bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titanium dioxide nanotube fiber using in headspace solid‐phase microextraction with GC–MS for BTEX detection
Authors: Shu Hun‐Chi , Chen Yi‐Shen , Huang Zhong‐Xiang
Published: October 2023

Anodized TiO2 nanotube fibers using in‐headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) have been exploited as an analytical method for volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) detection. The factors of anodizing time and annealing temperature for TiO2 nanotube production are studied and the adsorption factors (time, ionic strength, and temperature) and desorption factors (time and temperature) for BTEX analysis are optimized. The limit of detections (LODs) for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene o‐xylene, and m, p‐xylene are 0.5, 0.1, 1.0, 1.0, and 2.0 μg L−1, respectively. The linear ranges for BTEX (0.5–15,000 μg L−1) and satisfactory linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9954) are obtained. This method is successfully applied in real samples with the recoveries ranging from 92% to 97%. TiO2 nanotube fiber is a promising technique for BTEX analysis.
Porcupine quills keratin peptides induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via p53/p21 pathway and caspase cascade reaction in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Kun , Xu Yanan , Huang Haozhang , Peng Dong , Chen Jianping , Li Pan , Du Bing
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Porcupine quills, a by‐product of porcupine pork, are rich in keratin, which is an excellent source of bioactive peptides. The objective of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of anti‐proliferation effect of porcupine quills keratin peptides (PQKPs) on MCF‐7 cells.

RESULTS

Results showed that PQKPs induced MCF‐7 cells apoptosis by significantly decreasing the secretion level of anti‐apoptosis protein Bcl‐2 and increasing the secretion levels of pro‐apoptosis proteins Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, caspase 3 and PARP. PQKPs also arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase via remarkably reducing the protein levels of CDK4 and enhancing the protein levels of p53 and p21. High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) analysis identified nine peptides with molecular weights less than 1000 Da in PQKPs. Molecular docking results showed that TPGPPT and KGPAC identified from PQKPs could bind with p53 mutant and Bcl‐2 protein by conventional hydrogen bonds, carbon hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force. Furthermore, the anti‐proliferation impact of synthesized peptides (TPGPPT and KGPAC) was shown in MCF‐7 cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that PQKPs suppressed the proliferation of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells by triggering apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the outcome of this study will bring fresh insights into the production and application of animal byproducts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pulsed electric field for shalgam juice: effects on fermentation, shelf‐life, and sensory quality
Authors: Öztürk Hale İnci , Buzrul Sencer , Bilge Gonca , Yurdakul Merve
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Pulsed electric field (PEF) has become a reality in the food industry as a non‐thermal application. PEF is used due to its benefits such as increasing the extraction of anthocyanin or other bioactive substances, shortening the fermentation time, and reducing the microbiological load by electroporation. This study aimed to determine the effect of PEF pretreatment on the fermentation, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of shalgam juice. For this purpose, PEF with 1 kV cm−1 of field strength was used as a pretreatment for shalgam juice and changes in control and PEF‐treated samples were monitored during fermentation and 70 days of cold storage (4 °C).

RESULTS

The pH and lactic acid content during fermentation were similar for both samples. The effect of PEF on pH (3.15–3.39), titratable acidity (4.35–5.49 g L−1), total phenolic content (279–766 mg mL−1 GAE) and antioxidant activity (694–2091 μmol Trolox mL−1) during storage was insignificant. PEF‐treated samples had lower total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (~9%) and lactic acid bacteria (~3%) counts than the control samples at the end of 70 days. Sensory analyses performed at 30th and 60th days of storage with 74 panelists revealed that the color, taste, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and general acceptability were not inversely affected by PEF.

CONCLUSION

Our results could be a basis to produce shalgam juice commercially by PEF treatment. Although more studies with new experimental designs should be carried out, preliminary results indicated that the use of PEF might have a potential for fermented products such as shalgam juices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spectroscopic Signatures of Plasmonic Near‐Fields on High‐Harmonic Emission
Authors: Jalil Sohail A. , Awan Kashif M. , Baxter Joshua , Bart Graeme , Purschke David N. , Fennel Thomas , Villeneuve David M. , Staudte André , Berini Pierre , Brabec Thomas , Ramunno Lora , Vampa Giulio
Published: October 2023

Intense laser fields can reveal the attosecond and femtosecond response of matter in the emitted photoelectrons and high‐harmonic photons. The complementary perspective offered by these two messengers is well explored in gas molecules and, more recently, in bulk solids, where both electron emission and high‐order harmonics have been utilized to probe the laser‐matter interaction. In nanoscale solids, electron emission provides a wealth of information about the localized and inhomogeneous near fields around the nanoparticles. Here, it is shown experimentally that inhomogeneous fields also affect high‐order harmonics. Specifically, the experiment reveals strong indications that the field gradient of a nanoscale plasmonic hotspot found inside a Si crystal induces the emission of even‐order high harmonics from the crystal itself. This demonstration extends the complementary electron‐photon perspective on attosecond science to nanoscale systems.
Collagen‐EGCG Combination Synergistically Prevents UVB‐Induced Skin Photoaging in Nude Mice
Authors: Fan Zhiqiang , Zhou Yubin , Gan Bin , Li Yuling , Chen Huizhi , Peng Xinsheng , Zhou Yanfang
Published: October 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin photoaging through generating excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. One of the strategies is to use photo‐chemoprotectors, such as natural products with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, to protect the skin from photo damage. The present study investigates the photoprotective potentials of topical administration of unhydrolyzed collagen, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and their combination against ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced photoaging in nude mice. It is found that both the solo and combined pretreatments could recover UVB‐induced depletion of antioxidative enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), as well as an increase of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde and inflammatory tumor necrosis factor‐α. Meanwhile, the UVB‐stimulated skin collagen degradation is attenuated significantly with drug treatments, which is evidenced by expression analysis of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and hydroxyproline. Additionally, the mouse skin histology shows that the drug‐pretreated groups possess decreased epidermis thickness and normal collagen fiber structure of the dermis layer. These results demonstrate that both EGCG and collagen can protect the skin against UVB‐induced skin photoaging. Synergistically, the combination of them shows the maximum prevention to skin damage, showing its potential in the application of anti‐photoaging formulation products.
Hydrophilic Surface Modification of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) Composite Film by Surface Activation
Authors: Sun Xin , Hu Keling , Wang Kai , Su Chengkun , Wang Rui , Ma Zhengfeng
Published: October 2023

Focusing on hydrophilic surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) (PMMA/PMMA‐co‐PAA) composite film, a copolymer is synthesized to improve the hydrophilicity and compatibility with PMMA matrix, and the composite film is subjected to surface activation using a sodium hydroxide solution. The infrared absorption peaks corresponding to –OH and –C═O functional groups become progressively weaker with the increase of copolymer content, indicating the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The hydroxyl absorption peak is significant and two new absorption peaks corresponding to the symmetric contraction and antisymmetric contraction of –COO– appear, indicating that sodium hydroxide solution can disrupt the intermolecular hydrogen bond and react with acrylic acid to form sodium acrylate to make the surface contain sodium elements. The elemental sodium content on the composite film can reach 1.9% and the nanostructures contain 20 times more sodium than the smooth parts, indicating the sodium acrylate can induce surface segregation of PMMA and form nanoparticle‐like structures to improve surface roughness. The hydrophilic component combined with the surface structure makes the contact angle less than 10°. Furthermore, thermostability can be slightly promoted by introducing the copolymer which is closely related to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed directly between the copolymer and the PMMA matrix.
On‐Line Monitoring Device for Gas Phase Composition Based on Machine Learning Models and Its Application in the Gas Phase Copolymerization of Olefins
Authors: Huang Xu , Zheng Shaojie , Yao Zhen , Li Bogeng , Yuan Wenbo , Ding Qiwei , Wang Zong , Hu Jijiang
Published: October 2023

This study addresses the challenges of time‐delay and low accuracy in online gas‐phase composition monitoring during olefin copolymerization processes. Three flowmeters based on different mechanisms are installed in series to measure the real‐time exhaust gas flow rate from the reactor. For the same gas flow, the three flowmeters display different readings, which vary with the properties and composition of the gas mixture. Consequently, the composition of the mixed gas can be determined by analyzing the reading of the three flowmeters. Fitting equations and three machine learning models, namely decision trees, random forests, and extreme gradient boosting, are employed to calculate the gas composition. The results from cold‐model experimental data demonstrate that the XGBoost model outperforms others in terms of accuracy and generalization capabilities. For the concentration of ethylene, propylene, and hydrogen, the determination coefficients (R2) were 0.9852, 0.9882, and 0.9518, respectively, with corresponding normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values of 0.0352, 0.0312, and 0.0706. The effectiveness of the online monitoring device is further validated through gas phase copolymerization experiments involving ethylene and propylene. The yield and composition of the ethylene and propylene copolymers are successfully predicted using the online measurement data.
Effect of different modifiers on tobacco stalk fiber/high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Gao Limin , Li Shaoge , Lv Jinyan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Long , Li Xin , Yang Menghao , Zhang Wei , Wang Yi , Bo Xiangfeng
Published: October 2023

Agricultural waste fiber has huge utilization potential due to its abundant sources, renewability, and low recycling costs. In this process, up to 30 wt% tobacco stalk fiber (TSF) was compounded with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and interfacial modifiers using a grinder, melting‐blending mixer, and injection molding machine to prepare environmentally friendly TSF/HDPE composites, which have excellent mechanical properties and good water resistance. On this basis, the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was enhanced by adding a silane coupling agent KH550, titanate coupling agent 201, and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA‐g‐PE), which led to the improvement of mechanical properties of composites. The mechanical properties of the composites with 2% MA‐g‐PE were the best, while the tensile strength and flexural strength increased by 72% and 38%, respectively, compared with the unmodified composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that TSF was modified by different coupling agents and new chemical bonds were formed. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was improved by the interface modifiers. This work confirms that it is possible to use TSF to prepare composites and provides a new way for resource utilization of tobacco stalk fiber.

Highlights

TSF was incorporated into composites, boosting material sustainability.

The interface compatibility between TSF and HDPE was greatly improved.

Thermal and water absorption analysis can be used for composites design.

Composites modified by 2 wt% MA‐g‐PE had optimal comprehensive properties.
Polyelectrolyte complex gels used for CO2 absorption
Authors: Huang Junjie , Wu Dianguo , Liu Weidong , Sun Jianfeng , Zhao Xuezhi , Zhang Yan , Feng Yujun
Published: October 2023

Polymer gels have shown application potential in minimizing gas channeling during CO2 enhanced oil recovery and storage processes, but the pumping pressure of preformed gels was too high, and the in‐situ cross‐linking in reservoirs was uncontrollable. Here we developed polyelectrolyte complex gels through the columbic attraction between sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and protonated polyethyleneimine (PEI+) by CO2 in the presence of water. Without CO2, the viscosity of polymer complex solution is relatively low; after streaming CO2, the viscosity of the NaCMC‐PEI+ mixture aqueous solution increases significantly, forming a gel. It was also found that the complex solution shows an evolution of “sol–gel‐separated phase” as the polymer concentration increases, which could be attributed to the enhanced electrostatic attraction between CMC− and PEI+. The viscosity of the gel decreases upon increasing salinity owing to the reduced charge repulsion by the introduced inorganic salt. The CMC−‐PEI+ complex can retain its gel behavior until 60°C, after which the complex collapses. The uptake tests show that 11.34 mg CO2 can be absorbed by each gram of gel composed of 0.9 wt% NaCMC and 0.15 wt% PEI at room temperature and ambient pressure. This work provides an inexpensive route to control gas leakoff and improve CO2 absorption.
Insight into thermal decomposition behavior of ammonium dinitramide‐based liquid propellant through reactive molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Meng Weifeng , Zhang Ting , Guo Zhuiyue , Qin Weihua , Lan Yanhua , Zhai Jinxian
Published: October 2023

The thermal decomposition characteristics and fuel oxidation mechanism of ammonium dinitramide (ADN)‐based liquid propellant are of great practical significance, but it is difficult to detect the whole intermediates and products using traditional experimental methods. In this paper, the thermal decomposition of ADN‐based liquid propellant at different temperatures (1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 K) was simulated using the reactive molecular dynamics method. The effect of temperature on the thermal decomposition of propellant and the distribution of the main products were investigated. The results showed that the temperature played a role in promoting the decomposition of propellant. The main products of ADN‐based liquid propellant were N2, H2O, NH3, HNO3, ⋅NHO, CH2O, CO2, and NO2, while their evolution and generation pathways were also described in detail. The initial decomposition of ADN was the breakage of N−H bonds in ⋅NH4 or N−N/N−O bonds in ⋅N(NO2)2, and methanol generated free radicals by dehydrogenation. There was no direct chemical reaction between ADN and methanol, and the interaction was accomplished through the generation and consumption of free radicals. H2O provided a large amount of ⋅H and ⋅HO leading to a lower activation energy of ADN in propellant than that from reference. The overall reaction mechanism of the liquid propellant was deduced. The results would help to further investigate the reaction mechanism of ADN‐based liquid propellants.
Conformation state‐specific monobodies regulate the functions of flexible proteins through conformation trapping
Authors: Nakamura Ibuki , Amesaka Hiroshi , Hara Mizuho , Yonezawa Kento , Okamoto Keisuke , Kamikubo Hironari , Tanaka Shun‐ichi , Matsuo Takashi
Published: October 2023

Synthetic binding proteins have emerged as modulators of protein functions through protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Because PPIs are influenced by the structural dynamics of targeted proteins, investigating whether the synthetic‐binders‐based strategy is applicable for proteins with large conformational changes is important. This study demonstrates the applicability of monobodies (fibronectin type‐III domain‐based synthetic binding proteins) in regulating the functions of proteins that undergo tens‐of‐angstroms‐scale conformational changes, using an example of the A55C/C77S/V169C triple mutant (Adktm; a phosphoryl transfer‐catalyzing enzyme with a conformational change between OPEN/CLOSED forms). Phage display successfully developed monobodies that recognize the OPEN form (substrate‐unbound form), but not the CLOSED form of Adktm. Two OPEN form‐specific clones (OP‐2 and OP‐4) inhibited Adktm kinase activity. Epitope mapping with a yeast‐surface display/flow cytometry indicated that OP‐2 binds to the substrate‐entry side of Adktm, whereas OP‐4 binding occurs at another site. Small angle X‐ray scattering  coupled with size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC‐SAXS) indicated that OP‐4 binds to the hinge side opposite to the substrate‐binding site of Adktm, retaining the whole OPEN‐form structure of Adktm. Titration of the OP‐4–Adktm complex with Ap5A, a transition‐state analog of Adktm, showed that the conformational shift to the CLOSED form was suppressed although Adktm retained the OPEN‐form (i.e., substrate‐binding ready form). These results show that OP‐4 captures and stabilizes the OPEN‐form state, thereby affecting the hinge motion. These experimental results indicate that monobody‐based modulators can regulate the functions of proteins that show tens‐of‐angstroms‐scale conformational changes, by trapping specific conformational states generated during large conformational change process that is essential for function exertion.
Unclassified glutathione‐S‐transferase AiGSTu1 confers chlorantraniliprole tolerance in Agrotis ipsilon
Authors: Yang Hao‐Lan , Yu Jia‐Min , Cao Fu , Li Wu‐Ye , Li Bin , Lei Xiao , Li Shi‐Guang , Liu Su , Li Mao‐Ye
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is a diamide insecticide with high efficacy against many pest insects, including the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Agrotis ipsilon is a serious pest causing significant yield losses in crops. Glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that can detoxify a wide range of pesticides. However, little is known about the functions of GSTs in CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon.

RESULTS

A cDNA sequence (designated AiGSTu1) encoding an unclassified GST was identified from A. ipsilon. AiGSTu1 is highly expressed during the 3rd‐instar larval and the pupal stages. Most of the mRNA transcripts were found in larval Malpighian tubules. Exposure to CAP strongly enhanced AiGSTu1 expression, GST activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde levels in larvae. H2O2 treatment upregulated the transcription level of AiGSTu1, suggesting that CAP‐induced oxidative stress may activate AiGSTu1 expression. The activity of recombinant AiGSTu1 was inhibited by CAP in a dose‐dependent manner. Metabolism assay results demonstrated that AiGSTu1 is capable of depleting CAP. Overexpression of AiGSTu1 enhanced the tolerance of Escherichia coli cells to H2O2 and the oxidative stress inducer, cumene hydroperoxide. Silencing of AiGSTu1 by RNA interference increased the susceptibility of A. ipsilon larvae to CAP.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential role of AiGSTu1 in CAP detoxification and will improve our understanding of CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Innovative Morphology Control Method: Modulating Metal Ratios in NixCoP@NF for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Du Mingxuan , Xi Wenshan , Zhang Weikai , Liu Shengzhong , Yan Junqing
Published: October 2023

The use of non‐precious metal materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) holds significant importance for the widespread application of new energy technologies. In this study, we prepare a novel foam nickel (NF) supported NixCoP (NixCoP@NF) nanocrystal through a one‐pot hydrothermal method and high‐temperature phosphorization, involving a straightforward process. Innovatively, we achieve morphology control of NixCoP@NF by altering the Ni : Co ratio to maximize its active surface area. The resulting ′petal‐like′ Ni0.5CoP@NF nanostructure exhibits high activity and long‐term durability in an alkaline medium (1 M KOH), with an overpotential of 58 mV at a current density of 10 mA ⋅ cm−2, a Tafel slope of 60.82 mV ⋅ dec−1, and demonstrates lower impedance compared to most non‐precious metal HER electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the variation in activation energy (Ea) reflects the thermodynamic advantages during the electrolysis process. This work offers a new approach for the development of simple and cost‐effective HER catalysts.
How much stressful life events really matter? Conceptual and methodological difficulties in assessing the impact of self‐reported events on adolescents' subjective stress
Authors: Milas Goran , Ćavar Filipa , Ribar Maja
Published: October 2023

Numerous studies have pointed to the strong impact of stressful life events on subjective stress and indirectly on the adolescents' mental health. However, the results of many such studies contain bias caused by the choice of measurement method or an incomplete theoretical framework. To estimate the extent of possible bias when using self‐reports, we conducted research on a representative sample of 2201 Croatian adolescents aged 14–18 years. Using manipulation we examined the influence of measurement method and the number of constructs included in the model on the variance of subjective stress explained by stressful events. Structural equation modelling indicated that different measurement methods, occurrence‐based and severity‐based, provide a marked discrepancy in the impact size estimation. The occurrence‐based method provided estimates of a much smaller proportion of the explained variance (6%–25%) compared to the severity‐based approach, which estimated the explained variance in the range of 25%–55% depending on the model. The complexity of the tested models additionally contributed to the variation in the estimates. It is recommended that when using self‐reports to measure stressful life events, occurrence‐based and severity‐based methods are used simultaneously and that impact estimates are expressed within intervals.
Application of Bifacial Semitransparent CuInSe2 Absorber to the Bottom Cell in Bifacial Semitransparent Perovskite/CuInSe2 Tandem Solar Cell for Albedo Environment
Authors: An Jin Gi , Tran Huyen , Kim Dongryeol , Lee Sang Min , Lee Ahreum , Ahn Seung Kyu , Cho Jun‐Sik , Gwak Jihye , Kim TaeWan , Jeong Inyoung , Park Joo Hyung
Published: October 2023

Although various types of bifacial solar cells exist, few studies have been conducted on bifacial semitransparent CuInSe2 solar cells (BS‐CISe SCs) despite the attractive potential in power generation from both sides in an albedo environment. The optimized BS‐CISe SCs with 300 and 800 nm‐thick absorber via a streamlined single‐stage co‐evaporation process exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.32% and 10.6%, respectively. When double‐sided total 2.0 sun illumination is assumed in an albedo environment, the bifacial power generation densities (BPGD) of them increases to 9.41% and 13.9%. Four‐terminal bifacial semitransparent tandem solar cells (4T‐BST SCs) are fabricated to increase the BPGD by mechanically stacking a BS‐perovskite (PVK) top cell on top of a BS‐CISe bottom cell with the 300 and 800 nm‐thick absorber layers. When summed up, the best top and bottom cell PCEs of the 4T‐BST SC with 300 and 800 nm‐thick BS‐CISe SC are 18.8% and 21.1%, respectively. However, the practical BPGD values of the 4T‐BST SC under total 2 sun illumination are interestingly 23.4% and 24.4%, respectively. This is because the BS‐CISe bottom cell's thickness affects how much rear‐side illumination is transmitted to the BS‐PVK top cell, increasing its current density and BPGD.
Copper Phosphide Nanostructures Covalently Modified Ti3C2Tx for Fast Lithium‐Ion Storage by Enhanced Kinetics and Pesudocapacitance
Authors: Zhong Jianjian , Li Jianling
Published: October 2023

2D layer Ti3C2Tx material attracts enormous attention in lithium ion energy storage field owing to the unique surface chemistry properties, but the material still suffers from restacking issue and the restriction on capacity. Herein, copper phosphide (Cu3P) nanostructures@Ti3C2Tx composites are prepared by the in situ generation of Cu‐BDC precursor in the bulk material followed with phosphorization. The uniformly distributed copper phosphide nanostructures effectively expand the interlayer spacing promoting the structural stability, and achieves the effective connection with the bulk material accelerating the diffusion and migration of lithium ions. The electrochemical activity of Cu3P also provides more lithium ion active sites for lithium storage. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis verifies that Ti─O─P bond with strong covalency allows the upper shift of maximum valence band and Fermi level, stimulating the charge transportation between Cu3P and the bulk Ti3C2Tx for better electrode kinetics. 3Cu3P@Ti3C2Tx exhibits excellent rate performance of 165.4 mAh g−1 at 3000 mA g−1 and the assembled 3Cu3P@Ti3C2Tx//AC Lithium‐ion hybrid capacitorsLIC exhibits superior energy density of 93.0 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 2367.3 W kg−1. The results suggest that the interfacial modification of Ti3C2Tx with transition metal phosphides will be advantageous to its high energy density application in lithium‐ion storage.
Light‐Assisted Lithium Metal Anode Enabled by In Situ Photoelectrochemical Engineering
Authors: Bao Weizhai , Wang Ronghao , Qian Chengfei , Shen Hao , Yu Feng , Liu He , Guo Cong , Li Jingfa , Sun Kaiwen
Published: October 2023

Rechargeable battery devices with high energy density are highly demanded by the modern society. The use of lithium (Li) anodes is extremely attractive for future rechargeable battery devices. However, the notorious Li dendritic and instability of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) issues pose series of challenge for metal anodes. Here, based on the inspiration of in situ photoelectrochemical engineering, it is showed that a tailor‐made composite photoanodes with good photoelectrochemical properties (Li affinity property and photocatalytic property) can significantly improve the electrochemical deposition behavior of Li anodes. The light‐assisted Li anode is accommodated in the tailor‐made current collector without uncontrollable Li dendrites. The as‐prepared light‐assisted Li metal anode can achieve the in situ stabilization of SEI layer under illumination. The corresponding in situ formation mechanism and photocatalytic mechanism of composite photoanodes are systematically investigated via DFT theoretical calculation, ex situ UV–vis and ex situ XPS characterization. It is worth mentioning that the as‐prepared composite photoanodes can adapt to the ultra‐high current density of 15 mA cm−2 and the cycle capacity of 15 mAh cm−2 under light, showing no dendritic morphology and low hysteresis voltage. This work is of great significance for the commercialization of new generation Li metal batteries.
Supramolecular Polyurethane “Ligaments” Enabling Room‐Temperature Self‐Healing Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Mini‐Modules
Authors: Yang Zhengchi , Jiang Yue , Wang Yuqi , Li Gu , You Quanwen , Wang Zhen , Gao Xingsen , Lu Xubing , Shi Xinbo , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun‐Ming , Gao Jinwei
Published: October 2023

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F‐PSCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional silicon solar cells for applications in portable and wearable electronics. However, the mechanical stability of inherently brittle perovskite, due to residual lattice stress and ductile fracture formation, poses significant challenges to the long‐term photovoltaic performance and device lifetime. In this paper, to address this issue, a dynamic “ligament” composed of supramolecular poly(dimethylsiloxane) polyurethane (DSSP‐PPU) is introduced into the grain boundaries of the PSCs, facilitating the release of residual stress and softening of the grain boundaries. Remarkably, this dynamic “ligament” exhibits excellent self‐healing properties and enables the healing of cracks in perovskite films at room temperature. The obtained PSCs have achieved power conversion efficiencies of 23.73% and 22.24% for rigid substrates and flexible substrates, respectively, also 17.32% for flexible mini‐modules. Notably, the F‐PSCs retain nearly 80% of their initial efficiency even after subjecting the F‐PSCs to 8000 bending cycles (r = 2 mm), which can further recover to almost 90% of the initial efficiency through the self‐healing process. This remarkable improvement in device stability and longevity holds great promise for extending the overall lifetime of F‐PSCs.
Perspectives from Europe region
Authors: Lewis Ben , Engel Sven H. , Bloomfield John , Moriarty Paul , Giovannucci Gian Luca , Melfi Mariagrazia
Published: October 2023

This article highlights the establishment of development efforts of four different associations to meet the needs of higher education, ministries, and the European Union. Each association has its niche on how students are supported based on the history of higher education, culture, and work with or on behalf of students.
Perspectives from the Oceania Region
Authors: White Christie , Strachan Andrea , Heise Amy
Published: October 2023

This study examines the 50‐year history of the Australian New Zealand Student Services Association, the key association in the region. Specific initiatives on how the association has evolved and pivoted over time to meet the needs of its members, the students the members support, and their institutions.
Looking back and looking forward
Authors: Schreiber Birgit , Roberts Dennis C. , Leask Betty
Published: October 2023

This article examines the question of the purpose and benefit of professionalization of student affairs. We discuss how student affairs is positioned and positions itself at the “third space,” in the intersection of administration, management, and the teaching and learning of students. In addition, the student affairs domain often straddles boundaries and multi‐disciplinary contexts, which results in complexity, ambiguity, and hybridity. We conclude by discussing key influences that need to be considered in the process of advancing debates and mitigating the risks of professionalization of student affairs in higher education.
Efficient estimation for the proportional hazards model with left‐truncated and interval‐censored data
Authors: Lu Tianyi , Li Hongxi , Li Shuwei , Sun Liuquan
Published: October 2023

Interval‐censored data often arise in prospective studies involving periodical follow‐up for monitoring the failure event occurrence. In addition to censoring, left truncation also occurs if only participants who have not experienced the failure event are enrolled in the study, which clearly induces the selection bias and makes the analysis more complicated. This work provides an efficient maximum likelihood estimation approach that appropriately adjusts the biased sampling for the proportional hazards model with left‐truncated and interval‐censored data. A flexible and stable expectation–maximisation algorithm via a two‐stage data augmentation is developed to maximise the intractable likelihood function. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established with the empirical process theory. The numerical results obtained from extensive simulations suggest that the proposed method performs satisfactorily and has some prominent advantages over the competing methods. An application to a colon cancer dataset also demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed method.
Striving for a profession for everyone
Authors: Judson Anna , Loeb Josh
Published: October 2023

As Anna Judson becomes BVA president for 2023/24, Josh Loeb chats to her about her love for the outdoors, passion for sustainability and One Health, and drive to create an inclusive profession.
Polymer Biodegradability 2.0: A Holistic View on Polymer Biodegradation in Natural and Engineered Environments
Authors: Sander Michael , Weber Miriam , Lott Christian , Zumstein Michael , Künkel Andreas , Battagliarin Glauco
Published: October 2023

Biodegradable polymers are an important part of the solution toolbox to achieve circularity in the plastic economy and overcome negative impacts of a linear plastic economy. Biodegradable polymers need to excel not only on a mechanical performance level in the application to fulfill their function during the use phase but also on a biodegradation performance level after use. The biodegradation performance is tailored to the application and the receiving environment of the polymer product after use, which can be both engineered systems (e.g., compost, anaerobic digestors, wastewater treatment plants) and natural systems (e.g., soils, freshwater, or marine environments). This chapter addresses key aspects of polymer biodegradability and biodegradation in both natural and engineered systems with the goal to advance a more holistic view on the topic and, thereby, provide guidance for all stakeholders working on developing, testing, and regulating biodegradable polymers. These aspects include definitions of biodegradability and biodegradation, elucidating polymer- and environmental factors that control the biodegradation process, a discussion of the analytical chemistry of polymer biodegradation, polymer biodegradability testing and certification, as well as a brief overview of research needs. In accordance with the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the chapter, this chapter targets all stakeholder groups from academics to industry and regulators.
2pf in single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$ holography
Authors: Giveon Amit
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The 2pf in single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

holography was computed and analyzed for operators in the w = 0 sector in [1]. Here we present its immediate generalization to non-zero winding w. For long strings, the result is identical to the one obtained within the TsT/$$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

approach in [2] (up to a factor of the reflection coefficient).
ZApprO versus ZÄPrO: Ergebnisse einer ersten Vergleichsstudie
Authors: Uzun Deniz , de Sousa Theresa , Görl Steffani , Brandt Silvia , Giraki Maria , Petsos Hari , Blauhut Thorsten , Heitkamp Stefan , Begic Amira , Obreja Karina , Sayahpour Babak , Bühling Sarah , Plein Nicolas , Möltner Andreas , Gerhardt-Szép Susanne , Zahn Tuğba
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Mehr als 60 Jahre nach dem Erlass der ersten Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte (ZÄPrO) trat im Jahr 2020 eine neue Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte und Zahnärztinnen (ZApprO) in Kraft. Ziele dieser Untersuchung waren die Evaluation und ein Vergleich der auf den unterschiedlichen gesetzlichen Grundlagen basierenden Lehrveranstaltungen „Kurs der Technischen Propädeutik“ (TPK) und „Zahnmedizinische Propädeutik mit Schwerpunkt Dentale Technologie“ (ZPDT).

Methoden

Nach Abschluss der Veranstaltungen wurden folgende Parameter untersucht: (1.) theoretisches und praktisches Wissen, (2.) reguläre fachbereichsinterne Evaluation durch die Lernenden, (3.) spezielle Evaluation der Lernbedingungen aus Sicht der Lernenden und (4.) aus Sicht der Lehrenden. Die theoretischen und praktischen Prüfungen und die Fragebögen wurden hinsichtlich ihrer teststatistischen Kenngrößen (Schwierigkeit, Trennschärfe, interne Konsistenz) analysiert. Gruppenvergleiche zwischen TPK und ZPDT erfolgten durch t‑Tests für unabhängige Gruppen.

Ergebnisse

Lediglich bei der Evaluation zur Erfassung der speziellen Lernbedingungen aus Sicht der Lernenden konnten signifikante Unterschiede festgestellt werden, wobei die theoretische und praktische Wissensvermittlung im TPK niedriger als im ZPDT bewertet wurde.

Diskussion

Die vergleichbaren Ergebnisse der Wissensüberprüfungen und der regulären Evaluation, trianguliert mit der umfangreichen Evaluation durch Lernende und Lehrende, ermöglichten eine umfassende Beurteilung beider Veranstaltungen. Die ermittelten signifikanten Unterschiede eröffnen Möglichkeiten zur Optimierung des neu implementierten ZPDT-Kurses.
Black Male Supervisors Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Sanders Terrance J. , Romosz Ann M. , Roman Renee L. , Moore Irvin E.
Published: October 2023

A significantly relevant issue that affects Black men in the workplace is a condition known as racial battle fatigue (RBF). RBF fosters systemic and systematic occupational and economic disparities that are experienced by Black men more regularly than their White counterparts (Smith et al., 2007). This qualitative study utilized a constructivist grounded theory methodology based on interviews with 11 Black male supervisors to understand the meaning of their cognitive and behavioral experiences as they navigated microaggressions, microinequities, and vicarious racism. These experiences contribute to our understanding of RBF. The findings revealed that Black male supervisors in various industries encountered and experienced RBF in the workplace. In addition, this research revealed that participants were subjected to various subtle and overt forms of racial stress due to microlevel and macrolevel RBF. The participants’ stories identified epistemic employment injustice and white fear as obstacles and barriers that Black men in supervisory roles face because of RBF in the workplace. The study also indicated that participants deployed managing and coping strategies to address the emotional contagions and emotional trauma resulting from their experiences. This research has implications for workplace policy change initiatives, cultural training and education, intergroup dialog courses, and clinical health practitioners. Recommendations pertaining to interventions that address trauma, mental health, and maladaptive behaviors are provided.
Bandwidth selection for treatment choice with binary outcomes
Authors: Ishihara Takuya
Published: October 2023

This study considers the treatment choice problem when the outcome variable is binary. We focus on statistical treatment rules that plug in fitted values from a nonparametric kernel regression, and show that the maximum regret can be calculated by maximizing over two parameters. Using this result, we propose a novel bandwidth selection method based on the minimax regret criterion. Finally, we perform a numerical exercise to compare the optimal bandwidth choices for binary and normally distributed outcomes.
Working-Class Raj
Authors: Lindgren-Gibson Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Focusing on the military men, railway workers, and wives and children of the British working-class who went to India after the Rebellion of 1857, Working-Class Raj explores the experiences of these working-class men and women in their own words. Drawing on a diverse collection of previously unused letters and diaries, it allows us to hear directly from these people for the first time. Working-class Brits in India enjoyed enormous privilege, reliant on native Indian labour and living, as one put it, “like gentlemen.” But within the hierarchies of the Army and the railyard they remained working class, a potentially disruptive population that needed to be contained. Working in India and other parts of the empire, emigrating to settler colonies, often returning to Britain, all the while attempting to maintain family ties across imperial distances-the British working class in the nineteenth century was a globalised population. This book reveals how working-class men and women were not atomised individuals, but part of communities that spanned the empire and were fundamentally shaped by it. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details
SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: the role of occupational and household exposures during the first three pandemic waves in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Carazo Sara , Denis Geoffroy , Padet Lauriane , Deshaies Pierre , Villeneuve Jasmin , Paquet-Bolduc Bianka , Laliberté Denis , Talbot Denis , De Serres Gaston
Published: October 2023

Objective:

We described the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 source of infection in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) of Quebec, Canada, during the first three pandemic waves. We also estimated their household secondary attack rate (SAR) and its risk factors.

Design:

Cross-sectional surveys.

Participants:

HCWs with a SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by polymerasa chain reaction and diagnosed between March 2020 and May 2021.

Methods:

We collected demographic, clinical, vaccination, and employment information, self-reported perceived source of infection, and transmission to household members during the first three pandemic waves. SAR was calculated for households with ≥2 members where the HCW was the index case. A Poisson regression model estimated the association between risk factors and SAR.

Results:

Among the 11,670 HCWs completing the survey, 91%, perceived their workplace as the source of infection during the first wave (March–July 2020), 71% during the second wave (July 2020–March 2021), and 40% during the third wave (March–May 2021). Conversely, HCWs reported an increasing proportion of household-acquired infections with each wave from 4% to 14% and 33%, respectively. The overall household SAR of 7,990 HCWs living with ≥1 person was 30% (95%CI: 29–30). SAR increased with the presence of symptoms, older age, and during Alpha-variant predominant period.

Conclusions:

HCWs and their household members were largely affected during the first pandemic waves of COVID-19, but the relative importance of occupational exposure changed overtime. Pandemic preparedness in healthcare settings is essential to protect HCWs from emerging biological hazard exposures.
Decision-Making Prepandemic: University Curtailment of Academic Operations Closure Processes During the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak
Authors: Victor Samjeris , Barnett Daniel J. , Hayanga J. W. Awori , Pascual-Ferrá Paola , Hayanga Heather K.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Through in-depth interviews, this study aimed to understand perspectives of key stakeholders regarding the decision to curtail academic operations in the setting of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak before the declaration of a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and how such processes may be optimized in the future to best protect public health and safety.

Methods:

Virtual interviews with key stakeholders from 4 academic institutions were conducted from September to December 2020 using a standardized interview question template. The interviews lasted approximately 30-45 minutes and each interview was recorded with permission. The interviews were then transcribed and reviewed for qualitative analysis.

Results:

The decision to curtail academic operations involved several common themes, such as discussing how institutions would control the outbreak and the process of transitioning to virtual learning and remote work. Universities were monitoring other universities’ responses as well as evaluating the prevalence of cases nationally and globally. Risks and challenges identified included housing for international students, financial implications, and loss of academic productivity.

Conclusions:

The decision-making process may be optimized in the future by focusing on communication within a smaller committee, prioritizing epidemiology over fiscal implications, and embracing an openness to consider new strategies. Further research regarding this topic should be pursued to best protect public health and safety.
Resentment and Polarization in Indonesia
Authors: Soderborg Seth , Muhtadi Burhanuddin
Published: October 2023

Is political polarization in Indonesia here to stay? For years, scholarly consensus on partisanship in Indonesia viewed weak partisan identity, collusive party behavior, and the predominance of personality as features of a system that would prevent the emergence of deep polarization. In the wake of religious and ethnic mobilizations during three contentious elections, the question of whether polarization has come to Indonesia is increasingly salient. Where previous studies have focused on elite polarization, we focus on whether polarization has a mass base. Using an original, nationally representative survey of 1,520 Indonesian adults shortly before the 2019 election, we tested whether political preferences in Indonesia reflected any of four underlying sets of resentment—religious, anti-Chinese, anti-Java, or regional. We found links of varying strength between each of these resentments and political preferences. Analyzing the sources of resentments, we find evidence that different resentments may travel through different channels: religious resentment through organizational membership, anti-Chinese resentment through exposure to social media, regional resentment through awareness of regional resource disparities, and resentment of Java through having experienced the old politics of Java—Outer Islands conflict. These links between political affiliation and resentment suggest that polarization is here to stay, so long as politicians make use of real, underlying resentments.
Study of the linear models in estimating coherent velocity and temperature structures for compressible turbulent channel flows
Authors: Chen Xianliang , Cheng Cheng , Gan Jianping , Fu Lin
Published: October 2023

Linear models, based on stochastically forced linearized equations, are deployed for spectral linear stochastic estimation (SLSE) of the velocity and temperature fluctuations in compressible turbulent channel flows with a bulk Mach number of 1.5. Through comparison with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) data, an eddy-viscosity-enhanced model (eLNS) outperforms the one not enhanced (LNS) in computing the coherence and amplitude ratio of streamwise velocity at different wall-normal heights, but they both largely deviate from DNS regarding the temperature prediction. For further investigation, the eigenspectra and pseudospectra of the linear operators are scrutinized. The eddy viscosity is shown to stabilize the eigenmodes and decrease the non-normality of the vortical modes. Consequently, the relative importance of acoustic and entropy modes increases, and they can contribute 20 % to 55 % of the response growth, which is not supported by DNS. Hence, it is an intrinsic defect of the eLNS model introduced by turbulence modelling. After a procedure of cospectrum decomposition, the contributions of acoustic and entropy components are filtered out. The resulting SLSE quantities for velocity, temperature and their coupling are basically agreeable with DNS, demonstrating that the coherent temperature fluctuation is dominated by advection and other vortical motions, instead of the compressibility effects. Moreover, a parameter study of Reynolds and Mach numbers (from 0.3 to 4) is conducted. The semi-local units are shown to well collapse the velocity SLSE quantities to the incompressible case for streamwise-elongated structures of high coherence.
Comparative Learning
Authors: Eva Benjamin
Published: October 2023

This article concerns the diachronic rationality norms for comparative confidence judgments, that is, judgments of the form “I am at least as confident in $p$ as I am in $q$.” Specifically, it identifies, characterizes, and evaluates an intuitively compelling learning rule called comparative conditionalization that specifies how agents should revise their comparative confidence judgments in the face of novel evidence.