bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of gender perspective in the use of NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses: A systematic review
Authors: Rifà‐Ros Mª Rosa , Rodríguez‐Monforte Míriam , Carrillo‐Alvarez Elena , Silva Luana Barreto‐Da , Pallarés‐Marti Angela , Gasch‐Gallen Angel
Published: November 2022

Aim

To identify, describe and analyse the gender perspective in the use of the diagnoses contained in the NANDA‐I taxonomy in observational studies published in the scientific literature.

Design and methods

A systematic review has been conducted spanning from 2002 to 2020. The most frequent NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses in care plans reported in observational studies, and the defining characteristics and related factors identified for men and women have been described. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA‐P) have guided our research.

The main findings have been summarized using a descriptive narrative synthesis approach.

Results

Forty‐one articles were included in our study. With regard to gender analysis, the percentage of men and women that make up the sample were not specified in all articles, and half of the studies did not identify gender either in the diagnosis label or in their defining characteristics or related factors.

Based on the reviewed articles, gender perspectives are not systematically incorporated in the use of the NANDA‐I diagnosis. Therefore, gender biases in its use in the scientific literature may exist. This situation poses barriers to determine the health responses that are different and unequal between women and men.
Development of an evidence‐based care bundle protocol for preventing falls in hospitalized children: Delphi study and trial test
Authors: Chen Lixia , Liu Wenjing , Li Hong
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to develop an evidence‐based care bundle protocol for preventing falls in hospitalized children.

Design

Delphi method.

Methods

Based on the four basic concepts of nursing, the theoretical dimension and item pool of the care bundle first draft were constructed by searching evidence and referring to the care bundle for preventing inpatient fall issues by the China Nursing Quality Promotion Alliance. The Delphi method and trial tests were used to select and adjust items of the care bundle to form the care bundle protocol for preventing falls in hospitalized children.

Results

The first draft care bundle for preventing falls in hospitalized children included 4 dimensions and 21 items. In the 2‐round Delphi study, one item was removed, and three items were adjusted. One item was adjusted by trial test. Finally, the care bundle protocol for preventing falls in hospitalized children consisted of 4 dimensions and 20 items.
Risk assessment of accidental falls in patients taking trazodone, quetiapine, or risperidone for insomnia: A single‐center, case–control study
Authors: Shimizu Yoshihito , Taga Masatoshi , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Masauji Togen
Published: November 2022

Aim

No consensus has been reached on the association between the risk of falls and antipsychotic and antidepressant drug use. In this study, we evaluated the risk of falls with trazodone, risperidone, and quetiapine, which are recommended for use at Kanazawa Medical University Hospital.

Methods

We reviewed all patients who were admitted to Kanazawa Medical University Hospital between January 1st and December 31st, 2018. We excluded those aged <20 years and those admitted to pediatric, intensive care, and psychiatric wards. Finally, 9273 patients were included. We reviewed the incidence in these patients of accidental falls reported to the medical safety department. We noted whether these patients received trazodone, quetiapine, or risperidone. We also observed whether they were taking a benzodiazepine receptor agonist, which is a known risk factor. We further examined each patient's age, sex, the department they were visiting, and their diseases. Patients were considered to have taken medication if it was administered within 24 hours before an accidental fall. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of accidental fall.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratios (OR) for each medication (with 95% confidence intervals) were: trazodone (OR, 0.47 [0.27–0.80]), quetiapine (OR, 1.06 [0.46–2.46]), and risperidone (OR, 0.82 [0.41–1.63]).

Conclusion

The association of risperidone and quetiapine with accidental falls was unclear. Interestingly, however, trazodone may help reduce the risk, which makes it a potential pharmacologic treatment option for insomnia in patients at high risk for accidental falls.
p38α in the preoptic area inhibits brown adipose tissue thermogenesis
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Shanshan , Zhan Huidong , Bi Wenkai , Xu Yang , Liang Yixiao , Ge Yueping , Peng Li , Jin Xinchen , Lu Keke , Zhao Jiajun , Gao Ling , He Zhao
Published: November 2022

Objective

Elevation of energy expenditure through an increase of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is regarded as one of the most promising ways to prevent obesity development. The preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus is a critical area for control of BAT thermogenesis. However, the intracellular signaling cascades in the POA for regulation of BAT thermogenesis are poorly understood.

Methods

Phosphorylation proteomics (phosphoproteomics) and bioinformatics approaches were used to disclose numerous hypothalamic signaling pathways involved in the regulation of BAT thermogenesis. Conditional manipulation of the p38α gene in mouse POA was performed by stereotaxic injection of adeno‐associated virus 9 vector to explore the role of p38α in BAT thermogenesis.

Results

Multiple hypothalamic signaling pathways were triggered by cold exposure, especially the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The p38α activation, but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), in the hypothalamus was significantly decreased during cold exposure. p38α deficiency in the POA dramatically elevated energy expenditure owing to a marked increase in BAT thermogenesis, resulting in significantly decreased body weight gain and fat mass. Overexpression of p38α in the POA led to a dramatic increase in weight gain.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that p38α in the POA exacerbates obesity development, at least in part owing to a decrease in BAT thermogenesis.
Macronutrient (im)balance drives energy intake in an obesogenic food environment: An ecological analysis
Authors: Grech Amanda , Sui Zhixian , Rangan Anna , Simpson Stephen J. , Coogan Sean C. P. , Raubenheimer David
Published: November 2022

Objective

The protein leverage hypothesis (PLH) postulates that strong regulation of protein intake drives energy overconsumption and obesity when human diets are diluted by fat and carbohydrates. The two predictions of the PLH are that humans (i) regulate intake to maintain protein within a narrow range and that (ii) energy intake is an inverse function of percentage energy from protein because absolute protein intake is maintained within narrow limits.

Methods

Multidimensional nutritional geometry was used to test the predictions of the PLH using dietary data from the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

Results

Both predictions of the PLH were confirmed in a population setting: the mean protein intake was 18.4%, and energy intake decreased with increasing energy from protein (L = −0.18, p < 0.0001). It was demonstrated that highly processed discretionary foods are a significant diluent of protein and associated with increased energy but not increased protein intake.

Conclusions

These results support an integrated ecological and mechanistic explanation for obesity, in which low‐protein highly processed foods lead to higher energy intake because of the biological response to macronutrient imbalance driven by a dominant appetite for protein. This study supports a central role for protein in the obesity epidemic, with significant implications for global health.
The basis and design for time‐restricted eating compared with daily calorie restriction for weight loss and colorectal cancer risk reduction trial (TRE‐CRC trial)
Authors: Gabel Kelsey , Fitzgibbon Marian L. , Yazici Cemal , Gann Peter , Sverdlov Maria , Guzman Grace , Chen Zhengjia , McLeod Andrew , Hamm Alyshia , Varady Krista A. , Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa
Published: November 2022

Objective

Approximately 42% of American adults are living with obesity, increasing their risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Efficacious approaches to prevent and treat obesity may reduce CRC incidence. Daily calorie restriction (Cal‐R) is the most common approach to treating obesity, yet clinically meaningful weight loss is elusive owing to waning adherence. Time‐restricted eating (TRE) consists of consuming foods within a specified time frame, creating a natural calorie deficit. TRE in animals shows cancer protective effects. In humans, TRE is safe and acceptable among adults with obesity, producing ~3% to 5% weight loss and reductions in oxidative stress and insulin resistance. However, TRE has not been tested rigorously for CRC preventive effects.

Methods

The authors describe a 12‐month randomized controlled trial of 8‐hour TRE (ad libitum 12 PM‐8 PM), Cal‐R (25% restriction daily), or Control among 255 adults at increased risk for CRC and with obesity.

Results

Effects on the following will be examined: 1) body weight, body composition, and adherence; 2) circulating metabolic, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers; 3) colonic mucosal gene expression profiles and tissue microenvironment; and 4) maintenance of benefits on body weight/composition and CRC risk markers.

Conclusions

This study will examine efficacious lifestyle strategies to treat obesity and reduce CRC risk among individuals with obesity.
Thermo‐oxidative degradation of ultrahigh molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) in volatile organic solvents
Authors: Bai Shishun , Chen Kuo , Huang Wei , Wang Peng , Chen Xun , Chen Peng
Published: November 2022

The degradation of ultrahigh molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (UHMWPEO) was investigated in three volatile organic solvents, methanol, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran. Particularly, degradation rate was determined by means of Ubbelohde viscometry and degradation products were characterized by using electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest degradation rate was observed for UHMWPEO in tetrahydrofuran, with the lowest one in methanol. The ESR results showed that PEO‐C• and •OH radicals were produced during the degradation process. Among these selected solvents, tetrahydrofuran was found to generate free radicals through an autoxidation mechanism. This would accelerate the degradation of UHMWPEO, resulting in the observed highest degradation rate in the UHMWPEO/tetrahydrofuran solution. Esters were also detected in the degradation products of these UHMWPEO solutions, while formates and formate ions were generated in the solutions of UHMWPEO/tetrahydrofuran and UHMWPEO/cloroform except for PEO/methanol. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism of UHMWPEO was deduced. This work enabled an in‐depth understanding on the thermo‐oxidative degradation mechanism of UHMWPEO in representative organic solvents, which would be instructive for developing optimal solution‐based processing technique of UHMWPEO.
Antibacterial activity of natural polymer gels and potential applications without synthetic antibiotics
Authors: Hamidi Samin , Monajjemzadeh Farnaz , Siahi‐Shadbad Mohammadreza , Khatibi Seyed Amin , Farjami Afsaneh
Published: November 2022

Antibiotics' use has increased, resulting in disadvantages like patients' drug resistance. Consequently, urgent action is required to develop a new generation of antibacterial agents. Most antibacterial platforms still require a modification with further antibacterial agents (e.g., antibiotics) for adequate antibacterial efficiency. Thus, a nonantibiotic methodology is immediately needed. Furthermore, bactericidal agents used for this purpose are usually based on metal nanoparticles, carbon materials, and polymers. Still, chemicals, antibiotics, and biocides lead to environmental damage. Therefore, the help of biocompatible yet durable materials and polymers is highly appreciated. In addition, if a polymer is not biodegradable, it will remain in the environment for more than one hundred years due to its low degradation rate. Moreover, non‐biodegradable polymers are harmful to in vivo applications. Hence, the use of biodegradable and non‐toxic materials has received many considerations. Over the last few years, the design and synthesis of new polymer gels have gained increasing attention. A polymer gel, also known as a hydrogel, is a three‐dimensional and cross‐linked network filled with water or other liquid solvents. Besides, the hydrogels supercritical drying method results in aerogels, and the freeze‐drying method generates cryogels, where their porous and sponge‐like structures are preserved. Additionally, antibacterial polymer gels are a new generation of polymers considered attractive due to their unique properties. The most recent studies and the latest innovations in polymer gels and hybrid polymers with intrinsic antibacterial properties were discussed in the present review. The reviewed studies from 2015 to April 2022 showed a tremendous revival in research about biopolymer hydrogel, aerogel, and cryogel as antibacterial agents.
Individual ignition of RF microplasma array at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Martinet David , Filliger Sebastian , Germanier Alain , Gugler Gilbert , Ellert Christoph
Published: November 2022

Following the trend of miniaturization in semiconductor industry, atmospheric plasma jets in array configuration were developed for cleaning or treatment of workpieces under homogeneous conditions. We describe here first, the development of a small array of five individual identical plasma cells where each cell is ignited and quenched individually, which can be upscaled to several tens or hundreds of cells. The power electronics for ignition of plasma is composed of a multiplexing system with a kHz high‐voltage plasma ignition pulse and an RF‐supply that can be distributed to each ignited cell to maintain the plasma in the respective cell. Experimental results show an ignition voltage for argon of 1300 V and RF‐current per cell of 70 mA.
PredictingDNA‐binding protein and coronavirus protein flexibility using protein dihedral angle and sequence feature
Authors: Wang Wei , Su Xili , Liu Dong , Zhang Hongjun , Wang Xianfang , Zhou Yun
Published: November 2022

The flexibility of protein structure is related to various biological processes, such as molecular recognition, allosteric regulation, catalytic activity, and protein stability. At the molecular level, protein dynamics and flexibility are important factors to understand protein function. DNA‐binding proteins and Coronavirus proteins are of great concern and relatively unique proteins. However, exploring the flexibility of DNA‐binding proteins and Coronavirus proteins through experiments or calculations is a difficult process. Since protein dihedral rotational motion can be used to predict protein structural changes, it provides key information about protein local conformation. Therefore, this paper introduces a method to improve the accuracy of protein flexibility prediction, DihProFle (Prediction of DNA‐binding proteins and Coronavirus proteins flexibility introduces the calculated dihedral Angle information). Based on protein dihedral Angle information, protein evolution information, and amino acid physical and chemical properties, DihProFle realizes the prediction of protein flexibility in two cases on DNA‐binding proteins and Coronavirus proteins, and assigns flexibility class to each protein sequence position. In this study, compared with the flexible prediction using sequence evolution information, and physicochemical properties of amino acids, the flexible prediction accuracy based on protein dihedral Angle information, sequence evolution information and physicochemical properties of amino acids improved by 2.2% and 3.1% in the nonstrict and strict conditions, respectively. And DihProFle achieves better performance than previous methods for protein flexibility analysis. In addition, we further analyzed the correlation of amino acid properties and protein dihedral angles with residues flexibility. The results show that the charged hydrophilic residues have higher proportion in the flexible region, and the rigid region tends to be in the angular range of the protein dihedral angle (such as the ψ angle of amino acid residues is more flexible than rigid in the range of 91°–120°). Therefore, the results indicate that hydrophilic residues and protein dihedral angle information play an important role in protein flexibility.
The trend and future projection of technology‐assisted total knee arthroplasty in the United States
Authors: Lan Yu‐Tung , Chen Ya‐Wen , Niu Ruijia , Chang David C. , Hollenbeck Brian L. , Mattingly David A. , Smith Eric L. , Talmo Carl T.
Published: November 2022

Background

As technology‐assisted surgery has boosted in the last decades, we aimed to investigate the factors affecting adoption and to predict the future utilization of technology among patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Patients underwent TKA in 2017–2019 in the MarketScan Database were included. Percentage of technology‐assisted surgery was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to analyse the factors and make the prediction.

Results

Of 112,161 TKA procedures, 7.2% were technology‐assisted. The proportion of technology‐assisted TKA is expected to reach 50% by 2032. The West showed the highest proportion of technology‐assisted TKA (12.3%), while the South had the lowest (5.7%). Over time, the Midwest showed the greatest increase in technology adoption (OR = 1.26 compared to the Northeast, 95% CI [1.15, 1.38]).

Conclusions

Technology adoption rate of TKA will continue to increase for the next 20 years in the United States with a slight geographical variation.
A theory of missed external enablement
Authors: Wood Matthew S. , Williams David W. , Drover Will
Published: November 2022

Research Summary

This article introduces the concept of missed external enablement as a choice not to act on significant change in the business environment that later proves to be a meaningful accelerant for an entrepreneurial endeavor. There has been little consideration to date of such errors of omission. In response, we model the opacity and the agent intensity of enablement as fuel for inaction, leading to missed enablement. We then specify factors, such as magnitude of the miss, that strengthen or weaken the effect. As this unfolds, entrepreneurs consider how to best respond, and we model various response paths that may increase or decrease subsequent entrepreneurial action, where the path is again influenced by opacity and agent intensity. The theory generated exposes new facets of external enablement.

Managerial Summary

The effects of external change are shrouded in opacity. It is therefore difficult for entrepreneurs to discern whether change benefits one's endeavor and if it does, whether the effort, time, and resources are available to capitalize on it. Hence, it is rather easy to mistakenly choose entrepreneurial inaction. Our theory addresses the complexity and richness of these dynamics as they lead to missed external enablement, and our model outlines specific ways entrepreneurs might respond when they miss out on the benefits of external change. The insights we generate highlight the effects of entrepreneurs' exposure to many changes in the business environment over time, where the actions of others coupled with one's own past interpretations of the meaning of external changes influence what follows.
Religion, homosexuality, and the EU: Grasping the beliefs of Romanian Orthodox priests
Authors: Miscoiu Sergiu , Gherghina Sergiu , Samsudean Dragos
Published: November 2022

The European Union and the Church often have contrasting positions toward the rights, freedoms, and status of sexual minorities. Earlier research illustrates that the Church opposes the EU as a promoter of homosexuality and brings a critique based on national identity. In spite of these debates, we know very little about how the priests perceive the relationship between homosexuality and the EU. The priests' beliefs and opinions can provide insights into what is beyond the official Church statements. This article seeks to address that gap in the literature and analyzes the ways in which the Romanian Orthodox priests link the EU and the topic of homosexuality. Our qualitative study uses inductive thematic analysis and draws on 18 semi‐structured interviews conducted with priests in December 2020–February 2021. The findings indicate the existence of three main points of criticism against what the respondents perceive as an increasing pressure by the EU to adopt a favorable treatment of homosexuals.
Acrylonitrile Adducts: An Efficient Adsorbent Media for Removal of Iron from Water
Authors: Das Parineeta , Dutta Dhiraj , Sarkar Ankita , Dubey Rama , Puzari Amrit
Published: November 2022

Present study establishes a series of acrylonitrile adducts as an effective adsorption media for removal of ferrous ion from water. Adduct synthesis was carried out following aza‐Michael addition reaction between primary aliphatic amines and acrylonitrile under mild conditions. The synthesized products were characterised by FT‐IR, ESI‐MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy and the particle size was analysed by DLS measurements. Adsorption isotherm study of the adducts showed prominent results. The positively charged iron ion interacts with negatively charged acrylonitrile adducts and forms a bulky structure which precipitates out from water. The most interesting feature of these compounds is its electron rich property which facilitates effective interaction with the positively charged iron ions present in water and thus imparting high adsorption capacity. Batch experiments were performed to figure out the best adsorption conditions. These studies were used to investigate the effects of various viable characteristics such as initial metal ion concentration, pH and contact time. The adsorption isotherm was well fitted by Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of acrylonitrile adducts for iron was recorded as 22.65 mg/g.
Advances in 2D Molybdenum Disulfide‐Based Functional Materials for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: R. Rohith. , Prasannakumar Anandhu Thejas , Mohan Ranjini R. , V. Manju. , Varma Sreekanth J.
Published: November 2022

Energy storage has become the most crucial topic of research in the 21st century owing to the growing demand for energy for various modern‐day requirements. Supercapacitors (SCs) are energy storage devices that can deliver power for a wide range of electronic gadgets, electric/hybrid vehicles and sophisticated machines used in space and the military. Electrode materials play a vital role in determining the electrochemical performance and stability of these energy devices. It is therefore essential to design efficient and long‐lasting materials that are solid, lightweight and flexible to suit various applications. The excellent chemical and physical properties of MoS2 have made it one of the most widely considered two‐dimensional nanomaterials in the past few years. Through this review, we mainly highlight the synthesis, properties, and electrochemical performance of MoS2 and its composites‐based functional materials. The potential uses of MoS2 in various fields imply that this material still offers many possibilities for exploration and development.
10.3% Efficient Green Cd‐Free Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells Enabled by Liquid‐Phase Promoted Grain Growth
Authors: Yuan Xiaojie , Li Jianjun , Huang Jialiang , Yan Chang , Cui Xin , Sun Kaiwen , Cong Jialin , He Mingrui , Wang Ao , He Guojun , Mahboubi Soufiani Arman , Jiang Junjie , Zhou Shujie , Stride John A. , Hoex Bram , Green Martin , Hao Xiaojing
Published: November 2022

Small grain size and near‐horizontal grain boundaries are known to be detrimental to the carrier collection efficiency and device performance of pure‐sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells. However, forming large grains spanning the absorber layer while maintaining high electronic quality is challenging particularly for pure sulfide CZTS. Herein, a liquid‐phase‐assisted grain growth (LGG) model that enables the formation of large grains spanning across the CZTS absorber without compromising the electronic quality is demonstrated. By introducing a Ge‐alloyed CZTS nanoparticle layer at the bottom of the sputtered precursor, a Cu‐rich and Sn‐rich liquid phase forms at the high temperature sulfurization stage, which can effectively remove the detrimental near‐horizontal grain boundaries and promote grain growth, thus greatly improving the carrier collection efficiency and reducing nonradiative recombination. The remaining liquid phase layer at the rear interface shows a high work function, acting as an effective hole transport layer. The modified morphology greatly increases the short‐circuit current density and fill factor, enabling 10.3% efficient green Cd‐free CZTS devices. This work unlocks a grain growth mechanism, advancing the morphology control of sulfide‐based kesterite solar cells.
Coupling Cobalt Phthalocyanine Molecules on 3D Nitrogen‐Doped Vertical Graphene Arrays for Highly Efficient and Robust CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Kong Xin , Liu Guiyang , Tian Suan , Bu Shuyu , Gao Qili , Liu Bin , Lee Chun‐Sing , Wang Pengfei , Zhang Wenjun
Published: November 2022

Metallic phthalocyanines (MePcs) have shown their potential as catalysts for CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR). However, their low conductivity, easy agglomeration, and poor stability enslave the further progress of their CO2RR applications. Herein, an integrated heterogeneous molecular catalyst through anchoring CoPc molecules on 3D nitrogen‐doped vertical graphene arrays (NVG) on carbon cloth (CC) is reported. The CoPc‐NVG/CC electrodes exhibit superior performance for reducing CO2 to CO with a Faradic efficiency of above 97.5% over a wide potential range (99% at an optimal potential), a very high turnover frequency of 35800 h−1, and decent stability. It is revealed that NVG interacts with CoPc to form highly efficient channels for electron transfer from NVG to CoPc, facilitating the Co(II)/Co(I) redox of CO2 reduction. The strong coupling effect between NVG and CoPc molecules not only endows CoPc with high intrinsic activity for CO2RR, but also enhances the stability of electrocatalysts under high potentials. This work paves an efficient approach for developing high‐performance heterogeneous catalysts by using rationally designed 3D integrated graphene arrays to host molecular metallic phthalocyanines so as to ameliorate their electronic structures and engineer stable active sites.
Advanced Material Engineering to Tailor Nucleation and Growth towards Uniform Deposition for Anode‐Less Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Qian Lanting , Zheng Yun , Or Tyler , Park Hey Woong , Gao Rui , Park Moon , Ma Qianyi , Luo Dan , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: November 2022

Anode‐less lithium metal batteries (ALMBs), whether employing liquid or solid electrolytes, have significant advantages such as lowered costs and increased energy density over lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Among many issues, dendrite growth and non‐uniform plating which results in poor coulombic efficiency are the key issues that viciously decrease the longevity of the ALMBs. As a result, lowering the nucleation barrier and facilitating lithium growth towards uniform plating is even more critical in ALMBs. While extensive reviews have focused to describe strategies to achieve high performance in LMBs and ALMBs, this review focuses on strategies designed to directly facilitate nucleation and growth of dendrite‐free ALMBs. The review begins with a discussion of the primary components of ALMBs, followed by a brief theoretical analysis of the nucleation and growth mechanism for ALMBs. The review then emphasizes key examples for each strategy in order to highlight the mechanisms and rationale that facilitate lithium plating. By comparing the structure and mechanisms of key materials, the review discusses their benefits and drawbacks. Finally, major trends and key findings are summarized, as well as an outlook on the scientific and economic gaps in ALMBs.
A Mutual Boosting Self‐Excitation Hybrid Cell for Harvesting High Entropy Energy at 32% Efficiency
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Wenlin , Zeng Qixuan , Zhang Ying , Guo Hengyu , Zhang Xiaofang , He Wencong , Luo Yanlin , Wang Xue , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are potentially promising energy conversion technologies, but they still have limitations due to their own intrinsic characteristics, including the low energy output of TENGs caused by the air breakdown effect, and external polarization voltage requirement for DEGs, which severely limit their practical applications. Herein, coupling TENG with DEG is proposed to build a mutual beneficial self‐excitation hybrid generator (named TDHG) for harvesting distributed and low‐quality mechanical energy (high entropy energy). Experimental results demonstrate that the output charges of this TDHG are enhanced by fivefold of that of the conventional charge‐excitation TENG, and continuous operation of DEG is also realized by simple mechanical triggering. More importantly, owing to the high peak power contributed by TENG and the long output pulse duration guaranteed by DEG, the TDHG realizes a much higher energy conversion efficiency of 32% in comparison to either the TENG (3.6%) or DEG (13.2%). This work proposes a new design concept for hybridized energy harvester toward highly efficient mechanical energy harvesting.
Membrane Assemblies with Soft Protective Layers: Dense and Gel‐Type Polybenzimidazole Membranes and Their Use in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Do Xuan Huy , Abbas Saleem , Ikhsan Muhammad Mara , Choi Seung‐Young , Ha Heung Yong , Azizi Kobra , Hjuler Hans Aage , Henkensmeier Dirk
Published: November 2022

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes show excellent chemical stability and low vanadium crossover in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), but their high resistance is challenging. This work introduces a concept, membrane assemblies of a highly selective 2 µm thin PBI membrane between two 60 µm thick highly conductive PBI gel membranes, which act as soft protective layers against external mechanical forces and astray carbon fibers from the electrode. The soft layers are produced by casting phosphoric acid solutions of commercial PBI powder into membranes and exchanging the absorbed acid into sulfuric acid. A conductivity of 565 mS cm−1 is achieved. A stability test indicates that gel mPBI and dense PBI‐OO have higher stability than dense mPBI and dense py‐PBI, and gel/PBI‐OO/gel is successfully tested for 1070 cycles (ca. 1000 h) at 100 mA cm−2 in the VRFB. The initial energy efficiency (EE) for the first 50 cycles is 90.5 ± 0.2%, and after a power outage stabilized at 86.3 ± 0.5% for the following 500 cycles. The initial EE is one of the highest published so far, and the materials cost for a membrane assembly is 12.35 U.S. dollars at a production volume of 5000 m2, which makes these membranes very attractive for commercialization.
DeepPlayer: An open‐source SignalPlant plugin for deep learning inference
Authors: Plesinger Filip , Nejedly Petr , Koscova Zuzana , Rohr Maurice , Viscor Ivo , Smisek Radovan , Ivora Adam , Leinveber Pavel , Curila Karol , Hoog Antink Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background and Objective

Machine learning has become a powerful tool in several computation domains. The most progressive way of machine learning, deep learning, has already surpassed several algorithms designed by human experts. It also applies to the field of biomedical signal processing. However, while many experts produce deep learning models, there is no software platform for signal processing, allowing the convenient use of pre‐trained deep learning models and evaluating them using any inspected signal. This may also hinder understanding, interpretation, and explanation of results. For these reasons, we designed DeepPlayer. It is a plugin for the free signal processing software SignalPlant. The plugin allows loading deep learning models saved in the Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) file format and evaluating them on any given signal.

Methods

The DeepPlayer plugin and its graphical user interface were designed in C# programming language and the .NET framework. We used the inference library OnnxRuntime, which supports graphics card acceleration. The inference is executed in asynchronous tasks for a live preview and evaluation of the signals. Model outputs can be exported back to SignalPlant for further processing, such as peak detection or thresholding.

Results

We developed the DeepPlayer plugin to evaluate deep learning models in SignalPlant. The plugin keeps with SignalPlant's interactive work with signals, such as live preview or easy selection of associated signals. The plugin can load classification or regression models and allows standard pre‐processing and post‐processing methods. We prepared several deep learning models to test the plugin. Additionally, we provide a tutorial training script that outputs an ONNX format model with correctly set metadata information. These, and the source code of the DeepPlayer plugin, are publicly accessible via GitHub and Google Colab service.

Conclusion

The DeepPlayer plugin allows running deep learning models easily and interactively. Therefore, experts and non‐AI experts alike can explore and apply deep learning models for (biomedical) signal processing. Its ease of use and interactivity might also contribute to a better understanding and acceptance of AI methods in biomedicine.
Cross‐sectional and confining system unification on peak compressive strength of FRP confined concrete
Authors: Shayanfar Javad , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Rezazadeh Mohammadali
Published: November 2022

Despite the many axial confinement models already proposed for the determination of the peak compressive strength of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) confined concrete columns, they are, in general, applicable only to concrete columns of circular or square cross‐section, with full or partial confinement arrangements. In this study, by proposing a cross‐sectional and confining system unification approach, a new model is developed and calibrated based on a large test database. For the generalization of the cross‐section and FRP‐based confinement arrangement, the concept of confinement efficiency factor with a unified mathematical framework is adopted. By simulating experimental tests and comparing to the predictions of existing confinement models, the developed one demonstrates a very high reliability and suitable for design purposes by balancing the simplicity of the usage and accuracy.
Instant messaging and the facilitation of collaborative, student‐led learning and teacher‐support: the NZCEL EAP scenario
Authors: Fester Anthea , Horvath George
Published: November 2022

In the last couple of decades, the increased use of technology in the education sector has led to smartphone use becoming more prevalent in supporting students' learning. Apart from applications (apps) specifically designed for language educational purposes, such as Duolingo, there are also instant messaging apps that are not specifically designed for education purposes, but that can be useful in supporting learners. These include instant messaging apps such as, WhatsApp and WeChat. Instead of relegating phone app use to merely a source of entertainment and distraction, teachers increasingly use them as a vital form of communication to enhance education, including language learning. Apps have thus shifted from a tangential position to the forefront of the learning space. For the purposes of this research project, WeChat was used as the messaging app. This article focuses on the initial findings of a pilot study and concentrates on the perceived purposes for the participants' posts as they relate to the use of the app as a tool for collaboration, peer‐support, and knowledge sharing. Data was gathered through an online survey, semi‐structured interviews, and an analysis of the WeChat posts. Analysis of the posts and comments made by students during the interviews suggest that the tool formed a vital link between them, their classmates and teachers, and, at times, served as a social platform underlying the key educational purposes of the programme.
Astragaloside IV protects against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via the histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9)/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Chen Decai , Du Yan , Ye Shouwan , Yu Jinsong
Published: November 2022

Background

Atherosclerosis is a main cause of multiple cardiovascular diseases, and cell damage of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was reported to participate in the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to study the action of Astragaloside IV (ASV) on AS development using in vitro AS cell model.

Methods

MTT assay, EdU staining assay, and flow cytometry were utilized for detection of cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The protein expression of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), Bax, Bcl‐2, p‐P65, P65, p‐IκBα, and IκBα was gaged using western blot. The angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assay. The inflammatory response was evaluated by ELISA kits. SOD activity and MDA level were detected using the matched commercial kits. RT‐qPCR was used for HDAC9 mRNA expression measurement.

Results

Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) significantly repressed cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and enhanced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in HUVECs. ASV addition could alleviate ox‐LDL‐caused cell damage in HUVECs. Moreover, HDAC9 was overexpressed in AS patients and AS cell model. Functionally, HDAC9 knockdown also exhibited the protective role in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs. In addition, ASV treatment protected against ox‐LDL‐induced damage in HUVECs via targeting HDAC9. ASV could inactivate the NF‐κB pathway via regulating HDAC9 in AS cell model.

Conclusion

ASV exerted the protective effects on ox‐LDL‐induced damage in HUVECs through the HDAC9/NF‐κB axis.
Evaluation of impacts of vaginal implant transmitter use in moose
Authors: McDonough Thomas J. , Thompson Daniel P. , Crouse John A. , Dale Bruce W. , Badajos Oriana H.
Published: November 2022

Vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) are a popular tool in ungulate parturition studies and have been used in moose (Alces alces), but their potential impact on animal performance has not been thoroughly assessed. We looked at potential short‐term impacts of VIT use on maternal condition through assessments of neonate calf mass, early calf survival, and parturition date. We also assessed long‐term impacts of VIT use on future reproduction and the inflammatory response after prolonged VIT retention through qualifying discharge at VIT removal and measures of acute phase proteins haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. We captured 54 neonates and assessed over 900 potential parturition events of 278 adult moose over multiple years and we did not detect any evidence of a negative impact of VIT use on neonate calf mass, parturition date, or future reproduction. We did find elevated haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin levels in non‐pregnant individuals that had unintentional VIT retention past parturition, but this was not universal across all cases. We found a potential negative impact of VIT use on early calf survival which was likely driven by biased sampling. A bias can exist (i.e., left truncation) if sampling is mixed between cows that had a VIT (and, therefore, a known parturition time) and those without a VIT that were sampled opportunistically. Future evaluations need to overcome this bias when assessing early calf survival. With that caveat, we did not detect clear negative impacts of VIT use on moose and recommend late winter to early spring VIT insertion in pregnant females to minimize retention time.
Experimental determination of the gadolinium L subshells fluorescence yields and Coster‐Kronig transition probabilities
Authors: Kayser Yves , Hönicke Philipp , Wansleben Malte , Wählisch André , Beckhoff Burkhard
Published: November 2022

The L subshell Coster‐Kronig (CK) transition factors of Gd have been experimentally determined by means of two different experimental approaches and compared to available literature data. On the one hand, reference‐free X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis using an energy‐dispersive detector was applied. This method permitted in addition to determine the L subshell fluorescence yields since the absolute incident and emitted X‐ray photon flux can be determined. On the other hand, a wavelength‐dispersive spectrometer based on a modified von Hamos geometry using a full cylinder highly annealed pyrolithic graphite crystal was used for an experimental validation of the CK transition factors in an independent experiment. The use of this high energy resolution spectrometer allowed thanks to the capability to better discriminate the different X‐ray emission lines to validate the reference‐free XRF results. For both experiments, the use of calibrated instrumentation enabled the provision of a reliable uncertainty budget on the results obtained.
Preparation, Structure and Spectroscopic Properties of NH4[Ln(S2CNH2)4] ⋅ H2O (Ln=La, Eu)
Authors: Teske Christoph L. , Teotonio Ercules E. S. , Terraschke Huayna , Mangelsen Sebastian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

The title compounds were prepared under mild ambient conditions by a facile co‐precipitation route. NH4[Eu(S2CNH2)4] ⋅ H2O (a) and NH4[La(S2CNH2)4] ⋅ H2O (b) crystallize isotypically in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=8.4461(3), b=13.6367(3), c=16.2945(5) Å, β=103.759(2)° (for (a)), and a=8.50484(9), b=13.84476(16), c=16.20816(17) Å, β=103.7644(11)° for (b), respectively. The spectroscopic data reveal the presence of a ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) process of low energy in a and in the solid solutions NH4[La1−xEux(S2CNH2)4] ⋅ H2O (x=0.016 and 0.05). Despite of the consequent efficient luminescent quenching, it was possible to recorded excitation and emission spectra at room temperature. These spectra are characterized by narrow bands due to intraconfigurational‐4f transitions of the Eu3+ ion. However, broad bands associated to the LMCT state were also observed, mainly for the solid solutions NH4[La1−xEux(S2CNH2)4] ⋅ H2O (x=0.016 and 0.05). Consequently, an intramolecular energy transfer mechanism is proposed, taking into account the role of the LMCT on the spectroscopic properties of dithiocarbamate complexes.
Social structure and habitat design affect the impact of a novel feeding enrichment for alligators
Authors: Spain Marisa , Pearson Cayle , Rosenblatt Adam E.
Published: November 2022

Providing enrichment that expands the range of behavioral opportunities associated with food acquisition and environmental exploration is an important contributing factor to the well‐being of zoo animals. These behaviors can be difficult to promote in carnivores, given their foraging strategies and the logistical, ethical, and financial challenges of providing live prey. In this study, we introduced a novel feeding enrichment to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ five adult American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an attempt to simulate a live prey organism within the exhibit and promote natural hunting behaviors like chasing and lunging, as well as increase daily activity levels. The enrichment promoted some behavioral goals for two of the alligators, but it did not promote behavioral goals for the other three alligators. This could have been due to a variety of factors including an existing dominance hierarchy amongst the group's females and the resulting spatial distribution of individuals across a habitat with only one water feature. Our results suggest that female alligators may carve out territories and avoid overlapping space usage with other females during the warmest months of the year. Given the outcomes and limitations of this enrichment strategy, we provide recommendations for this group specifically as well as future enrichment efforts in the general captive crocodilian population.
Rural-Urban Migrants in Mzuzu’s Informal Food Trading System
Authors: Zuze Lovemore Itai
Published: November 2022

Rural-urban migrants across Africa are seeking better economic opportunities in secondary cities, often because of the prohibitive cost of living and deteriorating living standards in primary economic and political centers. The migration of the rural poor and its implications for the food system in secondary cities are under-explored. In Malawi, Mzuzu is a secondary city with important rural-urban social economic linkages. Over the years, Mzuzu has increasingly provided refuge for both rural migrants and urban migrants from primate cities. This chapter presents the results of a city-wide food retailer study conducted in Mzuzu which sheds light on the interaction between migration and food system transformation. The majority of the 485 informal food retailers had relocated to Mzuzu from surrounding rural areas. These retailers largely procure food products from formal enterprises within the city rather than the rural areas, creating low capital third-party food retailing enterprises with small profit margins.
Secondary Cities and Urban Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tevera Daniel
Published: November 2022

Urban transformations in secondary cities in sub-Saharan Africa have sparked renewed interest in local food. This chapter is based on a desktop study to explore the urban agriculture (UA) experiences of three very different secondary urban centres (Ndola, Nakuru, and Karoi). In the three urban centres while poverty is the driving force for some low-income urban farmers, other households have engaged in the activity for entrepreneurial purposes. UA in the open spaces in these three secondary urban centres is creating tension between urban developers and both resource-rich and resource-poor households. Also, rapid secondary urbanization is presenting food insecurity challenges through the displacement of urban food producers on one hand and the disruption of urban food production systems on the other hand. Urban planners in African secondary cities should find ways to understand and address these tensions in locally responsive ways that can optimize the benefits to poor households and improve the sustainability of their urban food systems.