bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Funding Strategies of G-SIBs
Authors:   1. UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Kravchuk Igor
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to analyze the main features of the identified funding strategies of G-SIBs and changes in strategies under the influence of financial market conditions and new regulatory requirements. Methods: The proposed method uses cluster analysis of the main indicators for banking funding (the share of deposits in liabilities, the share of derivatives in liabilities, the share of subordinated liabilities in total liabilities, as well as the share of short-term wholesale funding in liabilities) based on the agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm of Ward and the Hartigan Index as the criterion for evaluating the optimal number of clusters. The research covers G-SIBs, spanning the period 2007–2018. Findings & Value added: The study has allowed to identify three main groups of banking strategies – deposit-based, mix and wholesale-based. Changes in the main features of these strategies have indicated the growth of the role of deposit funding, and a clear decrease in the value of derivatives in the structure of liabilities of G-SIBs. These two trends confirm the efficiency of the introduced regulatory measures to ensure higher financial soundness of banks and reduced funding risks. The study finds that the growth of deposit funding is not accompanied by an increase in the share of loans in assets. Regulatory authorities should introduce mechanisms that would have a major impact on changing strategies of asset management for global banks to increase the role of loans, which will have a positive impact on the development of the real economy.
Anti-Crisis Management of Rural Areas Under Conditions of Decentralization (By the Example of Ukraine)
Authors:   Rivne Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education, Ukraine, Antoniuk Nataliia , Piekut Marlena ,   Warsaw University of Technology, Poland, Perkhach Oksana
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The main aim of this paper is to investigate the present state of anti-crisis management of rural areas under conditions of decentralization (by the example of Ukraine) and to formulate a model of integration of the public, rural communities, business and science on the basis of a public-private partnership. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, we used the following methods: cluster analysis, correlation analysis, economic analysis and forecasting, inductive method. The authors worked out a comprehensive programme-targeted approach to rural areas development based on a public-private partnership. Findings: The main concepts of the topic are considered and the authors’ definition of the concept of “anti-crisis public-private partnership in rural areas” is proposed. Anti-crisis public-private partnership in rural areas is interpreted as a form of anti-crisis cooperation between state, social and private sectors, based on the recognition that all parties benefit from the pooling of resources, innovations and managerial decisions for the purpose of realization of anti-crisis principles and socio-economic development of rural areas. Research limitations/implications: The stages of anti-crisis management of rural areas under conditions of decentralization are developed, which clearly define the directions for structural socio-economic transformations in rural areas. The results are evaluated on a differentiated scale. Based on the results of the research, a model was developed for identifying the crisis situation in rural areas in conditions of decentralization. It takes into account the availability of potential (resource, labour), social, ecological and economic components of the development of territories, the risk factor for crisis and the overall coefficient of decentralization. Originality/value: The model of integration of the public, rural communities, business and science on the basis of public-private partnership is developed. It will allow the development of rural areas, increase the efficiency of agriculture and lead the country out of crisis.
Polish Banking Sector Facing Challenges Related to Environmental and Climate Protection
Authors:   Warsaw School of Economics, Poland, Niedziółka Paweł
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The paper focuses on the comparison of climate and environmental protection activities undertaken in the largest commercial banks in Poland. The second aim is to present conditions for inclusion of environmental and climate risk analysis in the process of monitoring financial stability. Design/methodology/approach: Banks’ standalone audited statements for 2018 were used as a source of data. In defining 8 key areas of environmental risk management within the ESG, the banks’ environmental and climate actions were systematised to draw conclusions on the nature of the initiatives taken and on which types of banks in a given area express commitment and whether it is related to the bank’s scale, shareholding structure and financial standing. Findings: The scope of information on a bank’s involvement in the environmental and climate protection process is not uniform. In the case of smaller private banks and banks with a dominant Treasury shareholding in the ownership structure, this scope is much smaller than in the case of large and medium-sized private banks belonging to global financial holdings. A particularly important commitment to environmental and climate protection in the sector concerns banks belonging to European capital groups that have signed up to international agreements on economic decarbonisation. The scarce information provided by banks with a dominant Treasury shareholding results from the high level of exposure of these banks to companies from high-carbon sectors, also owned by the Treasury. Commercial banks in Poland place the main emphasis on presenting their direct impact on the environment (reduction of energy and other media consumption, recycling and environmental campaigns). Research limitations/implications: The research is limited to the commercial banking sector and only to one reporting period. However, there are no constraints to apply the proposed approach to other samples and for longer data series, and then build a methodology of environmental rating. Originality/value: This article is the first comparative analysis of the involvement of Polish commercial banks in environmental and climate protection. Its results are particularly useful for investors for whom ESG criteria constitute important determinants of decisions.
Europos inovacijų partnerysčių (EIP) veiklos grupių projektai Lietuvoje 2023
Authors: Černiauskienė Živilė
Published: September 2023

Leidinys „Europos inovacijų partnerysčių (EIP) veiklos grupių projektai Lietuvoje 2023“ yra skirtas plačiosios visuomenės supažindinimui su vykdomais projektais, skatinančiais inovacijas Lietuvos žemės ūkyje. Leidinyje yra pateikiama 30 EIP veiklos grupių projektų (15 iš jų – pabaigti ir įgyvendinti) 2016–2023 m., kuriems vadovauja 8 institucijos - Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto Žemės ūkio akademija (VDU ŽŪA), Gamtos tyrimų centras (GTC), Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centras (LAMMC), Lietuvos socialinių mokslų centras (LSMC), Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas (LSMU), Lietuvos žemės ūkio konsultavimo tarnyba (LŽŪKT), UAB „ADDECCO“, UAB „ART 21“. Leidinyje yra pateikiama pagrindinė informacija apie projektų veiklas, iššūkius, rezultatus ir gerąją patirtį, įgyvendinant EIP projektus.
Electronic properties of two-dimensional kagome lattice based on transition metal phthalocyanine heterojunctions
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Jiang Xue , Zhao Ji-Jun ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Published: September 2023

Transition metal phthalocyanine molecules serve as building blocks for two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks with potential applications in optics, electronics, and spintronics. Previous theoretical studies predicted that a two-dimensional transition metal phthalocyanine framework with kagome lattice (kag-TMPc) has stable magnetically ordered properties, which are promising for spintronics and optoelectronics. However, there is a lack of studies on their heterojunctions, which can effectively tune the properties through interlayer coupling despite its weak nature. Here we use the density functional theory (DFT) to calculate the electronic properties of eight representative 2D kag-TMPc vertical heterojunctions with two different stackings (AA and AB) and interlayer distances. We find that most of the kag-MnPc-based heterojunctions can maintain the electronic properties of monolayer materials with low bandgap. The kag-MnPc/ZnPc is a ferromagnetic semiconductor with magnetic exchange energy above 40 meV, regardless of stacking sequences; the electronic properties of kag-MnPc/MnPc heterojunctions change from magnetic half-metal to magnetic semiconductor during the transition from AA stacking to AB stacking. Interestingly, the AB stacked kag-CuPc/CoPc heterojunction is a ferromagnetic semiconductor, and the spin-polarized energy band arrangement changes with the layer spacing: when the layer spacing is as long as the equilibrium distance, the spin-up and spin-down energy bands are aligned as type II; when the layer spacing increases by 0.2 Å, the spin-up energy bands are aligned as type-I energy bands, while the spin-down energy bands are aligned as type-II energy bands. This distance-dependent spin properties can realize magnetic optoelectronic “switching” and has potential applications in new magnetic field modulated electromagnetic and optoelectronic devices.
Multisyke eldre pasienters erfaringer med brukermedvirkning ved utskrivning fra sykehus
Authors: Sønderskov Mette
Published: September 2023

Temaet for denne artikkelen er multisyke eldre pasienters erfaringer og opplevelser med mulighetene for gode medvirkningsprosesser ved utskrivning fra sykehus. Bakteppet er de politiske føringene om at brukermedvirkning i dag skal foregå som samproduksjon, der helsepersonell og pasienter aktivt anvender hverandres ressurser. Flere studier viser utfordringer i praksis, og at det er behov for mer kunnskap om pasientperspektivet i overganger mellom helsetjenester for å kunne finne effektive tilnærminger. Basert på en kvalitativ intervjuundersøkelse med femten eldre pasienter, som har hatt bruk for akutt helsehjelp på sykehus, undersøkes hvordan de erfarer betingelsene for samproduksjon. Resultatene viser flere spenninger mellom pasientsentrerte mål og organisatoriske rammer. Funnene viser blant annet at sentrale forutsetninger for brukermedvirkning ikke er til stede, og at pasientene i svært liten grad gis muligheter til å delta aktivt. Pasientene gis mangelfull informasjon, tidligere erfaringer og pasientkompetanse skaper ulikheter, og de pårørende blir i liten grad ivaretatt som ressurs.
Uso de recursos y tecnologías digitales y enfoques de aprendizaje en estudiantes de pedagogía
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Rojas Castro Pablo Andrés
Published: September 2023

La presente investigación se propuso Caracterizar los patrones de uso de recursos para el aprendizaje que una Universidad tradicional chilena pone a disposición de los estudiantes de pedagogía y su relación con los enfoques de aprendizaje, en base a la exploración de la huella digital de los estudiantes de educación en el uso de los distintos recursos, estableciendo conductas relevantes para el proceso de aprendizaje y explorando los enfoques de aprendizaje que se presentan en estas conductas. Para lograr los objetivos, se implementó un diseño mixto secuencial, con fases de carácter cuantitativa y cualitativa. La secuencia metodológica parte con una caracterización del uso de los recursos a nivel de facultad (N=1301), y luego por carreras, para establecer patrones de uso. La fase cualitativa profundiza los datos obtenidos desde la caracterización y patrones de uso, mediante un análisis de contenido cualitativo de entrevistas (n=30) semi estructuradas, desde dónde se interpretan las percepciones que los estudiantes tienen del uso de los recursos y se relacionan estas significaciones con los enfoques de aprendizaje. Los principales resultados mostraron 3 grupos diferenciados de comportamiento o conglomerados denominados "Uso Intensivo de Biblioteca", "Bajo Uso de Recursos" y "Uso Intensivo de las Aulas Virtuales". En la profundización de cómo significaban su conducta estos grupos, mediante el análisis de contenido cualitativo, se observaron coincidencias entre los patrones de comportamiento y los enfoques de aprendizaje de tres factores; se observó que el clúster "Uso Intensivo de Biblioteca" posee concordancias con el enfoque profundo, a su vez el clúster “Bajo Uso de Recursos" con el enfoque superficial y el clúster "Uso Intensivo de las Aulas Virtuales" con el enfoque de aprendizaje estratégico.
Prácticas de evaluación en artes visuales : creencias de los profesores de arte como fundamento para la evaluación
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Silva Pedraza Carla Antonieta
Published: September 2023

La evaluación en artes visuales es un campo cruzado por debates y discusiones. La literatura señala que las creencias y supuestos disciplinares influencian las prácticas de evaluación de los profesores de artes visuales. Sin embargo, en Chile no se cuenta con un conocimiento detallado de los planteamientos de los profesores de artes visuales y las decisiones que toman durante la evaluación y calificación en la asignatura. Esta investigación analiza las creencias y las prácticas de evaluación de cuatro profesores de artes visuales de educación secundaria de distintos colegios de la Región Metropolitana. La investigación se realizó desde el enfoque cualitativo, haciendo uso de la Teoría fundamentada. Los resultados señalan que los fundamentos disciplinares de la comprensión del arte, la creatividad y el desarrollo del trabajo artístico son esenciales para la toma de decisiones en la evaluación. Las creencias de los profesores influyen las prácticas de evaluación respecto de: el objeto de evaluación, la evaluación del proceso, la calificación y los agentes de la evaluación. Las conclusiones señalan que las prácticas de evaluación en artes visuales se encuentran en constante tensión. Los profesores de arte se hacen uso de la evaluación con fines formativos para potenciar el desarrollo de habilidades y capacidades artísticas, pero también como mecanismo de control para generar condiciones de clase favorables para el desarrollo de la asignatura.
Adaptation and Promotion of Improved Beard Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties under Irrigation Condition in North West Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Yohannes Azene , Liyew Simachew Yediemie , Wassie Tesfa Kasahun
Published: September 2023

Twenty-two bread wheat varieties eight of them were heat tolerant and fourteen bread wheat varieties released under rain feed were evaluated in two sets for adaptation and promotion of the best-adapted varieties (2020-2021) cropping season under irrigation condition at Metema and Belesa districts. The objective of this experiment was to identify and promote the best adapted, high yielding, and heat tolerance bread wheat varieties for irrigated areas of the different agroecology regions. The experiments were conducted one year for a variety adaptation trial and a second year for demonstration of the best adapted, high yielding, and heat tolerance varieties from the two sets in the selected farmers filed under irrigation. The analysis of variance in both sets of experiments indicated that there was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the varieties for for most of the studied traits. The average mean of days to maturity for both sets was 92 days ranging from 80-96 days for heat tolerance & 83-97 days for released under rain feed. Early maturity was observed on the variety Ardi & kingbird (80 & 84 days) and late maturity was observed on the variety Werer-2 & Lemu (96 & 97 days) heat tolerance & rain feed respectively. The mean grain yield was 5670 kg ha-1 in heat tolerance & 3954 kg ha-1 released under rain feed. The grain yield was ranged from 5167 kg ha-1 (Amibara-2) to 6212 kg ha-1, 6195 kg ha-1 (Werer-2 & Fentale-2) and 2814 kg ha-1, 2820 kg ha-1 (Kingbird & Hidasie) to 6094 kg ha-1, 5220 kg ha-1 (Ogolcho & Adet-1) heat tolerance & released under rain feed prospectively. Three best adapted & high yielding varieties from both the trails were selected and promoted to participatory evaluation and promotion on different farmer’s fields. Grain yield showed a positive and highly significant correlation (P<0.01) with biological yield and thousand seed weight. There was also a highly significant (0<0.01) correlation (r=0.55, r=0.59, r=0.79 & r=0.46) between plant height with thousand seed weight, spike length, and biological yield and spikelets per spike. Days to maturity shows strong positive correlation (r=0.88) with the grain filling period. Therefore these traits could be used as indirect selection traits for grain yield according to the significance correlation suggestion. Farmers were also invited and evaluated the varieties based on their selection criteria during maturity time in both districts. Therefore, based on the analysis and farmers' preference, Fentale-2 was recommended for production with its full production packages under irrigation condition in the lowland areas of Gondar and other similar agro-ecologs.
Assessment of Heavy Metals on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Some Fish Ponds in Emene, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Ifeyinwa Tabugbo Blessing , Agu Matthew Onyema , Okafor Vincent Nwalieji , Mbam Ikechukwu Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

The research was conducted to determine the presence and bioaccumulation pattern of some heavy metals in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from three fish ponds in Emene, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. Fish samples used for the analysis were collected during the dry season from Tollex, Sopulu and Nduka pond farms. The analysis of heavy metals: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), in C. gariepinus gills and muscles was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after digestion with concentrated HCl. Results of the analysis show that the investigated heavy metal in the fish samples from the ponds on the basis of their average concentration followed the order: Sopulu pond > Nduka pond > Tollex pond with highest concentration (7.427 ppm of Fe) found in the gill of fish from Sopulu fish pond and lowest concentration (0.013 ppm of Cd) in the muscle of fish from Tollex fish farm. The study has shown that there was a considerable amount of heavy metals in the muscle and gills of catfish from Tollex, Nduka and Sopulu fish farms.
Study on Genetic Diversity in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)
Authors: Suchitra Chitrada , Lal Gaibriyal M.
Published: September 2023

The present study carried out with 45 black gram genotypes including one check variety were conducted at Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, to study genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, for 13 quantitative characters. The experiment was conducted by using Randomized Block Design with three replications during Kharif, 2022. Genotype SNTP- 02 (7.44 gms), PL-416 (7.35 gms), AKU-13-15 (7.26 gms), PLU -1016 (7.22gms), KC- 153 (7.21gms) were found to be superior in seed yield per plant. High GCV and PCV were observed in Number of primary branches, Number of clusters per plant and Number of pods per plant. Moderate PCV and GCV were observed in Number of pods per plants (43.04), Biological yield (33.77), Seed Yield per plant (30.282), Harvest index (25.4), Low PCV and GCV for Days to 50% pod setting (6.24) Divergence analysis following Mahalanobis (1936) D2 analysis has revealed presence of substantial amount of genetic diversity among the genotypes. These 45 genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters by following Tocher’s method. Cluster I contain 19 genotypes, while the cluster II, III, IV, V, VI were Monogenotypic. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between Cluster V and I (76.71) and minimum between cluster IV and II (81.02). Variance of cluster means revealed that Seed yield per plant, biological yield, harvest index had a maximum contribution towards divergence in the present material. Thus, the genotypes present in these clusters provide a wide range of segregation diversity and may be employed as parents in a future hybridization study to generate ideal genotypes for yield improvement in Black gram genotypes.
Educação em Direitos Humanos e Violência homofóbica no Ambiente Escolar
Authors: Sartori Thiago Luiz , Miranda Nonato Assis de
Published: September 2023

Este artigo está inserido em um estudo realizado em um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação cujo objetivo precípuo foi analisar eventuais situações de violência homofóbica no ambiente escolar, na perspectiva dos Direitos Humanos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa cujos dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas realizadas com gestores de seis escolas públicas do Estado de São Paulo. Em geral, os gestores desenvolvem práticas profissionais com foco no respeito à diversidade e na cultura de paz e, portanto, na perspectiva da Educação em Direitos Humanos. Tratam questões inerentes à homossexualidade com naturalidade, mas reconhecem que, na escola, há situações de intolerância em relação às relações homoafetivas por parte de alguns alunos e professores, mas não de igualdade de gênero, demandando atenção especial da gestão. Contudo, eles não permitem relações de afeto no ambiente escolar independentemente de o casal ser homo ou heterossexual, alguns deles não sabem dizer se uma pessoa trans deveria usar o banheiro masculino ou feminino, sugerem um banheiro alternativo para essas pessoas. Por fim, foi constatado que alguns gestores se mostraram despreparados para lidar com a presença de casais homoafetivos e, assim, suas práticas profissionais tendem a fomentar a violência homofóbica na escola.
Vivência(s) docente(s) de mulheres lésbicas e bissexuais no ensino superior privado de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Paulo , D'Ávila Isabella Campos Freitas
Published: September 2023

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir as estratégias que docentes não-heterossexuais utilizam dentro do espaço educacional para conviver com a cisheteronormatividade e se manter ou conquistar o reconhecimento de ser professor(a). A pesquisa se estruturou através de entrevistas narrativas com professoras e professores do ensino superior privado de Belo Horizonte, e a discussão a partir da análise das narrativas em consonância com teorias de identidade. Com isso, foi possível perceber que, por vezes, docentes fazem uso da cisheteronormatividade - conscientemente ou não - para garantir o reconhecimento na profissão que ocupam, e assim, conseguir se manter dentro do sistema normativo com menos impactos.
Medicare’s Historic Prescription Drug Price Negotiations
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Hodge James G. , Twinamatsiko Andrew J.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint evaluates the legal claims and policy implications of historic drug price negotiations possible with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Bullous Aplasia Cutis as a Presenting Sign of Encephalocele
Authors: Borok Jenna , Wagner Annette M. , Mancini Anthony J.
Published: September 2023

This case report describes a congenital cystic scalp nodule on a 2-week-old infant.
Treatment Patterns for Alopecia Areata in the US
Authors: Lee Hemin , Huang Kathie P. , Mostaghimi Arash , Choudhry Niteesh K.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Alopecia areata (AA) is characterized by hair loss ranging from patches of hair loss to more extensive forms, including alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU). There is a lack of consensus for treatment. Understanding current practice patterns could help the identification of treatment needs and development of standards of care.

Objective

To review treatment patterns for adults with AA in the US between 2015 and 2020.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used medicine and pharmacy claims for commercially insured individuals from the IBM MarketScan Research Database to assess adults (≥18 years) newly treated for AA between October 15, 2015, and February 28, 2020. Alopecia areata was identified based on having at least 1 diagnosis of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision code L63.x. Patients were required to have at least 365 days of continuous health plan enrollment before and after the cohort entry date. Patients were required to be free of AA diagnosis codes 365 days before the cohort entry date. Statistical analyses were conducted between 2019 and 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes were treatment patterns for all patients with AA and subgroups of (1) patients with AT or AU and (2) those cared for by a dermatologist on the cohort entry date. Longitudinal therapy course during the first year after the diagnosis was also examined.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 45 483 individuals (mean [SD] age, 43.8 [14.2] years; 29 903 [65.7%] female). During the year of follow-up, 30 217 patients (66.4%) received at least 1 AA treatment. The most common treatments were intralesional (19 014 [41.8%]), topical (18 604 [40.9%]), intramuscular (17 328 [38.1%]), and oral (9378 [20.6%]) corticosteroids. Compared with patients without AT or AU, patients with AT or AU a lower frequency of intralesional steroid (359 [11.1%] vs 18 655 [44.1%], P < .001) and higher frequency of topical corticosteroid (817 [25.4%] vs 17 787 [42.1%], P < .001) use. Almost half of patients (21 489 [47.2%]) received no treatment on the day of diagnosis. By 12 months, 32 659 (71.8%) were not receiving any treatment, making no treatment the largest study group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large cohort study of commercially insured individuals, corticosteroids were the most commonly used treatment for adults with AA between 2015 and 2020. At 365 days after diagnosis, more than two-thirds of patients were no longer receiving any AA treatment. Further studies are needed to understand the reasons for the absence of treatment.
Patient Perspectives on Living With Severe Prurigo Nodularis
Authors: Rodriguez Danielle , Kwatra Shawn G. , Dias-Barbosa Carla , Zeng Fanyang , Jabbar Lopez Zarif K. , Piketty Christophe , Puelles Jorge
Published: September 2023

Importance

Because of a paucity of qualitative research on prurigo nodularis (PN), the symptoms and impacts of PN that are most important to patients are poorly understood.

Objective

To explore patients’ perspectives on their PN symptoms and to understand the impacts of the condition.

Design, Setting, and Participants

One-on-one qualitative telephone interviews were held with English-speaking US adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of PN, severe pruritus, and moderate to severe sleep disturbance. Participants were recruited via patient associations, patient panels, and social media posts. Interviews took place between September 10, 2020, and March 16, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main symptoms of PN and their impacts on quality of life were identified by content analysis of deidentified interview transcripts.

Results

A total of 21 adults with PN (mean [SD] age, 53.1 [11.8] years; 15 [71%] female; 2 African American or Black patients [10%], 1 Asian patient [5%], and 18 White patients [86%]; of these, 1 patient [ 5%] had Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) participated in the interviews. All participants reported itch, pain associated with PN, bleeding or scabbing, and dry skin. Other frequently reported symptoms included lumps or bumps (95%), having a crust on the skin (95%), burning (90%), stinging (90%), lesions or sores (86%), skin discoloration (86%), and raw skin (81%). Of the 17 participants who indicated what their worst symptoms were, 15 (88%) identified itching as the worst or 1 of the worst symptoms. The most frequently reported impacts of PN for quality of life were changes in sleep (100%), daily life (100%), feelings or mood (95%), relationships (95%), social life (81%), and work or school (71%). Overall, the worst impact of PN was its association with impaired feelings or mood.

Conclusions and Relevance

This qualitative study suggests the importance of itching, sleep disturbance, and other symptoms and impacts of PN. This information can be used to guide end point selection in clinical trials and to inform patient-centric decision-making in clinical practice.
Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Risk of Depression
Authors: Samuthpongtorn Chatpol , Nguyen Long H. , Okereke Olivia I. , Wang Dong D. , Song Mingyang , Chan Andrew T. , Mehta Raaj S.
Published: September 2023

This cohort study examines the consumption of ultraprocessed food and risk of depression among 31 172 US females aged 42 to 62 years.
The correlation between clinical outcomes and genomic analysis with high risk factors for the progression of osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Cheng Huanqing , Huang Zhen , Li Yaping , Zhang Yanrui , Yang Yongkun , Jin Tao , Sun Yang , Deng Zhiping , Zhang Qing , Lou Feng , Cao Shanbo , Wang Huina , Niu Xiaohui
Published: September 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare but aggressive malignancy. Despite previous reports, molecular characterization of this disease is not well understood, and little is known regarding OS in Chinese patients. Herein, we analyzed the genomic signatures of 73 Chinese OS cases. TP53, NCOR1, LRP1B, ATRX, RB1, and TFE3 were the most frequently mutated gene in our OS cohort. In addition, the genomic analysis of Western OS patients was performed. Notably, there were remarkable disparities in mutational landscape, base substitution pattern, and tumor mutational burden between the Chinese and Western OS cohorts. Specific molecular mechanisms, including DNA damage repair (DDR) gene mutations, copy number variation (CNV) presence, aneuploidy, and intratumoral heterogeneity, were associated with disease progression. Additionally, 30.1% of OS patients carried clinically actionable alterations, which were mainly enriched in PI3K, MAPK, DDR, and RTK signaling pathways. A specific molecular subtype incorporating DDR alterations and CNVs was significantly correlated with distant metastasis‐free survival and event‐free survival, and this correlation was observed in all subgroups with different characteristics. These findings comprehensively elucidated the genomic profile and revealed novel prognostic factors in OS, which would contribute to understanding this disease and promoting precision medicine of this population.
Association of Bone Shape and Alignment Analyzed Using Statistical Shape Modeling With Severity of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Buldt Andrew K. , Gregory Jenny S. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Allan Jamie J. , Tan Jade M. , Auhl Maria , Landorf Karl B. , Roddy Edward , Marshall Michelle , Menz Hylton B.
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the relationship between bone shape and radiographic severity in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (first MTP joint OA).

Methods

Weightbearing lateral and dorsoplantar radiographs were obtained for the symptomatic foot of 185 participants (105 females, aged 22 to 85 years) with clinically diagnosed first MTP joint OA. Participants were classified into none/mild, moderate, or severe categories using a standardized atlas. An 80‐point model for lateral radiographs and 77‐point model for dorsoplantar radiographs was used to define independent modes of variation using statistical shape modeling software. Odds ratios adjusted for confounders were calculated using ordinal regression to determine the association between radiographic severity and mode scores.

Results

After assessment and grading of radiographs, 35 participants (18.9%) were included in the none/mild first MTP joint OA severity category, 69 (37.2%) in the moderate severity category, and 81 (43.7%) in the severe category. For lateral‐view radiographs, 16 modes of variation were included, which collectively represented 83.2% of total shape variance. Of these, four modes were associated with radiographic severity. For dorsoplantar‐view radiographs, 15 modes of variation were included, representing 82.6% of total shape variance. Of these, six modes were associated with radiographic severity.

Conclusions

Variations in the shape and alignment of the medial cuneiform, first metatarsal, and proximal and distal phalanx of the hallux are significantly associated with radiographic severity of first MTP joint OA. Prospective studies are required to determine whether bone shape characteristics are associated with the development and/or progression of this condition.

image
Event‐triggered adaptive control for a class of switched nonlinear interconnected systems
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhao Lingli , Chen Xiang , Xiang Zhengrong , Yang Xinsong
Published: September 2023

In this article, the adaptive event‐triggered control issue is researched for a kind of switched nonlinear interconnected systems subject to unknown backlash‐like hysteresis and control coefficients. The fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) are employed to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. To deal with the unknown control coefficients, the Nussbaum method and adaptive control are introduced. The proposed event‐triggered controller can effectively lessen the communication burden, meanwhile, the Zeno behavior is eliminated. It is guaranteed that the system outputs can track the reference signals and all the system signals are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of this control scheme.
3D Printing of MXene‐Enhanced Ferroelectric Polymer for Ultrastable Zinc Anodes
Authors: Zhu Guoyin , Zhang Hongcheng , Lu Jingqi , Hou Yanan , Liu Pin , Dong Shengyang , Pang Huan , Zhang Yizhou
Published: September 2023

Zinc (Zn) metal anodes of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention due to their high theoretical capacities, low redox potentials, and low cost. However, uncontrollable dendrite formation and side reactions can result in limited reversible cycling and quick failure of the batteries. Herein, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based protection layer (PVDF‐MXene) with high β‐phase content is built by the 3D printing method. The synergistic effect attributed to the 3D printing approach and MXene nanosheets contributes to phase transition of the PVDF polymer chains from α‐phase to β‐phase, improving the ferroelectric properties of the printed PVDF films. Such a protection layer can manipulate the concentration distribution of zinc ions and enable the uniform growth of zinc plates. As a result, symmetrical zinc batteries using such anodes (PVDF‐MXene‐Zn) exhibit reversible Zn plating/stripping with low voltage hysteresis at 1.0 mA cm−2, 1.0 mAh cm−2 for over 4200 h, and a high‐rate capability up to 10 mA cm−2. When assembled with MnO2 and activated carbon, the resulting Zn‐MnO2 battery and zinc‐ion capacitor exhibited significantly enhanced cycling stability. The proposed strategy in this study provides a novel strategy for the protection of the zinc anode, thus promoting the practical application of ZIBs.
Activated Single Photon Emitters And Enhanced Deep‐Level Emissions in Hexagonal Boron Nitride Strain Crystal
Authors: Chen Xiang , Yue Xinxin , Zhang Lifu , Xu Xiaodan , Liu Fang , Feng Min , Hu Zhenpeng , Yan Yuan , Scheuer Jacob , Fu Xuewen
Published: September 2023

The peculiar defect‐related photon emission processes in 2D hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have become a topic of intense research due to their potential applications in quantum information and sensing technologies. Here, it is reported on exotic single photons and enhanced deep‐level emissions in 2D hBN strain crystal, which is fabricated by transferring multilayer hBN onto hexagonal close‐packed silica spheres on a silica substrate. Effective activation of single photon emission is realized from the defect ensembles in the multilayer hBN at positions that are in contact with the apex of the SiO2 spheres. At these points, the local tensile strain‐induced overall blue shift of the SPE ensembles is up to 12 nm. Furthermore, high spatial resolution cathodoluminescence measurements show remarkable strain‐enhanced deep‐level emissions in the multilayer hBN with the emission intensity distribution following the periodic hexagonal pattern of the strain crystal. The maximum deep‐level emission enhancement is up to 350% with an energy redshift of 6 nm. These results provide a simple on‐chip compatible method for activating and tuning the defect‐related photon emissions in multilayer hBN, demonstrating the potential of hBN strain crystal as a building block for future on‐chip quantum nanophotonic devices.
In Situ Construction of Zwitterionic Polymer Electrolytes with Synergistic Cation–Anion Regulation Functions for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Chongyang , Wang Shi , Wu Xinyi , Xiao Shijun , Liu Chao , Cai Henan , Lai Wen‐Yong
Published: September 2023

Here, inspired by the unique mesh geometry of fishing nets and the knotted fiber structures that can simultaneously enhance both the strength and deformability of the materials, new crosslinkers and elastic components into the polyzwitterionic electrolytes to construct high‐strength and ultra‐flexible fishing‐net‐like structure electrolytes are introduced. Specifically, the crosslinker rich in –NH can not only form chemical crosslinking points between polyzwitterion and elastic segments, but also physical crosslinking points, resulting in high strength of the electrolytes. Additionally, the elastic segments provide the electrolytes with super flexibility, strongly reducing the interface resistance of devices. Moreover, the backbone of polymers can collectively regulate anions and Li+, realizing stable Li+ deposition and suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites. As a consequence, the Li||Li symmetric cell can be stably cycled at 0.1 mA h−1 for over 5500 h at 30 °C, and the assembled Li/LiFePO4 (LFP) and Li/ LiNi0.8Co0.1M0.1 (NCM 811) cells both show good cell performances at various C‐rates at 30 °C. This work provides a new perspective for the construction of polymer electrolytes with synergistic cation–anion regulation functions for high safety and high energy density solid‐state lithium batteries.
Multi‐Functional Atomically Thin Oxides from Bismuth Liquid Metal
Authors: Guo Xiangyang , Nguyen Chung Kim , Syed Nitu , Ravindran Anil , Islam Md Akibul , Filleter Tobin , Cao Kun , Wang Yichao , Mazumder Aishani , Xu Chenglong , Walia Sumeet , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Scholten Sam C. , Robertson Islay O. , Healey Alexander J. , Tetienne Jean‐Philippe , Lu Teng , Liu Yun , Elbourne Aaron , Daeneke Torben , Holland Anthony , Russo Salvy P. , Li Yongxiang , Zavabeti Ali
Published: September 2023

Atomically thin, mechanically flexible, memory‐functional, and power‐generating crystals play a crucial role in the technological advancement of portable devices. However, the adoption of these crystals in such technologies is sometimes impeded by expensive and laborious synthesis methods, as well as the need for large‐scale, mechanically stable, and air‐stable materials. Here, an instant‐in‐air liquid metal printing process utilizing liquid bismuth (Bi) is presented, forming naturally occurring, air‐stable, atomically thin, mechanically flexible nanogenerators and ferroelectric oxides. Despite the centrosymmetric nature of the monoclinic P21/c system of achieved α‐Bi2O3‐δ the high kinetics of liquid metal synthesis leads to the formation of vacancies that disrupt the symmetry which is confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The polarization switching is measured and utilized for ferroelectric nanopatterning. The exceptional attributes of these atomically thin multifunctional stable oxides, including piezoelectricity, mechanical flexibility, and polarizability, present significant opportunities for developing nano‐components that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of devices.
Halide Perovskites and Their Derivatives for Efficient, High‐Resolution Direct Radiation Detection: Design Strategies and Applications
Authors: Dudipala Kavya Reddy , Le Thanh‐Hai , Nie Wanyi , Hoye Robert L. Z.
Published: September 2023

The past decade has witnessed a rapid rise in the performance of optoelectronic devices based on lead‐halide perovskites (LHPs). The large mobility‐lifetime products and defect tolerance of these materials, essential for optoelectronics, also make them well‐suited for radiation detectors, especially given the heavy elements present, which is essential for strong X‐ray and γ‐ray attenuation. Over the past decade, LHP thick films, wafers, and single crystals have given rise to direct radiation detectors that have outperformed incumbent technologies in terms of sensitivity (reported values up to 3.5 × 106 µC Gyair−1 cm−2), limit of detection (directly measured values down to 1.5 nGyair s−1), along with competitive energy and imaging resolution at room temperature. At the same time, lead‐free perovskite‐inspired materials (e.g., methylammonium bismuth iodide), which have underperformed in solar cells, have recently matched and, in some areas (e.g., in polarization stability), surpassed the performance of LHP detectors. These advances open up opportunities to achieve devices for safer medical imaging, as well as more effective non‐invasive analysis for security, nuclear safety, or product inspection applications. Herein, the principles behind the rapid rises in performance of LHP and perovskite‐inspired material detectors, and how their properties and performance link with critical applications in non‐invasive diagnostics are discussed. The key strategies to engineer the performance of these materials, and the important challenges to overcome to commercialize these new technologies are also discussed.
Stabilizing the Deep Sodiation Process in Layered Sodium Manganese Cathodes by Anchoring Boron Ions
Authors: Yang Tingting , Li Qiang , Liu Zhengbo , Li Tianyi , Wiaderek Kamila M. , Liu Yingxia , Yin Zijia , Lan Si , Wang Wei , Tang Yu , Ren Yang , Liu Qi
Published: September 2023

Advanced high‐energy‐density sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are inseparable from cathode materials with high specific capacities. Layered manganese‐rich oxides (NaxMnO2, 0.6 ≤ x ≤1) are promising cathode materials owing to their ease of intercalation and extraction of a considerable amount of sodium ions. However, lattice interactions, especially electrostatic repulsive forces and anisotropic stresses, are usually caused by deep desodiatin/sodiation process, resulting in intragranular cracks and capacity degradation in SIBs. Here, boron ions are introduced into the layered structure to build up B─O─Mn bonds. The regulated electronic structure in Na0.637B0.038MnO2 (B‐NMO) materials inhibits the deformation of MnO6 octahedra, which finally achieves a gentle structural transition during the deep sodiation process. B‐NMO electrode exhibits a high capacity (141 mAh g–1) at 1 C with a capacity retention of 81% after 100 cycles. Therefore, anchoring boron to manganese‐rich materials inhibits the detrimental structural evolution of deep sodiation and can be used to obtain excellent cathode materials for SIBs.
Nanoscale Size Control of Si Pyramid Texture for Perovskite/Si Tandem Solar Cells Enabling Solution‐Based Perovskite Top‐Cell Fabrication and Improved Si Bottom‐Cell Response
Authors: Li Yuqing , Sai Hitoshi , McDonald Calum , Xu Zhihao , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Usami Noritaka , Matsui Takuya
Published: September 2023

A monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell architecture is employed to surpass the single‐junction efficiency limit. Recently, there is an increasing need for the double‐sided textures in the Si bottom cell to be compatible with the solution‐processed perovskite top cell from an industrial perspective. Herein, a silver‐assisted alkaline etching method is applied to fabricate nanoscale Si pyramid textures, and the influence of varying pyramid size (400–900 nm) on the interface morphology and the performance of perovskite/Si tandem cells is investigated. It is demonstrated that electrical shunting starts to increase, and the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) decreases when the texture size exceeds the perovskite thickness (~500nm) due to the non‐uniform top‐cell formation on a rough Si surface. However, when the texture size is reduced to 400–500 nm, all spin‐coated perovskite top‐cell component layers exhibit an even form over the nanopyramid Si, resulting in a high VOC and an enhanced Si bottom cell current (≈1.0 mA cm−2) due to the suppressed reflectance at the top/bottom cell interface without using optical couplers. The double‐sided nanopyramid Si texture offers opportunities to increase tandem cell efficiency while reducing its production cost compared with the commonly used single‐sided textured Si.
Recognition of Spatial Finiteness in Meniscus Splitting Based on Evaporative Interface Fluctuations
Authors: Wu Leijie , Saito Isamu , Hongo Kenta , Okeyoshi Kosuke
Published: September 2023

The geometric deformation of viscous fingering is useful for understanding natural multiscale patterns and designing dissipative structures in materials. Although the spatio‐temporal patterns in soft materials are reported previously, there is a lack of research on the spatial finiteness and boundary effects. In this study, the recognition of spatial finiteness in “meniscus splitting phenomena” in aqueous polymer dispersions during water evaporation is demonstrated. By providing heat energy to polymer dispersions in a Hele‐Shaw cell, an interface fluctuation with concentration unevenness is induced to split the evaporative interface. The spatial finiteness of the interface causes asynchronous nucleation, which is demonstrated using polysaccharide dispersions. The results of the quasi‐natural experiments revealed that the nonequilibrium drying/wetting period for repositioning polymer clusters allows for considerable changes in Reynolds number in a low range (<10−6) to form multiple nuclei. This splitting method will be universally useful in various fields, including fluid dynamics, biology, and microfluidics, as well as non‐equilibrium, colloid, interface, polymer, and materials sciences.
A Processing and Analytics System for Microscopy Data Workflows: The Pycroscopy Ecosystem of Packages
Authors: Vasudevan Rama Krishnan , Valleti Sai Mani , Ziatdinov Maxim , Duscher Gerd , Somnath Suhas
Published: September 2023

Major advancements in fields as diverse as biology and quantum computing have relied on a multitude of microscopy techniques. Despite the considerable proliferation of these instruments, significant bottlenecks remain in terms of processing, analysis, storage, and retrieval of the acquired datasets. Aside from lack of file standards, individual domain‐specific analysis packages are often disjoint from the underlying datasets, and thus keeping track of analysis and processing steps remains tedious for the end‐user, hampering reproducibility. Here, the pycroscopy ecosystem of packages is introduced, an open‐source python‐based ecosystem underpinned by a common data model. The data model, termed the N‐dimensional spectral imaging data format, is realized in pycroscopy's sidpy package. This package is built on top of dask arrays, thus leveraging dask array attributes, but expanding them to accelerate microscopy relevant analysis and visualization. Several examples of the use of the pycroscopy ecosystem to create workflows for data ingestion and analysis of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and scanning probe microscopy data are shown. Adoption of such standardized routines will be critical to usher in the next generation of autonomous instruments where processing, computation, and meta‐data storage will be critical to overall experimental operations.