bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrohydrodynamic Printed PEDOT:PSS/Graphene/PVA Circuits for Sustainable and Foldable Electronics
Authors: Ren Ping , Dong Jingyan
Published: August 2023

The generation of electronic waste (e‐waste) poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating strategies to extend electronics’ lifespan and incorporate eco‐friendly materials to enable their rapid degradation after disposal. Foldable electronics utilizing eco‐friendly materials offer enhanced durability during operation and degradability at the end of their life cycle. However, ensuring robust physical adhesion between electrodes/circuits and substrates during the folding process remains a challenge, leading to interface delamination and electronic failure. In this study, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is employed as a cost‐effective method to fabricate the eco‐friendly foldable electronics by printing PEDOT:PSS/graphene composite circuits onto polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. The morphology and electrical properties of the printed patterns using inks with varying graphene and PEDOT:PSS weight ratios under different printing conditions are investigated. The foldability of the printed electronics is demonstrated, showing minimal resistance variation and stable electronic response even after four folds (16 layers) and hundreds of folding and unfolding cycles. Additionally, the application of printed PEDOT:PSS/graphene circuit is presented as a resistive temperature sensor for monitoring body temperature and respiration behavior. Furthermore, the transient features and degradation of the PEDOT:PSS/graphene/PVA based foldable electronics are explored, highlighting the potential promise as transient electronics in reducing electronic waste.
Evaluating diethanolammonium chloride as liquid solvent for gas separation from experiments and theoretical calculations
Authors: Zhang Jiayin , Fang Siqi , Zheng Lu , Li Xiong , Ma Yongde , Zhang Hongwei , Cai Zhenping , Cao Yanning , Huang Kuan , Jiang Lilong
Published: August 2023

This study explored diethanolammonium chloride ([DEA]Cl) as a potential ionic liquid from low‐cost and commercial ones for gas separation. There are three kinds of functional sites in [DEA]Cl: acidic NH2+, hydrogen‐bond OH, and nucleophilic Cl−. The separation of NH3/N2/H2, SO2/CO2/N2, and H2S/CO2/CH4 was considered, because the three mixtures are extensively involved in many industrial processes. The experimental results demonstrated that [DEA]Cl exhibited excellent ability to separate the mixture of NH3/N2/H2. The [DEA]Cl also exhibited the proper capacity to separate SO2/CO2/N2, but the capacity of [DEA]Cl for the separation of H2S/CO2/CH4 was inferior. The theoretical calculations revealed that NH2+ and OH worked synergistically to contribute to the ability of [DEA]Cl for excellent separation of NH3 from NH3/N2/H2, with Cl− contributing to the proper separation of SO2 from SO2/CO2/N2. This study provides experimental and theoretical basis for the industrial application of [DEA]Cl in the area of gas separation.
Study on the corrosion inhibition performance of composite inhibitor on carbon steel in stone processing wastewater
Authors: Xiang Jingjing , Lu Zhen , Zhu Qiaoyun , Li Likun , Huang Yanjun , Wang Yi , Song Guangsen , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2023

The circular saw blade, which is mainly composed of carbon steel, is used to cut the stone. However, the carbon steel is easily corroded in stone processing wastewater, shortening its lifespan. In this study, a new composite inhibitor of sodium nitrite, sodium molybdate, sodium silicate, sodium tungstate, and sodium citrate was investigated firstly, and then, its inhibition efficiency for carbon steel in stone processing wastewater was explored using electrochemical measurements and weight loss measurements. The results showed that the composite inhibitor as a mixed‐type inhibitor displayed good inhibitory performance. Surface analysis including scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and contact angle test further revealed the form of protection of the steel surface by composite corrosion inhibitors. The prepared composite inhibitor exhibited excellent corrosion resistance for carbon steel in stone processing wastewater, and it is believed that the composite inhibitor has certain application potential in industries.
Electrochemical Catalytic Synthesis of CH3OH for In‐situ Resource Utilization
Authors: Yang Qingjun , Dong Rizhi , Zhu Rui , Wang Xuan , Yang Shangru
Published: August 2023

In space exploration activities, a large amount of materials needs to be carried, which limits the sustainable development of exploration activities. In‐situ resource utilization (ISRU) is an important means to realize resource recycling and continuous space exploration, which converts space resources into oxygen and hydrocarbon fuels. The traditional ISRU in outer space mainly uses high temperature and high pressure to electrolyze water or reduce CO2, having problems such as low conversion efficiency, high energy consumption, and excessive equipment volume. Here, an electrochemical catalytic synthesis technology based on a microfluidic device is proposed, which can convert H2O and CO2 into O2 and organic matter by electrocatalytic method at room temperature and achieve efficient energy and matter conversion. The gas‐liquid mixing and electrochemical reaction were analyzed. A mathematical model of gas‐liquid two‐phase mixing and microfluidic chemical reaction was established. The research results demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the microfluidic reaction device designed in this paper for ISRU.
Characterization of niobium pentoxide synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique and comparison with hydrothermal method
Authors: de Andrade Schaffner Rodolfo , Oliveira Elson , Domingues Roberta Carolina Pelissari Rizzo , da Conceição Leandro , Yamamoto Carlos Itsuo , de Muniz Graciela Inêz Bolzon , Alves Helton José
Published: August 2023

Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is a polymorphic ceramic with semiconductor characteristics applied in various fields of study. In this work, the Nb2O5 synthesis by the spray pyrolysis route was compared to the hydrothermal technique. The obtained materials were characterized by N2 physisorption (BET‐N2), average particle size distribution by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The material synthesized by the spray pyrolysis technique presented high specific area and pore volume, high crystallinity, homogeneity, and nanometric particles, thus representing a potential technique for the Nb2O5 synthesis.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Anti‐Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients to Predict the Withdrawal Time in Pregnancy and Vaccine Time in Infants
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Lin Rongfang , Guo Guimu , Wu Wanhong , Ke Meng , Ke Chengjie , Huang Pinfang , Lin Cuihong
Published: August 2023

Anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) agents are widely applied for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the timing of the last dosing for IBD pregnancy and time to elimination in anti‐TNF agent‐exposed infants is controversial. This study aimed to determine the optimal timing for the last dosing of anti‐TNF agents (infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab) in pregnant women with IBD, as well as to investigate the recommended vaccine schedules for infants exposed to these drugs. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of anti‐TNF agents was built for adults and extrapolated to pregnant patients, fetuses, and infants. The PBPK models successfully predicted and verified the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab in pregnancy, fetuses, and infants. The predicted PK data were within two‐fold of the observed data. The simulated results were used as timing advice. According to the dose of administration, the suggested timing of the last dosing for infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab is successfully provided based on PBPK predictions. PBPK models indicated that, for infants, the advocated timing of vaccination is 12, 8, and 5 months after birth for infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab, respectively. Our study illustrated that PBPK models can provide a valuable tool to predict the PKs of large macromolecules in pregnant women, fetuses, and infants, ultimately informing drug‐treatment decisions for pregnancy and vaccination regimens for infants.
An Ultrahigh‐Capacity Dual‐Ion Battery Based on a Free‐Standing Graphite Paper Cathode and Flower‐Like Heterojunction Anode of Tin Disulfide and Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Fang Yaobing , Zheng Wen , Hu Tao , Xiao Hong , Li Li , Yuan Wenhui
Published: August 2023

Dual‐ion batteries have been considered as a competitive energy‐storage device. However, owing to the lack of suitable high‐capacity density and rapid‐charging electrode materials, designing a cost‐effective and high‐performance dual‐ion battery is still a great challenge. Herein, an ultrahigh‐capacity dual‐ion battery is constructed based on a carbon‐nanotubes (CNTs) containing SnS2‐MoS2@CNTs heterojunction anode and highly crystalline free‐standing graphite paper serves as cathode. The SnS2‐MoS2@CNTs heterojunction consisting of ultrathin nanosheets was prepared via a facile two‐step hydrothermal method and shows flower‐like morphology and high crystallinity. Benefiting from the unique design concept, the graphite paper/SnS2‐MoS2@CNTs dual‐ion battery delivers a high capacity of 274.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and has an outstanding capacity retention of 95 % after 300 cycles under 400 mA g−1. Even at a high current density of 2 A g−1 the battery still retains a considerable capacity of 112.3 mAh g−1. More importantly, the battery shows an extremely low self‐discharge of 0.006 % h−1 after resting for 24 h. Characterization using SEM and XRD further demonstrate the excellent cycling stability and good reversibility. Consequently, this constructed dual‐ion battery could be a promising energy storage device and provide new insights for the design of high‐performance dual‐ion batteries.
Department of Education to update 504 regulations
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: August 2023

On May 4, 1977, the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare promulgated regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (45 CFR Part 84 (effective date June 3, 1977)). When HEW was split in two, the United States Department of Education reissued the 504 regulations (34 CFR Part 104). Now, 47 years later, ED has announced that it will update the Section 504 regulations.
Pony patrols campus as goodwill ambassador for Virginia Tech
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

As students and staff walk the Virginia Tech campus, they hope to cross paths with their favorite miniature horse on patrol, blanketed in his very own Virginia Tech Police Department uniform and sporting VT bows in his mane and tail.
Participatory action research: An exploration from a Freirean perspective of research involving people with dementia
Authors: O’Connor Deborah , Sakamoto Mariko , Phinney Alison , Chaudhury Habib , Mann Jim
Published: August 2023

Background

Researchers are increasingly being called upon to involve people with dementia in research that pertains to them. Participatory Action Research (PAR) has been one of the approaches that has been utilized to do this. How people understand and apply the ideas behind this approach however has often been atheoretical and diverse. This has implications for how purpose, power, voice and agency are conceived and actualized.

Objectives

This paper will examine how theoretical construction of PAR can inform the process of meaningfully involving people living with dementia in research. Specifically, drawing on the work of Paulo Freire, this paper will articulate a way of conceptualizing PAR that is explicitly critical and then demonstrate how these ideas informed a PAR study focused on addressing stigma and discrimination with people living with dementia.

Conclusion

The purpose of the paper is to engage researchers and people with lived expertise in critical reflection of what it actually means to involve people with dementia in research.
Transvaginal cerclage for prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies with cervical dilatation or shortening: A prospective observational study
Authors: Xu Wenyi , Ni Xiaotian , Liu Yun , Meng Lulu , Ru Ping , Gu Zhuorong , Yan Yan , Yuan Wenjun , Su Xiujuan , Liu Ming , Duan Tao
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of transvaginal cerclage in twin pregnancies with cervical shortening, and to narrow the threshold cervical length for transvaginal cerclage.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study and 177 twin pregnancies with asymptomatic cervical dilatation or cervical length of 15 mm or less between 16+0 and 25+6 weeks of pregnancy were included. Patients independently chose either transvaginal cerclage (n = 129) or no cerclage treatment (n = 48) after being consulted on the risk and potential benefit of transvaginal cerclage. The primary outcome measures were gestational age at delivery and neonatal survival rate.

Results

Compared with the no cerclage group, the cerclage group exhibited a higher gestational age at delivery (32.1 ± 4.5 vs 28.3 ± 6.2 weeks, P < 0.001) and a higher neonatal survival rate (86.4% vs 47.9%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that in twin pregnancies with cervical dilatation or cervical length less than 10 mm, the cerclage group had significantly higher gestational age at delivery (31.3 ± 4.6 vs 23.4 ± 4.3 weeks, P < 0.001) and a higher neonatal survival rate (123 [85.4%] vs 4 [9.1%], P < 0.001) than the no cerclage group, but in twins when cervical length was 10–15 mm, the two measures were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Transvaginal cerclage may provide benefits for twins when cervical dilatation or cervical length is less than 10 mm, but its efficacy might not extend to twins when the cervical length is 10–15 mm. Further evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy of transvaginal cerclage for twin pregnancies with a short cervix.
The influence of ligament biomechanics on proximal junctional kyphosis and failure in patients with adult spinal deformity
Authors: Blais Micah , Shahidi Bahar , Anderson Brad , O'Brien Eli , Moltzen Courtney , Iannacone Tina , Eastlack Robert K. , Mundis Gregory M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

It is unknown whether the biomechanics of the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) are impaired in individuals undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Characterizing these properties may improve our understanding of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK; defined as proximal junctional angle [PJA] of >10 deg from UIV‐1 to UIV + 2), as well as proximal junctional failure (PJF; symptomatic PJK requiring revision). The purpose of this prospective observational study is to compare biomechanical properties of the PLC in individuals with ASD who do, and do not develop PJK or PJF within 1 year of spinal fusion surgery.

Methods

Intraoperative biopsies of PLC were obtained from 32 consecutive patients undergoing spinal fusions for ASD (>4 levels). Ligament peak force, tensile stress, tensile strain, and elastic modulus (EM) were measured with a materials testing system. Biomechanical properties and tissue dimensions were correlated with age, gender, BMI, vitamin D level, osteoporosis, sagittal alignment, PJA and change in PJA preoperatively, within 3 months, and at 1 year postoperatively.

Results

Longer ligaments were associated with greater PJA change at 3 months (p = 0.04), and thinner ligaments were associated with greater PJA change at 1 year (r = 0.57, p = 0.01). Greater EM was associated with greater PJA at both 3 months and 1 year (p = 0.03). Five participants had a change in PJA of >10 1 year postoperatively, and three participants demonstrated PJF. EM was significantly higher in individuals who required revision surgery (p = 0.003), and ligament length was greater (p = 0.03). Preoperative sagittal alignment was not related to incidence of revision surgery (p > 0.10).

Conclusions

The biomechanical properties of the PLC may be associated with higher risk for proximal failure. Ligaments that are longer, thinner, and less elastic are associated with higher postoperative PJA. Furthermore stiffer EM of the ligament is associated with the need for revision surgery.
Time, climate, and soil settings set the course for reclamation outcomes following dryland energy development
Authors: Lupardus Randi , Sengsirirak Aarin , Griffen Keven , Knight Anna C. , McNellis Brandon E. , Bradford John B. , Munson Seth M. , Reed Sasha C. , Villarreal Miguel L. , Duniway Michael C.
Published: August 2023

Soil attributes, climate, and time since reclamation have important implications for oil and gas reclamation success on drylands. It is uncertain if reclaimed well pads, on highly degraded drylands, can successfully regain ecological function or meet indicator benchmarks for reclamation. Here, our goals were to assess patterns in reclamation outcomes relative to (1) soil attributes, climate, and time since reclamation; and (2) plant and soil reference benchmarks. We collected a suite of plant, soil, and landscape characteristics from 134 reclaimed well pads on the Colorado Plateau that spanned climate and soil gradients and ranged from 2 to 20 years post‐reclamation, then compared characteristics to those from 583 reference plots. On the reclaimed pads, less saline soils, more mesic climates, and longer time since reclamation were associated with favorable reclamation outcomes based on metrics of plant species richness and diversity, plant structure, and cover of important plant functional groups. However, most pads had major departures in 1/4 indicators, suggesting unsuccessful reclamation. Arid warm locations with shallow soils had the greatest percentage of major departures, and noxious plant richness had the greatest departures across soil and climate settings. Our assessment indicates reclamation is failing in key metrics for most pads, and the results highlight the role of environmental conditions in driving reclamation outcomes. These new insights are valuable for ascertaining possible reclamation outcomes and success rates following energy related disturbance, including orphaned wells and renewable energy development. Importantly, the approach used here has applicability for setting benchmarks and outcome standards.
A phase‐field model for hydraulic fracture nucleation and propagation in porous media
Authors: Fei Fan , Costa Andre , Dolbow John E. , Settgast Randolph R. , Cusini Matteo
Published: August 2023

Many geo‐engineering applications, for example, enhanced geothermal systems, rely on hydraulic fracturing to enhance the permeability of natural formations and allow for sufficient fluid circulation. Over the past few decades, the phase‐field method has grown in popularity as a valid approach to modeling hydraulic fracturing because of the ease of handling complex fracture propagation geometries. However, existing phase‐field methods cannot appropriately capture nucleation of hydraulic fractures because their formulations are solely energy‐based and do not explicitly take into account the strength of the material. Thus, in this work, we propose a novel phase‐field formulation for hydraulic fracturing with the main goal of modeling fracture nucleation in porous media, for example, rocks. Built on the variational formulation of previous phase‐field methods, the proposed model incorporates the material strength envelope for hydraulic fracture nucleation through two important steps: (i) an external driving force term, included in the damage evolution equation, that accounts for the material strength; (ii) a properly designed damage function that defines the fluid pressure contribution on the crack driving force. The comparison of numerical results for two‐dimensional test cases with existing analytical solutions demonstrates that the proposed phase‐field model can accurately model both nucleation and propagation of hydraulic fractures. Additionally, we present the simulation of hydraulic fracturing in a three‐dimensional domain with various stress conditions to demonstrate the applicability of the method to realistic scenarios.
Insurance Status is Associated With Recurrence in Cutaneous Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Victor Mitchell T. , Zheng Wynne , Park Soo J. , Jiang Shang I. Brian , Guo Theresa W.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To identify socioeconomic factors influencing the presentation and outcomes of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (cHNSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center with comprehensive cancer center.

Methods

Patients treated for cHNSCC at a single institution between 2008 and 2022 were included. Demographic, socioeconomic data and disease characteristics were obtained from medical record abstraction. Outcome measures included tumor stage, number of distinct primaries, recurrence, and disease‐related death. χ2 and Mann‐Whitney tests were implemented to evaluate clinicopathologic distributions across disease stages. Survival analyses were performed using Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 346 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at presentation and length of follow‐up was 70.8 and 3.1 years, respectively. The majority of the cohort was white, male, and English‐speaking. 13.3% of patients were underinsured and 27.5% were immunosuppressed. Patients who presented with advanced disease were more likely to be underinsured (21.7% vs 9.6%, P = .006) and have a history of homelessness (8.5% vs 2.1%, P = .014). Immunosuppressed patients were more likely to be underinsured (P = .009). Insurance status (1.97 [1.06‐3.66], P = .032) and immune status (2.35 [1.30‐4.26], P = .005) were independently associated with worse recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors that influence access to care, such as insurance status, are associated with cHNSCC disease stage and disease recurrence. These factors may impose barriers that delay diagnosis and treatment. This may result in worse disease‐related outcomes and greater treatment‐associated morbidity for certain patients.
Understanding Crystal Spatial Symmetry of Sm/Mg Heterovalent‐Doped BST–BNT Ceramics: An Effect Mechanism for Electrical Properties
Authors: Cao Lijia , Zeng Mengshi , Chen Xue , Liu Tiankun
Published: August 2023

The effect mechanism of lattice distortion caused by heterovalent rare‐earth and alkaline‐earth ions co‐doping in the electrical properties of piezo‐ceramics is generally concerning. Herein, the Sm2O3/MgO co‐doped 0.65(Ba0.96Sr0.04TiO3)–0.35(Bi0.50Na0.50TiO3) (BST–BNT: x(Sm, Mg)) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 wt%) ceramics are prepared by Pechini sol–gel method. The reversibility transition from the tetragonal P4/mmm relaxation paraelectric phase to the tetragonal P4mm relaxation ferroelectric phase confirms the doping‐modulated piezoelectric constants’ response to the spatial symmetry. Excessive Sm3+ and Mg2+ in the interstitial lattice inhibit the Jahn–Teller effect of distortion in the crystal spatial symmetry. The restored P4/mmm spatial symmetry of BST–BNT: x(Sm, Mg) (x = 0.15 wt%) ceramics contributes to the large electric‐induced strain, increased Curie temperature, and the stabilized frequency dependence of the Curie temperature (TC [1 MHz] = 167 °C, εr [1 MHz] = 2151.92, d33 = 43 pC N−1, Smax/Emax = 535.22 pm V−1). The samples with large electric‐induced strain and good temperature stability of electrical properties can be applied in the heat dissipation actuators.
Finite‐horizon H∞ tracking control for discrete‐time linear systems
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Wei , Liang Xiaofeng , Zuo Chao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, model‐free finite‐horizon tracking control for discrete‐time linear systems is studied. By formulating an augmented system consisting of the considered linear system and the command generator system, an augmented time‐varying Riccati equation whose solutions can achieve the finite‐horizon tracking control is derived. Then, a time‐varying Q‐function which contains the control input and disturbance input is designed. A time‐varying Q‐function‐based method is developed to learn the solutions of the finite‐horizon tracking control problem without knowing the system model information nor any model identification methods. It is proved that the solutions of the time‐varying Q‐function‐based method converge to the optimal solutions of the augmented time‐varying Riccati equation. At last, simulation examples are provided to show the feasibility and advantages of the time‐varying Q‐function‐based method compared to the infinite‐horizon Q‐learning‐based tracking control method.
Realizing environmental sustainability development through the efficiency of Web 3.0 on supply chain resilience
Authors: Ping‐Kuo Chen , Yong Ye
Published: August 2023

Limited research has addressed the potential of Web 3.0 to facilitate the green supply chain and support sustainable development goals. Although some studies have suggested the efficiency of Web 3.0 in promoting a green supply chain, lack empirical evidence explaining how this efficiency is generated remains scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate this matter. By drawing upon relevant literature and leveraging the natural resource‐based view, a conceptual model is constructed and validated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). The analysis reveals that Web 3.0 can foster the formation of consensual thinking through its decentralized mechanism. This, in turn, enables firms to generate perceived value based on the efficiency of consensual thinking, leading to an increased intention to build mutual trust and facilitate green knowledge sharing among firms. Furthermore, the controllability provided by a permissioned mechanism enhances information security, guiding mutual trust among firms to evolve into trustless cooperation. As a result, firms exhibit full trust in each other, facilitating smoother green knowledge sharing. The influence of mutual trust and trustless cooperation in promoting green knowledge sharing contributes to the resilience of the supply chain and ultimately leads to superior green performance, contributing to environmentally sustainable development. This study provides valuable insights into the integration of the green supply chain and Web 3.0, filling a gap in the existing literature.
Rapid Estimation of Ethanol Concentration using Acousto‐Optic Diffraction
Authors: Nividha  , Shukla Ashish K. , Maiti Arnab , Bharat Biswajit , Jayaprakash K. R. , Khatua Saumyakanti , Thareja Prachi , Dey Krishna K.
Published: August 2023

Fast and accurate determination of ethanol concentration is important in alcohol industries for testing the purity and quality of their products. Here, we demonstrate a quick, robust, and accurate technique to estimate the concentration of ethanol in aqueous solutions. Our method utilizes the principle of diffraction of light in the presence of high frequency ultrasound waves that create diffraction grating in solution. A monochromatic light interacts with this acoustic grating and produces an intensity distribution pattern, which was used to determine the ethanol concentration. We measured ethanol concentrations in various alcoholic solutions and beverages at room temperature with very high accuracy down to 2 % over a concentration range of 30–100 %. The experimental results have been supported with analytical calculations and simulations. We believe that our method will benefit alcohol production industries and lead to the development of portable, inexpensive, and reliable ethanol concentration measurement devices.
Stretchable and Self‐Healable Fiber‐Shaped Conductors Suitable for Harsh Environments
Authors: Rong Mingming , Chen Dongdong , Hu Hong , Chen Fan , Zhang Yaokang , Xie Chuan , Chen Zijian , Yu You , Xie Yujie , Yao Haimin , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian
Published: August 2023

Fiber‐shaped conductors with high electrical conductivity, stretchability, and durability have attracted increasing attention due to their potential for integration into arbitrary wearable forms. However, these fiber conductors still suffer from low reliability and short life span, particularly in harsh environments. Herein, a conductive, environment‐tolerant, stretchable, and healable fiber conductor (CESH), which consists of a self‐healable and stretchable organohydrogel fiber core, a conductive and buckled silver nanowire coating, and a self‐healable and waterproof protective sheath, is reported. Such a multilayer core–sheath design not only offers high stretchability (≈2400%), high electrical conductivity (1.0 × 106 S m−1), outstanding self‐healing ability and durability, but also possesses unprecedented tolerance in harsh environments including wide working temperature (−60–20 °C), arid (≈10 % RH (RH: room humidity)), and underwater conditions. As proof‐of‐concept demonstrations, CESHs are integrated into various wearable formats as interconnectors to steadily perform the electric function under different mechanical deformations and harsh conditions. Such a new type of multifunctional fiber conductors can bridge the gap in stretchable and self‐healing fiber technologies by providing ultrastable electrical conductance and excellent environmental tolerance, which can greatly expand the range of applications for fiber conductors.
Understanding and Advancing Bifacial Thin Film Solar Cells under Dual Illumination
Authors: Phillips Adam B. , Friedl Jared D. , Ottinger Philip , Carter Steven L. , Song Zhaoning , Abudulimu Abasi , Bastola Ebin , Li Deng-Bing , Yan Yanfa , Ellingson Randy J. , Heben Michael J.
Published: August 2023

There is a great deal of interest in increasing the energy yield from thin film solar cells by implementing bifacial operation. However, deleterious band bending and high interface recombination at the back transparent electrode can cause problems. Herein, it is investigated how bifacial thin film devices perform when illuminated through the front, back, and simultaneously through both interfaces using numerical modeling. It is shown that the downward band bending near the back interface is reduced during illumination when the carrier concentration is low. This effect is not found when the doping is relatively high, but the minority carrier distribution is still modified. Under either condition, the power generated under bifacial illumination exceeds the sum of the power generated when the illumination is solely from the back or the front. It is also shown that the back‐illuminated device performance is independent of the angle at which the light enters the back of the device, which provides accommodation for scattered light. Finally, the power enhancement is calculated for bifacial devices relative to front‐illuminated devices, and is shown that any significant loss in frontside power generation is difficult to overcome with back illumination under real‐world albedo conditions.
Investigation of Pellet Shape on the Hydrogen Reduction of Iron Oxide Using Mathematical Modeling and Image Processing
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Masih , Kasiri Norollah , Rezaei Mehran , Mohammad Mirzaei Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2023

Due to environmental concerns and climate change, the use of hydrogen gas in the reduction of iron oxide has gained more attention recently. Many factors can affect the reduction of iron oxide pellets, and among them, a few studies have considered the shape of iron oxide pellets as a parameter. To evaluate how much the pellets may diverge from their ideal state, the circularity of the pellets is evaluated in this study using an image processing technique. Although this falls to as low as 0.75 in some cases, the computed average circularity of the pellets is 0.96. Afterward, considering that the reaction is non‐catalytic, mathematical modeling is used to develop an unreacted shrinking core model with three interfaces. The examination of the pellet's shape is conducted using this model, resulting in relative errors of 11.13% and 25.02% for the total conversion time at shape factor values of 0.9 and 0.8, respectively. Finally, the impact of the shape factor is demonstrated by varying each of the process parameters, including temperature, pressure, reduction gas composition, and pellet size.
Potential of bone morphogenetic protein-7 in treatment of lupus nephritis: addressing the hurdles to implementation
Authors: Smith Carine , du Toit Riette , Ollewagen Tracey
Published: August 2023

Up to 50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients world-wide develop lupus nephritis (LN). In low to middle income countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, where SLE is prevalent with a more aggressive course, LN and end stage renal disease is a major cause of mortality. While developed countries have the funding to invest in SLE and LN research, patients of African descent are often underrepresented in clinical trials. Thus, the complex influence of ethnicity and genetic background on outcome of LN and SLE as a whole, is not fully understood. Several pathophysiological mechanisms including major role players driving LN have been identified. A large body of literature suggest that prevention of fibrosis—which contributes to chronicity of LN—may significantly improve long-term prognosis. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) was first identified as a therapeutic option in this context decades ago and evidence of its benefit in various conditions, including LN, is ever-increasing. Despite these facts, BMP-7 is not being implemented as therapy in the context of renal disease. With this review, we briefly summarise current understanding of LN pathology and discuss the evidence in support of therapeutic potential of BMP-7 in this context. Lastly, we address the obstacles that need to be overcome, before BMP-7 may become available as LN treatment.
Modelling and analysing supply chain disruption: a case of online grocery retailer
Authors: Mogale D. G. , Wang Xun , Demir Emrah , Rodrigues Vasco Sanchez
Published: August 2023

Supply Chains (SCs) are becoming more vulnerable to disruption risks because of globalisation, competitiveness, and uncertainties. This study is motivated by an online grocery retailer in the UK that experienced multiple disruption risks, such as demand and supply shocks, facility closures, and disruption propagation simultaneously in 2020. The main purpose of this study is to model and perform quantitative analyses of a range of SC disruption risks affecting the UK online retailer. We have attempted to study how UK retailers responded to the first and second waves of the pandemic and the effect on multiple products. Six scenarios are developed based on SC disruption risks and their impacts on SC performance are analysed. The quantitative analysis of two strategies used by grocery retailers during the pandemic, namely vulnerable priority delivery slots and rationing of products, illustrates that rationing of products had a greater SC impact than the use of priority delivery slots. The effects of two resilience strategies, backup supplier and ramping up distribution centre capacity, are also quantified and discussed. Novel managerial insights and theoretical implications are discussed to make online grocery SC more resilient and robust during future disruptions.
Value creation and capture in decentralized finance markets: Non-fungible tokens as a class of digital assets
Authors: Schwiderowski Jan , Pedersen Asger Balle , Jensen Jonas Kasper , Beck Roman
Published: August 2023

Information technology (IT) has radically changed the financial services industry, with the most recent transformation toward Fintech and decentralized finance (DeFi), driven by blockchain. Especially, non-fungible token (NFT) assets within DeFi are redefining how value is created and disseminated, for instance, in the art industry. However, DeFi and NFT market dynamics are not yet well understood. Using a thematic analysis based on 14 interviews with major NFT stakeholders (i.e., marketplace providers, artists, and investing collectors), we identify these NFT stakeholders’ different motivations and strategic options and explain the value creation and capture dynamics in the NFT art market resulting from their interactions. We argue for decomposing an NFT’s value into an NFT-intrinsic and an NFT-extrinsic part. Finally, we elaborate that art NFTs are not a new class of assets because many of their properties are similar to related assets such as physical art and cryptocurrencies.
A Mega-Analysis of the Relationship Between Breath Counting Test Performance and Subscales of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire
Authors: Ching April Shi Min , Lim Julian
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The assessment of mindfulness has relied predominantly on self-report questionnaires, indicating a need for alternative methods based on objective data. The Breath-Counting Task (BCT) has been proposed as a viable candidate by several mindfulness researchers, but has been subject to relatively little scientific scrutiny.

Method

We conducted a mega-analysis using combined data from five separate studies, using multiple linear regression models to examine the relationship between BCT performance and self-reported mindfulness after controlling for age and gender. We examined associations with trait mindfulness as indexed by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).

Results

Accuracy on the BCT correlated only with a combined dataset of z-scores derived from FFMQ-Acting with Awareness and MAAS. We also examined associations with two different types of task errors: miscounts (uncaught errors) and resets (self-caught errors). While reset rates correlated with FFMQ-Acting with Awareness, miscount rates did not correlate with any mindfulness measure.

Conclusions

Our analyses provide confirmatory evidence that BCT performance is related to the attentional aspects of trait mindfulness and not its attitudinal aspects – however the relevant correlations are fairly small. In seeking an objective measure of mindful attention, the weak association observed with BCT resets and the lack thereof with BCT accuracy suggests more promise in paradigms based on self-monitoring lapses of attention, while sustained attention tasks such as the present BCT may be of limited application among individuals new to meditation due to their lack of prior practice.
A geostatistical approach to estimate flow duration curve parameters in ungauged basins
Authors: Goodarzi Mohammad Reza , Vazirian Majid
Published: August 2023

Flow duration curve represents the percentage of time that a river flow is equal to or greater. As these curves provide a direct response to the behavior of water resources in a basin, which is used widely in hydropower projects, it is important to predict flow duration curves in no metering basins, named “ungagged basins.” The geostatistical approach to predict the values of these curves in non-measured stations shows the expansion of the range of studies in this topic. The aim of this study is to predict the flow duration curve over long periods of time in a basin with ungauged regions using probability kriging, inverse distance weighting (IDW) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Flow data from 38 flow measuring stations in the Dez Basin were used to map different discharges of the flow duration curve, and as a result, in order to complete their values, zone and quantify them, three different values of Q10, Q50 and Q90 of the flow duration curve acquired. The results show that as the flow rate increases (or the time percentage decreases), the amount of computational error increases and in all cases, the probability kriging method has a smaller error (0.96) than the IDW (1.65) and ML (1.15) methods.
Healthy Eating Policy and Public Reason in a Complex World: Normative and Empirical Issues
Authors: Barnhill Anne , Bonotti Matteo
Published: August 2023

Who gets to decide what it means to live a healthy lifestyle, and how important a healthy lifestyle is to a good life? As more governments make preventing obesity and diet-related illness a priority, it has become more important to consider the ethics and acceptability of their efforts. When it comes to laws and policies that promote healthy eating—such as special taxes on sugary drinks or programs to encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables—critics argue that these policies are paternalistic, and that they limit individual autonomy over food choices. In our book Healthy Eating Policy and Political Philosophy: A Public Reason Approach (Barnhill and Bonotti 2022), we argue that both paternalistic justifications for healthy eating efforts and anti-paternalistic arguments against them can be grounded in perfectionist views that overly prioritize some values over others. We therefore propose a more inclusive, public reason approach to healthy eating policy that will be appealing to those who take pluralism and cultural diversity seriously, by providing a framework through which different kinds of values, including but not limited to autonomy and health, can be factored into the public justification for healthy eating efforts. Additionally, the book adopts a ‘farm to fork’ approach to the ethics of healthy eating efforts: it engages with theories and debates in political philosophy, considers the implications of different theoretical positions for healthy eating efforts, and then develops a framework for assessing policies that can be used by researchers and policymakers. As well as offering a novel normative analysis of healthy eating policy, we also provide a theoretical framework that will be applicable beyond healthy eating policy to a wide range of public policy scenarios. We are extremely grateful to the contributors to this symposium for their thoughtful commentaries on our book. In this article, we provide a critical reflection on the issues they raise with regard to some key aspects of our analysis.
Release of liquid CO2 from the bottom of a duct
Authors: Ibrahim Osama M. , Gaathaug André Vagner , Hansen Per Morten , Bjerketvedt Dag , Vaagsaether Knut
Published: August 2023

This paper presents experimental results of the rapid phase transition of liquid CO2released from the bottom of a small rectangular duct (BR). The aim is to consider the factors influencing the phase transitions and the release rate if the rupture area is below the liquid level. The tests are initiated by rupturing the diaphragm separating the test section from an atmospheric chamber. Pressure and temperature measurements are used to analyze the phase transition. Also, a high-speed shadowgraph technique is used to visualize the waves. The results are compared with previous top-release tests (TR), where the rupture area is sited above the liquid level. Test results show that the duct’s outlet flow behavior for the BR differs from the TR tests, wherein the gas/two-phase flow is choking. In the BR tests, the shadowgraph images demonstrate that when the liquid/two-phase flows out, the liquid/vapor interface remains nearly fixed until it breaks up. This behavior indicates that the headspace vapor has little influence on the initial evaporation in the BR tests. The results from the current BR tests indicate a lower degree of superheating than in the TR tests (it decreases by 34% for LVF = 66.0%), and the evaporation rate is 1.2–1.8 times faster.

Graphical abstract
Which Soil Properties Determine Tree Nutrient Supply in Extreme Technosol Conditions?
Authors: Świątek Bartłomiej , Pietrzykowski Marcin , Sroka Katarzyna , Otremba Krzysztof , Chodak Marcin
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the selection of tree species for their adaptation to difficult habitat conditions in post-mining areas. As global climate change can cause changes in the circulation of elements, it is vital to understand how soil and habitat conditions affect the mineral nutritional status of trees.

The study compared the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in the leaves of various tree species on different substrates created by mining activities. The research was carried out in stands growing on reclaimed post-mining soils composed of various parent materials, including sands, clays, and ashes. The factors influencing the N and P supply to trees in the designated parent material were investigated. The soil’s physicochemical properties were determined, and biochemical analyses were conducted. The tests performed showed that there were no differences in the N and P content in the leaves of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), and common birch (Larix decidua) growing on different substrates. The results confirmed a significant relationship between the mineral nutritional status of trees and the chemical (N, Mg2+, and K+) and biological (AcdPhoSP) properties of soils. The N supply was related to the contents of nitrogen total (Ntot) and exchangeable magnesium (Mg2+) in soils and to the specific activity of acid phosphatase (AcdPhoSP). The level of phosphorus (P) supply to the studied tree species growing on technogenic soils was shown to be a factor related to the activity of acid phosphatase (AcdPhoSP).
Current landscape and challenges ahead of immuno-molecular mechanism and immunotherapy strategy of brain metastases
Authors: Guo Hanfei , Wang Bin , Li Wenqian , Chen Naifei , Cui Jiuwei
Published: August 2023

Brain metastases are the most common central nervous system malignancies in adults. The popular view is that due to the existence of the blood–brain barrier, whether there are immune cells in the central nervous system has always been controversial. Current research shows that immune cells do exist in the central nervous system and play a vital role in the occurrence and development of brain metastasis. The central nervous system has a unique immune microenvironment, and the study of its mechanism is of great significance for the prediction and treatment of brain metastases. This article aims to discuss the components of the brain tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune mechanism of tumor brain metastasis, in the hopes of making better treatment through combination therapy.
Interface-enhanced superconductivity in monolayer 1T′-MoTe2 on SrTiO3(001)
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhao Chenxiao , Xia Bing , Ma Haiyang , Chen Hongyuan , Cai Jie , Yang Hao , Liu Xiaoxue , Liu Liang , Guan Dandan , Wang Shiyong , Li Yaoyi , Liu Canhua , Zheng Hao , Jia Jinfeng
Published: August 2023

Introducing superconductivity into two-dimensional (2D) films with nontrivial topology has been intensively pursued as one of the feasible scenarios to realize 1D topological superconductor. Prevailing endeavors mostly exploit the external gating or proximity effect of a traditional superconductor, by which the critical temperatures ($T_{\mathrm{c}}$

T
c

) are limited to several Kelvin range. Here, we report on the discovery of interface-enhanced superconductivity in monolayer 1T′-MoTe2 film. A thermally driven phase transition from Mo6Te6 nanowires to 1T′-MoTe2 films, grown on SrTiO3(001) surface by the molecular beam epitaxial methods, is demonstrated. A combined study of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, electrical transport and magnetization measurements indicates the $T_{\mathrm{c}}$

T
c

of MoTe2 film is around 30 K, two orders of magnitude larger than its 3D counterpart crystal. This study shows that interfacial engineering is an efficient way to tune monolayer 1T′-MoTe2 film into superconducting states, and thus may pave the way toward higher-$T_{\mathrm{c}}$

T
c

1D intrinsic topological superconductivity.