bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internalism as Methodology
Authors: Lohndal Terje , Narita Hiroki
Published: April 2022

This paper scrutinizes the recent proposal made by Lassiter (2008) that the dichotomy between Chomskyan internalism and Dummett-type externalism is misguided and should be overcome by an approach that incorporates sociolinguistic concepts such as speakers’ dispositions to defer. We argue that Lassiter’s arguments are flawed and based on a serious misunder-standing of the internalist approach to the study of natural language, failing to appreciate its methodological nature and conclude that Lassiter’s socio-linguistic approach is just another instance of externalist attempts with little hope of scientific achievement.
Implicit Artificial Syntax Processing: Genes, Preference, and Bounded Recursion
Authors: Folia Vasiliki , Forkstam Christian , Ingvar Martin , Petersson Karl Magnus
Published: April 2022

The first objective of this study was to compare the brain network engaged by preference classification and the standard grammaticality classification after implicit artificial syntax acquisition by re-analyzing previously reported event-related fMRI data. The results show that preference and grammaticality classification engage virtually identical brain networks, including Broca’s region, consistent with previous behavioral findings. Moreover, the results showed that the effects related to artificial syntax in Broca’s region were essentially the same when masked with variability related to natural syntax processing in the same participants. The second objective was to explore CNTNAP2-related effects in implicit artificial syntax learning by analyzing behavioral and event-related fMRI data from a subsample. The CNTNAP2 gene has been linked to specific language impairment and is con-trolled by the FOXP2 transcription factor. CNTNAP2 is expressed in language related brain networks in the developing human brain and the FOXP2–CNTNAP2 pathway provides a mechanistic link between clinically distinct syndromes involving disrupted language. Finally, we discuss the implication of taking natural language to be a neurobiological system in terms of bounded recursion and suggest that the left inferior frontal region is a generic on-line sequence processor that unifies information from various sources in an incremental and recursive manner.
The Biolinguistics of Autism: Emergent Perspectives
Authors: Bourguignon Nicolas J. , Nadig Aparna , Valois Daniel
Published: April 2022

This contribution attempts to import the study of autism into the biolinguistics program by reviewing the current state of knowledge on its neurobiology, physiology and verbal phenotypes from a comparative vantage point. A closer look at alternative approaches to the primacy of social cognition impairments in autism spectrum disorders suggests fundamental differences in every aspect of language comprehension and production, suggesting productive directions of research in auditory and visual speech processing as well as executive control. Strong emphasis is put on the great heterogeneity of autism phenotypes, raising important caveats towards an all-or-nothing classification of autism. The study of autism brings interesting clues about the nature and evolution of language, in particular its ontological connections with musical and visual perception as well as executive functions and generativity. Success in this endeavor hinges upon expanding beyond the received wisdom of autism as a purely social disorder and favoring a “cognitive style” approach increasingly called for both inside and outside the autistic community.
The Creative Aspect of Language Use and the Implications for Linguistic Science
Authors: Asoulin Eran
Published: April 2022

The creative aspect of language use provides a set of phenomena that a science of language must explain. It is the “central fact to which any significant linguistic theory must address itself” and thus “a theory of language that neglects this ‘creative’ aspect is of only marginal interest” (Chomsky 1964: 7–8). Therefore, the form and explanatory depth of linguistic science is restricted in accordance with this aspect of language. In this paper, the implications of the creative aspect of language use for a scientific theory of language will be discussed, noting the possible further implications for a science of the mind. It will be argued that a corollary of the creative aspect of language use is that a science of language can study the mechanisms that make language use possible, but that such a science cannot explain how these mechanisms enter into human action in the form of language use.
Syntactic Structures as Descriptions of Sensorimotor Processes
Authors: Knott Alistair
Published: April 2022

In this paper I propose a hypothesis linking elements of a model of theoretical syntax with neural mechanisms in the domain of sensorimotor processing. The syntactic framework I adopt to express this linking hypothesis is Chomsky’s Minimalism: I propose that the language-independent ’Logical Form’ (LF) of a sentence reporting a concrete episode in the world can be interpreted as a detailed description of the sensorimotor processes involved in apprehending that episode. The hypothesis is motivated by a detailed study of one particular episode, in which an agent grasps a target object. There are striking similarities between the LF structure of transitive sentences describing this episode and the structure of the sensorimotor processes through which it is apprehended by an observer. The neural interpretation of Minimalist LF structure allows it to incorporate insights from empiricist accounts of syntax, relating to sentence processing and to the learning of syntactic constructions.
Some Problems for Biolinguistics
Authors: Bickerton Derek
Published: April 2022

Biolinguistics will have to face and resolve several problems before it can achieve a pivotal position in the human sciences. Its relationship to the Minimalist Program is ambiguous, creating doubts as to whether it is a genuine subdiscipline or merely another name for a particular linguistic theory. Equally ambiguous is the relationship it assumes between ‘knowledge of language’ and the neural mechanisms that actually construct sentences. The latter issue raises serious questions about the validity of covert syntactic operations. Further problems arise from the attitudes of many biolinguists towards natural selection and evo-devo: The first they misunderstand, the second they both misunderstand and overestimate. One consequence is a one-sided approach to language evolution crucially involving linguistic ‘precursors’ and the protolanguage hypothesis. Most of these problems arise through the identification of biolinguistics with internalist and essentialist approaches to language, thereby simultaneously narrowing its scope and hindering its acceptance by biologists.
Linguistics and Some Aspects of Its Underlying Dynamics
Authors: Piattelli-Palmarini Massimo , Vitiello Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

In recent years, central components of a new approach to linguistics, the Minimalist Program, have come closer to physics. In this paper, an interesting and productive isomorphism is established between minimalist structure, algebraic structures, and many-body field theory opening new avenues of inquiry on the dynamics underlying some central aspects of linguistics. Features such as the unconstrained nature of recursive Merge, the difference between pronounced and un-pronounced copies of elements in a sentence, and the Fibonacci sequence in the syntactic derivation of sentence structures, are shown to be accessible to representation in terms of algebraic formalism.
Phasal Eliminativism, Anti-Lexicalism, and the Status of the Unarticulated
Authors: Murphy Elliot
Published: April 2022

This paper explores the prospect that grammatical expressions are propositionally whole and psychologically plausible, leading to the explanatory burden being placed on syntax rather than pragmatic processes, with the latter crucially bearing the feature of optionality. When supposedly unarticulated constituents are added, expressions which are propositionally distinct, and not simply more specific, arise. The ad hoc nature of a number of pragmatic processes carry with them the additional problem of effectively acting as barriers to implementing language in the brain. The advantages of an anti-lexicalist biolinguistic methodology are discussed, and a bi-phasal model of linguistic interpretation is proposed, Phasal Eliminativism, carved by syntactic phases and (optionally) enriched by a restricted number of pragmatic processes. In addition, it is shown that the syntactic operation of labeling (departing from standard Merge-centric evolutionary hypotheses) is responsible for a range of semantic and pragmatic phenomena, rendering core aspects of syntax and lexical pragmatics commensurable.
Prevalencia del síndrome de burnout en personal militar del Instituto Geográfico Nacional del Perú
Authors: Castro Rojas Miriam Corina , Urquizo Maggia José Antonio , Leiva Loayza Elizabeth Inés
Published: April 2022

Objective:The study aimed was to investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome and to identify the main factors associated with it. Method: The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) instrument was applied, using a validated version in Spanish; previously the COPE-28 instrument. Results: The results determined that the association between age and emotional exhaustion is (0.231) for those under 40 years of age; while for those over 40 years of age it is (0.751); age and stress perception (0.205) for those under 40 years of age and (0.858) for those over 40 years of age; age and depersonalization are (0.244) and (0.757) for under and over 40 years respectively; grade and emotional exhaustion were (0.151) for officers and (0.720) for supervisors, technicians, and NCOs; between grade and perception of stress was (0.832) for officers and (0.110) for supervisors, technicians, and NCOs. Conclusion: The observational-analytical study model applied in the military of the Lima Metropolitana Region was not satisfactory, in synergy with the working hours and high levels of professional responsibility in the context of COVID-19, which interfere in the relationship between the military and the communities.

Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia del síndrome de burnout e identificar los principales factores asociados a este. Método: Se aplicó el instrumento de Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), empleando una versión validada en español; previamente el instrumento COPE-28. Resultados: Los resultados determinaron que la asociación entre la edad y el agotamiento emocional es (0,231) para menores de 40 años; mientras para mayores de 40 años es de (0,751); edad y percepción del estrés (0,205) en menores de 40 años y (0,858) en mayores de 40 años; edad y despersonalización son de (0,244) y (0,757), para menores y mayores de 40 años respectivamente; grado y agotamiento emocional fue de (0,151) para oficiales y (0,720) en (supervisores, técnicos y suboficiales) y entre el grado y percepción del estrés fue (0,832) para oficiales y (0,110) en (supervisores, técnicos y suboficiales). Conclusión: El modelo de estudio observacional-analítico aplicado en militares de la Región Lima Metropolitana no fue satisfactorio, en sinergia por las jornadas de trabajo y altos niveles de responsabilidad profesional en el contexto del COVID-19, que interfieren en la relación de los militares y las comunidades.
Personal de enfermería contagiado por COVID-19: condiciones de trabajo y sus factores asociados en tres hospitales de Lima-Perú
Authors: Arpasi Quispe Orfelina , Chávez Zegarra Gaby Sonia , Fernandez Molocho Lili Albertina , Medina Bacalla Willy Jhon , Leiton Espinoza Zoila Esperanza , Alves de Araújo Püschel Vilanice , Silva Fhon Jack Roberto
Published: April 2022

Objective: To determinate the prevalence of COVID-19 in the nursing personnel, working conditions, and their associated factors in three hospitals in Lima-Peru.Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study of the web survey was carried out between November 2020 and February 2021 with 495 nursing personnel members from the three public hospitals in Lima. Results: 63% of the participants were from the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, 20% from the San Isidro Labrador Hospital, and 17% from the II Vitarte Hospital. The prevalence of COVID-19 in the nursing personnel was 47.3%. When analyzing the demographic characteristics of the participants, a significant association of the education variable with the disease was evidenced (OR=1.50, p =0.04), showing that those with higher education are 1.5 times more likely to develop COVID-19 compared to those with postgraduate studies; the variables related to working conditions and risk factors did not show a significant association (p>0.05) with the disease.Conclusions: Except for education, there is insufficient evidence to affirm a significant association of COVID-19 with demographic characteristics, work-related variables, and those considered a risk. This research makes significant contributions to nursing practice, research, and teaching.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de la COVID-19 en el personal de enfermería, las condiciones de trabajo y sus factores asociados en tres hospitales de Lima-Perú.Método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal del tipo web-survey realizado entre los meses de noviembre 2020 a febrero de 2021 con la participación de 495 integrantes del personal de enfermería de tres hospitales públicos de la ciudad de Lima. Resultados: El 63% de los participantes fueron del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, 20% del Hospital San Isidro Labrador, y 17% del Hospital II Vitarte. La prevalencia de la COVID-19 en el personal de enfermería fue de 47.3%. Al analizar las características demográficas de los participantes se evidenció asociación significativa de la variable escolaridad con la enfermedad (OR=1.50, p=0.04), mostrando que los que cuentan con estudios superiores tienen 1.5 veces mayor probabilidad de desarrollar la COVID-19 frente a los que poseen estudios de posgrado; las variables relacionadas con las condiciones de trabajo y factores de riesgo no evidenciaron asociación significativa (p>0.05) con la enfermedad.Conclusiones: A excepción de la escolaridad no existe evidencia suficiente para afirmar asociación significativa de la COVID-19 con las características demográficas, las variables relacionadas al trabajo y las consideradas como riesgo. La investigación aporta contribuciones importantes a la práctica, la investigación y la docencia en enfermería.
Islamic Finance Instruments as Alternative Financing to Sustainable Higher Education in Nigeria
Authors:   National Higher Education Research Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Adebayo Saheed Adewale  , AbdurRaheem Abdul Ganiyi Zubaedy  ,   Faculty of Laws, Nasarawa State University, Nigeria
Published: April 2022

Education is a vital tool for national growth and development. Higher education institutions provide the nation with skilled manpower needed to attain holistic development. Despite the roles played by higher education institutions in nation building, these institutions are at the edge of collapse as a result of poor funding. Government fund is not adequate to meet needs of students and higher education institutions. Several options like internal sources, government supports, use of tuition fees and a host of others have been provided but all yield little result. In order to find a lasting solution to the persisting financial problem facing higher education in the country, this paper presents the Islamic finance products as an alternative measure to sustainable higher education financing in Nigeria. It adopted a qualitative case study approach. Interview was conducted on eight experts including shariah experts, lecturers and educational administrators. At the end, the research study proposed that sukuk ( bond), waqf (endowment) and zakat (charity) should be used for providing facilities and support to higher education institutions in the area of research, provision of educational facilities, building of hostels for indigent students, payment of salary, provision of scholarship to students from poor background and a host of others. To achieve these, government, policy planners and leaders in higher education institutions in Nigeria must ensure collaboration with private investors, philanthropists, industries, zakat and endowment foundations and experts in Islamic finance to provide a lasting solution to the poor funding of higher education in the country.
Green Sukuk and Sustainable Economic Development Goals: Mitigating Climate Change in Indonesia
Authors: Ivan Rahmat Santoso
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to analyze the role of green Sukuk in the goal of sustainable economic development in Indonesia, more specifically in improving climate change mitigation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The study found that several renewable energy sectors can be funded by Green bonds/Sukuk, namely: sustainable management of natural resources, energy efficiency, green tourism, resilience to climate change, green buildings, sustainable transportation, sustainable agriculture, and waste management and waste energy. This study also found projects funded by the issuance of State Sukuk to be in compliance with Islamic regulations and have met the criteria for green infrastructure through the stages of project identification, project feasibility preparation and assessment, issuance of Green Sukuk, project implementation and completion, project monitoring and project evaluation.
The association between Geographic Information System-based neighborhood built environmental factors and accelerometer-derived light-intensity physical activity across the lifespan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , Mertens Lieze , Van Cauwenberg Jelle , Maes Iris , Van Dyck Delfien
Published: April 2022

Background

Evidence on associations between environmental factors and accelerometer-derived light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine associations between Geographic Information System (GIS)-based neighborhood built environmental factors and accelerometer-derived LPA, and to investigate the moderating effect of age group (adolescents, adults, older adults) on these associations.

Methods

Objective data were used from three similar observational studies conducted in Ghent (Belgium) between 2007 and 2015. Accelerometer data were collected from 1,652 participants during seven consecutive days, and GIS-based neighborhood built environmental factors (residential density, intersection density, park density, public transport density, entropy index) were calculated using sausage buffers of 500 m and 1,000 m around the home addresses of all participants. Linear mixed models were performed to estimate the associations.

Results

A small but significant negative association was observed between residential density (500 m buffer) and LPA in the total sample (B = −0.002; SE = 0.0001; p = 0.04), demonstrating that every increase of 1,000 dwellings per surface buffer was associated with a two minute decrease in LPA. Intersection density, park density, public transport density and entropy index were not related to LPA, and moderating effects of age group were absent.

Conclusions

The small association, in combination with other non-significant associations suggests that the neighborhood built environment, as classically measured in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity research, is of limited importance for LPA. More research is needed to unravel how accelerometer-derived LPA is accumulated, and to gain insight into its determinants.
Design and Implementation of a Web Based Leave Management System
Authors: Samuel Mayowa Alade , Samuel Adejumo , Temitope John Alade
Published: April 2022

In current era of net-centric computing, the availability of a web-based leave management system has become an essential and indispensable tool for any organization and corporation. It can track and manage a variety of employee leaves, as well as process requests for time off for employees. However, there were issues raised concerning inefficiency, downtime, and delays in the processing and approval of leave requests in the human resources departments of corporations and agencies. This paper explains why it is necessary to develop a system that uses web-technologies to eliminate bottlenecks in getting leave approved on time. This paper used a qualitative research approach to gather insights and familiarity with what is in existence so that more research can be done. Data was gathered through interviews, scenario generation using stakeholders' and participants' experiential narratives, and analysis of present processes and structures. The development approach followed a software development methodology. A web-based leave management system (WBLMS) was designed using Unified Modelling Language (UML) tools with its database designed using SQLite, implemented using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, Python Programming language and its Django framework and evaluated using DeLeon and McLean Information theory. The outcome of the system evaluation revealed a positive result. Upon the use of the system developed, the response from respondents yielded 76.67% satisfaction rate. This is indicative of the fact that when users (junior and senior staff) use the leave system, it was considered acceptable and good enough to achieve or meet the requirement specified). The system also yielded 81.67% accuracy and gave 81.67% ease of use. The paper concluded that a proposed leave system developed enhance user satisfaction, increase productivity and ensure efficiency as well as the effectiveness of the process and employees while reducing the time taken in processing leave application.
Denominación, traducción y transferencia cultural en el ámbito de la gastronomía
Authors:   Universidad de Almería, España, Cantón Rodríguez María Loreto , López Santiago Mercedes ,   Universitat Politècnica de València, España
Published: April 2022

El tapeo, costumbre gastronómica típicamente española, ha cruzado nuestras fronteras para instalarse en numerosos establecimientos de restauración parisinos. En este estudio se procede al análisis de una muestra suficientemente amplia y representativa de cartas y menús que incluyen tapas españolas ofrecidas en locales ubicados en la capital francesa. Tras la elaboración de un corpus léxico agrupado en torno a las tapas, sus ingredientes y presentaciones, se analizan las técnicas de traducción empleadas en estos documentos. En efecto, estos aperitivos aparecen total o parcialmente en versión original o traducidos a la lengua francesa de manera más o menos pintoresca plasmando de este modo las dificultades existentes en su traducción.
A Statistical Analysis on the Effect of Bad Health Habits in two Continents (Africa and Europe)
Authors: A. Ndubuisi Ogonna , P. Ogoke Uchenna
Published: April 2022

This research work focuses on determining the difference between the health habits of countries in Africa and Europe, especially in females. It is crucial because it could help enlighten women on the dangers of bad health habits. Multivariate Hotelling T- square test is adopted to determine the significant difference between the two continents, Africa and Europe, having Cancer deaths caused by alcohol consumption, smoking prevalence, and Obesity prevalence as the variables and the correlation between the variables. The result showed that there is indeed a significant difference between the bad health habits in the two continents in the females. Correlation analysis was also carried out to determine the relationship between the variables, and the results showed that the relationship between the variables was little. More methods were adopted using comparison of Rate between the means, and the sum of the same variables, to determine which continent was more affected by the bad health habits, and it was figured out to be Europe.
Incidence of Neonatal Convulsion/Seizures Associated with Primary Disturbance of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
Authors: Ogheneochuko Eruotor Harrison , Blessing Ukoro , E. Ajirioghene Akpotu , Awarajih Uwaezuoke C. , Ignatius Chinonye Nduka
Published: April 2022

Neonatal seizures are abnormal electrical discharge in the neonates that usually manifest as stereotyped muscle activity of autonomic change. Seizure occur in up to 1.4% of mature infant and 20% of pre-mature infant. Neonate in university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were used for the study, 86 blood samples were collected from the children department, the children include both male and female within the Age range of I day to 7 day. Out of the total of 86 sample analyzed for calcium, magnesium and Phosphorus from the results obtained from both calcium and magnesium failed below the reference value, that indicate that calcium and magnesium where the major causes of the neonatal seizures.
Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and Yield of Soybean in Inceptisols
Authors: Konde N. M. , Ingle S. N. , Kanase Nilam , Shirankar Jyoti , Bhoyar S. M. , Kadu P. R. , Deshmukh J. P. , Mali D. V , Jadhao S. M.
Published: April 2022

An investigation was carried during the year 2018-19 to study the“ Effect of tillage and weed management practices on physico-chemical properties of soil and yield of soybean in Inceptisols” at Research Farm of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Weed Management, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The study has focused the integrated effect of tillage and weed management practices on physico chemical properties of soil, yield of soybean and availability of nutrients. Five weed control practices were superimposed in four strips of different tillage practices in strip plot with three replications. The tillage operations consist of conventional tillage, reduced tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage, however weed management practices includes application of pre emergence weedicide (diclosulam), post emergence weedicides (propaquizafop + imazethapyr.), integration of pre emergence and post emergence weedicide, hand weeding and weedy check. The soils of experimental plot was alkaline in reaction and low to medium in organic carbon. The available nitrogen and phosphorus was low and potassium was high to very high. Based on the observations noted, the bulk density of soil was significantly influenced due to tillage and weed management practices. The highest bulk density was noted with zero tillage (1.46 Mg m-3) followed by reduced tillage (1.45 Mg m-3). The highest Mean Weight Diameter (0.75 mm) was enumerated with minimum tillage and hand weeding management practice (0.75 mm). While, the interaction of tillage and weed management practices showed non-significant results in respect of soil physical properties. The highest available of nitrogen (207.33 kg ha-1), phosphorus (20.07 kg ha-1) and potassium (346.1 kg ha-1) were recorded with minimum tillage and with hand weeding practice.
Theoretical Study of the Chemical Reactivity of a Series of 2, 3-Dihydro-1H-Perimidine
Authors: Tuo Nanou Tieba , Dembele Georges Stephane , Doh Soro , Konate Fandia , Konate Bibata , Kodjo Charles Guillaume , Ziao Nahosse
Published: April 2022

This reactivity study was performed on seven molecules of a 2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidine series using density functional theory at the B3LYP / 6-311 G (d, p) level. Calculation of the dipole moment showed that compound 4 is more soluble in aqueous medium. The study of frontier molecular orbitals, in particular the energy gap (ΔE), electronegativity (c), chemical hardness (η) and the electrophilic index (ω) has provided a better overview molecular properties. Thus, the compound 5 with the highest energy gap between the boundary orbitals is the most stable and the least reactive. Analysis of local descriptors and the electrostatic potential map identified nitrogen atoms N26 and N28 as the preferred sites of electrophilic attack and the carbon atom C26 as the preferred site of nucleophilic attack.
Beverage Coaster Paper - A Protective Paper Grade Development
Authors: Dölle Klaus
Published: April 2022

Beverage coaster paper represents a specialty paper grade, which has its origin in the late 1880s. Its primary function is to serve as a barrier between the beverage and the table surface by soaking up the condensing water of the cold beverage and protect the wooden table surface as well as the customer from droplets of the condensing water.

A beverage coaster grade was developed utilizing thermos mechanical pulp, bleached softwood and bleached hardwood Kraft pulp. Manufactured on a 48-inch (1219 mm) wide small commercial Fourdrinier paper machine with an oven dry basis weight basis weight of 473.6, and thickness of 886 µm.

The water absorbance achieved a value 784 g/m² for the top side and 693 g/m² for the wire side of the paper. The smoothness value was 2734 ml/min for the top and 2784 ml/min for the wire side

The burst index was measured at 0.56 kPa*m²/g, a tear index of 14.68 mNm²/g for the machine direction and 10.78 mNm²/g for the cross machine direction.

The manufactured beverage coaster paper had no visible signs of dirt and a yellowish white color, an opacity a value of 100%, a brightness of 79.14% and a whiteness of 54.76%. The yellowish white colour had an 95.24% value for the L*, -1.62 for the a*, and 7.23 for the b*.
Antagonist of Chrna1 prevents the pathogenesis of primary focal hyperhidrosis
Authors: Lin Jian‐Bo , Lin Nan‐Long , Li Xu , Kang Ming‐Qiang
Published: April 2022

Background

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is an autonomic neurological disease in which exocrine glands are oversecreted due to autonomic dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. Chrna1 promotes the pathogenesis of PFH. We aimed to check if downregulating of Chrna1 by cisatracurium could alleviate the symptoms of PFH.

Methods

The effect of cisatracurium in a hyperhidrosis mice model induced by pilocarpine hydrochloride was monitored for sweat gland secretion, and ultrastructural sweat secretory granules in sweat glands were analyzed. Meanwhile, markers of hyperhidrosis were checked, and release of Bdnf and Nrg1 from sympathetic ganglia axon was tested. Furthermore, the mechanism of cisatracurium function was evaluated in vitro using HEK293 expressing Chrna1. Finally, the effect of cisatracurium was determined in the hyperhidrosis mice model with overexpression or downregulation of Chrna1.

Results

In hyperhidrosis mice, pretreatment with cisatracurium effectively inhibited sweat secretion, along with fewer particle secretion in sweat glands. The molecular markers of hyperhidrosis (Aqp5 and Cacna1c) were inhibited by cisatracurium, acetylcholine (Ach) level in serum was found decreased. Neurotrophic factors (Bdnf and Nrg1) secreted by sympathetic axon activation were also inhibited. At last, it was confirmed that cisatracurium could not alter the gene or protein expression level of Chrna1, but could block the ion channel. Overexpression of Chrna1 abolished the effect of cisatracurium on hyperhidrosis, while cisatracurium could not function more in siChrna1‐treated mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that pretreatment of cisatracurium could alleviate hyperhidrosis in mice, probably through blocking the ion channel function of Chrna1.
Ultra‐Thin Infrared Optical Gain Medium and Optically‐Pumped Stimulated Emission in PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot LEDs
Authors: Taghipour Nima , Tanriover Ibrahim , Dalmases Mariona , Whitworth Guy L. , Graham Christina , Saha Avijit , Özdemir Onur , Kundu Biswajit , Pruneri Valerio , Aydin Koray , Konstantatos Gerasimos
Published: April 2022

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can be considered a promising material platform for solution‐processed laser diodes. However, due to some fundamental challenges, the realization of electrically pumped lasing based on QDs remains unresolved. Here, a binary blend of QDs and ZnO nanocrystals is employed, which serve as nano‐sized scatterers to facilitate waveguide gain in ultra‐thin films. By carefully engineering the electric field in these films, an infrared amplified spontaneous emission in a record thin colloidal gain medium is observed, with a thickness of 16 nm, at a wavelength of 1675 nm. Employing these binary blends as a gain medium, an optically pumped infrared stimulated emission in a full‐stacked light‐emitting diode (LED) device is demonstrated. The functional LED device, which comprises a single layer of graphene as an anode electrode, shows strong electroluminescence under electrical injection. This study suggests a promising device for realizing infrared QD‐based laser diodes.
Ultralow‐Power and Multisensory Artificial Synapse Based on Electrolyte‐Gated Vertical Organic Transistors
Authors: Liu Guocai , Li Qingyuan , Shi Wei , Liu Yanwei , Liu Kai , Yang Xueli , Shao Mingchao , Guo Ankang , Huang Xin , Zhang Fan , Zhao Zhiyuan , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: April 2022

Bioinspired electronics have shown great potential in the field of artificial intelligence and brain‐like science. Low energy consumption and multifunction are key factors for its application. Here, multisensory artificial synapse and neural networks based on electrolyte‐gated vertical organic field‐effect transistors (VOFETs) are first developed. The channel length of the organic transistor is scaled down to 30 nm through cross‐linking strategy. Owing to the short channel length and extremely large capacitance of the electric double layer formed at the electrolyte–channel interface, the minimum power consumption of one synaptic event is 0.06 fJ, which is significantly lower than that required by biological synapses (1–10 fJ). Moreover, the artificial synapse can be trained to learn and memory images in a 5 × 5 synapse array and emulate the human brain's spatiotemporal information processing and sound azimuth detection. Finally, the artificial tongue is designed using the synaptic transistor that can discriminate acidity. Overall, this study provides new insights into realizing energy‐efficient artificial synapses and mimicking biological sensory systems.
Novel Superaerophobic Anode with Fern‐Shaped Pd Nanoarray for High‐Performance Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Yang Yang , Zhu Xun , Zhang Tong , Ye Ding‐ding , Chen Rong , Liao Qiang
Published: April 2022

Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) possess the advantages of high power density and theoretical cell potential. Exploring robust catalysts for electrochemical formic acid electro‐oxidation (FAO) is greatly essential for the wide spread uptake of DFAFCs. However, many electrodes with attractive catalysts suffer limited mass transport due to sluggish CO2 bubble growth and departure steps on its surface. In this study, a superaerophobic electrode is developed by depositing fern‐shaped palladium nanostructured arrays on the carbon paper (Pd‐nanoarray@CP). Its unique superaerophobic feature successfully facilitates the CO2 bubble releasing from the catalyst surface in a significantly small size. With the merits of specific nanoarray morphology, superior under water superaerophobicity, and rapid gas bubble release, the Pd‐nanoarray@CP shows fast charge/mass transport rate, high electrocatalytic activity, and great stability for FAO. A direct formic acid fuel cell equipped with the Pd‐nanoarray@CP anode is successfully fabricated on a microfluidic platform. A peak power density of 35.8 mW cm−2 and limiting current density of 173.3 mA cm−2 are obtained, respectively, which are 49.2% and 33.0% higher than that of conventional Pd‐black anodes. The electrode with superaerophobic interface allows deeper insight into the mechanism of FAO efficiency and holds promise for possible applications of commercially viable DFAFCs.
Tunable Domain Switching Features of Incommensurate Antiferroelectric Ceramics Realizing Excellent Energy Storage Properties
Authors: Ge Guanglong , Shi Cheng , Chen Chukai , Shi Yunjing , Yan Fei , Bai Hairui , Yang Jing , Lin Jinfeng , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: April 2022

An incommensurate modulated antiferroelectric phase is a key part of ideal candidate materials for the next generation of dielectric ceramics with excellent energy storage properties. However, there is less research carried out when considering its relatively low polarization response. Here, the incommensurate phase is modulated by stabilizing the antiferroelectric phase and the energy storage performance of the incommensurate phase under ultrahigh electric field is studied. The tape‐casting method is applied to construct dense and thin ceramics. La3+ doping induces a room‐temperature incommensurate antiferroelectric orthorhombic matrix. With little Cd2+, the extremely superior energy storage performances arose as follows: when 0.03, the recoverable energy storage density reaches ≈19.3 J cm‐3, accompanying an ultrahigh energy storage efficiency of ≈91% (870 kV cm‐1); also, a giant discharge energy density of ≈15.4 J cm‐3 emerges during actual operation. In situ observations demonstrate that these superior energy storage properties originate from the phase transition from the incommensurate antiferroelectric orthorhombic phase to the induced rhombohedral relaxor ferroelectric one. The adjustable incommensurate period affects the depolarization response. The revealed phase‐transition mechanism enriches the existing antiferroelectric–ferroelectric transition. Attention to the incommensurate phase can provide a reference for the selection of the next generation of high‐performance antiferroelectric materials.
Additive‐Free Ultrastable Hydrated Vanadium Oxide Sol/Carbon Nanotube Ink for Durable and High‐Power Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Jin Hongrun , Li Fen , Gao Jiasong , Liu Kaisi , Luo Yongxin , Zhou He , Yao Bin , Duan Jiangjiang , Hu Bin , Huang Liang , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2022

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) based on near‐neutral electrolytes represent a promising large‐scale energy storage solution for a deeper and broader penetration of clean renewable energy. The preparation of electrode paste is vital for the normal performance and stability of ZIBs. Herein, the authors report an additive‐free V2O5·1.6H2O (h‐V2O5)/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid ink to prepare large‐scale free‐standing h‐V2O5/CNT film for high‐rate and durable ZIBs. The as‐prepared h‐V2O5/CNT film exhibits a high specific capacity of 446.4 mA h g−1 (volumetric capacity of 839.2 mA h cm−3) at 0.2 A g−1 when used as cathode for ZIBs. It retains considerable capacities of 202.3 and 139.0 mA h g−1 even at high current densities of 20 and 50 A g−1, respectively, exhibiting ultrahigh rate capability. The assembled cell also displays outstanding long‐term cycling stability with a remarkable capacity of 309.7 mA h g−1 even after 3500 cycles at 10 A g−1. More importantly, this h‐V2O5 sol can serve as a general “surfactant” to disperse a variety of nanomaterials in water. This work proposes a facile strategy to prepare additive‐free paste for conductive electrode, which holds great potential for a broad range of applications.
High‐Resolution X‐Ray Time‐Lapse Imaging from Fluoride Nanocrystals Embedded in Glass Matrix
Authors: Tang Haitao , Liu Sibo , Fang Zhaohui , Yang Ze , Cui Zhenzhen , Lv Hongyu , Zhang Peng , Wang Dawei , Zhao Feng , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Xue , Xu Xuhui
Published: April 2022

A latent image of the target after the X‐ray irradiation induced via a 980 nm laser or thermal excitation provides great potentials for healthcare diagnostics and nondestructive inspection. Taking the advantage of X‐ray time‐lapse imaging, simplified facilities and visualized information can be achieved. However, information acquisition with higher resolution, combined with long‐term storage for the corresponding X‐ray images remains a challenge. Herein, Tb3+‐doped Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals (NCs) grown in situ and dispersed uniformly in an amorphous glass matrix is explored, which performs a fascinating X‐ray response for imaging with an impressive spatial resolution reaching 20.0 lp mm−1. Moreover, the as‐developed corresponding scintillators exhibit excellent optical storage capability upon X‐ray irradiation for the constructed deep traps, and a controllable release of the captured carriers induced by thermal disturbance, and 980 nm laser stimulation can be achieved. Notably, the imaging resolution is well preserved to be 20.0 lp mm−1 even recorded after 10 days. The as‐explored Ba2LaF7:Tb3+ NCs embedded within an amorphous matrix realize a feasible approach for a simplified X‐ray imaging system with high‐resolution information production.
Highly Loaded Independent Pt0 Atoms on Graphdiyne for pH‐General Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Hui Lan , Xue Yurui , Xing Chengyu , Liu Yuxin , Du Yuncheng , Fang Yan , Yu Huidi , Huang Bolong , Li Yuliang
Published: April 2022

The emergence of platinum‐based catalysts promotes efficient methanol oxidation reactions (MOR). However, the defects of such noble metal catalysts are high cost, easy poisoning, and limited commercial applications. The efficient utilization of a low‐cost, anti‐poisoning catalyst has been expected. Here, it is skillfully used N‐doped graphdiyne (NGDY) to prepare a zero‐valent platinum atomic catalyst (Pt/NGDY), which shows excellent activity, high pH adaptability, and high CO tolerance for MOR. The Pt/NGDY electrocatalysts for MOR with specific activity 154.2 mA cm−2 (1449.3 mA mgPt−1), 29 mA cm−2 (296 mA mgPt−1) and 22 mA cm−2 (110 mA mgPt−1) in alkaline, acid, and neutral solutions. The specific activity of Pt/NGDY is 9 times larger than Pt/C in alkaline solution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the incorporation of electronegativity nitrogen atoms can increase the high coverage of Pt to achieve a unique atomic state, in which the shared contributions of different Pt sites reach the balance between the electroactivity and the stability to guarantee the higher performance of MOR and durability with superior anti‐poisoning effect.
Virus Detection: From State‐of‐the‐Art Laboratories to Smartphone‐Based Point‐of‐Care Testing
Authors: Xiao Meng , Tian Feng , Liu Xin , Zhou Qiaoqiao , Pan Jiangfei , Luo Zhaofan , Yang Mo , Yi Changqing
Published: April 2022

Infectious virus outbreaks pose a significant challenge to public healthcare systems. Early and accurate virus diagnosis is critical to prevent the spread of the virus, especially when no specific vaccine or effective medicine is available. In clinics, the most commonly used viral detection methods are molecular techniques that involve the measurement of nucleic acids or proteins biomarkers. However, most clinic‐based methods require complex infrastructure and expensive equipment, which are not suitable for low‐resource settings. Over the past years, smartphone‐based point‐of‐care testing (POCT) has rapidly emerged as a potential alternative to laboratory‐based clinical diagnosis. This review summarizes the latest development of virus detection. First, laboratory‐based and POCT‐based viral diagnostic techniques are compared, both of which rely on immunosensing and nucleic acid detection. Then, various smartphone‐based POCT diagnostic techniques, including optical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and other types of biosensors are discussed. Moreover, this review covers the development of smartphone‐based POCT diagnostics for various viruses including COVID‐19, Ebola, influenza, Zika, HIV, et al. Finally, the prospects and challenges of smartphone‐based POCT diagnostics are discussed. It is believed that this review will aid researchers better understand the current challenges and prospects for achieving the ultimate goal of containing disease‐causing viruses worldwide.
Closo‐Borate Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Remarkable Electrochemical Stability and a Wide Operating Temperature Window
Authors: Green Matthew , Kaydanik Katty , Orozco Miguel , Hanna Lauren , Marple Maxwell A. T. , Fessler Kimberly Alicia Strange , Jones Willis B. , Stavila Vitalie , Ward Patrick A. , Teprovich Joseph A.
Published: April 2022

A major challenge in the pursuit of higher‐energy‐density lithium batteries for carbon‐neutral‐mobility is electrolyte compatibility with a lithium metal electrode. This study demonstrates the robust and stable nature of a closo‐borate based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), which enables outstanding electrochemical stability and capacity retention upon extensive cycling. The GPE developed herein has an ionic conductivity of 7.3 × 10−4 S cm−2 at room temperature and stability over a wide temperature range from −35 to 80 °C with a high lithium transference number ( = 0.51). Multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared are used to understand the solvation environment and interaction between the GPE components. Density functional theory calculations are leveraged to gain additional insight into the coordination environment and support spectroscopic interpretations. The GPE is also established to be a suitable electrolyte for extended cycling with four different active electrode materials when paired with a lithium metal electrode. The GPE can also be incorporated into a flexible battery that is capable of being cut and still functional. The incorporation of a closo‐borate into a gel polymer matrix represents a new direction for enhancing the electrochemical and physical properties of this class of materials.
Electrochemical Activation, Sintering, and Reconstruction in Energy‐Storage Technologies: Origin, Development, and Prospects
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Lu Junlin , Pei Cunyuan , Ni Shibing
Published: April 2022

Although there has been significant progress in designing electrode materials and exploring the electrochemical reaction mechanisms in battery systems, the morphological, structural, and compositional evolution of electrode materials during charge/discharge processes remain poorly understood. This review focuses on the morphological evolution of electrode materials during cycling. First, electrode design in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), pointing out the inevitable morphological variations in the electrode during cycling, is discussed. To describe such variations, the origins of electrochemical activation, sintering, and reconstruction in LIBs are introduced. Their development, providing a profound interpretation of the morphological evolution and associated performance, in situ characterization of the reconstruction process, and advanced means for self‐adaptive reconstruction, is summarized. Subsequently, electrode materials and energy‐storage devices applicable to these concepts are introduced. Finally, current research challenges, e.g., deficiencies in the available research methods, limited information available on electrochemical reconstruction, and lack of precise control over electrochemical reconstruction, are discussed. Furthermore, the most likely areas where further breakthroughs in electrochemical reconstruction may be achieved are discussed. This review is expected to promote research interest in studies on the morphological, structural, and compositional variations in electrode materials and expand the connection between electrochemical activation, sintering, and reconstruction, facilitating the development of energy‐storage devices.