bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
МОДЕРНИЗАЦИЯ КОМПЛЕКСА ПЛАЗМЕННОЙ ПЕРЕРАБОТКИ РАДИОАКТИВНЫХ ОТХОДОВ
НОВОВОРОНЕЖСКОЙ АЭС, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: ПЕРЕСЛАВЦЕВ А.В. , ВОЩИНИН С.А. , АРТЕМОВ А.В. , КОРОБЦЕВ С.В. , АГАФОНКИН В.Б. , ЧЕМОДАНОВ Н.С. , ПЕТРЕНКО П.И.
Published: December 2023

По результатам анализа работы существующей шахтной плазменной печи предложена перспективная конструкция плавильной камеры плазменной печи производительностью 250–300 кг отходов в час для модернизации плазменной печи Комплекса плазменной переработки радиоактивных отходов Нововоронежской АЭС. Предлагаемая конструкция печи имеет осесимметричную форму с равномерным расположением 4-х плазмотронов. Приведены данные о размерах и материалах плазменной печи. Конструкция печи предусматривает использование как плазмотронов, так и подовых нагревателей, что повышает её надежность. Выполнены тепловые расчёты работы плавильной камеры плазменной печи для различных вариантов, которые показали возможность использования выбранной конструкции. Предложен способ модернизации действующей плазменной печи Комплекса плазменной переработки радиоактивных отходов Нововоронежской АЭС заменой на предлагаемую конструкцию.
Viewers Perception of the ICU “Chumba Cha Umbea” Television Programme of DSTV’s Maisha Magic Bongo Channel in Adherence to Ethical Values in Tanzania
Authors: Hussein Eshe M. , Mwila Prospery M.
Published: December 2023

The study set out to explore viewers’ perceptions of the ICU “Chumba Cha Umbea” Program of DSTV’s Maisha Magic Bongo Channel in adherence to journalism ethics in Tanzania. The study relied on a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collated from a sample size of 85 respondents using a questionnaire and key informant interviews. This was also supplemented by a rigorous review of the ICU “Chumba cha Umbea” Television Programme. The study findings showed that the obsession by most of the viewers is what is entertaining to them, irrespective of whether such programmes fall short of the requirements governing the journalism profession in the country. The findings indicate that most of the respondents preferred to watch the programme at home with their family members. This study contributes to an area that has not been adequately researched and holds the potential to improve the journalism code of ethics landscape in the country.
Role of Water Users Association in Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Sanya-Kware Sub-Catchment, Tanzania
Authors: Mwakalila Esau S. , Mwila Prospery M.
Published: December 2023

Many African governments have adopted decentralization policy by establishing water management structures to assist in the water resources management. Formation of new water user associations were considered to work on behalf of Basin Water Boards; To collect water user fees,to manage, distribute and conserve water from a source used jointly by the members of the association, to resolve conflicts between members of the association related to the joint use of a water resource  through established laws, to protect and conserve water sources and environments. However, it is not clear how the new water user associations functions to realize the goals of integrated water resources management. This study assessed the role of a newly created water user association in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment . The paper is based on three months of research in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment, Tanzania. The method used included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observations in  the sub-catchment.  Interviews and discussions were held with the leaders   of Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association, estates farm managers,Water Supply Trustees Managers,farmers and the Pangani Basin Water Office staff.  Field observations at the Sub-Catchment were carried to enhance quality of data. The results shows that the newly created Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association has not united all water users, reduced conflicts, nor promoted education to farmers on proper management of water resources. Farmers interviewed in the highland state that Sanya-Kware water users association is an association of few people and therefore has no legitimacy. This is mainly because in the highland,farmers have sufficient water and also they were not properly involved in the formation of the association. However, the water user association legitimacy and hence its functioning improves as one moves from highland to lowland areas where water is scarce. Although some of the water users from the village are cooperating others are reluctant to accept the newly created Water Users Association  in management of water resources.The complexity of the interaction between the state-led water user association and existing water  users appear to highlight the challenges of implementing integrated water resources management in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment. In order for the water user association to be effective, Pangani Basin Water Board need to put more emphasis on water users' education and awareness training at the sub-catchment level.
A Review on Preparation Techniques of Charge Transport Layer for Organic and Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yusuf A. S. , Ramalan A. M. , Abubakar A. A.
Published: December 2023

The fascinating behavior of charge transport layer in organic and inorganic perovskite solar cells has piqued the interest of designers of semiconductor SnO2 nanoparticles (PSC). The goal of this research is to look at several techniques for manufacturing SnO2 films for use as charge transport layers in PSC. To comprehend the link between the attribute of nanostructured SnO2 films and the efficiency of solar cells, special attention is devoted to the production and properties of the SnO2 thin films. The spin-coating deposition of SnO2 nano fluids generated via surface modification of nano-colloids composed of SnO2 has been one of the key techniques for obtaining SnO2 layers. It has also been reported that preparing SnO2 nanoparticles using Tin (IV) salts results in a high-quality SnO2 film. Light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of about 25.5% has been claimed in many PSC papers [1]. One benefit of adopting SnO2 materials is that they have substantially greater conductivity than TiO2. This work also discusses the production of SnO2 nanoparticles, a different method of generating SnO2 charge transport materials that may be accomplished by the process of freeze-drying precursors known as Tin (IV). SnO2 crystal formation may be regulated at temperatures as low as 700C.
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Value with Tax Avoidance and Sustainable Financial Performance as Mediators
Authors: Tanaya Graciella , Semuel Hatane , Devie Devie
Published: December 2023

Research confirms the influence of corporate social responsibility on firm value through tax avoidance and sustainable financial performance. Corporate social responsibility is measured based on the ESG disclosure score. In contrast, firm value is measured using Tobin's Q. Tax avoidance is measured using the effective tax rate, and sustainable financial performance is measured using return on assets. The samples analyzed in this research were 93 public companies listed on the IDX from all sectors. This research uses a purposive sampling method to produce reports on 93 companies in 5 years of company financial reports in 2017-2021. Data analysis used the Partial Least Square SEM technique. The analysis results show that corporate social responsibility has a significant direct effect on firm value, while the mediating role of tax avoidance and sustainable financial performance is not proven. In this research, it can be seen that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a direct influence on firm value. This shows that stakeholders rely on CSR as a positive image of the company, as in several previous research results, it can describe the value of the company, which has an impact on investors' decisions to invest but indirectly does not influence tax avoidance and sustainable financial performance. The results of this research can provide an additional understanding of the previous theoretical concept that CSR can directly influence firm value. The strategic implications, of course, depend on company decision-makers in communicating CSR activities in their reports when they want investors' attention to the firm value.
Respiration in Electroactive Bacteria: Bioinorganic Aspects
Authors: Behan James A. , Louro Ricardo O. , Barrière Frédéric
Published: December 2023

This article gives an up‐to‐date (2023) account on the bioinorganic basis for extracellular electron transfer (EET) in electroactive bacteria. These microorganisms connect their respiratory metabolism to extracellular solid electron acceptors or donors, typically metal oxides of iron or manganese. Thanks to this peculiar property, electroactive bacteria can develop as biofilms at electrodes, be studied electrochemically, and form the basis of diverse potential applications termed microbial electrochemical systems (MES). The metalloproteins forming the respiratory chain from NADH oxidation to the reduction of the terminal solid electron acceptor are described in detail for the most studied Gram‐negative electroactive strains developed at anodes:Shewanella oneidensisMR‐1 andGeobacter sulfurreducens. Although less efficient than their Gram‐negative counterpart and sometimes referred to as weak electricigens, an example of electroactive anodophile Gram‐positive bacteria,Thermincolasp., is also discussed. The key cytochromes involved in the electron transport chain are discussed such as outer membranec‐type cytochromes (Omc) and multiheme cytochromes, forming by self‐assembly up to micrometer‐long electron conductive extracellularpilior nanowires. The case of microorganisms that uptake electrons from solid extracellular electron donors is addressed with a highlight on photoferrotrophs and cathodic denitrifying bacteria. Finally, the common strategy developed by different bacteria to electrically connect different types of respiratory metabolism is stressed together with the apparent ubiquity of EET across life domains including archaea.
Effects of tirofiban on large vessel occlusion stroke are modified by etiology and renal function
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Fengli , Chen Liyuan , Huang Jiacheng , Sang Hongfei , Nguyen Thanh N. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Abdalkader Mohamad , Kong Weiling , Yang Jie , Guo Changwei , Gong Chen , Huang Liping , Pan Yanzhu , Wang Xinxin , Chen Yangmei , Qiu Zhongming , Zi Wenjie
Published: December 2023

Objective

Renal function can modify the outcomes of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke across stroke etiologies in disparate degrees. The presence of renal function deficit can also impair the pharmacokinetics of tirofiban. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the roles of renal function in determining efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban before endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

This study was a post hoc exploratory analysis of the RESCUE‐BT trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0–2) at 90 days, and the primary safety outcome was the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results

Among 908 individuals with available serum creatinine, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) status was noted more commonly in patients with cardioembolic stroke (CE), while large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was predominant in patients with normal renal function. In LAA with normal renal function, tirofiban was associated with higher rates of functional independence at 90 days (41.67% vs 59.80%, p = 0.003). However, for LVO patients with renal dysfunction, tirofiban did not improve functional outcomes for any of the etiologies (LAA, p = 0.876; CE, p = 0.662; others, p = 0.894) and significantly increased the risk of sICH among non‐LAA patients (p = 0.020). Mediation analysis showed tirofiban reduced thrombectomy passes (12.27%) and drug/placebo to recanalization time (14.25%) mediated its effects on functional independence.

Conclusion

This present study demonstrated the importance of evaluating renal function before administering intravenous tirofiban among patients with LVO who are planned to undergo EVT.
Finding areas of common ground essential to advancing the field
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2023

Along with the new money and attention that has been devoted to the addiction crisis have come new players and new opportunities for competition and, in some cases, conflict. As 2023 came to a close, ADAW asked leaders representing diverse sectors of the field to characterize the landscape in advocacy, and most reported seeing at least an honest attempt to find areas around which the prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery communities can coalesce.
Solvent‐Induced Deformation of Aramid Nanofibers for Ultrahigh‐Flux Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Ma Yuxi , Qin Si , Yang Guoliang , Wang Lifeng , Yang Tairan , Zang Hanwen , Chen Jinqiu , Liu Yuchen , Liu Dan , Lei Weiwei
Published: December 2023

Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), as promising organic nano building blocks for their high mechanical strength and thermal stability, are widely applied to fabricate energy‐efficient membranes for ionic and molecular sieving in aqueous solutions. However, the existing ANFs often have small diameters, limiting the permeability of the resulting membranes. Here, the ANFs with a diameter in the hundred‐nanometer scale are fabricated through a progressive protonation process, in which dimethylformamide as a secondary deprotonation solvent is added into dimethyl sulfoxide to provide a mild deformation environment. Then, the deformed ANFs are applied to prepare membranes with a larger pore size distribution and higher surface charge. Notably, the water flux of the resulting membranes can reach up to 410 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which is 40 times higher than commercially available nanofiltration membranes and much higher than currently reported ANF‐based membranes. Impressively, these membranes with super‐stable nanochannels maintain a high water flux of over 194 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 in a wide range of pH values from 4 to 10 and show excellent long‐term durability over 120 h. The application of deformed ANFs provides a new and promising approach for designing the next generation nanofiltration membranes which balance the trade‐off between permeability and selectivity.
Engineered Microglia‐Exosomes Coated Highly Twisting AIE Photothermal Agents to Efficiently Cross Blood‐Brain‐Barrier for Mild Photothermal‐Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Lin Xun , Sun Zhihong , Huang Shiyun , Liu Chuyao , Peng Jin , Li Yueying , Xiong Yue , Gao Hong , Chen Jianwei , Qi Junyang , Sun Chengming , Cai Lintao , Deng Guanjun , Deng Wenbin
Published: December 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has achieved remarkable therapeutic effects in cancer, but it is not effective in glioblastoma (GBM). The main reason is that it is difficult for drugs to penetrate blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) to GBM and lacks enough pre‐existing cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in GBM microenvironment. Here, two AIE photothermal agents (Fs and Fo) are synthesized with NIR‐II fluorescence emission and increase molecular twisting of AIE photothermal agents by simply changing one O atom into S atom, improving Fs photothermal conversion efficiency to 48%. Subsequently, engineered microglia‐exosomes AIE nanoparticles (EE@Fs‐NPs) are prepared by encapsulating Fs with microglia‐exosomes which express immune checkpoint LAG3 inhibitory antibody (anti‐LAG3) via genetic engineering technology. Engineered microglia‐exosomes endow that EE@Fs‐NPs cross BBB and target GBM, which successfully deliver anti‐LAG3 to GBM. Anti‐LAG3 highly reverses T cells exhaustion and generates TNF‐α for inhibiting the expression of heat shock proteins to enhance tumor cells thermosensitivity. Moreover, AIE photothermal agents of EE@Fs‐NPs generate mild photothermal therapy to destroy tumor cells and improve the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in GBM, which increases the responsiveness of ICB therapy. EE@Fs‐NPs produce powerful mild photothermal‐immune synergistic therapeutic effect, which will provide a therapeutic platform for the efficient treatment of GBM.
Integrated Biotic–Abiotic Solar Driven NADPH Regeneration Platform in Escherichia coli for Chemical Biomanufacturing Applications
Authors: Bachar Oren , Meirovich Matan M. , Yehezkeli Omer
Published: December 2023

The development of a biohybrid bacterium capable of self‐synthesizing photocatalytically active quantum dots (QDs) is reported using the expression of a template protein that dictates the QDs size and properties. This biotic–abiotic light‐harvesting module is utilized for solar‐driven NADPH regeneration within the living bacteria, facilitated by controlled expression of ferredoxin NADP+ reductase. It is shown that the co‐expression of the latter is crucial for the selective production of biologically active 1,4‐NADPH. Upon irradiation, an 8.5‐fold increase in intracellular NADPH/NADP+ levels is shown, creating a pool of reducing equivalents available for reductive biocatalysis. This module is then utilized for the activation of a solar‐driven synthetic cascade by co‐expressing the NADPH‐dependent imine reductase responsible for the generation of precious chiral amines. It is shown that the addition of a diffusing redox mediator is essential for maximizing cell performance. These results present a promising route toward the development of semi‐artificial photosynthetic processes in living cells.
US agricultural exports and the 2022 Mississippi River drought
Authors: Steinbach Sandro , Zhuang Xiting
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the impact of the 2022 Mississippi River drought on agricultural trade using counterfactual evaluation methods and detailed trade data at the US port level. The study examines how the drought disrupted agricultural shipments out of Louisiana ports and whether the disruption led to trade diversion to other ports. Our findings reveal that shipments out of Louisiana ports were 3.9% or $560 million below the counterfactual between July 2022 and January 2023. In addition, the dynamic treatment estimates provide evidence of immediate trade recovery after the drought receded in October 2022, indicating that the impact of the drought was short‐lived. Wheat exports were the most affected, experiencing a reduction in shipments from Louisiana ports of $150 million and being diverted to US ports on the West Coast. In contrast, corn and soybeans did not experience lasting trade destruction or diversion to other ports. Our analysis also reveals that export prices increased significantly above the counterfactual level at Louisiana ports, suggesting that the drought impacted the supply and export dynamics of agricultural commodities. In conclusion, this paper provides valuable insights into the short‐run implications of natural disasters on agricultural trade. [EconLit Citations: F14, Q17].
Unraveling Turkish agricultural market challenges: Consequences of COVID‐19, Russia–Ukraine conflict, and energy market dynamics
Authors: Urak Faruk
Published: December 2023

For a significant global segment, the volatility in grain prices presents a substantial menace to food accessibility and security. In the global pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict (RUW), numerous nations were caught off guard, exacerbating this predicament and leading to instances where citizens faced purchasing restrictions on sunflower oil. This study employs the VAR (1)‐Asymmetric BEKK‐Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) (1,1) model to assess the extent of risks stemming from the pandemic and RUW in critical Turkish agricultural commodity markets: namely, wheat, barley, corn, and sunflower oil. The analysis reveals that the conditional variances of their return series are positively influenced by short‐ and long‐term uncertainties. With the escalations in the global oil market, the enduring hazards within these selected markets in Türkiye have intensified concurrently. The COVID‐19 pandemic has induced a decrease in long‐term uncertainty within wheat and barley markets, wherein noteworthy spillover risks in the barley, corn, and sunflower oil markets have exacerbated risks in the corn market. Empirical findings imply that COVID‐19 and RUW disrupt the agricultural supply chain, leading to impediments in food provisioning and security. The outcomes provide valuable insights to fortify policies, guarantee consistent access to plant‐based protein, and address nutritional insecurity within the nation. These policy measures align with the initiatives undertaken by the United Nations and Türkiye, which actively engage in establishing a grain corridor to facilitate Ukraine's grain exports, thereby ensuring food security and safeguarding agricultural lands.  [EconLit Citations: A1, E3, G1, Q0, Q1, Q2, Q4].
Boosting CO2 electroreduction to HCOOH at high current density through tuning the electronic metal‐support interaction
Authors: Ning Chenjun , Wu Zhaohui , Bai Sha , Ren Jing , Li Shaoquan , Xiong Wenbo , Zheng Lirong , Zheng Jianwei , Song Yu‐Fei , Zhao Yufei
Published: December 2023

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2ER) to valuable chemicals, for example, HCOOH have received widespread attention, which still suffers from moderate Faradaic efficiency with low current regarding the wide industrial application of HCOOH. Herein, we employed a strategy of modifying electronic metal‐support interaction (EMSI) by fabricating Bi nanoparticles supported Ni‐modified Bi2O2CO3 (Bi/Ni‐BOC) heterostructure. The obtained Bi/Ni‐BOC exhibited high formate Faradic efficiency (FEHCOOH) of 97% at −2.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and above 90% within broad potential range (−1.7 to −2.2 V) in flow cell with superior stability at high current density of ~220 mA cm−2, and formate concentration can reach 2.4 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −2.3 V. In/ex situ x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicated that Ni doping promoted the enhancement of EMSI, which improved the generation and stable existence of electron‐rich Bi to boost CO2 activation and *OHCO hydrogenation, thus facilitating highly‐efficient formate production with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) inhibition.
Assessing the conservation status of mangroves in Rakhine, Myanmar
Authors: Lee Calvin K. F. , Nicholson Emily , Duncan Clare , Grantham Hedley S. , Keith David A. , Tizard Rob , Murray Nicholas J.
Published: December 2023

Ecosystem degradation is a key challenge that human society faces, as ecosystems provide services that are tied to human well‐being. Particularly, mangrove ecosystems provide important services to communities but are suffering heavy degradation, loss and potential collapse due to anthropogenic activities. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is a transparent and consistent framework for assessing ecosystems' risk of collapse and is increasingly used to inform legislation and ecosystem management globally.

Satellite data have become increasingly common in environmental monitoring due to their extensive spatial and temporal coverage. Here, recent advances in analyses using satellite‐derived data were implemented to reassess the conservation status of the ‘Rakhine mangrove forest on mud’, an important intertidal ecosystem in Myanmar, extending a previous national Red List assessment that assessed the ecosystem as Critically Endangered.

By incorporating additional data sources and analyses, the extended assessment produced more robust results and reduced the uncertainty in the previous assessment. Overall, the ecosystem was assessed as Critically Endangered (range: Vulnerable to Critically Endangered) as a result of historical mangrove extent loss. Recent losses and biotic disruptions were also observed, which would have led to the ecosystem being assessed as Vulnerable.

While the final outcome of the Red List assessment remained at Critically Endangered due to the historical state of the mangroves pre‐dating the temporal coverage from satellite data, the uncertainty of the ecosystem's status was reduced, and the reassessment highlighted the recent areal changes and mangrove degradation that has occurred.

The importance of conducting reassessments when new data become available is discussed, and a template for future mangrove Red List assessments that use satellite data as their primary source of information to improve the robustness of their results is presented.
Robust tracking control for nonlinear fractional order delayed systems: Modified repetitive control approach
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Parvin , Tavakoli‐Kakhki Mahsan
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on the problem of perturbation suppression and tracking control of nonlinear fractional order systems with time‐varying delay. To simplify the control process for such systems, the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model is used to describe the nonlinear fractional order delayed systems. Additionally, a modified repetitive controller is applied to develop an output feedback technique for the proposed systems. To ensure system stability, the study establishes new delay‐dependent stabilization conditions using a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF). These stability conditions are expressed in formation of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) by adopting a frequency‐distributed model transformation and some slack matrices. The proposed method demonstrates that the system output can track the desired input with ignorable error, while effectively rejecting disturbances. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed method is evaluated through simulations of the modified Chua circuit and the hydraulic turbine governing system (HTGS).
The Fluoride Method: Access to Silver(III) NHC Complexes
Authors: Pueyo Juan , Joven‐Sancho Daniel , Martín Antonio , Menjón Babil , Baya Miguel
Published: December 2023

We have synthesized the first silver(III) carbene complexes, (CF3)3Ag(NHC), by direct reaction of the silver(III) fluoride precursor complex [PPh4][(CF3)3AgF] with different imidazolium salts. This novel methodology circumvents the use of free NHC molecules. The silver(III) carbene complexes thus prepared are unprecedented and show remarkable thermal stabilities. They display square‐planar or square‐pyramidal geometry. Following our calculations, the electronic structure of a model representative complex exhibits Inverse Ligand Field (ILF). The compounds reported herein are synthetic analogues of the elusive difluorocarbene and carbonyl species proposed as intermediates in the acidic decomposition of [Ag(CF3)4]−. The synthetic procedure reported is envisaged to enable access to carbene complexes of other late transition‐metals in high oxidation states.
Perspectives and Potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers in the German Energy Scenario
Authors: Herzinger Elisabeth , Wolf Moritz
Published: December 2023

The energy transition is a global process and requires new import routes for energy demanding countries like Germany. Countries with great potential for renewable energy production may become key players in the global energy transition. In this contribution, we assess the potential of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology. LOHCs enable an energy‐efficient storage and transportation using existing infrastructure for liquid hydrocarbons. Exemplary roles of LOHCs in the German energy landscape are illustrated. Lastly, LOHC demonstration projects in Germany are presented.
Enumeration potential of environmental DNA for Pacific salmon stock assessments
Authors: Su Geoffrey Y. , Allison Michael J. , Beblow Jordan , Koch Kevin , Anderson Jeffrey , M'Gonigle Leithen K. , Cleveland Mark , Helbing Caren C. , Marlatt Vicki L.
Published: December 2023

The field of environmental DNA (eDNA) has advanced over the past decade, with multiple approaches available for a variety of sampling media and species. While using eDNA for the purpose of simply detecting species is becoming a routine process, the utility of eDNA to estimate species abundance is not well understood. Here, we quantify salmon environmental DNA upstream of a fish counting fence along with river velocity, and together, use these values to determine the correlation between the number of salmon passing by the fish fence daily with daily eDNA rates in water before, during, and after the salmon spawning season for four Pacific salmonids (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, O. kisutch, O. tshawytscha, and O. nerka; pink, coho, chinook, and sockeye, respectively). Throughout the spawning season, approximately 182,000 salmon were counted passing through the fence, of which >98% were pink salmon. Pink salmon exhibited strong correlation between human counts (effect size = 0.65, SE = 0.040) to eDNA rates in the present study and exhibited day‐to‐day variation and a unimodal profile rising and falling with human fish counts. However, the salmon species observed in much lower numbers exhibited a much weaker correlation with eDNA levels higher during the pre‐migratory period than during the migratory period for sockeye, coho, and chinook. Thus, for salmon spawning runs with less than ~1000 adults and daily counts of less than ~100, the juvenile and/or prior seasons eDNA signal appears to be indistinguishable from the adult spawning eDNA signal in our river system. However, for the large pink salmon run, eDNA rates appeared to reflect a local signal of salmon in space and time, essentially tracking these fish within days of passing through the eDNA sampling site.
Elemental composition and evaluation of noncarcinogenic risks of bee pollen from different Turkish areas
Authors: Temizer İlginç Kızılpınar
Published: December 2023

Bee pollen is a complex compound formed by the honey bee through a mixture pollen, nectar, and bee saliva. It contains many elements that have importance for the human biochemical process. However, when the content of minerals in the pollen exceeds the biological limit, it can be toxic to health. This study aimed to assess and identify the presence of 16 essential (potassium [K], phosphorus [P], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], sodium [Na], iron [Fe], silicon [Si], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], boron [B], copper [Cu], molybdenum [Mo], nickel [Ni], chromium [Cr], selenium [Se], and cobalt [Co]) and 16 nonessential elements (aluminum [Al], beryllium [Be], barium [Ba], arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], mercury [Hg], thallium [Tl], lithium [Li], antimony [Sb], vanadium [V], lead [Pb], rubidium [Rb], strontium [Sr], cesium [Cs], titanium [Ti], and uranium [U]) in bee pollen samples from different floral sources in Turkey, while also evaluating the noncarcinogenic risks associated with bee pollen. A melissopalynological investigation was conducted to identify the plant origins of the bee pollen samples. Thereafter, the levels of 32 elements in bee pollen samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Finally, calculations were performed to determine the recommended dietary allowance percentage (RDA%), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The bee pollen samples had varying levels of macro, trace, and ultratrace elements, with K, P, Ca, Mg, and Na being the most abundant macro elements and Ti, Ba, Ni, Cr, and V being the least abundant ultratrace elements. The RDA% values for essential elements in bee pollen were found to vary, with Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cr having the highest levels. The results of the THQ and HI calculations demonstrated that consuming bee pollen at recommended rates did not pose a risk to the health of adults or children. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1575–1585. © 2023 SETAC

Key Points

Bee pollen contains varying levels of macro, trace, and ultratrace elements. Bee pollen offers a natural source of essential nutrients for human health, including potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and molybdenum (Mo). Comparing estimated daily intake values for bee pollen elements with the reference dose (RfD) values suggested no health risk for both adults and children. A health risk assessment (target hazard quotient and hazard index) indicates bee pollen consumption is safe.
The landscape of alterations affecting epigenetic regulators in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Roles in leukemogenesis and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Walia Yashna , de Bock Charles E. , Huang Yizhou
Published: December 2023

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is an aggressive malignancy accounting for 10%–15% of pediatric and 20%–25% of adult ALL cases. Epigenetic irregularities in T‐ALL include alterations in both DNA methylation and the post‐translational modifications on histones which together play a critical role in the initiation and development of T‐ALL. Characterizing the oncogenic mutations that result in these epigenetic changes combined with the reversibility of epigenetic modifications represents an opportunity for the development of epigenetic therapies. Oncogenic mutations and deregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Ten‐Eleven Translocation dioxygenases (TETs), Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and members of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) have all been identified in T‐ALL. This review focuses on the current understanding of how these mutations lead to epigenetic changes in T‐ALL, their association with disease pathogenesis and the current efforts to exploit these clinically through the development of epigenetic therapies in T‐ALL treatment.
mRNA‐based chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy: Basic principles, recent advances and future directions
Authors: Xiao Kaiting , Lai Yanming , Yuan Wenxu , Li Shengjie , Liu Xingxing , Xiao Zebin , Xiao Heng
Published: December 2023

Non‐viral vector chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells have garnered increasing attention due to their ability to efficiently eradicate cancer cells while mitigating undesirable side effects. However, the current methods for engineering chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells employ viral vectors that result in permanent CAR expression and potentially severe negative impacts. As a solution to these challenges, triggering transitory expression of CARs in T cells via messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising strategy. Currently, electroporation is a common method used to introduce the mRNA encoding the CAR into the T cells. Moreover, there has been increasing attention on the exploration of innovative mRNA delivery systems, including lipid, polymer‐based nanoparticle, exosomes and peptide transduction domains. Additionally, we also explored the functions of different types of mRNA in mRNA‐based CAR‐T cell therapy. The auxiliary mRNA, exemplified by systems such as megaTAL and nuclease transposon systems, demonstrates its capacity to extend CAR‐T cell viability and survival. This perspective offers the current state of mRNA‐based CAR‐T cell therapy and provides valuable insights into future research avenues.
Two‐ and one‐photon absorption spectra of aqueous thiocyanate anion highlight the role of symmetry in the condensed phase
Authors: Sarangi Ronit , Nanda Kaushik D. , Krylov Anna I.
Published: December 2023

We present the two‐photon absorption (2PA) spectrum of aqueous thiocyanate calculated using high‐level quantum‐chemistry methods. The 2PA spectrum is compared to the one‐photon absorption (1PA) spectrum computed using the same computational protocol. Although the two spectra probe the same set of electronic states, the intensity patterns are different, leading to an apparent red‐shift of the 2PA spectrum relative to the 1PA spectrum. The presented analysis explains the intensity patterns and attributes the differences between the 1PA and 2PA spectra to the native symmetry of isolated SCN, which influences the spectra in the low‐symmetry solvated environment. The native symmetry also manifests itself in variations of the polarization ratio (e.g., parallel vs. perpendicular cross sections) across the spectrum. The presented results highlight the potential of 2PA spectroscopy and high‐level quantum‐chemistry methods in studies of condensed‐phase phenomena.
What explains collective action: The impact of social capital, incentive structures and economic benefits
Authors: Skreli Engjell , Xhoxhi Orjon , Imami Drini , Rama Klodjan
Published: December 2023

This study focuses in testing the power of reciprocity and leadership as collective action incentive structures and cooperation economic benefits in explaining collective action initiation in the context of a post‐communist transition economy. The paper is based on a structured survey targeting Albanian export‐oriented farmers. Different from most previous studies, this paper uses both regression analysis and machine learning procedure which is better suited for analysing non‐linear relationships. The empirical findings are at odds with common sense that non‐cooperation is the dominant strategy, because the presence of tolerant reciprocators and leadership resources provide promising incentive structures for collective action development.
One‐Step Preparation of Ph‐Sensitive and Antibacterial Calcium Alginate Fibers: In Situ Reduction Method and Original Solution Dyeing
Authors: Hu Jin‐jing , Sun Zeng‐hui , Wu Zi‐wei , Tu Chao , Cui Li , Tan Yao‐jun
Published: December 2023

Calcium alginate fiber has become an ideal raw material for wound dressing preparation due to its excellent moisture absorption and biological compatibility. There are still some problems such as bacterial contamination of wounds and difficult observation of wound healing in the actual use process. To avoid bacterial contamination of the wound and visually observe the wound healing situation, a calcium alginate fiber with pH‐responsive and antibacterial properties has been developed by the facile and eco‐friendly one‐step method. In order to make the calcium alginate fiber can be used intelligently to continuously monitor wound changeable pH, the fiber is originally solution dyed by alizarin dye. And the antibacterial property of this calcium alginate fiber is mainly from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are in situ reduced by alginate in the spinning solution. This one‐step wet spinning method can avoid the subsequent complicated process required for calcium alginate fiber functionalization while ensuring the material properties. Owing to the existence of AgNPs, the calcium alginate fiber prepared has a significant antibacterial effect on two kinds of gram bacteria. Therefore, this calcium alginate fiber exhibits good pH‐responsive and antibacterial properties performance and is an improvement upon the current flexible pH sensor to indicate wound healing.
Set that record straight! Cardinal line orientations in music album artwork boost market performance and music consumption
Authors: Joye Yannick , Fennis Bob M.
Published: December 2023

In three studies, we examine the effect of music album artwork on album market performance and music consumption. Based on the perceptual preference for visual stimuli with cardinal (orthogonal) over oblique (tilted) line/edge orientations (a phenomenon known as the “oblique effect”), albums with a predominance of cardinal line/edge orientations in their artwork should perform better than albums with more oblique artwork, as indicated by the albums' market performance and consumers' listening behavior. Study 1, using secondary data, shows that the cardinality of album artwork is a positive predictor of the cover's esthetic appeal and of market performance as evinced by its position in the US charts, expert ratings of the album, and the number of weeks the album remained in the US charts. Studies 2 and 3 use experiments to show that consumers listen longer to music when album artwork is relatively more cardinal than oblique. These studies also explore whether the effect is mediated by higher esthetic appreciation of cardinal (vs. oblique) album artwork in turn affecting song liking. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of visual preferences in packaging design for music consumption.
An Intrinsic Self‐Healable, Anti‐Freezable and Ionically Conductive Hydrogel for Soft Ionotronics Induced by Imidazolyl Cross‐Linker Molecules Anchored with Dynamic Disulfide Bonds
Authors: Liao Haiyang , Su Jiayi , Han Jieling , Xiao Tieming , Sun Xiao , Cui Guixin , Duan Xiaofei , Shi Pu
Published: December 2023

Hydrogels are ideal materials for flexible electronic devices based on their smooth ion channels and considerable mechanical flexibility. A substantial volume of aqueous solution is required to enable the smooth flow of ions, resulting in the agony of low‐temperature freezing; besides, long‐term exposure to bending/tensile tress triggers fatigue issues. Therefore, it is a great challenge to prepare hydrogels with both freeze‐resistance and long‐term durability. Herein, a polyacrylic acid‐based hydrogel with both hydrophobic interaction and dynamic reversible covalent bonding cross‐linking networks is preparing (DC‐hydrogel) by polymerizing a bi‐functional imidazole‐type ionic liquid monomer with integrated disulfide and alkene bonds (DS/DB‐IL) and an octadecyl methacrylate, achieving self‐healing. The DS/DB‐IL anchored into the polymer backbone has a high affinity with water, reducing the freezing point of water, while the DS/DB‐IL with free ions provides superior ionic conductivity to the DC‐hydrogel. The polyacrylic acid with abundant carboxyl gives hydrogel good self‐adhesiveness to different substrates. Ionotronics with resistance‐type sensors with stable output performance are fabricated and explored its application to joint motion and health information. Moreover, hydrogel‐based sensing arrays with high resolution and accuracy are fabricated to identify 2D distribution of stress. The hydrogels have great promise for various ionotronics in many fields.
Parity, Medicaid review, 988 usage research, among 2023 highlights
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2023

From the loss of a mental health icon to the first‐year anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, from the proposal of new rules to strengthen parity to a Medicaid redetermination process that could result in the loss of coverage for millions of adults and children, 2023 revealed a number of impactful stories for the mental health field.
K‐band CMOS voltage‐controlled oscillator using switched self‐biasing technique
Authors: Son Hyeon Jin , Shin Dong‐Jun , Choi Ui‐Gyu , Yang Jong‐Ryul
Published: December 2023

A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) using a tail current source modulated with the output frequency is presented to achieve low phase noise with low power consumption at the K‐band.  Differentially modulated current sources, which reduce flicker noise by the feedback of the VCO outputs, contribute to an overall reduction in the phase noise of the VCO using the electromagnetic‐based fully symmetrical design. The proposed LC VCO with a 3‐bit switched capacitor bank for a wide tuning range was fabricated on the size of 0.4 × 0.57 mm2 using a 65‐nm CMOS process. The measurement results of the proposed VCO showed a frequency tuning range from 22.57 to 25.3 GHz, and a phase noise of −108.48 dBc/Hz at a 1‐MHz offset frequency with a power consumption of 8.27 mW at a supply voltage of 1.2 V. The calculated figure of merit (FoM) and FoM with the tuning range were −186.48 and −187.67 dBc/Hz, respectively.
Proof‐of‐concept of a data‐driven approach to estimate the associations of comorbid mental and physical disorders with global health‐related disability
Authors: de Vries Ymkje Anna , Alonso Jordi , Chatterji Somnath , de Jonge Peter , Lokkerbol Joran , McGrath John J. , Petukhova Maria V. , Sampson Nancy A. , Sverdrup Erik , Vigo Daniel V. , Wager Stefan , Al‐Hamzawi Ali , Borges Guilherme , Bruffaerts Ronny , Bunting Brendan , Chardoul Stephanie , Karam Elie G. , Kiejna Andrzej , Kovess‐Masfety Viviane , Navarro‐Mateu Fernando , Ojagbemi Akin , Piazza Marina , Posada‐Villa José , Sasu Carmen , Scott Kate M. , Tachimori Hisateru , Have Margreet Ten , Torres Yolanda , Viana Maria Carmen , Zamparini Manuel , Zarkov Zahari , Kessler Ronald C. ,   World Mental Health Survey Collaborators
Published: December 2023

Objective

The standard method of generating disorder‐specific disability scores has lay raters make rankings between pairs of disorders based on brief disorder vignettes. This method introduces bias due to differential rater knowledge of disorders and inability to disentangle the disability due to disorders from the disability due to comorbidities.

Methods

We propose an alternative, data‐driven, method of generating disorder‐specific disability scores that assesses disorders in a sample of individuals either from population medical registry data or population survey self‐reports and uses Generalized Random Forests (GRF) to predict global (rather than disorder‐specific) disability assessed by clinician ratings or by survey respondent self‐reports. This method also provides a principled basis for studying patterns and predictors of heterogeneity in disorder‐specific disability. We illustrate this method by analyzing data for 16 disorders assessed in the World Mental Health Surveys (n = 53,645).

Results

Adjustments for comorbidity decreased estimates of disorder‐specific disability substantially. Estimates were generally somewhat higher with GRF than conventional multivariable regression models. Heterogeneity was nonsignificant.

Conclusions

The results show clearly that the proposed approach is practical, and that adjustment is needed for comorbidities to obtain accurate estimates of disorder‐specific disability. Expansion to a wider range of disorders would likely find more evidence for heterogeneity.
Training factors that influence electrodiagnostic medicine knowledge
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Aims

Self‐assessment examinations (SAEs) help trainees assess their progress in education. SAEs also provide feedback to training programs as to how factors in training influence examination performance. This study's goal was to examine the relationship between the number of months of training in electrodiagnostic (EDx) medicine, the number of EDx studies during training, and scores on the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine SAE.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of the 2023 AANEM‐SAE results. In addition to the examination score, participants were asked approximately how many EDx studies they performed in training and how many months of training they had completed. Analysis included correlation of the examination scores with months of training as well as number of EDx studies. In addition, a multivariate linear regression model was developed.

Results

A total of 756 participants completed the proctored examination in May 2023. Examination score was moderately and positively correlated with the number of months of training (Pearson r = .5; p < .001) as well as the number of EDx studies during training (Pearson r = .55; p < .001). Scores steadily improved with additional months of training, but leveled off after 300–400 EDx studies. Regression analysis indicated that higher numbers of EDx studies were correlated with a higher examination score even after accounting for the number of months of study.

Discussion

We believe that a greater number of months of training is associated with better performance on the AANEM‐SAE and that greatest improvement in examination performance occurs during the first 300–400 EDx studies.