bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Structure and Optical Property of 2D MgPX3 (X = S and Se) Monolayer by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Xu Changju , Wang Hongji , Min Qing , Xiong Yongchen , Luo Shijun , Yang Juntao
Published: December 2023

2D metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MgPX3) have attracted tremendous research interests in spintronic, electrocatalytic, and photoelectronic applications due to their unique magnetic and optical properties. Herein, a systematical investigation on the electronic structures and optical properties of 2D MgPX3 (X = S and Se) monolayers is performed by density functional theory. Owing to small cleavage energy, 2D MgPX3 monolayers can be obtained by mechanical exfoliation with an excellent structure stability of 2D MgPX3 monolayers demonstrated by elastic tensor, phonon dispersion, and molecular dynamics, respectively. 2D MgPX3 behaves as a direct bandgap semiconductor with a strong optical absorption in UV range whereas a weak adsorption near the band edge, demonstrated by both single‐ and quasiparticle approximations. Upon analyses on transition dipole moment along with the wave function symmetry, the weak optical absorption is attributed to the parity‐forbidden effect where the wave functions almost show the same parity between top valence band and bottom conduction band. The findings indicate that 2D MgPX3 monolayers hold promise as candidate materials for flexible UV photoelectronics devices and provide a theoretical insight into the optical properties of 2D semiconductors.
Utilization of perforated zipper‐lock packaging bags to improve the quality of stem‐on and stem‐free ‘Chelan’ and ‘Lapins’ sweet cherries during the storage and marketing periods
Authors: Zhi Huanhuan , Dai Huimin , Leisso Rachel , Dong Yu
Published: December 2023

In the current domestic market, improper packaging systems cause a significant amount of food loss and waste of sweet cherry fruit from the packinghouse to the table. The purpose of this study was to assess whether reducing the commercial zipper‐lock bags' perforation ratio (PR) from 2% to 0.5% or 0.05% had the potential to improve the quality and resistance to postharvest disorders of stem‐on (SO) and stem‐free (SF) ‘Chelan’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries during a series of 14 days at 0°C, 2 days at 10°C and 2 days at 20°C (the storage and marketing periods). Regardless of whether the stem was attached to the fruit, reducing PR from 2% to 0.5% or 0.05% resulted in a high relative humidity, an increased CO2 with a decreased O2 in bags and reduced weight loss of fruit and stems in both cultivars during the entire storage and marketing periods; furthermore, higher fruit firmness, skin brightness and stem green color with lower rates of surface pitting and stem browning and relative leakage of stems were observed in either SO or SF of ‘Chelan’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries packaged with 0.5% and 0.05% PR bags compared to 100 (air) and 2% PR‐treated cherries. However, the 0.05% PR packaging system retained a significant amount of condensation water in the bag; as a result, the decay incidence of SF cherries statistically increased. Overall, packing SO and SF ‘Chelan’ and ‘Lapins’ cherries in bags with a 0.5% PR provided great benefits in delaying weight loss and pathogen infection and maintaining the high eating and storage quality during the storage and marketing periods.
Evaluating fluvoxamine for the outpatient treatment of COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Jiawen , Moskalyk Myron , Zuo Qi Kang , Garcia Cristian , Abbas Umaima , Ramaraju Harikrishnaa Ba , Rayner Daniel , Park Ye‐Jean , Heybati Kiyan , Zhou Fangwen , Lohit Simran
Published: December 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fluvoxamine for the outpatient management of COVID‐19. We conducted this review in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to 14 September 2023. Outcomes included incidence of hospitalisation, healthcare utilization (emergency room visits and/or hospitalisation), mortality, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation requirements, serious adverse events (SAEs) and non‐adherence. Fluvoxamine 100 mg twice a day was associated with reductions in the risk of hospitalisation (risk ratio [RR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58–0.97; I
2 = 0%) and reductions in the risk of healthcare utilization (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.86; I
2 = 0%). While no increased SAEs were observed, fluvoxamine 100 mg twice a day was associated with higher treatment non‐adherence compared to placebo (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22–2.14; I
2 = 53%). In subgroup analyses, fluvoxamine reduced healthcare utilization in outpatients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2, but not in those with lower BMIs. While fluvoxamine offers potential benefits in reducing healthcare utilization, its efficacy may be most pronounced in high‐risk patient populations. The observed non‐adherence rates highlight the need for better patient education and counselling. Future investigations should reassess trial endpoints to include outcomes relating to post‐COVID sequelaes. Registration: This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023463829).
Connectivity‐preserving consensus: An adaptive event‐triggered strategy
Authors: Guo Tiantian , Liu Yungang
Published: December 2023

The connectivity of communication graph is indispensable for consensus of multi‐agent systems (MASs), which in many applications (e.g., wireless sensor) depends on the relative distances between agents. But, in the adaptive setting particularly with system nonlinearities and event‐triggered communication, it is rather difficult to enforce the relative distances within the limited range for the connectivity. This paper focuses on developing an adaptive event‐triggered control strategy with connectivity preservation in the context of nonidentical unknown control coefficients and heterogeneous nonlinearities coupling with parameter uncertainties. First, a group of potential functions are introduced acting as control barrier functions to constrain the relative distances between agents within the limited range for all time. Also, two dynamic gains are specialized for each agent to handle the system uncertainties, system nonlinearities and negative effect of the execution error. Then, an adaptive event‐triggered protocol is designed for each agent such that the connectivity‐preserving consensus of MASs is achieved and Zeno behavior is excluded. Moreover, an extended study is conducted on a leader‐following scenario. Two simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed event‐triggered control strategy.
Analyzing risk factors for post‐acute recovery in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia: A new semi‐parametric model for large‐scale medicare claims
Authors: Shen Biyi , Ren Haoyu , Shardell Michelle , Falvey Jason , Chen Chixiang
Published: December 2023

Nearly 300,000 older adults experience a hip fracture every year, the majority of which occur following a fall. Unfortunately, recovery after fall‐related trauma such as hip fracture is poor, where older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) spend a particularly long time in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities during the post‐operative recuperation period. Because older adults value functional recovery and spending time at home versus facilities as key outcomes after hospitalization, identifying factors that influence days spent at home after hospitalization is imperative. While several individual‐level factors have been identified, the characteristics of the treating hospital have recently been identified as contributors. However, few methodological rigorous approaches are available to help overcome potential sources of bias such as hospital‐level unmeasured confounders, informative hospital size, and loss to follow‐up due to death. This article develops a useful tool equipped with unsupervised learning to simultaneously handle statistical complexities that are often encountered in health services research, especially when using large administrative claims databases. The proposed estimator has a closed form, thus only requiring light computation load in a large‐scale study. We further develop its asymptotic properties with stabilized inference assisted by unsupervised clustering. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate superiority of the proposed estimator compared to existing estimators.
Advanced High‐Energy All‐Solid‐State Hybrid Supercapacitor with Nickel‐Cobalt‐Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoflowers Supported on Jute Stick‐Derived Activated Carbon Nanosheets
Authors: Shah Syed Shaheen , Aziz Md. Abdul , Ali Muhammad , Hakeem Abbas Saeed , Yamani Zain H.
Published: December 2023

Developing efficient, lightweight, and durable all‐solid‐state supercapacitors is crucial for future energy storage systems. The study focuses on optimizing electrode materials to achieve high capacitance and stability. This study introduces a novel two‐step pyrolysis process to synthesize activated carbon nanosheets from jute sticks (JAC), resulting in an optimized JAC‐2 material with a high yield (≈24%) and specific surface area (≈2600 m2 g−1). Furthermore, an innovative in situ synthesis approach is employed to synthesize hybrid nanocomposites (NiCoLDH‐1@JAC‐2) by integrating JAC nanosheets with nickel‐cobalt‐layered double hydroxide nanoflowers (NiCoLDH). These nanocomposites serve as positive electrode materials and JAC‐2 as the negative electrode material in all‐solid‐state asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), exhibiting remarkable performance metrics. The HSCs achieve a specific capacitance of 750 F g−1, a specific capacity of 209 mAh g−1 (at 0.5 A g−1), and an energy density of 100 Wh kg−1 (at 250 W kg−1) using PVA/KOH solid electrolyte, while maintaining outstanding cyclic stability. Importantly, a density functional theory framework is utilized to validate the experimental findings, underscoring the potential of this novel approach for enhancing HSC performance and enabling the large‐scale production of transition metal‐based layered double hydroxides.
Ligand Defect‐Induced Active Sites in Ni‐MOF‐74 for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO
Authors: Dong Yong‐Li , Jiang Yu , Ni Shuang , Guan Guo‐Wei , Zheng Su‐Tao , Guan Qingqing , Pei Ling‐Min , Yang Qing‐Yuan
Published: December 2023

The conversion of CO2 into valuable carbon‐based products using clean and renewable solar energy has been a significant challenge in photocatalysis. It is of paramount importance to develop efficient photocatalysts for the catalytic conversion of CO2 using visible light. In this study, the Ni‐MOF‐74 material is successfully modified to achieve a highly porous structure (Ni‐74‐Am) through temperature and solvent modulation. Compared to the original Ni‐MOF‐74, Ni‐74‐Am contains more unsaturated Ni active sites resulting from defects, thereby enhancing the performance of CO2 photocatalytic conversion. Remarkably, Ni‐74‐Am exhibits outstanding photocatalytic performance, with a CO generation rate of 1380 µmol g−1 h−1 and 94% CO selectivity under visible light, significantly surpassing the majority of MOF‐based photocatalysts reported to date. Furthermore, experimental characterizations reveal that Ni‐74‐Am has significantly higher efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole separation and faster carrier migration rate for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. This work enriches the design and application of defective MOFs and provides new insights into the design of MOF‐based photocatalysts for renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The findings of this study hold significant promise for developing efficient photocatalysts for CO2 reduction under visible‐light conditions.
Unlocking High Porosity: Post‐Synthetic Solvothermal Treatment of Cu‐Paddlewheel Based Metal–Organic Cages
Authors: Lee Byeongchan , Go Bogyeong , Jung Byunghyuck , Park Jinhee
Published: December 2023

Metal–organic cages (MOCs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique discrete structures, intrinsic porosity, designability, and tailorability. However, weak inter‐cage interactions, such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding can cause solid‐state MOCs to lose structural integrity during desolvation, leading to the loss of porosity. In this work, a novel strategy to retain the permanent porosity of Cu‐paddlewheel‐based MOCs, enabling their use as heterogeneous catalysts is presented. Post‐synthetic solvothermal treatments in non‐coordinating solvents, mesitylene, and p‐xylene, effectively preserve the packing structures of solvent‐evacuated MOCs while preventing cage agglomeration. The resulting MOCs exhibit an exceptional N2 sorption capacity, with a high surface area (SBET = 1934 m2 g−1 for MOP‐23), which is among the highest reported for porous MOCs. Intriguingly, while the solvothermal treatment reduced Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the Cu‐paddlewheel clusters, the MOCs with mixed‐valenced Cu(I)/Cu(II) maintained their crystallinity and permanent porosity. The catalytic activities of these MOCs are successfully examined in copper(I)‐catalyzed hydrative amide synthesis, highlighting the prospect of MOCs as versatile reaction platforms.
Phase‐Change Based Oxygen Carriers Improve Acute Cerebral Hypoxia
Authors: Ye Qingsong , Zheng Deyuan , Chen Kaiyuan , Xu Haiheng , Yang Zefeng , Wen Jiqiu , Hu Yiqiao , Wu Jinhui
Published: December 2023

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and hypoxia is a major crisis of the brain after stroke. Therefore, providing oxygen to the brain microenvironment can effectively protect neurons from damage caused by cerebral hypoxia. However, there is a lack of timely and effective means of oxygen delivery clinically to the brain for acute cerebral hypoxia. Here, a phase‐change based nano oxygen carrier is reported, which can undergo a phase change in response to increasing temperature in the brain, leading to oxygen release. The nano oxygen carrier demonstrate intracerebral oxygen delivery capacity and is able to release oxygen in the hypoxic and inflammatory region of the brain. In the acute ischemic stroke mouse model, the nano oxygen carrier can effectively reduce the area of cerebral infarction and decrease the level of inflammation triggered by cerebral hypoxia. By taking advantage of the increase in temperature during cerebral hypoxia, phase‐change oxygen carrier proposes a new intracerebral oxygen delivery strategy for reducing acute cerebral hypoxia.
Optimization Strategy in Hydrogen Storage Performance of Ti─V─Cr─Mn Alloys via LiAlH4
Authors: Ding Nan , Liu Wanqiang , Yin Dongming , Zhao Shaolei , Qiao Wenfeng , Xiu Haixiang , Liu Cong , Shi Qingyun , Wang Limin , Cheng Yong
Published: December 2023

V‐based solid solution materials hold a significant position in the realm of hydrogen storage materials because of its high hydrogen storage capacity. However, the current dehydrogenation temperature of V‐based solid solution exceeds 350 °C, making it challenging to fulfill the appliance under moderate conditions. Here advancements in the hydrogen storage properties and related mechanisms of TiV1.1Cr0.3Mn0.6 + x LiAlH4 (x = 0, 5, 8, 10 wt.%) composites is presented. According to the first principle calculation analysis, the inclusion of Al and Li atoms will lower the binding energy of hydride, thus enhancing the hydrogen absorption reaction and significantly decreasing the activation difficulty. Furthermore, based on crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis, the strength of the V─H and Ti─H bonds after doping LiAlH4 are reduced, leading to a decrease of the hydrogen release activation energy (Ea) for the V‐based solid solution material, thus the hydrogen release process is easier to carry out. Additionally, the structure of doped LiAlH4 exhibits an outstanding hydrogen release rate of 2.001 wt.% at 323 K and remarkable cycling stability.
Multifunctional Biodegradable Conductive Hydrogel Regulating Microenvironment for Stem Cell Therapy Enhances the Nerve Tissue Repair
Authors: Xu Chao , Wu Ping , Yang Kun , Mu Congpu , Li Binbin , Li Xiaokun , Wang Zhouguang , Liu Zhongyuan , Wang Xinyu , Luo Zhiqiang
Published: December 2023

The nerve guidance conduits incorporated with stem cells, which can differentiate into the Schwann cells (SCs) to facilitate myelination, shows great promise for repairing the severe peripheral nerve injury. The innovation of advanced hydrogel materials encapsulating stem cells, is highly demanded for generating supportive scaffolds and adaptive microenvironment for nerve regeneration. Herein, this work demonstrates a novel strategy in regulating regenerative microenvironment for peripheral nerve repair with a biodegradable conductive hydrogel scaffold, which can offer multifunctional capabilities in immune regulation, enhancing angiogenesis, driving SCs differentiation, and promoting axon regrowth. The biodegradable conductive hydrogel is constructed by incorporation of polydopamine‐modified silicon phosphorus (SiP@PDA) nanosheets into a mixture of methacryloyl gelatin and decellularized extracellular matrix (GelMA/ECM). The biomimetic electrical microenvironment performs an efficacious strategy to facilitate macrophage polarization toward a pro‐healing phenotype (M2), meanwhile the conductive hydrogel supports vascularization in regenerated tissue through sustained Si element release. Furthermore, the MSCs 3D‐cultured in GelMA/ECM‐SiP@PDA conductive hydrogel exhibits significantly increased expression of genes associated with SC‐like cell differentiation, thus facilitating the myelination and axonal regeneration. Collectively, both the in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrates that the rationally designed biodegradable multifunctional hydrogel significantly enhances nerve tissues repair.
Sulfurized NiFe2O4 Electrocatalyst with In Situ Formed Fe‐NiOOH Nanoparticles to Realize Industrial‐Level Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Mengna , Fu Jie , Lu Fang , Li Zhenyu , Wang Guoxiong
Published: December 2023

Constructing composite catalysts with refined geometric control and optimal electronic structure provides a promising route to enhance electrocatalytic performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a composite catalyst is prepared with multiple components using chemical vapour deposition method to transform crystalline NiFe2O4 into crystalline NiFe2O4@amorphous S‐NiFe2O4 with core‐shell structure (C‐NiFe2O4@A‐S‐NiFe2O4), and Fe‐NiOOH nanoparticles are subsequently in situ generated on its surface during the process of electrocatalytic OER. The C‐NiFe2O4@A‐S‐NiFe2O4 catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 275 mV while possessing an excellent stability for 500 h at 10 mA cm−2. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer with C‐NiFe2O4@A‐S‐NiFe2O4 anode catalyst obtains a current density of 4270 mA cm−2 at 2.0 V. Further, in situ Raman spectroscopy result demonstrates that in situ generated Fe‐NiOOH nanoparticles are revealed to act as the catalytic active phase for catalyzing the OER. Besides, introducing A‐S‐NiFe2O4 in C‐NiFe2O4@A‐S‐NiFe2O4 facilitates the formation of Fe‐NiOOH nanoparticles with high‐valency Ni, thus increasing the proportion of lattice oxygen‐participated OER. This work not only provides an alternative strategy for the design of high‐performance catalysts, but also lays a foundation for the exploration of catalytic mechanisms.
Macroflora from Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian) of Hicks Creek, southern Talkeetna Mountains, south‐central Alaska
Authors: Barbacka Maria , Górecki Artur , Pott Christian , Ziaja Jadwiga , Blodgett Robert B. , Metzler Curvin , Caruthers Andrew H. , Edirisooriya Geethanalje , Pacyna Grzegorz
Published: December 2023

A recently discovered Early Jurassic locality at Hicks Creek, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, yielded a macrofossil plant assemblage comprising predominantly bennettitaleans and ferns, accompanied by horsetails, seed ferns, cycads and conifers. Single species from different plant groups dominate the assemblage (e.g. Cladophlebis alata, Otozamites pterophylloides; less frequent Rhaphidopteris sp. and Pagiophyllum falcatum; sporadic Thallites sp., Klukia sp., Todites williamsonii, Coniopteris bella, Sagenopteris sp., Zamites sp., Nilssoniopteris pristis, Pseudoctenis sp., Eretmophyllum sp. and Elatides sp.). We also encountered a new foliage of cycadophyte type, Hanophyllum varioserratum gen. et sp. nov. Hicks Creek is one of four Alaskan areas with fossil Mesozoic plants that have been investigated. Along with rocks of Puale Bay and the East Fork of Boulder Creek exposures, this locality is of Early Jurassic age, while Cape Lisburne is Early Cretaceous (Albian). Based on a comparison of the floral composition of Hicks Creek with some other localities (Alaska and beyond), environmental conditions for the Peninsular terrane are inferred. Floristic differences between localities are explained by the varied topography, interpreted as disturbed coastal–lagoonal or as undisturbed, moist and warm inland. Some taxa (Todites williamsonii, Coniopteris bella, Nilssoniopteris pristis, Otozamites tenuatus, O. mimetes, Brachyphyllum crucis) common to the Alaska Peninsula and Middle Jurassic of Yorkshire may suggest a possible pathway of plant migration during the movement of the Peninsular terrane. The occurrence of Cladophlebis alata in the Lower Jurassic of south‐central Alaska and the Lower Cretaceous of northwestern Alaska may also shed light on the posited spread of this species.
Pathways to well‐being in Tarumajaya, West Java: Post‐COVID 19 supporting better access to the commons through engagement and a critical systemic reflection on stories
Authors: Wirawan Rudolf , McIntyre‐Mills Jane Judy , Riswanda R. , Widianingsih Ida , Gunawan Indra
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the concept of community engagement, aligned with President Jokowi's mission to promote social enterprises, as a means to support the development of a re‐generative circular green economy in Tarumajaya, West Java. The primary focus is on enhancing farming, fishing, and forestry activities with villagers. The Covid‐19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the villagers, particularly in marketing their goods, resulting in financial hardships and an increased vulnerability to debt traps, particularly affecting women. Additionally, a major obstacle to achieving regenerative living is the limited access to land, with approximately 80% of the villagers either landless or owning small plots. Moreover, fishing restrictions imposed by the military to protect the Citarum River have further curtailed access to common grazing land for cattle. Preliminary analysis indicates that adopting intensive farming methods, such as rabbit breeding, mushroom cultivation, and fertiliser production, holds promise for reducing the community's carbon footprint. Overcoming these challenges and mapping pathways towards regenerative living are central objectives of this case study, providing insights and practical strategies to foster sustainable economic and environmental progress in Tarumajaya. Key components of the approach include finding markets for village products, extending access to common resources such as rivers, forests, and hillside terraces to villagers, and providing mentorship to women for supporting their small enterprises. The ongoing partnership with the village involves a community of practice consisting of universities and nongovernmental organisations, while private sector entities, including a gas company and tea and coffee plantations, are engaged in negotiations with the village head to secure additional land access. This study highlights the combination of challenges arising from the lack of access to common resources, limited market opportunities, and the influence of predatory financial institutions during the pandemic. By working closely with the villagers, the case study aims to identify opportunities and support the transition towards a green circular economy that moves away from business as usual and promotes regenerative living.
The Low‐Carbon Production of Iron and Steel Industry Transition Process in China
Authors: Pang Zhuogang , Bu Jiajia , Yuan Yaqiang , Zheng Jianlu , Xue Qingguo , Wang Jingsong , Guo Hao , Zuo Haibin
Published: December 2023

Severe greenhouse gas emissions have made global warming one of humanity's most critical and intricate environmental challenges. As the world's largest producer and exporter of steel, China's steel industry contributes substantially to carbon emissions. The government formulated the policies and pathways to achieve carbon neutrality, and enterprises have proactively pursued low‐carbon technologies. In this review, the decarbonization process in the Chinese steel industry is classified into three stages according to the decarbonization amount and technological maturity: the improvements of the blast furnace‐basic oxygen furnace, the attempt of the nonblast furnace, and the preparatory electricity‐hydrogen coupling metallurgy. This article reviewed the industrial‐scale low‐carbon metallurgical technologies represented by the Baowu HyCORF process, bottom‐blowing O2‐CO2‐pulverized lime converter process, gas‐based direct reduction shaft furnace process, Molong HIsmelt process, and Ouye furnace process, as well as pointed out the development limitations of those processes. Additionally, the study presented prospects for zero‐carbon emission technologies coupling green energy generation and hydrogen metallurgy. These findings will offer substantial support for advancing research and development of low‐carbon metallurgical technologies and formulating relevant policies in the future.
Effects of the Type of Audio‐visual Input and Listenability on Young L2 Learners' Listening Comprehension
Authors: Shin Sun‐Young , Lee Senyung
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have compared the effect of input mode (video‐based vs. audio‐only) on the listening comprehension of adult second language (L2) learners. However, there is a notable absence of research regarding how various types of audio‐visual input in a listening test affect young learners' listening comprehension. To address this gap, this study examined the effects of audio‐visual input type and text listenability on the listening comprehension performance of 50 English language learners (ELLs) in Grades 3–5 in the U.S. In this study, participants completed a computer‐delivered English listening test comprising three test forms, each containing six passages. These passages included a combination of three video passages and three audio‐only passages. The video passages were carefully designed to balance two key variables in a counter‐balancing manner: the listenability of the text, assessed using Lexile Audio Measure, and the nature of visual elements, which encompassed speaker‐only visuals, visual‐only elements, and a combination of speaker‐and‐visuals. This study found that students performed equally well on both video‐based and audio‐only passages, and the type of visuals accompanying the content did not have a statistically significant impact on students' listening comprehension scores. However, the listenability of the text significantly influenced students' listening scores, especially in the context of audio‐only passages. Furthermore, responses to a post‐test questionnaire revealed that students had a positive perception of all three types of audio‐visual input. This study contributes to our understanding of how audio‐visual input types and text listenability affect the listening comprehension performance of Grades 3–5 ELLs.
Conservative treatment of recurrent intervertebral disc extrusions in a lionhead rabbit
Authors: Della Camera Nicola , Sola Serena , Falzone Cristian
Published: December 2023

A 4‐year‐old lionhead rabbit with an acute onset of abnormal hindlimb gait was presented. L4–S3 neurolocalisation was determined based on clinical findings of paraparesis, bilateral proprioceptive positioning deficits, left pelvic limb hyporeflexia and discomfort during lumbar spine manipulation. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) at L4–L5, with mild spinal cord compression. The condition was treated conservatively, with cage rest and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The rabbit was fully normal after 1 month. Two months later, a relapse of clinical signs was observed. A new MRI study revealed a L5–L6 IVDE with mild spinal cord compression. Conservative treatment was repeated and full recovery was confirmed at 4‐month follow‐ups associated with MRI follow‐up study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of spontaneous IVDEs in a rabbit, where MRI was used to monitor the effectiveness of the conservative management of the disease in a rabbit.
Functional benefits of cognitively driven pupil‐size changes
Authors: Vilotijević Ana , Mathôt Sebastiaan
Published: December 2023

Pupil‐size changes are typically associated with the pupil light response (PLR), where they are driven by the physical entry of light into the eye. However, pupil‐size changes are also influenced by various cognitive processes, where they are driven by higher‐level cognition. For example, the strength of the PLR is not solely affected by physical properties of the light but also by cognitive factors, such as whether the source of light is attended or not, which results in an increase or decrease in the strength of the PLR. Surprisingly, although cognitively driven pupil‐size changes have been the focus of extensive research, their possible functions are rarely discussed. Here we consider the relative (dis)advantages of small versus large pupils in different situations from a theoretical point of view, and compare these to empirical results showing how pupil size actually changes in these situations. Based on this, we suggest that cognitively driven pupil‐size changes optimize vision either through preparation, embodied representations, or a differential emphasis on central or peripheral vision. More generally, we argue that cognitively driven pupil‐size changes are a form of sensory tuning: a subtle adjustment of the eyes to optimize vision for the current situation and the immediate future.

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition

Neuroscience > Physiology

Neuroscience > Behavior
Rainfall extremes and trends during the little dry season in Nigeria
Authors: Adejuwon Joseph Omoniyi
Published: December 2023

The little dry season (LDS), a phenomenon of interest in West Africa is associated with a dry spell amid the wet season and is consequential to agriculture and global food production. However, the current literature suffers a knowledge gap on rainfall extremes and trends during this period. This study examined the rainfall extremes and trends during the LDS in Nigeria using daily and monthly rainfall data from 19 synoptic stations for the period 1960 to 2020. The Kendal tau correlation, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and descriptive statistics were employed for the study. The result showed the LDS reduction from the western area eastward and northward. The LDS is more intense in August than in July and is characterized by drought, ranging from mild (74.34%) to extreme (2.64%). The droughts fluctuate with wet conditions. The severe and extreme drought was mostly confined to the southwestern area. Lagos observed the highest drought occurrences, 50% of below 10‐mm rainfall and prolonged dry spells. Shaki recorded 13.73% of the total severe droughts while Osogbo recorded 43.33% of extreme drought events. The mean SPI is majorly distributed in space as mild drought and mildly wet respectively, except for a few stations where it ranged from moderate to extreme. A significant trend was negative at Bida (p ≤ .01), positive at Iseyin (p ≤ .05), Abeokuta (p ≤ .01), and Akure (p ≤ .01) in July, and Bida (p ≤ .05) in August. The LDS period is associated with hardship through prolonged dry spells and drought. This study explains the extreme rainfall and trends during the LDS to water management and suggests agricultural planning, forecasting, and mitigation of drought impacts.
Modelling the Binding of Cytotoxic Dinuclear Copper Complexes to two Neighboring Phosphate Esters of DNA Using Glutarate: A Tetranuclear Metallo‐Macrocycle vs a Dinuclear Model
Authors: Riediger Thomas , Aydin Züleyha , Stammler Anja , Oldengott Jan , Glaser Thorsten
Published: December 2023

A family of dinuclear complexes was rationally designed to bind to two neighboring phosphate diesters of DNA by molecular recognition. Although these complexes bind strongly and irreversibly to DNA and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, a direct proof of the intended binding mode is missing. To mimic two neighboring phosphate diesters of DNA, we use here the dicarboxylate glutarate as a difunctional ligand. Starting from the acetate‐bound CuII2 complex, protonation results in the de‐coordination of acetate and allows the synthesis of the glutarate‐bound complex. Instead of bridging two CuII ions of one dinuclear complex, two glutarates bridge two dinuclear complexes resulting in a tetranuclear metallo‐macrocycle. The molecular structures of two different salts differ in the square‐pyramidal coordination to the CuII ions. The carboxylate stretching modes, the d‐d and the CT transtitions are not sensitive enough to resolve these differences. The exchange coupling is weakly antiferromagnetic between the CuII ions in the dinuclear subunits and negligible between the subunits via the glutarates. The consequences for suited ligands to model the binding to two neighboring phosphate diesters in the DNA backbone is discussed.
Future-Oriented Science Education Building Sustainability Competences: An Approach to the European GreenComp Framework
Authors: Laherto Antti , Rasa Tapio , Miani Lorenzo , Levrini Olivia , Erduran Sibel
Published: December 2023

In order to promote learning for environmental sustainability, the European Union launched the GreenComp framework in 2022. The framework identifies a set of sustainability competences that should be cultivated across all learning contexts to support the action-taking and transformations required by global ecological crises. The framework comprises four interrelated competence areas: ‘embodying sustainability values’, ‘embracing complexity in sustainability’, ‘envisioning sustainable futures’ and ‘acting for sustainability’. Our chapter argues that science education has significant potential to contribute to all these areas. We discuss in this chapter the affordances of current frameworks in science education for fostering sustainability competences. We argue that there is a need for a coherent approach connecting these areas, and that it can be done within future-oriented science education. We illustrate the suggestions by reviewing some examples of approaches for teaching and learning developed in the European project “FEDORA”.
Unequal Origins to Unequal Destinations: Trends and Characteristics of Migrants’ Social and Economic Inclusion in South America
Authors: Rosas Victoria Prieto , Zapata Gisela P.
Published: December 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the trends and characteristics of recent migration flows in South America. Specifically, it examines the size of the migrant population, its sociodemographic profile, and selected indicators of social and economic inclusion in six countries: Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. These countries have recently witnessed rising levels of intraregional migration, diversification in the origins and motivations of flows, and/or have suddenly become immigration and transit countries. These transformations have added a layer of complexity to our understanding of the historic—and persistent—socioeconomic inequalities that characterise the region, posing additional challenges to migrants’ social and economic inclusion. The analysis is based on national household surveys and census data available before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Migrant Labour and Inequalities in the Nepal–Malaysia Corridor (and Beyond)
Authors: Yeoh Seng-Guan , Ghimire Anita
Published: December 2023

Malaysia is an upper middle-income country heavily reliant on migrant labour from 15 different countries to work in the manufacturing, construction, plantation, and service sectors. For Nepali citizens, Malaysia is a popular destination country in addition to the Gulf Co-operation Council (GOC) states. After Indonesians and Bangladeshis, Nepalis constitute the third largest migrant labour force in Malaysia. Drawing on the concept of “migration infrastructure” as a point of departure, this chapter examines the range of pre-existing everyday and structurally imposed migration inequalities faced by Nepalis along the Nepal–Malaysia corridor. It also elaborates on how these inequalities, which were relatively ignored or underplayed in the past, became accentuated and brought into public view during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and in its wake set in motion long overdue policy reforms.
Inter-regional Migration in the Global South: African Migration to Latin America
Authors: Freier Luisa Feline , Lucar Oba Leon , Fernández Bautista María Angélica
Published: December 2023

While the media predominantly focuses on African migration to Europe, some scholars have noticed that African migrants are also undertaking longer and riskier journeys in search of better opportunities in destinations such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. In the presence of such an increase of African migrants in the continent, this chapter examines the growing phenomenon of African migration to Latin America in various aspects. Firstly, it offers an African migration literature review and explains the reasons why African migrants are choosing Latin American host or transit countries, offering a refutation of classical “push–pull” models and instead, proposing that Africans migrate for a variety of reasons including personal aspirations. Secondly, it provides an empirical exploration of patterns of African asylum seekers and refugees in the continent. Finally, the chapter explores the socio-political reception of these migrants in three main receiving countries: Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. In so doing, the chapter aims to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of African migration to non-traditional destinations, and highlight avenues for further research in the field of African migration studies. It also emphasises the need to move away from simplistic explanations based on push–pull models and to recognise the agency and diversity of African migrants.
The Enduring Impacts of Slavery: A Historical Perspective on South–South Migration
Authors: Fynn Bruey Veronica , Crawley Heaven
Published: December 2023

It is impossible to understand contemporary forms and experiences of South–South migration without first understanding the history of migration between countries generally classified as the “Global South”—the Majority World—and the enduring effects of slavery. This chapter begins with a historical overview and reflections on the present-day legacies of the transatlantic slave trade, the single largest forced migration between the countries of the Majority World, which mainly took place between countries in West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Applying the “Global South” as a critical concept, this chapter examines the lasting impacts of the transatlantic enslavement of Black African peoples as a precursor of contemporary forms of South–South migration and associated responses, representation, and challenges. Arguing that much South–South migration is rooted in historical antecedents, the chapter also highlights the contemporary consequences of slavery for Liberia, where the return of captured and emancipated slaves led directly to the civil wars that devastated the country between 1989 and 2003, leading to significant displacement into other parts of West Africa.
Migrant Resource Flows and Development in the Global South
Authors: Asiedu Edward , Tapsoba Tebkieta Alexandra , Gelb Stephen
Published: December 2023

This chapter looks at three types of resource flows in South–South migration—financial flows of remittances and diaspora investment, trade flows of goods and services, and knowledge flows relating to skills development and production and organisational technology for enterprises. The chapter provides an overview of each of the three flows, covering both formal and informal resource flows. The chapter argues that the South–South component of resource flows has barely been addressed in the existing literature, focusing overwhelmingly on North-South flows with greater aggregate value and ignoring the migrant and diaspora population from the Global South. Secondly, it argues that many resource flows are informal and that trying to “formalise” these will leave many—both migrants and citizens—in jeopardy because they will not have access to flows of finance, trade and knowledge. Finally, the chapter argues that there is a need to think about how the development impact of South–South flows differs from North-South flows, if at all, so that the potentially unequalising impacts of the flows can be addressed by governments, international institutions and migrant organisations.
Policies towards Migration in Africa
Authors: Teye Joseph Kofi , Oucho Linda
Published: December 2023

While media narratives tend to suggest an exodus from Africa to Europe, the majority of migrants from Africa move to destinations within the region. Although the African Union Commission and Member States have formulated various policies to govern migration, there is little understanding of the implementation outcomes of these policies on the ground. This chapter draws on a review of policy documents to examine the continental, regional, and national level migration policies implemented over the years in Africa. While the African Union and regional economic blocs have been making efforts to promote free movement of persons, implementation has been poor due to lack of political will to fully implement free movement policies. Additionally, while many of the individual countries have formulated migration related policies that seek to harness the benefits of migration for economic development, resources constraints have affected the implementation of these policies. The findings indicate that to improve migration governance in Africa requires the commitment of governments to implement regional frameworks in their respective countries. There is also a need to invest in capacity training of relevant actors, and better coordination of efforts to address the needs of labour migrants on the continent.
Recentring the South in Studies of Migration
Authors: Fiddian-Qasmiyeh Elena
Published: December 2023

It has become increasingly mainstream to argue that redressing the Eurocentrism of migration studies requires a commitment to decentring Global North knowledge. However, it is less clear whether this necessarily means “recentering the South.” Against this backdrop, this chapter starts by highlighting diverse ways that scholars have sought to redress Eurocentrism in migration studies: (1) examining the applicability of classical concepts and frameworks in the South; (2) filling blind spots by studying migration in the South and South–South migration; and (3) engaging critically with the geopolitics of knowledge production. The remainder of the chapter examines questions on decentring and recentring, different ways of conceptualising the South, and—as a pressing concern with regard to knowledge production—the politics of citation. In so doing, the chapter critically delineates the contours of these debates and sets out a number of key priorities for researchers moving forward.
Writing the Refugee Camp: A Southern–Southern Correspondence
Authors: Qasmiyeh Yousif M. , Fiddian-Qasmiyeh Elena
Published: December 2023

This intervention, combining critical reflections with poetry, is framed around the correspondence between the refugee camp and the process of writing—here, writing from the South—, positing that writing the refugee camp into literature is both witnessing and archiving, and that refugees are not only wait-ers but makers of time.
Rethinking Power and Reciprocity in the “Field”
Authors: Vanyoro Kudakwashe
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores how the distinction(s) implied by the term “fieldwork’”, gives rise to false and misleading dichotomies that are not so useful to any decolonial migration praxis that tries to undo the bureaucratic damage of hegemonic ideas about research ethics. It argues that the dichotomies of “home” and the “field” conjured by this term negate an intermediate space between these two extremes in which social relationships, kinship ties and social value define the possible extent of the risk of migration research to further marginalise or protect migrants. The opposing possibilities arise from the interaction of these social attributes to the extent that they mediate a definition of ethical responsibility that is meaningful in particular contexts. This lends, in turn, a novel meaning to power and reciprocity that necessitates a paradigm shift in the kinds of ethics procedures as well as considerations in partnerships on migration studies that presume that power relationships are evened out when research is undertaken by African researchers working in African academic institutions.
The Dynamics of South–South Migration in Africa
Authors: Yaro Joseph Awetori , Setrana Mary Boatemaa
Published: December 2023

While Africa is commonly represented as a continent of exodus, the vast majority of African migration in Africa occurs within the continent. Historically, colonialism shaped movements within the African continent tremendously, through inequalities in development efforts, infrastructural imbalances, and deliberate forced movements. In recent times efforts by African states to enhance regional integration, play important roles in facilitating intra-African movements. This chapter focuses on changing patterns and dynamics of South–South migration in Africa by analysing historical and geographical patterns of migration within and between the regions of Africa.
Software Startup Ecosystem in Namibia
Authors: Aludhilu Hilma , Sutinen Erkki
Published: December 2023

The number of software startups in Namibia has increased over the last decade, although most of them do not survive for long in the industry. For software startups to thrive, a suitable ecosystem is required to support them as the sustainability of startups is determined by the actions and interactions of the ecosystem actors. We aimed to gain a better understanding of the current software startup ecosystem in Namibia, emphasizing how the startup is connected to and supported by other actors in the ecosystem. Understanding the ecosystem will assist in informing future support needed by software startups to increase their sustainability and the growth of the ecosystem. An online questionnaire was employed to collect data from participants from software startups, as well as institutions that support software startups and entrepreneurs in Namibia. The results show that the Namibian software startup ecosystem is still in its early development stages and offers limited assistance for startups to grow. Access to finance is a challenge for startups, as most of the startups are founded and supported by personal funds, and few are funded by investors and Venture Capital funds and receive little to no financial support from the government. The universities play a role in supporting software startups through software development and entrepreneurial education, and training. Incubators and accelerators, although not a lot in the ecosystem, offer software entrepreneurs mentorship and a supportive environment to grow their businesses. The startups require more funding, access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities from other ecosystem actors.