bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of the vitellogenin receptor in the hypopharyngeal glands of the honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers
Authors: Dohanik Virginia Teles , Medeiros‐Santana Luanda , Santos Carolina Gonçalves , Santana Weyder Cristiano , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: May 2024

The vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is essential for the uptake and transport of the yolk precursor, vitellogenin (Vg). Vg is synthesized in the fat body, released in the hemolymph, and absorbed in the ovaries, via receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Besides its important role in the reproductive pathway, Vg occurs in nonreproductive worker honey bee, suggesting its participation in other pathways. The objective was to verify if the VgR occurs in the hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera workers and how Vg is internalized by these cells. VgR occurrence in the hypopharyngeal glands was evaluated by qPCR analyses of VgR and immunohistochemistry in workers with different tasks. The VgR gene is expressed in the hypopharyngeal glands of workers with higher transcript levels in nurse honey bees. VgR is more expressed in 11‐day‐old workers from queenright colonies, compared to orphan ones. Nurse workers with developed hypopharyngeal glands present higher VgR transcripts than those with poorly developed glands. The immunohistochemistry results showed the co‐localization of Vg, VgR and clathrin (protein that plays a major role in the formation of coated vesicles in endocytosis) in the hypopharyngeal glands, suggesting receptor‐mediated endocytosis. The results demonstrate that VgR performs the transport of Vg to the hypopharyngeal glands, supporting the Ovary Ground Plan Hypothesis and contributing to the understanding of the role of this gland in the social context of honey bees.
The impact of the integration of digital platforms and active teaching strategies (Kahoot!) on the performance of Brazilian medical course students in the discipline of histology
Authors: Souza e Silva Renata , da Cunha Lima Freire Gustavo , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos
Published: May 2024

Teaching human histology is part of understanding the tissues of the human body and, therefore, it is part of the training curriculum of all health courses. The increase in technologies and active teaching methodologies has a positive impact on student learning, as it reduces the challenges present in the subject. Therefore, this work aimed to compare the performance of students in the histology discipline, when compared to traditional teaching methodology and its association with game‐based learning and a basic histology teaching platform. Three classes of the medical course were selected between the years 2022 and 2023, each of which was separated into a group. One group did not have access to any platform, being called the Traditional Group (TG), a group that used Kahoot!, being called the Kahoot Group (KG), and a group that used the teaching platform, being called the Histoatlas Group (HG). Both KG and HG groups showed greater effectiveness in learning and improved performance, when compared to TG. These improvements in KG and HG were also highlighted as learning aids and easy to use. KG students performed better in the practical test when comparing groups. However, this difference was not observed in the students’ averages. However, students pointed out the relevance of trying to improve the traditional teaching methodology. Therefore, this study points out that, even though the traditional teaching methodology is efficient in the student's teaching and learning process, there is a need on the part of students to make the subject more dynamic.
Near‐Infrared Absorbing Aza‐BODIPY Dyes for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Pinjari Dilip , Patil Yuvraj , Misra Rajneesh
Published: May 2024

Organic dyes that absorb light in the visible to near‐infrared region have garnered significant interest, owing to their extensive utility in organic photovoltaics and various biomedical applications. Aza‐boron‐dipyrromethene (Aza‐BODIPY) dyes are a class of chromophores with impressive photophysical properties such as tunable absorption from the visible region towards near infrared (NIR) region, high molar absorptivity, and fluorescence quantum yield. In this review, we discuss the developments in the aza‐BODIPYs, related to their synthetic routes, photophysical properties and their applications. Their design strategies, modifications in chemical structures, mode/position of attachment, and their impact on photo‐physical properties are reviewed. The potential applications of aza‐BODIPY derivatives such as organic solar cells, photodynamic therapy, boron‐neutron capture therapy, fluorescence sensors, photo‐redox catalysis, photoacoustic probes and optoelectronic devices are explained.
Sequential monitoring for conditional quantiles of general conditional heteroscedastic time series models
Authors: Lee Sangyeol , Kim Chang Kyeom
Published: May 2024

In this study, we introduce an online monitoring procedure designed to sequentially detect change points in the conditional quantiles of location‐scale time series models. This statistical process control issue holds great significance in risk management, particularly in measuring the value‐at‐risk or expected shortfall of financial assets. Our approach employs suitable detectors, including cumulative sum statistics. We then define a stopping rule and determine control limits based on asymptotic theorems to signal an anomaly. To further evaluate the proposed methods, we conduct a comprehensive empirical study analyzing various aspects of our monitoring procedures when applied to location‐scale time series models. Additionally, we perform a real data analysis using the daily returns of the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and EuroStoxx 50 indices to affirm the adequacy of the proposed monitoring procedures in real‐world applications.
Unveiling the Degradation Mechanism of Sodium Ion Batteries Based on Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 Cathode and Hard Carbon Anode Suggests Anode Particle Size Reduction for Cycling Stability
Authors: Lochab Shubham , Bharathraj Sagar , Mayya K. Subramanya , Barpanda Prabeer , Adiga Shashishekar P.
Published: May 2024

To improve the cycle life of sodium‐ion batteries, it is essential to understand the microscopic processes that lead to cell degradation. The mismatched response time of anode and cathode has profound but poorly understood impact on cycle life. In this work, we combine electrochemical and materials characterization along with electrochemical modeling to investigate the root cause of degradation in sodium‐ion full cells made from Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) cathodes and hard carbon (HC) anode. Our results pinpoint to the slow diffusion of Na in HC as the main cause of diffusional polarization that leads to cathode experiencing high local potentials and ultimately to active material loss over cycling. We demonstrate that by reducing the anode particle size, the diffusional timescales in anode can be matched with that of cathode to improve both extractable capacity as well as cycle life. These observations shed light on non‐intuitive and intricate ways in which cathode and anode can interact with each other to cause degradation in Na‐ion batteries and how microscopic understanding of these cause and effects can help design long lasting batteries.
Novel progressive deep learning algorithm for uncovering multiple single nucleotide polymorphism interactions to predict paclitaxel clearance in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Haiyan , Zhang Mingyu , Shi Yafei , Li Taifeng , Qian Di , Yang Jun , Yu Feng , Li Guohui
Published: May 2024

Background

The rate at which the anticancer drug paclitaxel is cleared from the body markedly impacts its dosage and chemotherapy effectiveness. Importantly, paclitaxel clearance varies among individuals, primarily because of genetic polymorphisms. This metabolic variability arises from a nonlinear process that is influenced by multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Conventional bioinformatics methods struggle to accurately analyze this complex process and, currently, there is no established efficient algorithm for investigating SNP interactions.

Methods

We developed a novel machine‐learning approach called GEP‐CSIs data mining algorithm. This algorithm, an advanced version of GEP, uses linear algebra computations to handle discrete variables. The GEP‐CSI algorithm calculates a fitness function score based on paclitaxel clearance data and genetic polymorphisms in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer. The data were divided into a primary set and a validation set for the analysis.

Results

We identified and validated 1184 three‐SNP combinations that had the highest fitness function values. Notably, SERPINA1, ATF3 and EGF were found to indirectly influence paclitaxel clearance by coordinating the activity of genes previously reported to be significant in paclitaxel clearance. Particularly intriguing was the discovery of a combination of three SNPs in genes FLT1, EGF and MUC16. These SNPs‐related proteins were confirmed to interact with each other in the protein–protein interaction network, which formed the basis for further exploration of their functional roles and mechanisms.

Conclusion

We successfully developed an effective deep‐learning algorithm tailored for the nuanced mining of SNP interactions, leveraging data on paclitaxel clearance and individual genetic polymorphisms.
Consumers' adoption intention to Metaverse applications: An exploration through fsQCA approach
Authors: Yuan Jingbo , Shah Sayed Kifayat , Li Zhiqi
Published: May 2024

Metaverse is an emergent technology that facilitates consumer interaction and participation in various activities within an integrated virtual environment. Considering the Metaverse's swift growth, comprehension of the perspectives and inclinations of its prospective users is critical. Considering configuration and complexity theories, this article examines the causal patterns of factors and fragmented perspectives concerning using Metaverse applications (M‐apps). It does so by examining how functional (ease of use, privacy), social (interactivity, presence), and personality (locus of control, openness to experience) factors combine as causal configurations to describe consumer adoption (MTA). Hence, fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis is employed to empirically examine the proposed configurational model by analyzing a sample of 372 Chinese consumers of different M‐Apps. The notable MTA was determined to be explained under four distinct solutions with varying configurations of function, social, and personality in various combinations. The findings of this paper's complexity analysis constitute a scholarly and practical contribution to consumer acceptance of M‐apps, allowing for the customization of Metaverse functionality to meet every consumer's needs.
Grifolin Induces Cell Death of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cell Line via Inhibiting KRAS‐Mediated Multiple Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Chun , Ma Ren‐Fen , Liu Hu , Shan Peipei , Bao Jie , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2024

In the current work, grifolin was obtained from the twigs and leaves of Daphne genkwa for the first time and displayed significant growth inhibition against human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Subsequent in vitro antitumor evaluation revealed that grifolin could induce remarkable cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest, as well as block cell migration and invasion. In addition, grifolin also disrupted cellular energy metabolism by inducing reactive oxygen species, reducing adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential, and damaging DNA synthesis. Further RNA‐seq analysis demonstrated that treatment of grifolin on A549 cells led to gene enrichment in MAPK, PI3K/Akt and NF‐κB signaling pathways, all of which were inhibited by grifolin according to immunoblotting experiments. Further mechanistical studies disclosed that the expression of a key upstream protein KRAS was also blocked, and the cell death triggered by grifolin could be rescued by a RAS activator ML‐099. Moreover, pretreatment of ML‐099 on A549 cells could reverse the grifolin‐induced downregulation of key proteins in the three aforementioned pathways. These findings indicate that grifolin could induce cell death in A549 cell line by inhibiting KRAS‐mediated multiple signaling pathways.
Thermally resistant nuclease in Serratia marcescens hinders PCR reactions and degrades PCR products
Authors: Cai Jinpei , Zhang Yunyi , Jiang Xueer , Hu Yaohua , Chen Wei
Published: May 2024

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an important tool for exogenous gene acquisition and recombinants identification. There exist two problems when using Serratia marcescens as a template for PCR amplification: amplified PCR products are rapidly degraded, and the results of PCR amplification are unstable. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the reasons for this. By mixing PCR products amplified from Escherichia coli DH5α with S. marcescens supernatant or pellet, we found that the DNA‐degrading substance in S. marcescens is thermally resistant and present both intracellularly and extracellularly. We then determined that it is protein, and most likely S. marcescens nuclease, that degrades PCR products since the addition of SDS and EDTA can effectively inhibit or block the degradation of PCR products. By knocking out the S. marcescens nuclease encoding gene, nucA, we confirmed that the nuclease is responsible for the degradation of PCR products and the instability of PCR amplification. This work is the first to show that the S. marcescens nuclease is temporarily and partially inhibited by high temperatures during PCR and recovers rapidly at room temperature after PCR.
Selective Hydrogenation of 2‐Methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol Over Supported Cu Nanocatalysts
Authors: Totarella Giorgio , de Jongh Petra E.
Published: May 2024

Nanosized copper is an interesting alternative to noble metal‐based catalysts in gas phase selective hydrogenation, but little is known about its performance in liquid phase catalysis. We investigated the activity and selectivity of 2 and 7 nm Cu on SiO2 catalysts for the three‐phase partial hydrogenation of 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol, a highly relevant reaction for fine chemical synthesis. Next to the desired 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol, also 2‐methyl‐2‐butanol was formed as a result of over‐hydrogenation. The 7 nm Cu nanoparticles were intrinsically 2.5 times more active than 2 nm Cu (in terms of turnover frequency), and they were also more selective. At 180 °C the selectivity was only 15 % at 50 % conversion, but lowering the reaction temperature to 160 and 140 °C led to 80 % and even ~100 % selectivity (at 50 % conversion). The unselective step was around two times faster than the selective one, hence the high selectivity is due the stronger adsorption of the reactant than of the desired product, which limits over‐hydrogenation.
Hydrogen Absorption in Palladium‐Based Nanocrystals for Electrocatalysis Investigation
Authors: Chen Ying , Hou Yucheng , Govor Gennady , Demidenko Olga , Li Yujing
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen absorption in transition metals has received enormous attention for applications such as the hydrogen storage, sensing and corrosion. In particular, the Pd‐H system is a simple and classical metal hydride system that serves as a platform for a deeper understanding of hydrogen behavior. In the past few years, Pd‐H has been reported as electrocatalyst in multiple reactions, whereas the impact of hydrogen absorption/desorption in electrocatalytic applications remains unclear. Therefore, in this concept, factors influencing the hydrogen adsorption/desorption of palladium in the gas phase, such as facet engineering, ligand effects, and alloying effects, are summarized. Subsequently, in the context of electrocatalysis, factors affecting electrochemical hydrogen adsorption/desorption are outlined. Particularly, prospects for the further investigation of electrochemical hydrogen adsorption/desorption in catalysis are discussed.
Screening Methods for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Jingyan , Adobo Sidonie Darina , Shi Hui , Judicael Kabore Arthur Wendinso , Lin Ning , Gao Li
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer seriously affects the health of women worldwide. Persistent infection of high‐risk HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can lead to cervical cancer. There is a great need for timely and efficient screening methods for cervical cancer. The current screening methods for cervical cancer are mainly based on cervical cytology and HPV testing. Cervical cytology is made of Pap smear and liquid‐based cytology, while HPV testing is based on immunological and nucleic acid level detection methods. This review introduces cervical cancer screening methods based on cytology and human papillomavirus testing in detail. The advantages and limitations of the screening methods are also summarized and compared.
Disparities in cancer incidence by sexual orientation
Authors: Huang Aimee K. , Hoatson Tabor , Chakraborty Payal , McKetta Sarah , Soled Kodiak R. S. , Reynolds Colleen A. , Boehmer Ulrike , Miranda Alexis R. , Streed Carl G. , Maingi Shail , Haneuse Sebastien , Young Jessica G. , Kang Jae H. , Austin S. Bryn , Eliassen A. Heather , Charlton Brittany M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cancer risk factors are more common among sexual minority populations (e.g., lesbian, bisexual) than their heterosexual peers, yet little is known about cancer incidence across sexual orientation groups.

Methods

The 1989–2017 data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, a longitudinal cohort of female nurses across the United States, were analyzed (N = 101,543). Sexual orientation‐related cancer disparities were quantified by comparing any cancer incidence among four sexual minority groups based on self‐disclosure—(1) heterosexual with past same‐sex attractions/partners/identity; (2) mostly heterosexual; (3) bisexual; and (4) lesbian women—to completely heterosexual women using age‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) calculated by the Mantel‐Haenszel method. Additionally, subanalyses at 21 cancer disease sites (e.g., breast, colon/rectum) were conducted.

Results

For all‐cancer analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in cancer incidence at the 5% type I error cutoff among sexual minority groups when compared to completely heterosexual women; the aIRR was 1.17 (95% CI,0.99–1.38) among lesbian women and 0.80 (0.58–1.10) among bisexual women. For the site‐specific analyses, incidences at multiple sites were significantly higher among lesbian women compared to completely heterosexual women: thyroid cancer (aIRR, 1.87 [1.03–3.41]), basal cell carcinoma (aIRR, 1.85 [1.09–3.14]), and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (aIRR, 2.13 [1.10–4.12]).

Conclusion

Lesbian women may be disproportionately burdened by cancer relative to their heterosexual peers. Sexual minority populations must be explicitly included in cancer prevention efforts. Comprehensive and standardized sexual orientation data must be systematically collected so nuanced sexual orientation‐related cancer disparities can be accurately assessed for both common and rare cancers.
Exploring the in‐situ Development of A 1 D/2 D Gadolinium Iron Oxide/Tungsten Disulfide Photocatalyst to Improve Tetracycline Degradation Mediated by Visible Light
Authors: Preetha Rajaraman , Bosco Aruljothy John
Published: May 2024

In the field of photocatalysis, heterojunction photocatalysts have garnered a lot of attention due to their high‐efficiency interfacial charge‐transfer property and their nanoarchitecture. Herein, GdFeO3/WS2 is successfully synthesized by the in‐situ growth method and holds significant catalytic properties and efficient degradation for tetracycline. Using WS2 as a co‐catalyst could reduce e‐ and h+ recombination, improving GdFeO3’s photocatalytic performance. The GdFeO3/WS2 possesses a bandgap of 1.9 eV, 178.9 m2 g−1 specific surface area, 0.2 nm pore size, and a lifespan of 6 ns. The optimal GdFeO3/WS2 photocatalyst exhibits a maximum removal of 96.2 % at a tetracycline concentration of 10 mg/L, a pH of 3, and 40 mg of photocatalyst in an irradiation time of 90 min. Tetracycline has a higher photocatalytic efficiency in visible light (96.2 %) than in sunlight (72.6 %). Trapping tests revealed that the major reactive species for tetracycline removal in an aqueous solution are ⋅⋅OH, and ⋅⋅O2‐. The recycle experiment shows no deactivation of the GdFeO3/WS2 photocatalyst after 5 recycles. This study sheds light on the rational design of the GdFeO3/WS2 photocatalyst as a potential material for treating wastewater.
A novel relation‐aware global attention network for sentiment analysis of students in the wisdom classroom
Authors: Tang Xianpiao , Hu Pengyun , Yu Dewei , Yu Kai , Xia Daoxun
Published: May 2024

The ability of facial expression recognition, the ability to decipher human emotions from facial features, and we can judge the emotional state of human beings by analysing facial expressions. Empowered by this technology, the related research of student sentiment analysis has become a focal point in the realm of educational technology. Teachers can now read the emotional state of their students and estimate the effectiveness of their teaching strategies, enabling them to implement appropriate intervention techniques to enhance teaching outcomes. However, facial expression recognition techniques are currently limited by their shortcomings. Network performance degradation and loss of feature information are key issues that hinder the effectiveness of sentiment analysis of student feedback. To overcome these limitations, in this paper, we propose RFMNet, a novel network model based on deep learning theory. RFMNet, with its higher extraction capability, is designed to accurately analyse student expressions. It introduces a relation‐aware global attention (RGA) module, which facilitates the integration of more discriminative expression features in the image, leading to more refined sentiment analysis. This innovative model also employs a Mish activation function and a focal loss function. The Mish activation function is of particular interest because it helps to avoid the loss of feature information due to neuron deactivation when the ReLU gradient is . This approach results in a more robust and accurate facial expression recognition model. Our model was tested on the FERPlus public dataset. The model achieved an average recognition accuracy of 89.62%, which is a testament to its performance in decoding the facial expressions of students. This precision allows for intelligent processing of teaching information and real‐time feedback, enabling teachers to adapt their teaching strategies to better suit the needs of their students.
Mediation as a 21st century conflict resolution mechanism: Exploring procedural fairness experiences of mediation users in Ghanaian courts
Authors: Benson George Hika , Asaah‐Junior Stephen Kwabena
Published: May 2024

Mediation has become a contemporary conflict resolution mechanism in the 21st century that offers an alternative to traditional legal processes. This qualitative study explores the experiences of mediation users in three courts in the Central Region of Ghana, with a focus on procedural fairness. Grounded in the theory of procedural fairness, the study examines how Ghanaian and African conceptions of fairness influence mediation practice. The study found that the Ghanaian and African understanding of procedural fairness is rooted in specific situations—taking into account parties' demands in generating settlement agreements, allowing parties to select their mediators, involving important personalities in mediation, ensuring the fair settlement of cases, and deciding who should speak first. Participants evaluated procedural fairness within the context of confidentiality, neutrality, party empowerment, and the assurance of being heard. These evaluations align with what has been reported in Western literature. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on conflict resolution by providing insights into the significance of procedural fairness within mediation practice, with specific reference to Ghana. The findings underscore the importance of aligning mediation processes with principles of procedural fairness, offering valuable lessons for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers who seek to optimize the efficacy and fairness of mediation as a conflict resolution mechanism.
Research on the impact and mechanisms of lean management on the green development of traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Qianqiu Yang , Baoli Song
Published: May 2024

To achieve the “dual carbon” goals, manufacturing businesses must pursue green development. Compared to larger enterprises, the path towards green development is fraught with difficulties for the numerous traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises. Lean thinking offers new solutions to the pain points and challenges of green development for these enterprises. However, existing research primarily focuses on large enterprises, with limited studies on traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises; moreover, the conclusions on lean green development remain contentious and fail to effectively guide these enterprises through their green development bottlenecks. Therefore, this paper constructs a lean green development mechanism model for traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises based on the grounded theory research method and the “resource‐behavior‐performance” model. It validates the model with empirical data from 333 traditional small manufacturing enterprises in China. The results show that in the actual development process of traditional small and micro enterprises, implementing lean organization and lean production significantly improves environmental performance, but the impact on economic performance is complex. Additionally, the influence of lean strategies on green development performance is not significant, not fully realizing their potential guiding role. Further in‐depth analysis of traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises with a mature level of lean management reveals that as the level of lean management improves, the guiding effect of lean strategies begins to emerge; both lean organization and production have a significantly positive impact on economic performance. The findings are theoretically and practically significant for overcoming the green development challenges faced by traditional small and micro manufacturing enterprises, help to broaden the research scope of lean green development, and provide decision‐making and theoretical support for promoting the seamless implementation of lean green development in the traditional manufacturing sector.
Rare heterozygous genetic variants of NRXN and NLGN gene families involved in synaptic function and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Gerik‐Celebi Hamide Betul , Bolat Hilmi , Unsel‐Bolat Gul
Published: May 2024

The interaction of neurexins (NRXNs) in the presynaptic membrane with postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules called neuroligins (NLGNs) is critical for this synaptic function. Impaired synaptic functions are emphasized in neurodevelopmental disorders to uncover etiological factors. We evaluated variants in NRXN and NLGN genes encoding molecules located directly at the synapse in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders using clinical exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray. We presented detailed clinical findings of cases carrying heterozygous NRXN1 (c.190C > T, c.1679C > T and two copy number variations [CNVs]), NRXN2 (c.808dup, c.1901G > T), NRXN3 (c.3889C > T), and NLGN1 (c.269C > G, c.473T > A) gene variants. In addition, three novel variants were identified in the NRXN1 (c.1679C > T), NRXN3 [c.3889C > T (p.Pro1297Ser)], and NLGN1 [c.473T > A (p.Ile158Lys)] genes. We emphasize the clinical findings of CNVs of the NRXN1 gene causing a more severe clinical presentation than single nucleotide variants of the NRXN1 gene in this study. We detected an NRXN2 gene variant (c.808dup) with low allelic frequency in two unrelated cases with the same diagnosis. We emphasize the importance of this variant for future studies. We suggest that NRXN2, NRXN3, and NLGN1 genes, which are less frequently reported than NRXN1 gene variants, may also be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Amorphous lithiophilic cobalt‐boride@rGO interlayer for dendrite‐free and highly stable lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wu Yu , Ma Fei , Zhang Ziheng , Chen Daiqian , Yu Hesheng , Zhang Xiaojuan , Ding Fei , Zhang Lin , Chen Yuanfu
Published: May 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are recognized to be crucial for secondary battery technology targeting electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. However, the undesirable growth of lithium dendrites would result in reduced capacity, short‐circuit, and overheating, seriously hindering the practical applications of LMBs. To address this issue, a neoteric lithiophilic interlayer on a commercial polypropylene separator is presented for the first time, which is constructed by amorphous CoB nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (CoB@rGO). Density Functional Theory calculations and experimental analysis reveal remarkable lithiophilicity features for CoB@rGO and provide multiple Li deposition sites and improved electrolyte wettability, which facilitates the formation of durable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), reduces side reactions, and improves Li+ flux regulation for long‐term cycling stability in LMBs. Taking advantage of these merits, the symmetric Li//Li cell with CoB@rGO/PP separator exhibits stable cycling for up to 1600 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. Employed with CoB@rGO separator, the Li//LiFePO4 full cell with a high LiFePO4 loading of 11 mg cm−2 delivers a high initial specific capacity of 115.3 mAh g−1 and a low decay rate of 0.08% per cycle after 200 cycles even at a high rate of 2C.
Scalable Jet‐Based Fabrication of PEI‐Hydrogel Particles for CO2 Capture
Authors: Jiang Jieke , van Daatselaar Eline , Wijnja Hylke , de Koning Gans Tessa , Schellevis Michel , Venner Cornelis H. , Brilman Derk W.F. , Visser Claas Willem
Published: May 2024

The capture, regeneration, and conversion of CO2 from ambient air and flue gas streams are critical aspects of mitigating global warming. Solid sorbents for CO2 absorption are very promising as they have high mass transfer areas without energy input and reduce emissions and minimize corrosion as compared to liquid sorbents. However, precisely tunable solid CO2 sorbents are difficult to produce. Here, we demonstrate the high‐throughput production of hydrogel‐based CO2‐absorbing particles via liquid jetting. By wrapping a liquid jet consisting of an aqueous solution of cross‐linkable branched polyethylenimine (PEI) with a layer of suspension containing hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, monodisperse droplets with a silica nanoparticle coating layer was formed in the air. A stable Pickering emulsion containing PEI droplets was obtained after these ejected droplets were collected in a heated oil bath. The droplets turn into mm‐sized particles after thermal curing in the bath. The diameter, PEI content, and silica content of the particles were systematically varied, and their CO2 absorption was measured as a function of time. Steam regeneration of the particles enabled cyclic testing, revealing a CO2 absorption capacity of 6.5 ± 0.5 mol kg−1 solid PEI in pure CO2 environments and 0.7 ± 0.3 mol kg−1 solid PEI for direct air capture. Several thousands of particles were produced per second at a rate of around 0.5 kg per hour, with a single nozzle. This process can be further scaled by parallelization. The complete toolbox for the design, fabrication, testing, and regeneration of functional hydrogel particles provides a powerful route toward novel solid sorbents for regenerative CO2 capture.
Imidazolium Dicyanomethylides as N‐Ylide Precursors of Anionic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Kahnert Sean Ray , Namyslo Jan C. , Rissanen Kari , Nieger Martin , Schmidt Andreas
Published: May 2024

In the past, the use of nitrogen ylides focused primarily on cycloadditions, where the 1,3‐dipole was used as a building block for the formation of heterocycles such as pyrroles or pyrrolinones. In this work, we present a new perspective on imidazolium dicyanomethylides with their synthesis and utilization as anionic N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The values of relative carbene formation energies (CREF) for a wide range of substituted imidazolium ylides unknown in the literature showed promising properties. In situ trapping reactions of these anionic NHCs with selenium led to anionic, water‐soluble compounds that exhibited remarkable coordination behavior according to X‐ray structure analyses. In addition, the 77Se shifts of the investigated compounds were measured to draw conclusions about their π‐acceptance.
EDA Complex from BCP‐Thianthrenium Salt: A Catalyst‐Free Strategy To Access 1‐Trifluoromethyl‐3‐quinoxaline Derivatives Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes
Authors: Zhang Guofu , Luo Zijin , Mei Guangyao , Wang Haibo , Ding Chengrong
Published: May 2024

The construction of bicyclo[1.1.1.]pentanes (BCPs) typically require the cumbersome use of labile [1.1.1.]propellane in solution and involve multicomponent radical reactions, which commonly produce undesired by‐products that hinder the efficient construction of BCPs. In this paper, we present a catalyst‐free strategy by constructing an electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex utilizing the naturally electron‐deficient nature of BCP thianthrenium salt, which were irradiated with visible light to obtain trifluoromethyl‐BCP radicals through a SET process, subsequently reacted with various substituted quinoxalines. Moreover, the successful structural modification of drug molecule derivatives confirm the utility of this scheme in the field of drug discovery.
Modification of the electrokinetic motion of microalgae through light illumination for viability assessment
Authors: Li Deyu , Jiang Rui , Li Jun , Liu Zhen , Ahmed Yasmeen Zamir , Zhao Qiankun , Song Yongxin , Li Mengqi
Published: May 2024

The viability detection of microalgae with the electrokinetic (EK) technique shows vast applications in the biology and maritime industry. However, due to the slight variations in the EK properties between alive and dead microalgae cells, the accuracy and practicability of this technique is limited. In this paper, the light illumination pretreatment was conducted to modify the EK velocity of microalgae for enhancing the EK difference. The effects of the illumination time and light color on the EK velocities of Chlorella vulgaris and Isochrysis galbana were systematically measured, and the EK differences between alive and dead cells were calculated and compared. The results indicate that under light illumination, the photosynthesis of the alive cells leads to the amplification of the zeta potential, leading toward increase in the EK difference along with the illumination time. By using light with different color spectra to treat the microalgae, it was found that the EK difference changes with the light color according to the following order: white light > red light > blue light > green light. The difference in EK potential with exposure to white light treatment surpasses over 10‐fold in comparison to those without such treatment. The light pretreatment technique, as illustrated in this study, offers an advantageous strategy to enhance the EK difference between living and dead cells, proving beneficial in the field of microalgae biotechnology.
Experimental research on the reflection and response characteristics of pressure pulse waves for different gas pipeline blockage materials
Authors: Liang Huiyong , Ma Wenwen , Yan Kele , Zhao Jiafei , Shen Shi , Chu Jiawei , Li Xingbo , Zhang Shuangqing , Lu Xingyu , Zhao Linan
Published: May 2024

Natural gas pipelines are exposed to complex production and transportation environments, leading to blockages of varying compositions and forms due to various factors. This paper proposes a pressure pulsing wave‐based pipe blockage detection method, and a series of pipeline blockage detection experiments of different materials are carried out, including hydrate blockage, ice blockage, paraffin blockage, and water blockage. Through the blockage detection calculation theory and the reflection and transmission characteristics during pressure wave emission, the blockage position, length, and section blockage rate under different blockage materials are obtained, and the influence of different blockage materials on the reflection and transmission signal characteristics of the pressure pulse wave is analyzed. The results show that the solid blocking material does not noticeably impact the reflectivity and reflective properties of pressure waves, and different cross‐sectional shapes have a noticeable impact on the reflectivity of the pressure wave. The reflected wave waveform of the liquid blockage material is visible but irregular. The average error of blockage location is 0.78%.
Pore morphology changes and quantitative analysis and evaluation of high‐rank coal samples after impact
Authors: Wang Yixian , Han Qijun , Yue Jiwei
Published: May 2024

The influencing mechanism of impact loads on the pore morphology of high‐rank coal has been extensively investigated since mining safety is greatly determined by the ensuing state of gas occurrence. In this work, we propose a combined use of a scanning electron microscope and Image Pro Plus software to examine the impact‐induced changes in pore characteristics. Impact loads of 0, 28.46, 51.8, and 58.7 MPa were applied to the coal samples in various directions (parallel/vertical/45° oblique). The results show that the pore connectivity of coal samples is enhanced following the impact load, and the number and diameter of pores are significantly increased on the whole. Surface porosity and roundness of the coal body first rise and then fall as the impact load increases. Following the impact load, surface porosity and roundness of the coal body significantly increase in the vertical and oblique bedding directions, while decreasing in the horizontal bedding direction.
A multistage forecasting model for green bond cost optimization with dynamic corporate risk constraints
Authors: Hu Zinan , Yang Ruicheng , Borjigin Sumuya
Published: May 2024

This study develops a multi‐stage stochastic model to forecast the issuance of green bonds using the Filtered Historical Simulation (FHS) method to identify the most cost‐effective conditions for issuing these bonds amid various risk factors. Drawing on historical yield data and financial metrics of corporate green bonds from December 2014 to June 2023, the model considers fluctuating elements such as risk probabilities, financial risks in worst‐case scenarios, and liquidity risks at upcoming issuance moments. Our findings reveal the model's effectiveness in pinpointing the lowest possible costs of issuing new green bond portfolios in the future, while also addressing expected financial risk, risk occurrence probability, and liquidity issues. The results provide issuers with the insights needed to accurately time the market, tailor bond maturities according to a corporation's future risk profile, and enhance liquidity management. Notably, our model indicates that refining the estimated probability of future risk occurrences can lead to significant savings in green bond issuance costs. This approach allows for adaptable bond issuance strategies, addresses inherent debt, and enables detailed risk management, offering substantial benefits for green enterprises navigating the complexities of future financial landscapes.
Time‐varying risk preference and equity risk premium forecasting: The role of the disposition effect
Authors: Qiao Kenan , Xie Haibin
Published: May 2024

This study examines whether the disposition effect can explain time‐varying risk preference and predict the equity risk premium. To do so, we propose an augmented general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH)‐in‐Mean model unraveling the complex relationship between unrealized gains/losses, realized returns, and the equity risk premium. In our model, the risk aversion coefficient varies with the market state of unrealized gains/losses. Using data from the US stock markets, we show strong evidence that the disposition effect drives time‐varying risk preference: The risk aversion coefficient is significantly positive during periods of unrealized gains, but insignificant during periods of unrealized losses. These findings reconcile the conflicting results of the risk‐return trade‐off in existing literature. Moreover, our model shows significant predictability of the equity risk premium, both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. Incorporating our model's predictions can yield substantial utility gains for a mean‐variance investor. Our results indicate that the disposition effect leads to time‐varying risk preference and thus induces equity risk premium predictability.
Effects of short‐ and long‐term use of propolis extracts on liver and kidney in rats
Authors: Silici Sibel , Demiray Sevim , Okan Aslı , Ertuğrul Sena , Alizada Sahar , Doğanyiğit Züleyha
Published: May 2024

Propolis is widely used as a supplementary food product for its health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of commercial propolis extracts on the liver and kidney. Propolis extracts (250 mg/kgbw/day) were administered orally to adult male Wistar albino rats in solvents of ethanol, propylene glycol, water, and olive oil. Liver enzyme levels were determined biochemically in blood samples, and histopathological examinations were performed on the liver. Damage rate in both kidney tissue in the propolis‐ethanol extract group increased significantly compared with the other groups after 30 and 90 days of application (p < .05). According to the results, ethanol, used as a common solvent in propolis products, may adversely affect the liver in long‐term use. The data indicate that propolis‐olive oil extract may be an essential alternative due to its effective and reliable properties.
Preparation of oyster peptide and Pfaffia glomerata pressed candy and its ameliorative effect on sexual dysfunction in male mice
Authors: Huang Qianqian , Wu Haiying , Xiao Xiangxin , Qin Xiaoming , Liu Suqing
Published: May 2024

Oyster peptide (OP) and Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) were used as raw materials. The optimal formulation of the pressed candy (PC) was optimized by one‐way experiment and D‐optimal mixture experiment design, and animal experiment was used to evaluate the effect of PC on male sexual dysfunction. The results showed that PC intervention significantly improved the sexual behavior of male mice with sexual dysfunction, including a significant shortening of the mount latency (ML) and intromission latency, and a significant increase in the mount frequency (MF) and intromission frequency (IF). At the same time, the concentrations of serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in mice were restored, and the erectile parameters and pathological changes of penile tissue were improved. Further studies found that PC intervention increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue. In addition, PC intervention improved testicular tissue morphology. In conclusion, the obtained PC has good taste quality, and the relevant quality indicators are qualified. It has a good ameliorative effect on male sexual dysfunction and may be a potential dietary supplement.
Exploration of critical care nurses' challenges in caring for enterocutaneous fistula as a complication for an open abdomen: A qualitative study
Authors: Chipu Mpho G. , Kearns Irene , Modula Mantji J.
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Enterocutaneous fistula is a severe complication of an open abdomen, which poses devastating challenges for critical care nurses. The study aimed to explore and describe the challenges faced by critical care nurses caring for patients with enterocutaneous fistulas in a tertiary public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was conducted to understand the challenges experienced by the critical care nurses caring for patients with enterocutaneous fistulas. The standards for reporting qualitative research checklists are utilized. The study conducted four semistructured focus group interviews with six members in each group.

Results

Critical care nurses revealed two overarching themes: the challenges regarding difficult nursing care and the lack of resources to provide quality patient care. Care of patients with ECF highlighted that nurses were not coping with the care of such patients.

Conclusion

Collaboration of a multidisciplinary team involving dieticians, surgeons, and enterostomal therapy nurses could improve the management of ECF without surgical intervention, increase the knowledge and skills of nurses, alleviate their challenges, and yield safe patient outcomes. Standardized and updated protocols will ensure the best practices toward quality patient care that facilitate healing, closure, and reducing mortality and morbidity rates. The key principles for caring for patients with open abdomen, presenting with enterocutaneous fistulas, are based on correcting fluids and electrolytes, nutritional optimization and support, control of abdominal sepsis, wound care management, pain control, and emotional support to critical care nurses and ward nurses.
Overstaying our welcome: On the rise of women's seniority in the academy
Authors: Stadnyk T. A.
Published: May 2024

Issues surrounding gender equality are—and should be—front and centre in the water resources community, and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Very necessarily, the focus tends to be on recruitment, offering support for students and early career academics. The leaky pipeline concept used to describe the incremental loss of women from STEM fields with career duration describes a disproportionate loss of senior women, creating a parallel problem where highly qualified, top tier academics are lost from the system after significant financial and personnel investment by institutions. Ultimately, the leaky pipeline undermines the extensive investment of the hydrology and other STEM communities in equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) recruitment and retention programmes by cutting short career ambitions and the trajectories of diverse top performing individuals, resulting in no net benefit of EDIA policy investments and a lack of diversity with seniority. Addressing this critical gender gap requires the attention and support of the hydrology community of practice with specific focus on generating opportunities for advancement, confronting systemic and structural biases and improving education around allyship. Institutions and professional organizations need to consciously grow diversity in leadership and recognize and outwardly manage the perception of academic excellence around slow research and education that attracts increased diversity. Supporting allyship, reducing competitiveness among community members and reinforcing collaboration will not only attract, but retain, a higher proportion of diversity in the hydrology community, academia and STEM professions in general. It is time for the water resources (and other STEM) communities to demand broader accountability and recognition of the barriers to women, implement and reward more diverse definitions of research excellence, and offer allyship training to the community of practice at large.