bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte telomere length is associated with MRI‐thigh fat‐free muscle volume: data from 16 356 UK Biobank adults
Authors: Kirk Ben , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Liu Peiran , Xiang Meiruo , Earp Jacob E. , Kositsawat Jatupol , Kuchel George A. , Duque Gustavo
Published: March 2024

Background

Telomere attrition may share common biological mechanisms with bone and muscle loss with aging. Here, we investigated the association between these hallmarks of aging using data from UK Biobank, a large observational study.

Methods

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL as T/S ratio) was measured using a multiplex qPCR assay at baseline (2006–2010). Bone mineral density (whole body and regional; via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry), trabecular bone score (via lumbar‐spine dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry images), fat‐free muscle volume (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging), and muscle fat infiltration (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging) were measured during the imaging visit (2014–2018). Regression models were used to model LTL against a muscle or bone outcome, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates.

Results

A total of 16 356 adults (mean age: 62.8 ± 7.5 years, 50.5% women) were included. In the fully adjusted model, thigh fat‐free muscle volume was associated with LTL in the overall sample (adjusted standardized β (aβ) = 0.017, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.026, P < 0.001, per SD increase in LTL), with stronger associations in men (aβ = 0.022, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.034, P < 0.001) than in women (aβ = 0.013, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.025, P = 0.041) (sex‐LTL P = 0.028). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for low thigh fat‐free muscle volume (body mass index‐adjusted, sex‐specific bottom 20%) was 0.93 per SD increase in LTL (95% CI 0.89 to 0.96, P < 0.001) in the overall sample, with stronger associations in men (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, P = 0.008) than women (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98, P = 0.009), although the sex difference was not statistically significant in this model (sex‐LTL P = 0.37). LTL was not associated with bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, or muscle fat infiltration in the overall or subgroup analyses (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

LTL was consistently associated with thigh fat‐free muscle volume in men and women. Future research should investigate moderating effects of lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, or chronic diseases) in the association between LTL and muscle volume.
MRI Extracellular Volume Fraction in Liver Fibrosis—A Comparison of Different Time Points and Blood Pool Measurements
Authors: Obmann Verena Carola , Ardoino Marie , Klaus Jeremias , Catucci Damiano , Berzigotti Annalisa , Montani Matteo , Peters Alan , Todorski Inga , Wagner Benedikt , Zbinden Lukas , Gräni Christoph , Ebner Lukas , Heverhagen Johannes Thomas , Christe Andreas , Huber Adrian Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background

Extracellular volume (ECV) correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis.

Purpose

To analyze the performance of liver MRI‐based ECV evaluations with different blood pool measurements at different time points.

Study Type

Prospective.

Sample

73 consecutive patients (n = 31 females, mean age 56 years) with histopathology‐proven liver fibrosis.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T acquisition within 90 days of biopsy, including shortened modified look–locker inversion recovery T1 mapping.

Assessment

Polygonal regions of interest were manually drawn in the liver, aorta, vena cava, and in the main, left and right portal vein on four slices before and after Gd‐DOTA administration at 5/10/15 minutes. ECV was calculated 1) on one single slice on portal bifurcation level, and 2) averaged over all four slices.

Statistical Tests

Parameters were compared between patients with fibrosis grades F0‐2 and F3‐F4 with the Mann–Whitney U and fishers exact test. ROC analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters to predict F3‐4 fibrosis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

ECV was significantly higher in F3‐4 fibrosis (35.4% [33.1%–37.6%], 36.1% [34.2%–37.5%], and 37.0% [34.8%–39.2%] at 5/10/15 minutes) than in patients with F0‐2 fibrosis (33.3% [30.8%–34.8%], 33.7% [31.6%–34.7%] and 34.9% [32.2%–36.0%]; AUC = 0.72–0.75). Blood pool T1 relaxation times in the aorta and vena cava were longer on the upper vs. lower slices at 5 minutes, but not at 10/15 minutes. AUC values were similar when measured on a single slice (AUC = 0.69–0.72) or based on blood pool measurements in the cava or portal vein (AUC = 0.63–0.67 and AUC = 0.65–0.70).

Data Conclusion

Liver ECV is significantly higher in F3‐4 fibrosis compared to F0‐2 fibrosis with blood pool measurements performed in the aorta, inferior vena cava, and portal vein at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. However, a smaller variability was observed for blood pool measurements between slices at 15 minutes.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Patients with Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wang Katherine , Gjini Emily K. , Kooper‐Johnson Sarah , Cooper Michael I. , Gallant Collyn , Noonan Kathryn Y.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the literature and summarize cochlear implantation (CI) outcomes after intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) excision and tumor observation with CI.

Data Sources

OVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science; conception to 2024.

Review Methods

A literature review was performed using subject headings, MeSH terms, and keywords. Abstracts and full texts were reviewed by two independent reviewers and adjudicated by a third. Inclusion criteria included studies with ILS and CI with reported audiologic outcomes. Subjects were analyzed into two groups, ILS resection with CI and in situ ILS with CI. Patients with NF2 were included. The main outcome of interest was CI audiometric performance level, with secondary outcomes of CI user status and open‐set speech attainment.

Results

There were 29 articles with a total of 93 patients who met inclusion criteria. The resection group had 17% low performers, 44% intermediate performers, and 38% high performers. The in situ group had 40% low performers, 32% intermediate performers, 27% high performers. The resection group had 69 patients with 97% maintaining user status and 92% with open‐set speech recognition. The observation group had 24 patients, with 87% user rate and 86% achieving open‐set speech recognition. There was a greater percentage of NF2 diagnosis seen in the in situ group.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of literature on CI and ILS. Patients are managed with both resection of tumor and implantation in situ. Early data are limited, with improvement in hearing outcomes and high user rates in both populations.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:3910–3920, 2024
Environmentally Friendly High‐Performance Polydimethylsiloxane Composites Reinforced with Renewable Cellulose Nanocrystals Based on Dynamic Silyl Ether Linkages
Authors: Cao Jie , Chen Siyuan , Wu Yingdong , Xu Zhirui , Liu Xiaofei , Zheng Junping
Published: March 2024

Environmentally friendly high‐performance composites made from either reprocessable polymer matrix or renewable fillers have become increasingly significant in order to reach a sustainable future. Herein, polydimethylsiloxane/modified cellulose nanocrystals (PDMS/mCNC) composites showing outstanding mechanical and reprocessable properties via silyl ether linkages are prepared. With only 1 wt% mCNC, the PDMS/mCNC composite exhibits the tensile strength of 2.96 MPa, which is twice that of the pure PDMS elastomer, while the toughness can achieve 7.32 MJ m−3. Remarkably, the reprocessing efficiency can be as high as 100% even for triple reprocessing process. Additionally, the favorable effect of mCNC on constructing hybrid filler network within vitrimers is explored for the first time. Selection of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) as the functional filler, 40 wt% BNNS is uniformly dispersed by only a small amount of mCNC and a homogeneous thermally conductive network is built, with the thermal conductivity of the PDMS/mCNC@BNNS composite increasing remarkably to 2.901 W m−1 K−1. In a word, this work paves the way to develop sustainable, mechanically strong, and reprocessable composites with mCNC as a renewable bio‐filler.
Rapid and long‐lasting efficacy of high‐dose ambroxol therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher disease: A case report and literature review
Authors: Higashi Kanako , Sonoda Yuri , Kaku Noriyuki , Fujii Fumihiko , Yamashita Fumiya , Lee Sooyoung , Tocan Vlad , Ebihara Go , Matsuoka Wakato , Tetsuhara Kenichi , Sonoda Motoshi , Chong Pin Fee , Mushimoto Yuichi , Kojima‐Ishii Kanako , Ishimura Masataka , Koga Yuhki , Fukuta Atsuhisa , Tsuchihashi Nana Akagi , Kikuchi Yoshikazu , Karashima Takahito , Sawada Takaaki , Hotta Taeko , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Terazono Hideyuki , Tajiri Tatsuro , Nakagawa Takashi , Sakai Yasunari , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Ohga Shouichi
Published: March 2024

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the GBA1‐encoded enzyme, β‐glucocerebrosidase. Enzyme replacement therapy is ineffective for neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD). High‐dose ambroxol has been administered as an alternative treatment for a group of patients with nGD. However, little is known about the clinical indication and the long‐term outcome of patients after ambroxol therapy. We herein report a case of a female patient who presented with a progressive disease of GD type 2 from 11 months of age and had the pathogenic variants of p.L483P (formerly defined as p.L444P) and p.R502H (p.R463H) in GBA1. A combined treatment of imiglucerase with ambroxol started improving the patient's motor activity in 1 week, while it kept the long‐lasting effect of preventing the deteriorating phenotype for 30 months. A literature review identified 40 patients with nGD, who had received high‐dose ambroxol therapy. More than 65% of these patients favorably responded to the molecular chaperone therapy, irrespective of p.L483P homozygous, heterozygous or the other genotypes. These results highlight the long‐lasting effect of ambroxol‐based chaperone therapy for patients with an expanding spectrum of mutations in GBA1.
Initial clinical and molecular investigation of 20q13.33 microdeletion with 17q25.3/14q32.31q32.33 microduplication in Chinese pediatric patients
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Zhang Na , Wang Junyu , Jiang Yuying , Zhang Hegan , Chen Chunnuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited research has been conducted regarding the elucidation of genotype–phenotype correlations within the 20q13.33 region. The genotype–phenotype association of 20q13.33 microdeletion remains inadequately understood. In the present study, two novel cases of 20q13.33 microdeletion were introduced, with the objective of enhancing understanding of the genotype–phenotype relationship.

Methods

Two unrelated patients with various abnormal clinical phenotypes from Fujian province Southeast China were enrolled in the present study. Karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed to investigate chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variants.

Results

The results of high‐resolution G‐banding karyotype analysis elicited a 46,XY,der(20)add(20)(q13.3) in Patient 1. This patient exhibited various clinical manifestations, such as global developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, and other congenital diseases. Subsequently, a 1.0‐Mb deletion was identified in the 20q13.33 region alongside a 5.2‐Mb duplication in the 14q32.31q32.33 region. In Patient 2, CMA results revealed a 1.8‐Mb deletion in the 20q13.33 region with a 4.8‐Mb duplication of 17q25.3. The patient exhibited additional abnormal clinical features, including micropenis, congenital heart disease, and a distinctive crying pattern characterized by a crooked mouth.

Conclusion

In the present study, for the first time, an investigation was conducted into two novel cases of 20q13.33 microdeletion with microduplications in the 17q25.3 and 14q32.31q32.33 regions in the Chinese population. The presence of micropenis may be attributed to the 20q13.33 microdeletion, potentially expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with this deletion.
Insights into the thermomechanical and interfacial behaviors of polymer‐clay nanocomposites via coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Nie Wenjian , Liao Yangchao , Ghazanfari Sarah , Wang Yang , Wang Xingyu , Huang Ying , Xia Wenjie
Published: March 2024

Polymer‐clay nanocomposites (PCNs) are commonly applied as multi‐functional structural materials with exceptional thermomechanical properties, while maintaining the characteristics of lightweight and optical clarity. In this study, building upon previously developed coarse‐grained (CG) models for nanoclay and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically investigate the thermomechanical properties of PCNs when arranged in stacked configurations. Incorporating stacked clay nanofillers into a polymer matrix, we systematically conduct shear and tensile simulations to investigate the influences of variations in weight percentage, system temperature, and nanoclay size on the thermomechanical properties of PCNs at a fundamental level. The weight percentage of nanoclay in nanocomposites proves to have a significant influence on both the shear and Young's modulus (e.g., the addition of 10 Wt% nanoclay leads to an increase of 32.6% in the Young's modulus), with each exhibiting greater mechanical strength in the in‐plane direction compared to the out‐of‐plane direction, and the disparity between these two directions further widens with an increase in the weight percentage of nanoclay. Furthermore, the increase in the size of nanoclay contributes to an overall modulus enhancement in the composite while the growth reaches a saturation point after a certain threshold of about 10 nm. Our simulation results indicate that the overall dynamics of PMMA are suppressed due to the strong interactions between nanoclay and PMMA, where the confinement effect on local segmental dynamics of PMMA decays from the nanoclay‐polymer interface to the polymer matrix. Our findings provide valuable molecular‐level insights into microstructural and dynamical features of PCNs under deformation, emphasizing the pivotal role of clay‐polymer interface in influencing the thermomechanical properties of the composite materials.

Highlights

CG modeling is performed to explore the thermomechanical behavior of PCN.

Effects of nanoclay weight percentage and size on modulus are studied.

Interface leads to nanoconfinement effect on Tg and molecular stiffness.

Correlations between molecular stiffness and modulus are identified.

Simulations show spatial variation of dynamical heterogeneity.
Ultra‐strong and biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/cellulose nanocrystal prepared by dry‐jet wet spinning
Authors: Lee Youngeun , Kim Min Woo , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kim Jin Kyung , Won Tae Kyung , Miyawaki Jin , Chae Han Gi , Eom Youngho
Published: March 2024

Fiber‐based products constitute a significant portion of plastic waste and cause environmental damage. In particular, discarded sanitary masks and fishing gear disintegrate into microfiber plastics, posing a significant threat to human health and ecosystems. In this study, we developed robust biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (1 and 2 wt%) through dry‐jet wet spinning, by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a common solvent. The control PBAT fibers exhibit remarkable mechanical performance with tensile strength and toughness of 160.0 MPa and 43.0 MJ m−3, respectively. CNC addition has a toughening effect with slightly reduced strength but enhanced toughness (148.8 MPa and 69.0 MJ m−3, respectively, for 2 wt% CNC); their mechanical performances are superior to those of previously reported PBAT‐based materials. The remarkable performance of the fibers is attributed to a highly oriented structure with a total draw ratio of 15 after post‐hot drawing. The control and nanocomposite fibers exhibit spot‐like patterns in 2D wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction patterns with Herman's orientation factor of 0.54–0.58. The theoretical Hansen solubility parameter confirmed the poor chemical affinity between the PBAT and CNC. Nonetheless, the rheological characterization revealed that well‐dispersed CNCs with DMSO produced a physical network in the PBAT matrix, resulting in the toughening effect. Such robust nanocomposite fibers consisting of fully biodegradable components are promising alternatives to nondegradable nylon and polyester fibers.

Highlights

Robust biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of PBAT and CNC are prepared.

Nanocomposite fibers are dry‐jet wet spun using DMSO as a common solvent.

PBAT fibers exhibit strength and toughness of 160.0 MPa and 43.0 MJ m−3.

2 wt% CNC toughens the PBAT fibers with an enhanced toughness of 69.0 MJ m−3.

Rheological results confirm the toughening effect of well‐dispersed CNC in PBAT.
High elastic modulus polyethylene: Process‐structure‐property relationships
Authors: Cheng Chung‐Fu , McCraw Trevor J. , Solomon Theo H. , Yan Michael R. , Wnek Gary E. , Olah Andrew , Baer Eric
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have shown that gel‐spun‐ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) produces thin fibril products that exhibit high tensile moduli (35–200 GPa). The elaborate gel‐spinning process involves complex drawing stages with solvent incorporation. In this study, a previously proposed two‐stage, environmentally friendly solventless methodology was optimized. The two‐stage process included cross‐rolling (Stage 1) and orientation (Stage 2) to obtain oriented HDPE thin rods with an impressively high modulus using conventional HDPE. The optimization of the process was successfully achieved by thoroughly investigating the voiding mechanism. In addition, rapid relaxation during orientation supports the cavitation mechanism. Owing to this optimization, a modulus of 75 GPa was readily attained. The significant enhancement in the mechanical properties was a direct result of the optimization of our processing methodology to achieve a high degree of orientation. Notably, the fabricated oriented HDPE thin rods showed moduli comparable to those of the gel‐spun UHMWPE fibers but were at least 40 times thicker. Our comprehensive characterization of the voiding process and stress relaxation during our two‐stage process indicated the formation of a highly taut network structure and craze‐like configuration with controlled delamination. Thus, our proposed hierarchical model was refined to elucidate the process‐structure‐property relationships in greater detail.

Highlights

An optimized two‐stage environmentally friendly solventless process has been developed to create oriented polyethylene thin rods with impressively high modulus (75 GPa).

The optimization was achieved by thoroughly investigating the voiding effect during cross‐rolling and crystalline relaxation during orientation.

Comparison of the modulus from our process are similar to various commercial, gel‐spun fibers. Our thin rod products are at least 40 times thicker than commercial gel‐spun fibers.

The thin rod product has impressively high modulus‐to‐weight and strength‐to‐weight ratios for future study in composite systems.
Discovery and biological characterization of a novel mesoionic insecticide fenmezoditiaz
Authors: Huang Huazhang , Dickhaut Joachim , Weisel Martin , Mao Lixin , Rankl Nancy , Takeda Haruka , Stam Lynn F , Peacock Quinn M , Höffken Hans Wolfgang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Many piercing‐sucking insects have developed resistance or cross‐resistance to many insecticides targeting insect neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Here we are aiming to present the discovery of a novel mesoionic insecticide, fenmezoditiaz, by BASF through structure‐based drug design (SBDD) approaches. It has recently been added to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee mode of classification (IRAC 4E). It is being developed for plant protection against piercing‐sucking pests, especially rice hopper complex.

RESULTS

The soluble acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) from the sea slug Aplysia californica was modified using site‐directed mutagenesis and based on putative aphid nAChR subunit sequences to create soluble insect‐like AChBPs. Among them, insect‐like β1 AChBP and native aphid membrane preparation showed the highest correlated biochemical affinity toward structurally diverse ligands. This mutant AChBP was used to understand how insect nAChRs structurally interact with mesoionics, which was then utilized to design novel mesoionics including fenmezoditiaz. It is an excellent systemic insecticide with diverse application methods and has a broad insecticidal spectrum, especially against piercing/sucking insects. It lacks cross‐resistance for neonicotinoid resistant plant hoppers. Field‐collected brown plant hopper populations from Asian countries showed high susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Fenmezoditiaz is a systemic insecticide with a broad spectrum, lack of cross‐resistance and it could be an additional tool for integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management, especially for the rice hopper complex. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Much ado about montelukast: A side‐effects saga
Authors: Price Lawrence H.
Published: March 2024

Our coverage of emerging findings in psychopharmacology is generally limited to what gets published in the refereed scientific literature. Occasionally, however, something appears in the lay media that we think Update readers will benefit from knowing about. A recent such “something” was an article published in the New York Times under the alarming title “The F.D.A. [Food and Drug Administration] Warned an Asthma Drug Could Induce Despair. Many Were Never Told” (Jewett & Mueller, 2024). Broad coverage of this by other media outlets ensued.
Addressing corporate governance and carbon accounting disclosure gaps: A path toward firms commitment to sustainable development goal 13
Authors: Zhu Naiping , Wiredu Ishmael , Agyemang Andrew Osei , Osei Abednego
Published: March 2024

The study examined the relationship between corporate governance and carbon accounting disclosure (CAD) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to address how firms can achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) 13. We employed purposive sampling to select 277 companies from 20 MENA countries from the period 2012–2022. A favorable relationship was found between board independence and CAD. Gender diversity was also found to have a beneficial effect on CAD. The sustainability committee and CAD also had a positive and significant connection. A positive association was also found between foreign nationals and CAD. We found positive and significant connection between board meetings and CAD. In contrast, we found a negative relationship between board size and CAD, as well as between boards with CEOs duality and CAD. We also found that shareholding proportion has inverse but insignificant impact on CAD. The results concur that corporate boards have a role to reduce carbon emission in MENA to accomplish SDG 13.
Advancing Membrane Technology: Ordered Macroporous ZIF‐67 as a Filler in Mixed Matrix Membranes for Enhanced Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Poloneeva Daria , Datta Shuvo Jit , Sicat Ronell , Khairova Rushana , Garzon‐Tovar Luis , Bavykina Anastasiya , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Gascon Jorge
Published: March 2024

Conventional separation technologies for valuable commodities require substantial energy, accounting for 10%–15% of global consumption. Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) offer a promising solution by combining processable polymers with selective inorganic fillers. Here, the potential of using ordered microporous structured materials is demonstrated as MMM fillers. The use of ordered macroporous ZIF‐67 in combination with the well‐known 6FDA‐DAM polymer leads to superior performance in the important separation of propylene from propane. The enhanced performance can be rationalized with the help of advanced microscopy, which demonstrates that the polymer is able to penetrate the macroporous network around which the MOF (Metal‐Organic Framework) is synthesized, resulting in a much better interphase between the two components and the homogeneous distribution of the filler, even at high loadings.
Large‐Area Fabrication of Porous Graphene Networks on Carbon Fabric via Millisecond Photothermal Processing of Polyaniline for Supercapacitors
Authors: Bhardwaj Ayush , Okoroanyanwu Uzodinma , Pagaduan James Nicolas , Fan Wei , Watkins James J.
Published: March 2024

Supercapacitors demonstrate promising potential for flexible, multi‐functional energy storage devices; however, their widespread adoption is confronted by fabrication challenges. To access a combination of desirable device qualities such as flexibility, lightweight, structural stability, and enhanced electrochemical performance, carbon fiber (CF) can be utilized as a current collector, alongside graphene as an electrochemically active material. Yet achieving a cost‐effective, large‐scale graphene production, particularly on CF, remains challenging. Here, a rapid (<1 min) photothermal approach is developed for the large‐scale production of graphene directly onto CF, utilizing polyaniline (PANI) as a polymer precursor. The in situ electropolymerization of PANI on CF facilitates its rapid synthesis on large areas, followed by conversion into graphene networks, enabling the binder‐free fabrication of supercapacitor devices. These devices exhibit an areal capacitance of 180 mF cm−2 (at 2 mA cm−2 in 1 m H2SO4), an order of magnitude higher than other fabric‐based devices. Moreover, the devised photothermal strategy allows for one‐step preparation of supercapacitor devices on areas exceeding 100 cm−2, yielding an absolute areal capacitance of 4.5 F. The proportional increase in capacitance with device area facilitates scaling and indicates the commercial viability of this approach for low‐cost, energy‐efficient, and high‐throughput production of lightweight, high‐performance graphene‐based multi‐functional supercapacitor devices.
High Luminescence Stability Enables Reduced Burn‐In Voltage Loss in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sung Woong , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Byungjin , Lee Dong Chan , Kim Seunghyun , Choi Jinhyeok , Cho Shinuk , Cho Kilwon
Published: March 2024

Although organic solar cells (OSCs) have received increasing attention because of their high device efficiencies, the fundamental mechanism governing their photostability remains elusive. Herein, the effect of the luminescence stability of the acceptor components on the burn‐in voltage loss of binary and ternary OSCs is demonstrated. A systematic characterization reveals that the acceptor component experiences an abnormal decrease in luminescence under photoaging—specifically, photoinduced luminescence quenching—because of a photoinduced conformational change. This phenomenon increases nonradiative recombination in blends and thus causes a substantial nonradiative voltage loss of OSCs. Moreover, an introduction of a third component with high luminescence stability can effectively reduce the burn‐in voltage loss of OSCs. A composition‐dependent photostability study of the resultant ternary OSCs reveals that the reduction in the burn‐in voltage loss of OSCs is mainly driven by the third component distributed in the mixed phase; high luminescence stability of this component effectively prevents the increase in nonradiative voltage loss by photoaging. The results suggest that improving the luminescence stability of the acceptor components can be an effective method for highly stable photovoltaics with greatly reduced burn‐in voltage loss.
Strong Synergy between Pd Single Atom and Zn Vacancy Boosts Photocatalytic Pure Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Zhang Xia‐Guang , Yang Shuangli , Peng Huiping , Fan Tingting , Huang Zongyi , Xue Fei , Yang Tang , Liu Shangheng , Chen Zhou , Kong Qingyu , Hu Zhiwei , Chan Ting‐Shan , Yi Xiaodong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

Single‐atom and vacancy‐engineered photocatalysts have shown their remarkable strengths in improving carrier transfer dynamics, yet constructing the integration of single atoms and vacancies as the active site is still challenging. Herein, an icing‐assisted photochemical strategy has been employed to anchor Pd single atoms in Zn vacancies on CdxZn1−xS nanorods to form a Pd–S4 tetrahedron coordination structure, enabling exceptional photocatalytic water splitting performance in the absence of any sacrificial agents. Under visible light irradiation, the H2 evolution rate of Pd/Cd0.1Zn0.9S reaches 608.2 μmol g−1 h−1, which is around 229, 6.7, 6.1, and 2 times to that of ZnS, Cd0.1Zn0.9S, Pd/ZnS, and Pd NPs/Cd0.1Zn0.9S, respectively. Detailed experimental and theoretical analyses confirm that Pd–S hybridized electronic states and Pd single atoms are beneficial for enhancing the charge separation/transfer, accelerating the formation of H* and the release of H2.
Research Progress of Snowmelt Promotion and Snowmelt Monitoring Technology on Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Zhu Yongcan , Li Kefeng , Gao Wu , Wang Jiawen , Xiong Haonan , Yang Shusen , Huang Xinbo
Published: March 2024

The accumulation of snow is one of the essential reasons for the significant decrease in the power generation efficiency of PV stations in winter. For this reason, this paper firstly provides a detailed review of the current research into the physical processes and shedding reasons for the natural melting of snow on PV module surfaces. Then, several common techniques to promote snow and ice melting on PV surfaces are discussed, and the feasibility and shortcoming of ultrasonic technology in removing high‐density snow and ice are analyzed in detail. Finally, this paper proposes two snow sensing technologies for PV modules, namely, image processing method and interdigital capacitance method. Among them, the image method based on fixed camera and UAV detection is more suitable for wide area PV power stations, while the interdigital capacitance method is helpful in obtaining snow characteristic parameters, such as icing type and LWC. The relevant research has certain reference significance for PV power stations to formulate a more reasonable snow removal plan and power generation forecast. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Differentiated instruction for English learners: Teachers' understanding and practices
Authors: Shafiei Rezvani Nejad Hamed
Published: March 2024

The increase in the English learner (EL) student population in the United States and these students' placement in U.S. public schools have created high priority demands to address their language and learning needs. General education teachers, however, are often unprepared or underprepared to work with ELs, with limited knowledge and expertise to integrate differentiated instruction (DI) for them. This study examined two elementary teachers' understanding of differentiated instructional practices for EL students in a mainstream setting. Employing qualitative methods and following inductive data analytic processes, the study examined what these elementary teachers say facilitates DI for ELs. The researcher used semi‐structured individual interviews, a joint interview, and photo elicitation as the primary sources of data collection, and documents such as teachers' differentiated lesson plans and statements of teaching philosophy as secondary data sources. Findings revealed that a caring relationship between the teacher and ELs was essential and played a key role in student learning. By building caring relationships, the teachers learned about their EL students' needs and their interests and used that knowledge to implement DI for these students. Furthermore, teachers' proficiency in a language other than English and their metalinguistic awareness to bridge between one language and the other guided the teachers' differentiated instructional practices for their ELs.
Navigating the metaverse: A technical review of emerging virtual worlds
Authors: Herath H. M. K. K. M. B. , Mittal Mamta , Kataria Aman
Published: March 2024

The metaverse, a burgeoning virtual reality realm, has garnered substantial attention owing to its multifaceted applications. Rapid advancements and widespread acceptance of metaverse technologies have birthed a dynamic and intricate digital landscape. As various platforms, virtual worlds, and social networks within the metaverse increase, there is a growing imperative for a comprehensive analysis of its implications across societal, technological, and business dimensions. Notably, existing review studies have, for the past decade, primarily overlooked a metaverse‐based multidomain approach. A meticulous examination encompassing 207 research studies delves into the technological innovation of the metaverse, elucidating its future trajectory and ethical imperatives. Additionally, the article introduces the term “MetaWarria” to conceptualize potential conflicts arising from metaverse dynamics. The study discerns that healthcare (45%) and education (22%) are pivotal sectors steering metaverse developments, while the entertainment sector (9%) reshapes the corporate landscape. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a 9% role in enhancing the metaverse's marketing and user experience. Security, privacy, and policy concerns (11%) are addressed due to escalating threats, yielding practical solutions. The analysis underscores the metaverse's profound influence (57%) on the digital realm, a phenomenon accelerated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article culminates in contemplating the metaverse's role in future warfare and national security, introducing “MetaWarria” as a conceptual framework for such discussions.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Human Centricity and User Interaction
Mathematical modeling of Cross‐fluid model in a peristaltic channel with viscous dissipation and MHD effects
Authors: Sadaf Hina , Asghar Zeeshan , Ijaz Shagufta
Published: March 2024

In this analysis, Cross‐fluid model along wall properties is investigated. Impact of the magneto‐hydrodynamic on the non‐Newtonian model is also considered. Numerical algorithm MATLAB bvp4c function is adopted for the solution of coupled nonlinear equations along long‐wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. Viscous dissipation phenomena are counter to discuss the energy possession during flow. Fluid velocity and stream lines for the flow are also precisely determined in this analysis. The various parameters that influence the physical characteristics of flow are plotted through the graph, and their effects are discussed in detail. From the conclusions, the consequence of the flow model parameters is found to be substantial and also noted that the present model has the potential applications to comprehend the bile conduit drive via bladder, gallstones, and blood flow features in living organisms in a much better way than prior.
Data and Methodology in the Twitter EP2019 Analysis
Authors: Palonen Emilia , Sibinescu Laura , Koljonen Juha , Herkman Juha
Published: March 2024

The chapter introduces the data collection process and methods used in the study. The main dataset was assembled form material collected from seven EU countries that represented so-called Twitter countries during the 2019 EP elections: the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Italy, Spain, Ireland and the UK. The countries cover the South-North and Centre-Periphery dimensions in Europe and adequately follow the system models of politics and media devised by Hallin and Mancini. The data were gathered in real time during the EP election campaign in May 2019, based on hashtags. Two datasets were collected: raw data comprising 1,552,674 tweets from 222,169 accounts from all 27 EU countries covering all actors participating the campaign discussions, and a more selective main database of 49,492 tweets belonging to 2512 politically affiliated accounts in the seven above-mentioned countries. The raw data were used in computational topic modelling to find the timeline of various topics, and how they relate to each other. The computational and manual word frequency analysis of the main data was used to figure the themes favoured by various political actors in specific countries, and a network analysis was carried out to map the activities of these tweeters and their relationships. In addition, the chapter shows the methodological particularities in each country and discusses the 2019 EP elections as a specific context for the study.
The Cost of Forest Fires: A Socioeconomic Analysis
Authors: Poduška Zoran , Stajić Snežana
Published: March 2024

This chapter aims to show the phenomenon of forest fires from socioeconomic aspects to present the readers with a new perspective. We start from the assumption that fire in forest ecosystems has a positive and negative impact, which can be represented by an appropriate valuation system. The basis for such an assumption was found in the paradox of fire (in natural ecosystems), which has had human attention from the very beginning of the human population. From early views on social dependence on fire to a modern perspective, that fire is a catastrophic phenomenon in nature. Today, it can be assumed that our valuation system is set at a point where fire harms nature. This tacit acceptance has become commonplace in fire reporting where the importance of fire in removing biomass especially coniferous stands, maintaining open spaces for grazing and hunting, reducing catastrophic wildfires, in carbon balance and water regulation or scientific knowledge is almost completely omitted. Contemporary streams in nature and forest science and practice point out that fire is an ecosystem service providing many services with trade-offs between fire prevention and the provision of ecosystem services. Here, we explain why fire in natural ecosystems become relevant for science after the eighties. We present that the extent of fire damage is more than 0.012% of Worlds GDP in this decade. Major socioeconomic driving factors of forest fires are presented too. The chapter presents examples of ecosystem services and economic impacts provided by wildfires.
The Mediatization of the Resilience Frame: A New Understanding of Wildfires in the Spanish Mainstream Media (2017–2021)
Authors: Castelló Enric
Published: March 2024

This book chapter offers a media frame analysis on forest fires in the Spanish mainstream media. Three of the most important newspapers are studied in relation to the presence of two media frames: the suppression frame and the resilience frame. After inspecting news and opinion pieces about wildfires during the last five years (2017–2021), the author identifies that the resilience frame is gaining prominence in the media. This interpretative frame emphasizes a discourse of climate change and management transition in which the need of new policies and measures are at the centre of the story, as opposed to the suppression frame treatment of fire as a “fight” or even a “war”. The chapter ends by pointing out some challenges that this resilience frame confronts in the face of a mediatization of wildfires and an increasing presence of specialized sources pointing out the complexities of fires in a more reflective manner.
Socioeconomic Impacts and Regional Drivers of Fire Management: The Case of Portugal
Authors: Parente Joana , Tonini Marj , Amraoui Malik , Pareira Mário
Published: March 2024

Wildfires are uncontrolled and unwanted fires that usually occur in forested/rural areas and burn forests, agricultural areas, and wildlands. Land abandonment, with the consequent growth of the rural–urban interface, increases the exposure and vulnerability of fire-prone regions around the World. In the last two decades, Europe experienced a high number of wildfires causing large burnt areas mainly concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin. This high fire incidence seems to be the result of human activities including land use/land cover changes, but also of climate variability and change. In the present study, we analyse the current situation in Portugal, which is the European country with the highest total number of wildfires and the second-highest total burnt area. The spatial and temporal variability of the wildfires within the country is very heterogeneous, due to the human and biophysical drivers. In this regard, four main aspects are considered and discussed: (1) the spatial and temporal distribution of wildfires in mainland Portugal; (2) the main human and biophysical fire drivers; (3) socioeconomic impacts; and (4) the main strategies for fire risk mapping and management. The main results indicate high spatial heterogeneity of the fire incidence, with higher fire activity in the northern region than the southern region, mainly promoted by a higher irregular topography and significantly different types of climate and land use/land cover characteristics. We highlight how fire incidence is strongly dependent on many biophysical and human factors/drivers and the direct and indirect socioeconomic impacts of wildfires. Methodologies and indexes developed by Portuguese authorities to map fire risk and assess fire danger are described. The elements discussed in this chapter result from research and lessons learned in recent years on the fire regime in Portugal and Europe. These findings can contribute to improving forest, landscape, and fire management, in Mediterranean European countries which share similar characteristics.
Evaluation of the Use of Direct Seeding System Instead of Stubble Burning as a Main Cause of Possible Wildfire
Authors: Yakupoglu Tugrul , Dindaroglu Turgay , Akarsubasi Osman , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Cerdà Artemi
Published: March 2024

In today’s world, despite the advent of new technologies and advances in telecommunications to demonstrate the negative impacts of fire, wildfires continue to pose one of the most life-threatening challenges to natural and human ecosystems. Recent records confirm that forest fires can grow and lead to significant blazes during the stubble burning process practiced by farmers. In Turkey, for instance, stubble burning accounts for 184 out of 2,698 registered forest fires. Stubble burning brings with it numerous associated environmental problems. This chapter explores whether the direct seeding (DS) system, an environmentally friendly practice that supports sustainable agriculture in lieu of stubble burning, can serve as a viable alternative. The study includes various applications related to DS in Yozgat, Turkey, situated in Central Anatolia. This region is characterized by a semiarid climate that relies on rainfed agriculture. After implementing DS for three years, farmers witnessed substantial increases in yield, although these improvements may vary depending on various factors. Qualitatively, it is evident that farmer impatience plays a pivotal role in driving the adoption of DS techniques. To mitigate the risk of wildfires caused by stubble burning, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive farmer education programs on DS. Widespread adoption of DS could ultimately eliminate the threat posed by stubble burning-induced wildfires.
A Review of Explanations for the Boom
Authors: O’Malley Eoin
Published: March 2024

The first section of this chapter presents a survey of the literature that has aimed to explain what caused the boom. It aims to discuss virtually all the economic explanations that have been put forward. These include fiscal stabilisation, tax cuts, delayed or belated convergence, strong demand growth in export markets, supply of labour, education, the single European market, EU structural funds, social partnership, foreign direct investment, the small/regional nature of the economy, Irish indigenous industry and some other explanations. The second section undertakes a preliminary assessment of the suggested explanations, arguing that some of them are not very convincing and that it will not be necessary to consider them further, whereas the others will call for further consideration and assessment in later chapters. The suggested explanations that remain for later consideration as potentially significant causes of the boom are strong demand growth in export markets, foreign direct investment, the single European market, education for fast-growing industries, the small/regional nature of the economy, Irish indigenous industry, EU structural funds and social partnership.
Irish Indigenous Companies
Authors: O’Malley Eoin
Published: March 2024

There was a substantial improvement in the growth of indigenous manufacturing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but its performance became unsatisfactory later. In indigenous services, there was also a significant improvement and the trends mostly remained better for longer. New industrial policy measures were partly responsible for the improvement. There was success at first in promoting the growth of SMEs, particularly in the high-tech and medium–high-tech sectors, and in enhancing R&D and innovation. However, the growth momentum tended to weaken later as many successful companies were taken over by foreign MNCs. The indigenous contribution to net foreign earnings was much greater than it appeared to be when seen in terms of exports, and this was especially true for indigenous services, but the indigenous contribution to growth over the whole course of the boom was still significantly less than that of foreign-owned companies. However, the indigenous contribution was particularly important in the late 1980s and again in the 2000s. The improvement in indigenous industry was probably the key change that started the boom in the late 1980s.
The End of the Boom
Authors: O’Malley Eoin
Published: March 2024

The boom ended in 2007. Although export growth slowed down as early as 2000, that trend was not very serious for the economy because the growth of net foreign earnings did not slow down, due to the changing sectoral composition of exports. The growth of net foreign earnings slowed down eventually in 2005, primarily because foreign-owned manufacturing companies stopped growing. This would probably have brought an end to the boom in the economy were it not for the housing boom. The housing boom and its associated financial inflows kept the economic boom going for another couple of years. The housing boom ended in the collapse of the construction sector and ultimately the banks, with disastrous consequences for the economy. The Irish housing boom and slump was not a unique occurrence involving uniquely aberrant behaviour since other housing booms and slumps had occurred in many countries. However, the Irish case had more severe consequences than most such booms, partly because the Irish housing boom lasted so long and partly because a major international recession and financial crisis exacerbated the consequences of Ireland’s housing boom.
Einleitung
Authors: Tkotzyk Vanessa
Published: March 2024

Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Migrationsverhalten und dem Zustand der Integration der dauerhaft ansässigen Japanerinnen und Japaner in Deutschland. Im einleitenden Teil erfolgt zunächst die Hinführung zum Thema sowie die Erläuterung des Problemhintergrundes. Aus der anschließenden Darlegung des Forschungsstandes gehen die Ziele dieser Arbeit hervor, die im folgenden Kapitel ebenso wie der Aufbau der Arbeit dargelegt werden.
Diskussion
Authors: Tkotzyk Vanessa
Published: March 2024

An dieser Stelle werden die Ergebnisse der Interviewauswertung aus dem vorherigen Kapitel in Hinblick auf die Fragestellung dieser Arbeit, inwieweit die japanischen permanent Ansässigen in die deutsche Gesellschaft integriert sind, interpretiert und in Verbindung mit der Theorie gesetzt. Dabei werden zunächst die einzelnen Indikatoren der vier Integrationsdimensionen betrachtet, wobei zur Beurteilung der Integration der befragten Personen in die jeweiligen Indikatoren die in Abschnitt 4.4.3 dargelegten Regeln herangezogen werden. Durch den qualitativen Ansatz dieser Studie gingen allerdings weitere Erkenntnisse hervor, auf deren Grundlage einige Indikatoren kritisch diskutiert werden können.