bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the sustainable international competitiveness factors of SMEs by Fuzzy Delphi and Neutrosophic DEMATEL
Authors: Ghag Nikhil , Acharya Padmanav , Khanapuri Vivekanand
Published: May 2023

Today's small and medium enterprise (SMEs) are under pressure to pursue complex growth strategies in order to increase their competitiveness and keep up with the rapidly changing international environment and sustainability. SMEs lack a holistic perspective on sustainability and internationalization; they are frequently hindered from contemplating environmentally favorable investments beyond what is legally needed. The purpose of this paper is to present a joint Fuzzy Delphi and Neutrosophic DEMATEL for identifying and finding cause‐effect relationship among international sustainable competitiveness factors for SMEs. This study addresses the issue by exploring international sustainable competitiveness factors and applying the novel method that integrate Fuzzy Delphi and Neutrosophic DEMATEL for understanding the cause‐effect relationship among them. Moreover, prioritizing the factors for attaining international sustainable competitiveness for Indian manufacturing SMEs. The findings show that “Managerial Orientation” and “Economic Performance” are the important for SMEs in gaining International sustainable competitiveness. Prioritizing factors and their cause‐and‐effect relationships allowed decision‐makers to concentrate on overcoming them in order to increase international sustainable Competitiveness. These findings offer some preliminary information as well as advice for managers and policymakers looking to integrate sustainable efforts. The study's objective is to aid executives in understanding the elements of their respective businesses' international sustainable competitiveness. The outcome demonstrates the strongest correlation between managerial orientation and economic performance. The originality of this study lies in its empirical research on Indian SMEs, which uses the Fuzzy Delphi and Neutrosophic DEMATEL method framework as a base for establishing cause‐and‐effect relationships among various international sustainable competitiveness factors.
Comparison of Physical and Chemical Properties of Green and Brown Brazilian Propolis Collected in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Messias Anny Caroline , Lopes Gabriela Fonseca , de Souza Oliveira Rafaela , Álvares Horta Jacques Gabriel , Campos Oliveira Déborah , Brumana Correa Paula , Basques Caligiorne Rachel , Scardua Binda Nancy , de Figueiredo Sônia Maria
Published: May 2023

Among the 13 types of propolis classified in Brazil according to their physicochemical properties, green propolis and brown propolis are the most commonly found and used. In this work, a comparison of the physicochemical properties of green and brown propolis produced in Minas Gerais, Brazil was performed according to the methodology established by the Brazilian legislation. And, the content of 9 bioactive compounds in the samples was determined by RP‐HPLC. GrProp showed a higher content of pinocembrin, artepillin C and baccharin, and a higher quantity of total flavonoids, in comparison with BrwProp. The mechanical mass content in both types of propolis was above the limit established by legislation. However, the other physicochemical parameters were within the limits. The chemical composition, especially the flavonoid content and the free radical (DPPH) scavenger property confer to both types of propolis a promising pharmacological activity.
A Simple Protocol for the C−N Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Chlorides with Amines Applying Ni/NHC Catalysis
Authors: Khazipov Oleg V. , Pyatachenko Anastasia S. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: May 2023

An efficient protocol for the C−N cross‐coupling of aryl chlorides with (hetero)aryl‐ and alkyl amines under nickel catalysis has been developed. The main advantage of the protocol is the use of a self‐activated Ni/NHC catalytic system generated in situ from readily available bench‐stable air‐tolerant precursors: NiCl2Py2, IPr ⋅ HCl, and sodium tert‐butoxide. A mass spectrometry mechanistic study of the reaction system revealed the dynamics of competitive processes of Ni/NHC active species formation and degradation involving NHC reductive elimination reactions and tert‐butoxide base. Optimization of the NiCl2Py2/IPr ⋅ HCl/tBuONa ratio and the reaction temperature allowed efficient catalysis to be achieved. The developed simple protocol represents an alternative for methods relying on the use of air‐sensitive and unstable Ni(cod)2 or expensive well‐defined Ni/NHC precatalysts.
Overall Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction over Heterogeneous Semiconductor Photocatalysts
Authors: Huo Hailing , Wu Fang , Kan Erjun , Li Ang
Published: May 2023

The overall photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (PCRR), which uses solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into chemical feedstocks or fuels without sacrificial reagents, plays a momentous role in CO2 utilization and solar energy conversion. However, significant challenges remain in achieving efficient conversion. Researchers have explored various strategies to realize the overall PCRR efficiently. In this Review, we first explain the criteria for evaluating the overall PCRR and then summarize the following strategies developed over the past decade to promote it: self‐driving material development, Z‐scheme heterojunction construction, cocatalyst loading, heteroatom doping, surface vacancy creation, and carrier‐material matching. Finally, we discuss essential future research directions in the field. Through this comprehensive Review, we aim to provide strategic guidance for the development of efficient overall PCRR systems.
Radical‐Based Convergent Paired Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Ruipu , Li Liubo , Zhou Kehan , Fu Niankai
Published: May 2023

Electrochemistry offers a sustainable platform for discovering reactions involving single‐electron transfer (SET) that generates highly reactive and synthetically versatile radical species. Compared with photochemistry similarly specializing in SET which requires expensive photocatalysts, electrochemistry employs low‐cost electricity to drive the electron flow. Paired electrolysis makes use of both half‐reactions, thus obviating the need for sacrificial reactions and maximizing the atom and energy economy. In convergent paired electrolysis, anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction occur simultaneously to generate two intermediates, which are then coupled to furnish the product. It represents a distinctive approach to challenging redox‐neutral reactions. However, the gap between the two electrodes makes it hard for a reactive intermediate to come across the other coupling partner. This concept article summarizes recent state‐of‐the‐art advances on radical‐based convergent paired electrolysis, which adopted different strategies to overcome the difficulty.
Template‐assisted Fabrication of O‐doped CoP Microflowers with Optimal Electronic Modulation for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Shoulin , Zhou Xue , Zhou Guangyao , He Bin , Pang Huan , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen
Published: May 2023

Exploring efficient, affordable and stable electrocatalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of great scientific significance for the practical implementation of the water splitting. The heteroatom doping represents a serviceable strategy to further elevate the catalytic performance for a transition metal‐based electrocatalyst because of the electronic regulation effect. Herein, a reliable self‐sacrificial template‐engaged approach is proposed to synthesize O‐doped CoP (denoted as O‐CoP) microflowers, which simultaneously considers the regualtion of electronic configuration via anion doping and sufficient exposure of active sites via nanostructure engineering. The suitable O incorporation content in CoP matrix could tremendously modify the electronic configuration, accelerate the charge transfer, promote the exposure of active sites, strengthen the electrical conductivity, and adjust the adsorption state of H*. Consequently, the optimized O‐CoP microflowers with optimal O concentration display a remarkable HER property with a small overpotential of 125 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 68 mV dec−1 and long‐term durability for 32 h under alkaline electrolyte, manifesting a considerable potential application for hydrogen production at large scale. The integration of anion incorporation and architecture engineering in this work will bring in a depth insight for the design of low‐cost and effective electrocatalysts in energy conversion and storage systems.
Photoinduced Minisci Reaction with Diazines: An Approach Toward Original Fused Heterocycles.
Authors: Auvray Marie , Jeanty Matthieu , Jubault Philippe , Poisson Thomas
Published: May 2023

Herein, we developed a photoinduced Minisci reaction on a large panel of diazines with good to excellent yields (28 examples, 44 % to 89 %). The reaction using 4CzIPN (1 mol %) as photoinitiator was carried out under white LED irradiation and required a slight excess of the acid reagent (1.2 equiv.). Cyclization reactions were then developed to access original N‐heterocycles building blocks for drug discovery programs. An extension of the reaction to continuous flow was also reported. Finally, the mechanism of the transformation was studied suggesting a plausible radical chain mechanism.
Negative Homotropic Cooperativity in Guest Binding of a Trisporphyrin Double Cleft
Authors: Hisano Naoyuki , Kodama Tomoki , Haino Takeharu
Published: May 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Takeharu Haino at Hiroshima University. The image depicts the host–guest complex of a trisporphyrin double cleft with an electron‐deficient aromatic molecule, which shows negative cooperativity in guest binding. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202300107.
The Aggregates of Near‐Infrared Cyanine Dyes in Phototherapy
Authors: Ma Xiaoxie , Huang Yurou , Li Anning , Zeng Xiaoyan , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun , Yang Guang‐Fu
Published: May 2023

Cyanines in the near‐infrared region are a typical example of a classic fluorescent dye that has garnered significant attention and widespread use in the life sciences and biotechnology. Their character to form assemblies or aggregates has inspired the development of various functional cyanine dye aggregates in phototherapy. This article provides a brief summary of the strategies used to prepare these cyanine dye aggregates. The reports in this concept suggest that the self‐assembly of cyanine dyes can enhance their photostability, opening up new possibilities for their application in phototherapy. This concept may encourage researchers to explore the development of functional fluorescent dye aggregates further.
Fragment‐Merging Strategies with Known Pyrimidine Scaffolds Targeting Dihydrofolate Reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kirkman Tim , Fun Tan Suk , Chavez‐Pacheco Sair Maximo , Hammer Alexander , Abell Chris , Tosin Manuela , Coyne Anthony G. , Dias Marcio V. B.
Published: May 2023

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a key enzyme involved in the folate pathway that has been heavily targeted for the development of therapeutics against cancer and bacterial and protozoa infections amongst others. Despite being an essential enzyme for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) viability, DHFR remains an underexploited target for tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Herein, we report the preparation and evaluation of a series of compounds against Mtb DHFR (MtbDHFR). The compounds have been designed using a merging strategy of traditional pyrimidine‐based antifolates with a previously discovered unique fragment hit against MtbDHFR. In this series, four compounds displayed a high affinity against MtbDHFR, with sub‐micromolar affinities. Additionally, we determined the binding mode of six of the best compounds using protein crystallography, which revealed occupation of an underutilised region of the active site.
SOX17 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for metastatic ovarian and endometrial carcinomas in cytology cell block specimens
Authors: Satturwar Swati , Shaker Nada , Sinclair William , Shen Rulong , Parwani Anil V. , Ding Qingqing , Li Zaibo
Published: May 2023

Background

SOX17 (SRY‐box transcription factor 17) was recently identified as a highly sensitive and specific marker for ovarian and endometrial carcinomas in surgical specimens. In this study, validation of the utility of SOX17 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in diagnosing metastatic gynecologic carcinomas in cytology specimens was sought.

Methods

The study cohort included 84 cases of metastatic carcinomas that included 29 metastatic gynecologic carcinomas (24 ovarian high‐grade serous carcinomas, two endometrial serous carcinomas, one low‐grade serous carcinoma, one ovarian clear cell carcinoma, and one endometrial endometrioid carcinoma) and 55 cases of metastatic nongynecologic carcinomas (10 clear cell renal cell carcinomas, 10 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 11 gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, 10 breast carcinomas, 10 lung adenocarcinomas, and four urothelial carcinomas). Cytology specimen types included peritoneal fluid (n = 44), pleural fluid (n = 25), and fine‐needle aspiration (n = 15). SOX17 IHC was performed on the cell block sections. The intensity of staining and percent positivity of the tumor cells were evaluated.

Results

SOX17 was highly expressed in all tested metastatic gynecologic carcinomas with diffuse and strong nuclear expression (29 of 29; 100%). SOX17 was negative in other metastatic nongynecologic carcinomas (54 of 55; 98.18%) except for one papillary thyroid carcinoma that showed low positivity (<10%).

Conclusions

SOX17 is a highly sensitive (100%) and specific (98.2%) marker for the differential diagnosis of metastatic gynecologic carcinomas in cytology specimens. Therefore, SOX17 IHC should be included in the workup of differential diagnosis of metastatic gynecologic carcinomas in cytology specimens.
Effect of Growth Conditions on the Surface Morphology and Defect Density of CS‐PVT‐Grown 3C‐SiC
Authors: Kollmuss Manuel , La Via Francesco , Wellmann Peter J.
Published: May 2023

A systematic approach to determine the most crucial growth parameters and their effect on the surface morphology and defect density of sublimation grown (001) cubic silicon carbide (3C‐SiC) is conducted. Close space physical vapor transport (CS‐PVT) growth on 3C‐SiC and 4° off oriented homoepitaxial chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown seeding layers is performed. For each growth run, one growth parameter, e.g., temperature, pressure, or N2 flux is varied, while the other parameters are kept constant. Raman spectroscopy, potassium hydroxide (KOH) etching, as well as optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used for the sample characterization. Step‐flow‐controlled growth is observed on all grown samples, while the stacking fault density is generally reduced with respect to the seeding layers. Increased temperature as well as increased pressure leads to roughening of the growth surface attributed to step bunching, while their effect on the stacking fault density seems to be only minor in the analyzed parameter range. Areas of strongly enhanced step bunching are present on all samples, and this effect is more pronounced at higher temperature and pressure. Increased nitrogen doping leads to a decreased stacking fault density but also increases the length of remaining stacking faults. The surface morphology is influenced by N2 on a macroscopic level rather than on microscopic scale.
Repurposing Inhaled Ibuprofenate, a Non Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug, as a Potential Adjuvant Treatment for Pneumonia, CARDS and its Aetiological Agent SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Zurita‐Lizza Christian Carlos , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Ignacio , Doreski Pablo Alexis
Published: May 2023

In this manuscript, we will describe and highlight the most important potential underlying mechanisms of action of the inhaled sodium ibuprofenate in hypertonic saline formulation‐NaIHS aerosolisable, as a probable adjuvant treatment for moderate and severe pneumonia and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID‐19. In both pathological entities, we will refer exclusively to the pulmonary vasoplegic type and we will describe the following therapeutic effects of NaIHS: anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic. The synergistic action of these therapeutic effects anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory together may exert their action at the pulmonary level through the possible reversal of pulmonary vasoplegia and may thereby restore hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, correcting the uncoupling of the ventilation/perfusion ratio and vasoplegic intrapulmonary shunting and, above all, it may reverse severe hypoxaemia and acute respiratory failure. We will also mention the potential virucidal effects of NaIHS on severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2).

There are available three retrospective observational studies in moderate and severe COVID‐19 pneumonia, carried out in Argentina, with all three studies concluding that there was a significant reduction in mortality. The most important of these was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Board of the National Bureau of Economic Research of Harvard and Columbia Universities, which analysed data from 5146 patients and concluded that NaIHS reduced mortality by 48.7%, although randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these emerging data and enable the rise of NaIHS as a new adjuvant treatment.

Conclusively, we deem essential to reuse known drugs, such as ibuprofen, in COVID‐19, due to the constant emergence of variants and subvariants of concern secondary to mutations and immune escape mechanisms of (SARS‐CoV‐2), since effective medical treatments are currently scarce and many of them are controversial or not available worldwide.
Two‐step clustering for data reduction combining DBSCAN and k‐means clustering
Authors: Kremers Bart J. J. , Citrin Jonathan , Ho Aaron , van de Plassche Karel L.
Published: May 2023

A novel combination of two widely‐used clustering algorithms is proposed here for the detection and reduction of high data density regions. The density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm is used for the detection of high data density regions and the k‐means algorithm for reduction. The proposed algorithm iterates while successively decrementing the DBSCAN search radius, allowing for an adaptive reduction factor based on the effective data density. The algorithm is demonstrated for a physics simulation application, where a surrogate model for fusion reactor plasma turbulence is generated with neural networks. A training dataset for the surrogate model is created with a quasilinear gyrokinetics code for turbulent transport calculations in fusion plasmas. The training set consists of model inputs derived from a repository of experimental measurements, meaning there is a potential risk of over‐representing specific regions of this input parameter space. By applying the proposed reduction algorithm to this dataset, this study demonstrates that the training dataset can be reduced by a factor ˜20 using the proposed algorithm, without a noticeable loss in the surrogate model accuracy. This reduction also provides a way of analyzing existing high‐dimensional datasets for biases and consequently reducing them, which lowers the cost of re‐populating that parameter space with higher quality data.
Growth, drought response, and climate‐associated genomic structure in whitebark pine in the Sierra Nevada of California
Authors: van Mantgem Phillip J. , Milano Elizabeth R. , Dudney Joan , Nesmith Jonathan C. B. , Vandergast Amy G. , Zald Harold S. J.
Published: May 2023

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) has experienced rapid population declines and is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the United States. Whitebark pine in the Sierra Nevada of California represents the southernmost end of the species' distribution and, like other portions of its range, faces threats from an introduced pathogen, native bark beetles, and a rapidly warming climate. Beyond these chronic stressors, there is also concern about how this species will respond to acute stressors, such as drought. We present patterns of stem growth from 766 large (average diameter at breast height >25 cm), disease‐free whitebark pine across the Sierra Nevada before and during a recent period of drought. We contextualize growth patterns using population genomic diversity and structure from a subset of 327 trees. Sampled whitebark pine generally had positive to neutral stem growth trends from 1970 to 2011, which was positively correlated with minimum temperature and precipitation. Indices of stem growth during drought years (2012 to 2015) relative to a predrought interval were mostly positive to neutral at our sampled sites. Individual tree growth response phenotypes appeared to be linked to genotypic variation in climate‐associated loci, suggesting that some genotypes can take better advantage of local climatic conditions than others. We speculate that reduced snowpack during the 2012 to 2015 drought years may have lengthened the growing season while retaining sufficient moisture to maintain growth at most study sites. Growth responses may differ under future warming, however, particularly if drought severity increases and modifies interactions with pests and pathogens.
Electrochemical performance and impedance of a conical pore in the low–Pt PEM fuel cell catalyst layer
Authors: Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: May 2023

A model for the transient electrochemical performance of a conical pore in the cathode catalyst layer of a low–Pt PEM fuel cell is developed. The pore is separated from the Pt surface by a thin ionomer film. A transient equation for the oxygen diffusion along the pore coupled to the proton conservation equation in the ionomer film is derived. Numerical solution of the static equations shows superior electrochemical performance of a conical pore as compared to cylindrical pore with equivalent electrochemically active surface area. Equations for the pore impedance are derived by linearization and Fourier–transform of transient equations. The conical pore impedance is calculated and compared to the impedance of equivalent cylindrical pore. It is shown that the pore shape affects the frequency dependence of impedance.
The influence of biochar supported nano‐zero valent iron on the anaerobic digestion of sulfate wastewater
Authors: Li Shenglan , Qiu Wen , Zhang Yuan , Xu Chenxi , Cheng Qunpeng , Guan Jintao , Wang Yang
Published: May 2023

In this study, the effect of biochar supported nano‐zero valent iron (nZVI/BC) on anaerobic digestion of sulfate wastewater including methane yield, total volatile fatty acids, COD balance, sulfur balance, variation of iron (Fe2+) and microbial community structure was investigated by a batch‐scale experiment. The results showed that nZVI/BC could effectively maintain the stability of anaerobic digestion even at a high sulfate concentration. At SO42−/COD = 0.1 with 2 g nZVI/BC, the maximum methane yield (Bmax) and maximum methane production rate (Rmax) were obtained with a value of 3940.6648 mL and 553.6266 mL/day, respectively. When the SO42−/COD ratio was increased from 0.1 to 2, the ratio of COD converting to CH4 was decreased from 80.85% to 20.16%, while the ratio of COD used for SO42− reduction was increased from 8.79% to 77.96%. Meanwhile, nZVI/BC could enrich the hydrogentrophic Methanobacterium especially Methanobacterium with an average relative abundance of 75.86%.
The auditory stimulus reduced the visual inhibition of return: Evidence from psychophysiological interaction analysis
Authors: He Yufeng , Peng Xing , Sun Jiaying , Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

Visual inhibition of return (IOR) is a mechanism for preventing attention from returning to previously examined spatial locations. Previous studies have found that auditory stimuli presented simultaneously with a visual target can reduce or even eliminate the visual IOR. However, the mechanism responsible for decreased visual IOR accompanied by auditory stimuli is unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we aimed to investigate how auditory stimuli reduce visual IOR. Behaviorally, we found that the visual IOR accompanying auditory stimuli was significant but smaller than the visual IOR. Neurally, only in the validly cued trials, the superior temporal gyrus showed increased neural coupling with the intraparietal sulcus, presupplementary motor area, and some other areas in audiovisual conditions compared with visual conditions. These results suggest that the reduction in visual IOR by the simultaneous auditory stimuli may be due to a dual mechanism: rescuing the suppressed visual salience and facilitating response initiation. Our results support crossmodal interactions can occur across multiple neural levels and cognitive processing stages. This study provides a new perspective for understanding attention‐orienting networks and response initiation based on crossmodal information.
Influence of time between surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy on prognosis for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Sun Kaiyuan , Tan Jia Yan , Thomson Peter James , Choi Siu‐Wai
Published: May 2023

The timing of postoperative radiotherapy following surgical intervention in patients with head and neck cancer remains a controversial issue. This review aims to summarize findings from available studies to investigate the influence of time delays between surgery and postoperative radiotherapy on clinical outcomes. Articles between 1 January 1995 and 1 February 2022 were sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Twenty‐three articles met the study criteria and were included; ten studies showed that delaying postoperative radiotherapy might negatively impact patients and lead to a poorer prognosis. Delaying the start time of radiotherapy, 4 weeks after surgery did not result in poorer prognoses for patients with head and neck cancer, although delays beyond 6 weeks might worsen patients' overall survival, recurrence‐free survival, and locoregional control. Prioritization of treatment plans to optimize the timing of postoperative radiotherapy regimes is recommended.
Efficacy of the nootropic supplement Mind Lab Pro on memory in adults: Double blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Abbott‐Imboden Carlie , Gonzalez Yadira , Utley Andrea
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of taking Mind Lab Pro, a plant‐based nootropic on memory in a group of healthy adults. Auditory, visual, visual working memory, immediate and delayed recall (DR) were assessed.

Methods

The study employed a pseudo randomised, double blinded, placebo‐controlled design. A total of 49 healthy individuals completed the study with 36 in the experimental group and 13 in the control group. Participants ranged between 20 and 68 years with a mean age of 31.4 ± 14.4 years. Pre and post taking either the Mind Lab Pro supplement or placebo for 30 days. All participants completed the Wechsler Memory Scale Fourth UK Edition (WSM‐IV UK).

Results

We found that the experimental group significantly improved in all memory subtests assessed (p < 0.05) whilst the control group only significantly improved in auditory memory and immediate recall (p = 0.004 and p = 0.014 respectively). A significant difference in immediate and DR was also found between the control and experimental group (p = 0.005 and 0.034 respectively).

Conclusion

The use of Mind Lab Pro for 4 weeks improves memory with the experimental group significantly improving in all sub areas of memory as assessed by the WSM‐IV UK.
Efficient music analysis mechanism based on AI and IoT data mining
Authors: Wang Minglong , Pan Daohua
Published: May 2023

Chinese culture is depicted in a profound manner through opera music. With the advancements in deep learning and IoT technology, numerous studies have increasingly utilized neural networks to supersede conventional acoustic models. This paper explores the emotion classification of Qinqiang Opera through the utilization of cutting‐edge research methods. Firstly, we improve the convolutional neural network and adopt the residual network model to increase the model's fitting and stability. Secondly, the attention mechanism is integrated to reinforce the expression of each weight information, allowing the network to differentiate feature information more effectively and elevating the overall performance of the network. Thirdly, we use five sensors to form a local Internet of Things to collect a large amount of Qin opera audio data for experiments. Finally, multiple experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model in the emotional classification of Qinqiang Opera.
Natural mentoring among college students of color: Considerations for their ethnic‐racial identity and psychological well‐being
Authors: Garcia‐Murillo Yesenia , Sánchez Bernadette , Carter Jocelyn S. , McMahon Susan D. , Schwartz Sarah E.
Published: May 2023

This study examined: (a) the roles of ethnic‐racial similarity between mentors and mentees and mentors' support for ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) in mentees' ERI private regard, (b) the roles of ethnic‐racial similarity and ERI support in mentees' psychological well‐being, and (c) the indirect effects of ethnic‐racial similarity and ERI support on psychological well‐being via private regard. Participants were 231 college students of color who completed a survey and reported having a natural mentor. Path analyses were conducted to test the hypothesized model. More support for ERI was significantly associated with higher private regard and higher self‐esteem. Higher ethnic‐racial similarity was significantly related to higher psychological distress and higher self‐esteem. An indirect effect was found between ERI support and ethnic‐racial similarity and psychological well‐being via private regard. The findings fill a gap in the literature on ethnic‐racial processes in mentoring critical to the development of college students of color.
Localisation accuracy with iodine‐125 seed versus wire guidance for breast cancer surgery
Authors: Ratnagobal Shoba , Taylor Donna , Bourke Anita G. , Kessell Meredith , Madeley Carolyn , Robert Melanie C. , Vlaskovsky Philip , Saunders Christobel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Impalpable breast lesions generally require image‐guided localisation for breast‐conserving surgery. A standard technique is to place a hook wire (HW) within the lesion. Radioguided occult lesion localisation using iodine seeds (ROLLIS) involves inserting a 4.5 mm iodine‐125 seed (seed) into the lesion. We hypothesised that a seed could be more precisely positioned in relation to the lesion than a HW and that this may be associated with a lower re‐excision rate.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive participant data from three ROLLIS RCT (ACTRN12613000655741) sites. Participants underwent preoperative lesion localisation (PLL) with seed or HW between September 2013 and December 2017. Lesion and procedural characteristics were recorded. Distances between (1) any part of the seed or thickened segment of the HW (‘TSHW’) and the lesion/clip (‘distance to device’ DTD) and (2) centre of the TSHW/seed and centre of the lesion/clip (device centre to target centre ‘DCTC’) were measured on immediate postinsertion mammograms. Pathological margin involvement and re‐excision rates were compared.

Results

A total of 390 lesions (190 ROLLIS and 200 HWL) were analysed. Lesion characteristics and guidance modality used were similar between groups. Ultrasound‐guided DTD and DCTC for seed were smaller than for HW (77.1% and 60.6%, respectively, P‐value < 0.001). Stereotactic‐guided DCTC for seeds was 41.6% smaller than for HW (P‐value = 0.001). No statistically significant difference in the re‐excision rates was found.

Conclusion

Iodine‐125 seeds can be more precisely positioned for preoperative lesion localisation than HW, however, no statistically significant difference in re‐excision rates was detected.
Comparison of inhibition performance of thiadiazole derivatives containing sulfhydryl groups: Experimental and theoretical calculations
Authors: Liang Xuan , Gui Yi‐Heng , Yue Qing‐Xian , Ding Rui , Liu Jie , Yu Hai‐Bin
Published: May 2023

Corrosion inhibitors could significantly reduce the corrosion effect of seawater on carbon steels, which were widely used in seawater cooling systems and seawater desalination systems. The corrosion inhibition properties of 1,3,4‐thiediazole (TD) and 2‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (MTD) and their relationship with molecular structures were systematically studied by experimental and theoretical methods. TD and MTD were composite corrosion inhibitors with the higher proportion of cathodic corrosion inhibition, and their corrosion inhibition was based on the enlarged resistance of the electrochemical dissolution reaction of the iron. Their coverage on the surface of carbon steel and the negative movement of the potential they caused would promote each other and formed the stable adsorption. The mercaptol extended the distribution range of the negative electrostatic potential of MTD, reduced the spatial steric resistance of coordination and the energy gap of the frontier molecular orbitals, and raised the number of coordination transfer electrons, which made MTD exhibited superior corrosion inhibition performance than TD. The adsorption behavior of MTD was in line with the characteristics of Langmuir adsorption and was the combination of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. Its adsorption form was laminated adsorption, and it was conducive to the formation of feedback bonds, which led to high stability of adsorption.
Arithmetic inflection formulae for linear series on hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Cotterill Ethan , Darago Ignacio , Han Changho
Published: May 2023

Over the complex numbers, Plücker's formula computes the number of inflection points of a linear series of fixed degree and projective dimension on an algebraic curve of fixed genus. Here, we explore the geometric meaning of a natural analog of Plücker's formula and its constituent local indices in ‐homotopy theory for certain linear series on hyperelliptic curves defined over an arbitrary field.
Application of automated machine learning in the identification of multi‐target‐directed ligands blocking PDE4B, PDE8A, and TRPA1 with potential use in the treatment of asthma and COPD
Authors: Gawalska Alicja , Czub Natalia , Sapa Michał , Kołaczkowski Marcin , Bucki Adam , Mendyk Aleksander
Published: May 2023

Asthma and COPD are characterized by complex pathophysiology associated with chronic inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness resulting in airway remodeling. A possible comprehensive solution that could fully counteract the pathological processes of both diseases are rationally designed multi‐target‐directed ligands (MTDLs), combining PDE4B and PDE8A inhibition with TRPA1 blockade. The aim of the study was to develop AutoML models to search for novel MTDL chemotypes blocking PDE4B, PDE8A, and TRPA1. Regression models were developed for each of the biological targets using “mljar‐supervised”. On their basis, virtual screenings of commercially available compounds derived from the ZINC15 database were performed. A common group of compounds placed within the top results was selected as potential novel chemotypes of multifunctional ligands. This study represents the first attempt to discover the potential MTDLs inhibiting three biological targets. The obtained results prove the usefulness of AutoML methodology in the identification of hits from the big compound databases.
Cone‐beam CT imaging with laterally enlarged field of view based on independently movable source and detector
Authors: Karius Andre , Szkitsak Juliane , Strnad Vratislav , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph
Published: May 2023

Background

CBCT imaging with field of views (FOVs) exceeding the size of scans acquired in the conventional imaging geometry, i.e. with opposing source and detector, is of high clinical importance for many medical fields. A novel approach for enlarged FOV scanning with one full‐scan (EnFOV360) or two short‐scans (EnFOV180) using an O‐arm system arises from non‐isocentric imaging based on independent source and detector rotations.

Purpose

The presentation, description, and experimental validation of this novel approach and the novel scanning techniques EnFOV360 and EnFOV180 for an O‐arm system forms the scope of this work.

Methods

We describe the EnFOV360, EnFOV180, and non‐isocentric imaging techniques for the acquisition of laterally extended FOVs. For their experimental validation, scans of dedicated quality assurance as well as anthropomorphic phantoms were acquired, with the phantoms being placed both within the tomographic plane and at the longitudinal FOV border with and without lateral shifts from the gantry center. Based on this, geometric accuracy, contrast‐noise‐ratio (CNR) of different materials, spatial resolution, noise characteristics, as well as CT number profiles were quantitatively assessed. Results were compared to scans performed with the conventional imaging geometry.

Results

With EnFOV360 and EnFOV180, we increased the in‐plane size of acquired FOVs from 250 × 250 mm2 obtained for the conventional imaging geometry to up to 400 × 400 mm2 for the performed measurements. Geometric accuracy was very high for all scanning techniques with mean values ≤0.21 ± 0.11 mm. CNR and spatial resolution were comparable between isocentric and non‐isocentric full‐scans as well as EnFOV360, whereas substantial image quality deteriorations in this respect were observed for EnFOV180. Image noise in the isocenter was lowest for conventional full‐scans with 13.4 ± 0.2 HU. For laterally shifted phantom positions, noise increased for conventional scans and EnFOV360, whereas noise reductions were observed for EnFOV180. Considering the anthropomorphic phantom scans, both EnFOV360 and EnFOV180 were comparable to conventional full‐scans.

Conclusion

Both enlarged FOV techniques have high potential for imaging laterally extended FOVs. EnFOV360 revealed an image quality comparable to conventional full‐scans in general. EnFOV180 showed an inferior performance particularly regarding CNR and spatial resolution.
Reducing Blue Light Toxicity with Quantum‐Dot Technology
Authors: Harris Derek , Broyles Paul J. , Garbar Arkady , Khaw Ian , Hartlove Jason
Published: May 2023

New quantum‐dot materials are under way for LED backlit displays to reduce the hazard associated with shorter‐wavelength blue light.
QD Color Conversion Microdisplays for Near‐View Application
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Ganapathiappan Sivapackia , Fan Jiacheng , He Da , Zhu Mingwei , Patibandla Nag
Published: May 2023

QD color conversion with UV microLEDs shows great potential for full‐color microdisplays with high brightness, superior color quality, and high resolution.
ID Asks/Ross A. Young
Authors: Peruvemba Sri
Published: May 2023

Author, entrepreneur, 12x Ironman, industry expert, and CEO
Donor inspiration in nonprofit management: Conceptualization and measurement in a peer‐to‐peer context
Authors: Hesse Laura , Boenigk Silke
Published: May 2023

Drawing on previous conceptualizations of inspiration and the motivational theory of role modeling, this study reports on the development and testing of a donor inspiration framework in a peer‐to‐peer giving context. This framework proposes that individuals become inspired by a source, most likely peer fundraisers, to donate for a particular social cause. Based on observable donor data (N = 8697) that were scraped from the platform of a large peer‐to‐peer fundraising campaign, the results confirm that donor inspiration is a driver of donation behavior. The authors find that the peer fundraisers, the social cause, or a combination can function as the source of inspiration. The findings offer an initial conceptualization for donor inspiration, with concrete implications on donor recruiting strategies, and the design and implementation of peer‐to‐peer campaigns.
Radiative forcing due to carbon dioxide decomposed into its component vibrational bands†
Authors: Shine Keith P. , Perry Georgina E.
Published: May 2023

The radiative forcing (RF) of climate change due to increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is primarily in the wavenumber region 500–850 cm−1 (wavelengths of approximately 12 to 20 μm). It originates from absorption and emission of infrared radiation due to vibrational–rotational transitions of the CO2 molecule. While this RF has been the subject of intense and detailed study, to date, the contribution of different vibrational transitions to this forcing has not been explored. This article presents an analysis of radiative transfer calculations that quantify the role of different vibrational transitions and illustrates that while the fundamental bending mode contributes nearly 90% of the total infrared intensity, it contributes less than half of the RF at present‐day CO2 concentrations; this is because the absorption at the centre of this fundamental band is so intense that the effect of additional CO2 is strongly muted. By successively adding in additional CO2 bands to the calculations, it is demonstrated that a key spectroscopic phenomenon, known as Fermi Resonance (an interaction between excited states of the bending and the symmetric stretching modes of CO2) leads to a significant spreading of the infrared intensity to both higher and lower wavenumbers, where the fundamental bending mode is less important. The Fermi Resonance transitions contribute only about 4% of the total infrared intensity in this spectral region but cause more than half of the present‐day RF. The less‐abundant isotopologues of CO2 have little impact on the spectrally integrated RF, but this small contribution results from a compensation between more significant positive and negative contributions to the spectral RF. This work does not alter the results of detailed RF calculations available in the literature; rather, it helps explain the physical basis of that forcing.
On implementing the implicit discrete‐time super‐twisting observer on mechanical systems
Authors: Winkler Alexander , Grabmair Gernot , Reger Johann
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an extension of an algorithm for the implicit discretization of a super‐twisting sliding mode observer is presented. Implicit and explicit discretization algorithms for homogeneous differentiators, where no physical model information is considered, are investigated in literature. This article studies the behavior when considering models of a rather general class of nonlinear systems. The discrete equations of the super‐twisting observer are reformulated as generalized equation and an algorithm for the step‐by‐step solution is given. The uniqueness of the derived algorithm is investigated with an equivalent variational inequality formulation which is derived for a class of nonlinear systems. Furthermore, a semi‐implicit predictor‐corrector discretization is presented which is an approximation method for the presented algorithms and allows an explicit implementation in practical applications. Accuracy properties under noise and sampling are given. The algorithm is applied on two mechanical example systems taken from practice.
Oriented Zinc Metal Anode Based on Directional Recognition and Assembly
Authors: Zhang Shimeng , Li Jianbo , Jin Bowen , Shao Mingfei
Published: May 2023

The practical application of aqueous zinc batteries are highly limited by unsatisfied Zn anodes for the unavoidable dendrite growth and side reactions. Crystal orientation engineering is an effective way to overcome these inherent drawbacks. However, how to achieve Zn plating with manipulated crystallographic orientation is still a great challenge. Herein, a uniform (002)‐oriented Zn metal anode is reported based on a directional cation recognition and crystal assembly strategy. The activated layered double hydroxide (Act‐LDH) exhibits favorable adsorption energy with Zn2+ and high lattice matching with Zn (002) plane, which can be served as directional recognition layer to anchor Zn2+ and regulate crystallographic orientation of Zn as well. As demonstration, Zn crystals with ultrahigh ratio of (002)/(100) plane of 15.7 are assembled parallelly on horizontal Act‐LDH, in which high CE of 99.85% maintains over 18 000 cycles. The symmetric battery with (002)‐oriented Zn shows stable plating/stripping process over 1650 and 420 h at 1 mA cm−2/0.5 mA h cm−2 and 10 mA cm−2/5 mA h cm−2, respectively, which is 9 and 12 times higher than unoriented polycrystalline Zn. Moreover, as‐assembled full battery displays high specific capacity of 120 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 over 1800 cycles.
Design and Synthesis of a Triazine‐Based sp2 Carbon‐Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework for Blue Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Fulin , Dong Xiaoyun , Wang Yuexin , Lang Xianjun
Published: May 2023

Fully conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can exhibit great potential in semiconductor photocatalysis. But their syntheses remain elusive due to the low reversibility of vinylene linkage. Herein, by tuning the amount of base and temperature, a novel triazine‐based sp2 carbon‐conjugated COF (TA‐sp2c‐COF) is successfully constructed over Cs2CO3. Besides, the influence of modulating factors on the chemical and optoelectronic properties of TA‐sp2c‐COF is thoroughly investigated. TA‐sp2c‐COF adopts an eclipsed AA stacking structure with uniform micropores (1.4 nm). The blue light photocatalysis of the highly crystalline TA‐sp2c‐COF is established for the selective oxidative coupling of amines with oxygen, and the predominant role of superoxide is identified in forming imines. This work foretells that meticulous modulation of reaction conditions is the key to constructing sp2 carbon‐conjugated COFs toward solar photocatalysis.
Simulation Guided Coaxial Electrospinning of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Hollow Fibers with Tailored Piezoelectric Performance
Authors: Shao Zhuzhu , Zhang Xuan , Song Zihan , Liu Jingfeng , Liu Xingang , Zhang Chuhong
Published: May 2023

Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric fibers have high potential applicability in mechanical energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing owing to their high electromechanical coupling capabilities. Strategies for tailoring fiber morphology have been the primary focus for realizing enhanced piezoelectric output. However, the relationship between piezoelectric performance and fiber structure remains unclear. This study fabricates PVDF hollow fibers through coaxial electrospinning, whose wall thickness can be tuned by changing the internal solution concentration. Simulation analysis demonstrates an increased effective deformation of the hollow fiber as enlarging inner diameter, resulting in enhanced piezoelectric output, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. This study is the first to unravel the influence mechanism of morphology regulation of a PVDF hollow fiber on its piezoelectric performance from both simulation and experimental aspects. The optimal PVDF hollow fiber piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) delivers a piezoelectric output voltage of 32.6 V, ≈3 times that of the solid PVDF fiber PEH. Furthermore, the electrical output of hollow fiber PEH can be stably stored in secondary energy storage systems to power microelectronics. This study highlights an efficient approach for reconciling the simulation and tailoring the fiber PEH morphology for enhanced performances for future self‐powered systems.