and methods to exploit it for droplet manipulation are proposed and demonstrated. The system consists of a droplet of dielectric liquid, an elastic and conductive membrane as its shell, and an electrode‐dielectric composite as its substrate. Activation is by an electric field applied between the membrane and the substrate. The equilibrium shape of the droplet is determined by the balance of membrane tension and electrostatic attraction. It is shown that the contact angle of the droplet is governed by a modified Young–Lipmann Equation. It is then demonstrated that it is possible to transport the droplet along a controlled direction, as well as to actively tune its shape, topography, and position by manipulating the spatial distribution of the electrical force.
Low Volume‐Expansion, Insertion‐Type Layered Silicate Hierarchical Structure For Superior Storage Of Li, Na, K
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Tianyong , Yuan Qingyan , Li Biao , Wu Yunjia , Dou Yibo , Zhang Xin , Han Jingbin
Published: April 2023

A hierarchical structure is successfully synthesized by coating polypyrrole (PPy) on the surface of carbon/saponite superlattice (denoted as PPy@C/SAP), and applied as low volume‐expansion insertion‐type anode for Li, Na, K storage.The synergistic effect of metal Ni, Fe doping, carbon/silicate superlattice, abundant oxygen vacancies and PPy coating leads to a good electronic conductivity and large current discharging capability. As a Si‐based material, PPy@C/SAP has excellent storage capability for Li (659 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1 and 550 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1), Na (maximum specific capacity of 533 and 327 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles) as well as K (236 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles). XPS, XANES, XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, SEM are used to detect the hybrid mechanism (bulk insertion and surface conversion) with a volume expansion as low as 9%. Insertion reaction driven by valence state change of Ni, Fe, Si (Ni0⇔Ni2+, Fe0⇔Fe3+, Si2+⇔Si4+) in laminates and conversion reactions between LiOH/Li2CO3 and LiH/Li2C2 catalyzed by Ni° contribute to the high performance. In the whole electrochemical process, layered structure is retained while the conversion reactions of LiOH (prodeced by laminates dehydroxylation) and Li2CO3 (electrolyte decomposition) cause the dynamic evolution of solid ectrolyte interphase. This study develops a promising Si‐based anode material for lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries and potassium ion batteries, which is significant for designing long cycle life rechargeable batteries.
Trimetallic Porous PtIrBi Nanoplates with Robust CO Tolerance for Enhanced Formic Acid Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Sun Yingjun , Chen Weibin , Zhang Wenshu , Nie Yan , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Luo Mingchuan , Guo Shaojun
Published: April 2023

Spreading the formic acid (HCOOH) fuel cells demands a better anode electrocatalyst for the oxidation of formic acid. The catalytic efficiency of platinum (Pt)– the only choice of practicability, is mainly limited by its intrinsic affinity to CO, thus desiring a proper release. Herein, theoretical calculations are first leveraged to find that the introduction of iridium (Ir) can facilitate HCOOH oxidation with robust CO tolerance through a dehydrogenation pathway. Then, this strategy experimentally by designing a new trimetallic catalyst of 2D porous PtIrBi nanoplates (p‐PtIrBi NPs) is implemented. The optimized p‐PtIrBi NPs/C exhibits a very high mass activity of 8.2 A mg−1pt and a high retention rate of 55.9% after the durability test, which is among the best formic acid oxidation catalysts reported to date, much higher than those of PtIrBi NPs/C, PtBi NPs/C, and Pt/C. The CO‐stripping and in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) experiments collectively evidence that two types of due site, i.e., “Pt‐Bi” and “Ir‐Bi”, endow the catalyst with suppressed CO‐poisoning property to achieve super‐high activity and stability for formic acid oxidation reaction.
Versatile Microfluidics for Biofabrication Platforms Enabled by an Agile and Inexpensive Fabrication Pipeline
Authors: Moetazedian Amirpasha , Candeo Alessia , Liu Siyun , Hughes Arran , Nasrollahi Vahid , Saadat Mozafar , Bassi Andrea , Grover Liam M. , Cox Liam R. , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan
Published: April 2023

Microfluidics have transformed diagnosis and screening in regenerative medicine. Recently, they are showing much promise in biofabrication. However, their adoption is inhibited by costly and drawn‐out lithographic processes thus limiting progress. Here, multi‐material fibers with complex core‐shell geometries with sizes matching those of human arteries and arterioles are fabricated employing versatile microfluidic devices produced using an agile and inexpensive manufacturing pipeline. The pipeline consists of material extrusion additive manufacturing with an innovative continuously varied extrusion (CONVEX) approach to produce microfluidics with complex seamless geometries including, novel variable‐width zigzag (V‐zigzag) mixers with channel widths ranging from 100–400 µm and hydrodynamic flow‐focusing components. The microfluidic systems facilitated rapid mixing of fluids by decelerating the fluids at specific zones to allow for increased diffusion across the interfaces. Better mixing even at high flow rates (100−1000 µL min−1) whilst avoiding turbulence led to high cell cytocompatibility (>86%) even when 100 µm nozzles are used. The presented 3D‐printed microfluidic system is versatile, simple and efficient, offering a great potential to significantly advance the microfluidic platform in regenerative medicine.
Efficient and Stable Quasi‐2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells by Tailoring Crystal Orientation and Passivating Surface Defects
Authors: Kim Ju‐Hyeon , Oh Chang‐Mok , Hwang In‐Wook , Kim Jehan , Lee Changhoon , Kwon Sooncheol , Ki Taeyoon , Lee Sanseong , Kang Hongkyu , Kim Heejoo , Lee Kwanghee
Published: April 2023

Solar cells (PSCs) with quasi‐2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPP) exhibit greater environmental stability than 3D perovskites; however, the low power conversion efficiency (PCE) caused by anisotropic crystal orientations and defect sites in the bulk RPP materials limit future commercialization. Herein, a simple post–treatment is reported for the top surfaces of RPP thin films (RPP composition of PEA2MA4Pb5I16  = 5) in which zwitterionic n‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone (PBN) is used as the passivation material. The PBN molecules passivate the surface and grain boundary defects in the RPP and simultaneously induce vertical direction crystal orientations of the RPPs, which lead to efficient charge transport in the RPP photoactive materials. With this surface engineering methodology, the optimized devices exhibit a remarkably enhanced PCE of 20.05% as compared with the devices without PBN (≈17.53%) and excellent long‐term operational stability with 88% retention of the initial PCE under continuous 1‐sun irradiation for over 1000 h. The proposed passivation strategy provides new insights into the development of efficient and stable RPP‐based PSCs.
Bio‐Carbon as a Means of Carbon Management in Roads
Authors: Pahlavan Farideh , Aldagari Sand , Park Ki‐Bum , Kim Joo‐Sik , Fini Elham H.
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces biocarbon, referred to as biochar, as a novel eco‐friendly and cost‐effective additive to increase interactions among bitumen components while facilitating carbon management in roadway infrastructures. It is hypothesized that functional groups on biochar surfaces enhance interactions between biochar and bitumen constituents. This in turn enhances mechanical properties and durability of asphalt pavements. This study uses biochars derived from six different types of woody biomass and one type of algae, and polyethylene terephthalate granules as a carrier to introduce biochar to bitumen. Quantum‐based molecular modeling and noncovalent interaction analysis show that algal biochar interacts more effectively with bitumen components. The enhanced interaction of algal biochar is attributed to its surface functional groups including reactive nitrogen‐ and oxygen‐carrying functional groups. The rheological characterization of bitumen doped with different biochars confirms that the lowest separation index occurs for bitumen containing algal biochar, which also exhibits the highest percent of elastic recovery and resistance to permanent deformation. The study suggests that asphalt pavement durability can be enhanced by selection of the proper biochar to increase intermolecular interactions. Promising results for the algae biochar promote its use in carbon management for roadway infrastructure by sequestering CO2 from air through photosynthesis of algae biomass.
Buried Interface Dielectric Layer Engineering for Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Li Huan , Xie Guanshui , Wang Xin , Li Sibo , Lin Dongxu , Fang Jun , Wang Daozeng , Huang Weixin , Qiu Longbin
Published: April 2023

Stability and scalability are essential and urgent requirements for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which are retarded by the non‐ideal interface leading to non‐radiative recombination and degradation. Extensive efforts are devoted to reducing the defects at the perovskite surface. However, the effects of the buried interface on the degradation and non‐radiative recombination need to be further investigated. Herein, an omnibearing strategy to modify buried and top surfaces of perovskite film to reduce interfacial defects, by incorporating aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as a dielectric layer and growth scaffolds (buried surface) and phenethylammonium bromide as a passivation layer (buried and top surfaces), is demonstrated. Consequently, the open‐circuit voltage is extensively boosted from 1.02 to 1.14 V with the incorporation of Al2O3 filling the voids between grains, resulting in dense morphology of buried interface and reduced recombination centers. Finally, the impressive efficiencies of 23.1% (0.1 cm2) and 22.4% (1 cm2) are achieved with superior stability, which remain 96% (0.1 cm2) and 89% (1 cm2) of its initial performance after 1200 (0.1 cm2) and 2500 h (1 cm2) illumination, respectively. The dual modification provides a universal method to reduce interfacial defects, revealing a promising prospect in developing high‐performance PSCs and modules.
Polyoxometalate‐Bridged Synthesis of Superstructured Mesoporous Polymers and Their Derivatives for Sodium–Iodine Batteries
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wei Facai , Wu Yong , Li Wenda , Huang Lingyan , Fu Jianwei , Jing Chengbin , Cheng Jiangong , Liu Shaohua
Published: April 2023

Despite the impressive progress in mesoporous materials over past decades, for those precursors having no well‐matched interactions with soft templates, there are still obstacles to be guided for mesoporous structure via soft‐template strategies. Here, a polyoxometalate‐assisted co‐assembly route is proposed for controllable construction of superstructured mesoporous materials by introducing polyoxometalates as bifunctional bridge units, which weakens the self‐nucleation tendency of the precursor through coordination interactions and simultaneously connects the template through the induced dipole–dipole interaction. By this strategy, a series of meso‐structured polymers, featuring highly open radial mesopores and dendritic pore walls composed of continuous interwoven nanosheets can be facilely obtained. Further carbonization gave rise to nitrogen‐doped hierarchical mesoporous carbon decorated uniformly with ultrafineγ‐Mo2N nanoparticles. Density functional theory proves that nitrogen‐doped carbon andγ‐Mo2N can strongly adsorb polyiodide ions, which effectively alleviate polyiodide dissolving in organic electrolytes. Thereby, as the cathode materials for sodium–iodine batteries, the I2‐loaded carbonaceous composite shows a high specific capacity (235 mA h g−1at 0.5 A g−1), excellent rate performance, and cycle stability. This work will open a new venue for controllable synthesis of new hierarchical mesoporous functional materials, and thus promote their applications toward diverse fields.
Prevalence and risk factors for subjective cognitive decline and the correlation with objective cognition among community‐dwelling older adults in China: Results from the Hubei memory and aging cohort study
Authors: Cheng Gui‐Rong , Liu Dan , Huang Lin‐Ya , Han Gang‐Bin , Hu Fei‐Fei , Wu Zhao‐Xia , He Xiao‐Ming , Huang Yu‐Wei , Yu Ya‐Fu , Xu Lang , Li Jin‐Quan , Chen Yu‐Shan , Wei Zhen , Wu Qiong , Mei Yu‐Fei , Chen Xing‐Xing , Ou Yang‐Ming , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Yang Meng‐Liu , Lian Peng‐Fei , Tan Wei , Xie Xin‐Yan , Zeng Yan
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence and risk factors for subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and its correlation with objective cognition decline (OCD) among community‐dwelling older adults is inconsistent.

METHODS

Older adults underwent neuropsychological and clinical evaluations to reach a consensus on diagnoses.

RESULTS

This study included 7486 adults without mild cognitive impairment and dementia (mean age: 71.35 years [standard deviation = 5.40]). The sex‐, age‐, and residence‐adjusted SCD prevalence was 58.33% overall (95% confidence interval: 58.29% to 58.37%), with higher rates of 61.25% and 59.87% in rural and female subgroups, respectively. SCD global and OCD language, SCD memory and OCD global, SCD and OCD memory, and SCD and OCD language were negatively correlated in fully adjusted models. Seven health and lifestyle factors were associated with an increased risk for SCD.

DISCUSSION

SCD affected 58.33% of older adults and may indicate concurrent OCD, which should prompt the initiation of preventative intervention for dementia.

Highlights

SCD affects 58.33% of older adults in China.

SCD may indicate concurrent objective cognitive decline.

Difficulty finding words and memory impairments may indicate a risk for AD.

The presence of SCD may prompt preventative treatment initiation of MCI or dementia.

Social network factors may be initial targets for the early prevention of SCD.
BN‐Butafulvene und ihre Anwendung in der Synthese von hochsubstituierten BN‐9,1‐Naphthalinen
Authors: Wang Junyi , Zhu Shuai , Ma Wangyang , Lin Zhenyang , Ye Qing
Published: April 2023

BN‐Butafulvene, Mono‐BN‐Isostere von Butafulven und hochgespannte Isomere von Azaborinen und B‐Aminoborolen, wurden durch Hydrolyse der Urana‐Borabicyclus‐Komplexe synthetisiert, die aus der Reaktion von Bis(alkinyl)boranen mit einem Uranacyclopropen‐Komplex stammen. Ihre 4‐Dimethylaminopyridin (DMAP)‐Addukte können weiter zu 1,2,4,6‐multisubstituierten BN‐9,1‐Naphthalinen isomerisieren. Sowohl die NMR‐spektroskopische Reaktionsverfolgung als auch theoretische Berechnungen deuten auf einen Reaktionsmechanismus hin, der eine dearomative Insertion von DMAP gefolgt von zwei aufeinanderfolgenden 1,2‐Wasserstoffumlagerungen beinhaltet. Die photophysikalischen Untersuchungen der hochsubstituierten BN‐9,1‐Naphthaline zeigen eine bemerkenswerte Rotverschiebung, sowohl in den UV/Vis‐Absorptions‐ als auch in den Emissionsspektren. Die (TD)‐DFT‐Berechnungen bestätigen die experimentellen Daten und deuten darauf hin, dass die starke π‐donierende Aminosubstitution an den 1‐ und/oder 6‐Positionen das HOMO destabilisiert und somit zu einer bemerkenswerten Verringerung der HOMO–LUMO‐Lücke führt.
Diastereomer Resolution of M4L6 Coordination Cages by Ultra‐High‐Resolution Ion‐Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pfrunder Michael C. , Marshall David L. , Poad Berwyck L. J. , Fulloon Therese M. , Clegg Jack K. , Blanksby Stephen J. , McMurtrie John C. , Mullen Kathleen M.
Published: April 2023

Coordination cages can be used for enantio‐ and regioselective catalysis and for the selective sensing and separation of isomeric guest molecules. Here, stereoisomers of a family of coordination cages are resolved using ultra‐high‐resolution cyclic ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (cIM‐MS). The observed ratio of diastereomers is dependent on both the metal ion and counter ion. Moreover, the point groups can be assigned through complementary NMR experiments. This method enables the identification and interrogation of the individual isomers in complex mixtures of cages which cannot be performed in solution. Furthermore, these techniques allow the stability of individual isomers within the mixture to be probed, with the T‐symmetric isomers in this case shown to be more robust than the C3 and S4 analogues.
Direct Arylation of Silicon Nanocrystals with Hexadehydro‐Diels–Alder‐Derived Benzynes
Authors: Lai Ming , Zhang Ying , Zhao Liang , Huang Yu‐Hua , Zhang Lei , Fu Wenlong , Chen Pu , Wang Xu‐Dong , Zhu Tingshun , Yang Zhenyu
Published: April 2023

Colloidal silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) have garnered significant interest in optoelectronics and biomedical applications. Direct arylation provides pathways to enhance the solution processability of particles and manipulate the photophysical and electronic properties of SiNCs. Unfortunately, existing methods employed to prepare aryl‐functionalized SiNCs are based on organometallic coupling or transition‐metal‐catalyzed strategies, which require metal‐based reagents for preactivation or the precursors and complicated post‐treatment processes for product purification. Herein, we demonstrate a metal‐free method that directly functionalizes SiNCs with aryl‐based ligands. We design a series of benzyne derivatives formed from the thermal cyclization of predesigned alkynes, allowing efficient arylation on hydride‐terminated silicon surfaces under mild conditions. These aryl‐functionalized SiNCs exhibit strong blue emissions with nanosecond‐scaled decay, suggesting the formation of a new radiative recombination channel on SiNC surfaces.
Yolk‐Shell Nanostars@Metal Organic Frameworks as Molecular Sieves for Optical Sensing and Catalysis
Authors: Zorlu Tolga , Becerril‐Castro I. Brian , Puertolas Begoña , Giannini Vincenzo , Correa‐Duarte Miguel A. , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramon A.
Published: April 2023

Hybrid composites between nanoparticles and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been described as optimal materials for a wide range of applications in optical sensing, drug delivery, pollutant removal or catalysis. These materials are usually core‐shell single‐ or multi‐nanoparticles, restricting the inorganic surface available for reaction. Here, we develop a method for the preparation of yolk‐shells consisting in a plasmonic gold nanostar coated with MOF. This configuration shows more colloidal stability, can sieve different molecules based on their size or charge, seems to show some interesting synergy with gold for their application in photocatalysis and present strong optical activity to be used as SERS sensors.
Based on Z‐scheme heterojunction CsPbBr3/UiO‐66 composite photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Miao Jin , Guo Lin , Tan Tao , Cai Wei , Lei Xiang , Li Yanrui , Wang Zhenhua
Published: April 2023

As an environmentally friendly technology, photocatalysis technology has great application prospects in the fields of photoelectric energy and environmental pollutants treatment, and its core is photocatalyst. In recent years, perovskite materials with a narrow band gap, high quantum efficiency, and high carrier mobility have been widely concerned to use as photocatalysts. However, as to a single perovskite, the electron–hole separation rate is still low. In this paper, CsPbBr3/UiO‐66 composite photocatalyst was prepared based on a heterojunction strategy. CsPbBr3/UiO‐66 photocatalyst has excellent photocatalytic performance: The degradation rate of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution is more than 90% in 90 min, which is much higher than that of original CsPbBr3 (57.7% in 90 min). Based on various characterization techniques, our study verified the formation of a Z‐scheme heterojunction between CsPbBr3 and UiO‐66. At the same time, the improved photocatalytic performance of CsPbBr3/UiO‐66 is due to the efficient Z‐scheme charge migration mechanism in CsPbBr3/UiO‐66. This work is expected to provide a new opportunity to regulate the photocatalytic performance of perovskite by heterojunction strategy.
Effect of urea derivatives on the volume shrinkage during curing of cyanate ester and epoxy resins with polymeric hardener based on phenol‐amine salt
Authors: Ueyama Junji , Ogawa Ryo , Mori Yasuyuki , Furusho Yoshio , Tsuge Akihiko , Endo Takeshi
Published: April 2023

Effect of urea derivatives (UDs) on volume shrinkage during the curing of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BAGE)/bisphenol E cyanate ester (DCBE)/thermal latent polymeric hardener based on phenol‐amine salt (PAH) was investigated. The UDs with NH bonds and bulky substituents reduced the volume shrinkage effectively. The UDs were just dispersed in the compositions before the curing, whereas the UDs dissolved in the cured compounds by the collapse of the dense packing of UDs based on hydrogen‐bonding interaction and/or π‐stacking after the curing. Besides, the curing behavior and the structure of cured materials were examined by DSC and IR. The results revealed that the UDs hardly affected the curing of the DCBE/BAGE/PAH system.
Infrared detectors enable spectacular infrared astronomy
Authors: Rieke George
Published: April 2023

Major advances in infrared astronomy have been enabled by new technologies‐from the first example of infrared astronomy using the vacuum thermocouple to the expansion of the field into the thermal infrared using the Ge:Ga bolometer. The introduction of high‐performance detector arrays had an even more profound influence through the James Webb Space Telescope: it is the rapid and exciting development of these arrays that built the case for this major investment in breakthrough astronomy. The arrays were developed in defense‐oriented aerospace firms, making the mechanisms for delivering them to astronomers eccentric. This article describes this formative era for infrared astronomy with arrays and how it led to the incredible devices now strutting their stuff on James Webb Space Telescope.
Impact of renal sinus protrusions on achieving trifecta in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Hattori Yuto , Kambe Takanari , Mine Yuta , Hagimoto Hiroki , Kokubun Hidetoshi , Abe Yohei , Yamashita Daisuke , Tsutsumi Naofumi , Arizono Shigeki , Yamasaki Toshinari , Kawakita Mutsushi
Published: April 2023

Objective

The objective of this work is to assess the relationship between the morphological characteristics of a central tumour and the perioperative outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Subjects and Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data from 186 patients with central tumours involving the renal sinus, who underwent RAPN in a single‐centre study between February 2015 and June 2022. All cases were assigned a RENAL nephrometry score based on preoperative images. The shape of the protruding portion of the tumour was classified into four types: ‘flat’, ‘spherical’, ‘single‐hump’, and ‘complex‐hump’, and was independently assessed by two readers. The trifecta is defined as the warm ischemia time within 25 min, negative surgical margins, and no major postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the failing trifecta.

Results

Trifecta was achieved in 113 cases (60.8%), and the achievement rate in flat, spherical, single‐hump, and complex‐hump types was 83.3%, 74.5%, 64.3%, and 21.3%, respectively. Prolonged warm ischemia time was the primary cause of the failure to achieve the trifecta. The rate of positive surgical margins and upstage to pathological T3a was greater for complex humps while the rate of major complications and postoperative GFR preservation did not differ between shapes. On multivariate analysis for failing trifecta achievement, the complex‐hump protrusion was found to be an independent positive predictor (odds ratio: 15.8; p < 0.001), whereas the height and width of protrusion were not significantly related.

Conclusions

The degree of difficulty varied among central tumours, and it was not possible to precisely measure it with existing scoring systems. Complex‐hump protrusions strongly correlate with failure to achieve the trifecta. Preoperative assessment of the morphology of protrusion is useful for predicting outcomes.