bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dataset formation for sem-based images of commercial minerals using ml algorithms: case study for zircon in the Egyptian mountains
Authors: khalil kirolos N. R. , El-Fishawy Nawal , Ali Mohamed , Mohamed Mokhtar A. A.
Published: August 2024

Mineral identification holds paramount importance in geological and mineralogical endeavors, encompassing exploration, mining, and mineral processing. This work underscores the time-consuming and equipment-dependent nature of conventional identification methods, advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence techniques, particularly machine learning and computer vision. Commercial minerals, including zircon, are identified as linchpins of various industries, particularly ceramics and dentistry. The work elaborates on the pivotal role of SEM imaging techniques in discerning economic minerals in granitic rocks and pegmatite, emphasizing their utility in environmental science and mineral exploration. A novel computational approach is introduced, offering automation of mineral grain recognition, thereby mitigating the laborious and resource-intensive aspect of the process. The subsequent discussion pertains to the creation of a specialized SEM image dataset focusing on Egyptian commercial minerals, commencing with zircon, a dataset with foreseeable extensions. The authors anticipate that this dataset will significantly contribute to mineralogical research, facilitating precise mineral identification through AI techniques and enriching insights into Egypt’s geological wealth.
Perspectives of educators and students on the efficacy of online teaching and learning strategies employed during COVID-19 in a health sciences institution
Authors: Geraghty Keith , Heng Nicole , Duff Juliette , Burke Jacinta , Hill A. D. K. , Jenkins John , Offiah Gozie
Published: August 2024

Background

Healthcare education encountered unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the necessary responses have also provided learning opportunities for the future.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning strategies and the perceptions of clinical educators and health sciences students on novel methods to improve online student engagement in Ireland’s largest medical school.

Methods

Two separate online surveys designed to gain insights into the perceived efficacy of online teaching strategies were distributed to clinical educators and health sciences students (medical and pharmacy) over 7 months via email.

Results

A total of 86.4% of educators responded that rapport was more difficult to build online, and 90.5% reported less engagement from students online. The most popular methods that improved student engagement included using polls, a chat box function for questions, small group discussions and having student cameras turned on. Amongst educators surveyed, 81.8% felt a training course focused on teaching strategies at the start of every academic year would be beneficial. From the students’ perspective, no difference was noted between the medicine and the pharmacy students. Seventy-five percent reported using quizzes/polls, and 63% reported using game-based platforms as techniques to improve online learning. Sixty-two percent of students described it as a positive outcome of learning during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Any pandemic poses unique challenges to the delivery of healthcare education. These surveys report educators’ and students’ views on online teaching and learning strategies, highlighting novel mechanisms to improve student engagement and ultimately impact on graduate outcomes.
Far Away Is Close at Hand: A Critique of Martha Nussbaum’s Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Ackroyd John
Published: August 2024

Martha Nussbaum’s approach to ethical and political philosophy — unlike that of certain of her notable contemporaries — is neither ahistorical nor concerned with augmenting or refining the historical record. Rather, its aim is learning what the deepest philosophical minds of the past have proposed as the fairest organisation of society, in terms of a balance between autonomy for individuals and communities, and an equitable distribution of global resources. Whilst she argues fundamentally for cosmopolitanism — hence prioritises the latter — she struggles, in her later work, to accommodate the former within such a global socio-political model. I suggest this is because she presupposes that patriotism is antecedent to, and generative of, a cosmopolitan outlook, when in fact each of these political values is irreducible, and antithetical, to the other. Nussbaum supposes this, I propose, because her work focuses on the conceptual subtleties of intellectual history, which are sadly seldom mirrored in the brutal history of facts.
Sufferers from olfactory reference disorder: lonely, depressed and socially pained?
Authors: Reuter Julia , Grocholewski Anja , Steil Regina
Published: August 2024

Although the few studies available on Olfactory Reference Disorder (ORD) indicate that the disorder is associated with fear of rejection, avoidance and impairment of social relationships, there are no investigations that have examined loneliness and social pain in individuals with ORD. Additionally, despite studies showing elevated comorbidity of ORD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the relationship between ORD according to the ICD-11 and depressiveness has not been investigated. This exploratory pilot study examined the association of symptoms of ORD according to the ICD-11 with emotional/social loneliness, social pain and depressiveness. A total of 225 German university/college students participated in an anonymous internet-based survey. Severity of ORD symptoms were significantly associated with more severe depressiveness, greater emotional and social loneliness as well as greater social pain. In our sample, participants with self-reported ORD reported on average elevated levels of social pain and loneliness. A total of 93.3% of the participants with self-reported ORD had elevated scores of depressiveness. Emotional and social loneliness remained significantly correlated with ORD symptoms in partial correlations that adjusted for depressive symptoms. In a multiple regression analysis, olfactory concerns were associated with the total loneliness score independent of the effects of depressiveness and social pain. These preliminary results highlight the importance of considering depressive symptoms and social pain in the assessment and treatment of ORD. In addition, results suggest that individuals suffering from ORD might be at increased risk for loneliness.
Stereoscopic spatial graphical method of Mueller matrix: Global-Polarization Stokes Ellipsoid
Authors: Zhang Xinxian , Song Jiawei , Fan Jiahao , Zeng Nan , He Honghui , Tuchin Valery V. , Ma Hui
Published: August 2024

A Mueller matrix covers all the polarization information of the measured sample, however the combination of its 16 elements is sometimes not intuitive enough to describe and identify the key characteristics of polarization changes. Within the Poincaré sphere system, this study achieves a spatial representation of the Mueller matrix: the Global-Polarization Stokes Ellipsoid (GPSE). With the help of Monte Carlo simulations combined with anisotropic tissue models, three basic characteristic parameters of GPSE are proposed and explained, where the V parameter represents polarization maintenance ability, and the E and D† parameters represent the degree of anisotropy. Furthermore, based on GPSE system, a dynamic analysis of skeletal muscle dehydration process demonstrates the monitoring effect of GPSE from an application perspective, while confirming its robustness and accuracy.
From the Wild to the Market: The Trade of Edible Plants in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Leite Ana , Westengen Ola Tveitereid , Catarino Luís , Monteiro Euclides , Mango Saudia Pina , Indjai Bucar , Cuní-Sanchez Aida
Published: August 2024

Wild edible plants are important for the livelihoods of both rural and urban people in West Africa, but little is known about their trade networks. This study identifies, quantifies, and characterizes the local trade of wild edible plants in northern Guinea-Bissau to better understand the linkages between wild edible plants, local markets, and livelihoods, and to evaluate the sector’s ecological and economic sustainability. Interviews with 331 market vendors in the capital Bissau and in five sub-regional urban markets revealed that 19 products from 12 species were traded, with an estimated annual retail value of at least 707,000 USD for a volume of 354 metric tons (tonnes). These products are mainly harvested from the country’s woodlands by female vendors in sub-regional markets and are primarily traded to Bissau or neighboring countries. However, increasing demand and persisting deforestation for cashew plantations coupled with a lack of management strategies raise concerns about the long-term availability of certain wild edible plants. The study’s findings are also discussed in terms of their implications on local livelihoods, particularly for rural women who rely on the trade of wild products for income and as a social safety net. We highlight the need to secure women’s roles and enhance their collective power in added value chains.
Role and benefits of infectious diseases specialists in the COVID-19 pandemic: Multilevel analysis of care provision in German hospitals using data from the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (LEOSS) cohort
Authors: Tscharntke Lene T. , Jung Norma , Hanses Frank , Koll Carolin E. M. , Pilgram Lisa , Rieg Siegbert , Borgmann Stefan , de Miranda Susana M. Nunes , Scherer Margarete , Spinner Christoph D. , Rüthrich Maria , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Wille Kai , Merle Uta , Hower Martin , Rothfuss Katja , Nadalin Silvio , Klinker Hartwig , Fürst Julia , Greiffendorf Ingo , Raichle Claudia , Friedrichs Anette , Rauschning Dominic , de With Katja , Eberwein Lukas , Riedel Christian , Milovanovic Milena , Worm Maximilian , Schultheis Beate , Schubert Jörg , Bota Marc , Beutel Gernot , Glück Thomas , Schmid Michael , Wintermantel Tobias , Peetz Helga , Steiner Stephan , Ribel Elena , Schäfer Harald , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Stecher Melanie ,   the LEOSS Study Group
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the care provision and the role of infectious disease (ID) specialists during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

A survey was conducted at German study sites participating in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (LEOSS). Hospitals certified by the German Society of Infectious diseases (DGI) were identified as ID centers. We compared care provision and the involvement of ID specialists between ID and non-ID hospitals. Then we applied a multivariable regression model to analyse how clinical ID care influenced the mortality of COVID-19 patients in the LEOSS cohort.

Results

Of the 40 participating hospitals in the study, 35% (14/40) were identified as ID centers. Among those, clinical ID care structures were more commonly established, and ID specialists were always involved in pandemic management and the care of COVID-19 patients. Overall, 68% (27/40) of the hospitals involved ID specialists in the crisis management team, 78% (31/40) in normal inpatient care, and 80% (28/35) in intensive care. Multivariable analysis revealed that COVID-19 patients in ID centers had a lower mortality risk compared to those in non-ID centers (odds ratio: 0.61 (95% CI 0.40–0.93), p = 0.021).

Conclusion

ID specialists played a crucial role in pandemic management and inpatient care.
Analyzing the green hydrogen value chain against the sustainable development goals
Authors: Peyerl Drielli , van der Zwaan Bob
Published: August 2024

The emerging green hydrogen value chain provides an opportunity to develop joint sustainable strategies between different countries and implement measures to mitigate potential adverse effects. We analyze whether the green hydrogen value chain can aid in meeting the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The Value Chain Assessment methodology that we developed enables the identification of direct and indirect influences, and the categorization of positive and negative effects, of each segment (production, transportation, and end-use) of the green hydrogen value chain on the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets. We also analyze the associated temporal dimensions and reciprocal interdependences, to clarify the dynamics of the value chain over time and across different geographical scales. We present a strategic framework that can help in fostering the green hydrogen value chain for the implementation of sustainable development. We find that the use of green hydrogen can clearly accelerate progress on the SDGs in the short-term, but adverse effects could arise in the medium- to long-term. The realization of the green hydrogen value chain requires synchronized investments and policies across space and time.
Citizen Cowboy
Authors: Watts Steven
Published: August 2024

Citizen Cowboy is a probing biography of one of America's most influential cultural figures. Will Rogers was a youth from the Cherokee Indian Territory of Oklahoma who rose to conquer nearly every form of media and entertainment in the early twentieth century's rapidly expanding consumer society. Through vaudeville, the Ziegfeld Follies and Broadway, syndicated newspaper and magazine writing, the lecture circuit, radio, and Hollywood movies, Rogers built his reputation as a folksy humorist whose wit made him a national symbol of common sense, common decency, and common people. Though a friend of presidents, movie stars and industrial leaders, it was his bond with ordinary people that endeared him to mass audiences. Making his fellow Americans laugh and think while honoring the past and embracing the future, Rogers helped ease them into the modern world and they loved him for it.
Exploring the Role of Wave‐Driven Turbulence at the Air‐Sea Interface Through Measurements of TKE Dissipation Rates Across the Air‐Sea Interface
Authors: Cifuentes‐Lorenzen Alejandro , Zappa C. J. , Edson J. B. , O’Donnell J. , Ullman D. S.
Published: August 2024

This work serves as an observation‐based exploration into the role of wave‐driven turbulence at the air‐sea interface by measuring Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) dissipation rates above and below the sea surface. Subsurface ocean measurements confirm a TKE dissipation rate enhancement relative to the predicted law‐of‐the‐wall (εobs > εp), which appears to be fully supported by wave breaking highlighting the role of the transport terms in balancing the subsurface TKE budget. Simultaneous measurements of TKE dissipation rates on the atmospheric side capture a deficit relative to the law‐of‐the‐wall (εobs < εp). This deficit is explained in terms of wave‐induced perturbations, with observed convergence to the law‐of‐the‐wall at 14 m above mean sea level. The deficit on the atmospheric side provides an estimate of the energy flux divergence in the wave boundary layer. An exponential function is used to integrate in the vertical and provide novel estimates of the amount of energy going into the wave field. These estimates correlate well with classic spectral input parameterizations and can be used to derive an effective wave‐scale, capturing wind‐wave coupling purely from atmospheric observations intimately tied to wave‐induced perturbations of the air‐flow. These atmospheric and oceanic observations corroborate the commonly assumed input‐dissipation balance for waves at wind speeds in the 8‐14 ms−1 range in the presence of developed to young seas. At wind speeds above 14 ms−1 under young seas ()observations suggest a deviation from the TKE input‐dissipation balance in the wave field.
Pre‐Flight and In‐Flight Calibration and Performance of the Terminal Tracking Cameras (TTCams) on the NASA Lucy Mission
Authors: Zhao Y. , Bell J. F. , Sahr E. , Lessac‐Chenen E. , Adam C. , Cisneros E. , Winhold A. , Caplinger M. , Ravine M. , Schaffner J. , Shamah J. , Mottola S.
Published: August 2024

The Terminal Tracking Camera (TTCam) imaging system on the NASA Lucy Discovery mission consists of a pair of cameras that are being used mainly as a navigation and target acquisition system for the mission's asteroid encounters. However, a secondary science‐focused function of the TTCam system is to provide wide‐angle broadband images over a large range of phase angles around close approach during each asteroid flyby. The scientific data acquired by TTCam can be used for shape modeling and topographic and geologic analyses. This paper describes the pre‐flight and initial in‐flight calibration and characterization of the TTCams, including the development of a radiometric calibration pipeline to convert raw TTCam images into radiance and radiance factor (I/F) images, along with their uncertainties. Details are also provided here on the specific calibration algorithms, the origin and archived location of the required ancillary calibration files, and the archived sources of the raw calibration and flight data used in this analysis.
On the Tropical Cyclone Integrated Kinetic Energy Balance
Authors: Avenas A. , Mouche A. , Knaff J. , Carton X. , Chapron B.
Published: August 2024

Current global historical reanalyzes prevent to adequately examine the role of the near‐core surface wind structural properties on tropical cyclones climate trends. Here we provide theoretical and observational evidences that they are crucial for the monitoring of integrated kinetic energy. The kinetic energy balance is reduced to a simple rule involving two parameters characterizing the surface wind structure and directly suggested by the governing equations. The theory is uniquely verified with a database of high‐resolution ocean surface winds estimated from all‐weather spaceborne synthetic aperture radar. Such measurements provide indirect estimates of a multiplicative constant modulating the kinetic energy balance and associated with the system thermodynamics. Consequently, accumulated high‐resolution acquisitions of the ocean surface shall allow to better monitor the integrated kinetic energy and provide new means to tackle climatological studies of tropical cyclones destructiveness.
Future Changes in the Winter Beaufort High Under Warming Climate Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Minghong , Perrie William , Long Zhenxia
Published: August 2024

We show that the winter Beaufort High (BH) index defined by sea level pressure (SLP) has a robust negative trend under the scenarios SSP5‐8.5 and SSP2‐4.5, with a reduction by about 5 hPa and 2 hPa, respectively, by the end of the 21st century. The negative trends in the BH SLP are associated with the changes in the background SLP over the Arctic basin. However, the vorticity of the winter BH tends to intensify under SSP5‐8.5, but shows no robust increase under SSP2‐4.5. The intensification is associated with the enhanced ridge over the Western Arctic. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the dynamic aspects of the BH, such as vorticity. Based on this assessment, under the most likely emissions scenario, the winter BH is likely to weaken through the 21st century, in terms of SLP, but shows no robust changes in term of vorticity.
Serpentinization and Magmatic Distribution in a Hyperextended Rift Suture: Implication for Natural Hydrogen Exploration (Mauléon Basin, Pyrenees)
Authors: Saspiturry N. , Allanic C. , Peyrefitte A.
Published: August 2024

The Mauléon basin is a world‐class example of hyperextended rift suture. The basin possesses key attributes of an optimal hydrogen target, namely mantle, at shallow depth with tectonic structures rooted into it. Natural H2 seepages have been recognized at the surface in the foothills. Yet distribution and quantification of serpentinization within the mantel piece representing the potential H2 source has not been addressed while this aspect is crucial to consider further exploration. We discuss these aspects using joint gravimetric and magnetic 2D forward modeling along two orthogonal transects. 2D forward modeling shows that serpentinization gradually increases from bottom (20 km depth) to top reaching a maximum amount of nearly 76% (8 km depth). The N‐S transect evidence that serpentinization fronts are northward inclined, suggesting a N‐S serpentinization gradient responsible for the long wavelength gravity and magnetic anomalies. This orientation matches that of detachment within the former hyperextended domain, which exhumed the mantle during the Cretaceous. The W‐E transect shows that serpentinization also increase toward the east reaching its maximum amount against the Barlanès lithospheric structure. The latter also coincides with the main short wavelength magnetic anomaly recognized in the basin. Forward geophysical modeling reveals that this anomaly could be linked to the presence, at shallow depth, of an alkaline magmatic body or a shallower piece of highly serpentinized subcontinental mantle both attesting for the paroxysm of the Cretaceous rifting phase. Finally, we propose a conceptual model of the H2 life cycle in the Mauléon basin and discuss the implications for H2 exploration.
High brightness terahertz quantum cascade laser with near-diffraction-limited Gaussian beam
Authors: Li Rusong , Xu Yunfei , Zhang Shichen , Ma Yu , Liu Junhong , Zhou Binru , Wang Lijun , Zhuo Ning , Liu Junqi , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhai Shenqiang , Liu Shuman , Liu Fengqi , Lu Quanyong
Published: August 2024

High-power terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser, as an emerging THz solid-state radiation source, is attracting attention for numerous applications including medicine, sensing, and communication. However, due to the sub-wavelength confinement of the waveguide structure, direct beam brightness upscaling with device area remains elusive due to several mode competition and external optical lens is normally used to enhance the THz beam brightness. Here, we propose a metallic THz photonic crystal resonator with a phase-engineered design for single mode surface emission over a broad area. The quantum cascade surface-emitting laser is capable of delivering an output peak power over 185 mW with a narrow beam divergence of 4.4° × 4.4° at 3.88 THz. A high beam brightness of 1.6 × 107 W sr−1m−2 with near-diffraction-limited M2 factors of 1.4 in both vertical and lateral directions is achieved from a large device area of 1.6 × 1.6 mm2 without using any optical lenses. The adjustable phase shift between the lattices enables a stable and high-intensity surface emission over a broad device area, which makes it an ideal light extractor for large-scale THz emitters. Our research paves the way to high brightness solid-state THz lasers and facilitates new applications in standoff THz imaging, detection, and diagnosis.
Cell-to-cell interactions revealed by cryo-tomography of a DPANN co-culture system
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Shepherd Doulin C. , Sakai Hiroyuki D. , Mudaliyar Manasi , Pandurangan Arun Prasad , Short Francesca L. , Veith Paul D. , Scott Nichollas E. , Kurosawa Norio , Ghosal Debnath
Published: August 2024

DPANN is a widespread and diverse group of archaea characterized by their small size, reduced genome, limited metabolic pathways, and symbiotic existence. Known DPANN species are predominantly obligate ectosymbionts that depend on their host for proliferation. The structural and molecular details of host recognition, host-DPANN intercellular communication, and host adaptation in response to DPANN attachment remain unknown. Here, we use electron cryotomography (cryo-ET) to show that the Microcaldus variisymbioticus ARM-1 may interact with its host, Metallosphaera javensis AS-7 through intercellular proteinaceous nanotubes. Combining cryo-ET and sub-tomogram averaging, we show the in situ architectures of host and DPANN S-layers and the structures of the nanotubes in their primed and extended states. In addition, comparative proteomics and genomic analyses identified host proteomic changes in response to DPANN attachment. These results provide insights into the structural basis of host-DPANN communication and deepen our understanding of the host ectosymbiotic relationships.
Structural plasticity of bacterial ESCRT-III protein PspA in higher-order assemblies
Authors: Junglas Benedikt , Hudina Esther , Schönnenbeck Philipp , Ritter Ilona , Heddier Anja , Santiago-Schübel Beatrix , Huesgen Pitter F. , Schneider Dirk , Sachse Carsten
Published: August 2024

Eukaryotic members of the endosome sorting complex required for transport-III (ESCRT-III) family have been shown to form diverse higher-order assemblies. The bacterial phage shock protein A (PspA) has been identified as a member of the ESCRT-III superfamily, and PspA homo-oligomerizes to form rod-shaped assemblies. As observed for eukaryotic ESCRT-III, PspA forms tubular assemblies of varying diameters. Using electron cryo-electron microscopy, we determined 61 Synechocystis PspA structures and observed in molecular detail how the structural plasticity of PspA rods is mediated by conformational changes at three hinge regions in the monomer and by the fixed and changing molecular contacts between protomers. Moreover, we reduced and increased the structural plasticity of PspA rods by removing the loop connecting helices α3/α4 and the addition of nucleotides, respectively. Based on our analysis of PspA-mediated membrane remodeling, we suggest that the observed mode of structural plasticity is a prerequisite for the biological function of ESCRT-III members.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative clinical studies on antibiotic treatment of brucellosis
Authors: Maduranga Sachith , Valencia Braulio Mark , Li Xiaoying , Moallemi Samaneh , Rodrigo Chaturaka
Published: August 2024

Brucellosis is a difficult to treat infection that requires antibiotic combinations administered over several weeks for clearance of infection and relapse prevention. This systematic review summarizes current evidence for antibiotic treatment of human brucellosis. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and China Academic Journal databases were searched for prospective studies that had compared different antibiotic regimens for treating human brucellosis in the last 25 years. Thirty-four studies recruiting 4182 participants were eligible. Standard dual therapy with doxycycline + rifampicin had a higher risk of treatment failure compared to triple therapy which added streptomycin (RR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.17–3.35, p = 0.01) or levofloxacin (RR: 2.98, 95% CI 1.67–5.32, p = 0.0002), but a similar or lower risk compared to alternative dual antibiotic combinations (p > 0.05). The same combination had a higher risk of relapses compared to triple therapy which added streptomycin (RR: 22.12, 95% CI 3.48–140.52, p = 0.001), or levofloxacin (RR: 4.61, 95% CI 2.20–9.66, p < 0.0001), but a similar or lower risk compared to other dual antibiotic combinations (p > 0.05). Triple antibiotic therapy is more effective than standard dual therapy with rifampicin and doxycycline. However, the latter is also efficacious and suitable for uncomplicated disease.
ELISA-based detection of fresh and frozen–thawed lamb meat: a promising analytical approach for meat authentication
Authors: Rahman C. K. Faslu , Biswas Ashim Kumar , Agrawal Ravikant , Biswas Sanchay Kumar , Bora Bedika , Anand T. S. , Ajay Argana , Sen Arup Ratan
Published: August 2024

Biomarker based sELISA was developed for differentiation of chilled and frozen-thawed lamb meat for authentication. The guinea pig anti-SOD pAb and rabbit anti-SOD pAb were used as capture and detection Abs, respectively. The assay showed excellent sensitivity and selectivity.
Productive chemistry induced by mechanochemically generated macroradicals
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Sun Cai-Li , Boulatov Roman
Published: August 2024

Mechanochemical backbone fracture by homolysis of covalent bonds generates highly reactive macroradicals, providing potential strategy to form new load-bearing bonds enabling new synthetic applications and development of stress-responsive polymers.
Broadband and weak-dispersion nonlinear response enhancement in the epsilon-near-zero region of a nano-stepped metasurface
Authors: Lu Yanxin , Zheng Jiahui , Zhang Feilian , Guo Qiqi , Song Yunfei , Dong Jiannan , Chen Yihang
Published: August 2024

A nano-stepped metasurface with epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials can realize a broadband enhanced nonlinear response in the near infrared range.
Density-based quantification of steric effects: validation by Taft steric parameters from acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , He Xin , Wang Bin , Rong Chunying , Zhao Dongbo , Liu Shubin
Published: August 2024

Comparison of experimental scales and theoretical quantification of steric effects from acid-catalyzed ester hydrolysis was performed with remarkable agreement obtained.
Nanoconfined carbonization enabling high-density porous carbon for jointly superior gravimetric and volumetric zinc-ion storage
Authors: Lu Jiacong , Zhong Xinyue , Lin Xiaomin , Gui Jiuqing , Zheng Mingtao , Liu Yingliang , Liang Yeru
Published: August 2024

Jointly exceptional gravimetric and volumetric capacitances in porous carbons were achieved through nanoconfined carbonization. Critical roles of 1.2–5.5 nm pores for zinc-ion storage and pores above 5.5 nm for rapid ion diffusion were revealed.
Leveraging polymer architecture design with acylamino functionalization for electrolytes to enable highly durable lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zheng Jiayu , Duan Lingyan , Ma Hang , An Qi , Liu Qing , Sun Yongjiang , Zhao Genfu , Tang Hanlin , Li Yang , Wang Shimin , Xu Qijun , Wang Lilian , Guo Hong
Published: August 2024

A novel polymer architecture design for GPEs is proposed via in situ copolymerization of VC and a new acylamino-crosslinker. This design enables accelerated Li+ transport and dual-reinforced stable interfaces, contributing to long-lifespan LMBs.
Predicting structure-targeted food bioactive compounds for middle-aged and elderly Asians with myocardial infarction: insights from genetic variations and bioinformatics-integrated deep learning analysis
Authors: Zhou Junyu , Yuan Heng , Park Sunmin
Published: August 2024

Predicting food-derived bioactive compounds against myocardial infarction.
Catalyst free PET and PEF polyesters using a new traceless oxalate chain extender
Authors: van der Maas Kevin , Weinland Daniel H. , van Putten Robert-Jan , Wang Bing , Gruter Gert-Jan M.
Published: August 2024

When producing PET the metal catalyst (typically Sb) remains in the polymer. This raises concerns as our food and the air we breathe is contaminated with PET microplastics. Here we report the production of metal-free PET using a small amount of DGO.
Democratizing digital microfluidics by a cloud-based design and manufacturing platform
Authors: Wang Qining Leo , Cho Eric Hyunsung , Li Jia , Huang Hsin-Chuan , Kin Sarath , Piao Yuhao , Xu Lin , Tang Kenneth , Kuiry Shounak , He Zifan , Yu Danning , Cheng Brian , Wu Chang-Chi , Choi Connor , Shin Kwanwoo , Ho Tsung-Yi , Kim Chang-Jin “CJ”
Published: August 2024

A cloud-based design and manufacturing platform for EWOD DMF.
Double complex salts based on tetraamminplatinum(ii) and vanadyl(iv) bisoxalate for the preparation of bimetallic Pt–V alloys
Authors: Vorobyeva Sofia N. , Rudzis Zakhar V. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Filatov Evgeny Yu. , Plusnin Pavel E. , Nadolinny Vladimir A. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Korenev Sergey V.
Published: August 2024

Two novel heterometallic complex salts have been synthesized, systematically investigated, and used as precursors for the Pt0.6V0.4 alloy.
Quantitative photocurrent scanning probe microscopy on PbS quantum dot monolayers
Authors: Küstner Florian , Ditlbacher Harald , Hohenau Andreas , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym , Krenn Joachim R.
Published: August 2024

Photoconductive atomic force microscopy quantitatively probes monolayers of PbS/perovskite quantum dots with a contact area of 1–3 dots in stable and reproducible acquisition conditions for I/V curves and photocurrent maps.
Ceria nanoparticles immobilized with self-assembling peptide for biocatalytic applications
Authors: Halder Moumita , Chawla Vatan , Singh Yashveer
Published: August 2024

A heterogeneous biocatalyst is reported to address the instability associated with peptide-based homogeneous catalysts, and it shows potential in the detection of pesticides, bone regeneration, and anti-biofouling material applications.
Nuciferol C, a new sesquineolignan dimer from Cocos nucifera L.: bioactivity and theoretical investigation
Authors: Elsbaey Marwa , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Alnajjar Radwan , Darwish Khaled M. , Miyamoto Tomofumi
Published: August 2024

Nuciferol C (NC), an undescribed dimer of nuciferol B (NB), was isolated from the endocarp of Cocos nucifera L.
MXene/sPS nanocomposites: rheological, electrical conductivity, polymorphism, mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Wang Shuo , Qiu Runkai , Yang Xiaolong , Zhu Fangming
Published: August 2024

The successful compatibility of MXene and sPS was achieved by modifying MXene with DCTES. d-MXene and sPS were mixed in solution and further hot-pressed and the influences of d-MXene on the properties of nanocomposites were studied.
Theory-guided design of S-doped Fe/Co dual-atom nanozymes for highly efficient oxidase mimics
Authors: Cheng Huan , Chen Yanyue , Liu Mingjia , Tao Hongling , Chen Lu , Wang Fupeng , Huang Long , Tang Jian , Yang Tong , Hu Rong
Published: August 2024

In this study, we synthesized S-doped Fe/Co dual-atom nanozymes under theoretical guidance. S doping and the synergistic effect of Fe/Co dual-atom sites optimize the electronic structure of the active site, thus enhancing its oxidase-like activity.
Unexpected and divergent mechanosynthesis of furanoid-bridged fullerene dimers C120O and C120O2
Authors: Shao Gang , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Niu Chuang , Yin Zheng-Chun , Ye Shi-Qi , Yao Yang-Rong , Chen Muqing , Chen Jun-Shen , Xia Xu-Ling , Yang Shangfeng , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: August 2024

Divergent mechanosynthesis of furanoid-bridged fullerene dimers C120O and C120O2 was achieved from the FeCl3-mediated reaction of C60 with H2O under different solvent-free ball-milling conditions.
Synthesis of atom-precise supported metal clusters via solid-phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Imaoka Takane , Antoku Nanami , Narita Yusuke , Nishiyama Kazuki , Takada Kenji , Saito Shogo , Tanaka Masayoshi , Okochi Mina , Huda Miftakhul , Tanabe Makoto , Chun Wang-Jae , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: August 2024

A new approach enables the automated synthesis of metal and alloy clusters, using metallopeptides as precursors. This method employs Merrifield's solid-phase peptide synthesis, which are then transformed into metal clusters.
The mechanism of the molecular CISS effect in chiral nano-junctions
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha , Salvan Georgeta , Hellwig Olav , Paltiel Yossi , Baczewski Lech Thomasz , Tegenkamp Christoph
Published: August 2024

GMR (a) and TMR (b) device structures realized by using helical molecules adsorbed on the substrate and STM-tip, respectively.
Modification of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters comprising fluorinated acridan–quinazoline and spiroacridan–quinazoline moieties for efficient green OLEDs
Authors: Szu Fu-En , Chen Shao-An , Yu Yin-Yin , Lee Jiun-Haw , Chiu Tien-Lung , Leung Man-kit
Published: August 2024

We synthesize two new TADF emitters, 4Ac5FQN and 4SpAc5FQN, using acridan or spiroacridan as the donor and 5-fluoroquinazoline as the acceptor, with the introduction of F atoms into the molecules to enhance the TADF effect.
Sci-comm a long way: my journey from research to teaching (and beyond?)
Authors: Feletto Leonardo
Published: August 2024

How does one transition from a PhD in molecular biology to a dual career in teaching and science communication? Science communication involves translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, understandable content for a broad audience, using storytelling, multimedia, and audience-specific adaptations. The journey from academia to science communication, and eventually combining both with teaching, highlights the need for distinct approaches to engage diverse audiences effectively. These approaches include using audience-targeted relatable analogies, incorporating pop culture references or designing hands-on activities to make scientific concepts more accessible and interesting. While science communication shares some similarities with formal education, each requires unique strategies, and both are crucial for educating future generations. Training scientists and educators in communication skills and fostering collaborations between academia and the public are essential for creating an informed, engaged society. By enhancing science communication efforts, we can better prepare the public to address the next scientific challenges.
Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies: A Proposed Checklist
Authors: Gandhi Pooja , Mancopes Renata , Steele Catriona M. ,   on behalf of the FRONTIERS Collaborative
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is used widely in dysphagia research. However, variations exist in the conduct and interpretation of VFSS, including differences in contrast agents, food and fluid consistencies tested, patient positioning, intervention strategies trialed, fluoroscopy settings, resolution, and image storage solutions. It cannot be assumed that VFSS exams yield directly comparable results across different studies. It is essential that relevant elements of VFSS be clearly reported in research. The goal of this article is to outline optimal VFSS reporting as part of the Framework for RigOr aNd Transparency In REseaRch on Swallowing (FRONTIERS), a critical appraisal tool intended to promote rigor and transparency in dysphagia research.

Method:

We developed a set of 27 questions regarding the rigor and transparency of VFSS reporting, based on review of previous research articles. These were reviewed by all members of the FRONTIERS Framework collaborative, to determine which questions were mandatory, unnecessary, or needed revision, prior to inclusion in the final critical appraisal tool.

Results:

The final FRONTIERS Framework tool contains 20 questions and seven subquestions regarding VFSS. These are grouped into four themes: patient/participant positioning, equipment and recording settings, contrast agents, and rating methods, including operational definitions and reliability.

Conclusions:

The VFSS section of the FRONTIERS Framework tool is intended to facilitate and promote rigorous and transparent reporting of all elements that may influence the interpretation of VFSS in research. This critical appraisal tool can also be used to guide research design and the evaluation of study outcomes contributing to best practices in the field of dysphagia research.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: A Proposed Checklist
Authors: Burdick Ryan J. , Dallal-York Justine , Shapira-Galitz Yael
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is not only a well-recognized and ubiquitous tool in dysphagia research but also possesses features that make the assessment vulnerable to shortcomings in transparency and rigor in published literature. Therefore, FEES was considered an important addition to the Framework for RigOr aNd Transparency In REseaRch on Swallowing (FRONTIERS), a multisite collective effort to establish a tool for the critical appraisal of reporting in all forms of dysphagia and swallowing-related research on human subjects.

Method:

From the FRONTIERS collective, a team of three clinician researchers completed a review of FEES-related literature to determine all components crucial for generalizable and reproducible reporting of FEES research. These components were developed and refined through an iterative process.

Results:

This review culminated in a 26-item series of “yes/no” questions, forming the FEES section of FRONTIERS. These questions are grouped into the following five components: (a) Equipment, (b) Rater(s), (c) Rating Process, (d) Outcome Metrics, and (e) Miscellaneous Factors.

Conclusion:

The results of this review support that FEES possesses unique characteristics to other aspects of dysphagia research and is consequently a crucial addition to FRONTIERS to ensure that clinical researchers have access to critical appraisal of FEES-related research inquiry.
The Effects of Environmental Sound and Animation on the Naming Accuracy of Graphic Symbols
Authors: Brock Kris L. , Aldrich Sarah , Ogiela Diane A. , Eller Amanda , Gallup Jenn
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to systematically replicate and extend previous research by examining the effect of symbol format (sound and no sound) on naming accuracy across twenty-eight 4-year-old participants. COVID-19 social distancing requirements introduced a new variable called experimental modality because half of the participants completed this study face-to-face while the other half completed this study through telepractice.

Method:

A 2 × 2 mixed measures analysis of variance was conducted. Symbol format was the within-subject variable while experimental modality was the between-subjects variable. Symbol error analysis was also conducted to improve symbol creation.

Results:

Sound did not significantly enhance the naming accuracy of verb symbols. The experimental modality had no significant effects either.

Conclusions:

Results were inconsistent with previous research, suggesting that the inclusion of sound may only be beneficial with younger children and with certain symbols that have not been mastered. Clinicians should use animation and sound as multimedia learning tools on a case-by-case basis. Based on results from this study, researchers may wish to consider teleresearch to increase sample size for similar studies.
Dual‐mode codeword position index based SCMA with transmit diversity
Authors: Yang Yanbing , Lei Jing , Lai Ke
Published: August 2024

Codeword position index based sparse code multiple access (CPI‐SCMA) is an effective scheme that expands codeword positions in the time domain and carries extra information by their index. This paper proposes a dual‐mode CPI‐SCMA (DCPI‐SCMA) scheme to improve the error propagation caused by the mismatch between SCMA codewords and information bits. Furthermore, a DCPI‐SCMA with transmit diversity scheme is proposed where index bits are repeatedly transmitted to obtain a transmit diversity gain; hence, a higher reliability can be achieved with a slight loss of spectral efficiency. An optimal approach for the codebook index pattern is derived where the decision of index bits is involved in the demodulation of SCMA. It can be seen from simulation results and system analysis that the proposed schemes achieve better bit error rate performance with a decrease in complexity and obtain better robustness and flexibility compared with the existing CPI‐based SCMA schemes under the same spectral efficiency.
Improved multiverse optimizer‐based anti‐saturation model free adaptive control and its application to manipulator grasping systems
Authors: Liu Shida , Li Zhen , Li Jiancheng , Ji Honghai , He Jingquan
Published: August 2024

To address the stable grasping control issue in manipulator grasping systems, this manuscript proposes an improved multiverse optimizer‐based anti‐saturation model‐free adaptive control (IMVO‐AS‐MFAC) algorithm. Initially, the manuscript converts the manipulator grasping system into an equivalent data model through dynamic linearization techniques. Then, based on the dynamic linearization model, the IMVO‐AS‐MFAC controller is designed. To address the actuator saturation problem that commonly occurs during the clamping process of manipulator grasping systems, a saturation parameter is introduced into the IMVO‐AS‐MFAC algorithm. Meanwhile, the controller parameters are optimized using an improved multiverse optimizer algorithm, which involves modifications to the initial population distribution and location update strategy. The improved algorithm demonstrates more competitive optimization performance compared to the traditional multiverse optimizer. The major advantage of the IMVO‐AS‐MFAC algorithm lies in the fact that only the input and output data of the manipulator grasping system are required throughout the entire control process, and the controller parameters are derived using an optimization algorithm rather than relying on empirical knowledge. Furthermore, rigorous mathematical analysis confirms the stability of the IMVO‐AS‐MFAC approach, and its effectiveness is validated through semi‐physical experiments conducted in an environment integrating the MATLAB/Simulink module and the RecurDyn platform.
Research on live detection technology of distribution network cable insulation deterioration state based on harmonic components
Authors: Hu Ran , Xu Haisong , Lu Xu , Wang Anzhe , Xu Zhifeng , Wang Yuli , Zhang Daning
Published: August 2024

Due to the limitations imposed by urban power grid outages for maintenance, on‐line harmonic current detection technology for distribution network cables is expected to become an effective supplement to traditional offline diagnostic methods, enhancing the real‐time diagnosis of distribution network cable insulation conditions. This study established a 10 kV distribution network cable test platform and prepared typical defective cables subjected to moisture and long‐term thermal aging. Using COMSOL finite element electromagnetic simulation, the magnetic flux evolution laws of the cable insulation under typical defects were obtained. Experimental tests provided the harmonic current characteristics and statistical features of cables with typical defects. Based on these data, a method for analysing the degradation degree of distribution network cables was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Furthermore, a defect‐type identification method based on cluster analysis was proposed. Results indicate that the odd harmonics and the 4th harmonic of the distribution network cable's harmonic current are closely related to the cable's degradation state. A model integrating principal component analysis (PCA) data dimensionality reduction and expectation‐maximization clustering analysis achieved a recognition accuracy of up to 75.64% in distinguishing between moisture‐affected and normal cable states. The proposed on‐line detection and evaluation methods can effectively identify high‐risk cables with latent defects.
Insulator detection based on FA‐YOLO network with improved feature extraction ability
Authors: Jing Yixiao , Huang Tao , Gao Linfeng , Deng Jiangli
Published: August 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle insulator detection that aims to recognize defective insulators from transmission lines has made significant progress in recent years. However, it still faces challenges, such as the complex background of aerial images and the small memory of unmanned aerial vehicles. This paper proposes a refined insulator detection algorithm that integrates the attention mechanism in YOLOv8 to improve the feature extraction ability. Specifically, this paper introduces a fast vision transformers structure in the you only look once (YOLO) v8 backbone section to enhance feature extraction by capturing local and global features. Additionally, the global attention mechanism is incorporated in the neck for additional feature extraction by merging comprehensive spatial and channel information into the output. Furthermore, we amalgamate depth‐wise convolution, graph convolution, and residual operation in the global attention mechanism module. This design can mitigate the issues of gradient vanishing or exploding and meanwhile enhance the distinction between spatial attention and channel attention. The proposed model is then applied to a public dataset and a set of real images from a specific power station, and the detection results show that it outperforms many competitors in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and memory size.