bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achievable secrecy rate analysis of OFDM‐based multi‐user untrusted relay networks with imperfect CSI
Authors: Özduran Volkan , Nomikos Nikolaos , Ansari Imran Shafique
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI), caused by channel estimation errors and feedback delays, on the physical‐layer security performance of multi‐user relay networks. More specifically, a multi‐user untrusted half/full‐duplex (HD/FD) uni/bi‐directional wireless amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relay network is studied, adopting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). In order to minimize the information leakage, it is considered that a limited number of friendly jammers affect the untrusted relay. In this context, the achievable secrecy rate of the relay network is theoretically analyzed and optimization problems are formulated and solved for the untrusted relay's location and power allocation. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical findings, revealing that channel estimation errors cause coding gain losses for low signal‐to noise ratio (SNR) while their impact becomes negligible for high SNR. Also, a large number of user‐pairs achieves higher secrecy rate while FD relaying further improves the secrecy performance. Finally, bi‐directional relaying provides higher achievable secrecy rate over uni‐directional relaying.
A 3D surface coil with deep learning‐based noise reduction for parotid gland imaging at 7T
Authors: Gokyar Sayim , Zhao Chenyang , Gunamony Shajan , Tang Liyang , West Jonathan , Kokot Niels , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Background: Parotid gland neoplasms occur near the facial nerve. Hence, it is crucial to determine whether the malignant neoplasms involve the facial nerve and whether sacrifice of the nerve in surgery is necessary. Furthermore, while 20% of all neoplasms are malignant, the most common benign neoplasm, pleomorphic adenoma, has a risk for malignant transformation, making early detection and treatment essential. 7T magnetic resonance imaging offers increased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and sensitivity.

Aim

In this work, we address imaging the parotid gland since it remains challenging at 7T because of its spatial location.

Materials and Methods

Here, we present a novel three‐dimensional surface coil (3D Coil) architecture that offers increased depth penetration and SNR compared to the single channel surface coil. We further developed a deep learning (DL)‐based noise reduction method that receives inputs from three elements of the 3D Coil.

Results

The 3D coil with DL‐based denoising method offers twice the SNR compared to the single channel surface coil for parotid gland imaging at 7T.

Discussion and Conclusion

The proposed 3D Coil and DL‐based noise reduction method offers a promising way of achieving higher SNR for parotid salivary gland imaging at 7T, paving the road for clinical applications.
Degradation of Anthraquinone dye wastewater by sodium percarbonate with CoO heterogeneous activation
Authors: Fan Haoyu , Xia Yanzhao , Sun Cuizhen , Liu Rupeng , Chen Feiyong , Li Meng , Zhu Weichen , Yang Xinpeng , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Anthraquinone dyes have an anthraquinone structure as their nucleus, with one or more substituents forming different organic dyes. Anthraquinone dyes have a complex structure that allows them to exist stably in water environment, but also makes them more toxic than azo dyes. This results in varying degrees of harm to both humans and the environment as a result of residual dyes in the water or on the material’ surface. Sodium percarbonate (SPC) is a highly promising oxidant due to its green end product. Therefore, in this study, the catalytic performance and kinetic study of cobalt oxide (CoO) on SPC under different conditions were systematically investigated using RB19 as the target pollutant. The Box–Behnken Design (BBD) model was used to model the degradation of RB19 by CoO/SPC system, which gives the basis for practical application. The types of reactive oxygen species that effectively degrade RB19 and the potential degradation mechanism of the CoO/SPC system were revealed. At the same time, the CoO/SPC system was evaluated in terms of its practicality.

RESULTS

In this work, the activation of SPC using CoO towards reactive blue 19 (RB19) degradation was explored. Experimental results showed that nearly 93.8% of RB19 could be removed within 30 min using 1 mmol L−1 SPC and 30 mg L−1 CoO. The three‐factor interaction effects of SPC concentration, CoO dosage and initial pH were investigated. The BBD model was set up to obtain the optimum working conditions of 1.039 mmol L−1 SPC, 33.35 mg L−1 CoO and the initial pH of 7.82, which gave a degradation rate of 95.372%. Additionally, it was confirmed that the solubility of Co2+ is consistently <150 μg L−1, meeting the emission standard (1 ppm). The presence of Cl−, NO3–, and HA had a similar profile, with a slight promoting effect in small amounts and an inhibitory effect when introduced in excess. The introduction of SO42– had a negligible effect on RB19 degradation, whereas the presence of HCO3− produced a slight inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the presence of PO43– showed a strong inhibitory effect. The CoO/SPC system is suitable for other organic dyes (32.7%–100%) and antibiotics (97.1–100%). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and quenching experiments confirmed the presence and relative contribution of free radicals in the CoO/SPC system as CO3•‐ (88.12%) >O2•‐ (51.11%) >1O2 (37.21%) >•OH (5.27%) > SPC (3.33%) >CoO (0.09%). It has been confirmed that CoO activates SPC through electron transfer.

CONCLUSION

The present study describes a less time‐consuming, and more efficient method of treating anthraquinone dye wastewater that requires less oxidizer and catalyst, making it more economical. This proposes a straightforward, cost‐effective and efficient technique using SPC triggered by transition metal oxides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Social anxiety symptoms and their relationship with suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in adolescents: A prospective study
Authors: Chiu Kenny , Stringaris Argyris , Leigh Eleanor
Published: June 2024

Background

Social anxiety disorder typically emerges in adolescence and its symptoms often co‐occur with depression and suicidal ideation. It is important to understand whether social anxiety symptoms precede depression and suicidal ideation in youth. This study aimed to investigate the temporal associations between baseline social anxiety and later suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in a community youth sample.

Methods

The Wellcome Trust NSPN (Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network) study recruited 2397 youth aged 14–24 in the United Kingdom to participate in a prospective observational study. Participants were assessed for symptoms of social anxiety, generalised anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation at baseline, 1‐year follow‐up, and 2‐year follow‐up. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses and mediation analyses to examine whether baseline social anxiety was associated with 2‐year suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms (excluding suicide‐related items), and whether these associations were mediated by 1‐year depressive symptoms. The study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework.

Results

Results from multiple linear regression analyses indicated that baseline social anxiety symptoms were associated with 2‐year suicidal ideation (β = 0.07, p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.02, 0.12]) and 2‐year depressive symptoms (β = 0.08, p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.02, 0.13]), after controlling for baseline predicted variable. Furthermore, 1‐year depressive symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between baseline social anxiety symptoms and 2‐year suicidal ideation (β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.02, 0.05]), and the relationship between baseline social anxiety symptoms and 2‐year depressive symptoms (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08]) after adjusting for age, sex, and other covariates.

Conclusions

We found evidence that baseline social anxiety symptoms were associated with 2‐year suicidal ideation and 2‐year depressive symptoms via 1‐year depressive symptoms in non‐clinical adolescents. These results may have important implications for targeted psychological interventions.
Fabrication of composite GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4 anode material: Toward high performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Moradi Seyed Ali Hosseini , Ghobadi Nader
Published: June 2024

Here, NiFe2O4, MnFe2O4, and CoFe2O4 nanoferrites are prepared by coprecipitation synthesis technique from nickel, manganese, and cobalt chloride precursors. Synthesized nanoferrites are annealed by calcination process at 800°C for 2 h. To produce a novel anode electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs), the composite material of GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4 is fabricated. Physicochemical aspects of the synthesized nanoferrites are evaluated. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests are conducted, respectively. The electrochemical activities are studied by cyclic voltammetry, glavanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 2 M KOH as the electrolyte. In three electrode system, the novel GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4 electrode displays a high specific capacity of 325 C g−1 and preserves about 99.9% of its initial specific capacity. The GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4//GO ASCs device is assembled using GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4, GO, and 2 M KOH solution as the positive electrode, negative electrode, and electrolyte, respectively. Significantly, the GO/NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4//GO ASCs represent an outstanding energy density of 50.5 W h kg−1 at power density of 2560 W kg−1. Through the long‐term charge discharge cycling tests, this ASC device illustrates about 93.7% capacity retention after 3000 cycles. Then, the present study provides the NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4 composite nanoferrites as a novel favorable candidate for anode material.

Research Highlights

Simple and green synthesis of magnetic NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO composite nanostructure using natural precursor.

Fabricating and designing an efficient semiconductor for degradation ability.

NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanocomposite with advanced photo elimination catalytic routine.

The photocatalytic performance of NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO was surveyed for the degradation of various antibiotics below visible radiation.

Efficiency was 92.9% to eliminate tetracycline.

We developed a synergetic approach to prepare a novel active material composed of GO/ NiFe2O4‐MnFe2O4‐CoFe2O4 by a hybrid electrode material. Green synthesis method was accomplished to attain NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanocomposite with advanced photo elimination catalytic routine. The oxide nanobundles were prepared with a rapid and eco‐friendly method. In order to investigation of the effect of natural precursor, morphology and shape of nanoproducts was compared. NiCo2O4/NiO/rGO nanobundles possess a suitable bandgap in the visible area.
Inflammatory response to bioceramic and epoxy resin‐based endodontic sealers implanted in mice subcutaneous tissue: An in vivo study
Authors: Elias Vanessa Valente , Lima Ricardo Barbosa , Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Araujo Lisa Danielly Curcino , Pucinelli Carolina Maschietto , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , da Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , da Silva Léa Assed Bezerra
Published: June 2024

To evaluate the inflammatory tissue response to BioRoot™ RCS (BR) and AH Plus Jet (AHPJ) sealers implanted in mice subcutaneous tissue. It was hypothesized that the inflammatory tissue response to BR would be milder than to AHPJ. An in vivo study was carried out using isogenic mice. The sealers were implanted during standardized surgical procedures. The inflammatory response was evaluated by microscopic analysis and von Kossa reaction in the reactionary tissue around the specimens after 7, 21, and 63 days. For comparisons, a zinc oxide and eugenol sealer (ZOE) was used as a positive control, in addition to a negative control without a sealer (n = 10 per group/period). All statistical analyses considered a significance level of 5%. All endodontic sealers triggered an inflammatory tissue response after 7 days. BR had a higher inflammatory cell count and a thicker fibrous capsule when compared with AHPJ, but both were less inflammatory than ZOE (p < .001). After 21 days, BR continued to trigger an intense inflammatory tissue response, higher in both microscopic parameters compared to AHPJ, and a thicker fibrous capsule than ZOE (p < .001). After 63 days, the inflammatory tissue response decreased in BR, matching the fibrous capsule thickness with AHPJ and ZOE. BR promoted intense calcium precipitation in all study periods. After 63 days, AHPJ and BR sealers were more biocompatible to subcutaneous mice tissue, but AHPJ present better early inflammatory response, as well as BR showed potential bioactivity.

Research Highlights

The inflammatory tissue response triggered by a bioceramic endodontic sealer (BR) was not milder than that triggered by an epoxy‐resin based endodontic sealer (AHPJ) during the first 3 weeks, considering the microscopic analysis of the reactionary tissue.
Acting authentically: Using play to cultivate authentic interrelating in role performance
Authors: Garrett Lyndon E.
Published: June 2024

Research is increasingly demonstrating that authenticity and human connection are fundamental and interrelated human needs. However, organizational roles often constrain authenticity and connection in workplace interactions, especially roles that are highly scripted. People want to feel authentic and connected at work, but they also need to adhere to role expectations. Organizational role scholars have long explored how roles cause feelings of inauthenticity, and more recently, the conditions that promote authenticity. We have limited understanding of how people approach being authentic in their roles without compromising or deviating from rigid role demands. To explore this, I conducted an inductive, qualitative study of six community theater productions, a context where roles are rigidly scripted, yet where actors strive to “live truthfully” within their fictional roles. I find that actors and directors work together to cultivate authentic interrelating in their roles, characterized by the combination of personal engagement and interpersonal attunement. This process involves engaging in different forms of play to move from mechanically learning their roles, to crafting personalized intentions, to ultimately transcending their roles, gradually increasing in vulnerability and responsiveness until they are able to experience authentic interrelating in their roles.
Air–sea heat fluxes variations in the Southern Atlantic Ocean: Present‐day and future climate scenarios
Authors: Moura Regiane , de Souza Ronald Buss , Casagrande Fernanda , da Silva Lindemann Douglas
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the variations in air–sea heat fluxes and temperatures in two ocean front regions, the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA) and the Drake Passage, widely recognized as hotspot areas with significant influences on South America weather and climate. We analyse means and trends of latent and sensible heat fluxes (LHF and SHF) and their associated air–sea temperatures (SAT and SST), based on monthly ERA5 (1985–2014) and eight CMIP6 models, for historical and long‐term simulations (2015–2099). The ERA5 trend for all parameters was positive over SWA, contrasting with the negative values observed in the Drake Passage, indicating surface warming and cooling, respectively. In the SWA, the ERA5 and CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble (MME) align in SST and SAT values, with a historical trend of 0.1°C·decade−1 and a significantly increasing trend in warming estimated by 0.4°C·decade−1 up to 2099. The ERA5 LHF and SHF trends were 4 and 0.6 W·m−2·decade−1, respectively. The MME shows historical (SSP5‐8.5) trends of 0.2 (1.3) W·m−2·decade−1 for LHF and −0.2 (−0.1) W·m−2·decade−1 for SHF. In the Drake Passage, the models accurately reproduced the air–sea mean temperatures; however, they failed to simulate negative trends observed in SAT and SST. Under the high emissions scenario, all CMIP6 models predict an increasing warming trends of 0.1–0.4°C·decade−1 and ocean heat gain of −0.2 to −1.2 (−1 to −2) W·m−2·decade−1 for LHF (SHF). For both regions, spatial analyses of SST and SAT highlight the coupling between the ocean and the atmosphere, alongside changes in air–sea heat fluxes. Our findings reveal inhomogeneous patterns of SST warming trends by the end of the 21st century, which are approximately 2–4 times greater than historical trends. The results suggest the persistence and enhancement of these regions as hotspots with significant potential to influence oceanic and atmospheric dynamics.
The construction of Moringa oleifera seed protein emulsion: in vitro digestibility and delivery of β‐carotene
Authors: Xiao Fangjie , Zhang Liqiong , Xie Hexiang , Ouyang Kefan , Shi Wenyi , Xiong Hua , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

β‐Carotene (BC) is difficult to apply effectively in the food industry due to its low solubility and bioavailability. This work aimed to fabricate Moringa oleifera seed protein (MOSP) stabilized emulsions as delivery vehicles for BC and investigate the effect of aqueous phase conditions including pH and ionic strength on this system.

RESULTS

All MOSP samples were positively charged and the particle size of MOSP increased with the increase of pH. At pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl), the MOSP emulsion demonstrated the highest stability coefficient and minimal creaming index, while exhibiting a lower release rate in vitro digestion. The rheological behavior of all MOSP emulsions within the frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz was dominated by viscoelasticity, forming an elastic network structure through dispersed droplets. Additionally, the MOSP emulsion loaded with BC prepared at pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L−1 NaCl displayed enhanced ultraviolet light stability (52.31 ± 0.03% and 51.86 ± 0.05%) as well as thermal stability (72.39 ± 8.67% and 86.78 ± 10.69%). Furthermore, the BC in the emulsion at pH 7.0 exhibited favorable stability (65.14 ± 0.02%) and optimal bioaccessibility (40.30 ± 0.04%) in vitro digestion.

CONCLUSION

The results provided reference data for utilizing MOSP as a novel emulsifier and broadening the application of BC in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemical modification, structure elucidation and antifungal mechanism studies of a peptide extracted from garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Li Shuqin , Liu Junyu , Zhang Tingting , Lu Jingyang , Li Mingyue , Zhang Min , Chen Haixia
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Garlic is a promising source of antimicrobial peptide separation, and chemical modification is an effective method for activity improvement. The present study aimed to improve the antifungal activity of a peptide extracted from garlic. Chemical modifications were conducted, and the structure–activity relationship and antifungal mechanism were investigated.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the cationic charge induced by Lys residue at the N‐terminal was important for the antimicrobial activity, and the modified sequence exhibited significant antifungal activity with low mammalian toxicity and a low tendency of drug resistance (p < 0.05). The structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the modified active peptide had a predominant α‐helical structure and an inner cyclic correlation. Transcriptomic analysis showed that peptide KMLKKLFR (Lys‐Met‐Leu‐Lys‐Lyse‐Leu‐Phe‐Arg) affected the rRNA processing and carbon metabolism process of Candida albicans. In addition, the membrane potential study indicated a non‐membrane destruction mechanism, and molecular docking analysis and a DNA interaction assay suggested promising inner targets.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that chemical modification by amino acid substitution was effective for antimicrobial activity improvement. The present study would benefit future antimicrobial peptide development and suggests that garlic is a great source of antibacterial peptides and peptide template separations for coping with antibiotic resistance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Conceptualizing impulsivity as a construct in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity among women
Authors: Mahoney Colin T. , Beck Brigitta M. , Dixon Kelly E. , Horne Shantel D. , Lawyer Steven R.
Published: June 2024

Despite the established association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impulsivity, the literature is limited regarding impulsivity as a multifaceted construct. That is, the field's understanding of how PTSD symptoms may increase particular impulsive tendencies and behaviors is constrained by examining impulsivity solely as an umbrella term. The aim of the present study was to determine if there are differential associations between PTSD symptom severity and various components of impulsivity across multiple self‐report measures. A sample of 215 undergraduate women (M age = 19.77 years, SD = 1.91, Range: 18–39 years) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), short version of the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS‐P), and Delaying Gratification Inventory (DGI). Structural equation modeling was used to examine associations between PTSD symptoms and each measure's subscales. The findings included significant predictions from PTSD symptoms to the BIS‐11 Attentional Impulsiveness subscale, β = .23, SE = .07, 95% CI [.09, .37]; DGI Physical Pleasures, β = ‐.24, SE = .07, 95% CI [‐.38, ‐.11], and Achievement subscales, β = ‐.19, SE = .08, 95% CI [‐.34, ‐.04]; and the SUPPS‐P Positive Urgency, β = .22, SE = .08, 95% CI [.07, .37], and Negative Urgency subscales, β = .32, SE = .07, 95% CI [.19, .46]. These results have implications for precision medicine approaches that emphasize targeting these specific facets of impulsivity, with likely downstream effects on health risk behaviors for emerging adult women.
Decisions, Decisions …
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: June 2024

Decisions. We face them every day. Some are more urgent than others. The decisions we make can impact short‐term solutions or long‐term goals. The management of a business is, in many ways, the cumulative effect of decisions made each and every day. And this is certainly true when it comes to union avoidance strategies.
Social inequality and body mass differences in two post‐Medieval Dutch populations
Authors: Niu Yuran , Schrader Sarah
Published: June 2024

Adult body mass is largely related to nutrition levels, which can be affected by external stressors, such as diet, environment, and disease. High‐status and low‐status groups likely had very different nutrition and stress experiences, which might result in differences in population's body mass. Since inequality between social statuses prevailed in Europe in the post‐Medieval period, did these differences result in body mass variations between high‐status and low‐status populations in the Netherlands? In order to answer this question, this research compared body size of two post‐Medieval urban skeletal collections with different social statuses from the Eusebius cemetery of two cemeteries of the 17th–19th centuries: the Arnhem and the Broerenkerk church of Zwolle, the Netherlands. Social statuses of the two collections are estimated based on the burial locations, grave goods, and historical records. Body mass was estimated using both femoral head diameter method and stature/bi‐iliac breadth method. Results have shown no statistically significant differences in body mass between the two samples. Therefore, this research suggests that inequality in post‐Medieval Dutch society did not result in observable population body mass differences in the skeletal collections of different social status groups. It cannot, however, prove that social inequality in populations did not impact body size or health more broadly.
Impact of lifestyle moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity timing on glycemic control in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments
Authors: Clavero‐Jimeno Antonio , Dote‐Montero Manuel , Migueles Jairo H. , Camacho‐Cardenosa Alba , Oses Maddi , Medina Jon Echarte , Alcantara Juan M. A. , Muñoz‐Torres Manuel , Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) improves glucose levels; however, whether its timing affects daily glycemic control remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of lifestyle MVPA timing on daily glycemic control in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments.

Methods

A total of 186 adults (50% women; age, 46.8 [SD 6.2] years) with overweight/obesity (BMI, 32.9 [SD 3.5] kg/m2) and at least one metabolic impairment participated in this cross‐sectional study. MVPA and glucose patterns were simultaneously monitored over a 14‐day period using a triaxial accelerometer worn on the nondominant wrist and a continuous glucose‐monitoring device, respectively. Each day was classified as “inactive” if no MVPA was accumulated; as “morning,” “afternoon,” or “evening” if >50% of the MVPA minutes for that day were accumulated between 0600 and 1200, 1200 and 1800, or 1800 and 0000 hours, respectively; or as “mixed” if none of the defined time windows accounted for >50% of the MVPA for that day.

Results

Accumulating >50% of total MVPA during the evening was associated with lower 24‐h (mean difference [95% CI], −1.26 mg/dL [95% CI: −2.2 to −0.4]), diurnal (−1.10 mg/dL [95% CI: −2.0 to −0.2]), and nocturnal mean glucose levels (−2.16 mg/dL [95% CI: −3.5 to −0.8]) compared with being inactive. This association was stronger in those participants with impaired glucose regulation. The pattern of these associations was similar in both men and women.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that timing of lifestyle MVPA is significant. Specifically, accumulating more MVPA during the evening appears to have a beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments.
Influences of heat treatment on mechanical properties of SCF/PEEK composites in FDM‐3D printing process with UV laser assistance
Authors: Huang Chuanhao , Lv Dongxi , Zhu Yingdan , Chen Gang , Chen Mingda , Zhang Yi , Han Yu , Wu Huaping
Published: June 2024

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) process with laser assistance can effectively enhance the interfacial strength of short carbon fiber/poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (SCF/PEEK) composites. However, excessive crystallization of the semi‐crystalline matrix generally results in irregular shrinkage, which seriously deteriorates dimensional accuracy of composite specimens. To overcome this issue, we establish a novel heat treatment technique by the combinations of laser assistance and post‐treatment to improve the interlayer properties and dimensional accuracy simultaneously. It is found that lateral cracks at the interlayer interfaces can be completely eliminated at laser pre‐heating temperature , due to the reduction of temperature gradient and residual stresses. The further increased evidently promotes molecular diffusion and crystallization behaviors, thus increasing the interlaminar shear strength of FDM‐printed specimens. The post‐treatment temperature visibly promotes mutual diffusions of the molecules and formations of the perfect crystals, strengthening the interlayer adhesion of specimens. The proposed combination technique can increase the interlayer strengths of composite specimens by approximately 22.5%, while their warpage deformations are suppressed simultaneously.

Highlights

Pre‐heated temperature was a threshold for eliminating lateral cracks at interlayer interfaces.

Post‐treatment significantly promoted molecular diffusion and crystallization behaviors.

A novel technique was established to improve interlayer strength while suppressing warpage.

The combination technique could increase the interlayer shear strength by approximately 22.5%.
Acoustic Loss in LiNb1−xTaxO3 at Temperatures up to 900 °C
Authors: Yakhnevych Uliana , Sargsyan Vanik , El Azzouzi Fatima , Kapp Alexander , Bernhardt Felix , Suhak Yuriy , Ganschow Steffen , Schmidt Harald , Sanna Simone , Fritze Holger
Published: June 2024

Lithium niobate‐lithium tantalate solid solutions are new piezoelectric crystals that enable to combine the advantages of their edge compounds with respect to the high thermal stability of lithium tantalate and the high Curie temperature of lithium niobate. This study aims to determine of the acoustic losses of bulk resonators with varying Nb/Ta ratios and their correlation with charge transport at temperatures up to 900 °C and at reduced oxygen partial pressures. Techniques such as resonant piezoelectric spectroscopy and contactless resonant ringdown spectroscopy are used to determine the acoustic losses. Further, the electrical conductivity is determined by impedance spectroscopy. A one‐dimensional physical model for vibrating plates is fitted to the data to extract key parameters such as piezoelectric coefficients and elastic modulus as a function of temperature. Noncontacting determination of loss excludes the impact of metal electrodes and reveals up to 300 °C values in the order of Akhiezer‐type losses. Resonators operated at 2 MHz show a rapid loss increase above about 450 °C, which is attributed to the piezoelectric/carrier relaxation. The latter follows from atomistic models using the key parameters mentioned and the electrical conductivity. The modeling includes variation of the resonance frequency and suggests higher resonance frequencies to lower the acoustic loss.
Probing the Interplay between Ferroelectricity and Metallicity in KNbO3/BaTiO3 Superlattices through Strain Engineering
Authors: Li Gang , Ma Ningjie , Tang Minghua , Long Zhilin
Published: June 2024

The discovery of polar metals challenges long‐standing assumptions about the incompatibility between polar order and metallicity. However, despite recent progress, the mechanism allowing the coexistence of these supposedly forbidden properties remains unclear. Herein, carriers are introduced by constructing a symmetric polar/nonpolar interface in the KNbO3/BaTiO3 (KNO/BTO) superlattice (SL), enabling the coexistence of ferroelectric and metallic properties. A first‐principles analysis of the evolution of polar distortion and metallicity in the KNO/BTO SL under biaxial strain in the face to explore the dependence of the two at the microscopic level is performed. It is found that compressive strain enhances polarization distortion while reducing conductivity from three dimensions to two dimensions, indicating a weak coupling mechanism between carriers and polarization. Furthermore, it is shown that the presence of holes strengthens the TiO (NbO) covalent bonds, resulting in an unexpected enhancement of the polarization properties of the KNO/BTO SL. Therefore, it is proposed using the carrier screening effect and covalent bonding synergies as a framework for understanding the interaction between ferroelectricity and free carriers, rather than just a single factor therein. These results provide new theoretical insights for designing robust polar metals in perovskite ferroelectrics.
Parameter estimation of inverse Weibull distribution under competing risks based on the expectation–maximization algorithm
Authors: Alotaibi Refah , Rezk Hoda , Park Chanseok
Published: June 2024

A system consisting of interconnected components in series is under consideration. This research focuses on estimating the parameters of this system for incomplete lifetime data within the framework of competing risks, employing an underlying inverse Weibull distribution. While one popular method for parameter estimation involves the Newton–Raphson (NR) technique, its sensitivity to initial value selection poses a significant drawback, often resulting in convergence failures. Therefore, this paper opts for the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm. In competing risks scenarios, the precise cause of failure is frequently unidentified, and these issues can be further complicated by potential censoring. Thus, incompleteness may arise due to both censoring and masking. In this study, we present the EM‐type parameter estimation and demonstrate its superiority over parameter estimation based on the NR method. Two illustrative examples are provided. The proposed method is compared with the existing Weibull competing risks model, revealing the superiority of our approach. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we also examine the sensitivity of the initial value selection for both the NR‐type method and our proposed method.
A reliability analysis method for electromagnet performance degradation based on FMEA and fuzzy inference system
Authors: Pang Jihong , Dai Jinkun , Lian Xinze , Ding Zhigang
Published: June 2024

Electromagnets are often used in indirect control for industrial applications. The ability of an electromagnet to control objects should decrease with performance degradation. And electromagnets product poses a danger to people and objects in the working environment. So, it is very difficult to analyze the reliability of electromagnetic performance degradation because of the complicated working condition. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is the most commonly used tool for product reliability analysis. The new version of FMEA uses integer as evaluation value, which cannot represent the hesitation psychology of the evaluator. The Action Priority (AP) table of the FMEA describes the relationship between the evaluation of influencing factors and the risk level of the failure mode, which provides rules for determining the risk level of the failure mode. However, the AP table may result in multiple failure modes having the same ranking, which does not align with the intention of FMEA to prevent failures. Therefore, this paper proposes a reliability analysis method for electromagnetic performance degradation based on FMEA and FIS. Firstly, the Double Hierarchy Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set (DHHFLTS) is used as the evaluation language to describe the hesitation psychology of evaluators. Secondly, the AP table of FMEA is used as FIS fuzzy inference rule. In this way, the idea of FMEA to determine the risk level of failure mode is retained and the problem of FIS fuzzy rule making is overcome. Then, FIS defuzzification AP table inference results to determine the risk ranking of failure modes. This avoids situations where the order of failure modes is equal. Finally, a performance degradation model of the electromagnet is constructed based on the Wiener process, and the calculation results of the new method are verified.
Insights Into the one‐Step Dimethyl Ether Carbonylation to Ethanol Over Cu/ZnO@Cu‐MOR Core‐Shell Catalysts with Porogen Engagement
Authors: Lu Peng , Nyako Abdul , Lin Yitong , Yu Wenjia , Hu Qianwen , Xing Chuang , Chen Shuyao , Wei Qinhong
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the one‐step ethanol synthesis from dimethyl ether and syngas using the catalysts combining Cu/ZnO oxides and modified Cu‐MOR zeolite. In addition to physically mixed two‐component catalysts, multifunctional catalysts featuring a Cu/ZnO core and modified zeolite (Cu‐MOR and HMOR) shell are also presented. Further, the porogenic agent of dihexadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DHAB) was involved in the synthesis process of the MOR zeolite components of Cu/ZnO@Cu‐MOR and Cu/ZnO/Cu‐MOR catalysts, but not in that of Cu/ZnO@Cu‐MOR° catalyst. A series of characterization measures including XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM and EDS have been systematically studied on the prepared catalysts. Characterizations of the catalyst surface structure and texturing parameters revealed a disturbance in crystallinity upon Cu insertion, facilitating syngas separation and promoting DME carbonylation while preventing undesired CO hydrogenation. The addition of DHAB as a porogen in the synthesis of zeolite shell improved specific surface area and porosity of zeolite shell, and reduced coke deposition, without leaching active metal components, resulting in enhanced reaction properties. Cu/ZnO@Cu‐MOR core‐shell catalyst showed good performance with 28.9 % DME conversion and 43.8 % selectivity for ethanol. The optimized pore structure and enhanced catalytic performance of the modification process validate the effectiveness and efficiency of this strategy.
Unveiling the Potential of Surface Active Ionic Liquids Based Catanionic Vesicles for Tailored Delivery of Curcumin and its Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Jain Monika , Ukani Hiral , Kumar Sugam , Aswal Vinod K. , Kailasa Suresh Kumar , El Seoud Omar A. , Malek Naved I.
Published: June 2024

Nano vehicles for drug delivery with stimuli‐responsive characteristics are gaining prominence due to their ability to enhance traditional drug delivery methods by minimizing side effects and improving drug efficacy. Among the various stimuli‐responsive systems, pH‐responsive drug delivery nano vehicles have garnered significant attention. Utilizing this pH variance, tailored drug delivery nano vehicles can release encapsulated drugs on demand. Here, we developed pH‐responsive catanionic vesicles to create customized drug delivery nano vehicles responsive to stimuli, particularly pH. we have designed catanionic vesicles through interacting two oppositely charged surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), i. e. cationic ‐methyl‐4‐(2‐(dodecyloxycarbonylmethyl)morpholin‐4‐ium bromide [C12EMorph][Br] with anionic Choline Oleate ([Ch][Ol]). The spherically shaped micellar aggregates of [C12EMorph][Br] are transformed into pH responsive vesicular nanoaggregates through judicious addition of [Ch][Ol]. The morphological transition was studied through various analytical techniques including DLS, FRET and SANS. We used these pH responsive vesicular nanoaggregates to load representative hydrophobic drug curcumin in order to enhance its solubility, efficacy and bioavailability. This innovative approach in designing pH‐responsive vesicular nanoaggregates using two biocompatible SAILs signifies a breakthrough in biomedical research, holding promise for advancements in drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
Biodegradable Plastics from Mango Seed Starch for Sustainable Food Packaging‐Effect of Citric Acid and Fillers
Authors: Joseph Sudha , Hegde Akshata Raveendra , Gopalakrishnan Vishwa , Yallappa S. , Nadzri N. I. M. , Joseph Kavitha , Meenakshi K.
Published: June 2024

Starch based bioplastics were prepared and characterized with fillers carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), chitosan (CS) and nanochitosan (NCS); plasticizer sorbitol and cross‐linking agent citric acid (CA) at different loading levels. Structural, water resistance, water vapor permeability, solubility, mechanical, antimicrobial and biodegradation properties of the bioplastics were investigated. FTIR confirmed bonding of starch with cross‐linking agent, fillers and plasticizer. The water uptake of the CMC bioplastics was decreased up to 70 % with 20 % CA addition. Bioplastics with CS and NCS showed lesser water uptake, only 12.5 % for CS bioplastic. The water vapour permeability (WVP) of all bioplastics was low in the range 2.16×10−7–6.29×10−7 gday−1 m−1 Pa−1. The CA addition increased water resistance and lowered WVP of the bioplastics by restricting the hydrophilic functional groups and forming more tight structures. The fillers CS and NCS additions enhanced the mechanical strength attributing to more hydrogen bonding between NH3+ of chitosan and OH− of starch. All bioplastics demonstrated good antimicrobial activities. These bioplastics offer an attractive alternative to non‐biodegradable plastics used in food packaging due to its enhanced water resistance, antibacterial properties and biodegradability.
Self‐Assembled PD‐L1 Downregulator to Boost Photodynamic Activated Tumor Immunotherapy Through CDK5 Inhibition
Authors: Yu Bai‐Xue , Liu Yi‐Bin , Chen Xia‐Yun , Zhang Wei , Cen Yi , Yan Meng‐Yi , Liu Qian‐Qian , Li Shi‐Ying
Published: June 2024

The immunosuppressive characteristics and acquired immune resistance can restrain the therapy‐initiated anti‐tumor immunity. In this work, an antibody free programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD‐L1) downregulator (designated as CeSe) is fabricated to boost photodynamic activated immunotherapy through cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) inhibition. Among which, FDA approved photosensitizer of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and preclinical available CDK5 inhibitor of seliciclib (Se) are utilized to prepare the nanomedicine of CeSe through self‐assembly technique without drug excipient. Nanoscale CeSe exhibits an increased stability and drug delivery efficiency, contributing to intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for robust photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PDT of CeSe can not only suppress the primary tumor growth, but also induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) to release tumor associated antigens. More importantly, the CDK5 inhibition by CeSe can downregulate PD‐L1 to re‐activate the systemic anti‐tumor immunity by decreasing the tumor immune escape and therapy‐induced acquired immune resistance. This work provides an antibody free strategy to activate systemic immune response for metastatic tumor treatment, which may accelerate the development of translational nanomedicine with sophisticated mechanism.
Br, O‐Modified Cu(111) Interface Promotes CO2 Reduction to Multicarbon Products
Authors: Xiong Wan‐Feng , Cai Wan‐Zhen , Wang Jin , Si Duan‐Hui , Gao Shui‐Ying , Li Hong‐Fang , Cao Rong
Published: June 2024

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to multicarbon (C2+) products with added value represents a promising strategy for achieving a carbon‐neutral economy. Precise manipulation of the catalytic interface is imperative to control the catalytic selectivity, particularly toward C2+ products. In this study, a unique Cu/UIO‐Br interface is designed, wherein the Cu(111) plane is co‐modified simultaneously by Br and O from UIO‐66‐Br support. Such Cu/UIO‐Br catalytic interface demonstrates a superior Faradaic efficiency of ≈53% for C2+ products (ethanol/ethylene) and the C2+ partial current density reached 24.3 mA cm−2 in an H‐cell electrolyzer. The kinetic isotopic effect test, in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations have been conducted to elucidate the catalytic mechanism. The Br, O co‐modification on the Cu(111) interface enhanced the adsorption of CO2 species. The hydrogen‐bond effect from the doped Br atom regulated the kinetic processes of *H species in CO2RR and promoted the formation of *COH intermediate. The formed *COH facilitates the *CO–*COH coupling and promotes the C2+ selectivity finally. This comprehensive investigation not only provides an in‐depth study and understanding of the catalytic process but also offers a promising strategy for designing efficient Cu‐based catalysts with exceptional C2+ products.
Enabling High Capacity and Stable Sodium Capture in Simulated Saltwater by Highly Crystalline Prussian Blue Analogues Cathode
Authors: Wang Shiyong , Lei Yuhao , Li Changping , Zhao Lin , Du Shuwen , Wang Gang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: June 2024

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are considered as promising cathode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI) technology due to their 3D open‐frame structure and tunable redox active sites. However, the inevitably high content of [Fe(CN)6] vacancies in the crystal structure results in a low salt adsorption capacity (SAC) and poor recycling performance. Herein, a high‐salt nano‐reaction system is established by mechanochemical ball milling, enabling the preparation of a variety of highly crystallized PBAs (metal hexacyanoferrate, MHCF‐B‐170, M = Ni, Co, or Cu) with low vacancies (0.05–0.06 per formula unit). The reduction of vacancies in the PBAs lattice not only strengthens the conductivity and promotes the rapid transfer of electrons, but also reduces the migration energy barrier and accelerates the fast and reversible diffusion of Na+ ions. The structural characterization method and theoretical simulation demonstrates the excellent reversibility and crystal structure stability of MHCF‐B‐170 during the CDI process. Impressively, the NiHCF‐B‐170 exhibits excellent CDI performance, characterized by an exceptionally high SAC of up to 101.4 mg g−1 at 1.2 V, and demonstrates remarkable cycle stability with no significant degradation observed even after 100 cycles. This PBAs with low Fe(CN)6 vacancies are expected to be a competitive candidate material for CDI electrodes.
Dated phylogeny, phylogeography, and classification of Allium subgenus Amerallium (Amaryllidaceae) from the Old World, based on six DNA fragments
Authors: Friesen Nikolai , Herden Tobias , Leweke Mathias , Grützmacher Lisa , Fragman‐Sapir Ori , Hurka Herbert , Blattner Frank R. , Fritsch Reinhard M.
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to reveal phylogenetic and phylogeographical patterns of the Eurasian species of Allium subg. Amerallium, covering 75% of the species in the Mediterranean region and East Asia, as well as 12 North American species representing most sections of the monophyletic American part of the subgenus. We sampled 38 species of A. subg. Amerallium out of a total of 52 species from the Old World. A molecular phylogeny of A. subg. Amerallium was constructed based on predominantly non‐coding sequences from two nuclear ribosomal RNA regions (ITS, ETS), and four chloroplast (cp) regions (trnL‐trnF, atpB‐rbcL, rpl32‐trnL, rps16 intron). Most clades are well supported in the analyses of the combined nuclear and chloroplast data. However, analyses of single chloroplast fragments produced different topologies, which can be explained by differences in the variability of the chloroplast regions studied. Analysis of all cpDNA fragments combined produced a similar topology compared to the tree based on nuclear data. Most sections in the Eurasian part of A. subg. Amerallium are monophyletic. Only the position of A. chamaemoly (monotypic A. sect. Chamaeprason) nested in A. sect. Molium makes the latter paraphyletic. Different positions of A. chamaemoly within nuclear and plastid trees indicate an ancient hybridogenic origin. Monophyly of the American species of A. subg. Amerallium suggests an origin from extinct North Asian taxa. Currently, only one species from this ancient group, A. kingdonii, still exists in the eastern Himalayas.
Understanding veterinary drug shop workers’ knowledge and practices to identify drivers of antibiotic use in Vietnamese livestock farms
Authors: Nohrborg Sandra , Nguyen‐Thi Thinh , Xuan Huyen Nguyen , Hai Yen Luu Thi , Lindahl Johanna , Boqvist Sofia , Järhult Josef D. , Magnusson Ulf
Published: June 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a One Health issue and a major threat to animal and human health. Antibiotic use (ABU) drives AMR development, and several hotspots for ABU, and AMR, in livestock have been identified in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. There are often multiple drivers of ABU at farms, and to identify all of them there is a need to look beyond farm level.

Objectives

The overall aim of this study was to identify routines and/or competencies, related to antibiotic sales, among veterinary drug shop workers that may be improved in order to decrease the medically non‐rational use of antibiotics in livestock production.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted at 50 veterinary drug shops in northern Vietnam.

Results

Results showed high education and knowledge levels. According to the respondents, antibiotic treatment advice was almost always provided to the farmers, and the recommended treatment was most commonly based on recommendations for the specific disease. However, farmers had almost never had their animals properly diagnosed. Antibiotics were the most sold drug category, penicillins being the most common. Several broad‐spectrum antibiotics were also quite frequently sold. Further, >50% of respondents recommended antibiotics for disease prevention.

Conclusions

Even though education and knowledge levels might be high, several challenges can prevent drug shop workers from contributing to more prudent ABU at farms, for example, lack of proper diagnosis, commercial interests and individual farmer motives, often in combination with poor compliance to regulations.