bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement and user‐centeredness in the healthcare sector: Opening the black box adapting the framework of Donabedian
Authors: De Rosis Sabina
Published: November 2023

The framework of Donabedian is widely applied to performance assessment at the healthcare system level. Donabedian categorised the care quality measurement around three dimensions, namely structure, process, and outcomes. The first dimension concerns the inputs; the second one, the combinations of factors and inputs; the last one, the effectiveness in terms of patients' health status. Donabedian early included in the last dimension the patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, nowadays, outcomes are generally measured through hard endpoints, such as re‐admissions and mortality indicators. Recently, the Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have been included among the outcome measures within the Donabedian framework. How to move the concept of patient‐centeredness to a macro level, including the patient point of view in care quality measurement, evaluation, and improvement? This paper integrates the Donabedian structure‐process‐outcome framework, by incorporating in the proper dimension the patient‐indicators, namely the abovementioned PROMs and Patient‐Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). While PROMs are clearly measures of outcome, PREMs can be collocated in the process dimension, since they can be useful for mapping processes and care pathways, in a lean perspective, as well as in the outcome dimension, because inherently linked to outcome, and enablers of patient‐centeredness.
Using hydraulics to evaluate ecological benefits, risks, and trade‐offs from engineered flooding
Authors: Gibbs Matthew , Bice Chris , Furst Deborah , Gao Lei , Joehnk Klaus , McCullough Daniel , Montazeri Mahdi , Nicol Jason , Smart Jonathan , Wallace Todd , Zampatti Brenton , Brookes Justin
Published: November 2023

Regulation and water extraction have reduced river flow worldwide. In some rivers, this has led to reductions in the frequency and duration of floodplain inundation and, in turn, declining condition of flood‐dependent vegetation. One management response has been the construction and modification of infrastructure, or ‘regulators’, to engineer floodplain inundation at discharges that do not otherwise cause overbank flooding. Such actions have the potential to benefit floodplain vegetation, yet the atypical hydrodynamics of engineered floods may threaten riverine ecological processes and biota and increase the risk of adverse water quality. We investigated the influence of engineered flooding, and associated reductions to in‐channel hydraulics, on key ecological processes. Specifically, the transport and retention of larvae of an iconic fish species (Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii), and a common microinvertebrate Trichocerca. Analysis of different flow management scenarios for floodplain inundation indicates that maintaining in‐channel velocities greater than 0.2 m s−1 produces higher Trichocerca densities, while velocities greater than 0.3 m s−1 creates suitable habitat for Murray cod larvae, thereby providing targets for avoiding detrimental effects of engineered floods on in‐channel biota. To evaluate responses to regulator operation, velocity was represented by a hydrological model using pre‐computed results from detailed hydrodynamic models. These results were used to relate upstream discharge and downstream water level to the proportion of each reach in the hydrological model meeting each velocity criterion. The model also represents changes in discharge, inundated area and a water quality parameter, dissolved oxygen. Model scenarios for engineered floodplain inundation were used to demonstrate the potential benefits, impacts and trade‐offs between the different metrics identified. The model framework enables a more holistic evaluation of infrastructure operation, extending analysis beyond discharge and inundated area to risks and benefits to key indicators of the ecosystem. This refined integrated approach to the management of regulated river systems may become critical in the future where water resources are projected to further decline under a changing climate.
The olfactory working memory capacity paradigm: A more sensitive and robust method of assessing cognitive function in male 5XFAD mice
Authors: Jiang Li‐Xin , Huang Geng‐Di , Wang Hua‐Li , Zhang Chen , Yu Xin
Published: November 2023

The olfactory working memory capacity (OWMC) paradigm is able to detect cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice (an animal model of Alzheimer's disease [TG]) as early as 3 months of age, while other behavioral paradigms detect cognitive deficits only at 4–5 months of age. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate that the OWMC paradigm is more sensitive and consistent in the early detection of declines in cognitive function than other commonly used behavioral paradigms. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), subiculum (SUB), and amygdala (AMY) of 5XFAD mice were harvested and subjected to immunostaining to detect the expression of β‐amyloid (Aβ). Additionally, we compared the performance of 3‐month‐old male 5XFAD mice on common behavioral paradigms for assessing cognitive function (i.e., the open field [OF] test, novel object recognition [NOR] test, novel object location [NOL] test, Y‐maze, and Morris water maze [MWM]) with that on the OWMC task. In the testing phase of the OWMC task, we varied the delay periods to evaluate the working memory capacity (WMC) of wild‐type (WT) mice. Significant amyloid plaque deposition was observed in the PFC, RSC, SUB, and AMY of 3‐month‐old male 5XFAD mice. However, aside from the OWMC task, the other behavioral tests failed to detect cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice. Additionally, to demonstrate the efficacy of the OWMC task in assessing WMC, we varied the retention delay periods; we found that the WMC of WT mice decreased with longer delay periods. The OWMC task is a sensitive and robust behavioral assay for detecting changes in cognitive function.
The impact of correction methods on rare‐event meta‐analysis
Authors: Zabriskie Brinley N. , Cole Nolan , Baldauf Jacob , Decker Craig
Published: November 2023

Meta‐analyses have become the gold standard for synthesizing evidence from multiple clinical trials, and they are especially useful when outcomes are rare or adverse since individual trials often lack sufficient power to detect a treatment effect. However, when zero events are observed in one or both treatment arms in a trial, commonly used meta‐analysis methods can perform poorly. Continuity corrections (CCs), and numerical adjustments to the data to make computations feasible, have been proposed to ameliorate this issue. While the impact of various CCs on meta‐analyses with rare events has been explored, how this impact varies based on the choice of pooling method and heterogeneity variance estimator is not widely understood. We compare several correction methods via a simulation study with a variety of commonly used meta‐analysis methods. We consider how these method combinations impact important meta‐analysis results, such as the estimated overall treatment effect, 95% confidence interval coverage, and Type I error rate. We also provide a website application of these results to aid researchers in selecting meta‐analysis methods for rare‐event data sets. Overall, no one‐method combination can be consistently recommended, but some general trends are evident. For example, when there is no heterogeneity variance, we find that all pooling methods can perform well when paired with a specific correction method. Additionally, removing studies with zero events can work very well when there is no heterogeneity variance, while excluding single‐zero studies results in poorer method performance when there is non‐negligible heterogeneity variance and is not recommended.
Melatonin increased antioxidant capacity to ameliorate growth retardation and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in diquat‐challenged piglets
Authors: Zha Andong , Yan Jiameng , Li Junyao , Wang Jing , Qi Ming , Liao Peng , Chun Guo , Yin Yulong
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Diquat is a common environmental pollutant, which can cause oxidative stress in humans and animals. Diquat exposure causes growth retardation and intestinal damage. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the effects of melatonin on diquat‐challenged piglets.

RESULTS

Dietary supplementation with 2 mg kg−1 melatonin significantly increased the average daily gain and feed conversion rate in piglets. Melatonin increased antioxidant capacity, and improved intestinal epithelial barrier function of duodenum and jejunum in piglets. Moreover, melatonin was found to regulated the expression of immune and antioxidant‐related genes. Melatonin also alleviated diquat‐induced growth retardation and anorexia in diquat‐challenged piglets. It also increased antioxidant capacity, and ameliorated diquat‐induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury. Melatonin also regulated the expression of MnSOD and immuner‐elated genes in intestinal.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation with 2 mg kg−1 melatonin increased antioxidant capacity to ameliorate diquat‐induced oxidative stress, alleviate intestinal epithelial barrier injury, and increase growth performance in weaned piglets. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of cutting parameters on pitting corrosion resistance of S32760 duplex stainless steel
Authors: Yang Lin , Gong Fukang , Zhang Xiangyuan , Xia Jianqiu , Liu Xingyu
Published: November 2023

To improve the performance in service of S32760 duplex stainless steel (DSS) in the marine environment, the influence of cutting parameters of S32760 DSS on the pitting corrosion resistance of the workpiece is studied. Cutting experiments are performed on S32760 DSS by varying the cutting parameters to investigate their effects on the surface morphology. The electrochemical experiments are conducted on the workpiece immersed in the 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution to investigate how the cutting parameters affect the pitting corrosion resistance of S32760 DSS. The results indicate that the pitting corrosion resistance is influenced by the cutting speed and feed rate, which in turn affects the surface roughness. The cutting depth does not have a significant impact on the surface roughness but significantly affects the pitting resistance. The recommended cutting parameters are as follows: feed rate of 0.1 mm/r, cutting speed of 130 m/min, and cutting depth of 0.4 mm.
New Connecticut strategy to address BH workforce, youth care needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

The increasing behavioral health needs of children in Connecticut coupled with a significant shortage of behavioral health care staff are the impetuses behind a new strategic plan developed to guide the state in building a sustainable workforce that would serve the needs of children, youth and families.
Fibonacci wavelet method for time fractional convection–diffusion equations
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Jahan Shah , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: November 2023

This study concentrates on time fractional convection–diffusion equations (TFCDEs) with variable coefficients and their numerical solutions. Caputo derivative is used to calculate the time fractional order derivatives. In order to give an approximate solution to the TFCDE, an effective approach is proposed utilizing Fibonacci wavelet and block pulse functions. The Fibonacci wavelets operational matrices of fractional order integration are constructed. By combining the collocation technique, they are used to simplify the fractional model to a collection of algebraic equations. The suggested approach is quite practical for resolving issues of this nature. The comparison and analysis with other approaches demonstrate the effectiveness and precision of the suggested approach.
The risk of miscarriage after COVID‐19 vaccination before and during pregnancy
Authors: de Feijter Maud , van Gelder Marleen M. H. J. , Vissers Lieke C. M. , Kant Agnes C. , Woestenberg Petra J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which can be prevented by vaccination. Observational studies are needed to ascertain the safety of COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy. We aimed to determine whether COVID‐19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is associated with the risk of miscarriage.

Methods

In this cohort study, we included 4640 pregnant women (mean age: 32.8 ± 3.7 years) from the Dutch Pregnancy Drug Register between February 2021 and August 2022. Information on COVID‐19 vaccinations, miscarriage, and confounders was self‐reported, using web‐based questionnaires. The hazard ratio (HR) of miscarriage (in gestational weeks 6–20) after a COVID‐19 vaccination, was estimated using the survival analyses. A COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy (≥1 COVID‐19 vaccination between week 2 and 20 of pregnancy) was included as a time‐dependent exposure and vaccination prior to pregnancy was included as a binary exposure.

Results

A total of 3202 pregnant women (69%) received ≥1 COVID‐19 vaccine in gestational week 2–20. We observed no association of vaccination during pregnancy with the risk of miscarriage (adjusted HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.93–1.74). Vaccination prior to pregnancy, however, was associated with a decreased risk of miscarriage (adjusted HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–0.99).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in gestational weeks 6–20. This study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the safety of COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy.
Well‐defined difunctional POSS macromers and related organic–inorganic polymers: Precision synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Huaming , Zheng Sixun
Published: November 2023

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are a class of well‐defined organic–inorganic stereo molecules comprising inorganic SiOSi cores and peripheral organic moieties. Since they were first reported in 1946 by Scott et al., there have been a great number of investigations on the use of POSS macromers as the building blocks to access the organic–inorganic composites with polymers. In most of cases, monofunctional POSS macromers are employed and the linear hybrid polymers are obtained. Under this circumstance, POSS cages act as the side or end groups whereas the main chains of the polymers remain unchanged. Occasionally, octafunctional POSS macromers are involved, resulting in the generation of crosslinked (or network‐like) hybrids. Recently, well‐defined difunctional POSS macromers have increasingly provoked a considerable attention of investigators. From the synthetic methodology of POSS macromers to the approaches to introduce them into polymers, difunctional POSS macromers have the features quite different from mono‐ (or octa‐) functional POSS. More importantly, the related organic–inorganic hybrids possess the different morphologies and properties. In the past years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of literatures on the studies on well‐defined difunctional POSS and the related organic–inorganic hybrids. Nonetheless, the related review is lacking. In this contribution, we would summarize the recent progress in this regard, from the synthesis of POSS macromers, the approaches of introducing the POSS macromers into polymers to the correlation of morphologies with properties of the organic–inorganic hybrids. In addition, perspectives and challenges for the further advancement are envisaged and discussed.
Soy protein isolate/MXene decorated acidified carbon paper interlayer for long‐cycling Li–S batteries
Authors: Chen Siying , Chen Dongdong , Yang Zhuohong , Liu Ju , Lin Jiamian , Xie Zhuang , Yang Yu
Published: November 2023

The terrible shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is a major obstacle for commercializing lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries as high‐performance energy storage systems. In this study, a carbon‐based interlayer with effective suppression capability on the shuttle effect is developed by simply coating a well‐dispersed mixture of soybean protein isolate/MXene onto the acidified carbon paper (ACP). The resultant composite interlayer (SM@ACP) is able to synergistically diminish the shuttle effect through chemical adsorption and physical blocking. Meanwhile, this interlayer displays excellent conductivity and facilitates the diffusion of Li ions due to the composite coating to promote both electron/ion conduction as well as the porous structure of ACP. Benefiting from the unique properties of the composite interlayer, the as‐assembled Li–S batteries with SM@ACP interlayers show a great improvement in the cycling stability and rate performance, delivering a very low‐capacity decay rate of 0.071% per cycle at 0.5 C even after 800 cycles. This work provides a feasible route to realize rational design and commercial mass production of desirable interlayers for promoting the commercialization of Li–S batteries.
Exploring the effect of region on diversity and composition of weed seedbanks in herbicide‐resistant crop systems in the United States
Authors: Ren Zhe , Gibson David J. , Gage Karla L. , Matthews Joseph L. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Jordan David L. , Shaw David R. , Weller Stephen C. , Wilson Robert G. , Young Bryan G.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Soil seedbanks have been recognized as one of the crucial components of agricultural ecosystems. However, studies on the shift in structure and biodiversity of soil seedbanks in herbicide‐resistant crop systems are limited, and a functional trait perspective of the soil seedbank is often overlooked.

RESULTS

A 6 years experiment was conducted to investigate the roles of region, crop system, and weed management strategy on species richness, functional trait diversity, and composition of the weed seedbank. Species richness was different across the interaction of region and crop system, while functional trait diversity only showed difference across regions. Species and functional trait compositions were affected by the interaction of region and crop system. Specifically, the compositional difference among crop systems was mainly determined by the significant heterogeneity of group dispersion.

CONCLUSION

Growers and practitioners should consider weed functional traits in developing lasting agricultural management strategies. Long‐term weed research should draw attention to the impact of transgenic crop systems and specific management tactics on weed dispersal, functional composition, and resistance evolution of weed species in such agroecosystems. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Determining precipitable water vapour from upper‐air temperature, pressure and geopotential height
Authors: Ferreira António P. , Gimeno Luis
Published: November 2023

Radiosonde measurements of relative humidity (RH) are the main source of uncertainty in precipitable water vapour (PWV) calculation from pressure, temperature, and RH/dewpoint (PTU) data. This paper presents a formula expressing PWV in terms of pressure and temperature as functions of geopotential height (GPH), thereby allowing the PWV to be determined: (1) without any moisture‐related calculations other than those involved in measuring GPH (in radiosondes with a pressor sensor) or pressure (otherwise); (2) without relying on humidity measurements by using Global Positioning System (GPS)‐based GPH according to the gravity field, provided that pressure is directly measured. The numerical instability associated with random data errors or deviations from hydrostatic equilibrium makes the second approach unfeasible on short time scales, revealing discrepancies between the PTU‐ and GPS‐based GPHs; however, the estimation of long‐term average PWV above a location is not hindered. The estimation of PWV without humidity data was tested using high‐resolution data from 62 upper‐air stations operated by the NOAA National Weather Service. The seasonal mean {DJF, MAM, JJA, SON} PWV from the surface to 300 hPa calculated from PT and GPS data over the period 2016–2018, after rejecting individual estimates inconsistent with the 0%–100% RH range, showed a mean bias error of {−0.1, +0.1, −1.4, −0.9} kg·m−2 relative to the PTU‐based values across the stations, and a RMSE ranging from 2.4 (DJF) to 3.2 (JJA) kg·m−2. By restricting the analysis to observations with above‐average matching between the PTU‐ and GPS‐based GPH, the bias magnitude and RMSE reduced respectively to less than 0.5 and 1 kg·m−2 in all seasons. The results indicate that evaluating the long‐term agreement between the two PWV calculation methods at different sites could be useful in detecting systematic observation errors in GPS radiosonde systems using a pressure sensor.
Exploring the potential of fluoro‐flavonoid derivatives as anti‐lung cancer agents: DFT, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics techniques
Authors: Esha Nusrat Jahan Ikbal , Quayum Syeda Tasnim , Saif Minhaz Zabin , Almatarneh Mansour H. , Rahman Shofiur , Alodhayb Abdullah , Poirier Raymond A. , Uddin Kabir M.
Published: November 2023

The present investigation utilized in silico methodologies to explore the diverse pharmacological activities, toxicity profiles, and chemical reactivity of a series of fluoro‐flavonoid compounds (1–14), which are secondary metabolites of plants known for their broad range of biological effects. A comprehensive strategy is utilized, incorporating methods such as prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) prediction, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) assessments, and density functional theory (B3LYP) calculations using three basis sets: 6‐31G(d,p), 6‐311G(d,p), and 6‐311++G(d,p). Furthermore, the study employed molecular docking technique to identify target proteins, including HER2 (7JXH), EGFR (4UV7), FPPS (1YQ7), HPGDS (1V40), DCK (1P60), and KEAP1 on Nrf2 (1X2J), for the investigated compounds, with cianidanol and genistein serving as reference drugs for the docking process. The investigated fluoro‐flavonoid compounds exhibited significantly greater binding affinities (ranging from −8.3 to −10.6 kcal mol−1) toward HER2, HPGDS, and KEAP1 compared to the reference drugs, cianidanol and genistein, which displayed binding affinities ranging from −8.4 to −9.4 kcal mol−1. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of the protein‐ligand interaction, using the root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD), root‐mean‐square fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of gyration (Rg) parameters and principle component analysis (PCA). Among the tested fluoro‐flavonoid analogs, analog 11 showed a RMSD value of .15 nm with the HER2 protein target, indicating a stable interaction. Based on in silico results, it appears that the fluoro‐flavonoid compound 11 has the potential to serve as a targeted anti‐lung cancer drug. However, additional in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
On‐line chloride removal from ion chromatography for trace‐level analyses of phosphite and other anions by coupled ion chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Baidya Abu S. , Stüeken Eva E.
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Ion chromatography (IC) combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is an ideal tool for measuring low concentrations of anionic species such as phosphite; however, the high concentration of chloride and other anions in natural solutions may negatively impact chromatographic separation and data quality.

Method

We developed an on‐line mechanism of removing chloride from a sample within an ion chromatograph, using an additional valve and a separation column that transfers chloride to waste while phosphite and most other anions are retained. We installed this system in a coupled IC/ICPMS system (ICS6000 and Element 2 in medium‐resolution mode) and determined linearity and detection limits. In addition, we measured phosphorus species by NMR for comparison as an alternative method for phosphite determination.

Results

Chloride was fully removed from the samples while phosphite was retained and could be analysed by IC/ICPMS. Concentrations could be measured down to 0.003 μmol/L and possibly less with good linearity over the explored range (up to 1.615 μmol/L; r2 = 0.999). In contrast, the detection limit by NMR was 6.46 μmol/L.

Conclusions

The on‐line removal mechanism works well for simplifying sample matrices. It removes the need for costly pre‐analytical sample treatment with OnGuard columns. We confirm that IC/ICPMS is the most powerful technique for quantifying phosphite in natural solutions. The new chloride‐removal method may also be applicable to analyses of other anions.
Iodine‐Promoted Synthesis of Cyanamides in Aqueous Media and Their Synthetic Application
Authors: Kumar Venkata Hema , Janardan Sannapaneni , Tamminana Ramana
Published: November 2023

We have established an effective one‐pot construction of arylcyanmides and o‐halo arylcyanamides under metal‐free conditions with water at room temperature. Here we have used molecular iodine as a desulfurizing agent. During our standardization study, we could find the desired product in good yields using surfactant (1 % TPGS‐750‐M) and additive (NaOH). Library of aryl isothiocyanates readily converted into their respective desired products 2 a–j in 90–97 % yields. Similarly, o‐halo arylisothiocyanates carried out the reaction to give their respective halo cyanamides in good yields. Further, tetrazole compounds have also been constructed from cyanamides through click‐reaction under moderate reaction conditions.
Mechanistic Evaluation of Benzoin Catalysis Enabled by Triazolium Salt Application in the Preparation of Benzil and Heterocycles
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Manikandan Chitrarasu , Dhayalan Vasudevan , Dandela Rambabu
Published: November 2023

A library of functionalized pyrrolidine‐based triazolium salts containing a BF4 counterions have been prepared from readily accessible 2‐pyrolidinone via one‐pot reaction protocol. By separating imine‐ether intermediates, a detailed mechanistic pathway has been investigated. Studied mechanistic investigation improved the synthetic process, resulting in higher yields for pyrrolidine‐based triazolium NHC structures and the large‐scale synthesis of chiral NHCs pre‐catalyst with free OH‐group. The presence of a hydroxyl functional group on the NHCs has the potential for further functionalization and for non‐covalent control over catalytic reactions in which the NHCs can serve as organocatalysts or donor ligands for organometallic catalysis. This benzoin catalytic system was investigated by testing different solvents and aldehydes, NHC‐catalysts loading and time variation effects to prepare a broad range of functionalized benzoin compounds with high yields. The highly reactive pyrrolidine‐based triazolium salts (TACF5) showed significant potential application of organocatalysts in benzoin condensation‐oxidation. EDG and EWG substituted α‐hydroxy ketone derivatives were directly converted to corresponding benzil scaffolds from an aldehyde through one‐pot reaction condition with MnO2 acting as an oxidating reagent in open‐air atmosphere. Selective heterocycles, quinoxaline, imidazole and pyrazine precursor were achieved from simple benzil under green conditions.
Deflecting Dendrites by Introducing Compressive Stress in Li7La3Zr2O12 Using Ion Implantation
Authors: Flatscher Florian , Todt Juraj , Burghammer Manfred , Søreide Hanne‐Sofie , Porz Lukas , Li Yanjun , Wenner Sigurd , Bobal Viktor , Ganschow Steffen , Sartory Bernhard , Brunner Roland , Hatzoglou Constantinos , Keckes Jozef , Rettenwander Daniel
Published: November 2023

Lithium dendrites belong to the key challenges of solid‐state battery research. They are unavoidable due to the imperfect nature of surfaces containing defects of a critical size that can be filled by lithium until fracturing the solid electrolyte. The penetration of Li metal occurs along the propagating crack until a short circuit takes place. It is hypothesized that ion implantation can be used to introduce stress states into Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 which enables an effective deflection and arrest of dendrites. The compositional and microstructural changes associated with the implantation of Ag‐ions are studied via atom probe tomography, electron microscopy, and nano X‐ray diffraction indicating that Ag‐ions can be implanted up to 1 µm deep and amorphization takes place down to 650–700 nm, in good agreement with kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Based on diffraction results pronounced stress states up to −700 MPa are generated in the near‐surface region. Such a stress zone and the associated microstructural alterations exhibit the ability to not only deflect mechanically introduced cracks but also dendrites, as demonstrated by nano‐indentation and galvanostatic cycling experiments with subsequent electron microscopy observations. These results demonstrate ion implantation as a viable technique to design “dendrite‐free” solid‐state electrolytes for high‐power and energy‐dense solid‐state batteries.
Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance in P‐Type Sb2Te3‐Based Compounds Through Nb─Ag Co‐Doping with Donor‐Like Effect
Authors: Yang Wenwei , Le Wenkai , Lyu Jingyi , Li Jingfeng , Chen Zhixing , Zhang Qian , Liu Shenghua , Li Xiangguo , Shuai Jing
Published: November 2023

P‐type Sb2Te3 has been recognized as a potential thermoelectric material for applications in low‐medium temperature ranges. However, its inherent high carrier concentration and lattice thermal conductivity led to a relatively low ZT value, particularly around room temperature. This study addresses these limitations by leveraging high‐energy ball milling and rapid hot‐pressing techniques to substantially enhance the Seebeck coefficient and power factor of Sb2Te3, yielding a remarkable ZT value of 0.55 at 323 K due to the donor‐like effect. Furthermore, the incorporation of Nb─Ag co‐doping increases hole concentration, effectively suppressing intrinsic excitations ≈548 K while maintaining the favorable power factor. Simultaneously, the lattice thermal conductivity can be significantly reduced upon doping. As a result, the ZT values of Sb2Te3‐based materials attain an impressive range of 0.5–0.6 at 323 K, representing an almost 100% improvement compared to previous research endeavors. Finally, the ZT value of Sb1.97Nb0.03Ag0.005Te3 escalates to 0.92 at 548 K with a record average ZT value (ZTavg) of 0.75 within the temperature range of 323–573 K. These achievements hold promising implications for advancing the viability of V–VI commercialized materials for low‐medium temperature application.
PC71BM as Morphology Regulator for Highly Efficient Ternary Organic Solar Cells with Bulk Heterojunction or Layer‐by‐Layer Configuration
Authors: Zhou Hang , Liu Chunxiang , Liu Shaofei , Zhang Zijian , Sun Shixiu , Xu Wenjing , Ma Xiaoling , Wang Jian , Xu Yujie , Du Xiaoyan , Jeong Sang Young , Woo Han Young , Zhang Fujun , Sun Qianqian
Published: November 2023

The ternary strategy is one of the effective methods to regulate the morphology of the active layer in organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, the ternary OSCs with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) or layer‐by‐layer (LbL) active layers are prepared by using the polymer donor PM6 and the non‐fullerene acceptor L8‐BO as the main system and the fullerene acceptor PC71BM as the third component. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of BHJ OSCs and LbL OSCs are increased from 17.10% to 18.02% and from 17.20% to 18.20% by introducing PC71BM into the binary active layer, respectively. The in situ UV–vis absorption spectra indicate that the molecular aggregation and crystallization process can be prolonged by introducing PC71BM into the PM6:L8‐BO or PM6/L8‐BO active layer. The molecular orientation and molecular crystallinity in the active layer are optimized by introducing the PC71BM into the binary BHJ or LbL active layers, which can be confirmed by the experimental results of grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. This study demonstrates that the third component PC71BM can be used as a morphology regulator to regulate the morphology of BHJ or LbL active layers, thus effectively improving the performance of BHJ and LbL OSCs.
A New Metal‐Free Molecular Perovskite‐Related Single Crystal with Quantum Wire Structure for High‐Performance X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Cui Qingyue , Liu Xinmei , Li Nan , Zeng Hanqing , Chu Depeng , Li Haojin , Song Xin , Xu Zhuo , Liu Yanping , Zhu Haiming , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong(Frank)
Published: November 2023

The family of metal‐free molecular perovskites, an emerging novel class of eco‐friendly semiconductor, welcomes a new member with a unique 1D hexagonal perovskite structure. Lowering dimensionality at molecular level is a facile strategy for crystal structure conversion, optoelectronic property regulation, and device performance optimization. Herein, the study reports the design, synthesis, packing structure, and photophysical properties of the 1D metal‐free molecular perovskite‐related single crystal, rac‐3APD‐NH4I3(rac‐3APD= racemic‐3‐Aminopiperidinium), that features a quantum wire structure formed by infinite chains of face‐sharing NH4I6 octahedra, enabling strong quantum confinement with strongly self‐trapped excited (STE) states to give efficient warm orange emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) as high as ≈41.6%. The study accordingly unveils its photoexcited carrier dynamics: rac‐3APD‐NH4I3 relaxes to STE state with a short lifetime of 10 ps but decays to ground state by emitting photons with a relatively longer lifetime of 560 ps. Additionally, strong quantum confinement effect is conducive to charge transport along the octahedral channels that enables the co‐planar single‐crystal X‐ray detectors to achieve a sensitivity as high as 1556 µC Gyair−1 cm−2. This work demonstrates the first case of photoluminescence mechanism and photophysical dynamics of 1D metal‐free perovskite‐related semiconductor, as well as the promise for high‐performance X‐ray detector.
High‐Efficiency GaAs Solar Cells Grown on Porous Germanium Substrate with PEELER Technology
Authors: Daniel Valentin , Bidaud Thomas , Chretien Jérémie , Paupy Nicolas , Ayari Ahmed , Diallo Thierno Mamoudou , Hanuš Tadeáš , Henriques Jonathan , Jaouad Abdelatif , Lerat Jean-François , Ilahi Bouraoui , Cho Jinyoun , Dessein Kristof , Dubuc Christian , Hamon Gwenaelle , Boucherif Abderraouf , Darnon Maxime
Published: November 2023

III–V solar cells are mainly grown on GaAs or Ge substrate, which significantly contributes to the final cost and affects the sustainable use of these rare materials. A so‐called PEELER process is developed, in which a porosification technique is used to create a weak layer between a Ge substrate and the epitaxial layers. This method enables the separation of the grown layers, allowing for the subsequent reuse of germanium and a reduction in the environmental and economic cost of optoelectronic devices. Technology validation using the device performance is important to assess the technology interest. For this purpose, the performance of 22 nondetached single‐junction GaAs photovoltaic cells grown and manufactured on porosified 100 mm Ge wafer without antireflection coating is fabricated and compared. All the cells exhibit comparable performance to state‐of‐the‐art GaAs solar cells (grown or Ge or GaAs) with high efficiency (21.8% ± 0.78%) and thereby demonstrate the viability of growing high‐performance optoelectronic devices on detachable Ge films.
Large‐Scale Daylight Photoluminescence: Automated Photovoltaic Module Operating Point Detection and Performance Loss Assessment by Quantitative Signal Analysis
Authors: Koester Lukas , Louwen Atse , Lindig Sascha , Manzolini Giampaolo , Moser David
Published: November 2023

Daylight photoluminescence (DPL) is a relatively novel imaging technique utilized in photovoltaic (PV) system inspection, using the sun as excitation source. Filtering the luminescence signal from the strong sun irradiation is its main challenge. Images acquired at two different operating points (OPs) of the module, allow subtraction of the background radiation while maintaining the luminescence signal. A DPL‐ready inverter, which is able to toggle between manually selectable OPs of connected PV modules, is presented in this work. Synchronization of image acquisition and OP switching becomes particularly challenging if the camera is applied to unmanned aerial vehicles. To overcome this challenge, an algorithm is developed to identify OP switches in a set of images taken in the field by investigating image intensities. Further, by working out the detailed dependencies of the signal recorded during DPL, the temperature coefficient of photoluminescence intensity is derived theoretically, and its impact on quantitative inspections. The potential field application of DPL images to identify performance loss in PV modules is investigated by two approaches: recording the signal intensity of images over time and comparing the signal intensity of different PV modules in one image. For both approaches, their hypothetical applicability is shown experimentally.
Facile Room Temperature Synthesis of Precious‐Metal‐Free Coordination Polymer Photocatalyst for Improved Visible‐Light CO2 Reduction
Authors: Suppaso Chomponoot , Kamakura Yoshinobu , Ueno Misaki , Hongo Sawa , Akiyoshi Ryohei , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Saeki Akinori , Tanaka Daisuke , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: November 2023

The Pb–S‐based coordination polymer (CP), named KGF‐9, [Pb(tadt)]n (tadt = 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2,5‐dithiolate), can selectively convert CO2 into HCOO− (>99%) under visible light, with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 2.6% at 400 nm, without a cocatalyst. However, KGF‐9 is an intrinsically nonporous CP, and its small specific surface area (<1 m2 g−1) might hinder the realization of its full potential as a photocatalyst. Herein, facile synthetic routes at room temperature are reported through a solid‐state reaction and a liquid‐phase reaction (LPR) using lead(II) acetate as a precursor. The use of lead(II) acetate promotes the deprotonation of the H2tadt ligand, resulting in a faster coordination reaction, a reduced feature size, and a drastic increase in specific surface area (≈10 m2 g−1). A higher AQY for formate production (5.9% at 400 nm) is found for KGF‐9 prepared via a 60 min LPR. The improved photocatalytic activity of the LPR sample is attributed to the presence of long‐lived charge carriers, which is revealed by time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements. The results of this study provide a simple but effective strategy toward increasing the activity of CP‐based photocatalysts.
Densitometric simultaneous assessment of teneligliptin hydrobromide and pioglitazone hydrochloride in combined tablet
Authors: Sen Ashim Kumar , Bhimani Neel , Sen Dhanya B. , Maheshwari Rajesh A. , Gohil Dipti , Koradia Shaileshkumar K.
Published: November 2023

A highly effective high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic methodology has been developed and validated for the concurrent measurement of teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate and pioglitazone hydrochloride in tablet offering excellent sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The methodology involved using aluminum plates layered with silica gel 60F254 were used, and the solvent system consisted of a mixture of chloroform, methanol, and ammonia (8:1:0.5 v/v/v). The analysis involved scanning of the plate at a wavelength of 229 nm and analyzing the resulting densitograms. The linear correlation was established over a range of concentrations 250–3000 ng/band for teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate and 187.5–2250 ng/band for pioglitazone hydrochloride. The method displayed detection limits of 21.29 ng/band for teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate and 25.97 ng/band for pioglitazone hydrochloride. The quantification limits were 64.52 ng/band for teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate and 78.71 ng/band for pioglitazone hydrochloride. The results of precision parameters showed that the % relative standard deviation of peak area was consistently below 2%, indicating high precision. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated to be between 96% and 103%. Proposed method was found to be superior and capable of overcoming the shortcomings of previously reported methods for the assessment of both the drugs.
Policy Implication and Community Interventions to Reduce EDCs Exposure
Authors: Montano Luigi , Guglielmino Antonino
Published: November 2023

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) as emerging pollutants and multi-target agents have accumulated in the environment at concentration levels inducing significant effects on planet and obviously on all living species so that public concern about the impact of EDCs is constantly growing.

Moreover, there are many contaminants in the environment which have never been examined. Even low-level exposure to these chemicals can have significant effects, and the same dose response can have different effects on individuals. Furthermore, the cumulative effects of these chemicals are yet to be studied, thus the effect on human beings is not fully understood. Anyway the health consequences of these chemicals have been particularly studied on reproductive system. Male reproductive health, especially, has represented ideal target for analysing the effects and mechanisms of damage to health of these chemical compounds. This field of health is, indeed, critical for the future of society, not only for interdisciplinary approach of several specialists and institutions involved but also for the educational mission of new generations especially in the vulnerable adolescent period; a mission, about lifestyle, diet, behaviour, personal and social awareness to reduce the exposure to EDCs and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In this chapter, we will discuss policy Implication and Community Interventions to reduce EDCs Exposure for minimisation health damages in the frame of more recent knowledge on these contaminants and proposing how hazard-based approach to guide and reach the regulations should be preferred to the risk-based one. This approach is particularly important to safeguard the male and female reproductive system, which is the most exposed one to environmental stress.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and the Offsprings: Prenatal Exposure
Authors: Solerte Maria Laura , Cosmi Erich
Published: November 2023

Over the last 10 decades, the changes in normal environmental conditions, directly or indirectly connected to the presence of several chemical substances released in various ways and means, for many territories, throughout the planet, have become extremely evident, as well as the relative consequences assessed, which involve numerous international working groups. Starting from territorial pollution and known environmental disasters, the World Health Organization, Food and Drug Administration, European Food Safety Authority, European Commission, other international regulatory agencies, scientific societies, and research groups had proposed, through milestone epochs, the methods of study and monitoring of environmentally harmful molecules capable of interfering with the endocrine system, in wildlife, laboratory animals, and humans. Moreover, attention was focused on endocrine functions related to reproductive health and on mechanisms of interaction, during gestation, between fetus, mother, and placenta, in order to bridge the gap of the lack of knowledge in this global theme.
Differential contracting homotopy in higher-spin theory
Authors: Vasiliev M. A.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

A new efficient approach to the analysis of nonlinear higher-spin equations, that treats democratically auxiliary spinor variables ZA and integration homotopy parameters in the non-linear vertices of the higher-spin theory, is developed. Being most general, the proposed approach is the same time far simpler than those available so far. In particular, it is free from the necessity to use the Schouten identity. Remarkably, the problem of reconstruction of higher-spin vertices is mapped to certain polyhedra cohomology in terms of homotopy parameters themselves. The new scheme provides a powerful tool for the study of higher-order corrections in higher-spin theory and, in particular, its spin-locality. It is illustrated by the analysis of the lower order vertices, reproducing not only the results obtained previously by the shifted homotopy approach but also projectively-compact vertices with the minimal number of derivatives, that were so far unreachable within that scheme.
Constraints on NJL four-fermion effective interactions from neutrinoless double beta decay
Authors: Pacioselli L. , Panella O. , Presilla M. , Xue S.-S.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We study the contribution of a heavy right-handed Majorana neutrino to neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) via four-fermion effective interactions of Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) type. In this physical scenario, the sterile neutrino contributes to the nuclear transition through gauge, contact, and mixed interactions. Using the lower limit on the half-life of 0νββ from the KamLAND-Zen experiment, we then constrain the effective right-handed coupling between the sterile neutrino and the W boson: $$ {\mathcal{G}}_R^W $$

G
R
W

. Eventually, we show that the obtained bounds are compatible with those found in the literature, which highlights the complementarity of this type of phenomenological study with high-energy experiments.
Zusammenhang von Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten mit physischer Mundgesundheit. Welche Rolle kann die zahnmedizinische Ausbildung spielen?
Authors: Reißmann Daniel R. , Lamprecht Ragna , Koch-Gromus Uwe , Borof Katrin , Kofahl Christopher , Härter Martin , Büschel Julie , Harth Volker , Hoven Hanno , Kahl-Nieke Bärbel , Beikler Thomas , Heydecke Guido , Aarabi Ghazal
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Mundgesundheit ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der allgemeinen Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens. Sie wird von vielen Faktoren beeinflusst. Dazu zählen insbesondere individuelle Aspekte wie Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten. Ziel der Studie war die Bestimmung des konkreten Zusammenhangs zwischen Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten mit physischer Mundgesundheit.

Methoden

In dieser bevölkerungsbasierten Querschnittsstudie wurden Daten von insgesamt 5510 Personen, welche von 2016 bis 2018 in die Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) eingeschlossen wurden, mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 62,1 Jahren und einem Frauenanteil von 50,7 % ausgewertet. Die physische Mundgesundheit wurde mit den 14 Items des Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX) erhoben. Zur Bestimmung von Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten wurde ein neu entwickelter Fragebogen mit 10 Aspekten basierend auf dem Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire und der 5. Deutschen Mundgesundheitsstudie genutzt.

Ergebnisse

Der Summenwert der 10 Fragen in Bezug auf Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten korrelierte signifikant mit dem PhOX-Summenwert (r = 0,23; p < 0,001). Ein Anstieg von einem Punkt des Gesamtwerts zu Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten war assoziiert mit einer Erhöhung des PhOX-Summenwerts um durchschnittlich 1,45 Punkte. Dies reduzierte sich nur unwesentlich nach Einbeziehung von potenziellen Confoundern wie Alter und Bildung.

Schlussfolgerung

Höhere Mundgesundheitskompetenz und besseres entsprechendes Verhalten sind assoziiert mit einer besseren Mundgesundheit. Damit bilden Mundgesundheitskompetenz und -verhalten wichtige Zielgrößen in der zahnmedizinischen Ausbildung zur effizienten und nachhaltigen Verbesserung der Mundgesundheit in der Allgemeinbevölkerung.