bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Much to Invest and What Degree to Get? Education As a Strategy on the Labour Market Scale
Authors: Andrade Rosas Luis Antonio , Lomelí Perla
Published: September 2023

When workers hear about a possible promotion, it is common for them to get training, and they can do so through education. However, there is the possibility that the worker needs to receive a salary according to the knowledge acquired in such training. In this study, considering a population of employed workers with incomplete secondary school, we apply game theory concepts to explore whether workers can train through study. If so, the model shows the percentage of the salary the worker is willing to invest in his education. Furthermore, the cost of studying implicitly involves an opportunity cost, deduced quantitatively in the model. In conclusion, our article defines specific thresholds to decide if the worker should study, the economic investment, and the time he would spend on it, depending on how strict the company is in auditing. The analysis does not define a Nash equilibrium since the company’s reaction is not considered.
Identifying the Factors Influencing Mathematics Teachers' Grading Practices Regarding Students' In-Class Performance: A Reliability and Validity Study
Authors: Birgin Osman , Yılmaz Murat
Published: September 2023

This study aims to develop a scale to identify the factors influencing mathematics teachers' grading practices regarding students' in-class performance. The study was carried out with 180 secondary and 140 high school mathematics teachers from the southwestern region of Türkiye. The scale’s construct validity was determined using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA results showed that the scale consisted of a 5-point Likert-type scale with 36 items under eight factors (mathematical knowledge and skills, social behaviors, affective skills, effort, homework performance, follow-up test results, academic exam results, and external benchmarks). The scale explained 70.02% of the total variance, with factor loadings ranging from 0.50 to 0.92. The item-total correlations ranged from 0.36 to 0.64, and t-test results for the item discrimination index were significant. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall scale was calculated to be 0.92. The CFA results indicated that the scale model had a good fit (Chi-square/df = 1.39; RMSEA = 0.051; IFI = 0.98; NNFI = 0.97; CFI= 0.98; and SRMR = 0.062). Based on the findings, the scale is a valid and reliable instrument that may be used in determining the factors influencing mathematics teachers’ grading practices.
Grandeur et misère liées à la mise en oeuvre d’une expérience de gouvernance territoriale en milieu semi-urbain au Nouveau-Brunswick : le cas de la démarche VADA à Saint-Quentin et à Grand-Sault
Authors: Simard Majella , Paris Mario
Published: September 2023

En 2007, l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a publié un guide mondial permettant aux acteurs d’innover sur les environnements bâti et social afin d’assurer un vieillissement actif des aînés. Ce guide propose aux municipalités d’adopter l’approche « ville-amie des aînés » (VADA) en améliorant les infrastructures et les équipements mis à leur disposition ainsi que les services, notamment en matière de loisir, de santé et de transport. Notre article a pour but d’évaluer la portée des mesures mises en place par les différents acteurs sociaux de Saint-Quentin et de Grand-Sault au Nouveau-Brunswick, deux localités ayant entrepris la démarche VADA. Sur le plan théorique, notre cadrage repose sur le modèle de gérontologie environnementale qui agit sur le processus de gouvernance territoriale. Préconisant une approche qualitative, notre méthode d’analyse a consisté en la réalisation d’entrevues semi-dirigées effectuées auprès d’intervenants et de partenaires impliqués dans la démarche VADA et en la tenue de groupes de discussion auprès d’aînés. En dépit de la volonté manifestée par les élus, nos résultats révèlent que la démarche a relativement peu contribué à l’amélioration de la qualité de vie des aînés en raison de difficultés liées à l’absence d’un leadership partagé, aux nouvelles responsabilités que doivent assumer les acteurs locaux, à des problèmes de communication, de concertation et de démobilisation, mais aussi à la méconnaissance du projet, tant de la part des acteurs sociaux que des aînés, et à l’actuelle pandémie.
From The Furious Passage (1966) to Living in Fire (2019)
Authors: Pruitt William Henry
Published: September 2023

This review essay compares the research methodologies and narrative strategies of
Baldwin biographies as well as their main claims. Analyzing these books in their
chronological order, it seeks to chart a history of book-length knowledge
production about the dynamics between Baldwin’s ideas, art, personal
life, and public roles. The conclusion of this review essay heralds the future
of biographical research in Baldwin Studies. It also proposes two new narratives
about Baldwin: a chronicle of his responses to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation’s surveillance of him and a broader chronicle of his
responses to Cold War conservatism.
Bīstamo vielu lietošanas drošība
Authors: Urbāne Valentīna , Lavendele Skaidrīte
Published: September 2023

Mācību grāmata paredzēta profesionālās maģistra studiju programmas “Darba aizsardzība” studentiem, kas apgūst studiju kursu par bīstamo vielu lietošanas drošību. Grāmata būs noderīga arī darba aizsardzības speciālistiem, kas ir saistīti ar darba vides risku izvērtēšanu saistībā ar dažādu cilvēka organismam kaitīgu vielu lietošanu ražošanas un citos uzņēmumos. Grāmatā klasificētas bīstamības kategorijas, detalizēti aplūkotas neorganiskas un organiskas bīstamās vielas, kā arī sniegts ievads toksikoloģijā un toksikometrijā.
How can historical disciplines help a STEM student?(features of conducting practical classes)
Authors: Kudina Iuliia Igorevna , Munzhukova Svetlana Igorevna
Published: September 2023

The article talks about the distinctive features of teaching history disciplines in a technological university. As a rule, students are offered Humanities courses at the beginning of their program. On the one hand, this makes it easier for the instructor as first-year students are likely to remember something from what they studied at school. On the other hand, it makes the instructor’s task more difficult since students often have no interest in studying such disciplines. To ensure effective course delivery, several methods encouraging student involvement are proposed. The main methods include: cohesive presentation; lively, clear and informative visual content; use of interactive materials in class and alternation of different types of practical sessions. One can also find a detailed description of classes that received a positive response from the audience. The novelty of the research lies in the selection of tasks based on historical materials for practicals in a way that provides students with useful skills for further studies and work. The tasks given at the beginning of the course train students to plan their work, making a report or a brief project presentation allows them to improve public speaking skills as well as self-presentation. Participation in debates is important for learning not only how to argue one's point of view, but also how to work in a team. Also, creating one’s own infographics allows a student to master new programs and try to present a huge amount of information in a concise and vivid way. Such a skill set will prove useful for students when working in business, advertising, graphic design or IT while exploration of various aspects of history will broaden their horizons.
Structural rather than catalytic role for mitochondrial respiratory chain supercomplexes
Authors: Brischigliaro Michele , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Arnold Susanne , Viscomi Carlo , Zeviani Massimo , Fernández-Vizarra Erika
Published: September 2023

Mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes are able to associate into quaternary structures named supercomplexes (SCs), which normally coexist with non bound individual complexes. The functional significance of SCs has not been fully clarified and the debate has been centered on whether or not they confer catalytic advantages to the non-bound individual complexes. Mitochondrial respiratory chain organization does not seem to be conserved in all organisms. In fact, and differently from mammalian species, mitochondria from
Drosophila melanogaster
tissues are characterized by low amounts of SCs, despite the high metabolic demands and MRC activity shown by these mitochondria. Here, we show that attenuating the biogenesis of individual respiratory chain complexes was accompanied by increased formation of stable SCs, which are missing in
Drosophila melanogaster
in physiological conditions. This phenomenon was not accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial respiratory activity. Therefore, we conclude that SC formation is necessary to stabilize the complexes in suboptimal biogenetic conditions, but not for the enhancement of respiratory chain catalysis.
Downregulation of Dickkopf-3, a Wnt antagonist elevated in Alzheimer’s disease, restores synapse integrity and memory in a disease mouse model
Authors: Martin-Flores Nuria , Podpolny Marina , McLeod Faye , Workman Isaac , Crawford Karen , Ivanov Dobril , Leonenko Ganna , Escott-Price Valentina , Salinas Patricia C.
Published: September 2023

Increasing evidence supports a role for deficient Wnt signaling in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies reveal that the secreted Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) colocalizes to amyloid plaques in AD patients. Here, we investigate the contribution of DKK3 to synapse integrity in healthy and AD brains. Our findings show that DKK3 expression is upregulated in the brains of AD subjects and that DKK3 protein levels increase at early stages in the disease. In hAPP- J20 and hAPP
NL-G-F/NL-G-F
AD models, extracellular DKK3 levels are increased and DKK3 accumulates at dystrophic neuronal processes around plaques. Functionally, DKK3 triggers the loss of excitatory synapses through blockade of the Wnt/GSK3β signaling with a concomitant increase in inhibitory synapses signaling via activation of the Wnt/JNK pathway. In contrast, DKK3 knockdown restores synapse number and memory in hAPP-J20 mice. Collectively, our findings identify DKK3 as a novel driver of synaptic defects and memory impairment in AD.
Cholinergic input to mouse visual cortex signals a movement state and acutely enhances layer 5 responsiveness
Authors: Yogesh Baba , Keller Georg B.
Published: September 2023

Acetylcholine is released in visual cortex by axonal projections from the basal forebrain. The signals conveyed by these projections and their computational significance are still unclear. Using two-photon calcium imaging in behaving mice, we show that basal forebrain cholinergic axons in the mouse visual cortex provide a binary locomotion state signal. In these axons, we found no evidence of responses to visual stimuli or visuomotor prediction errors. While optogenetic activation of cholinergic axons in visual cortex in isolation did not drive local neuronal activity, when paired with visuomotor stimuli, it resulted in layer-specific increases of neuronal activity. Responses in layer 5 excitatory neurons to both top-down and bottom-up inputs were increased in amplitude and decreased in latency, whereas those in layer 2/3 neurons remained unchanged. Using opto- and chemogenetic manipulations of cholinergic activity, we found acetylcholine to underlie the locomotion-associated decorrelation of activity between excitatory neurons in both layer 2/3 and layer 5. Our results suggest that acetylcholine augments the responsiveness of layer 5 neurons to inputs from outside of the local network, enabling faster switching between internal representations during locomotion.
Music emotion representation based on non-negative matrix factorization algorithm and user label information
Authors: Tian Yuan
Published: September 2023

Music emotion representation learning forms the foundation of user emotion recognition, addressing the challenges posed by the vast volume of digital music data and the scarcity of emotion annotation data. This article introduces a novel music emotion representation model, leveraging the nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm (NMF) to derive emotional embeddings of music by utilizing user-generated listening lists and emotional labels. This approach facilitates emotion recognition by positioning music within the emotional space. Furthermore, a dedicated music emotion recognition algorithm is formulated, alongside the proposal of a user emotion recognition model, which employs similarity-weighted calculations to obtain user emotion representations. Experimental findings demonstrate the method’s convergence after a mere 400 iterations, yielding a remarkable 47.62% increase in F1 value across all emotion classes. In practical testing scenarios, the comprehensive accuracy rate of user emotion recognition attains an impressive 52.7%, effectively discerning emotions within seven emotion categories and accurately identifying users’ emotional states.
Levels of PIVKA-II and alpha-fetoprotein in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma compared to healthy controls and predictive values of both markers with radiological responses after loco-regional interventions
Authors: Hamzah Norhanan , Kassim Nur Karyatee , Omar Julia , Abdullah Mohd Shafie , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: September 2023

Background

The significance of the current study was to determine normative levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in patients with unresectable HCC and healthy participants. The second goal was to assess the roles of PIVKA-II and AFP in predicting radiological response after loco-regional therapy.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive samples of HCC patients and healthy controls. Venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and after interventions to determine serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. Radiologic responses were determined based on the WHO criteria.

Results

Fifty-four HCC patients (mean age 58.9 years, 49 males) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 33.5 years, 26 males) were recruited. The median serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in HCC vs. healthy controls were 988.4 vs. 24.2 mAU/ml and 13.6 vs. 1.7 ng/ml, respectively (both p < 0.001). With ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for PIVKA-II was 0.95 95% CI [0.90–0.99], and for AFP it was 0.98, 95% CI [0.95–1.0]). The cut-off value for PIVKA-II was 41.4 mAU/ml, and AFP was 4.8 ng/ml. PIVKA-II levels correlated significantly with radiological responses (r = 0.64, p = 0.02) but not AFP (r = 0.09, p = 0.2).

Conclusion

PIVKA-II and AFP levels are distinctive between unresectable HCC and healthy controls. However, PIVKA-II, not AFP, can predict the radiological response after loco-regional therapy.
Software Defect Prediction System Based on Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Chinenye Obidike , Anyachebelu Kene Tochukwu , Abdullahi Muhammad Umar
Published: September 2023

Software defect prediction plays a crucial role in ensuring software quality and minimizing the potential risks associated with defects. This study aims to develop a comprehensive software defect prediction system that utilizes tree-based algorithms to enhance accuracy, feature selection, and evaluation metrics. The study addresses the limitations of previous research by considering a broader range of datasets, comparing computational efficiency with other ensemble techniques, and examining the impact of hyperparameters on model performance. The implemented system consists of three stages: dataset loading, processing, and result presentation. The dataset loading page allows users to upload their datasets in CSV format, simplifying the prediction process. The processing page performs essential tasks such as feature engineering, normalization using minimax normalization, and training the model with the decision tree algorithm. These steps ensure the extraction of relevant features, transformation of data, and learning of patterns and correlations for accurate software defect prediction. The study emphasizes the practical implementation of the developed system, going beyond model evaluation. By providing a fully functional and integrated system, this study bridges the gap between research and real-world application. The findings of this study contribute to the field of software defect prediction by offering an improved system that enhances accuracy, feature selection, and evaluation metrics. This has implications for software development and quality assurance processes, ultimately leading to higher software quality and increased productivity.
Orthogonal Polynomials and Operator Convergence in Hilbert Spaces: Norm-Attainability, Uniform Boundedness, and Compactness
Authors: Evans Mogoi
Published: September 2023

This research paper investigates the convergence properties of operators constructed from orthogonal polynomials in the context of Hilbert spaces. The study establishes norm-attainability and explores the uniform boundedness of these operators, extending the analysis to include complex-valued orthogonal polynomials. Additionally, the paper uncovers connections between operator compactness and the convergence behaviors of orthogonal polynomial operators, revealing how sequences of these operators converge weakly to both identity and zero operators. These results advance our understanding of the intricate interplay betweenalgebraic and analytical properties in Hilbert spaces, contributing to fields such as functional analysis and approximation theory. The research sheds new light on the fundamental connections underlying the behavior of operators defined by orthogonal polynomials in diverse Hilbert space settings.
Study of Ecological Diversity of Predatory Asopinae Bugs in the Agro-ecosystem of the Mid-Western Plains
Authors: Maheshwari Sourabh , Singh K. K. , Chandana M. Siri , Kachave Sushil Bhagwanrao , Baliyan Shudhanshu , Mishra Pramod Kumar , Gupta Shivangi
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the seasonal abundance of Asopinae predatory stink bugs within an agro-ecosystem. This research was carried out by utilizing sweep nets to collect these insects during the period spanning from May to August in the year 2022. The survey yielded two prominent species of predaceous bugs, specifically Andrallus spinidens and Eocanthecona furcellata. Interestingly, E. furcellata emerged as the dominant species within the field conditions. A noteworthy phenomenon occurred in June when a sudden surge in the population of both species was observed. This population increase was attributed to the presence of lepidopteran larvae in the field, which likely served as a rich food source for these predatory stink bugs. The ecological analysis revealed some important findings regarding the diversity and distribution of these insects in the agro-ecosystem. Specifically, the Shannon Diversity Index was notably low, registering at less than 1.99, indicating a limited variety of species within the sampled population. Similarly, the Simpson Index indicated a low degree of diversity or heterogeneity, falling within the range of 0.01 to 0.04, which further supports the notion of a relatively homogeneous population. Additionally, the Margalef Richness Index signalled a level of disturbance, measuring less than 2.05. This disturbance could be linked to various factors affecting the ecosystem, including changes in agricultural practices or environmental conditions. Lastly, the Dominance Index was relatively high, ranging between 0.5 and 1.0, signifying that a few dominant species, particularly E. furcellata, exerted a significant influence within the ecosystem. In summary, the ecological indices suggested limited diversity, low heterogeneity, disturbance, and dominance within the stink bug population, shedding light on the dynamics of these beneficial insects in the agro-ecosystem.
PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN HANDSANITIZER BERFORMULASI WHO SERTA EDUKASI PERILAKU HIDUP BERSIH DAN SEHAT DI SDN SUKATANI III KARAWANG
Authors: Pambudi Teguh , Umam Hilman Imadul , Perdani Meka Saima , Wahyuningtyas Aulia , Aeni Alfieta Rohmaful , Yuliasari Fitri
Published: September 2023

Telah dilaksanakan kegiatan pelatihan pembuatan handsanitizer serta sosialisasi perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS) pada siswa-siswi khususnya kelas empat sampai kelas enam SDN Sukatani III Kab. Karawang. Kegiatan pelatihan tersebut dilaksanakan melalui dua sesi yaitu pelatihan terstruktur dan pelatihan partisipatif. Pelatihan terstruktur dilaksanakan melalui metode penyampaian materi aktif dan interaktif melalui ceramah dan demonstrasi mengenai sosialisasi PHBS dan pengarahan cara mencuci tangan yang baik serta demonstrasi pembuatan handsanitizer yang dilakukan oleh pemateri. Selanjutnya pelatihan partisipatif dilaksanakan dengan melakukan praktek langsung pembuatan handsanitizer sesuai dengan prosedur pembuatan handsanitizer yang dikeluarkan oleh WHO. Kegiatan pelatihan pembuatan handsanitizer dan sosialisasi PHBS menjadi salah satu upaya dalam menghadapi kondisi pasca pandemi Covid-19. Hasil dari kegiatan sosialisasi PHBS di lingkungan sekolah ini mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan siswa mengenai PHBS yang dapat diterapkan di lingkungan rumah dan sekolah dalam melaksanakan kegiatan belajar di masa adaptasi pasca pandemi Covid-19. Pada kegiatan praktek langsung pembuatan handsanitizer para peserta mampu meningkatkan keterampilan sains, meningkatkan wawasan peserta mengenai profesi sainstis, serta mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan peserta mengenai alat dan bahan kimia. Tindak lanjut dari kegiatan pelatihan ini supaya terus dilakukan evaluasi berkala terkait PHBS di lingkungan SDN Sukatani III Kab. Karawang. Untuk mengoptimalkan hasil sosialisasi maka perlu didukung dengan berbagai media seperti poster PHBS yang ditempel di lingkungan sekolah.
Mild and Efficient Method for the In Situ Preparation of High‐Quality MXene Materials Enabled by Hexafluoro Complex Anion Contained Salts Etching
Authors: Liu Peng , Pan Rongyu , Li Bingqing , Su Zhong , Lin Bencai , Tong Minman
Published: September 2023

MXene is a promising two‐dimensional (2D) material for energy storage applications owing to its exceptional conductivity and controllable surface chemistry. Currently, aqueous etching methods for the preparation of MXene sheets require a substantial quantity of HF or HCl, leading to issues such as structural defects in the MXene sheets and severe corrosiveness due to the acidic nature of these etchants. This study proposes a mild in situ etching strategy for the preparation of MXene materials through hexafluoro complex anion hydrolysis etching. Etching is accomplished by gradually introducing water into a suspension composed of hexafluoro complex, ethanol, and Ti3AlC2. This process results in the production of high‐quality MXene in a mild reaction environment with the weak acidity of the solution, making it suitable for scalable synthesis and process applications. Moreover, the inclusion of ethanol in the etching process increases the interlamellar spacing of MXene, thereby facilitating the stripping process and ultimately yielding of 28% in the production of single‐layer MXene through shaking. The MXene incorporated into the Si/C anode demonstrates a notable reversible cycling capacity of 563 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles, accompanied by an initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 83%, surpassing the performance of Si/C anodes modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Super P. The approach presented in this study offers a promising pathway for the safe, straightforward, and sustainable production of high‐quality MXene materials.
Bulk‐Switching Memristor‐Based Compute‐In‐Memory Module for Deep Neural Network Training
Authors: Wu Yuting , Wang Qiwen , Wang Ziyu , Wang Xinxin , Ayyagari Buvna , Krishnan Siddarth , Chudzik Michael , Lu Wei D.
Published: September 2023

The constant drive to achieve higher performance in deep neural networks (DNNs) has led to the proliferation of very large models. Model training, however, requires intensive computation time and energy. Memristor‐based compute‐in‐memory (CIM) modules can perform vector‐matrix multiplication (VMM) in place and in parallel, and have shown great promises in DNN inference applications. However, CIM‐based model training faces challenges due to non‐linear weight updates, device variations, and low‐precision. In this work, a mixed‐precision training scheme is experimentally implemented to mitigate these effects using a bulk‐switching memristor‐based CIM module. Low‐precision CIM modules are used to accelerate the expensive VMM operations, with high‐precision weight updates accumulated in digital units. Memristor devices are only changed when the accumulated weight update value exceeds a pre‐defined threshold. The proposed scheme is implemented with a system‐onchip of fully integrated analog CIM modules and digital sub‐systems, showing fast convergence of LeNet training to 97.73%. The efficacy of training larger models is evaluated using realistic hardware parameters and verifies that CIM modules can enable efficient mix‐precision DNN training with accuracy comparable to full‐precision software‐trained models. Additionally, models trained on chip are inherently robust to hardware variations, allowing direct mapping to CIM inference chips without additional re‐training.
Low‐Cost Preparation of High‐Performance Na‐B‐H‐S Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Wei , Song Changsheng , Li Shuyang , Liu Miao , He Huiwen , Yang Shaoyu , Xie Jin , Wang Fei , Fang Fang , Sun Dalin , Zhao Jie , Song Yun
Published: September 2023

All‐solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries have the potential to improve safety and mitigate the cost bottlenecks of the current lithium‐ion battery system if a high‐performance electrolyte with cost advantages can be easily synthesized. In this study, a one‐step dehydrogenation‐assisted strategy to synthesize the novel thio‐borohydride (Na‐B‐H‐S) electrolyte is proposed, in which both raw material cost and preparation temperature are significantly reduced. By using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) instead of B as a starting material, B atoms can be readily released from NaBH4 with much less energy and thus became more available to generate thio‐borohydride. The synthesized Na‐B‐H‐S (NaBH4/Na‐B‐S) electrolyte exhibits excellent compatibility with current cathode materials, including FeF3 (1.0–4.5 V), Na3V2(PO4)3 (2.0–4.0 V), and S (1.2–2.8 V). This novel Na‐B‐H‐S electrolyte will take a place in mainstream electrolytes because of its advantages in preparation, cost, and compatibility with various cathode materials.
High Sulfur Loading and Capacity Retention in Bilayer Garnet Sulfurized‐Polyacrylonitrile/Lithium‐Metal Batteries with Gel Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Shi Changmin , Takeuchi Saya , Alexander George V. , Hamann Tanner , O'Neill Jonathan , Dura Joseph A. , Wachsman Eric D.
Published: September 2023

The cubic‐garnet (Li7La3Zr2O12, LLZO) lithium–sulfur battery shows great promise in the pursuit of achieving high energy densities. The sulfur used in the cathodes is abundant, inexpensive, and possesses high specific capacity. In addition, LLZO displays excellent chemical stability with Li metal; however, the instabilities in the sulfur cathode/LLZO interface can lead to performance degradation that limits the development of these batteries. Therefore, it is critical to resolve these interfacial challenges to achieve stable cycling. Here, an innovative gel polymer buffer layer to stabilize the sulfur cathode/LLZO interface is created. Employing a thin bilayer LLZO (dense/porous) architecture as a solid electrolyte and significantly high sulfur loading of 5.2 mg cm−2, stable cycling is achieved with a high initial discharge capacity of 1542 mAh g−1 (discharge current density of 0.87 mA cm−2) and an average discharge capacity of 1218 mAh g−1 (discharge current density of 1.74 mA cm−2) with 80% capacity retention over 265 cycles, at room temperature (22 °C) and without applied pressure. Achieving such stability with high sulfur loading is a major step in the development of potentially commercial garnet lithium–sulfur batteries.
Gel Adsorbed Redox Mediators Tempo as Integrated Solid‐State Cathode for Ultra‐Long Life Quasi‐Solid‐State Na–Air Battery
Authors: Xu Bowen , Zhang Da , Peng Chao , Liang Feng , Zhao Huaping , Yang Bin , Xue Dongfeng , Lei Yong
Published: September 2023

In metal–air batteries, the integrated solid‐state cathode is considered a promising design because it can solve the problem of high interfacial resistance of conventional solid‐state cathodes. However, solid discharge products cannot be efficiently decomposed in an integrated solid‐state cathode, resulting in batteries that are unable to operate for long periods of time. Herein, an integrated solid‐state cathode (Gel‐Tempo cathode) of sodium–air batteries (SABs) capable of promoting efficient decomposition of discharge product Na2O2 is designed. The Gel‐Tempo cathode is synthesized by cationic–π interaction of redox mediator 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (Tempo) and ionic liquid with carbon nanotubes. The Gel‐Tempo cathode serves multiple functions as a redox mediator, flame retardancy, and high stability to air. In quasi‐solid‐state SABs, the Gel‐Tempo cathode reduces overpotential to 1.15 V and improves coulomb efficiency to 84.5% (at a limited discharge capacity of 3000 mAh g−1) compared to gel cathodes. Experiments and density functional theory calculations indicate that Tempo significantly reduces the Gibbs free energy in the decomposition reaction of Na2O2, and high Tempo content is more conducive to enhancing the decomposition kinetics of Na2O2 and hence resulting in an ultra‐long cycle life (1746 h). This work is crucial to promote practical applications of SABs, providing guidelines for functionalization design of integrated solid‐state cathodes for metal–air batteries.
Modulating the Growth of Nonfullerene Acceptors Toward Efficient and Stable Organic Solar Cells Processed by High‐Boiling‐Point Solvents
Authors: Ma Xueqing , Ran Guangliu , Li Hongxiang , Liu Yuqiang , Cui Xinyue , Lu Hao , Yin Zhe , Li Dawei , Zhang Huarui , Liu Wenlong , Yu Jifa , Lin Yi , Liu Yahui , Zhang Wenkai , Lu Guanghao , Bo Laju , Cheng Pei , Ma Zaifei , Bo Zhishan
Published: September 2023

High‐boiling‐point solvents are considered to be decent solvents for the preparation of large‐area organic solar cells (OSCs) because of their wide processing window. However, the efficiency of OSCs processed by high‐boiling‐point solvents is still unsatisfactory. Herein, it is found that the agglomerate growth of nonfullerene acceptors into micrometer‐sized domains is the main reason for poor efficiency. A facile rapid molding process (RMP) scheme is proposed to solve this problem by adjusting the nucleation and growth behavior of acceptor molecules. RMP enables the blend films with interpenetrating networks and higher crystallinity, which is in favor of faster exciton separation and lower recombination losses. As a result, the power convention efficiency (PCE) is improved from 15.91% (reference) to 18.32% (RMP) for PL1:BTP‐eC9‐4F OSCs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the champion efficiency of OSCs processed with high‐boiling‐point solvents. Meanwhile, RMP devices maintain 85% or 90% of the initial PCE after real day/night cycling in the air for over 2000 h or after continuous thermal aging at 85 °C in nitrogen for 500 h, respectively.
Cancer incidence in World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers by race and ethnicity
Authors: Khalifeh Malak , Goldfarb David G. , Zeig‐Owens Rachel , Todd Andrew C. , Shapiro Moshe Z. , Carwile Madeline , Dasaro Christopher R. , Li Jiehui , Yung Janette , Farfel Mark R. , Brackbill Robert M. , Cone James E. , Qiao Baozhen , Schymura Maria J. , Prezant David J. , Hall Charles , Boffetta Paolo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is unclear whether differences in health outcomes by racial and ethnic groups among World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers reflect those of the population of New York State (NYS) or show distinct patterns. We assessed cancer incidence in WTC workers by self‐reported race and ethnicity, and compared it to population figures for NYS.

Methods

A total of 61,031 WTC workers enrolled between September 11, 2001 and January 10, 2012 were followed to December 31, 2015. To evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and cancer risk, Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for WTC exposure, age, calendar year, sex and, for lung cancer, cigarette smoking.

Results

In comparison to Whites, Black workers had a higher incidence of prostate cancer (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.69−2.34) and multiple myeloma (HR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.97−6.45), and a lower incidence of thyroid (HR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22−0.78) and colorectal cancer (HR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.33−0.98). Hispanic workers had a higher incidence of liver cancer (HR = 4.03, 95% CI = 2.23−7.28). Compared with NYS population, White workers had significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18−1.35) and thyroid cancer (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.55−2.08), while Black workers had significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05−1.40).

Conclusion

Cancer incidence in WTC workers generally reflects data from the NYS population, but some differences were identified that merit further investigation.
Risk, protective, and biomarkers of dementia in Indigenous peoples: A systematic review
Authors: Nguyen Huong X. T. , Bradley Kate , McNamara Bridgette J. , Watson Rosie , Malay Roslyn , LoGiudice Dina
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

Dementia is an emergent health priority for Indigenous peoples worldwide, yet little is known about disease drivers and protective factors.

METHODS

Database searches were conducted in March 2022 to identify original publications on risk, protective, genetic, neuroradiological, and biological factors related to dementia and cognitive impairment involving Indigenous peoples.

RESULTS

Modifiable risk factors featured across multiple studies include childhood adversity, hearing loss, low education attainment, unskilled work history, stroke, head injury, epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression, low BMI, poor mobility, and continence issues. Non‐modifiable risk factors included increasing age, sex, and genetic polymorphisms. Education, ex‐smoking, physical and social activity, and engagement with cultural or religious practices were highlighted as potential protective factors. There is a paucity of research on dementia biomarkers involving Indigenous peoples.

DISCUSSION

Greater understanding of modifiable factors and biomarkers of dementia can assist in strength‐based models to promote healthy ageing and cognition for Indigenous peoples.
Novel biologically derived tartaric acid plasticizer: Synthesis and application
Authors: Dong Xue , Long Mengfei , Cai Yongchao , Zhou Zhemin , Xia Xiaole
Published: September 2023

Phthalate plasticizers were typical petroleum‐based plasticizers whose application was affected by their negative tendency to be transformed into more risky metabolites such as phthalic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (MEHP), which might not be conducive to sustainable development and human health. Therefore, the development of green bio‐based plasticizers was an urgent need. Here, a new class of green bio‐based plasticizer 2,3‐diacetyl tartrate dialkyl esters (DATAE‐Cn) was synthesized by using renewable tartaric acid (TA) as the main raw material, and its structure was characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR. The plasticizing properties of different plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films were investigated, compared with commercial plasticizers (DEHP and ATBC). The results indicated that PVC films plasticized with the DATAE‐Cn displayed apparently increased thermal stability, plasticizing effect, toughness and migration stability. The addition of DATAE‐Cn minimized the Tg value of PVC from 88.5 to 38.5°C suggesting that the plasticizer had obvious plasticizing effect on PVC. Moreover, when DATAE‐Cn completely replaced the usage of DEHP on PVC, its initial decomposition temperature (Ti) was increased by up to about 34°C. In particular, PVC/DATAE‐Cn exhibited prominent migration resistance in different solvent environments, which was received by solubility parameters analysis, leaching and volatilization tests. These results indicated that green bio‐based plasticizer DATAE‐Cn had potential to replace phthalate plasticizers.
Synthesis, characterization, biochemical, and molecular modeling studies of carvacrol‐based new thiosemicarbazide and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives
Authors: Alagöz Tenzile , Çalişkan Fatma Güneş , Bilgiçli Hayriye Genç , Zengin Mustafa , Sadeghi Morteza , Taslimi Parham , Gulçin İlhami
Published: September 2023

A series of carvacrol‐based thiosemicarbazide (3a–e) and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐amine (4a–e) were designed and synthesized for the first time. The structures were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and high resolution mass spectroscopy techniques. All compounds were examined for some metabolic enzyme activities. Results indicated that all the synthetic molecules exhibited powerful inhibitory actions against human carbonic anhydrase I and II (hCAI and II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes compared to the standard molecules. Ki values of five novel thiosemicarbazides and five new 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐amine derivatives (3a–e and 4a–e) for hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BChE enzymes were obtained in the ranges 0.73–21.60, 0.42–15.08 µM, 3.48–81.48, 92.61–211.40 nM, respectively. After the experimental undertaking, an extensive molecular docking analysis was conducted to scrutinize the intricate details of interactions between the ligand and the enzyme in question. The principal focus of this investigation was to appraise the potency and efficacy of the most active compound. In this context, the calculated docking scores were noted to be remarkably low, with values of −8.65, −7.97, −8.92, and −8.32 kcal/mol being recorded for hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BChE, respectively. These observations suggest a high affinity and specificity of the studied compounds toward the enzymes, as mentioned earlier, which may pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the activity of these enzymes.
Intramodule pressure profiles and protein accumulation during tangential flow filtration
Authors: Cunha Fernanda , Zuponcic Jessica , Rossi Francesco , Springer Grant , Ximenes Eduardo , Bruns Norvin , Moomaw John F. , Bowes Brian D. , Qian Ken K. , Yu Zhao , Yang Dennis , Corvari Vincent J. , Ardekani Arezoo , Reklaitis Gintaras , Ladisch Michael
Published: September 2023

Tangential flow filtration (TFF) through a 30 kDa nominal molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) ultrafiltration membrane is widely employed to concentrate purified monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to levels required for their formulation into injectable biologics. While TFF has been used to remove casein from milk for cheese production for over 35 years, and in pharmaceutical manufacture of biotherapeutic proteins for 20 years, the rapid decline in filtration rate (i.e., flux) at high protein concentrations is a limitation that still needs to be addressed. This is particularly important for mAbs, many of which are 140–160 kDa immunoglobulin G (IgG) type proteins recovered at concentrations of 200 mg/mL or higher. This work reports the direct measurement of local transmembrane pressure drops and off‐line confocal imaging of protein accumulation in stagnant regions on the surface of a 30 kDa regenerated cellulose membrane in a flat‐sheet configuration widely used in manufacture of biotherapeutic proteins. These first‐of‐a‐kind measurements using 150 kDa bovine IgG show that while axial pressure decreases by 58 psi across a process membrane cassette, the decrease in transmembrane pressure drop is constant at about 1.2 psi/cm along the 20.7 cm length of the membrane. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of the membrane surface at the completion of runs where retentate protein concentration exceeds 200 mg/mL, shows a 50 μm thick protein layer is uniformly deposited. The localized measurements made possible by the modified membrane system confirm the role of protein deposition on limiting ultrafiltration rate and indicate possible targets for improving membrane performance.
Trifunctional Saxitoxin Conjugates for Covalent Labeling of Voltage‐Gated Sodium Channels**
Authors: Finkelstein Darren S. , Du Bois J.
Published: September 2023

Voltage‐gated sodium ion channels (NaVs) are integral membrane protein complexes responsible for electrical signal conduction in excitable cells. Methods that enable selective labeling of NaVs hold potential value for understanding how channel regulation and post‐translational modification are influenced during development and in response to diseases and disorders of the nervous system. We have developed chemical reagents patterned after (+)‐saxitoxin (STX) – a potent and reversible inhibitor of multiple NaV isoforms – and affixed with a reactive electrophile and either a biotin cofactor, fluorophore, or ‘click’ functional group for labeling wild‐type channels. Our studies reveal enigmatic structural effects of the probes on the potency and efficiency of covalent protein modification. Among the compounds analyzed, a STX‐maleimide‐coumarin derivative is most effective at irreversibly blocking Na+ conductance when applied to recombinant NaVs and endogenous channels expressed in hippocampal neurons. Mechanistic analysis supports the conclusion that high‐affinity toxin binding is a prerequisite for covalent protein modification. Results from these studies are guiding the development of next‐generation tool compounds for selective modification of NaVs expressed in the plasma membranes of cells.
Cross‐Binding of Adenosine by Aptamers Selected Using Theophylline
Authors: Huang Po‐Jung Jimmy , Evans Natasha M. , Lu Chang , Li Albert Zehan , Dieckmann Thorsten , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2023

We recently reported that some adenosine binding aptamers can also bind caffeine and theophylline with around 20‐fold lower affinities. This discovery led to the current work to examine the cross‐binding of adenosine to theophylline aptamers. For the DNA aptamer for theophylline, cross‐binding to adenosine was observed, and the affinity was 18 to 38‐fold lower for adenosine based on assays using isothermal titration calorimetry and ThT fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding complexes were characterized using NMR spectroscopy, and both adenosine and theophylline showed an overall similar binding structure to the DNA theophylline aptamer, although small differences were also observed. In contrast, the RNA aptamer did not show binding to adenosine, although both aptamers have very similar relative selectivity for various methylxanthines including caffeine. After a negative selection, a few new aptamers with completely different primary sequences for theophylline were obtained and they did not show binding to adenosine. Thus, there are many ways for aptamers to bind theophylline and some can have cross‐binding to adenosine. In biology, theophylline, caffeine, and adenosine can bind to the same protein receptors to regulate sleep, and their binding to the same DNA motifs may suggest an early role of nucleic acids in similar regulatory functions.
Liquid Metal Alloy Catalysis – Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Ameen Mariam , Jabbar Fahad , Yang Dan , Irfan Mehmood , Krishnamurthi Vaishnavi , Parker. Caiden J. , Zuraiqi Karma , Le Tu C. , Spencer Michelle J. S. , Daeneke Torben , Chiang Ken
Published: September 2023

Significant progress has been made in recent years in the development of liquid metal alloy catalysts. This article provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art research pertaining to liquid metal alloy catalysis, including alloy synthesis, reactor design, and theoretical calculations. Different alloy synthesis methods are discussed with a focus on strategies that can achieve colloidal intermetallic structures in liquid metal alloys. Current reactors for liquid metal‐based electrocatalytic and thermochemical processes are summarized. The application of theoretical tools, such as machine learning and computational chemistry to further liquid metal alloy design, is discussed. Finally, an outlook on the technological challenges and our perspective on future research opportunities for liquid metal alloy catalysis are presented.
Study on the Turbulent Vortex Structure Characteristics of a Two‐Layer Impinging Stream Reactor
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Liu Mingyang , Dong Xin , Feng Ying
Published: September 2023

The structure of the turbulent vortex in a two‐layer impinging stream reactor was studied by large eddy simulation. The distributions of vortex intensity, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress at different Reynolds numbers Re, nozzle spacings L, and nozzle layer spacings are discussed. The relationship between vortex structure and mixing effect in the flow field is revealed. The effects of longitudinal swirls and shear flow characteristics are analyzed. Finally, the field synergy theory is used for evaluation. With increasing Re, the vortex intensity and average shear stress increase. The nozzle spacing and layer spacing affect the mixing effect in the reactor by controlling the change of vortex structure in the flow field. When L/D = 3, where D is the nozzle diameter, the energy loss is the smallest and the mixing effect is the best. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the structural optimization of the impinging stream reactor.
Research Progress on Direct Contact Evaporation Heat Transfer between Two Immiscible Working Fluids
Authors: Fu Hailing , Xiong Wenlin , Liu Wenwen , Qian Tingduoduo , Liu Aocheng
Published: September 2023

The direct contact evaporation heat transfer of two immiscible fluids can realize low‐temperature differential heat transfer, which is an important method to improve the heat transfer coefficient. This article focuses on the dispersed phase of organic working fluids and the continuous phase of immiscible inorganic fluids and summarizes the research on direct contact evaporation heat transfer in the past 15 years. The main research methods include theoretical analysis, numerical models, and experimental research. The evaporation process of a single droplet mainly involves bubble droplet growth, droplet configuration and discriminant, droplet shape change, rising speed and path, etc. In practice, dispersed phases mostly exist in populations, and the research mainly focuses on collisions, coalescence, and rupture between droplets and bubbles, as well as on the number and size distribution. The volumetric heat transfer coefficient is used to reflect the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger. The factors affecting evaporation heat transfer performance are complex, and increasing the uniform mixing of bubbles is an important method to improve the heat transfer coefficient. In the future, direct contact evaporation heat transfer is expected to be promoted to multiple fields.