bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multilevel review of artificial intelligence in organizations: Implications for organizational behavior research and practice
Authors: Bankins Sarah , Ocampo Anna Carmella , Marrone Mauricio , Restubog Simon Lloyd D. , Woo Sang Eun
Published: August 2023

The rising use of artificially intelligent (AI) technologies, including generative AI tools, in organizations is undeniable. As these systems become increasingly integrated into organizational practices and processes, understanding their impact on workers' experiences and job designs is critical. However, the ongoing discourse surrounding AI use in the workplace remains divided. Proponents of the technology extol its benefits for enhancing efficiency and productivity, while others voice concerns about the potential harm to human workers. To provide greater clarity on this pressing issue, this article presents a systematic review of empirical research that sheds light on the implications of AI use at work. Organized under five inductively generated themes within a multilevel framework, we uncover individual, group, and organizational factors that shape the interplay between humans and AI. Specifically, the themes are: (1) human–AI collaboration; (2) perceptions of algorithmic and human capabilities; (3) worker attitudes towards AI; (4) AI as a control mechanism in algorithmic management of platform‐based work; and (5) labor market implications of AI use. Our review offers insights into these themes and identifies five pathways for future research. Finally, we provide practical recommendations for organizational leaders seeking to implement AI technologies while prioritizing their employees' well‐being.
Characterization of chemical ingredients and in rats metabolic profiling of Lingyang Qingfei pills via ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with Quadrupole‐Exactive Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhen Tao , Wang Hongjin , Li Caihong , Bai Huafang , Qin Feixu , Zhang Hao , Sun Lixin
Published: August 2023

Lingyang Qingfei pills (LQP), the renowned traditional Chinese medicine recipe, have been extensively utilized for the therapy of xerostomia, sore throat, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia in clinics. However, its phytochemicals remain equivocal, which severely limits the development of quality control and activity mechanisms. In the current research, a trusted method founded on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with Quadrupole‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry technique was proposed for the comprehensive screening of in vitro and in vivo chemical compositions of LQP. As a consequence, 239 constituents were preliminarily characterized, 37 of which were accurately confirmed by reference standards. In addition, a total of 208 xenobiotics, containing 71 absorbed prototypes and 137 metabolites, were revealed in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces, respectively. The metabolic reaction of hydrolysis, hydroxylation, methylation, glycosylation, sulfation, and mixed‐mode was detected in the biotransformations of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and so forth. And 12 of the metabolites were new compounds. This experiment acted as the first reference for chemical substances and metabolites of LQP, which could provide valuable chemical information for further clarifying pharmacodynamic substances and pharmacokinetic studies.
Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Voice‐Related Quality of Life Impairment
Authors: Adessa Michelle , Kim Jaehee , Tierney William S. , Benninger Michael
Published: August 2023

Objective

Muscle tension in the head and neck may co‐occur with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) possibly leading to voice change. Several studies have reported a correlation between TMD and dysphonia. However, literature on TMD and voice‐related quality of life (QOL) is scant. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TMD and self‐perceived voice‐related QOL impairment.

Methods

Patients from TMD clinic were prospectively surveyed on voice‐related quality of life using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire. Patients were queried using paper and pen upon initial evaluation in dentistry clinic for temporomandibular disorders by a single dentist or dental assistant in the otolaryngology department.

Results

A total of 53 patients completed the VHI. 80% of patients presenting to TMD clinic had VHI scores above zero, but most had minimal to mild impairment. Forty‐two patients had scores between 1 and 86, (average 10.98); 11 patients had a score of zero (20.75%). Total average score: 8.70, range: 0–86, median: 4. Functional average score: 3.13, range: 0–29, median: 1. Physical average score: 3.58. range: 0–25, median: 2. Emotional average score: 1.98, range: 0–32, median: 0; these averages did not differ from historical controls.

Conclusion

The majority of patients presenting to TMD clinic also presented with some level of voice‐related QOL impairment, although minimal and consistent with historical VHI controls. Data indicates that TMD disease may be primarily defined as functionally and physically uncomfortable. Incorporation of interdisciplinary care, with laryngology, speech pathology, physical therapy, counseling, and pain management may be warranted.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:315–317, 2024
The impact of natural closed depressions on soil organic carbon storage in eroded loess landscapes of East Poland
Authors: Kołodyńska‐Gawrysiak Renata , Gawrysiak Leszek , Poesen Jean , Plak Andrzej
Published: August 2023

Soil erosion in loess landscapes results in soil organic carbon (SOC) redistribution and storage in SOC pools. Understanding the SOC dynamics is important because changes in the SOC stocks may have impacts on global climate change. However, the topographic‐related patterns controlling SOC storage are not well understood. Closed depressions are natural landforms in loess landscapes and preserve buried Holocene soils and SOC‐rich colluvia resulting from soil erosion and are SOC pools. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of natural closed depressions on SOC storage in the loess landscape of the Nałęczów Plateau. Buried Holocene soils and colluvial sediments infilling five representative closed depressions were documented and the SOC stocks were calculated. Using GIS analysis SOC from all closed depressions was calculated and mapped. Between 13.5 and 229.78 Mg of SOC are in the entire soil profiles of the studied closed depressions, 10%–21% of the SOC stock is in the topsoils. The SOC stock in all closed depressions of the study area reaches 172.09–265.19 Mg ha−1 and in the soil cover outside the closed depressions is 51.20–105.40 Mg ha−1. SOC from closed depressions varies spatially and increases the SOC stock at regional scale by 0.1–90 Mg ha−1. For about 21% of the study area, the SOC from closed depressions increases the SOC stock in the agricultural landscape by more than 10% (up to 60%). This study highlights the importance of closed depressions for SOC storage and provides a better understanding of its spatial distribution at the regional scale.
Band Structure Engineering Induced Ultraviolet–Visible Emission Bulk Carbon Nitride with Near‐Unity Quantum Yield for Information Security
Authors: Zheng Huibin , Lin Fei , Chen Long , Zhao Zhengui , Shi Yarui , Li Jianxin , Song Haixiang , Wang Yuyan , Ning Honglong , Zhang Junying
Published: August 2023

In the past few years, the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of carbon nitride materials (CNM) in solution has been greatly improved. However, the PL efficiency of bulk CNM is still very limited. Here a bulk CNM of 2,5,8‐triamino‐tri‐s‐triazine (Melem) with efficient ultraviolet–visible emission is obtained via band structure engineering by simply modifying the calcining atmosphere in the solid‐state reaction. The as‐obtained Melem exhibits much enhanced PL with a near‐unity quantum yield of up to 98.3%, which, as far as it is known, is the highest among all CNM in bulk or solution. The enhanced PL is ascribed to the emission origin evolution from the vacancy‐defect‐dominated emission to the bandgap transition‐dominated emission. Benefiting from the high quantum yield and ultraviolet–visible emission, the as‐obtained Melem powder is successfully used for information security via silk‐screen printing. The information encrypted can be easily decrypted by a 254 nm ultraviolet lamp, while not decryptable by a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp. This research proposes a facile method for the development of highly efficient metal‐free Melem and will also provide significant guidance to the band structure engineering of carbon nitride‐based luminescent materials.
Biomimetic Pericellular Microniche Inspired by Chondron enhances the Cartilage Matrix Accumulation
Authors: Zhong Xiupeng , Bi Gangyuan , Yang Hai , Liu Ying , Zhao Qi , Song Wenjing , Liu Sa , Xie Renjian , Ren Li
Published: August 2023

Cartilage repair is currently an inevitable and significant issue due to the prevalence of cartilage defects or osteoarthritis. However, it remains a big challenge worldwide because of the avascular and aneural nature of cartilage. In this paper, a novel biomimetic pericellular microniche (BPM), inspired by chondron composed of chondrocyte and its surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM), is proposed to offer a promising solution to achieve cartilage repair. BPM, with a diameter ≈64 µm, not only mimicked the structure of the chondron but also mimicked the key components of the PCM by artificially synthesizing brush‐like molecules hyaluronic acid‐grafted‐(poly‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt) (HA/PA) and hyaluronic acid‐grafted‐(poly‐2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (HA/PM). Chondrocyte‐laden BPM is constructed successfully through microfluidic and showed excellent injectability. The encapsulated chondrocyte showed high viability in BPM. F‐Actin and H&E reflected that chondrocytes would grow out of BPM and adhere to the BPM surface through the interaction between CD44 and hyaluronic acid. RT‐qPCR and immunofluorescence staining indicated that the gene expression of type II collagen and aggrecan are upregulated significantly in the BPM. Therefore, the construction of BPM provides a promising strategy for cartilage tissue engineering.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Based Polymers: Recent Overview for the Development of Temperature‐Responsive Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Shaibie Nur Adania , Ramli Nurul Afina , Mohammad Faizal Nur Dini Fatini , Srichana Teerapol , Mohd Amin Mohd Cairul Iqbal
Published: August 2023

Temperature is a widely incorporated stimulus in pharmaceutical applications because of its efficiency as a therapeutic medium; thus, substantial evidence on temperature‐responsive polymer applications is reported. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is a well‐established, temperature‐responsive polymer that exhibits a low critical solution temperature (LCST) at ≈ 32°C, which is close to physiological temperature. Hence, they are widely used in various pharmaceutical applications, such as drug delivery with nanocarriers and thermogels. Varying the LCST for different applications can be achieved by copolymerization with other hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules, making it a favorable smart polymer. PNIPAAm is reported to enhance drug delivery by incorporation with nanocarriers and to facilitate prolonged drug delivery, thereby avoiding the burst release of drugs in temperature‐responsive hydrogels. The application of PNIPAAm is not limited to drug delivery, and it is also applied in biomedical applications such as chromatography systems and cell culture applications, where its incorporation in cell culture media enhances cell production. The unique and versatile properties of PNIPAAm render it a promising smart polymer for various functional applications. Hence, this review focuses on the diverse applications of PNIPAAm.
The design and characterization of a novel dynamic collimator system for synchrotron radiotherapy applications
Authors: Barnes Micah J. , Afshar Nader , Cameron Matthew , Hausermann Daniel , Hardcastle Nicholas , Lerch Michael
Published: August 2023

Background

Novel synchrotron radiotherapy techniques are currently limited to using prefabricated beam‐limiting blocks for field definition. For large experiments, a single square tungsten block is often used for every treatment since conformal blocks are both patient and field specific, and require long lead times for fabrication. Future synchrotron radiotherapy treatments would benefit from a dynamic collimator system.

Purpose

We developed and tested a novel collimator design for use on the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) at the ANSTO Australian Synchrotron.

Methods

The maximum usable beam size on IMBL is 50‐mm wide by 3‐mm tall. Given the beam shape, targets must be vertically scanned through the synchrotron beam to cover the target volume. To shape the beam, a novel collimator design was developed, consisting of two semi‐circular leaves made from 4‐mm thick tungsten sheets, with each leaf capable of both vertical and horizontal movement. A software model was created to optimize motor trajectories and generate deliverable treatment fields. A series of geometric field shapes and clinical target volumes were delivered using the collimator and imaged with a digital imaging detector. Four similarity metrics (volumetric similarity, DICE, and the average and maximum Hausdorff distances) were used to measure differences between the input and planned fields, and the planned and delivered fields.

Results

Differences between input and planned fields increased with delivery speed, and were worse for rectangular and square fields compared to circular fields. However, the differences between planned and delivered fields were small, where the maximum average deviation between the fields was 0.25 mm (one pixel). Field repeatability was consistent with no difference (σ = 0 for all metrics) observed in consecutively delivered fields.

Conclusions

We have successfully built and demonstrated a novel collimator for synchrotron radiotherapy applications on IMBL. Several design improvements have been highlighted and will be addressed in future revisions the collimator. However, in its current state, the collimator enables dynamically delivered conformal treatment fields to be utilized on IMBL, and is ready to support the forthcoming canine treatments on IMBL.
A consistent linearization scheme for KGD problems using fracture tip asymptotic solutions
Authors: Jin Tao
Published: August 2023

Recently, a fluid volume enrichment strategy based on the asymptotic solutions near the crack tip was proposed for fluid‐driven fracture propagation problems. Despite its successes in various benchmark and field‐scale problems of hydraulic fracturing simulations, the aforementioned enrichment strategy has the following limitations. First, the tightly coupled solid‐fluid nonlinear system cannot be consistently linearized due to the fast marching method applied to solve the Eikonal equation for fracture tracking. As a result, an approximated Jacobian had to be deployed for the Newton‐Raphson iterations. This is particularly troublesome when the fracture front propagates into newly fractured cells, since a large number of nonlinear iterations are required for convergence because of the inconsistent linearization. Second, the existing method only focused on the viscosity‐dominated fracture propagation regime. Even though the extension of the method to the toughness‐dominated regime could be relatively straightforward, it is not immediately clear how to apply the enrichment technique to the transition regime. This work is dedicated to address the above two limitations. Specifically, a unified fracture propagation criterion is proposed, which not only works for the viscosity‐dominated regime, but also for the toughness‐dominated regime and the transition regime in between. The techniques to consistently linearize the coupled solid‐fluid system and properly initialize the primary unknowns are demonstrated, which result in the significant reduction of required number of nonlinear iterations for convergence. The proposed technique is demonstrated in the context of the Khristianovic‐Geertsma‐de Klerk (KGD) problems due to its relative simplicity.
Serial dependence in timing at the perceptual level being modulated by working memory
Authors: Chen Shuai , Wang Tianhe , Bao Yan
Published: August 2023

Recent experiences bias the perception of following stimuli, as has been verified in various kinds of experiments in visual perception. This phenomenon, known as serial dependence, may reflect mechanisms to maintain perceptual stability. In the current study, we examined several key properties of serial dependence in temporal perception. Firstly, we examined the source of the serial dependence effect in temporal perception. We found that perception without motor reproduction is sufficient to induce the sequential effect; motor reproduction caused a stronger effect and is achieved by biasing the perception of the future target duration rather than directly influencing the subsequent movement. Secondly, we ask how working memory influences serial dependence in a temporal reproduction task. By varying the delay time between standard duration and the reproduction, we showed that the strength of serial dependence is enhanced as the delay increased. Those features of serial dependence are consistent with what has been observed in visual perceptual tasks, for example, orientation perception or location perception. The similarities between the visual and the timing tasks may suggest a similar neural coding mechanism of magnitude between the visual stimuli and the duration.
Prenatal diagnosis of Myhre syndrome with a heterozygous pathogenic variant in SMAD4 gene presented with thick nuchal translucency and cardiac abnormalities
Authors: Hui Pui Wah , Mok Yin Kwan , Luk Ho Ming , Au Sandy Leung Kuen , Lau Eunice Yuen Ting , Chung Brian , Kan Anita Sik Yau
Published: August 2023

Prenatal testing was performed in a 39‐year‐old Chinese pregnant woman referred for increased nuchal translucency measuring 5.7 mm. Non‐invasive prenatal testing and SNP array study on amniotic fluid samples were normal. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was initiated further as the fetus had pericardial effusion of 1.2 mm, thickened myocardium over the right ventricular lateral wall and aberrant right subclavian artery. A detailed fetal echocardiogram also revealed persistent left superior vena cava and dilated coronary sinus at 20 weeks. From whole exome sequencing of the trio, a de novo heterozygous variant NM_005359.5(SMAD4): c.1499T>C (p.Ile500Thr) was detected. This pathogenic variant has been reported in the postnatal case cohort of Myhre syndrome. This condition is characterized by facial dysmorphism, intellectual disability, hearing loss, skeletal abnormalities and potential life threatening respiratory or cardiovascular manifestations. Termination of pregnancy was performed at 23 weeks. Small chins, pre‐axial polydactyly, brachydactyly and clinodactyly were noted in the abortus. Ultrasound findings of increased nuchal translucency, thickened myocardium and pericardial effusion prompted further genetic evaluation for the prenatal diagnosis of Myhre syndrome by whole exome sequencing.
Validation of ICD‐10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes to identify incident and recurrent ischemic stroke from a US integrated healthcare system
Authors: Shirley Abraelle M. , Morrisette Kerresa L. , Choi Soon Kyu , Reynolds Kristi , Zhou Hui , Zhou Mengnan M. , Wei Rong , Zhang Yiyi , Cheng Pamela , Wong Eric , Sangha Navdeep , An Jaejin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study validated incident and recurrent ischemic stroke identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10) hospital discharge diagnosis codes.

Methods

Using electronic health records (EHR) of adults (≥18 years) receiving care from Kaiser Permanente Southern California with ICD‐10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes of ischemic stroke (I63.x, G46.3, and G46.4) between October 2015 and September 2020, we identified 75 patients with both incident and recurrent stroke events (total 150 cases). Two neurologists independently evaluated validity of ICD‐10 codes through chart reviews.

Results

The positive predictive value (PPV, 95% CI) for incident stroke was 93% (95% CI: 88%, 99%) and the PPV for recurrent stroke was 72% (95% CI: 62%, 82%). The PPV for recurrent stroke improved after applying a gap of 20 days (PPV of 75%; 95% CI: 63%, 87%) or removing hospital admissions related to stroke‐related procedures (PPV of 78%; 95% CI: 68%, 88%).

Conclusion

The ICD‐10 hospital discharge diagnosis codes for ischemic stroke showed a high PPV for incident cases, while the PPV for recurrent cases were less optimal. Algorithms to improve the accuracy of ICD‐10 codes for recurrent ischemic stroke may be necessary.
A novel strategy to predict the tensile strength of polymer/particle interphase based on De Gennes's self‐similar carpet theory
Authors: Ader Fiona , Sharifzadeh Esmail , Azimi Neda
Published: August 2023

The formation of polymer/particle interphase region besides affecting most of the mechanical characteristics of polymer nanocomposites also alters some of their physical properties. The physical/mechanical properties inside the interphase may change based on a specific pattern (e.g., linear, exponential, etc.). De Gennes's self‐similar carpet theory represents a unique definition for the concentration variation of the adsorbed polymer chains. Accordingly, this specific pattern was developed to predict the tensile strength of the polymer/particle interphase region based on the molecular characteristics of the matrix and polymer/particle compatibility. In addition, Pukanszky's model was developed to define the characteristics of the aggregates/agglomerates using the results of De Gennes's theory. Different high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposite samples, containing compatibilized silica nanoparticles, were prepared and subjected to the tensile and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) tests. Moreover, other data from the literature were used to further investigate the accuracy of the proposed model. It was revealed that considering the gyration radius of the polymer chains as the maximum interphase thickness and the scaling parameter as 0.49 provides accurate predictions. On the other hand, the obtained data regarding the average content and size of nanoparticle aggregates/agglomerates also were in good agreement with the actual results.
Modulation of a conformational ensemble by a small molecule that inhibits key protein–protein interactions involved in cell adhesion
Authors: Senoo Akinobu , Nagatoishi Satoru , Kuroda Daisuke , Ito Sho , Ueno Go , Caaveiro Jose M. M. , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: August 2023

Small molecules that regulate protein–protein interactions can be valuable drugs; however, the development of such small molecules is challenging as the molecule must interfere with an interaction that often involves a large surface area. Herein, we propose that modulating the conformational ensemble of the proteins participating in a given interaction, rather than blocking the interaction by directly binding to the interface, is a relevant strategy for interfering with a protein–protein interaction. In this study, we applied this concept to P‐cadherin, a cell surface protein forming homodimers that are essential for cell–cell adhesion in various biological contexts. We first determined the crystal structure of P‐cadherin with a small molecule inhibitor whose inhibitory mechanism was unknown. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the inhibition of cell adhesion by this small molecule results from modulation of the conformational ensemble of P‐cadherin. Our study demonstrates the potential of small molecules altering the conformation ensemble of a protein as inhibitors of biological relevant protein–protein interactions.
Drug interactions of tacrolimus with letermovir and azole antifungals following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A retrospective observational analysis
Authors: Shinogi Yuri , Hirai Toshinori , Ishibashi Miki , Ino Kazuko , Tawara Isao , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: August 2023

Tacrolimus interacts with letermovir and azole antifungals, whereas letermovir has nonuniform effects on the pharmacokinetics of azole antifungals. We retrospectively investigated the interaction of tacrolimus (continuous infusion) with letermovir considering co‐administered azole antifungals in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. The extent of intraindividual variation in the ratio of tacrolimus concentration to dose normalized by body weight (C/D ratio) was investigated. The correlation between the C/D ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was analyzed. In 35 patients (795 points), the C/D ratio was higher in the tacrolimus plus letermovir period than in the tacrolimus alone period (1234.7 [566.2–2721.0] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 564.4 [245.3–1861.3] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001). This trend was observed when co‐administered with azole antifungals (n = 30, 1285.5 [662.7–2506.7] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 547.1 [245.3–1861.3] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001), but not without azole antifungals (n = 5, 809.9 [566.2–1573.3] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 616.1 [350.6–979.8] ng/mL/mg/kg, p = .125). For patients co‐administered fluconazole, the tacrolimus C/D ratio increased in patients with letermovir than those without letermovir (n = 28, 1215.0 [662.7–2506.7] ng/mL/mg/kg vs. 529.9 [245.3–1654.4] ng/mL/mg/kg, p < .001). Tacrolimus C/D ratio did not correlate with eGFR under letermovir and fluconazole administrations (y = 0.1x + 1307.1, r = .008, p = .968). Close blood concentration monitoring of intravenous tacrolimus is required when patients administered letermovir and azole antifungals.
Ginkgolide K delays the progression of osteoarthritis by regulating YAP to promote the formation of cartilage extracellular matrix
Authors: Liu Ruizhou , Liu Zhendong , Chen Hui , He Shiping , Wang Shihan , Dai Jihang , Li Xiaolei
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage wear and degradation. Ginkgolide K (GK) is a natural compound extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves and possesses anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects. We found that the biological characteristics of GK were highly consistent with those of OA medications. This study aimed to determine and verify the therapeutic effect of GK on OA and mechanism of its therapeutic effect. For the in vivo experiment, OA rats were regularly injected in the articular cavity with GK, and the curative effects were observed after 4 and 8 weeks. For the in vitro experiment, we treated OA chondrocytes with different concentrations of GK and then detected the related indices of OA. Through the in vivo and in vitro experiments, we found that GK could promote the production of major components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that GK may activate hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha via the hypoxia signaling pathway, which, in turn, activates yes‐associated protein and inhibits apoptosis of OA chondrocytes. GK has a therapeutic effect on OA and, therefore, has the potential to be developed into a new drug for OA treatment.
SARS‐CoV‐2 in digital era: Diagnostic techniques and importance of nucleic acid quantification with digital PCRs
Authors: Aravind Kumar N. , Aradhana S. , Harleen  , Vishnuraj M. R.
Published: August 2023

Studies related to clinical diagnosis and research of SARS‐CoV‐2 are important in the current pandemic era. Although molecular biology has emphasised the importance of qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis with nucleic acids in relation to SARS‐CoV‐2 needs to be clearly emphasised, which can provide perspective for viral dynamic studies of SARS‐CoV‐2. In this regard, the requirement and utilization of digital PCR in COVID‐19 research has substantially increased during the pandemic, necessitating the aggregation of its cardinal applications and future scopes. Hence, this meta‐review comprehensively addresses and emphasises the importance of nucleic acid quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA with digital PCR (dPCR). Various quantitative techniques of clinical significance like immunological, proteomic and nucleic acid‐based diagnosis and quantification, have been comparatively discussed. Furthermore, the core part of the article focusses on the working principle and advantages of digital PCR, along with its applications in COVID‐19 research. Several important applications like viral load quantitation, environmental surveillance and assay validation have been extensively investigated and discussed. Certain key future scopes of clinical importance, like mortality prediction, viral/variant‐symbiosis, and antiviral studies were also identified, suggesting several possible digital PCR applications in COVID‐19 research.
Multiobjective trajectory optimization of the wall‐building robot based on RBF–NSGA‐II in an uncertain viscoelastic contact environment
Authors: Shi Qingyi , Wang Zhaohui , Ke Xilin , Wang Zhongren , Gao Quanjie , Fan Yiwei , Lei Bin , Wu Pengmin
Published: August 2023

To solve the problem of poor masonry quality of traditional wall‐building robots in an uncertain viscoelastic contact environment while reducing energy consumption, reducing contact forces with the environment, and improving work efficiency and smoothness, a segmented multiobjective trajectory optimization method is proposed based on radial basis function (RBF) and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II). The method divides the motion trajectory into the free motion segment and the masonry segment. In the masonry segment, the compensation variable is introduced at the brick‐stopping position, and the values of design variables are obtained by Latin hypercube sampling. The relationship between the objective functions and the design variables is established by using an RBF substitution model. The optimal design is carried out by the NSGA‐II, and the compromise solution is obtained by using the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution algorithm. On this basis, a multiobjective trajectory optimization method based on seven times nonuniform B‐spline curves is proposed for the free motion segment. According to the performance indicators, such as operation efficiency, trajectory smoothness, and energy consumption, the compromise solution is again sought and obtained. Finally, the proposed trajectory optimization method is compared with the standard gate‐shaped trajectory planning method. The results show that after trajectory optimization, the masonry efficiency of the wall‐building robot is improved by 28.36%, and the energy consumption and trajectory smoothness are reduced by 28.68% and 93.81%, respectively. At the same time, the contact force with the environment is reduced by 12.26%, and the masonry error is reduced from 2.67 to 0.13 mm. These results can contribute to the construction of walls and improve the masonry quality of bricks while considering other performance indicators.
Fe‐doped MoS2@AuNPs Grown on Carbon Cloth for Efficient SERS Detection and Photo/photo‐Fenton Degradation of Fungicides
Authors: Xuan Menren , Ben Zixiang , Wang Sailan , Pu Jin , Ma Guangran , Xu Fugang
Published: August 2023

A composite CC/Fe−MoS2@Au composed of gold nanoparticles in‐situ grown on Fe‐doped MoS2 anchored on carbon cloth (CC) was prepared for SERS detection and photo/photo‐Fenton degradation of fungi pesticides. Flower‐like MoS2 grown on CC provides large surface area for in‐situ reduction and immobilization of AuNPs, generating high SERS enhancement effect. Fe‐doping improves MoS2’s SERS activity and photocatalysis and endows the composite with Fenton degradation ability due to the coexistence of Fe3+/Fe2+ confirmed by XPS. Owing to their synergy, the CC/Fe−MoS2@Au can achieve the SERS detection of fungicide crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG) with detection limits of 0.1 nM and 10 nM, respectively. The CC endows it flexibility for fungicide sensing on irregular surface, such as fish skin with a LOD of 10−7 M for MG. The composite displayed multimode degradation ability for fungicides: 70 % of 10−5 M CV could be degraded after 75 min photocatalytic degradation by CC/Fe−MoS2@Au under natural light, while it increases to 85 % in the presence of H2O2 through a photo‐Fenton reaction. The synergy mechanism of these components for fungicide degradation were discussed. Such flexible multifunctional composite has great value in SERS analysis, environmental monitoring and remediation.
Oil‐Water Separation Performance and Thermoregeneration of a Nanofibrous SiO2 Membrane Prepared by Sol‐Electrospinning
Authors: Meng Haitao , Pan Xuecong , Li Xuemei , Meng Haijun , Li Shouzhu
Published: August 2023

The discharge of oily wastewater seriously affects human health and the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Therefore, developing oil‐water separation materials capable of removing organic pollutants is imperative. In this study, we report the preparation of a SiO2 nanofiber membrane based on tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using a template‐free strategy combined with electrostatic spinning technology. The prepared SiO2 nanofiber membrane was characterized using SEM, EDX, FT‐IR, AFM, XRD, CA, and TG techniques. The prepared SiO2 nanofiber membranes exhibit excellent hydrophilicity (WCA=0°) in air and oleophobicity (UWOCA=136°) underwater, with excellent anti‐pollution properties for gravity‐driven oil‐water separation. The SiO2 nanofiber membrane can effectively separate different kinds of oil‐water mixtures with high water flux (4420 L m−2 h−1) and excellent separation efficiency (99.1 %), with a flux loss of 5.65 % after ten cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability. In addition, it can also be used to separate various oil‐in‐water emulsions stabilized by surfactants with a separation flux higher than 2079 L m−2 h−1 and a separation efficiency maintained at more than 97 %. During the separation of 150 mL lotion, the membrane was seriously scaled due to long‐term pollution. Simple water washing could not restore the membrane flux, and the irreversible scaling rate was 50.74 %, which seriously affected the continuous separation. However, due to the excellent thermal stability of SiO2 nanofiber membranes, oil contaminated membranes can be heated and regenerated, resulting in a flux recovery rate of nearly 100 %. Overall, this material has a wide range of potential applications in environmental protection, especially in the treatment of oily wastewater, due to its simple fabrication method, high flux, and superb oil resistance and recyclability.
Experimental Study and Parameter Optimization of Oily Sludge Treatment Through Ozonation Technology
Authors: Yang Zi.‐Yu , Zhu Ling , Wang Wen‐Long , Yu Chao‐Fan , Re Mei‐Na
Published: August 2023

Oily sludge contains a large number of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other toxic and harmful substances, which not only pose a significant threat to human health but also severely impact the stability and sustainability of the ecological environment. Therefore, the development of a clean and efficient production process is urgently needed. The ozonation technology is a promising treatment method with high efficiency and no secondary pollution. In this study, ozonation technology was used to degrade the pollutants in the oily sludge, and the impact of different influencing factors on the treatment effect was discussed, and the operational parameters were optimized. Additionally, we investigated the mechanism of ozonation for oily sludge to provide a basis for a deeper understanding. The results demonstrated that after treatment, the total petroleum hydrocarbon content in the oily sludge was significantly reduced, and the residual oil rate decreased to 1.04 %, indicating the enormous potential of ozonation technology for oily sludge treatment.
Fluorescent‐Dye‐Doped Nanoporous Silica Powder for Imaging of Latent Fingerprints (Levels 1–3) and Case Studies
Authors: Singh Prabhpreet , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: August 2023

Novel naphthalimide based fluorescent dye NI‐1 possess (i) high quantum yield, (ii) blue emission (λem=450 nm), (iii) CIE coordinate (x=0.21, y=0.35) with 39 % blue colour purity in solid state, (iv) photochemical and thermal stability up to 200 oC and (v) low cytotoxicity to normal cells L929. NI‐1 was doped in nano porous silica and used as fluorescent powder for imaging of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on coloured surfaces, barcode, wood, brick, leaf and engraved steel beside other common household porous and nonporous surfaces. We demonstrated visibility of levels 1–3 on ceramic tile, glass, paper, steel, iron and compact disc using NI‐1 doped fluorescent silica powder. Furthermore, LFPs developed with NI‐1 were successfully lifted from different surfaces using adhesive tape for documentation and archiving purposes. To mimic the automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS), we manually screened fingerprints from 16 subjects to identify the unknown subject. The unique minutiae points such as long hook, opposite bifurcation, crossbar, cross over, dock, triple bifurcation, lake and spikes were observed beside other 16 minutiae points.
Efficient Catalytic Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines via Copper Catalysis
Authors: Ji Yue , Dang Ze‐Lin , Liu Xue‐Mei , Niu Ben , Han Wei‐Wei , Qiang Tao‐Tao , Wang Si‐Chang
Published: August 2023

An efficient copper‐catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenation of tetrahydroisoquinolines has been developed, giving a general and convenient strategy from amines toward imines in excellent yields. A series of tetrahydroisoquinolines bearing electron‐donating/withdrawing groups proceeded smoothly with air (O2) as oxidant. The oxidative dehydrogenation proved to be an atom‐economical and environmentally friendly strategy, which could effectively avoid generating stoichiometric hazardous wastes. In addition, this methodology provides a convenient and effective approach to the reutilization of amines, especially for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure substances, such as (+)‐Solifenacin, in industrial process. Preliminary experimental results revealed that the reaction was carried out via a process of oxidative dehydrogenation.
Phase Engineering of W‐Doped MoS2 by Magneto‐Hydrothermal Synthesis for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Changdian , Zhu Lili , Wu Ziqiang , Chen Qian , Zheng Ruobing , Huan Jie , Huang Yanan , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: August 2023

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been proved as an excellent potential hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. Compared with thermodynamically stable 2H‐MoS2, 1T‐MoS2 exhibits higher conductivity and catalytic activity, whereas it is usually difficult to prepare since of thermodynamically metastable. Herein, a feasible method is reported to fabricate ambient‐stable MoS2 with high concentration 1T phase through magnetic free energy synergistic microstrain induced by W doping under low magnetic field. The 1T phase proportion in MoS2 can be as high as 80% and is ambient‐stable for more than one year. The catalyst prepared under a magnetic field of 3 T delivers an overpotential of 195 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and has a long‐term stability over 50 h. This work provides a novel strategy for preparation of MoS2 with high 1T concentration and high stability.
The Intermediate Connection of Subcells in Si‐based Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Caixia , He Mingrui , Liu Ziheng , Hao Xiaojing
Published: August 2023

Tandem solar cells are rationally designed and fabricated by stacking multiple subcells to achieve power conversion efficiency well above the Shockley‐Queisser (SQ) limit. There is a large selection pool for the subcell candidates, such as Si, III–V, Kesterite, Perovskite, and organic solar cells. A series of different combinations of these subcells have been successfully demonstrated in practical tandem solar cell devices. However, there has not been a systematic summary of how to connect subcells in a tandem solar cell using a practical, cost‐effective, and efficiency‐beneficial fashion. In this work, the connection manners of subcells within a tandem cell are classified into three main categories, performing sequential growth, using the physical connection, and applying an intermediate layer, focusing on systematical description of intermediate layers using different materials. The advantages and disadvantages of these connection methods and their applicability to tandem cell types are further elaborated using two typical example models, III–V/Si and Perovskite inclusive tandem cell devices. Eventually, this work can provide useful guidance on how to carry out a suitable intermediate connection in the design of tandem solar cells depending on the selected subcells and device structure.
Structural Engineering‐Enabled Joule Heating Effect Cooperated with Capillary Effect Toward Fast Spreading of Droplets for High‐Flux Separation of Viscous Emulsion
Authors: Cao Yiran , Zheng Wan , Hao Baicun , Xiao Hanzhong , Cui Yiwen , Huang Xin , Shi Bi
Published: August 2023

Viscous emulsions with poor fluidity and high adhesion are extremely difficult to separate. Herein, high‐flux separation of viscous emulsions is realized by developing structural engineered collagen fibers (CFs)‐based composite membrane that featured 3D conductive hierarchical fiber structure with the spaced carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and activated carbon (AC) serving as conductive network and competitive adsorption‐based demulsifying sites, respectively. The as‐designed membrane structure boosts fast spreading of emulsion droplets on membrane surface aided by the synergistic effect of joule heat in situ generated by the spaced CNFs and the capillary effect derived from CFs, which guarantees the full contact of viscous emulsions with the spaced AC for achieving ultra‐efficient demulsifying. The permeation of resultant oily filtrate is accelerated by the capillary effect of hierarchically fibrous structured CFs to exhibit fast transport kinetics, therefore accomplishing high‐flux separation. The structural engineered membrane achieves high‐performance separation toward different viscous emulsions (55.4‐123.7 mPa·s) with separation efficiency >99.9% and flux high up to 259 L m−2 h−1. The investigations provide a novel structural engineering strategy for realizing high‐performance separation of viscous emulsions.
IFCnCov: An IoT‐based smart diagnostic architecture for COVID‐19
Authors: Pati Abhilash , Parhi Manoranjan , Pattanayak Binod Kumar , Pati Bibudhendu
Published: August 2023

Performing a coronary disease diagnosis remotely is challenging now‐a‐days. COVID‐19 is a worldwide pandemic, and methods for detecting COVID‐19 are hampered by insufficient data and a lack of validation testing. Internet of Things (IoT) applications that rely on cloud computing (CC) are being studied in an effort to improve e‐Healthcare systems, even though CC presents substantial latency, bandwidth, energy consumption, security and privacy issues and so forth. The extension to CC, fog computing (FC), can overcome these said limitations. This study aims to diagnose COVID‐19 patients to fight the outbreak remotely. This study proposes IFCnCov, which enables remote users to diagnose COVID‐19 disease in real‐time using integrated IoT, FC, and CC principles, as well as ensemble learning (EL) and deep learning (DL). The proposed system is a two‐layered architecture, trained with DL approaches to two different datasets: a symptom‐based dataset and a chest x‐rays imaging dataset obtained from the Kaggle repository employing several evaluative measures. From various experiments, this proposed IFCnCov achieves comparatively enhanced accuracies of 97.71% and 98.64%, precision of 97.38% and 98.52%, sensitivity of 98.19% and 98.92%, specificity of 97.21% and 98.34%, and F1‐scores of 97.79% and 98.72% in the first and second stages respectively, which also outperforms some other considered state‐of‐the‐art works. Additionally, this work is validated in terms of several network parameters, including scalability, energy consumption, network utilization, jitter, processing time, throughput, and arbitration time.
Shear performance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in shear using NSM bars and reinforced HSC layers
Authors: Abdo Ayman , Sharaky Ibrahim A. , Ahmed Sayed
Published: August 2023

The reinforced concrete (RC) beams could be upgraded in shear using steel and fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) having several shapes (bars, strips, or sheets). Using near‐surface mounted (NSM) Glass FRP (GFRP) bars is still limited compared to carbon FRP (CFRP) elements as shear reinforcement. Moreover, using reinforced high‐strength concrete layers (HSCL) as NSM shear strengthening for the RC beams is still limited. Herein, three RC beams internally reinforced in shear using different shear areas (without, 100 mm stirrups apart, and 200 mm stirrups apart) were experimentally tested as reference beams (CB). Other eight beams strengthened in shear using NSM HSCL, and bars were experimentally tested. Moreover, an extended finite element (FE) simulation was implemented through a verified FE model to study the effect of other NSM aspects on shear‐strengthened beam response. The results explained that, regardless of the internal stirrups area and external NSM characteristics, the shear‐strengthened beams showed higher load efficiency than the corresponding CB. The NSM upgraded shear beam had slightly higher load efficiency than the un‐strengthened beam having the same steel area as internally shear stirrups. Moreover, increasing the internal shear stirrups decreased the total efficiency of the NSM shear strengthening and the internal stirrups regardless of the NSM characteristics. Furthermore, the NSM HSCL was more efficient than the corresponding NSM bars in increasing the load capacity and stiffness of the shear‐strengthened beams. The reported analytical model predicted well the shear capacity of the tested beams.
LncRNA AP000487.1 regulates PRKCB DNA methylation‐mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway in Nano NiO‐induced collagen formation in BEAS‐2B cells
Authors: Zheng Jinfa , Wang Jinyu , Li Kun , Qin Xin , Li Sheng , Chang Xuhong , Sun Yingbiao
Published: August 2023

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO) have been shown to cause pulmonary fibrosis; But, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA AP000487.1 in regulating PRKCB DNA methylation and the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ Myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/ Nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) pathway in Nano NiO‐induced collagen formation. We found that lncRNA AP000487.1 was able to bind to the promoter region of the PRKCB gene by Chromosomal RNA pull‐down experiments (Ch‐RNA pull‐down). Moreover, Nano NiO exposure led to down‐regulation of lncRNA AP000487.1 expression and PRKCB DNA methylation, resulting in up‐regulation of PRKCB expression, activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway, and increased collagen formation in BEAS‐2B cells. Conversely, overexpression of lncRNA AP000487.1 restored PRKCB expression, reduced its hypomethylation and attenuated TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway activation and collagen formation. Furthermore, treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor, decitabine, alleviated Nano NiO‐induced PRKCB2 expression, TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway activation, and collagen formation. Additionally, using PRKCB2 overexpression plasmid, PRKCB2 siRNA, and PRKCB2 protein inhibitor LY317615 influenced NF‐κB pathway activity and collagen formation. Finally, TLR4 inhibitor (TAK‐242) restrained Nano NiO‐induced MyD88/NF‐κB pathway activation and excessive collagen formation. In summary, we demonstrated that the down‐regulated lncRNA AP000487.1 could cause PRKCB hypomethylation and increased expression, resulting in NF‐κB pathway activation and collagen formation in Nano NiO‐induced BEAS‐2B cells. This is the first study to reveal the role of lncRNA AP000487.1 in regulating collagen formation in Nano NiO‐exposed BEAS‐2B cells. Our study identified that lncRNA AP000487.1/PRKCB hypomethylation/NF‐κB pathway was a regulatory axis of BEAS‐2B cells collagen excessive formation. Our findings indicate that lncRNA AP000487.1 and PRKCB DNA methylation may function as biomarkers or potential targets in response to Nano NiO exposure.