bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for dynamic parameter identification of an industrial robot based on frequency response function
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Wei , Miao Yunfei , Tian Wei , Liao Wenhe
Published: October 2024

Having accurate values of the dynamic parameters is necessary to characterize the dynamic behaviors of mechanical systems and for the prediction of their responses. To accurately describe the dynamic characteristics of industrial robots (IRs), a new method for dynamic parameter identification is proposed in this study with the goal of developing a real IR dynamics model that combines the multibody system transfer matrix method (MSTMM) and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II). First, the multibody dynamics model of an IR is developed using the MSTMM, by which its frequency response function (FRF) is calculated numerically. Then, the experimental modal analysis is conducted to measure the IR's actual FRF. Finally, the objective function of the minimum errors between the calculated and measured eigenfrequencies and FRFs are constructed to identify the dynamic parameters of the IR by the NSGA‐II algorithm. The simulated and experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the methodology presented in this paper, which provides an alternative to the identification of IR dynamic parameters.
Using H‐Convergence to Calculate the Numerical Errors for 1D Unsaturated Seepage Under Steady‐State Conditions
Authors: Chapuis Robert P. , Taveau Coline , Duhaime François , Weber Simon , Marefat Vahid , Zhang Lu , Blessent Daniela , Bouaanani Najib , Pelletier Dominique
Published: October 2024

Unsaturated zones are important for geotechnical design, geochemical reactions, and microbial reactions. The numerical analysis of unsaturated seepage is complex because it involves highly nonlinear partial differential equations. The permeability can vary by orders of magnitude over short vertical distances. This article defines and uses H‐convergence tests to quantify numerical errors made by uniform meshes with element size (ES) for 1D steady‐state conditions. The quantitative H‐convergence should not be confused with a qualitative mesh sensitivity study. The difference between numerical and mathematical convergences is stated. A detailed affordable method for an H‐convergence test is presented. The true but unknown solution is defined as the asymptote of the numerical solutions for all solution components when ES decreases to zero. The numerical errors versus ES are then assessed with respect to the true solution, and using a log–log plot, which indicates whether a code is correct or incorrect. If a code is correct, its results follow the rules of mathematical convergence in a mathematical convergence domain (MCD) which is smaller than the numerical convergence domain (NCD). If a code is incorrect, it has an NCD but no MCD. Incorrect algorithms of incorrect codes need to be modified and repaired. Existing codes are shown to converge numerically within large NCDs but generate large errors, up to 500%, in the NCDs, a dangerous situation for designers.
The Relationship Between a Hospital's Magnet Status and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Policies and Practices in US Hospitals
Authors: Yu Hyunmin , Bonett Stephen , Flores Dalmacio Dennis , Meanley Steven , Choi Seul Ki , Hanneman Tari , Bauermeister José A.
Published: October 2024

LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination in healthcare settings. Magnet hospitals have been associated with positive patient outcomes, yet it remains uncertain whether Magnet designation is associated with hospitals' LGBTQ+ inclusivity in policies and practices. This study examined 801 American hospitals across 47 states that participated in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) in 2021. Multilevel modeling was utilized to investigate the association between Magnet status and HEI scores, adjusting for hospital type and state‐level covariates, including LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in laws, political climate, racial/ethnic minority population, and Medicaid expansion status. Among the 801 hospitals, 32.1% (257 hospitals) held Magnet status. Magnet hospitals demonstrated higher HEI scores compared to non‐Magnet hospitals (γ = 2.13, p = 0.022), despite significant variations across states (intraclass correlation = 0.22). No significant cross‐level interactions were found. Overall, Magnet designation is independently associated with improved LGBTQ+ inclusivity in hospitals regardless of the state in which the hospital is located. Policymakers and healthcare leaders should consider leveraging the Magnet Recognition Program as a benchmark for promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity within hospitals. Additionally, all healthcare institutions should prioritize comprehensive evaluations and improvements to their policies and practices to ensure inclusivity for LGBTQ+ patients.
Outcomes in Pediatric Cholesteatoma
Authors: Miller Katherine M. , Liu Yi‐Chun Carol , Weinstein Jaqueline E. , Cohen Michael S. , Chi David H. , Anne Samantha
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of the study is to evaluate the outcomes of surgical management options for cholesteatoma using a national database.

Study Design

Database analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System database to identify children undergoing surgical intervention for cholesteatoma from October 2015 to December 2022.

Methods

Patients were categorized by initial surgical modality: tympanoplasty (TM), tympanoplasty with canal wall‐up tympanomastoidectomy (TM‐CWU), and tympanoplasty with canal wall‐down tympanomastoidectomy (TM‐CWD). Group comparisons were done on number of surgical revisions and number of patients identified with recommendations for hearing aids.

Results

A total of 6304 patients were identified in the database who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma. Of these children, 3405 underwent TM (54.0%), 3116 underwent TM‐CWU (49.4%), and 825 underwent TM‐CWD (8.2%). The estimated difference in mean number of procedures was significantly higher in the TM‐CWU group compared to TM‐CWD (−0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.406,−0.279, P < .0001) and the TM group (9.352, 95% CI 0.315, 0.390, P < .0001). The rate of significant hearing loss necessitating hearing aids was significantly lower in the TM group, but there was no difference between the TM‐CWU and TM‐CWD groups (1.2%, P < .03, 1.9% vs 2.7%, P = .13). There was no difference in the number of speech delays/therapy diagnoses between TM and TM‐CWU or TM‐CWU and TM‐CWD (3.5%vs 4.4% P = .07, 4.4% vs 5.2%., P = .38).

Conclusion

TM and TM‐CWD had lower total surgical procedures than the TM‐CWU group, and the TM group had a lesser rate of recommendation for hearing aids. The difference between number of procedures is likely due to the complexity of the disease; for instance, TM was likely chosen for small, less severe disease cases, whereas TM‐CWD was chosen as more definitive treatment in aggressive cases. TM‐CWD is associated with a lower rate of recidivism and recurrence, which also likely contributed to the lower number of procedures.
Influence of Substrate on Sb2Se3/CdS Heterojunction Thin Film Solar Cells and Evaluation of Their Performance by Dark J‐V Analysis
Authors: Govindharajulu Srinivasan Moosi , Anandan Rohini , Madaka Ramakrishna , Rath Jatindra Kumar , Piraviperumal Malar
Published: October 2024

A simple binary antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) absorber is evolving as an alternative photovoltaic material in thin film solar cells because of its unique properties and easy processing. Sb2Se3 thin films having good crystalline quality are grown via versatile thermal evaporation from pre‐synthesized near stoichiometric compound material on molybdenum‐coated soda lime glass (SLG) and borosilicate glass (BG) substrates. Following the systematic characterizations on the absorber films, substrate configured Sb2Se3/CdS heterojunction devices were fabricated and their photovoltaic characteristics have been studied using current density vs. voltage (J‐V), dark J‐V modeling, external quantum efficiency and capacitance vs. voltage measurements. The power conservation efficiency values of 4.88% and 5.04% were achieved for the devices fabricated on SLG and BG substrates, respectively with deficit in open circuit voltage. The obtained values are higher in comparison to the reported device efficiencies in substrate configured Sb2Se3 solar cells, in which the absorber is prepared through thermal evaporation. To understand the loss in open circuit voltage, a compact equivalent circuit model was considered and identified the contribution of different shunt leakage paths in the devices. In addition to that, the device fabricated on the SLG was stable with minimal changes in its photovoltaic performance for a period spanning over 200 days. The results obtained are encouraging with scope for improving the device performance through interface engineering and back surface passivation strategies.
Validation of a Biopsychosocial Distress Screening Tool, SupportScreen, in a Brazilian Cancer Center
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Razavi Marianne , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , De Domenico Edvane Birelo Lopes , Clark Karen Lynn , Loscalzo Matthew , Pal Sumanta Kumar , Dale William
Published: October 2024

Objective

Biopsychosocial distress is a common yet often underestimated complication in cancer care. We sought to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of SupportScreen distress assessment tool in Brazil.

Methods

A cancer cohort study was conducted at a public hospital in Brazil. The SupportScreen tool underwent transcultural translation into Portuguese. Eligible patients completed the SupportScreen, Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General version (FACT‐G). Statistical analyses included confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA), comparisons with established distress tools, and assessments of associations with patients' characteristics.

Results

A total of 302 patients were assessed (M:F 35.4%:64.6%; median age: 55). Most patients were diagnosed with breast (29.1%) and gastrointestinal cancer (20.5%), at advanced disease stage (78.8%). CFA identified optimal models for emotional and physical distress; EFA revealed two factors for the logistics of medical care: practical and medical system distress. The concurrent validity of subscales demonstrated significant correlations between distress domains. Sensitivity analyses indicated good performance of emotional and physical domains in identifying distress compared to gold standard criteria. Female patients were more likely to report high emotional distress, while younger age and late disease stage were associated with higher physical distress. Additionally, late disease stage was linked to higher practical distress.

Conclusion

Emotional and physical domains demonstrated validity and reliability, aligning with validated measures. Logistics of medical care distress revealed practical and medical system dimensions, expanding understanding of patient challenges. The SupportScreen tool exhibited concurrent validity and sensitivity in identifying distress.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) Questionnaire: An Individualised Measure of the Impact of Cancer and Its Treatment on Quality of Life
Authors: Davidson Jonathan , Taylor Michelle D. , Gilbride Charlie J. , Romaine Jacquelyn , Tipples Karen , Powell Melanie E. , Wolstenholme Virginia , Bradley Clare
Published: October 2024

Objective

The Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) questionnaire asks about the impact of cancer and its treatment on individuals' quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the CancerDQoL in a UK sample.

Methods

Patients (n = 159) with a range of cancers, recruited from Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts Maggie's Centre, completed self‐administered questionnaires: CancerDQoL, EQ‐5D‐VAS (health status), EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 (predominantly health symptoms/functioning) and W‐BQ16 (well‐being). Based on the pre‐existing –DQoL template and Item Library (Bradley), the CancerDQoL includes 23 cancer‐specific life‐domain items and four overview items.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 22‐item, single‐factor solution. Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.94). Cancer negatively impacted all life domains: ‘feelings about future’ had the most negative mean weighted (by importance) impact (WI) score. ‘Physical abilities’ WI scores were ranked 12th. CancerDQoL Average Weighted Impact (AWI) scores were more strongly correlated with the Cancer‐dependent QoL overview item than with the General QoL or General Health overview items. As expected, the EQ‐5D‐VAS and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 correlated together more strongly than with CancerDQoL AWI scores.

Conclusions

The CancerDQoL is the first individualised questionnaire measuring the impact of cancer and its treatment on QoL. The CancerDQoL AWI score is related to, but different from, measures of health status/functioning and well‐being. Eleven CancerDQoL life‐domains were more negatively impacted/important than physical abilities which is a major focus of the EQ‐5D and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30. By revealing aspects of life most impacted by cancer and its treatment, efforts can be prioritised to improve QoL for people with cancer.
A cost‐utility analysis of single maintenance and reliever (SMART) therapy as compared to step 3 fixed‐dose therapy in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

A significant percentage of patients with asthma appear to benefit from the addition of long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABAs) to ICS to achieve better control of their disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the cost‐utility of single inhaler combination inhaled ICS/LABAs as both maintenance and reliever (SMART) versus remaining at the same treatment step with fixed‐dose ICS–LABA maintenance with a short‐acting β2‐agonist (SABA) as reliever in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma.

Methods

A Markov‐type model was developed to estimate the costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma treated for 12 months. The effectiveness data and transition probabilities were obtained from a recent meta‐analysis. Cost data were obtained from official databases provided by the Colombian Ministry of Health. The main outcome was the variable “quality‐adjusted life‐years” (QALYs).

Results

The base‐case analysis showed that compared with remaining at the same GINA treatment step with ICS/LABA maintenance plus SABA reliever, ICS/LABAs as SMART was associated with lower costs, US$2,906.92 versus $4,462.02 average cost per patient, and the greatest gain in QALYs, 0.8540 versus 0.8258 QALYs on average per patient, thus leading to dominance.

Conclusions

Compared with remaining at the same GINA treatment step with ICS/LABA maintenance plus SABA reliever, ICS/LABAs as SMART is more cost‐effective in patients aged 12 years or more with uncontrolled asthma. This is because ICS/LABAs as SMART showed a greater gain in QALYs at lower total treatment costs.
Prevalence of Bottle‐Feeding Practice and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Children Under Five in the World, 2024: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Getachew Demis , Getachew Eyob , Yirsaw Amlaku Nigusie , Ayele Habtamu Semagne , Andargie Getnet Alemu , Lakew Abriham Adane , Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Zeru Negesse Shiferaw , Lakew Gebeyehu
Published: October 2024

Background

Child‐feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding, significantly impact children's health and survival. However, bottle feeding, although historically practiced, presents numerous disadvantages affecting optimal child nutrition and health. Despite World Health Organisation and The United Nations Children's Fund recommendations against bottle feeding, it remains prevalent globally, affecting roughly 59% of infants worldwide and 85% in Australia by 5 months of age.

Objective

This study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of bottle feeding among mothers of children under five globally.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. We comprehensively searched electronic databases for English‐language articles published between 2014 and 2024. The quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Data were analysed in STATA version 17, including summary tables, narrative descriptions, forest plots, and statistical heterogeneity and publication bias assessment.

Results

The pooled prevalence of bottle feeding among mothers was 57%. Subgroup analysis revealed higher prevalence in larger sample sizes (> 2151) and lower prevalence in smaller ones. Factors significantly associated with bottle feeding included mode of delivery (OR = 1.953; 95%, CI: 1.272, 2.635), child hospitalisation (OR = 1.984, CI: 1.593, 2.376), mother's occupation (OR = 1.579; CI: 1.467, 1.690), post‐natal care (OR = 2.965; CI: (1.358, 4.571), age of children (OR = 2.836; CI: 1.895, 3.777), place of residence (OR = 1.423; CI: 0.994, 1.852), and mother's education (OR = 3.366, CI: 1.949, 4.783).

Conclusion

Efforts to promote optimal child‐feeding practices should address the identified determinants, emphasising the importance of breastfeeding and providing support to mothers, especially those facing challenges such as cesarean delivery, child hospitalisation, and maternal employment.
Copolymers of Vinylphosphonic and p‐Methacrylamidobenzoic Acids and their Complexes with Lanthanide Ions
Authors: Nekrasova T. N. , Nazarova O. V. , Fischer A. I. , Nesterova N. A. , Shuvaeva O. D. , Zolotova Yu. I. , Dobrodumov A. V. , Vlasova E. N. , Bezrukova M. A. , Panarin E. F.
Published: October 2024

New copolymers of vinylphosphonic and p‐methacrylamidobenzoic acids of varying compositions were synthesized via free radical copolymerization. The structure of the obtained polymers was confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. As the proportion of vinylphosphonic acid in the initial reaction mixture increased, the yield of the copolymer and its molecular mass both decreased. The synthesized copolymers were found to form stable soluble luminescent complexes in dilute aqueous solutions, with a concentration range of 0.002 to 0.02 mg/ml. An increase in the concentration of vinylphosphonic acid moieties in copolymers was accompanied by a noticeable decrease in the luminescence intensity. The new copolymers’ ability to bind efficiently with lanthanide ions renders them a promising material for the design of polymeric contrast agents, preparations for radioimmunotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
Rapid Synthesis of Schiff Bases via Pyridine‐2‐Carboxylic Acid as an Effective Catalyst
Authors: Vankar Smitkumar D. , Makwana Hardi M. , Sharma Mayank G.
Published: October 2024

This work focuses on the rapid synthesis of Schiff bases with green protocols, where P2CA (Pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid) is utilized as a catalyst. The condensation reaction of aldehydes and anilines, facilitated by P2CA, resulted in the production of Schiff bases in good to excellent yield within a remarkably short time of up to 15 min. The electronic effect of the various substituents on aldehyde and aniline, in combination with the catalytic effect of P2CA, accelerated the reactions under mild conditions. The reusability of the catalyst was thoroughly examined, and the catalyst was characterized over every cycle. Importantly, this approach is not only green and sustainable, but also cost‐effective, harmless, and environmentally friendly, thanks to the affordability and benign nature of P2CA.
Effect of Mercerization on the Properties of Cellulose Fiber and Cellulose Hydrogel Extracted from Pineapple Leaf Fiber
Authors: Mat Nasir Nur Aina Farhana , Wong Chang Koon , Jamaluddin Jamarosliza , Adrus Nadia
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the effects of alkaline treatment on the pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) cellulose extraction and the properties of cellulose hydrogel. PALF was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (2 to 10 wt %) and at room temperature (RT) and 80 °C. Then, extracted cellulose was then dissolved in N,N’‐dimethyl acetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl) solvent system and formed into hydrogel by phase inversion method. The Fourier transform infrared spectra shows the peak disappearance at 1606 cm−1 proves that lignin was removed starting from 6 and 4 wt % NaOH at RT and 80 °C, respectively. Higher NaOH concentrations treatment increased thermal stability and the crystallinity (71 to 79 %) of the fibers. Higher NaOH concentration and treatment temperature enhanced cellulose extraction from PALF, leading to more physical crosslinking during hydrogel formation. High amount of cellulose extracted decreased the hydrogel's swelling equilibrium and increased the gel fraction. The highest transmittance (87.8 %) and the lowest intensity of absorbance (at 280 nm corresponding to lignin) were obtained by the hydrogel prepared with PALF treated with 8 wt % NaOH at 80 °C. Clearly, this research findings provide new insights into optimizing cellulose extraction using alkaline treatment specifically for cellulose hydrogel formation.
Chitosan‐Coated Glass Beads as Stabilizer of Insulin; A Novel Strategy for the Storage of Pharmaceutical Proteins
Authors: Akbarian Mohsen , Farjadian Fatemeh
Published: October 2024

Besides the pharmaceutical protein production challenge, storing and transporting them between industrial sectors and the administration site have always been problematic. Insulin, an example of the most widely used therapeutic protein, aggregates into unstable larger particles and, in many cases, into amyloid fibrils under environmental stresses. In this study, chitosan was used to decorate the surface of glass beads (to produce Chi@GB) to increase the structural stability of insulin against environmental stresses. FT‐IR spectroscopy characterized the beads, and HPLC determined the chitosan loading. The results showed that the modified beads could inhibit insulin fibrillation. In addition, the beads can be used in biopharmaceutical containers of insulin or other proteins for long‐term storage of their commercial products.
Double‐Shell Encapsulation of Lead‐Free Tin Halide Perovskite for Self‐Powered Smart Windows
Authors: Wang Aifei , Li Junjie , Zhang Yupeng , Cheng Suwen , Wang Yanchen , Xie Yuan , Yu Chen , Chen Haoyu , Dong Jingjin , Cao Jiupeng , Wang Fangfang , Huang Wei , Qin Tianshi
Published: October 2024

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) have the potential application in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). 0D tin‐based perovskites are a promising embedding phosphor in LSC due to the large Stokes shift and high photoluminescence quantum yield. But the instability and uncontrollable crystal growth are severe limiting their successful utilization in device fabrication. To tackle these issues, double‐shell encapsulated configurations are presented, soft ligands of hypophosphorous acid and hard‐shell of hollow mesoporous silica are simultaneously suppressing the oxidation of Sn2+ and restricting crystal growth within nano‐matrix. The stable phosphor is subsequently embedded into LSC for harvesting solar energy and the resulting output power efficiently drives the combined electrochromic glass under natural light. These fabricated devices also offer the self‐adaptable switch on/off functionality to regulate light absorption with variable solar irradiation intensity in real time. This approach is anticipated to open new avenues for utilizing lead‐free perovskite nanomaterials in self‐powered smart windows for BIPV.
Sustainable Production of Biomass‐Derived Graphite and Graphene Conductive Inks from Biochar
Authors: You Haoyang , Hui Janan , Zhou Yilun , Vittore Kayla , Zhang Jinrui , Chaney Lindsay E. , Chinta Sritarun , Zhao Yunhao , Lim Gilhwan , Lee DoKyoung , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Dunn Jennifer B. , Dravid Vinayak P. , Hersam Mark C. , Rowan Stuart J.
Published: October 2024

Graphite is a commonly used raw material across many industries and the demand for high‐quality graphite has been increasing in recent years, especially as a primary component for lithium‐ion batteries. However, graphite production is currently limited by production shortages, uneven geographical distribution, and significant environmental impacts incurred from conventional processing. Here, an efficient method of synthesizing biomass‐derived graphite from biochar is presented as a sustainable alternative to natural and synthetic graphite. The resulting bio‐graphite equals or exceeds quantitative quality metrics of spheroidized natural graphite, achieving a Raman ID/IG ratio of 0.051 and crystallite size parallel to the graphene layers (La) of 2.08 µm. This bio‐graphite is directly applied as a raw input to liquid‐phase exfoliation of graphene for the scalable production of conductive inks. The spin‐coated films from the bio‐graphene ink exhibit the highest conductivity among all biomass‐derived graphene or carbon materials, reaching 3.58 ± 0.16 × 104 S m−1. Life cycle assessment demonstrates that this bio‐graphite requires less fossil fuel and produces reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to incumbent methods for natural, synthesized, and other bio‐derived graphitic materials. This work thus offers a sustainable, locally adaptable solution for producing state‐of‐the‐art graphite that is suitable for bio‐graphene and other high‐value products.
Nanoscale Wet Etching of Molybdenum Interconnects with Organic Solutions
Authors: Deng Kerong , Erofeev Ivan , Chowdhuri Angshuman Ray , Philipsen Harold , Aabdin Zainul , Hartanto Antony Winata , Tjiu Weng Weei , Zhang Mingsheng , Fernando Devshan , Saidov Khakimjon , Kumar Krishna , Pacco Antoine , Holsteyns Frank , Huynh Han Vinh , Mirsaidov Utkur
Published: October 2024

Molybdenum (Mo) has emerged as a promising material for advanced semiconductor devices, especially in the design and fabrication of interconnects requiring sub‐10 nm metal nanostructures. However, current wet etching methods for Mo using aqueous solutions struggle to achieve smooth etching profiles at such scales. To address this problem, we explore wet chemical etching of patterned Mo nanowires (NWs) using an organic solution: ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) dissolved in acetonitrile (ACN). In this study, we demonstrate two distinct etching pathways by controlling the reaction temperature: i) digital cyclic scheme at room temperature, with a self‐limiting Mo recess per cycle of ≈1.6 nm, and ii) direct etching at elevated temperature (60 °C), with a time‐controlled Mo recess of ≈2 nm min−1. These methods not only offer a highly controllable nanoscale Mo etching but also ensure smooth and uniform etching profiles independent of the crystal grain orientation of the metal.
Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Synthesis of Higher Loaded Ni/Fe Dual‐Atom Catalysts in N, F, B Codoped Carbon Matrix for Accelerated Sulfur Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Shengmin , Zhu, Zhenye , Li Guanglei , Yue Yapeng , Li Gefeng , Zhou Liang , Yan Zhenghong , Zhu Rongshu
Published: October 2024

In response to mitigating the severe shuttle effect within lithium–sulfur batteries, single‐atom catalysts have emerged as one of the most effective solutions. Here, N, F, B codoped porous hollow carbon nanocages (NFB‐NiFe@NC) with high Ni and Fe doping are rationally designed and synthesized using ionic liquids (ILs) as dopants. The introduction of ILs inhibits the growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF8), resulting in NFB‐ZIF8 precursors with smaller particle sizes, enabling higher loading dual‐atom catalysts. Meanwhile, the abundant heteroatoms increase the reactive sites and alter the carbon matrix's nonpolar intrinsic properties, thus enhancing the chemisorption of polysulfides. The synergistic interaction of the heteroatoms with Ni and Fe dual‐atoms ultimately promotes the catalytic conversion kinetics of polysulfides. As a result of these beneficial properties, the cells prepared using the NFB‐NiFe@NC modified separator exhibit significantly improved performance, including a high initial capacity of 1448 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. Even at a high S‐loading of 7.6 mg cm−2, the ideal area capacity of 8.38 mAh cm−2 can still be maintained at 0.1 C. New insights are provided here for designing highly loaded dual‐atom catalysts for application in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Elucidating the Dynamics of Biodegradation and Biosynthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Human Stem Cells
Authors: Curcio Alberto , Curé Guilhem , Espinosa Ana , Menguy Nicolas , Galarreta‐Rodriguez Itziar , Abou‐Hassan Ali , Piquet Bérénice , Motte Laurence , Lalatonne Yoann , Wilhelm Claire , Van de Walle Aurore
Published: October 2024

Iron oxide nanoparticles, due to their magnetic properties, are versatile tools for biomedical applications serving both diagnostic and therapeutic roles. Their performance is intricately intertwined with their fate in the demanding biological environment. Once inside cells, these nanoparticles can be degraded, implying a loss of magnetic efficacy, but also transformed into neo‐synthesized magnetic nanoparticles, potentially restoring functionality. This study aims to delineate biological features governing these processes. Magnetic nanoparticles are internalized in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), and their biotransformations are investigated from nano‐ to micro‐scale using electron microscopy (STEM‐HAADF, HRTEM, SAED), a benchtop magnetic sensor, and fine structural characterizations (synchrotron XRD, VSM). Results evidence a delicate equilibrium between the biodegradation and biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles, with biotransformation kinetics depending on cell density at magnetic labeling and on spatial cell configuration (monolayers vs spheroids). The biotransformed nanoparticles, composed of magnetite or maghemite, are localized within endosomal/lysosomal compartments and associated with the recruitment of ferritin proteins.
Charge transfer behavior of triboelectric polymers and triboelectric sensors operated under ultrahigh pressure
Authors: Hu Jun , Liu Zhaoqi , Yang Peng , Qin Siyao , Li Ning , Ji Wenyu , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu
Published: October 2024

The energy generation performance of triboelectric materials under ultrahigh pressure remains to be investigated. Here, the variations in molecular structure and built‐in electric field of triboelectric polymers under ultrahigh pressure have been thoroughly studied. The attenuation of built‐in electric field and the escaping of triboelectric charges under ultrahigh pressure are observed in different triboelectric polymers, whereas the existence of deep traps allows the built‐in electric field to be recoverable with the release of pressure. Moreover, the macromolecular conformational changes, including twisting molecular chains and crystal structure changes, can also induce the redistribution of deep traps, leading to a sudden increase in built‐in electric field under specific pressure. Finally, a triboelectric sensor for ultrahigh pressure condition is fabricated with excellent cycle repeatability and a total thickness of 2 mm, which has a sensitivity of 0.07 V MPa−1 within a linear region of 1–100 MPa. This study offers in‐depth insight into the physical understanding of charge behavior both on interface and in bulk of triboelectric materials, whereas the proposed ultrahigh pressure sensors can promote various potential applications of triboelectric sensor in extreme environments.
Shape Analysis of Biomimetic and Plasma Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Kudawla Rajni , Kaur Harshmeet , Pandey Tanmay , Bhatia Tripta
Published: October 2024

Giant membrane vesicles (GUVs) and Giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) are used as models to study membrane properties. We conducted a comparative study to examine how reducing the volume of vesicles with different lipid compositions, solution symmetries, solution asymmetries, and membrane charges affects their morphology. We used three‐dimensional visualization techniques to study the shape of the vesicles. Although the vesicles may not be perfectly spherical, they exhibit some fluctuations in their shape. To understand these variations, we used confocal image stacks for visualization. Our experimental observations show that the membrane′s charge influences the deflation of the GUVs in the presence of trans‐bilayer sugar asymmetries. The lipid bilayers of our GUVs have a uniform distribution of lipids in both leaflets, indicating no asymmetry in lipid composition. We induce trans‐bilayer asymmetries by exposing each leaflet of the bilayer to different solution compositions. We also estimated and compared the deformation of GPMV extracted from HEK‐293 cells with trans‐bilayer buffer asymmetries and inherent leaflet compositional asymmetry with biomimetic membranes.
Zwitterion Modification in Desalination Membrane for Rejecting Salt and Salt Ions in Brackish Water – A Mini Review
Authors: Ratnasari Anisa , Tangahu Bieby Voijant , Yuniarto Adhi , Slamet Agus , Soedjono Eddy Setiadi , Thakur Samrendra Singh
Published: October 2024

Desalination membrane using zwitterion modification provides a significant opportunity to enhance excellent properties for rejecting salt and salt ions. The outstanding properties are designed by positive and negative charges attached to the membrane surface, including water permeability, salt permeability, fouling, and hydrophilicity of the membrane surface. The hydrophilic membrane, which is mentioned as one of the types of desalination membrane, presents the ability to repel salt and salt ions and pass the water. The modification of hydrophilic membranes is also affected by several factors, including water permeability, salt permeability, fouling of membrane surfaces, crossflow velocity, transmembrane pressure, and temperature. Regarding membrane modification, zwitterion has been applied for several ranges, such as the hemodialysis process, live cell imaging, antibacterial surfaces, and wound dressing. However, using a zwitterion modification membrane for desalinating water containing salt content, including brackish water, has yet to be developed. In addition, literature reviews related to polymer membranes for brackish water desalination have never been comprehensively documented. Thus, this review article addresses the zwitterion modification for desalination membranes, which can reject salt and salt ions in brackish water. Furthermore, the mechanism of zwitterion modification for desalination membranes has been presented. Finally, the challenge of zwitterion modification for desalination membranes has been evaluated to inspire insight for future studies.
Net‐Zero Transition Pathways in Belt and Road Economies: Insights From Threshold Effects and Heterogeneous Analysis
Authors: Kamil Rabiatu , Saeed Ummar Faruk , Essel Francis Kofi , Nagriwum Timothy Masuni
Published: October 2024

Given the pressing need for economies to mitigate climate change and champion carbon neutrality, this study investigates the threshold effects of financial development and foreign direct investment (FDI) on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) bloc, taking into account the moderating role of the regulatory environment. Drawing on the environmental Kuznets curve and the pollution haven hypothesis, the study utilizes the dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) modeling, proposed by Arellano and Bover, to analyze panel data from 37 SSA countries spanning 1990–2022. The findings reveal that financial development in the banking, financial, and private sectors, along with FDI outflows, is associated with a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Conversely, FDI inflows are linked to increased CO₂ emissions. A curvilinear relationship is observed, where initial increases in financial development and FDI correlate with higher emissions, which decline beyond a certain threshold. Stronger regulations enhance the positive impact of financial development on reducing CO₂ emissions. Finally, the findings show a significant heterogeneous effect across the SSA regional blocs. These findings underscore the critical need for implementing stringent environmental regulations and promoting sustainable financial practices to mitigate negative environmental impact. This research provides both theoretical and practical insights into fostering a carbon neutrality agenda and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 13.
Is it time for a national strategy to attract international students?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: October 2024

A few years ago, I was asked by officials at the University of Alberta in Canada to give a workshop on trends in international education. When I began my research on the university, I was first taken to a site that promoted studying in Canada.
Macroeconomic volatility and terrorism incidents in Africa
Authors: Ajide Kazeem B.
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the impact of macroeconomic volatility on terrorism in 38 African economies spanning the period from 1980 to 2012, using available data. It examines four categories of terrorism markers: domestic, transnational, uncertain, and total, and their correlation with the volatility of four macroeconomic indicators—inflation, output growth, domestic credit to the private sector, and government expenditures. The study employs the negative binomial regression estimator on both the conditional variance structures of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and exponential GARCH (EGARCH) and the unconditional measure of a 3‐year interval time varying of measuring macroeconomic variables' volatilities on other regressors. I find, first, that inflation volatility is a significant predictor of all terrorism markers, except for transnational terrorism. This implies that high inflation volatility is linked to increased domestic terrorism. Second, the role of domestic credit to the private sector in mitigating transnational terrorist activities highlights the importance of stable private sector access to credit in reducing such incidents. Third, government consumption expenditure volatility has a dual effect on terrorism: it amplifies domestic terrorism but serves as a mitigating factor for total terrorism. This indicates that stable government expenditure can reduce overall terrorism, but might increase domestic terrorism. Last, other variables—such as population, ethnicity, conflicts, surface areas, and lagged terrorism values—are also found to influence the examined terrorism measures. For robustness, I employ alternative statistical techniques, including Poisson Pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PPML) estimation with multiple high‐dimensional fixed effects (HDFE). In summary, this study emphasizes the critical role of addressing inflation volatility in macroeconomic policies as a primary measure to counter terrorism. Stable economic conditions, particularly in relation to inflation, can significantly contribute to reducing terrorism in African economies.
Unveiling Invisible Extracellular Vesicles: Cutting‐Edge Technologies for Their in Vivo Visualization
Authors: Gangadaran Prakash , Khan Fatima , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Onkar Akanksha , Goenka Anshika , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol
Published: October 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized lipid bilayer vesicles released by nearly all types of cells, play pivotal roles as intercellular signaling mediators with diverse biological activities. Their adaptability has attracted interest in exploring their role as disease biomarker theranostics. However, the in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles of EVs, particularly following administration into living subjects, remain unclear. Thus, in vivo imaging is vital to enhance our understanding of the homing and retention patterns, blood and tissue half‐life, and excretion pathways of exogenous EVs, thereby advancing real‐time monitoring within biological systems and their therapeutic applications. This review examines state‐of‐the‐art methods including EV labeling with various agents, including optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging. The strengths and weaknesses of each technique are comprehensively explored, emphasizing their clinical translation. Despite the potential of EVs as cancer theranostics, achieving a thorough understanding of their in vivo behavior is challenging. This review highlights the urgency of addressing current questions in the biology and therapeutic applications of EVs. It underscores the need for continued research to unravel the complexities surrounding EVs and their potential clinical implications. By identifying these challenges, this review contributes to ongoing efforts to optimize EV imaging techniques for clinical use. Ultimately, bridging the gap between research advancements and clinical applications will facilitate the integration of EV‐based theranostics, marking a crucial step toward harnessing the full potential of EVs in medical practice.
Hall effect on mixed convection MHD flow of nanofluid with clean, copper and Ag water through a vertical rotating channel
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Butt Adil Wahid , Akhtar Salman , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: October 2024

This article aims to investigate the hall current consequences on the transfer of clean water containing silver in addition to copper nanoparticles suspended nanofluids through vertical rotating channel. Boussinesq approximation is taken into consideration. Exact analytical solutions of governing equations subject to physical boundary conditions are obtained using the techniques of non‐dimensionalization. The impacts of Grashof number, radiation parameter, Prandlt number, frequency parameter, magnetic parameter, Hall parameter, parameter of rotation and its effects on primary as well as secondary velocity and temperature profiles are presented graphically. We analyze the Hall effects and mixed convection in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of nanofluids through a vertical rotating channel, based on extensive research and applications. An analytical approach is used to derive the exact solution to this problem. A comparative study for silver and copper nanoparticles is made. A tabular solution for impacts of said parameters on convection rate and skin friction coefficient is also presented. This study is applicable for geophysical dynamics and engineering applications.
The effect of extracellular potassium concentration on the oscillation frequency of the pacemaker nucleus in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus
Authors: Kawasaki Masashi , Zupanc Günther K. H.
Published: October 2024

The weakly electric brown ghost knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus) exhibits a pronounced sexual dimorphism in its electric behavior—males discharge at higher frequencies than females, with little overlap between the sexes. The frequency of these electric organ discharges is controlled by the frequency of the synchronized oscillations of the medullary pacemaker nucleus. Previous studies have suggested that sex-specific differences in the morphology and gene expression pattern of the astrocytic syncytium that envelopes the pacemaking neural network cause differences in its capacity to buffer the extracellular concentration of K+. This change in the K+ buffering capacity affects the K+ equilibrium potential of the neurons constituting the neural network, which in turn modulates the frequency of the pacemaker nucleus. In the present study, we have tested a critical element of this hypothesis by examining whether, and how, changes in the extracellular K+ concentration influence the frequency of the pacemaker nucleus oscillations. By using an in vitro preparation of the pacemaker nucleus, the results of this investigation demonstrate that exposure of this nucleus to acutely increased/decreased concentrations of K+ in the perfusate (while maintaining osmolarity) leads to concentration-dependent increases/decreases in the frequency of the synchronized oscillations generated by the pacemaker nucleus.
Deep Learning Segmentation of Chromogenic Dye RNAscope From Breast Cancer Tissue
Authors: Davidson Andrew , Morley-Bunker Arthur , Wiggins George , Walker Logan , Harris Gavin , Mukundan Ramakrishnan , Investigators kConFab
Published: October 2024

RNAscope staining of breast cancer tissue allows pathologists to deduce genetic characteristics of the cancer by inspection at the microscopic level, which can lead to better diagnosis and treatment. Chromogenic RNAscope staining is easy to fit into existing pathology workflows, but manually analyzing the resulting tissue samples is time consuming. There is also a lack of peer-reviewed, performant solutions for automated analysis of chromogenic RNAscope staining. This paper covers the development and optimization of a novel deep learning method focused on accurate segmentation of RNAscope dots (which signify gene expression) from breast cancer tissue. The deep learning network is convolutional and uses ConvNeXt as its backbone. The upscaling portions of the network use custom, heavily regularized blocks to prevent overfitting and early convergence on suboptimal solutions. The resulting network is modest in size for a segmentation network and able to function well with little training data. This deep learning network was also able to outperform manual expert annotation at finding the positions of RNAscope dots, having a final $$\varvec{F}_\textbf{1}$$

F

1

-score of 0.745. In comparison, the expert inter-rater $$\varvec{F}_\textbf{1}$$

F

1

-score was 0.596.
Non-symplectic involutions of normal K3 surfaces associated with Hirzebruch surfaces
Authors: Hayashi Taro
Published: October 2024

For a non-symplectic involution g of a K3 surface X, the fixed point set of g and the quotient space $$X/\langle g\rangle $$

X
/
⟨
g
⟩

are well studied. In this paper, we study a non-symplectic involution f of a normal K3 surface Y such that the smooth model of Y is a double cover K3 surface of a Hirzebruch surface and f is induced by its covering involution. We determine the fixed point set of f, the singular points of Y, and the quotient space $$Y/\langle f\rangle $$

Y
/
⟨
f
⟩

.
Untangling the dominant culture in China’s elite universities
Authors: Zheng Yajun , Postiglione Gerard A.
Published: October 2024

Western literature has shown that elite universities are not culturally inclusive, presuming that these institutions predominantly reflect the culture of the affluent middle class. While cultural inclusion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students is a globally relevant issue, the overarching presumption does not necessarily apply to non-Western societies. This article reconsiders this assumption in the Chinese context, addressing the lack of systematic research untangling the dominant culture in elite Chinese universities. A two-phase, mixed-methods case study was conducted at two top-ranked universities in eastern and western China. In the first phase, a content analysis of the stories of the universities’ award-winning seniors was combined with a thematic analysis of the in-depth interviews with 49 graduating seniors to untangle the formal and informal dominant culture in China’s elite universities. The findings led to a three-fold model of dominant culture characterized by an emphasis on individual academic performance, loyalty to Communist Party ideology, and the significant influence of students from advantaged family backgrounds. In the second phase, three hypotheses about the impacts of this dominant culture on students’ socio-cultural integration were tested, largely supporting the three-fold model and highlighting the roles of academic and political performance in facilitating cultural inclusion. This study sheds new light on cultural capital studies in non-Western contexts and emphasizes that cultural (dis)advantages should be cautiously examined considering the historical and ideological context shaping higher education.