bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of printing path on compressive properties of 3D printed continuous fiber composite negative Poisson's ratio structure
Authors: Liu Baosheng , Lou Ruishen , Liu Xin , Yao Yunxiang , Li Huimin
Published: July 2023

In this work, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic negative Poisson's ratio structures (CFNPRSs) with rotating squares are fabricated by 3D printing based on a symmetrical orthogonal and one‐stoke path planning method. The influences of the printing path on the Poisson's ratio, elastic modulus and energy absorption of the structures under compression are systematically researched. The distribution of continuous fiber at the hinge has a great influence on the compression behavior of the structures. As the number of cross laps of continuous fibers at the hinge increases, the negative Poisson's ratio effect decreases while the elastic modulus and energy absorption increase. The printed CFNPRSs with no cross lap have the most obvious negative Poisson's ratio effect, with an average Poisson's ratio of −0.61. A comparative study on Poisson's ratio of the 3D printed polylactic acid negative Poisson's ratio structures (PANPRSs) is carried out, and the results show that the PANPRSs cannot achieve the negative Poisson's ratio effect because the insufficient stiffness of the printed rotation units violates the rigid assumption in theoretical model. Furthermore, the printed CFNPRSs with a lower relative density of 0.18 has an even better negative Poisson's ratio effect than the existing fiber‐reinforced auxetic structures fabricated by 3D printing. This work can provide a significant reference for the preparation of lightweight functional structures using 3D printing.

Highlights

The CFNPRSs with rotating squares are prepared by 3D printing technique.

The path planning of the fiber at the hinge affects the properties of CFNPRSs.

The negative Poisson's ratio of CFNPRSs is more obvious than that of PANPRSs.

The relative density and Poisson's ratio of CFNPRSs have obvious advantages.
Comparative proteomic analysis of three major extracellular vesicle classes secreted from human primary and metastatic colorectal cancer cells: Exosomes, microparticles, and shed midbody remnants
Authors: Suwakulsiri Wittaya , Xu Rong , Rai Alin , Shafiq Adnan , Chen Maoshan , Greening David W. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: July 2023

Cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are evolutionary‐conserved secretory organelles that, based on their molecular composition, are important intercellular signaling regulators. At least three classes of circulating EVs are known based on mechanism of biogenesis: exosomes (sEVs/Exos), microparticles (lEVs/MPs), and shed midbody remnants (lEVs/sMB‐Rs). sEVs/Exos are of endosomal pathway origin, microparticles (lEVs/MPs) from plasma membrane blebbing and shed midbody remnants (lEVs/sMB‐Rs) arise from symmetric cytokinetic abscission. Here, we isolate sEVs/Exos, lEVs/MPs, and lEVs/sMB‐Rs secreted from human isogenic primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines in milligram quantities for label‐free MS/MS‐based proteomic profiling. Purified EVs revealed selective composition packaging of exosomal protein markers in SW480/SW620‐sEVs/Exos, metabolic enzymes in SW480/SW620‐lEVs/MPs, while centralspindlin complex proteins, nucleoproteins, splicing factors, RNA granule proteins, translation‐initiation factors, and mitochondrial proteins selectively traffic to SW480/SW620‐ lEVs/sMB‐Rs. Collectively, we identify 39 human cancer‐associated genes in EVs; 17 associated with SW480‐EVs, 22 with SW620‐EVs. We highlight oncogenic receptors/transporters selectively enriched in sEVs/Exos (EGFR/FAS in SW480‐sEVs/Exos and MET, TGFBR2, ABCB1 in SW620‐sEVs/Exos). Interestingly, MDK, STAT1, and TGM2 are selectively enriched in SW480‐lEVs/sMB‐Rs, and ADAM15 to SW620‐lEVs/sMB‐Rs. Our study reveals sEVs/Exos, lEVs/MPs, and lEVs/sMB‐Rs have distinct protein signatures that open potential diagnostic avenues of distinct types of EVs for clinical utility.
A phosphonate‐derived epoxy vitrimer with intrinsic flame retardancy and catalyst‐free reprocessability
Authors: Ren Qing‐Ruo , Gu Song , Wang Yu‐Zhong , Chen Li
Published: July 2023

Phosphonate, as an effective flame‐retardant group, has a dynamic phosphonate exchange behavior similar to the transesterification of carboxylate; and introducing it into the network of epoxy resin (EP) is beneficial for solving the fire risk and waste disposal problems of EP in the meantime. Herein, a reprocessable and flame‐retardant epoxy vitrimer (EV) with dual dynamic covalent reactions of phosphonate and carboxylate transesterifications is constructed by introducing a phosphonate‐containing diol named GHPP into an epoxy‐anhydride curing system. The presence of the phosphonate makes the EV intrinsically flame‐retardant; meanwhile, both of the dynamic phosphonate and carboxylate transesterifications are accelerated by the abundant primary hydroxyl groups, which show much higher activity than the as‐generated β‐hydroxyls during curing, leading to enhanced dynamic properties of the EV. As a result, on the one hand, the EV achieves the UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a high limiting oxygen index value of 37.3%; and it shows a 41% reduction for the peak heat release rate and a 39% reduction for the total heat release in the cone calorimetry test. On the other hand, such EV exhibits rapid stress relaxation and is reprocessed easily to maintain its mechanical properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy to the hilt.
Crystal structure‐flashover performance correlation in polybutylene terephthalate: Insights into the mechanism
Authors: Zhang Cancan , Li Yumei , Zhou Kai , Yang Junlong , Li Guangxian
Published: July 2023

A deep understanding of the main factors affecting the insulating properties of polymers is essential for the progress of insulation components in various applications, including electric vehicles, electronic devices, and information technology. In this study, we used polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) samples with varying degrees of crystallinity as a model material to investigate the influence of aggregation structure on its electrical performance. The results revealed that increasing the crystallinity of PBT led to a simultaneous increase in the surface flashover voltage. We identified the amorphous region as the weak link in the aggregation structure of PBT. Compared to the amorphous region, the crystalline region exhibited superior resistance to charged ion bombardment, a higher degree of compactness, higher bulk resistivity, and lower surface resistivity. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the aggregation structure and electrical performance of polymers is fundamental for developing practical high‐performance insulation components. This study provides valuable guidance for controlling the electrical performance of polymers with high‐performance insulating properties, and is thus of great significance to the electrical aging field.
Diphtheria toxin‐derived, anti‐PD‐1 immunotoxin, a potent and practical tool to selectively deplete PD‐1+ cells
Authors: Zhang Tianxiao , Dong Shuyun , Zhai Yujia , Naatz Lauren , Zhou Zemin , Chen Mingnan
Published: July 2023

Programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), an immune checkpoint receptor, is expressed on activated lymphocytes, macrophages, and some types of tumor cells. While PD‐1+ cells have been implicated in outcomes of cancer immunity, autoimmunity, and chronic infections, the exact roles of these cells in various physiological and pathological processes remain elusive. Molecules that target and deplete PD‐1+ cells would be instrumental in defining the roles unambiguously. Previously, an immunotoxin has been generated for the depletion of PD‐1+ cells though its usage is impeded by its low production yield. Thus, a more practical molecular tool is desired to deplete PD‐1+ cells and to examine functions of these cells. We designed and generated a novel anti‐PD1 diphtheria immunotoxin, termed PD‐1 DIT, targeting PD‐1+ cells. PD‐1 DIT is comprised of two single chain variable fragments (scFv) derived from an anti‐PD‐1 antibody, coupled with the catalytic and translocation domains of the diphtheria toxin. PD‐1 DIT was produced using a yeast expression system that has been engineered to efficiently produce protein toxins. The yield of PD‐1 DIT reached 1–2 mg/L culture, which is 10 times higher than the previously reported immunotoxin. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses confirmed that PD‐1 DIT specifically binds to and enters PD‐1+ cells. The binding avidities between PD‐1 DIT and two PD‐1+ cell lines are approximately 25 nM. Moreover, PD‐1 DIT demonstrated potent cytotoxicity toward PD‐1+ cells, with a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 1 nM. In vivo experiments further showed that PD‐1 DIT effectively depleted PD‐1+ cells and enabled mice inoculated with PD‐1+ tumor cells to survive throughout the study. Our findings using PD‐1 DIT revealed the critical role of pancreatic PD‐1+ T cells in the development of type‐1 diabetes (T1D). Additionally, we observed that PD‐1 DIT treatment ameliorated relapsing–remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (RR‐EAE), a mouse model of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RR‐MS). Lastly, we did not observe significant hepatotoxicity in mice treated with PD‐1 DIT, which had been reported for other immunotoxins derived from the diphtheria toxin. With its remarkable selective and potent cytotoxicity toward PD‐1+ cells, coupled with its high production yield, PD‐1 DIT emerges as a powerful biotechnological tool for elucidating the physiological roles of PD‐1+ cells. Furthermore, the potential of PD‐1 DIT to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent becomes evident.
Partial agonism in heteromeric GLUK2/GLUK5 kainate receptor
Authors: Paudyal Nabina , Das Anindita , Carrillo Elisa , Berka Vladimir , Jayaraman Vasanthi
Published: August 2023

Kainate receptors are a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors that form transmembrane channels upon binding glutamate. Here, we have investigated the mechanism of partial agonism in heteromeric GluK2/K5 receptors, where the GluK2 and GluK5 subunits have distinct agonist binding profiles. Using single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, we found that at the bi‐lobed agonist‐binding domain, the partial agonist AMPA‐bound receptor occupied intermediate cleft closure conformational states at the GluK2 cleft, compared to the more open cleft conformations in apo form and more closed cleft conformations in the full agonist glutamate‐bound form. In contrast, there is no significant difference in cleft closure states at the GluK5 agonist‐binding domain between the partial agonist AMPA‐ and full agonist glutamate‐bound states. Additionally, unlike the glutamate‐bound state, the dimer interface at the agonist‐binding domain is not decoupled in the AMPA‐bound state. Our findings suggest that partial agonism observed with AMPA binding is mediated primarily due to differences in the GluK2 subunit, highlighting the distinct contributions of the subunits towards activation.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/ZrO2 Composite Membranes
Authors: Mehto Akanksha , Mehto Varsha R. , Chauhan Jyotsna
Published: August 2023

Nanocomposite membranes of ZrO2‐doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varying amounts of ZrO2 nanoparticles (5, 9, and 13 wt%) have been prepared via a solution casting technique. The ZrO2 nanoparticles are used as a filler synthesized by sol–gel technique. Effects of ZrO2 nanoparticles doping on composites’ morphological, optical, luminescence, and structural characteristics have been analyzed using atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The XRD studies confirm the successful incorporation of ZrO2 into the PVA matrix and showed improved crystallinity following the doping of ZrO2 in PVA. The average size of ZrO2 nanoparticles calculated by XRD agrees well with the particle size measured by transmission electron microscopy. The UV–visible studies of nanocomposite membranes show an enhancement in absorption intensity and a slight red shift in peak positions as the ZrO2 concentration increases. The enhancement in absorption intensity suggests the potential applications in filters and solar cells. The maximum PL intensity observed for 5 wt% of ZrO2 in the PVA/ZrO2 composite membrane suggests that this concentration is most suitable for optoelectronic applications.
Demonstration of Enhanced Saturable Absorption in Upconverter Integrated MoS2 Heterostructure Thin Film Using Nanopulsed Green Laser
Authors: Durairaj Murugan , Sabari Girisun T. Chidambaram
Published: August 2023

Upconverter/MoS2 heterostructure thin films fabricated by hydrothermal technique are confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and Raman studies. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveal the nanobelt structured MoS2 mingled with trapezoid structure fluoride upconverters and sphere‐shaped oxide upconverters. The films exhibit green () and red () emission. The influence of upconverters on the nonlinear absorption of MoS2 is exploited by Z‐scan technique using nanopulsed laser. Estimated ground‐state absorption cross section is higher than the excited‐state absorption cross section of the samples and it confirms the occurrence of saturable absorption. CeO2:Yb,Er@MoS2 exhibits stronger saturable absorption due to synergetic effects like higher linear absorption coefficient at 532 nm, stronger green emission, and reduced size. Results pave way for the design of optical switches, Q‐switches, and mode lockers using upconverter integrated MoS2 thin films.
First‐Principles Study of the Effects of La2+/3+ Doping and Oxygen Vacancies on TiO2 Magnetism, Carrier Lifetime, Activity, and Absorption Spectra
Authors: Hou Qingyu , Qi Mude , Wang Fang , Si Riguleng
Published: July 2023

The effects of photocatalytic performance and magnetism between La doping and oxygen vacancy on rutile and anatase TiO2 systems are rarely compared. Oxygen vacancies in rutile and anatase TiO2 are also experimentally challenging to control accurately. Herein, the first‐principles generalized gradient approximation (GGA + U) method is used to investigate the effects of La2+/La3+doping and oxygen vacancy on TiO2 magnetism and photocatalytic performance. Results of magnetic calculation show that La2+ doping and oxygen vacancies are magnetic to TiO2, whether rutile or anatase, and that the bound magnetic polaron is the source of ferromagnetism in the anatase Ti15La2+O31 system. The anatase Ti30La22+O62 system can achieve room‐temperature ferromagnetism at Curie temperature. The calculation results of photocatalytic performance show that the anatase‐type Ti15La3+O31 system has minimum formation energy, the highest stability, maximum electric dipole moment, the strongest carrier activity, the strongest polarization ability, the slowest electron–hole recombination, the longest lifetime, and remarkable absorption spectrum redshift among the tested systems.
Corrections to an adaptive EWMA control chart based on Hampel function to monitor the process location parameter by Zaman et al. (2023)
Authors: Zaman Babar , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Khan Naveed , Riaz Muhammad , Abbas Tahir
Published: July 2023

Zaman et al.1 proposed an adaptive exponential weighted moving average (AEWMA) control chart (CC) by integrating Hampel function features into the traditional EWMA CC structure. The purpose of this study is to find and fix the inaccuracies in the AEWMA CC by Zaman et al.1. We reproduce the results after rectifying the errors of the AEWMA control chart by applying Monte Carlo simulation. The results of corrected version of the AEWMA CC indicates better performance as compared to Zaman et al.1 The average run length is chosen as a performance measure for comparison reason.
Roboat III: An autonomous surface vessel for urban transportation
Authors: Wang Wei , Fernández‐Gutiérrez David , Doornbusch Rens , Jordan Joshua , Shan Tixiao , Leoni Pietro , Hagemann Niklas , Schiphorst Jonathan Klein , Duarte Fabio , Ratti Carlo , Rus Daniela
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present our novel autonomous surface vessel platform, a full‐scale Roboat for urban transportation. This 4‐m‐long Roboat is designed with six seats and can carry a payload of up to 1000 kg. Roboat has two main thrusters for cruising and two tunnel thrusters to accommodate docking and interconnectivity between Roboats. We build an adaptive nonlinear model predictive controller for trajectory tracking to account for payload changes while transporting passengers. We use a sparse directed graph to represent the canal topological map and then find the most time‐efficient global path in a city‐scale environment using the algorithm. We then employ a multiobjective algorithm's lexicographic search to generate an obstacle‐free path using a point‐cloud projected two‐dimensional occupancy grid map. We also develop a docking mechanism to allow Roboat to “grasp” the docking station. Extensive experiments in Amsterdam waterways demonstrate that Roboat can (1) successfully track the optimal trajectories generated by the planner with varying numbers of passengers on board; (2) autonomously dock to the station without human intervention; (3) execute an autonomous water taxi task where it docks to pick up passengers, drive passengers to the destination while planning its path to avoid obstacles, and finally dock to drop off passengers.
Limit theorems for patterns in ranked tree‐child networks
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Liu Hexuan , Yu Tsan‐Cheng
Published: July 2023

We prove limit laws for the number of occurrences of a pattern on the fringe of a ranked tree‐child network which is picked uniformly at random. Our results extend the limit law for cherries proved by Bienvenu et al. (Random Struct. Algoritm. 60 (2022), no. 4, 653–689). For patterns of height 1 and 2, we show that they either occur frequently (mean is asymptotically linear and limit law is normal) or sporadically (mean is asymptotically constant and limit law is Poisson) or not all (mean tends to 0 and limit law is degenerate). We expect that these are the only possible limit laws for any fringe pattern.
Accounting for nonmonotone missing data using inverse probability weighting
Authors: Ross Rachael K. , Cole Stephen R. , Edwards Jessie K. , Westreich Daniel , Daniels Julie L. , Stringer Jeffrey S.A.
Published: August 2023

Inverse probability weighting can be used to correct for missing data. New estimators for the weights in the nonmonotone setting were introduced in 2018. These estimators are the unconstrained maximum likelihood estimator (UMLE) and the constrained Bayesian estimator (CBE), an alternative if UMLE fails to converge. In this work we describe and illustrate these estimators, and examine performance in simulation and in an applied example estimating the effect of anemia on spontaneous preterm birth in the Zambia Preterm Birth Prevention Study. We compare performance with multiple imputation (MI) and focus on the setting of an observational study where inverse probability of treatment weights are used to address confounding. In simulation, weighting was less statistically efficient at the smallest sample size and lowest exposure prevalence examined (n = 1500, 15% respectively) but in other scenarios statistical performance of weighting and MI was similar. Weighting had improved computational efficiency taking, on average, 0.4 and 0.05 times the time for MI in R and SAS, respectively. UMLE was easy to implement in commonly used software and convergence failure occurred just twice in >200 000 simulated cohorts making implementation of CBE unnecessary. In conclusion, weighting is an alternative to MI for nonmonotone missingness, though MI performed as well as or better in terms of bias and statistical efficiency. Weighting's superior computational efficiency may be preferred with large sample sizes or when using resampling algorithms. As validity of weighting and MI rely on correct specification of different models, both approaches could be implemented to check agreement of results.
Temperature Effects on Electrochemical Energy‐Storage Materials: A Case Study of Yttrium Niobate Porous Microspheres
Authors: Li Songjie , Gao Jiazhe , Ou Yinjun , Liu Xuehua , Yang Liting , Cheng Yifeng , Zhang Jincang , Wu Liming , Lin Chunfu , Che Renchao
Published: July 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are very popular electrochemical energy‐storage devices. However, their applications in extreme environments are hindered because their low‐ and high‐temperature electrochemical performance is currently unsatisfactory. In order to build all‐climate LIBs, it is highly desirable to fully understand the underlying temperature effects on electrode materials. Here, based on a novel porous‐microspherical yttrium niobate (Y0.5Nb24.5O62) model material, this work demonstrates that the operation temperature plays vital roles in electrolyte decomposition on electrode‐material surfaces, electrochemical kinetics, and crystal‐structure evolution. When the operation temperature increases, the reaction between the electrolyte and the electrode material become more intensive, causing the formation of thicker solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films, which decreases the initial Coulombic efficiency. Meanwhile, the electrochemical kinetics becomes faster, leading to the larger reversible capacity, higher rate capability, and more suitable working potential (i.e., lower working potential for anodes and higher working potential for cathodes). Additionally, the maximum unit‐cell‐volume change becomes larger, resulting in poorer cyclic stability. The insight gains here can provide a universal guide for the exploration of all‐climate electrode materials and their modification methods.
Pickering Emulsion Templated 3D Cylindrical Open Porous Aerogel for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Chen Yiquan , Hao Jiajia , Xu Jie , Hu Zhengsong , Bao Haifeng , Xu Haolan
Published: July 2023

Porous‐structured evaporators have been fabricated for achieving a high clean water throughput due to their maximized surface area. However, most of the evaporation surfaces in the porous structure are not active because of the trapped vapor in pores. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) cylindrical aerogel‐based photothermal evaporator with a disordered interconnected hierarchical porous structure is developed via a Pickering emulsion‐involved polymerization method. The obtained cotton cellulose/aramid nanofibers/polypyrrole (CAP) aerogel‐based evaporator achieved all‐cold evaporation under 1.0 sun irradiation, which not only completely eliminated energy loss via radiation, convection, and conduction, but also harvested massive extra energy from the surrounding environment and bulk water, thus significantly increasing the total energy input for vapor generation to deliver an extremely high evaporation rate of 5.368 kg m−2 h−1. In addition, with the external convective flow, solar steam generation over the evaporator can be dramatically enhanced due to fast vapor diffusion out of its unique opened porous structure, realizing an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 18.539 kg m−2 h−1 under 1.0 sun and 4.0 m s−1. Moreover, this evaporator can continuously operate with concentrated salt solution (20 wt.% NaCl). This work advances rational design and construction of solar evaporator to promote the application of solar evaporation technology in freshwater production.
CDs Regulated Sulfur‐Based Flexible Electrode with Range pH Values for Efficient and Durable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hao Weiju , Liang Rikai , Liang Shiheng , Liu Bonan , Qian Yunlong , Ji Ding‐Kun , Li Guisheng
Published: August 2023

How to mildly structure a high intrinsic activity and stable catalytic electrode to realize long‐term catalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen at a wide range of pH values at industrial high current is a challenge. Herein, this work creatively proposes to prepare industrial‐grade catalytic electrodes with high efficiency and stability at high current density through carbon quantum dots (CDs) modification nickel sulfide on hydrophilic flexible filter paper via one‐step mild chemical plating (denoted as CDs‐Ni3S2@HFP). The intrinsic activity and surface area, electron transfer ability, and corrosion resistance of Ni3S2 material are increased due to the regulation, homogenous, and high concentration doping of CDs. The overpotential of the flexible catalytic electrode is only 30, 35, and 87 mV in 1 m KOH, simulated seawater (1 m KOH + 0.5 m NaCl), and neutral electrolyte (0.5 m PBS) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. More attractively, the CDs‐Ni3S2@HFP electrode achieves over 500 h of efficient and stable catalysis at industrial high current density (500 mA cm−2). Due to the advantages of mild, universal, and large‐area preparation of catalytic materials, this work provides technical support for flexible catalytic electrodes in efficient catalysis toward water splitting, energy storage, and device preparation.
Intermediate Phase Formation and its Manipulation for Vacuum‐Assisted Blade‐Coated Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite
Authors: Xiao Qi , Zhang Afei , Ye Wenjiang , Yang Xuke , Zhu Yongxin , Jiang Borui , Ge Ciyu , Li Xiong , Song Haisheng , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang
Published: July 2023

Large‐scale all‐perovskite tandem photovoltaic has raised more attention as the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of this device in a small area reaches 28%. However, the wide‐bandgap (WBG)‐perovskite (Cs0.2FA0.8Pb(I0.6Br0.4)3‐1.77 eV) fabrication on a large scale still faces difficulty in nucleation and crystallization control, leading to complicated intermediates and poor‐quality films. Through a systematic investigation of the vacuum‐assisted blade‐coated WBG perovskite film formation process, the origin for poor film quality is attributed to the numerous nucleation pathways under rapid vacuum pressure decrease, resulting in a mix in intermediates of (Cs,FA)2Pb3(I,Br)8·xNMP, δ‐FAPbI3·xNMP, and PbI2·xNMP. To solve this problem, a proper additive MACl is selected and added. By lowering the formation energy of intermediate ((Cs,FA)Pb(I,Br)3·MACl·xNMP), the nucleation and crystallization process is successfully modulated into a single way, resulting in a single‐orientation (100) film and an enhanced device performance of 16.75%, which is the champion PCE of blade‐coated 1.77 eV perovskite so far.
Great Enhancement in the Seebeck Coefficient and Thermoelectric Properties of Solid PEDOT:PSS Films Through Molecular Energy Filtering by Zwitterions
Authors: Li Chang'an , Luo Dou , Wang Teng , Shan Chengwei , Li Chen , Sun Kuan , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: July 2023

Organic thermoelectric (TE) materials are considered as the next‐generation TE materials owing to their merits including high mechanical flexibility, low cost, abundant elements, and nontoxicity. However, their Seebeck coefficient is lower than that of the inorganic counterparts by around one order of magnitude, and thus they have a lower dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) value. Herein, the significant enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient and thus the overall TE properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) that is the most popular TE polymer by adding a zwitterion like rhodamine 101 (R101), N‐dodecyl‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐ammonio‐1‐propane‐sulfonate (DDMAP), or 1‐(N,N‐dimethylcarbamoyl)‐4‐(2‐sulfoethyl) pyridinium hydroxide (DMCSP) are reported. In particular, R101 can enhance the Seebeck coefficient of the acid‐then‐base‐treated PEDOT:PSS from 21.2 to 61.6 μV K−1. The PEDOT:PSS/R101 film can exhibit a power factor of 546 μW m−1 K−2 and a ZT of 0.46 that is the highest for pure organic solid films. The enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient is ascribed to the energy filtering induced by the dipole moment of zwitterion and the π–π overlapping between conjugated rhodamine 101 and PEDOT:PSS. To distinguish it from the conventional methods, this method is named as the molecular energy filtering.
Properties of Iron Fortified Starches and Their Chapatti Making Potential
Authors: Bajaj Ritika , Trehan Shalini , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Passi Vimmi
Published: July 2023

Physicochemical, thermal, pasting properties of native and iron fortified starches from corn starch (CS), potato starch (PS), and wheat starch (WS) are investigated. Wheat meal prepared substituting iron fortified starches is analyzed for dough rheological and chapatti properties (color and sensory attributes). Lower L*, whiteness index, swelling power, and higher b* values are observed for iron fortified starches compared to their native counterparts. Gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of iron fortified starches are lower than those of their native starches. Iron fortified WS, CS, and PS starches show more than 30 times higher Fe content than their native counterparts. Significant decrease in peak viscosity (PV) for PS and an increase for CS and WS upon fortification is observed. Chapattis with iron fortified CS prepared using 1.0% FeSO4 shows the highest G′ (storage modulus) and G′′ (loss modulus). Chapattis substituted with iron fortified starches reveals lighter color (higher L* and lower a* values) as compared to those from wheat meal alone. Water activity (aw) for chapattis substituted with iron fortified starches increases with the level of substitution showing better storage ability and greater shelf life. Iron fortified WS has higher Fe content than iron fortified CS, hence has better chapatti making potential.
Lessons learned from establishing the Systems Engineering Research Center, a networked University Affiliated Research Center
Authors: Lucero Scott , Pyster Art , Baldwin Kristen , DeLaurentis Dan , Wade Jon , McDermott Tom , Verma Dinesh
Published: July 2023

A University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) is a highly valued engineering, research, and development resource to the federal government, largely within the US Department of Defense (DoD). Only 15 exist, all under special authority of the US Code. The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), established in 2008, was the first UARC established as a networked research center, gradually growing to include more than two dozen university members, each offering systems engineering research capabilities. This networked model for a UARC has found support within the DoD—exemplified by the newest UARC established recently by the US Air Force. A large diverse pool of faculty and student researchers arguably delivers the most consequential academic research in systems engineering anywhere in the world. In its first few years, the SERC had to overcome challenges that single‐university UARCs did not face in exchange for the advantages that such a sizable network of universities offers. This review paper explores those challenges, offering lessons for new network‐based UARCs and other network‐based university research centers. Systems engineering communities, globally, are exploring such constructs, and this reflective paper may offer useful insights.
Designing a framework for teachers' integration of computational thinking into elementary science
Authors: Cabrera Lautaro , Ketelhut Diane Jass , Mills Kelly , Killen Heather , Coenraad Merijke , Byrne Virginia L. , Plane Jandelyn Dawn
Published: July 2023

As professional science becomes increasingly computational, researchers and educators are advocating for the integration of computational thinking (CT) into science education. Researchers and policymakers have argued that CT learning opportunities should begin in elementary school and span across the K‐12 grades. While researchers and policymakers have specified how students should engage in CT for science learning, the success of CT integration ultimately depends on how elementary teachers implement CT in their science lessons. This new demand for teachers who can integrate CT has created a need for effective conceptual tools that teacher educators and professional development designers can use to develop elementary teachers' understanding and operationalization of CT for their classrooms. However, existing frameworks for CT integration have limitations. Existing frameworks either overlook the elementary grades, conceptualize CT in isolation and not integrated into science, and/or have not been tested in teacher education contexts. After reviewing existing CT integration frameworks and detailing an important gap in the science teacher education literature, we present our framework for the integration of CT into elementary science education, with a special focus on how to use this framework with teachers. Situated within our design‐based research study, we (a) explain the decision‐making process of designing the framework; (b) describe the pedagogical affordances and challenges it provided as we implemented it with a cohort of pre‐ and in‐service teachers; (c) provide suggestions for its use in teacher education contexts; and (d) theorize possible pathways to continue its refinement.
A critical review on plastic waste administration
Authors: Kalita Ananya , Pan Saikia Ankur , Baruah Sunandan
Published: July 2023

The management of plastic waste through various methods such as landfilling, recycling, and incineration has several inherent shortcomings, such as a lack of resources, preparation, motivation, financial power, and expertise. Additionally, these methods are unable to handle the quantity and types of plastic waste, nor do they increase the public's interest in plastic waste management practices. According to research, environmental, economic, and social factors are the main drivers for reducing plastic waste. Experts from around the world have identified four significant areas of concern for which solutions have been proposed: methods of plastic waste reduction and management, the amount of plastic waste, the quality of waste/plastic, and awareness of plastic waste management/cost of plastic waste management. However, individual solutions proposed for these key areas of concern are facing several challenges, leading to delays in their adoption or less popularity globally. The review has identified the reasons for the less popularity of existing plastic waste management methods, which are less environmentally friendly and have a complex process, hence requiring serious reconsideration from technocrats and researchers to develop more sustainable and efficient procedures that do not produce more hazardous by‐products. This study also found that financial incentives are one of the main drivers to ensure the mass participation of lower and working‐class people.
Feasibility of virtual Alzheimer's biomarker disclosure: Findings from an observational cohort
Authors: Erickson Claire M. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Rosario Hannah L. , Peterson Amanda , Johnson Sterling C. , Clark Lindsay R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Increased availability of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker tests provides older adults with opportunities to seek out and learn results. We evaluated the feasibility of virtually returning AD biomarker results.

Methods

Trained study clinicians disclosed amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) results and provided dementia risk‐reduction counseling via televideo to cognitively unimpaired participants already enrolled in AD research (n = 99; mean age ± SD: 72.0 ± 4.8; 67% women; 95% White; 28% amyloid elevated).

Results

Our study demonstrated acceptable levels of retention (93%), compliance (98%), adherence (98%), clinician competence (97%), education comprehension (quiz scores 14/15), and virtual visit functionality (rating 9.4/10). Depression, anxiety, and suicidality remained low and did not differ by amyloid result.

Discussion

Virtual return of amyloid PET results to cognitively unimpaired research participants is feasible and does not result in increased psychological symptoms. Technological barriers for some participants highlight the need for flexibility. These findings support the use of televideo in AD biomarker disclosure, although our study sample and design have important limitations for generalizability.
Primary pyomyositis and uveitis in a cat
Authors: Park Jongjin , Lee Saeyoung , Kim Minkun , Jeong Hyohoon , Yun Youngmin , Song Woo‐Jin
Published: July 2023

A 6‐year‐old neutered male Siamese cat was referred for investigation of hindlimb ataxia and blindness of 2 weeks’ duration. A swollen right hind limb, with no history of trauma, and no evidence of an external wound, was observed on physical examination. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral absence of the menace response and changes consistent with uveitis. Blood tests identified changes consistent with inflammation including serum amyloid A elevation. Infectious disease testing was negative. Degenerate neutrophils and bacterial cocci were detected on fine needle aspiration cytology of the affected limb. Thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography identified no abnormalities. Primary pyomyositis was suspected and clindamycin was prescribed following Penrose drain tube placement. In addition, eye drops containing tobramycin, atropine, and prednisolone were administered. The clinical signs and serum amyloid A level were markedly improved after 5 days of treatment. Based on the medical history and lack of other findings, the uveitis was suspected to be secondary to the pyomyositis. The clinical signs resolved completely, and no recurrence was reported within a 6‐month follow‐up period. To the best of our knowledge, primary pyomyositis with uveitis has not been previously reported in cats.
ChemTSv2: Functional molecular design using de novo molecule generator
Authors: Ishida Shoichi , Aasawat Tanuj , Sumita Masato , Katouda Michio , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Yoshizoe Kazuki , Tsuda Koji , Terayama Kei
Published: August 2023

Designing functional molecules is the prerogative of experts who have advanced knowledge and experience in their fields. To democratize automatic molecular design for both experts and nonexperts, we introduce a generic open‐sourced framework, ChemTSv2, to design molecules based on a de novo molecule generator equipped with an easy‐to‐use interface. Besides, ChemTSv2 can easily be integrated with various simulation packages, such as Gaussian 16 package, and supports a massively parallel exploration that accelerates molecular designs. We exhibit the potential of molecular design with ChemTSv2, including previous work, such as chromophores, fluorophores, drugs, and so forth. ChemTSv2 contributes to democratizing inverse molecule design in various disciplines relevant to chemistry.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Databases and Expert Systems

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming
Building capacity of young water professionals through action research and transdisciplinary approaches
Authors: Maheshwari Basant
Published: July 2023

Water management has become quite complex due to population pressure, climate change, and urbanization. Future young water professionals (YWPs) need to be capable of working with real‐world situations, and they need to be suitably trained so that they can effectively communicate with decision‐makers and enable innovative ideas to be adopted in policy development and actions on the ground. To get the ideas converted into actions, we need not only YWPs who are well‐trained in water science and engineering but also in social, economic, governance, policy, and other related aspects. This special issue is devoted to the India YWP training program, led by Western Sydney University and the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC), aimed at developing a cohort of skilled YWPs and nurturing the next generation of water leaders in support of India's water reform agenda and the National Water Mission. The program engaged 20 YWPs, consisting of equal gender representation, selected by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from various water management agencies and departments across India. In this special issue, there are six articles that cover the design and implementation of YWP training programs, the mentoring of YWPs within the training program, a reflection on transdisciplinary learning, and two example SUIPs. Together, these articles provide details on how to design and implement an innovative YWP training program, what works well and what can be done better, and what YWPs can get out of the program in terms of working on a client‐based, real‐world project. Overall, well‐designed transdisciplinary training can help YWPs bring new thinking and leadership to tackle future water challenges, including water governance, stakeholder involvement, critical thinking, problem analysis, and effective communication in various situations. Furthermore, such training can help YWPs develop their vision and capacity for more effective planning, design, implementation, and management of water projects and initiatives.
The evolution of anaerobic growth in Saccharomycotina yeasts
Authors: Krause David J.
Published: August 2023

Humans rely on the ability of budding yeasts to grow without oxygen in industrial scale fermentations that produce beverages, foods, and biofuels. Oxygen is deeply woven into the energy metabolism and biosynthetic capabilities of budding yeasts. While diverse ecological habitats may provide wide varieties of different carbon and nitrogen sources for yeasts to utilize, there is no direct substitute for molecular oxygen, only a range of availability. Understanding how a small subset of budding yeasts evolved the ability to grow without oxygen could expand the set of useful species in industrial scale fermentations as well as provide insight into the cryptic field of yeast ecology. However, we still do not yet appreciate the full breadth of species that can growth without oxygen, what genes underlie this adaptation, and how these genes have evolved.
Leadership in Digitised Workplaces
Authors: Černe Matej , Lamovšek Amadeja , Nikolova Irina , Wong Sut I.
Published: July 2023

Leadership represents an emerging theme in the field of digitised workplaces, yet the understanding of leadership dynamics and effectiveness in this context remains limited. The aim of this chapter is to (1) provide an overview of the existing academic literature at the intersection of leadership and the future of work and (2) propose an integrative framework of established and current research and emerging trends. We apply a holistic, systematic and comprehensive review of this literature based on objective measures of impact. We consider the main theoretical foundations within the literature and provide an overview of prominent research clusters including both current and emerging themes. Practical implications are related to leadership and digitalisation, leadership in virtual work, leading virtual teams and leadership in the context of the Future of Work and the gig economy.
Digital Learning: A Bright New Dawn for Learning and Development
Authors: Gubbins Claire , Garavan Thomas N. , Bennett Elisabeth E.
Published: July 2023

There has been a steady increase in the use of digital learning media, a trajectory which was accelerated in recent years due to a myriad of factors. Definitions of digital learning are quite diverse but generally can be categorised into formal, informal and blended. Empirically and practically, the emphasis has been on formal digital learning. In this chapter we focus on the drivers, opportunities and challenges associated with digital learning as an approach to achieving organisational learning and development goals. Specifically, we discuss the drive for shorter, faster and cheaper training and learning methods and consider the impact on learning quality. We discuss digital learning in the context of learning pedagogy and consider the evidence and implications if digital learning methods are not designed with learning pedagogy in mind. Finally, we acknowledge the re-ignited emphasis on informal learning or learning in the flow of work and consider if digital technologies can facilitate such learning.
Citizenship and Migration in the International Order
Authors: Wihtol de Wenden Catherine
Published: July 2023

Citizenship is usually defined in terms of the rights and duties of citizens in relation to nation states. The definition used in France refers to the philosophical content of the social contract and the values of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789, whereas in most countries it refers to nationality rights (which are specifically conceived in terms of “nationality” in France). However, the concept of citizenship is now being challenged by migration, because the nation state is no longer the only reference in terms of individuals’ belonging. Transnational diasporas, border-crossing experiences, and the existence of large numbers of undocumented migrants are calling into question both the international system of national borders and the concept of citizenship, since various forms of citizenship have developed in response to migration issues in the international order (local citizenship for foreigners, dual citizenship, refugee status for asylum seekers, etc.). Citizenship is also becoming a multicultural phenomenon in large immigration countries, which sometimes change their constitution in response to such changes in their populations. Transnational diasporas, as new actors in the international order (acting through “the strength of weak ties”, as Mark Granovetter puts it; 1973; see also Safran, 1991; Scheffer, 2006) are becoming increasingly influential and blurring the boundaries of states owing to the diversity of links that they build across borders.
Migration Diplomacy and Multi-actor Governance
Authors: Wihtol de Wenden Catherine
Published: July 2023

Various forms of migration diplomacy have now developed, which make use of several tools. This typically involves bilateral and multilateral agreements regarding the externalisation of borders and the provision of visas for highly-skilled migrants from the Global South in exchange for the repatriation of undocumented migrants and the creation of new development policies. Countries of origin have also adopted new strategies in this domain, including adopting a greater openness towards dual citizenship, allowing national voting rights for migrants in their countries of origin (notably in Latin America), developing remittance policies, supporting diasporic associations, and promoting their elites abroad. Migration diplomacy is also conducted at the regional and global level, including in contexts of free circulation at the regional level. New actors advocating for migrants’ rights and human rights are also emerging at the global level.