bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification and prediction of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains with different MLST allelic profiles via SERS spectral analysis
Authors: Zhang Li-Yan , Tian Benshun , Huang Yuan-Hong , Gu Bin , Ju Pei , Luo Yanfei , Tang Jiawei , Wang Liang
Published: September 2023

The Gram-negative non-motile Klebsiella pneuomoniae is currently a major cause of hospital-acquired (HA) and community-acquired (CA) infections, leading to great public health concern globally, while rapid identification and accurate tracing of the pathogenic bacterium is essential in facilitating monitoring and controlling of K. pneumoniae outbreak and dissemination. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) is a commonly used typing approach with low cost that is able to distinguish bacterial isolates based on the allelic profiles of several housekeeping genes, despite low resolution and labor intensity of the method. Core-genome MLST scheme (cgMLST) is recently proposed to sub-type and monitor outbreaks of bacterial strains with high resolution and reliability, which uses hundreds or thousands of genes conserved in all or most members of the species. However, the method is complex and requires whole genome sequencing of bacterial strains with high costs. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop novel methods with high resolution and low cost for bacterial typing. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a rapid, sensitive and cheap method for bacterial identification. Previous studies confirmed that classification and prediction of bacterial strains via SERS spectral analysis correlated well with MLST typing results. However, there is currently no similar comparative analysis in K. pneumoniae strains. In this pilot study, 16 K. pneumoniae strains with different sequencing typings (STs) were selected and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on core genome analysis. SERS spectra (N = 45/each strain) were generated for all the K. pneumoniae strains, which were then comparatively classified and predicted via six representative machine learning (ML) algorithms. According to the results, SERS technique coupled with the ML algorithm support vector machine (SVM) could achieve the highest accuracy (5-Fold Cross Validation = 100%) in terms of differentiating and predicting all the K. pneumoniae strains that were consistent to corresponding MLSTs. In sum, we show in this pilot study that the SERS-SVM based method is able to accurately predict K. pneumoniae MLST types, which has the application potential in clinical settings for tracing dissemination and controlling outbreak of K. pneumoniae in hospitals and communities with low costs and high rapidity.
La enseñanza de los ciclos biogeoquímicos en un contexto de modelización: una propuesta de progresión y una estrategia para avanzar, integrar y complejizar las comprensiones implicadas en su aprendizaje
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Gallegos Fuentealba Valentina María
Published: September 2023

Los ciclos biogeoquímicos son una temática relevante de abordar en la escuela en tanto aportan comprensiones que pueden potenciar la toma informada de decisiones frente a temáticas socioambientales, por configurarse como un saber integrador de disciplinas científicas. Sin embargo, la escasa literatura didáctica sobre este tema y los diversos obstáculos para enseñarla y aprenderla llevaron a explorar la modelización como progresión de aprendizajes y como enfoque didáctico para dar respuesta a esta problemática. Así fue como se elaboró una secuencia de comprensiones clave emergidas del currículum chileno de ciencias naturales vinculadas a ciclos biogeoquímicos para dar cuenta de la pertinencia de la modelización como progresión de modelos para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la temática, para luego diseñar una secuencia didáctica para primer año medio basada en el ciclo de modelización y en la secuencia de comprensiones clave. Ambos productos fueron sometidos a juicios de experto de profesionales competentes para ser validados a través de escalas Likert. La modelización como progresión de modelos y como enfoque didáctico se configura como una aproximación didáctica pertinente y coherente a los desafíos de la enseñanza-aprendizaje de ciclos biogeoquímicos en las aulas chilenas.
Aporte de los Liderazgos Intermedios en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes: prácticas de liderazgo instruccional monitoreo de metas en lenguaje verbal nivel kínder
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Saavedra Valdés Daniela Paz
Published: September 2023

Los liderazgos intermedios se constituyen como parte importante del engranaje educacional. Estos roles pueden ser ejercidos por profesores en ejercicios o por profesores que han dejado la sala de clases, y dirigen a otros, buscando establecer un liderazgo motivador, pero a la vez transformador. Este trabajo reúne la experiencia de un líder intermedio que se desempeña en educación parvularia. Su mirada está puesta en el liderazgo instruccional, por medio del cual busca generar cambios en los resultados de aprendizajes de un grupo de niños de kínder en el núcleo de lenguaje verbal, para que ellos tengan mayores competencias en los precursores de la lectura y escritura. Para realizarlo ha tomado como base el libo de los autores Volante y Müller, 9 Claves ELI; Manual de prácticas para equipos de liderazgo instruccional y utilizando la práctica de monitoreo de metas de aprendizajes ha querido medir el tamaño del efecto en esta intervención y como ello podrá impactar en los resultados de aprendizaje.
Acción para la mejora en las modificaciones curriculares de los Armeros Artificieros de la Escuela de los Servicios: perspectiva de los profesores
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Flores Gómez Daniel Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Este estudio propone una mejora a los procesos de diseño y desarrollo curricular de la Escuela de los Servicios, por medio del análisis de la perspectiva de los docentes de la especialidad de Armeros Artificieros de dicho instituto. Para ello se realizó un estudio cualitativo, enfocado en un estudio de caso como es la educación militar. La muestra fue conformada por cuatro docentes los que nos darán distintos enfoques del mismo caso, seleccionados con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: que tengan más de nueve años de servicio en la institución, que ostenten la categoría de Suboficial y que tengan más de cuatro años ejerciendo docencia. El instrumento de recolección de datos que se aplicó fue una entrevista semiestructurada con una duración aproximada de 60 minutos, en donde se exploraron temas relacionados con las dificultades de los docentes en el desarrollo de sus prácticas en aula; y consideraciones de los profesores en el diseño del curriculum como son los ajustes de contenidos en las mallas curriculares entre otros. Se espera que estos resultados permitan identificar aspectos que no son considerados por los profesionales de curriculum y directivos de la Escuela de los Servicios al momento de efectuar estos cambios en las mallas curriculares impartidos en el Ejército de Chile, con la finalidad de proponer mejoras en el diseño y desarrollo curricular en la Escuela de los Servicios, considerando la perspectiva de los docentes que integran estos procesos.
Decisiones curriculares del profesorado para la resolución de problemas matemáticos usando una plataforma digital
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Educación, Pacheco Saavedra Karol Beatriz
Published: September 2023

El presente trabajo final de egreso pretende indagar las decisiones curriculares para la enseñanza de resolución de problemas matemáticos utilizando la plataforma digital ClassDojo con profesoras de educación general básica de Tierra del Fuego y Panguipulli. El sustento teórico de la problemática discute tensiones curriculares relacionadas con la construcción del currículum en la praxis y la necesidad de reflexionar sobre la toma decisiones de la enseñanza en un contexto educativo “post-pandemia”. La propuesta de trabajo es una investigación cualitativa utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas y el relato personal de la investigadora, estos instrumentos apuntaban a encontrar significados sobre decisiones curriculares en la experiencia del profesorado, para ello se aplicó un análisis de contenido identificando comprensiones de las temáticas de estudio. Los resultados muestran la complejidad de las decisiones curriculares, la experiencia y conocimientos pedagógicos del profesorado; además, la influencia de las actitudes de los estudiantes. Por otra parte, surgen valoraciones a las interacciones pedagógicas y el desapego al uso de plataformas para resolver problemas matemáticos. Los hallazgos encontrados contribuyen al análisis de la construcción del currículum en la praxis (Grundy, 1999) y a la agencia del profesorado en tomar decisiones curriculares como mediador cultural en la interacción con sus estudiantes (Sacristán, 1988). Por último, se concluye que las decisiones curriculares se nutren a través de las adaptaciones de los componentes curriculares, las necesidades e intereses del estudiantado para resolver problemas matemáticos.
“It's the most important work we will ever do”: Chiropractic students, servicelearning experiences at a day laborer center in California
Authors: Odierna Donna H. , Savai Farida , Pino Lori L. , Currie J. David , Smith Monica
Published: September 2023

Objective

From 2009 to 2019, staff, students, and faculty volunteers from a chiropractic college started Mission Trip America, later re-named Service Trip America (STA), providing monthly free chiropractic services at a hiring hall for day laborers in San Francisco until the 2020 COVID-19 hiatus. We report on volunteers' service-learning experiences.

Methods

Mixed-methods analysis comprising document review, descriptive report of site visit records, and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 12 student and faculty volunteers.

Results

STA conducted 104 visits (8–11 per year) including 2272 patient encounters. Document review revealed an average of 22 patients per visit, with 60% to 85% return patients. On average, 3 student interns and 2 student assistants attended each visit, supervised by a doctor of chiropractic faculty member and the program director. Most commonly, interns treated 8 patients during the 4- to 5-hour visits. Patient concerns included musculoskeletal problems and other health conditions commonly seen at chiropractic offices and teaching clinics. Interns also regularly saw chronic health problems exacerbated by poor living conditions, violence, limited access to health care, low educational attainment, chronic stress, and the extreme biomechanical loading resulting from heavy labor. Interview results yielded 4 themes: learning, attitudes, challenges, and program strengths. Interviewees described opportunities to learn while working with a marginalized population and discussed long-term effects on their postgraduation practice as chiropractors.

Conclusion

Patients' physical, mental health, and psychosocial issues illustrated unique circumstances and profound needs of the underserved population being cared for by STA volunteers. Our findings may provide guidance for other community-based chiropractic service-learning programs in marginalized and underserved communities.
Green Marketing Mix of Organic Product and Its Impact on Purchase Decision
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Stephen Ameesh John , Noel Asish S.
Published: September 2023

The need for organic products is increasing significantly in India. Being healthy is very important for us. Organic products are grown without using chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, in a way that is good for the environment and society. The demand for organic products has grown rapidly all around the world in the past few years. This study only looks at 4 things in marketing - Product, Price, Place, and Promotion factors. It doesn't look at the other 3 things, which are Packaging, Positioning, and People. These 4 factors affect how consumers decide to buy organic products. This research was carried out in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 332 people took part in the survey. The goal of the study is to find out the different factors and determine which variables have the biggest impact in each factor. The survey tries to understand why people buy certain things by asking about different factors that influence their choices. It also asks questions about how often the customer buys something and how much they are willing to pay for it. The questions cover 19 different things, with 5 related to the product, 3 related to the price, 6 related to the place, and 5 related to promotion. The study finds out what is the most important thing for customers when it comes to product, price, place, and promotion. Customers consider factors of a product like quality, brand, health & environment safety, and taste. Among these factors, product factors are especially important for customers. The factors related to where something is sold are not very important to consumers compared to factors related to the actual product. Convenience is the most significant thing in a location. We take into account the factors of high cost, reasonable price, and quality when determining prices. People are willing to sacrifice their health for the benefit of their health. Consumers want the product to be delivered to their homes. Finding out the reasons will help the store owners to adjust their marketing and manufacturing plans to benefit from these factors in a way that will make both the customers and marketers happy. They can come up with plans and assist in the growth of the store and the farmers in general. In this study, about 55% of people strongly agreed that organic products are high quality. About 34% remained neutral on the availability of different brands. Around 50% strongly agreed that organic products are expensive. Around 31% agreed that organic stores are conveniently located. About 36% agreed that free home delivery is available, and 17% strongly agreed with this statement. It was discovered that there is a strong connection between the product, price, place, and promotional actions in how consumers make their buying choices.
Forças de segurança e sindicatos na Ditadura (1964-1985): uma análise das organizações sindicais maranhanses sob a vigilância da DOPS
Authors: Viveiros Carlos Eduardo Pereira
Published: September 2023

Este estudo tem como ponto central analisar os sindicatos maranhenses durante a ditadura militar (1964-1985) a partir da exploração de dados empíricos oriundos da documentação da polícia política. Cabe registrar a constituição do sindicalismo de Estado concebido desde o primeiro governo varguista e o papel do aparelho sindical sobre o sindicalismo subsequente. Com o golpe (1964), esse modelo foi intensificado com a intenção de enfrentar e neutralizar o movimento sindical. No estado do Maranhão, o controle e a vigilância sobre os sindicatos também foram implementados pelo governo e particularmente pela DOPS/MA, a qual, sendo integrante do aparelho repressivo do Estado, interviu nos espaços sindicais.
Yumara Rodrigues: na vastidão do seu palco iluminado
Authors: Candra Cássia
Published: September 2023

Arquivo enviado não contém resumo.
Uterine Prolapse
Authors: Brown Oluwateniola E. , Mou Tsung P. , Ackenbom Mary F.
Published: September 2023

This JAMA Insights in the Women’s Health series discusses diagnosis of uterine prolapse and available surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
Neighborhood Characteristics and Elevated Blood Pressure in Older Adults
Authors: Sims Kendra D. , Willis Mary D. , Hystad Perry W. , Batty G. David , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Smit Ellen , Odden Michelle C.
Published: September 2023

Importance

The local environment remains an understudied contributor to elevated blood pressure among older adults. Untargeted approaches can identify neighborhood conditions interrelated with racial segregation that drive hypertension disparities.

Objective

To evaluate independent associations of sociodemographic, economic, and housing neighborhood factors with elevated blood pressure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, the sample included Health and Retirement Study participants who had between 1 and 3 sets of biennial sphygmomanometer readings from 2006 to 2014 or 2008 to 2016. Statistical analyses were conducted from February 5 to November 30, 2021.

Exposures

Fifty-one standardized American Community Survey census tract variables (2005-2009).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Elevated sphygmomanometer readings over the study period (6-year period prevalence): a value of at least 140 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and/or at least 90 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. Participants were divided 50:50 into training and test data sets. Generalized estimating equations were used to summarize multivariable associations between each neighborhood variable and the period prevalence of elevated blood pressure, adjusting for individual-level covariates. Any neighborhood factor associated (Simes-adjusted for multiple comparisons P ≤ .05) with elevated blood pressure in the training data set was rerun in the test data set to gauge model performance. Lastly, in the full cohort, race- and ethnicity-stratified associations were evaluated for each identified neighborhood factor on the likelihood of elevated blood pressure.

Results

Of 12 946 participants, 4565 (35%) had elevated sphygmomanometer readings (median [IQR] age, 68 [63-73] years; 2283 [50%] male; 228 [5%] Hispanic or Latino, 502 [11%] non-Hispanic Black, and 3761 [82%] non-Hispanic White). Between 2006 and 2016, a lower likelihood of elevated blood pressure was observed (relative risk for highest vs lowest tertile, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96) among participants residing in a neighborhood with recent (post-1999) in-migration of homeowners. This association was precise among participants with non-Hispanic White and other race and ethnicity (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97) but not non-Hispanic Black participants (relative risk, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85-1.11; P = .48 for interaction) or Hispanic or Latino participants (relative risk, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.65-1.09; P = .78 for interaction).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of older adults, recent relocation of homeowners to a neighborhood was robustly associated with reduced likelihood of elevated blood pressure among White participants but not their racially and ethnically marginalized counterparts. Our findings indicate that gentrification may influence later-life blood pressure control.
Access to Marijuana by Minors Via Online Dispensaries
Authors: Terala Ananya , Sangiuolo Kara , Milanaik Ruth L.
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional study examines online marijuana dispensaries and their age verification procedures to prevent youth access.
Robust steady‐state matrix‐weighted fusion filtering for multisensor multichannel autoregressive signal with multiple uncertainties
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Hu Chunhong , Hu Qingying , Liu Wei , Ren Wang
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the robust steady‐state matrix‐weighted fusion (MWF) filtering problem for multisensor multichannel autoregressive (AR) signal with multiple uncertainties, which can be transformed into the state estimation problems in the state space representation. The uncertainties include the random parameter matrices, uncertain noise variances (UNVs), one‐step random measurement delay, missing measurements, and packet dropouts. Three Bernoulli distributed stochastic variables with known conditional probabilities are introduced to describe the networked stochastic uncertainties. The AR signal model under consideration is transformed into a state space model only with UNVs via using a combined method, which is composed of the state space method, the augmented method, and the fictitious noise method. Based on the worst‐case system with conservative upper bounds of UNVs, the robust local steady‐state one‐step and multi‐step signal predictors are proposed by using the minimax robust estimation method. Subsequently, the distributed fusion signal predictors weighted by matrices are addressed. The robustness of the proposed signal predictors is proved by the introduced augmented noises and permutation matrices. Simulation experiment demonstrates the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Ex Vivo Evaluation of Combination Immunotherapy Using Tumor‐Microenvironment‐on‐Chip
Authors: Mu Hsuan‐Yu , Lin Chiao‐Min , Chu Li‐An , Lin Ya‐Hui , Li Ji , Liu Chao‐Yu , Huang Hsi‐Chien , Cheng Sheng‐Liang , Lee Tsung‐Ying , Lee Hsin Mei , Chen Hsin‐Min , Tsai Yun‐Jen , Chen Yunching , Huang Jen‐Huang
Published: September 2023

Combination immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy to address the challenges associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in breast cancer. The efficacy of combination immunotherapy hinges upon the intricate and dynamic nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by cellular heterogeneity and molecular gradients. However, current methodologies for drug screening often fail to accurately replicate these complex conditions, resulting in limited predictive capacity for treatment outcomes. Here, a tumor‐microenvironment‐on‐chip (TMoC), integrating a circulation system and ex vivo tissue culture with physiological oxygen and nutrient gradients, is described. This platform enables spatial infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and their targeted attack on the tumor, while preserving the high complexity and heterogeneity of the TME. The TMoC is employed to assess the synergistic effect of five targeted therapy drugs and five chemotherapy drugs in combination with immunotherapy, demonstrating strong concordance between chip and animal model responses. The TMoC holds significant potential for advancing drug development and guiding clinical decision‐making, as it offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the TME.
Graphene Nanoplatelets/Barium Titanate Polymer Nanocomposite Fibril: A Remanufactured Multifunctional Material with Unprecedented Electrical, Thermomechanical, and Electromagnetic Properties
Authors: Mishra Raghvendra Kumar , Goel Saurav , Chianella Iva , Yazdani Nezhad Hamed
Published: September 2023

A novel, zero‐waste and recycling plastic waste solution is introduced, to scalably produce graphene nanoplatelets/barium titanate (GNP/BaTiO3) polymer nanocomposite fibrils. A comprehensive investigation is performed to evaluate the compatible and non‐compatible recycled polypropylene (PP)/polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) blends combined with functional (electrical, piezoelectric,and dielectric) materials for in‐situ fibril production. The nanocompositefibrils made from recycled PP, PET and GNPs/BaTiO3 with high‐aspect ratio disparity (400:1) are produced, which exhibit significantly enhanced electrical, thermomechanical, and electromagnetic characteristics. Single‐screw extrusion is utilised to fabricate the fibrils with the in‐situ fibril morphology of PET and GNPs/BaTiO3 leading to improved electrical conductivity. It is demonstrated that such fibril morphology restricts the chain mobility of polymer molecules, and ultimately increases viscosity and strain energy. Moreover, the study demonstrates a positive reinforcement effect from the utilisation of PET fibrils and GNPs/BaTiO3 in a PP matrix, dominated by the high‐aspect ratio, stiffness, and thermal stability of GNPs/BaTiO3. Furthermore, it is observed that the mechanical properties and tension‐bearing capacity of the PP are significantly improved by such incorporation. The study also demonstrates that the protection of the remanufactured nanocomposites against electromagnetic interference is significantly improved with the increasing GNPs/BaTiO3 content and the morphological transition from spherical to fibril‐shaped PET.
Crucial Role of Self‐Exsolved Heterostructured Cermet Nanoparticles in Highly Active Spinel Electrodes for CO2/H2O Co‐Electrolysis
Authors: Wu Kuan‐Ting , Matsuda Junko , Staykov Aleksandar , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: September 2023

The versatility of the spinel (AB2O4) oxides means they are of great interest for a variety of catalysis and energy conversion applications, involving gas reactions and reforming. CuFe2O4 spinel is identified as a highly efficient fuel electrode for CO2/H2O co‐electrolysis due to its promising electrocatalytic activity. To identify the actual active sites, the electrochemical characteristics, composition, chemical state, and microstructure are systematically investigated while optimizing the electrolysis performance by varying the feed gas composition. Markedly enhanced electrolysis current density is achieved under a CO2‐enriched composition of 50%CO2/10%H2O‐Ar. This promising performance is attributed to the in situ exsolution of heterostructural “Cu/Fe3O4” nanoparticles on the parent CuFe2O4 surface during co‐electrolysis. Interestingly, a strong correlation of the electrolysis performance with the amount of the formed heterostructural cermet is observed. The exsolved cermet heterostructure plays a crucial role in CO2/H2O electroreduction, as also confirmed by density‐functional‐theory studies. The self‐exsolved Cu/Fe3O4 nanoparticles present exceptional strength due to a strong interaction between the formed metallic Cu and Fe3O4, enabling the electrode to remain active and stable under such high electrical polarization. The excellent durability and stability of the self‐exsolved heterostructural nanoparticles are clearly confirmed by long‐term operation at high‐working voltage with an outstanding Faradaic efficiency (nearly 100%).
Successive Gradient Internal Electric Field Strategy Toward Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Li Yanxin , Jia Hongfeng , Ali Usman , Wang Haozhi , Liu Bingqiu , Li Lu , Zhang Lingyu , Wang Chungang
Published: September 2023

With the rapidly increasing demand for grid‐scale energy storage systems, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are capturing attention as a highly promising technology with low cost and high safety. Nevertheless, rampant dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and corrosion of the zinc anode have dramatically impacted their practical application. Here, a self‐supported modified layer with ultrafine high‐entropy nanoparticles (2 nm) as the zincophilic sites is realized to modify the Zn anode for the first time. High‐entropy materials with unique continuously distributed potential gaps significantly reduce the activation energy of multi‐electron reactions and modulate ion transport during zinc deposition. Moreover, thanks to the hydrophobic properties and effective desolventizing ability of the ultrafine high‐entropy nanomaterial, the unfavorable side reactions of the zinc anode are prevented to promote the zinc deposition process. As a result, stable cycling of 3500 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 600 h at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved. Coin cells and flexible pouch cells assembled with KMO and NH4V4O10 cathodes also demonstrate promoted electrochemical performance. The dual effects of accelerating and homogenizing mechanisms in high‐entropy materials provide a new strategy for stabilizing zinc metal anodes.
KxNayH(2‐x‐y)Ti2O5 for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode with Li Dendrites‐Free Mechanism, Zero‐Strain Characteristic
Authors: Yuan Chaohui , Wang Miao , Wang Junjun , Chen Wentian , Li Na , Fan Yuqian , Ma Zhipeng , Guo Wenfeng , Mai Liqiang
Published: September 2023

Conventional Li‐ion batteries equipped with graphite anodes suffer from poor rate performance and the risk of lithium dendrites, which constrain scale‐up applications. Among the promising candidates, spinel‐type Li4Ti5O12 is still subjected to low theoretical specific capacity, high working potential, and poor diffusion properties. Herein the KxNayH(2‐x‐y)Ti2O5 product is provided by reconstructing the chemical bonding idea, which exhibits enhanced specific capacity (323 mAh g−1), lower working potential (major capacity contribution < 1.5 V vs Li+/Li), higher diffusion coefficient (10−8.5–10−5 cm2 s−1), and long cycle stability. Further in/ex situ studies show that these excellent properties can be attributed to the combination of high capacitive contribution, unique “switching mechanism” to avoid lithium dendrite generation, and the zero‐strain properties. The findings provide new ideas and opportunities for the development of next generation titanate anode materials with desirable electrochemical properties.
Impact of the Solid Electrolyte Particle Size Distribution in Sulfide‐Based Solid‐State Battery Composites
Authors: Schlautmann Eva , Weiß Alexander , Maus Oliver , Ketter Lukas , Rana Moumita , Puls Sebastian , Nickel Vera , Gabbey Christine , Hartnig Christoph , Bielefeld Anja , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: September 2023

All solid‐state batteries are promising, as they are expected to offer increased energy density over conventional lithium‐ion batteries. Here, the microstructure of solid composite electrodes plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics of ionic and electronic pathways. Microstructural aspects that impede charge carrier transport can, for instance, be voids resulting from a general mismatch of particle sizes. Solid electrolyte materials with smaller particle size distribution represent a promising approach to limit the formation of voids and to match the smaller active materials. Therefore, a systematic investigation on the influence of the solid electrolyte particle size on the microstructural properties, charge carrier transport, and rate performance is essential. This study provides an understanding of the influence of the particle sizes of Li6PS5Cl on the charge carrier transport properties and their effect on the performance of solid‐state batteries. In conclusion, smaller Li6PS5Cl particles optimize the charge transport properties and offer a higher interface area with the active material, resulting in improved solid‐state battery performance.
Nanoparticulate WN/Ni3C Coupling in Ceramic Coatings for Boosted Urea Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Feng Yihan , Ran Nian , Wang Xunlu , Liu Qiunan , Wang Jiacheng , Liu Lijia , Suenaga Kazu , Zhong Wenwu , Ma Ruguang , Liu Jianjun
Published: September 2023

Urea electrolysis can convert urea from urea‐rich wastewater to hydrogen for environmental protection and sustainable energy production. However, the sluggish kinetics of urea oxidation reaction (UOR) requires valence‐variable sites that are generally active at high anodic overpotentials. Herein, a robust ceramic coating is constructed with coupled tungsten nitride (WN)/nickel carbide (Ni3C) nanoparticles to achieve valence‐stable catalytic sites with outstanding UOR performance. Various characterization results indicate strong interfacial electron transfer from WN to Ni3C in coupled nanoparticles, which enables reservation of Ni2+ sites without self‐oxidation during UOR, quite distinct from the kinetically slow Ni3+OOH‐catalyzed UOR pathway. Theoretical calculations show that the coupled effect in WN/Ni3C leads to enhanced electron transfer from catalytic sites to adsorbed urea, and W sites are thermodynamically favorable for UOR. This efficiently lowers the barrier of rate‐determining step (RDS: *CO‐N2 → *CO·OH), thus enabling fast UOR kinetics and a low potential of 1.336 V at 100 mA cm−2, which identifies this ceramic coating as one of the best UOR electrocatalysts. This work opens a new avenue for design of stable and active sites in ceramics coatings toward advanced electrocatalytic applications.
Large‐scale chiral spherulites with controllable circularly polarized luminescence in liquid crystal block copolymers film
Authors: Yuan Jianan , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: September 2023

Macroscopic chiral spherulites prepared by hierarchical self‐assembly have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent property as chiroptical materials. However, preparing controllable chiral spherulites in bulk film remains a challenge due to the absent knowledge of the evolution mechanism from the molecule to macroscopic crystal during chiral assembly. In this contribution, chiral macroscopic spherulites were constructed with controllable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) using enantiomeric tartaric acid and rhodamine B co‐assembled with liquid crystal block copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) bearing azobenzene group side chains. It was found that the chiral liquid crystal field induced by exogenous chiral molecules was closely related to the formation of macroscopic chiral spherulites. Moreover, the transformation of azobenzene cis‐trans isomerization under photo‐thermal endows films with adjustable CPL. This facile strategy provides a platform to design large‐scale chiral structures for chiroptical switching, encryption, and memory storage materials.
Sarcomere‐Inspired Multilayer Artificial Muscle Units for Hyperconfigurable Robotic Applications
Authors: Ambrose Jonathan William , Tan Gavril Yong En , Chiang Nicholas Zhang Rong , Cheah Dylan Sin You , Xiong Quan , Yeow Chen-Hua
Published: September 2023

Soft pneumatic biomimetic robotic systems excel at the specific application they are designed for, often to interact or navigate unstructured environments safely. However, redeployment to new purposes requires substantial resources, from redesign to revalidation. Despite most pneumatic artificial muscles surpassing the power and contraction performance of natural muscles, natural muscles largely remain unmatched in terms of their versatility and complex performance. This is likely due to artificial muscle's low effective strain and high radial expansion, limiting parallel operating efficiencies. To address these challenges, a class of compact versatile pneumatic actuators, called multilayer artificial muscle (MAM), that are capable of deployment to different applications through configurable modularity, is presented. The MAMs are biomimetically inspired by the sarcomere, the building block for natural muscle architecture. Similarly, MAM can extend and contract as well as be rearranged to mimic muscle‐like actions and functions, such as a caterpillar locomotion robot and an entire robotic arm. The MAMs are fabricated through multilayer, multimaterial, low‐cost additive manufacturing, which offers certain advantages such as higher extension, contraction force, and durability. MAMs have the potential to provide a crucial fundamental building block toward future versatile reconfigurable architecture.
Where to draw the boundaries? Using landscape genomics to disentangle the scribbly gum species complex
Authors: Rutherford Susan , Rossetto Maurizio , Bragg Jason G. , Wan Justin S. H.
Published: September 2023

Premise

Species delimitation is an integral part of evolution and ecology and is vital in conservation science. However, in some groups, species delimitation is difficult, especially where ancestral relationships inferred from morphological or genetic characters are discordant, possibly due to a complicated demographic history (e.g., recent divergences between lineages). Modern genetic techniques can take into account complex histories to distinguish species at a reasonable cost and are increasingly used in numerous applications. We focus on the scribbly gums, a group of up to five closely related and morphologically similar “species” within the eucalypts.

Methods

Multiple populations of each recognized scribbly gum species were sampled over a wide region across climates, and genomewide scans were used to resolve species boundaries.

Results

None of the taxa were completely divergent, and there were two genetically distinct entities: the inland distributedEucalyptus rossiiand a coastal conglomerate consisting of four species forming three discernible, but highly admixed groups. Divergence among taxa was likely driven by temporal vicariant processes resulting in partial separation across biogeographic barriers. High interspecific gene flow indicated separated taxa reconnected at different points in time, blurring species boundaries.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for genetic screening when dealing with closely related taxonomic entities, particularly those with modest morphological differences. We show that high‐throughput sequencing can be effective at identifying species groupings and processes driving divergence, even in the most taxonomically complex groups, and be used as a standard practice for disentangling species complexes.
Fatal injuries associated with rear step riding among municipal solid waste collection workers (United States, 1984–2020)
Authors: Zhu Julia , Fletcher Alicia , Verma Nehel
Published: September 2023

Background

United States solid waste workers suffer a high fatal injury rate due to their frequent exposures to refuse‐vehicle‐related hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) allows workers to ride on the rear steps of a garbage truck (exterior riding) if employers abide by American National Standard Z245.1 (ANSI Z245.1). The State of California (CA) has banned exterior riding since 1984, and the City of New York (NYC) has implemented its own initiatives to prevent exterior riding deaths.

Methods

Fatal exterior riding incidents were identified from two online databases. Variables relating to deceased workers, employers, and injury circumstances were analyzed.

Results

The study identified 181 exterior riding deaths from 604 refuse‐vehicle‐related fatal incidents (deaths either directly caused by a refuse vehicle or one in which the victim was performing a refuse‐vehicle‐related task) in the United States (1984–2020). A total of 50 (27.6%) of the exterior riding deaths had no ANSI Z245.1 violations. Risk factors other than those addressed by ANSI Z245.1 contributed to these worker deaths.

Conclusions

Exterior riding deaths identified by this study were all preventable. Temporary workers and workers in the public sector may be at higher risk for exterior riding deaths. Both CA and NYC had taken measures to prohibit the practice of exterior riding, and both had lower numbers of exterior riding deaths. ANSI Z245.1 and current OSHA enforcement policy do not address the inherent dangers of falling off a moving heavy vehicle while standing on a small and elevated platform, and are not effective in preventing fatal exterior riding incidents.
Olfactory decline develops in parallel with frailty in older US adults with obstructive lung diseases
Authors: Wang Esther , Wroblewski Kristen E. , McClintock Martha K. , Pinto Jayant M. , Witt Leah J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty is prevalent among older adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (obstructive lung diseases [OLDs]). Frailty and OLD's co‐occurrence is associated with increased hospitalization/mortality. Chemosensory dysfunction is closely connected to both OLD and frailty. We evaluated the utility of olfactory decline as a biomarker of frailty in the setting of OLD.

Methods

We performed a prospective, longitudinal, nationally representative study of community‐dwelling older US adults in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, an omnibus in‐home survey. Respondents reported a physician's diagnosis of OLD. Decline in odor identification and sensitivity over 5 years and frailty (adapted fried frailty phenotype criteria) were measured using standard tools. Multivariate logistic regressions evaluated the association between OLD status, olfactory decline, and frailty.

Results

We compared individuals with OLD (n = 98; mean age 71.2 years, 59.2% women) and those without OLD (n = 1036; mean age 69.5 years, 58.9% women). Olfactory identification decline was associated with developing frailty over the 5‐year follow‐up period in individuals with OLD (odds ratio [OR] = 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–38.6, p = 0.003). Olfactory decline predicted incidence of frailty in individuals with OLD (identification: OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.3–17.5, P = 0.018; sensitivity: OR = 6.1, 95%CI = 1.2–31.0, p = 0.030) but not in those without OLD adjusting for demographics, heavy alcohol use, current smoking, and comorbidity. Results were robust to different thresholds for olfactory decline and frailty development.

Conclusions

Older adults with OLD who experience olfactory decline face higher odds of developing frailty. Use of olfactory decline as a biomarker to identify frailty could allow earlier intervention and decrease adverse outcomes for high‐risk older adults with OLD.
Enantioselective High‐Throughput Assay Showcased for the Identification of (R)‐ as well as (S)‐Selective Unspecific Peroxygenases for C−H Oxidation
Authors: Swoboda Alexander , Pfeifenberger Lukas Johannes , Duhović Zerina , Bürgler Moritz , Oroz‐Guinea Isabel , Bangert Klara , Weißensteiner Florian , Parigger Lena , Ebner Katharina , Glieder Anton , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

Identifying (bio)catalysts displaying high enantio‐/stereoselectivity is a fundamental prerequisite for the advancement of asymmetric catalysis. Herein, a high‐throughput, stereoselective screening assay is reported that gives information on enantioselectivity, stereopreference and activity as showcased for peroxygenase‐catalyzed hydroxylation. The assay is based on spectrophotometric analysis of the simultaneous formation of NAD(P)H from the alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzed enantioselective oxidation of the sec‐alcohol product formed in the peroxygenase reaction. The assay was applied to investigate a library comprising 44 unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) containing 25 UPOs not reported yet. Thereby, previously non‐described wild‐type UPOs displaying (S)‐ as well as (R)‐stereoselectivity for the hydroxylation of representative model substrates were identified, reaching up to 98 % ee for the (R)‐ and 94 % ee for the (S)‐enantiomer. Homology models with concomitant docking studies indicated the structural reason for the observed complementary stereopreference.
Pseudo‐2D Layered Organic‐Inorganic Manganese Bromide with a Near‐Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield for White Light‐Emitting Diode and X‐Ray Scintillator
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sui Ping , Zheng Wei , Li Lingyun , Wang Shuaihua , Huang Ping , Zhang Wen , Zhang Qi , Yu Yan , Chen Xueyuan
Published: September 2023

Eco‐friendly lead‐free organic–inorganic manganese halides (OIMHs) have attracted considerable attention in various optoelectronic applications because of their superior optical properties and flexible solution processibility. Herein, we report a novel pseudo‐2D layered OIMH (MTP)2MnBr4 (MTP: methyltriphenylphosphonium), which exhibits intense green emission under UV/blue or X‐ray excitation, with a near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield, high resistance to thermal quenching (I150 °C=84.1 %) and good photochemical stability. These features enable (MTP)2MnBr4 as an efficient green phosphor for blue‐converted white light‐emitting diodes, demonstrating a commercial‐level luminous efficiency of 101 lm W−1 and a wide color gamut of 116 % NTSC. Moreover, these (MTP)2MnBr4 crystals showcase outstanding X‐ray scintillation properties, delivering a light yield of 67000 photon MeV−1, a detection limit of 82.4 nGy s−1, and a competitive spatial resolution of 6.2 lp mm−1 for X‐ray imaging. This work presents a new avenue for the exploration of eco‐friendly luminescent OIMHs towards multifunctional light‐emitting applications.
Efficiency and development of guanidine chelate catalysts for rapid and green synthesis of 7‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐tetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carbonitrile derivatives supported by density functional theory (DFT) studies
Authors: El‐Remaily Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali Ali , El‐Dabea Tarek , El‐Khatib Rafat M. , Abdou Aly , El Hamd Mohamed A. , Abu‐Dief Ahmed M.
Published: September 2023

Three GUBZCu, GUBZVO, and GUBZPd chelates have been prepared from 2‐guanidino benzimidazole (GUBZ ligand) by a bidentate coordinating approach. FT‐IR, mass, and NMR spectra; magnetic moment; CHN analysis; UV–Vis spectra; molar conductance; and TGA were studied to describe and estimate the molecular formulae of tested molecules. The stability constant for GUBZ complexes was estimated in the solution. Also, the pH profile displays the extra stability of tested complexes. Structure elucidation of the studied complexes had been supported by density functional theory (DFT) along with calculated electronic and vibrational spectra. Electronic absorption spectra were estimated practically through UV–Vis spectra and theoretically performed using the time‐dependent TD‐DFT/B3LYP, for computing the absorption maximum, oscillator strength, and excitation energy of the tested compounds. This study was done into these chelates' catalytic performances for the environmentally friendly synthesis of 7‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐tetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carbonitrile derivatives utilizing aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and 5‐amino tetrazole as reactants. The used reactions have been directed in a concerned environment through a green solvent. The obtained results verified the promising catalytic activity and selectivity of the tested complexes. All tested reaction conditions have been enhanced between variable Lewis acid catalysts in associating to our studied complexes. GUBZPd catalyst presented an advantage in overall tests through high yield, green conditions, and short time. Also, the regaining of hetero‐catalyst has prospered as well as recycled through the same effectiveness up to four or five times, and then the performance has been reduced. The mechanism of action has been recommended depending on the capability of the Pd (II) complex for totaling extra bonds above the z‐axis as well as reinforced with theoretical study. This strategy's simplicity, safety, commercially accessible catalyst, stability, fast reaction time, and outstanding yields may be used in the industry in the future.
A porphyrin‐based porous organic polymer containing flexible chains for efficient heterogeneous photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Dongping , Wang Dan , Wei Jiaojiao , Qian Xinyu , Wang Ning , Li Jun
Published: September 2023

Porphyrin‐based porous organic polymers (Por‐POPs) are attracting increasing attention because of their potential in visible light photocatalysis. The distinctive attributes of Por‐POPs have been elucidated by investigating their response to specific reactions, such as the aerobic oxidation of sulfides. However, most researchers choose porphyrin molecules with relatively short peripheral substituent chains and strong stiffness to construct porphyrin‐based materials, especially Por‐POPS. Herein, we designed and prepared a flexible POP material H2Pp‐TAPM by incorporating extra π‐conjugated rigid units TAPM into a relatively flexible porphyrin monomer H2Pp through imine linkages. The POP synthesized in this study has demonstrated the ability to facilitate the transfer and dissociation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, leading to the production of singlet oxygen 1O2 and superoxide radical anions O2˙−. These anions act as effective mediators for the selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides, resulting in the conversion of 99% and the selectivity more than 99%. Furthermore, the H2Pp‐TAPM has excellent stability and recyclability, indicating its attractiveness as heterogeneous photocatalyst for the transformation of organic compounds. This makes it a promising candidate for visible‐light‐driven reactions.