bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Botanicals on Seed Quality Enhancement in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] on Yield and Yield Attributes
Authors: Sathya Sai Krishna K.  , Vijayan Roshni , Bastine Dijee , Palathingal Vidhu Francis , Moossa P. P.
Published: December 2023

The field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi of Kerala Agricultural University with the objective to understand the effect of seed treatment using different organic leaf extracts on the growth and yield of cowpea.  The experimental design was used for the layout of the design in Randomized Block Design, with three replications and nine treatments. The experiment was conducted with 9 treatments viz., the 5% leaf extracts of Calotropis (T1), Pappaya (T2), Pongamia (T3), Castor (T4), Moringa (T5), Vitex (T6), Neem (T7), Tulsi (T8), Control with distilled water (T9). Different field observations revealed that the seed hardening significantly influenced the seed yield and yield contributing characters of cowpea. The highest yield was recorded due to seed hardening treatment with Pongamia 5% leaf extract (T3) for 4 hrs followed by Calotropis 5% leaf extract (T1) for 4 hrs. All the seed hardening treatments had significant effects on yield contributing characters like plant height at maturity, number of branches(primary and secondary) per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plot(kg/ha) and dry matter production at harvest.  The nodule count at flowering and total chlorophyll content at maturity were also found to be significantly different among the treatments. The seeds hardened with Pongamia leaf extract (5%) (T3) for 4 hrs recorded higher field emergence with maximum grain yield (716 Kg/ha), plant height at maturity (145.07 cm), number of primary branches per plant (3.60), seed yield per plant (g) (13.69 g), and seed yield (716 kg/ha) followed by Calotropis leaf extract (5%) (T1) for 4 hrs with a seed yield of 694 kg/ha.
Evaluation of Soil Nutrient Status of Regional Research Station Farm, Paiyur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sangeetha M.  , Kumaraperumal R. , Prabhu P. C. , Vijayakumar M. , Suganya S. , Parasuraman P. , Rani M. S. Aneesa
Published: December 2023

Soil fertility evaluation of Regional Research Station farm, Paiyur, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India was done for efficient land use planning and crop production. Soil testing provides information on soil available nutrient status and serves as basis for making fertilizer prescription to crops. Soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm depth from each and every field of Regional Research Station farm, Paiyur and analysed for their nutrient status. The results revealed that the farm soils were slightly alkaline (pH 7.69) in reaction, non saline (0.06 dSm-1), low in organic carbon (0.41 per cent) and available nitrogen (238 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (24.8 kg ha-1) and medium in potassium (177 kg ha-1) status. The nutrient index value of organic carbon and available nitrogen were <1.66 and categorized under low fertility status. The nutrient index value for available phosphorus >2.33 and categorized under high and available potassium was 1.66-2.33 and grouped under medium category.
Influence of Temperature and Length of Storage on the Heat of Respiration of Cocoyam Varieties during Storage
Authors: Bebelede S. M.  , Ijabo O. J.  , Awulu J. O.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the impact of temperature and storage duration on cocoyam varieties' heat of respiration during storage. Four cocoyam cultivars ("EDE BUJJI," "AGBAKA," "EDE OFE," and "COCONDIYA") were exposed to temperatures of 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C for up to 30 days. The heat of respiration, a crucial indicator of metabolic activity, was measured to understand the physiological responses to varying storage conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that temperature significantly influences the heat of respiration in cocoyam varieties. Higher temperatures correspond to increased heat of respiration, reflecting heightened metabolic activity. Storage duration also affects the heat of respiration, initially showing elevated activity followed by stabilization or gradual decline. Importantly, our findings reveal that temperature near bacterial development (40°C) does not significantly affect the heat of respiration readings obtained. ANOVA analysis confirms the significant impact of temperature and storage duration on heat of respiration. An interaction effect between these factors underscores their combined influence. Mean separation analysis identifies distinct temperature subsets with significant heat of respiration differences, emphasizing temperature-specific metabolic effects. Therefore, this study advances our understanding of heat of respiration in cocoyam storage. Findings offer insights into cocoyam's metabolic responses under diverse conditions, with the crucial note that temperatures near bacterial development do not distort heat of respiration readings. This information informs preservation strategies and contributes to sustainable cocoyam management. Further research into underlying biochemical mechanisms will enhance our grasp and aid in optimizing cocoyam post-harvest practices.
CONTEXTOS ENTRE DANÇA E POLÍTICA
Authors: Braga Marília Rameh Reis de Almeida
Published: December 2023

Proponho a reflexão sobre algumas questões no campo da cultura e da arte, mais especificamente da dança no pós-pandemia, frente à instabilidade dos seus fazedores. Para isso, o recorte foi dado a partir da atuação de dois agrupamentos: o Dança de PE, criado em 2017 com atuação em pautas emergenciais, e a Cia. Artefolia, grupo artístico fundado em 1993, que cria diálogos com danças populares, ambos impactados pela pandemia no estado de Pernambuco. Para o desenvolvimento, foram analisadas situações vividas pelos dois coletivos, com abordagem de aspectos das políticas culturais, das práticas coletivas em conjunturas de precariedade, através de relatos de experiências e apontamentos com perspectivas de esperança, sobretudo na tessitura das redes coletivas de atuação para reinvenção das suas metodologias e modos que propiciem o engajamento, sejam eles de grupos de dança ou mobilizações políticas, para que as atualizações recentes advindas da retomada, em 2023, do Ministério da Cultura e da Funarte possam de fato capilarizar as políticas culturais.
PRÁTICAS DE PERFORMATIVAS E O CONFLITO DA MEMÓRIA NA COLÔMBIA
Authors: Borelli Melissa Blanco , Sorzano Olga Lucía , Rosa Cristina Fernandes
Published: December 2023

Este artigo examina Corpografías, um arquivo digital que documenta as práticas artísticas das comunidades afrodescendentes e indígenas da Colômbia e seu papel na memória, paz e reconciliação no Pacífico colombiano. Ele combina dança, teatro e estudos de performance com ciências sociais e humanidades digitais, colocando as comunidades afrodescendentes e indígenas no centro do desenvolvimento do arquivo. O projeto desafia a marginalização dessas comunidades, destacando sua agência e dignidade, e abordando a interconexão entre conflito, justiça, paz e reconciliação na Colômbia. Corpografías enfatizaa importância da arte e da cultura em contextos de conflito, contribuindo para discussões sobre justiça cognitiva. Além disso, ele proporciona espaços seguros para encontros comunitários e solidariedade, fomentando a união e a expressão coletiva. O projeto explora os processos que contribuem para a arte e a cultura, ao mesmo tempo que aborda as reivindicações estruturais das comunidades em relação a território, identidade, recursos e tradições. Em última análise, Corpografías amplifica as vozes e o conhecimento das comunidades afrodescendentes e indígenas, desafiando narrativas dominantes e apoiando a resiliência e a produção artística dessas comunidades.
Territórios negros
Authors: De Santana Filho Diosmar Marcelino , Góes Emanuelle Freitas , Ferreira Andrêa Jacqueline Fortes
Published: December 2023

A expansão da pandemia da COVID-19 revela as escalas das desigualdades no Brasil, pelas estruturas criadas para gestão da pandemia, numa realidade que viola o acesso aos direitos à população negra nas cidades de Salvador e do Rio de Janeiro. A análise sobre desigualdades raciais nas duas cidades é fundamentada em bases teóricas e metodologias sobre racismo e desigualdades em espaços ordenados pelo colonialismo. As políticas públicas de combate ao vírus refletem as cidades desiguais, com alta desumanidade em garantir direitos aos bens e serviços essenciais, alicerçados no não reconhecimento dos direitos para totalidade da população. A pandemia se coloca no aprofundamento dessa desumanidade e mostra, no planejamento urbano, as fraquezas, no que se constituiu em décadas com a legalização da criminalização das ocupações negras, que buscam na terra favela ou periférica o acolhimento da exclusão resultante do mercado da terra e da paisagem urbana.
Vizinhanças de parentesco
Authors: Torres Gilma Mosquera , Calderón Ángela María Franco
Published: December 2023

As comunidades afrodescendentes que habitam a região colombiana do Pacífico têm tradições e características culturais que denotam o grande significado que a vida em comunidade representa para elas. A partir dessa premissa e, diante de um processo de pesquisa de longa duração, foram identificados as vizinhanças de parentesco como formas de representação socioespacial da vida coletiva nessas comunidades, fundamentadas em princípios como a solidariedade, a troca e a cooperação. Por meio da lente do urbanismo e da arquitetura vernácula, este artigo explora os princípios básicos da vida coletiva como tradição cultural, partindo da análise do povoamento rural para logo identificar a reinterpretação de características próprias desse povoamento nos núcleos urbanos. Recorrendo a análises tipológicas em diversas escalas e em diversos âmbitos, busca-se demonstrar a persistência das vizinhanças de parentesco até hoje e contribuir ao debate sobre as políticas públicas que vem desconhecendo as tradições culturais arraigadas nesses territórios, mediante a imposição de um urbanismo e de uma arquitetura genéricos nos projetos de moradia social.
The Efficacy of the Current ADHD Training Programs in Saudi General Education Elementary Schools: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aljumah Laila Abdulwahab , Alhaddad Fatimah Abdullah
Published: December 2023

We conducted a systematic review to estimate the efficacy of current attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) training programs delivered to general education elementary school teachers (GEESTs) in Saudi Arabia and understand how well Saudi GEESTs are prepared to work with students with ADHD. OneSearch@IU and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies. The included studies were published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2023, written in English or Arabic, addressed GEESTs and students with ADHD, and reported on GEESTs’ ADHD knowledge, use of effective strategies for students with ADHD, and/or judgments about the ADHD training programs. Data were extracted and synthesized independently by the two authors based on content analysis and predefined inclusion criteria. Overall, Saudi GEESTs’ knowledge of ADHD was inadequate. Differences in teachers' ADHD knowledge might be attributed to different factors such as age, gender, years of teaching experience, and training related to ADHD. The current ADHD training programs directed toward the Saudi GEESTs increased ADHD knowledge. However, the satisfaction level of GEESTs regarding the ADHD training programs they received was not high. The present ADHD training programs provided to GEESTs in Saudi Arabia did not satisfy teachers and impacted the application of effective strategies to teach students with ADHD. As such, these programs must be improved to better consider teachers’ needs.
Estimated Savings From the Medicare Shared Savings Program
Authors: Ryan Andrew M. , Markovitz Adam A.
Published: December 2023

Importance

The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) is the largest and most important alternative payment model that has been implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Its budgetary impact to CMS is not well understood.

Objective

To evaluate the association between the MSSP and net savings to CMS for performance years 2013 to 2021.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The economic evaluation used publicly reported data on the MSSP from April 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021, and estimates extracted from 2 prior studies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Net savings to CMS, calculated as the difference between incentive payments to MSSP accountable care organizations and gross spending reductions. Incentive payments were calculated using the publicly reported data. The association of the MSSP with gross medical spending in traditional Medicare was extracted from 2 prior studies. Spillovers of the MSSP to Medicare Advantage (MA) were estimated by evaluating how net spending changes from the MSSP impacted benchmark payments to MA plans. Net savings from traditional Medicare and MA were then combined.

Results

The MSSP was associated with net losses to traditional Medicare of between $584 million and $1.423 billion over the study period. Losses from MSSP-related reductions to MA benchmarks totaled between $191 million and $640 million. Across traditional Medicare and MA, the MSSP was associated with losses of between $775 million and $2.063 billion. This represents approximately 0.028% of combined spending for traditional Medicare and MA over the study period.

Conclusions and Relevance

This economic evaluation found that the MSSP was associated with net losses to CMS. The total budget impact of the MSSP to CMS was small and continues to be uncertain due to challenges in estimating the effects of the MSSP on gross spending, particularly in recent years.
Assessment of peatland burning in Scotland during 1985–2022 using Landsat imagery
Authors: Spracklen B. D. , Spracklen D. V.
Published: December 2023

In the Scottish uplands, prescribed burning of moorland vegetation is widely practised either to boost gamebird numbers for recreational shooting or to improve livestock grazing. In recent years, this system of land management has become controversial due to concerns over the potential impacts on ecosystem services. However, there are limited data on the extent, distribution or frequency of burning and it is unclear whether there are long‐term trends in burning. Crucially, the extent of burning on peat soils is not well known.

We used a time series of Landsat imagery covering 7750 km2 of moorland in Eastern Scotland to detect annual variation in area burnt from 1985 to 2022. Burnt areas were detected using annual changes in Normalised Burn Ratio.

An accuracy evaluation conducted over eight sites covering 415 km2 using a combination of Google Earth imagery, and field studies suggested a user's accuracy of 90% and a producer's accuracy of 77%.

We estimate an average annual mean area burnt of 61 km2 with large interannual variability and no significant change in area burnt over the 38‐year study period. We estimate that 32% of burning (19 km2 year−1) occurred on deep peat soils with no reduction in burning on deep peat after the revision of national guidelines (the Muirburn Code) in 2017 recommended ceasing this practice.

We find that in Eastern Scotland there has been no significant change in moorland area burnt over the last four decades. The fractional area burnt that is on deep peat is a matter of management concern.
Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics Utilizing Intrinsic Charge Generation in Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Sharma Anirudh , Gasparini Nicola , Markina Anastasia , Karuthedath Safakath , Gorenflot Julien , Xu Han , Han Jianhua , Balawi Ahmed , Liu Wenlan , Bryant Daniel , Bertrandie Jules , Troughton Joel , Paleti Sri Harish Kumar , Bristow Helen , Laquai Frederic , Andrienko Denis , Baran Derya
Published: December 2023

In organic semiconductors, a donor/acceptor heterojunction is typically required for efficient dissociation of excitons. Using transient absorption spectroscopy to study the dynamics of excited states in non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), it is shown that NFAs can generate charges without a donor/acceptor interface. This is due to the fact that dielectric solvation provides a driving force sufficient to dissociate the excited state and form the charge‐transfer (CT) state. The CT state is further dissociated into free charges at interfaces between polycrystalline regions in neat NFAs. For IEICO‐4F, incorporating just 9 wt% donor polymer PTB7‐Th in neat films greatly boosts charge generation, enhancing efficient exciton separation into free charges. This property is utilized to fabricate donor‐dilute organic photovoltaics (OPV) delivering a power conversion efficiency of 8.3% in the case of opaque devices with a metal top‐electrode and an active layer average visible transmittance (AVT) of 75%. It is shown that the intrinsic charge generation in low‐bandgap NFAs contributes to the overall photocurrent generation. IEICO‐4F‐based OPVs with limited PTB7‐Th content have high thermal resilience demonstrating little drop in performance over 700 h. PTB7‐Th:IEICO‐4F semitransparent OPVs are leveraged to fabricate an 8‐series connected semitransparent module, demonstrating light‐utilization efficiency of 2.2% alongside an AVT of 63%.
Facile Fabrication of Flexible and High‐Performing Thermoelectrics by Direct Laser Printing on Plastic Foil
Authors: Tian Yuan , Florenciano Isidro , Xia Heyi , Li Qiyuan , Baysal Hasan Emre , Zhu Daiman , Ramunni Eduardo , Meyers Sebastian , Yu Tzu‐Yi , Baert Kitty , Hauffman Tom , Nider Souhaila , Göksel Berfu , Molina‐Lopez Francisco
Published: December 2023

The emerging fields of wearables and the Internet of Things introduce the need for electronics and power sources with unconventional form factors: large area, customizable shape, and flexibility. Thermoelectric (TE) generators can power those systems by converting abundant waste heat into electricity, whereas the versatility of additive manufacturing suits heterogeneous form factors. Here, additive manufacturing of high‐performing flexible TEs is proposed. Maskless and large‐area patterning of Bi2Te3‐based films is performed by laser powder bed fusion directly on plastic foil. Mechanical interlocking allows simultaneous patterning, sintering, and attachment of the films to the substrate without using organic binders that jeopardize the final performance. Material waste could be minimized by recycling the unexposed powder. The particular microstructure of the laser‐printed material renders the—otherwise brittle—Bi2Te3 films highly flexible despite their high thickness. The films survive 500 extreme‐bending cycles to a 0.76 mm radius. Power factors above 1500 µW m−1K−2 and a record‐low sheet resistance for flexible TEs of 0.4 Ω sq−1 are achieved, leading to unprecedented potential for power generation. This versatile fabrication route enables innovative implementations, such as cuttable arrays adapting to specific applications in self‐powered sensing, and energy harvesting from unusual scenarios like human skin and curved hot surfaces.
19.32% Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Fine‐Tuning Stacking Modes of Y‐Type Molecule Acceptors: Synergistic Bromine and Fluorine Substitution of the End Groups
Authors: Deng Min , Xu Xiaopeng , Duan Yuwei , Qiu Wuke , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: December 2023

The success of Y6‐type nonfullerene small molecule acceptors (NF‐SMAs) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) can be attributed to their unique honeycomb stacking style, which leads to favorable thin‐film morphologies. The intermolecular interactions related to the crystallization tendency of these NF‐SMAs is closely governed by their electron accepting end groups. For example, the high performance Y6 derivative L8‐BO (BTP‐4F) presents three types of stacking modes in contrast to two stacking modes of Y6. Hence, it is ultimately interesting to obtain more insight on the packing properties and the preferences influenced by chemical modifications such as end group engineering. This work designs and synthesizes asymmetric and symmetric L8‐BO derivatives with brominated end groups and explores the stacking preferences in various modes. The asymmetric BTP‐3FBr displays an optimized crystallization tendency and thin film morphology, leading to a decent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.34% in binary devices and a top PCE of 19.32% in ternary devices containing 15 wt% IDIC as the second acceptor.
Organic High‐Temperature Synaptic Phototransistors for Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Zhang Junyao , Yang Ben , Li Li , Liu Xu , Xu Yutong , Wu Yue , Guo Pu , Sun Tongrui , Dai Shilei , Liang Haixia , Wang Jun , Zou Yidong , Xiong Lize , Huang Jia
Published: December 2023

Organic optoelectronic synaptic devices that can reliably operate in high‐temperature environments (i.e., beyond 121°C) or remain stable after high‐temperature treatments have significant potential in biomedical electronics and bionic robotic engineering. However, it is challenging to acquire this type of organic devices considering the thermal instability of conventional organic materials and the degradation of photoresponse mechanisms at high temperatures. Here, high‐temperature synaptic phototransistors (HTSPs) based on thermally stable semiconductor polymer blends as the photosensitive layer are developed, successfully simulating fundamental optical‐modulated synaptic characteristics at a wide operating temperature range from room temperature to 220°C. Robust optoelectronic performance can be observed in HTSPs even after experiencing 750 h of the double 85 testing due to the enhanced operational reliability. Using HTSPs, Morse‐code optical decoding scheme and the visual object recognition capability are also verified at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, flexible HTSPs are fabricated, demonstrating an ultralow power consumption of 12.3 aJ per synaptic event at a low operating voltage of −0.05 mV. Overall, the conundrum of achieving reliable optical‐modulated neuromorphic applications while balancing low power consumption can be effectively addressed. This research opens up a simple but effective avenue for the development of high‐temperature and energy‐efficient wearable optoelectronic devices in neuromorphic computing applications.
Flavin‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C−C Bond Formation by Metal/Light‐Free Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Miyake Hazuki , Iida Hiroki
Published: December 2023

Biomimetic flavin catalysts enable green and selective aerobic oxidative transformations. However, most previous studies tended to focus on reproducing the enzymatic function of flavin monooxygenase, thereby limiting the applications of flavin catalysts to oxygen‐atom transfer reactions. We herein report a cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) between the sp3 C−H bond of tetrahydroisoquinolines and the sp3 and sp2 C−H bonds of carbon nucleophiles, such as α‐methylene carbonyl compounds, nitromethane, and indoles, for C−C bond formation promoted by flavin catalysts. Flavin catalysis enables the oxidative C−H activation of tetrahydroisoquinolines and the efficient activation of molecular oxygen (1 atm) under mild and metal/light‐free conditions, thus facilitating a green aerobic CDC that generates benign water as the sole by‐product.
Stereoselective Copper‐Catalyzed Olefination of Imines
Authors: Baumann James E. , Chung Crystal P. , Lalic Gojko
Published: December 2023

Alkenes are an important class of organic molecules found among synthetic intermediates and bioactive compounds. They are commonly synthesized through stoichiometric Wittig‐type olefination of carbonyls and imines, using ylides or their equivalents. Despite the importance of Wittig‐type olefination reactions, their catalytic variants remain underdeveloped. We explored the use of transition metal catalysis to form ylide equivalents from readily available starting materials. Our investigation led to a new copper‐catalyzed olefination of imines with alkenyl boronate esters as coupling partners. We identified a heterobimetallic complex, obtained by hydrocupration of the alkenyl boronate esters, as the key catalytic intermediate that serves as an ylide equivalent. The high E‐selectivity observed in the reaction is due to the stereoselective addition of this intermediate to an imine, followed by stereospecific anti‐elimination.
Unveiling the Latest Advancements in Vanadium Carbide MXene based Supercapacitors and their Future Trends
Authors: Karamat S. , Kashif M. , Anwar Sameen , Batool Unsia , Talha Muhammad , Khalique Uzma , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: December 2023

Vanadium‐carbide‐based MXenes have bewitched the scientific community due to their distinctive characteristics, which make them potential candidates for several technological applications, such as supercapacitors (SCs), batteries, gas separation, biological sensors, and desalination. This article provides an overview of recent developments in the synthesis and applications of vanadium‐carbide MXene in SCs. Vanadium carbide is one of the most difficult MXenes to synthesize, and various synthesis techniques, including electrochemical exfoliation and chemical etching, have been utilized to fabricate this material. Additionally, the review article also emphasizes the potential use of vanadium carbide MXene as SCs. Finally, the paper concludes with the challenges faced in the synthesis process and the prospects of vanadium carbide MXene‐based material fabrication. Overall, this review article provides in‐depth and detailed information on recent research on vanadium carbide MXene and its possible uses.
TMSCl Promoted Direct Conversion of Cyclic Anhydrides to (Un)Symmetric‐Diesters/Amide Esters
Authors: Johny Meera , Manikandan Amuda , Rajendar Goreti
Published: December 2023

We present a mild, efficient, and one‐pot method for the silyl‐promoted transformation of cyclic anhydrides into homo‐ and hetero‐dicarboxylic acid diesters and amide esters. This versatile reaction operates under ambient conditions, on a gram scale, and accommodates a wide range of alcohols, amines, and cyclic anhydrides. The one‐pot process involves a two‐step sequence, starting with the nucleophilic opening of anhydride by an amine or alcohol, followed by esterification. TMSCl serves a dual role, acting as a sacrificial reagent to removein situwater and as a Lewis acid to promote the anhydride opening. The reaction proceeds successfully in the absence and presence of a base, as confirmed by NMR and crossover experiments, which validated the formation of dicarboxylic acid monoester and alkyl silyl mixed diester respectively. Controlled experiments have shown that the one‐pot process yields higher efficiencies when compared to the same reaction conducted using a two‐step process. This is the first comprehensive study demonstrating a broad substrate scope for the conversion of cyclic anhydride into diesters and amide esters. The method finds application in the synthesis of various commercial plasticizers.
Gender diversity in a Chinese community sample and its associations with autism traits
Authors: van der Miesen Anna I. R. , Shi Sylvia Yun , Lei Hoi Ching , Ngan Cho Lam , VanderLaan Doug P. , Wong Wang Ivy
Published: December 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that gender dysphoria or gender diversity (GD) intersects frequently with autism spectrum disorder or autism traits. However, the magnitude and interpretation of this link continue to be debated. Most child studies on this topic were performed in clinical populations, and little is known about the generalizability of this co‐occurrence to the broader community, especially to non‐Western samples. Also, little is known about whether specific subdomains of autism are more strongly associated with GD. Therefore, we investigated GD and its association with autism traits in a Chinese community sample of 4–12‐year‐olds (N = 379; 51% birth‐assigned girls). Parents provided information about GD characteristics using the standardized Gender Identity Questionnaire for Children and autism traits using the Chinese version of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient‐Children. In addition, broader behavioral and emotional challenges were measured by the Behavior Problem Index (BPI) to account for psychological challenges other than autism traits. In this community sample of Chinese children, increased GD was associated with increased autism traits, even after accounting for the BPI. Of the four subscales, the Imagination and Patterns subscales in birth‐assigned girls and the Imagination subscale in birth‐assigned boys were especially associated with GD. These findings indicate that the association between GD and autism traits generalizes to a nonclinical, non‐Western sample. Clinicians and researchers working with clinical as well as community children should thus pay attention to the co‐occurrence of GD and autism traits, in and outside the West.
Exploring the dynamics of astaxanthin production in Haematococcus pluvialis biofilms using a rotating biofilm‐based system
Authors: Morgado David , Fanesi Andrea , Martin Thierry , Tebbani Sihem , Bernard Olivier , Lopes Filipa
Published: December 2023

Microalgae biofilm emerged as a solid alternative to conventional suspended cultures which present high operative costs and complex harvesting processes. Among several designs, rotating biofilm‐based systems stand out for their scalability, although their primary applications have been in wastewater treatment and aquaculture. In this work, a rotating system was utilized to produce a high‐value compound (astaxanthin) using Haematococcus pluvialis biofilms. The effect of nitrogen regime, light intensity, and light history on biofilm traits was assessed to better understand how to efficiently operate the system. Our results show that H. pluvialis biofilms follow the classical growth stages described for bacterial biofilms (from adhesion to maturation) and that a two‐stage (green and red stages) allowed to reach astaxanthin productivities of 204 mg m−2 d−1. The higher light intensity applied during the red stage (400 and 800 µmol m−2 s−1) combined with nitrogen depletion stimulated similar astaxanthin productivities. However, by training the biofilms during the green stage, using mild‐light intensity (200 µmol m−2 s−1), a process known as priming, the final astaxanthin productivity was enhanced by 40% with respect to biofilms pre‐exposed to 50 µmol m−2 s−1. Overall, this study shows the possibility of utilizing rotating microalgae biofilms to produce high‐value compounds laying the foundation for further biotechnological applications of these emerging systems.
Assessment of 2022 European LeukemiaNet risk classification system in real‐world cohort from China
Authors: Chen Enbo , Jiao Changqing , Yu Jian , Gong Yu , Jin Duo , Ma Xiaoyu , Cui Jianling , Wu Zhonghui , Zhou Junjie , Wang Haixia , Su Bobing , Ge Jian
Published: December 2023

Background

The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification system for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients has been used worldwide. In 2022, the ELN risk classification system modified risk genes including CEBPA mutation status, myelodysplasia‐related (MR) gene mutations and internal tandem duplications of FLT3 (FLT3‐ITD).

Methods

We include newly diagnosed de novo AML patients at our center from January 2017 to December 2021, regardless of the further treatment received. Clinical data and date of survival were included. Survival analysis were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log‐rank test was used to compare survival between different risk groups.

Results

We include 363 newly diagnosed de novo AML patients from 2017 to 2021 to assess the accuracy of the ELN risk classification system. Their survival results show that the ELN‐2022 risk classification system is not superior to the ELN‐2017 version; for patients with FLT3‐ITD mutations but without FLT3 inhibitor treatment, their survival is similar to the ELN‐2022 adverse risk group. The ELN‐2022 risk classification system cannot accurately clarify ECOG performance status (PS) 2–4 patients, especially in the ELN‐2022 favorable risk group.

Conclusion

The ELN‐2022 risk stratification system may not be appropriate for patients unable to receive intensive therapy or FLT3 inhibitor; more real‐world data is needed to straify patients with worse ECOG PS and inferior intensive therapy.
Prognostic gene expression profile testing to inform use of adjuvant therapy: A survey of melanoma experts
Authors: Fastner Suzanne , Shen Nathan , Hartman Rebecca I. , Chu Emily Y. , Kim Caroline C. , Kirkwood John M. , Grossman Douglas
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate current practices and attitudes regarding use of adjuvant immunotherapy and prognostic gene expression profile (GEP) testing among melanoma medical and surgical oncologists.

Methods

An anonymous RedCap‐based survey was emailed to ~300 melanoma experts.

Results

Respondents generally favored adjuvant immunotherapy over observation (73% for all Stage IIIA, 50% for Stage IIB/IIC) and cited a minimum 10‐year recurrence risk of 11%–20% (48%) or 21%–30% (33%) to justify treatment, but acknowledged that risks of serious adverse events may outweigh potential benefits for some Stage IIB/IIC patients. While GEP test results did not strongly influence decision‐making regarding follow‐up or intervention, most were receptive to randomized trials using GEP testing to identify subsets of Stage IIB/IIC (74%) and Stage IB/IIA (54%) patients who may not or may, respectively, benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

Although most respondents do not routinely use GEP testing, many would participate in clinical trials to determine clinical utility.
The causal relationship between osteoarthritis and bladder cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Xi , Wen Zengjin , Xing Zixuan , Zhou Xiaoyu , Yang Zhiluo , Dong Ruijun , Yang Jiao
Published: December 2023

Objective

The causal association between osteoarthritis (OA) and bladder cancer remains unclear. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study was carried out to assess the potential causal effects of any OA, knee OA and hip OA, and bladder cancer.

Method

Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data for OA and bladder cancer were obtained in GWAS CATALOG, UK Biobank, and FinnGen Consortium. Inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) approach was primarily conducted to evaluate the causal relationships between OA and bladder cancer, and MR‐Egger intercept and Cochran's Q test were mainly used to estimate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. MR‐PRESSO was used to test the presence of horizontal outliers. Leave‐one‐out analysis was utilized to ensure the reliability of the results.

Results

A higher genetic predisposition to any OA has a causal association with bladder cancer risk, while neither knee OA nor hip OA is causally linked to bladder cancer. MR‐Egger intercept analysis exhibited that any OA and knee OA had no pleiotropic effect on the risk of bladder cancer, and Cochran's Q test showed that any OA, knee OA and hip OA had no heterogeneity on bladder cancer risk. Neither MR PRESSO analysis nor leave‐one‐out analysis revealed any outlier SNPs.

Conclusions

This MR study exhibited a positive cause‐and‐effect relationship between any type of OA and bladder cancer risk, but not between site‐specific OA, knee OA and hip OA, and bladder cancer. Attention should be paid to the screening and prevention of bladder cancer in OA patients at any site.
Wav2Lip‐HR: Synthesising clear high‐resolution talking head in the wild
Authors: Liang Chao , Wang Qinghua , Chen Yunlin , Tang Minjie
Published: December 2023

Talking head generation aims to synthesize a photo‐realistic speaking video with accurate lip motion. While this field has attracted more attention in recent audio‐visual researches, most existing methods do not achieve the simultaneous improvement of lip synchronization and visual quality. In this paper, we propose Wav2Lip‐HR, a neural‐based audio‐driven high‐resolution talking head generation method. With our technique, all required to generate a clear high‐resolution lip sync talking video is an image/video of the target face and an audio clip of any speech. The primary benefit of our method is that it generates clear high‐resolution videos with sufficient facial details, rather than the ones just be large‐sized with less clarity. We first analyze key factors that limit the clarity of generated videos and then put forth several important solutions to address the problem, including data augmentation, model structure improvement and a more effective loss function. Finally, we employ several efficient metrics to evaluate the clarity of images generated by our proposed approach as well as several widely used metrics to evaluate lip‐sync performance. Numerous experiments demonstrate that our method has superior performance on visual quality and lip synchronization when compared to other existing schemes.
Assessment of Drimia delagoensis (Jessop) Baker Total Phenol, Flavonoids Content and Antioxidant Activity of Both Bulb and Leaves
Authors: Ndaba Nokuthula , Fotsing Marthe Carine Djuidje , Govender Penny Poomani
Published: December 2023

Drimia delagoensis has been utilized for its medicinal properties since antiquity. The bulb and leaves are predominantly composed of secondary metabolites that exhibit biological activity. The quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the assessment of antioxidant activity was conducted using the Folin‐Ciocalteus method, coulometric analysis, DPPH and the FRAP assays. The ethyl acetate, aqueous, and hexane extracts of the bulb exhibited significantly high total phenolic contents (167.9000±0.3376 μg GAE/mg, 56.2500±0.0043 μg GAE/mg, and 26.4000±0.0198 μg GAE/mg, respectively) compared to the ethyl acetate (49.4400±0.1341 μg QE/mg), aqueous (9.5200±0.1274 μg QE/mg), and hexane leaf extracts (1.8091±0.0049 μg QE/mg). On the other hand, the ethyl acetate leaf extract exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The ethyl acetate extract of D. delagoensis, was identified as a significant source of natural antioxidants, and its use in the management of diabetic foot ulcers linked with oxidative stress is supported.
Short‐term soil carbon mineralization on golf course sand‐based putting green and its effect on creeping bentgrass nitrogen uptake
Authors: Zhou Qiyu , Soldat Douglas J. , Ruark Matthew D.
Published: December 2023

A rapid soil test for accurately estimating nitrogen (N) supply from soil organic matter would help turfgrass managers develop N fertilization programs. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using a quick test, mineralizable carbon (min‐C), to predict turfgrass growth and N uptake from sand‐based putting green soils. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted in Verona, WI, on four sand‐based research golf greens planted with creeping bentgrass. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 0, 10, and 20 kg ha−1every 2 weeks as liquid urea during the growing seasons. Soil samples were collected at 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm and tested for min‐C by measuring the flush of CO2following the rewetting dried soil, where the soil was rewetted at 50% water‐filled pore space and incubated at 25°C for 24 h. Min‐C was greater at the shallower soil depth, and unaffected by N rates that were applied. On‐site air temperature, soil moisture content, and estimated soil temperature were negatively related with min‐C, wherer2 = 0.26–0.60 for air temperature,r2 = 0.32–0.71 for soil moisture content, andr2 = 0.16–0.53 for estimated soil temperature, indicating the test is quite sensitive to environmental conditions at the time of sampling. Furthermore, min‐C had weak positive to no relationship with creeping bentgrass growth rate (r2 = 0–0.17) and N uptake (r2 = 0–0.23) on sand‐based putting green, suggesting the test does not hold promise as a method for improving fertilizer decisions to these systems.
Polypyrrole regulates Active Sites in Co‐based Catalyst in Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells
Authors: Kang Lin , Liu Cheng , Ye Jinyu , Niu Wenzhe , Cui Xiaowen , Zhu Yajie , Xue Liangyao , Zhang Jiaqi , Zheng Lirong , Li Youyong , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2023

Direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) convert borohydride (NaBH4) chemical energy into clean electricity. However, catalytic active site deactivation in NaBH4 solution limits their performance and stability. We propose a strategy to regulate active sites in Co‐based catalysts using polypyrrole modification (Co−PX catalyst) to enhance electrochemical borohydride oxidation reaction (eBOR). As an anode catalyst, the synthesized Co−PX catalyst exhibits excellent eBOR performance in DBFCs, with current density of 280 mA ⋅ cm−2 and power density of 151 mW ⋅ cm−2, nearly twice that of the unmodified catalyst. The Co‐PX catalyst shows no degradation after 120‐hour operation, unlike the rapidly degrading control. In‐situ electrochemical attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIRS) and density functional theory (DFT) suggest that polypyrrole‐modified carbon support regulate the charge distribution, increasing oxidation state and optimizing adsorption/desorption of intermediates. A possible reaction pathway is proposed. This work presents a promising strategy for efficient polymer‐modulated catalysts in advanced DBFCs.
Response of pollinator taxa to fire is consistent with historic fire regimes in the Sierra Nevada and mediated through floral richness†
Authors: Tarbill Gina L. , White Angela M. , Sollmann Rahel
Published: December 2023

Many fire‐prone forests are experiencing wildfires that burn outside the historical range of variation in extent and severity. These fires impact pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide, but how the effects of fire are mediated by burn severity in different habitats is not well understood. We used generalized linear mixed models in a Bayesian framework to model the abundance of pollinators as a function of burn severity, habitat, and floral resources in post‐fire, mid‐elevation, conifer forest, and meadow in the Sierra Nevada, California. Although most species‐level effects were not significant, we found highly consistent negative impacts of burn severity in meadows where pollinators were most abundant, with only hummingbirds and some butterfly families responding positively to burn severity in meadows. Moderate‐severity fire tended to increase the abundance of most pollinator taxa in upland forest habitat, indicating that even in large fires that burn primarily at high‐ and moderate‐severity patches may be associated with improved habitat conditions for pollinator species in upland forest. Nearly all pollinator taxa responded positively to floral richness but not necessarily to floral abundance. Given that much of the Sierra Nevada is predicted to burn at high severity, limiting high‐severity effects in meadow and upland habitats may help conserve pollinator communities whereas low‐ to moderate‐severity fire may be needed in both systems.
Trajectory change of left ventricular ejection fraction after rhythm control for atrial fibrillation in heart failure
Authors: Si Jinping , Sun Yuxi , Bai Lin , Tse Gary , Ding Zijie , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Yanli , Chen Xuefu , Xia Yunlong , Liu Ying
Published: December 2023

Aims

Rhythm control therapy has shown great benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). However, few studies have evaluated the effects of rhythm control on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trajectory across the whole HF spectrum. Our study explored the prevalence and predictors of LVEF trajectory changes and their prognostic implications following rhythm control.

Methods and results

Depending on the treatment strategy, the cohort was classified into rhythm and rate control groups. Alterations in HF types and LVEF trajectory were recorded. The observational endpoints were all‐cause mortality and HF‐related admission. Predictors of LVEF trajectory improvement in the rhythm control group were evaluated. After matching, the two groups had similar age [mean age (years): rhythm/rate control: 63.96/65.13] and gender [male: rhythm/rate control: n = 228 (55.6%)/233 (56.8%)]. Based on baseline LVEF measurement, the post‐matched cohort had 490 HF with preserved ejection fraction (rhythm/rate control: n = 260/230; median LVEF: 58.00%/57.00%), 99 HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (rhythm/rate control: n = 50/49; median LVEF: 45.00%/46.00%), and 231 HF with reduced ejection fraction (rhythm/rate control: n = 100/131; median LVEF: 32.50%/33.00%). Trajectory analysis found that the rhythm control group had a greater percentage of LVEF trajectory improvement than the rate control group [80 (53.3%) vs. 71 (39.4%), P = 0.012]. Cox regression analysis also showed that the rhythm control group was more likely to have improved LVEF trajectory compared with the rate control group {hazard ratio [HR] 1.671 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.196–2.335], P = 0.003}. In the survival analysis, the rhythm control group experienced significant lower risks of all‐cause mortality [HR 0.600 (95% CI 0.366–0.983), P = 0.043] and HF‐related admission [HR 0.611 (95% CI 0.496–0.753), P < 0.001]. In the rhythm control subgroup, E/e′ [odds ratio (OR) 0.878 (95% CI 0.792–0.974), P = 0.014], left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter [OR 0.874 (95% CI 0.777–0.983), P = 0.024], and CHA2DS2‐VASc score (congestive HF, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, vascular disease, age 65–74 years, and sex category) [OR 0.647 (95% CI 0.438–0.955), P = 0.028] were identified as three independent predictors of LVEF trajectory improvement.

Conclusions

Rhythm control is associated with improved LVEF trajectory and clinical outcomes and may thus be considered the optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with both HF and AF.
Touch‐Enabled Self‐Powered Elastomeric Keypad for Mapping Human Input and an Emergency Alert via Triboelectric Effect
Authors: Sukumaran Charanya , Abdul Basith Sayyid , Vivekananthan Venkateswaran , Kim Sang‐Jae , Chandrasekhar Arunkumar
Published: December 2023

The demand for smart, flexible electronics and wearable devices has been increasing rapidly, thereby making the user comfortable by bridging the gap between humans and machines. Herein, groundbreaking research in the field of wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and their innovative applications are presented by exploring a novel silicone elastomer‐based TENG. Different approaches involve the creation of wearable flexion and ring sensors for harvesting biomechanical energy from the natural finger joint motions and for sensing finger movements, wherein the silicone film acts as triboelectric negative material and human skin acts as the positive material. Additionally, the article describes the development of a touch keypad comprising 12 silicone film‐based TENG devices arranged in a 3 × 4 keypad array. Each keypress results in triboelectrification, converting mechanical energy into electrical power. Integrating an Arduino microcontroller and a graphical user interface provides user‐friendly and interactive functionality for recognizing and visualizing keypresses. Most notably, the article introduces the novel concept of an emergency alarm system, the “global emergency tracker system,” employing the 12‐keypad array. Users can trigger security alerts by pressing specific key patterns, such as “SOS” or “911.” This work showcases the potential of TENGs in wearable technology, human–machine interfaces, and security systems, pushing the boundaries of energy harvesting and practical applications in diverse fields. The combination of materials, device designs, and applications highlights the innovative nature of this research, promising advancements in sustainable energy generation and personal safety.