bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restorative justice and disciplinary administrative law: The case of the Brazilian state
Authors: Barros Kassia , Traguetto Jessica
Published: May 2024

In Brazil, conflicts involving public servants are governed by the standards of disciplinary administrative law, which is inspired by the retributive criminal law model. However, new possibilities (for instance, restorative justice [RJ] applications) may positively contribute to the settling of controversies. This article aims to describe the restorative justice approach within the administrative disciplinary context of the Executive Branch of the State of Goiás. The study has a qualitative nature and is characterized by exploratory‐descriptive research. The method consists of a case study carried out in the Comptroller General of the State. The results point to a state move toward the adoption of consensual dispute resolution methods in the public sphere aimed particularly at public servants, with initiatives conducted by the Office of the State Controller General of Goiás (CGE), such as pilot projects consisting of: restorative circles and the institution of Law No. 21.631/2022 (labor mediation). Specifically with respect to disciplinary offenses, RJ is not instituted, but it is one of the motivators for the materialization of RJ measures in the workplace. The present study involving the theme of RJ and Disciplinary Administrative Law is unprecedented in Brazil. Motivators were identified for the implementation of restorative practices in the workplace and the identification of the process needed to change states to implement the characteristics of a restorative paradigm, culminating in the institution of mediation processes and other RJ interventions.
Coupling coefficient calculation method of circular coil with bilateral finite magnetic shields at horizontal misalignment in wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Chen Zhongbang , Li Zhongqi , Lyu Mingsheng , Lin Zhiyuan , Li Junjun
Published: May 2024

The coupling coefficient determines the transfer efficiency of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system. The magnetic leakage can be reduced, and the coupling coefficient of the coil can be enhanced by adding a magnetic shield. Thus, the transfer efficiency of the WPT system can be improved. However, when the receiving coil is added with magnetic shield and occurs horizontally misaligned, the coupling coefficients between the coils with the magnetic shield can only be calculated by finite element simulation, and there is no calculation method for the coupling coefficient of two circular coils with bilateral finite magnetic shield at horizontal misalignment. Therefore, based on Maxwell's equations and Bessel's function, the formula of the coupling coefficient between circular coils at coaxial is derived by the subdomain hierarchical analysis (SHA) method. On this basis, the coupling coefficient calculation formula between circular coils at horizontal misalignment is further derived by using the boundary vector equivalence (BVE) method. The results show that the maximum experimental error is not more than 5.58%, and the longest average time of the algorithm is not more than 1.282 s, which verifies the effectiveness and rapidity of the proposed method.
Integrative multiomics analysis identifies molecular subtypes and potential targets of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zheng Lu , Li Lingling , Zhang Jiangang , Wang Jingchun , Zhao Huakan , Chen Yu , Liu Xudong , Gan Hui , Chen Junying , Yan Mei , He Chuanyin , Li Kai , Ding Chen , Li Yongsheng
Published: May 2024

Background

The liver is anatomically divided into eight segments based on the distribution of Glisson's triad. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying each segment and its association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) heterogeneity are not well understood. In this study, our objective is to conduct a comprehensive multiomics profiling of the segmentation atlas in order to investigate potential subtypes and therapeutic approaches for HCC.

Methods

A high throughput liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometer strategy was employed to comprehensively analyse proteome, lipidome and metabolome data, with a focus on segment‐resolved multiomics profiling. To classify HCC subtypes, the obtained data with normal reference profiling were integrated. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets for HCC were identified using immunohistochemistry assays. The effectiveness of these targets were further validated through patient‐derived organoid (PDO) assays.

Results

A multiomics profiling of 8536 high‐confidence proteins, 1029 polar metabolites and 3381 nonredundant lipids was performed to analyse the segmentation atlas of HCC. The analysis of the data revealed that in normal adjacent tissues, the left lobe was primarily involved in energy metabolism, while the right lobe was associated with small molecule metabolism. Based on the normal reference atlas, HCC patients with segment‐resolved classification were divided into three subtypes. The C1 subtype showed enrichment in ribosome biogenesis, the C2 subtype exhibited an intermediate phenotype, while the C3 subtype was closely associated with neutrophil degranulation. Furthermore, using the PDO assay, exportin 1 (XPO1) and 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5) were identified as potential targets for the C1 and C3 subtypes, respectively.

Conclusion

Our extensive analysis of the segmentation atlas in multiomics profiling defines molecular subtypes of HCC and uncovers potential therapeutic strategies that have the potential to enhance the prognosis of HCC.
Mediators of working memory and reading in a sample of children with reading difficulty: The roles of phonemic awareness and rapid automatized naming
Authors: Guerin Julia M. , Droder Sarah , Turkelson Lynley , Mano Quintino R.
Published: May 2024

Working memory (WM) has been consistently linked to reading. However, the mechanism(s) linking WM to reading remain unclear. WM may indirectly exert an effect onto reading through mediators such as phonemic awareness (PA) and/or rapid automatized naming (RAN). In a sample of children with reading difficulty (n = 117), separate mediation analyses tested direct and indirect (through PA and RAN) effects of WM on untimed word decoding and recognition (i.e., basic reading skills) and timed word decoding and recognition (i.e., reading fluency). WM exerted a direct effect on basic reading skills and reading fluency. For basic reading skills, there was a significant indirect effect of WM on reading through the mediation of PA (but not through RAN). By contrast, for reading fluency, there was a significant indirect effect of WM on reading through the mediation of RAN (but not through PA). Findings reinforce the importance of WM, PA, and RAN for broad reading skills, while offering a mechanistic explanation for why poor PA and/or RAN may differentially lead to reading difficulty.
The effect of different hydrodistillation times on the composition and yield of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) peel essential oil and a comparison of the cold‐pressing method
Authors: Bozova Burcu , Gölükcü Muharrem , Giuffrè Angelo Maria
Published: May 2024

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) is not consumed as fresh fruit as other members of Citrus. Bergamot essential oil has a unique aroma. Bergamot essential oil is a very valuable product used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy and food industry due to its beautiful scent and functional properties. As with other Citrus species, the composition of bergamot essential oil can vary according to harvest time, climate and extraction technology. Bergamot essential oil could be obtained by cold press extraction or distillation method. Within the scope of the study, the effect of four different hydrodistillation (HD) times (5, 10, 60 and 120 min) on the composition of bergamot essential oil obtained from Turkish fruits was investigated. In the first 60 min, 96.11% of the total essential oil was obtained. Research findings have shown that the distillation time is quite effective in the composition of bergamot essential oil. Limonene, linalool and linalyl acetate, which are the main components of bergamot essential oil, varied in the range, 42.36%–53.25%, 5.59%–12.18% and 20.84%–26.73%, respectively, with respect to distillation time. In cold press method, bergamot essential oil has lower linalool/linalyl acetate ratio (0.15) compared to HD method and a higher quality essence was obtained.
Is vaginal birth after cesarean section a risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury?
Authors: Baruch Yoav , Gold Ronen , Eisenberg Hagit , Yogev Yariv , Groutz Asnat
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate whether women undergoing their first vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean section (secundiparous) are at increased risk for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) compared with primiparous women.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 85 428 women who delivered vaginally over a 10‐year period in a single tertiary medical center. Incidence of OASI, risk factors, and clinical characteristics were compared between primiparous women who delivered vaginally and secundiparous women who underwent their first vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between VBAC and OASI.

Results

Overall, 36 250 primiparous and 1602 secundiparous women were enrolled, 309 of whom had OASI. The rates of OASI were similar among secundiparous women who had VBAC and primiparous women who underwent vaginal delivery (15 [0.94%] vs 294 [0.81%], P = 0.58). The proportions of third‐ and fourth‐degree tears were also similar among secundiparous and primiparous women who experienced OASI (87% vs 91.5%, and 13% vs 8.5%, respectively, P = 0.68). Furthermore, the rates of OASI were similar in both study groups, although secundiparous women who underwent VBAC had higher rates of birth weights exceeding 3500 g (414 [25.8%] vs 8284 [22.8%], P = 0.016), and higher rates of vacuum‐assisted deliveries (338 [21%] vs 6224 [17.2%], P < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis failed to establish a statistically significant association between VBAC and OASI (odds ratio 0.672, 95% confidence interval 0.281–1.61, P = 0.37).

Conclusions

No increased risk for OASI was found in secundiparous women who underwent VBAC compared with primiparous women at their first vaginal birth.
Distributional stochastic Planner‐Actor‐Critic for deformable image registration
Authors: Du Jianing , Chang Qing , Lian Li
Published: May 2024

Image registration is a fundamental task in medical image analysis, and large deformation registration poses significant challenges due to substantial appearance differences between the fixed image and the moving image. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning has been gradually incorporated into image registration tasks. Notably, Ziwei Luo, Jing Hu, and other researchers introduced the first reinforcement learning‐based large deformation registration model called Stochastic Planner‐Actor‐Critic (SPAC), achieving superior performance in large deformation registration compared with advanced deep learning registration methods, which is the only large deformation registration reinforcement learning model. However, the existing reinforcement learning model for large deformation registration do not consider the impact of Q‐value prediction accuracy on the overall task results. This study aims to investigate brain large deformation registration under the influence of Alzheimer's disease. To further improve the accuracy of brain large deformation registration, this paper combines the proven advanced Q‐value distribution prediction in reinforcement learning with the large deformation registration model SPAC, designing a distributional SPAC model (DSPAC). Subsequent experiments on the ADNI dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of this model.
Research on multi‐center assisted diagnosis of ASD based on multimodal feature fusion
Authors: Zhang Ru , Sheng Fangmin , Wang Lei , Zeng Weiming
Published: May 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide information about brain structure and function, aiding in objective ASD diagnosis. However, existing ASD classification methods face challenges such as sample scarcity, inter‐imaging center variations, insufficient single‐modality information, and inconsistent feature dimensions. This study introduced a method based on the Local Global Multimodal Domain Adaptation (LGMDA)‐Sparse Adaptive Prior Coupled Dictionary Learning (SACDL) framework. Initially, the LGMDA method was introduced to achieve multi‐source DA. By minimizing differences between different data domains while maximizing inter‐class differences within the same domain, it expands the sample size of multi‐modal data, addressing the issues of sample scarcity and heterogeneity in ASD data. Subsequently, the SACDL method was employed for multimodal fusion. It initialized dictionaries using the ATGP algorithm, combined sMRI and fMRI data for dictionary learning, adaptively adjusted sparsity parameters, and integrated ASD phenotype data for constrained optimization. It enables joint learning of shared and modality‐specific features, balancing differences in feature dimensions. Experimental results show that this model effectively utilizes multi‐center, multi‐modal information to achieve better auxiliary diagnosis than single‐modal small samples. This method has the potential to provide effective solutions for ASD multi‐source and multi‐modal classification problems, which are significant for ASD research and clinical diagnosis.
Long‐term effectiveness and generality of practical functional assessment and skill‐based treatment
Authors: Slaton Jessica D. , Davis Morgan , DePetris David A. , Raftery Katherine J. , Daniele Salvatore , Caruso Christina M.
Published: May 2024

There are several considerations to address when conducting functional communication training for challenging behavior in a school setting, such as the need for schedule thinning and maintenance across staff and the need to establish a variety of appropriate classroom skills. There are several strategies for conducting schedule thinning following functional communication training and for transferring effects across people or settings. However, there are few examples of these processes in natural settings with relevant caregivers and with long‐term maintenance of effects. We implemented a functional assessment and skill‐based treatment process with six children with autism in a specialized school setting and extended treatment until challenging behavior was reduced to near‐zero levels across multiple staff and settings. Follow‐up data indicate that effects were still observed 1 year posttreatment and the use of crisis procedures (e.g., physical restraint) was eliminated for all participants.
Evaluation of the QMAC‐dRAST System Version 2.5 for Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Gram‐Negative Bacteria From Positive Blood Culture Broth and Subcultured Colony Isolates
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Kang Minhee , Shim Hyang Jin , Kang On‐Kyun , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong
Published: May 2024

Background

Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for bloodstream infections (BSIs) facilitates the optimization of antimicrobial therapy, preventing antimicrobial resistance and improving patient outcomes. QMAC‐dRAST (QuantaMatrix Inc., Korea) is a rapid AST platform based on microfluidic chip technology that performs AST directly using positive blood culture broth (PBCB). This study evaluated the performance of QMAC‐dRAST for Gram‐negative bacteria using PBCB and subcultured colony isolates, comparing it with that of VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France) using broth microdilution (BMD) as the reference method.

Methods

We included 141 Gram‐negative blood culture isolates from patients with BSI and 12 carbapenemase‐producing clinical isolates of Enterobacterales spiked into blood culture bottles. QMAC‐dRAST performance was evaluated using PBCB and colony isolates, whereas VITEK 2 and BMD were tested only on colony isolates.

Results

For PBCB, QMAC‐dRAST achieved 92.1% categorical agreement (CA), 95.3% essential agreement (EA), with 1.8% very major errors (VMEs), 3.5% major errors (MEs), and 5.2% minor errors (mEs). With colony isolates, it exhibited 92.5% CA and 95.1% EA, with 2.0% VMEs, 3.2% MEs, and 4.8% mEs. VITEK 2 showed 94.1% CA and 96.0% EA, with 4.3% VMEs, 0.4% MEs, and 4.3% mEs. QMAC‐dRAST yielded elevated error rates for specific antimicrobial agents, with high VMEs for carbapenems and aminoglycosides. The median time to result for QMAC‐dRAST was 5.9 h for PBCB samples and 6.1 h for subcultured colony isolates.

Conclusions

The QMAC‐dRAST system demonstrated considerable strengths and comparable performance to the VITEK 2 system; however, challenges were discerned with specific antimicrobial agents, underlining a necessity for improvement.
Process development in Quality‐by‐Design paradigm for anti‐solvent aided crystallization: impact of crystallization parameters on particle morphology and dissolution behaviour of Dexlansoprazole active pharmaceutical ingredient
Authors: Garg Manu , Rathore Anurag Singh
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

In this work, a process development study for the crystallization step of dexlansoprazole API has been demonstrated under the Quality‐by‐Design (QbD) paradigm. Dexlansoprazole (crystalline) samples prepared under different crystallization conditions of reactor temperature and addition time of anti‐solvent were subjected to solid‐state characterization with variety of analytical techniques, including X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution (PSD) by laser diffraction and intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR).

RESULTS

The crystalline samples were observed to have identical polymorphic phase integrity but differed in their physical characteristics. The particle size distribution and microscopy data collectively elucidated the particle growth kinetics and the extent of agglomeration could be correlated to crystallization conditions, namely reactor temperature and addition time of anti‐solvent. The intrinsic dissolution rate of samples was in good agreement with the morphological properties.

CONCLUSION

An empirical model has been proposed for intrinsic dissolution rate correlating with crystallization process parameters. In conclusion, it was possible to elucidate the impact of crystallization parameters on the solid‐state behaviour of dexlansoprazole for development of appropriate pharmaceutical dosage forms. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Omega‐3 fatty acids supplementation prevents learning and memory impairment induced by chronic ethanol consumption in adolescent male rats through restoration of inflammatory and oxidative responses
Authors: Haidary Murtaza , Ahmadi‐Soleimani S. Mohammad , Ghofraninezad Mina , Azhdari‐Zarmehri Hassan , Beheshti Farimah
Published: May 2024

Objective

Ethanol (Eth) intake is known to cause numerous detrimental effects on the structure and function of the brain, and it is commonly used as a psychostimulant drug by adolescents. Conversely, omega‐3 (O3) can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and promote the maintenance of neurophysiological functions. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of O3 on behavioral alterations, oxidative stress, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels induced by chronic Eth intake during adolescence in rats.

Materials and methods

Adolescent male rats (21 days old) were divided as follows: (1) Vehicle, (2) Eth (Eth in drinking water [20%]), (3–5) Eth + O3 (50/100/150 mg/kg), and (6) O3 (150 mg/kg). After 5 weeks, Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were performed, and the hippocampal and cortical levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory indices were measured.

Results

Adolescent Eth intake impairs learning and memory function in MWM and PA tests (groups × day, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). It was shown that Eth induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. O3 improved learning and impairment induced by Eth by reducing the adverse effects of Eth on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the hippocampi (for malondialdehyde [MDA]/thiol: p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively) and for superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase (CAT): p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, we found that O3 prevented the Eth‐induced increase of hippocampal IL‐6 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

O3 supplementation acts as an effective approach to prevent learning and memory impairments induced by chronic Eth consumption during adolescence. In this respect, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of O3 seem to be the main underlying mechanisms of neuroprotection.
Impact of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in preventing early‐phase local recurrence after surgery
Authors: Shimizu Akira , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Masuo Hitoshi , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Sakai Hiroki , Hayashi Hikaru , Yamazaki Shiori , Soejima Yuji
Published: May 2024

Background

The superiority of anatomical liver resection (AR) for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over nonanatomical liver resection (NR) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AR in preventing local and early HCC recurrence.

Methods

A total of 280 patients who underwent initial liver resection for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter were categorized into the AR and NR groups and compared using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

Between the matched pairs (n = 87 in each group), the incidence rates of local and early (recurrence within 2 years after surgery) recurrences in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the NR group (13.8% vs. 28.7%, p = .025; 20.7% vs. 35.6%, p = .028, respectively). The overall survival in the AR group was better than that in the NR group (median: 13.4 vs. 7.6 years, p = .003). NR was among independent risk factors for early recurrence (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.1–3.6, p = .023) and prognostic factors for local recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.4–4.4, p = .003).

Conclusion

AR is superior in controlling local and early recurrence postoperatively for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter compared with NR.
Characterization of tirzepatide‐treated patients achieving different glycemic control levels in SURPASS‐AP‐Combo
Authors: Bao Yuqian , Han Lin , Du Liying , Ji Linong
Published: May 2024

Objective

The study objective was to characterize subgroups of Asia‐Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved different glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets on tirzepatide treatment.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the SURPASS AP‐Combo study. Baseline characteristics, changes in metabolic markers, and safety were compared between tirzepatide‐treated patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) and those achieving ≥7.0% (≥53 mmol/mol) at week 40. Among patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol), further comparisons were conducted among subgroups achieving HbA1c <5.7% (<39 mmol/mol), 5.7% to 6.5% (39 to 48 mmol/mol), and >6.5% to <7.0% (>48 to <53 mmol/mol).

Results

Five hundred ninety‐eight patients on tirzepatide treatment without rescue medication were included (56.9% male; mean age: 53.1 years; mean baseline HbA1c: 8.7% [71.6 mmol/mol]). Patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) versus ≥7.0% (≥53 mmol/mol) were slightly younger with a shorter disease duration and lower HbA1c at baseline, and they had greater improvements in HbA1c, fasting serum glucose, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist‐height ratio, diastolic blood pressure, lipids, and self‐monitored blood glucose at week 40. Patients achieving HbA1c <5.7% (<39 mmol/mol) versus those achieving 5.7% to 6.5% (39 to 48 mmol/mol) and those achieving >6.5% to <7.0% (>48 to <53 mmol/mol) were much younger, had much lower HbA1c, and had further improvements in metabolic markers. Tirzepatide treatment was well tolerated irrespective of the HbA1c level achieved, with a low incidence of hypoglycemic events.

Conclusions

These findings may help to inform clinical decisions in Asia‐Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes.
COVID‐19 infection in children, adolescents, and young adults with Down syndrome and hematologic malignancies
Authors: Foxworthy Blake , Dai Chen , Davis Elizabeth C. , Xavier Ana C. , Brackett Julienne , Dickens David , Kahn Alissa , Martinez Isaac , Sharma Archana , Schwalm Carla , Foley Jessica , Wilkes Jennifer ,   the POCC Consortium, Bhatia Smita , Levine Jennifer M. , Johnston Emily E. , Wolfson Julie A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with Down syndrome (DS) and hematologic malignancies are particularly vulnerable to infections and related complications. There are limited data regarding COVID‐19 infections in this group. We aimed to understand the clinical course of COVID‐19 in this population.

Methods

This observational study leverages the de‐identified clinical and sociodemographic data captured by the Pediatric Oncology COVID‐19 Case Report Registry (POCC) regarding CAYAs with cancer and COVID‐19. We evaluated CAYAs (≤21 years at COVID‐19 infection) with hematologic malignancies and COVID‐19 reported from April 1, 2020 to May 2, 2023, comparing those with and without DS. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, respiratory support, and changes in cancer‐directed therapy.

Results

Among 1408 CAYAs with hematologic malignancies, 55 had DS (CAYA‐DS). CAYA‐DS had higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and respiratory support (p < .001) than CAYAs without DS. Similarly, multivariable analyses found higher odds of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–5.1), ICU admission (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.9–9.1), and need for respiratory support (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.0–8.8) among CAYA‐DS. Modifications to cancer‐directed therapy were more common among CAYA‐DS when related to neutropenia (p = .001), but not when unrelated to neutropenia (p = .88); CAYA‐DS did not have higher odds of changes to cancer‐directed therapy (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.7–2.1).

Conclusions

We identify CAYA‐DS with hematologic malignancies as a vulnerable subpopulation at greater risk for severe COVID‐19 infection. This can inform conversations with patients and families regarding therapeutic and preventive measures, as well as the risks and benefits of modifying chemotherapy in the setting of COVID‐19.
Advanced hybrid composites: A comparative study of glass and basalt fiber reinforcements in erosive environments
Authors: Fidan Sinan , Özsoy Mehmet İskender , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Ürgün Satılmış
Published: May 2024

This study looks at how erosive wear affects hybrid composites made by vacuum infusing glass and basalt fibers into an epoxy matrix. The study uses garnet abrasives and a design experiment method to test how resistant these hybrid composites are to erosion at 30°, 60°, and 90° angles of impact. The analysis included three‐dimensional profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that glass layers enhance erosion resistance, whereas basalt layers increase wear. Key quantitative findings include erosion rates and mass loss, highlighting impingement angle and erosion time as critical factors. At a 30° angle, basalt exhibited more severe wear (erosion rate: 0.8090 mg/g for 20 s) compared to glass (erosion rate: 0.5683 mg/g). Conversely, at 90°, the erosion rate for basalt decreased to 0.3643 mg/g, indicating a decreased sensitivity to this steeper angle. According to the ANOVA, impingement angle and erosion time account for 30.08% and 50.25% of the erosion rate variance, respectively. These findings advance our understanding of material behavior in hybrid composites and emphasize the strategic selection and layering of materials for enhanced durability. This research contributes to developing more sustainable composites, demonstrating natural fibers' potential to improve mechanical properties and erosion resistance.

Highlights

Glass layers enhance durability against erosive forces in hybrid composites.

Basalt layers accelerate erosion rates, showing a need for strategic layering.

Glass fiber reinforcement significantly improves wear performance.

Hybrid constructions with glass a top basalt balance flexibility and durability.

Emphasizes eco‐friendly advantages of natural materials in composites.
Improving Epitaxial Growth of γ‐Al2O3 Films via Sc2O3/Y2O3 Oxide Buffers
Authors: Gougam Sliman , Schubert Markus Andreas , Stolarek David , Thapa Sarad Bahadur , Zoellner Marvin Hartwig
Published: May 2024

Heteroepitaxial growth of γ‐Al2O3 on Sc2O3/Y2O3/Si (111) is achieved with oxygen plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy in order to prevent polycrystalline grain boundary formation caused by lattice mismatch. Substrate temperature as well as oxygen flow are adjusted to optimize epitaxial growth conditions around 715–760 °C and 1.9 sccm, respectively. Epitaxial growth is monitored in situ by reflection high‐energy diffraction, while surface morphology is studied by scanning electron microscopy ex‐situ. X‐ray diffraction indicates epitaxial out‐of‐plane 111 orientation with oxygen flow above 0.6 sccm. However, transmission electron microscopy shows stacking fault formation for high oxygen flows. Finally, nanobeam electron diffraction confirms Smrčok model of a spinel‐like γ‐Al2O3 crystal structure.
Tepotinib‐induced hand‐foot skin reaction
Authors: Yamano Takafumi , Yokoyama Toshihide , Ishida Tadashi
Published: May 2024

Key message

Tepotinib may cause hand‐foot skin reactions with keratotic changes. When such changes are observed in the hands or toes after starting tepotinib treatment, its side effects should be considered, and corticosteroid ointment or withdrawal of tepotinib should be considered if necessary.
Firm value and the use of financial derivatives: Evidence from developed countries
Authors: Ayadi Mohamed A. , Cyr Donald A. , Lazrak Skander , Lu Zhangwei
Published: May 2024

This paper examines whether financial derivatives usage impacts firm value in seven developed countries from 2007 to 2016. We rely on textual analysis to identify derivatives users and address the potential reverse causality problem through propensity score matching and the difference‐in‐differences approach. Empirical findings suggest that the use of derivatives has a negative effect on firm value. Interestingly, we observe asymmetric valuation effects for specific countries when comparing firms that adopt derivatives with those that abandon them. US, UK, and Australian firms adopting derivatives experience a significant decrease in their valuation. Contrary to expectations, this adverse effect diminishes and may become insignificant at best when firms choose to abandon derivatives. Furthermore, most of the significant value effects disappear when using the industry relative valuation measure.
Emergency supplies transportation robot trajectory tracking control based on Koopman and improved event‐triggered model predictive control
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Tang Minan , Zhang Haiyan , An Bo , Yan Yaguang , Wang Wenjuan , Tang Kunxi
Published: May 2024

In the emergency rescue and disposal of social public emergencies, supply transportation effectively provides a strong supply foundation and realistic conditions. The trajectory tracking control of emergency supplies transportation robot is the key technology to ensure the timeliness of transportation. In this article, the emergency supplies transportation robot is taken as the research object, based on Koopman operator theory, combined with radial basis function (RBF) neural network disturbance observer and adaptive prediction horizon event‐triggered model predictive control (APET‐MPC) algorithm to investigate the purely data‐driven trajectory tracking control problem of emergency supplies transportation robot when the model parameters and models are unknown. Firstly, the Koopman operator is used to establish a high‐dimensional linear model of the robot. Secondly, the RBF neural network disturbance observer is designed to estimate the disturbance during the robot operation and compensate it to the controller. Thirdly, APET‐MPC is used to optimize the trajectory tracking control of the emergency supplies transportation robot to reduce computational complexity. Finally, the performance of the proposed trajectory tracking controller is verified by Carsim/ Simulink joint simulation. The simulation results show that the model established by Koopman operator theory can achieve the high accuracy approximation of the robot. Compared with the MPC trajectory tracking controller, the APET‐MPC trajectory tracking controller based on RBF neural network disturbance observer (RBF‐APET‐MPC) improves the tracking accuracy of the robot and reduces the total triggering times of the system by more than 50%.
Event‐triggered practical tracking control via switching for a class of uncertain high‐order nonlinear systems with unknown input powers and control directions
Authors: Li Jian , Liang Yuqi , Wu Zhaojing , Liu Yungang
Published: May 2024

This article is devoted to the event‐triggered practical tracking control for a class of high‐order nonlinear systems with serious uncertainties. Remarkably, the serious uncertainties are greatly reflected from the unknown control directions and input powers which give rise to essential obstacles in control design and hence lead to incapability of the traditional control methods on this topic. To solve the control problem, a novel switching event‐triggered control scheme is proposed by a skillful incorporation of logic‐based switching mechanism into the event‐triggered one. Specifically, two pivotal events are smartly chosen to give the event‐triggered mechanism for the determination of the sampling times. In particular, one of the events is used to give the switching varying mechanism, by which the controller parameters are respectively switched in two groups of sequences which are carefully chosen for the compensation of serious uncertainties. Under the proposed switching event‐triggered mechanism, a state‐feedback controller is designed which guarantees that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded while system output practically tracks the reference signal, along with a finite number of switching of controller parameters as well as the exclusion of the Zeno phenomenon. Finally, simulation examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
An enhanced cross‐sectional HIV incidence estimator that incorporates prior HIV test results
Authors: Bannick Marlena , Donnell Deborah , Hayes Richard , Laeyendecker Oliver , Gao Fei
Published: May 2024

Incidence estimation of HIV infection can be performed using recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) results from a cross‐sectional sample. This allows practitioners to understand population trends in the HIV epidemic without having to perform longitudinal follow‐up on a cohort of individuals. The utility of the approach is limited by its precision, driven by the (low) sensitivity of the RITA at identifying recent infection. By utilizing results of previous HIV tests that individuals may have taken, we consider an enhanced RITA with increased sensitivity (and specificity). We use it to propose an enhanced estimator for incidence estimation. We prove the theoretical properties of the enhanced estimator and illustrate its numerical performance in simulation studies. We apply the estimator to data from a cluster‐randomized trial to study the effect of community‐level HIV interventions on HIV incidence. We demonstrate that the enhanced estimator provides a more precise estimate of HIV incidence compared to the standard estimator.
In Situ Characterizations of the Dynamics of Cathode Electrolyte Interfaces at Different Current Densities
Authors: Lv Huanzhu , Zhou Lei , Fang Qisheng , Cheng Jianli , Mei Jun , Xia Yuanhua , Wang Bin
Published: May 2024

LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 with high nickel content plays a critical role in enabling lithium metal batteries (LMBs) to achieve high specific energy density, making them a prominent choice for electric vehicles (EVs). However, ensuring the long‐term cycling stability of the cathode electrolyte interfaces (CEIs), particularly at fast‐charge conditions, remains an unsolved challenge. The decay mechanism associated with CEIs and electrolytes in LMB at high current densities is still not fully understood. To address this issue, in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is employed to observe the dynamic process of formation/disappearance/regeneration of CEIs during charge and discharge cycles. These dynamic processes further exacerbate the instability of CEIs as current density increases, leading to rupture and dissolution of CEIs and subsequent deterioration in battery performance because of continuous electrolyte reactions. Additionally, the dynamic changes occurring within individual components of CEIs at different cycling stages and various current densities are also discussed. The results demonstrate that excellent capacity retention at small current density is attributed to enrichment of inorganic compounds (Li2CO3, LiF, etc.) and rendering better stability and smaller expansion of CEIs. The key to achieving excellent electrochemical performance at high current densities lies on protecting CEIs, mainly inorganic components.
Anti‐UV Passive Radiative Cooling Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystal Films for Thermal Management
Authors: Du Yike , Li Aotian , Zhang Fan , Gao Han , Zhou Xuan , Zhu Jiliang , Ye Zhicheng
Published: May 2024

Passive radiative cooling (PRC) can spontaneously dissipate heat to outer space through atmospheric transparent windows, providing a promising path to meet sustainable development goals. However, achieving simultaneously high transparency, color‐customizable, and thermal management of PRC anti ultraviolet (anti‐UV) films remains a challenge. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to utilize liquid crystalline polymer, with high mid‐infrared emissive, forming customizable structural color film by molecular self‐assembly and polymerization‐induced pitch gradient, which guarantees the balance of transparency in visible spectrum and sunlight reflection, rendering anti‐UV colored window for thermal management. By performing tests, temperature fall of 5.4 and 7.9 °C are demonstrated at noon with solar intensity of 717 W m−2 and night, respectively. Vivid red‐, green‐, blue‐structured colors, and colorless films are designed and implemented to suppress the solar input and control the effective visible light transmissivity considering the efficiency function of human vision. In addition, temperature rise of 11.1 °C is achieved by applying an alternating current field on the PRC film. This study provides a new perspective on the thermal management and aesthetic functionalities of smart windows and wearables.
Spontaneous‐Spin‐Polarized 2D π‐d Conjugated Frameworks Towards Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Kinetics
Authors: Lee Won Seok , Maeda Hiroaki , Kuo Yen‐Ting , Muraoka Koki , Fukui Naoya , Takada Kenji , Sasaki Sono , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Nakayama Akira , Tian Hong‐Kang , Nishihara Hiroshi , Sakaushi Ken
Published: May 2024

Alternative strategies to design sustainable‐element‐based electrocatalysts enhancing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics are demanded to develop affordable yet high‐performance water‐electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. Here, it is demonstrated that the spontaneous‐spin‐polarized 2D π‐d conjugated framework comprising abundant elements of nickel and iron with a ratio of Ni:Fe = 1:4 with benzenehexathiol linker (BHT) can improve OER kinetics by its unique electronic property. Among the bimetallic NiFex:y‐BHTs with various ratios with Ni:Fe = x:y, the NiFe1:4‐BHT exhibits the highest OER activity. The NiFe1:4‐BHT shows a specific current density of 140 A g−1 at the overpotential of 350 mV. This performance is one of the best activities among state‐of‐the‐art non‐precious OER electrocatalysts and even comparable to that of the platinum‐group‐metals of RuO2 and IrO2. The density functional theory calculations uncover that introducing Ni into the homometallic Fe‐BHT (e.g., Ni:Fe = 0:1) can emerge a spontaneous‐spin‐polarized state. Thus, this material can achieve improved OER kinetics with spin‐polarization which previously required external magnetic fields. This work shows that a rational design of 2D π‐d conjugated frameworks can be a powerful strategy to synthesize promising electrocatalysts with abundant elements for a wide spectrum of next‐generation energy devices.
Localized High‐Concentration Sulfone Electrolytes with High‐Voltage Stability and Flame Retardancy for Ni‐Rich Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Bo‐Han , Chen Pei‐Pei , Hou Yun‐Lei , Chen Jing‐Zhou , Wang Hua‐Ying , Wen Wan‐Xin , Li Zi‐Ang , Lei Jia‐Ting , Zhao Dong‐Lin
Published: May 2024

The localized high‐concentration electrolyte (LHCE) propels the advanced high‐voltage battery system. Sulfone‐based LHCE is a transformative direction compatible with high energy density and high safety. In this work, the application of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in the LHCE system constructed from sulfolane and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) is investigated. The addition of diluent causes an increase of contact ion pairs and ionic aggregates in the solvation cluster and an acceptable quantity of free solvent molecules. A small amount of LiFSI as an additive can synergistically decompose with TTE on the cathode and participate in the construction of both electrode interfaces. The designed electrolyte helps the Ni‐rich system to cycle firmly at a high voltage of 4.5 V. Even with high mass load and lean electrolyte, it can keep a reversible specific capacity of 91.5% after 50 cycles. The constructed sulfone‐based electrolyte system exhibits excellent thermal stability far beyond the commercial electrolytes. Further exploration of in‐situ gelation has led to a quick conversion of the designed liquid electrolyte to the gel state, accompanied by preserved stability, which provides a direction for the synergistic development of LHCE with gel electrolytes.
A Slightly Expanded Graphite Anode with High Capacity Enabled By Stable Lithium‐Ion/Metal Hybrid Storage
Authors: Li Tong , Cao Yun , Song Qiuchen , Peng Linkai , Qin Xianying , Lv Wei , Kang Feiyu
Published: May 2024

Integrating lithium‐ion and metal storage mechanisms to improve the capacity of graphite anode holds the potential to boost the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries. However, this approach, typically plating lithium metal onto traditional graphite anodes, faces challenges of safety risks of severe lithium dendrite growth and short circuits due to restricted lithium metal accommodation space and unstable lithium plating in commercial carbonate electrolytes. Herein, a slightly expanded spherical graphite anode is developed with a precisely adjustable expanded structure to accommodate metallic lithium, achieving a well‐balanced state of high capacity and stable lithium‐ion/metal storage in commercial carbonate electrolytes. This structure also enables fast kinetics of both Li intercalation/de‐intercalation and plating/stripping. With a total anode capacity of 1.5 times higher (558 mAh g−1) than graphite, the full cell coupled with a high‐loading LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode (13 mg cm−2) under a low N/P ratio (≈1.15) achieves long‐term cycling stability (75% of capacity after 200 cycles, in contrast to the fast battery failure after 50 cycles with spherical graphite anode). Furthermore, the capacity of the full cell also reaches a low capacity decay rate of 0.05% per cycle at 0.2 C under the low temperature of −20 °C.
3D Printed Multifunctional Biomimetic Bone Scaffold Combined with TP‐Mg Nanoparticles for the Infectious Bone Defects Repair
Authors: Hu Xulin , Chen Jiao , Yang Shuhao , Zhang Zhen , Wu Haoming , He Jian , Qin Leilei , Cao Jianfei , Xiong Chengdong , Li Kainan , Liu Xian , Qian Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

Infected bone defects are one of the most challenging problems in the treatment of bone defects due to the high antibiotic failure rate and the lack of ideal bone grafts. In this paper, inspired by clinical bone cement filling treatment, α‐c phosphate (α‐TCP) with self‐curing properties is composited with β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and constructed a bionic cancellous bone scaffolding system α/β‐tricalcium phosphate (α/β‐TCP) by low‐temperature 3D printing, and gelatin is preserved inside the scaffolds as an organic phase, and later loaded with a metal–polyphenol network structure of tea polyphenol‐magnesium (TP‐Mg) nanoparticles. The scaffolds mimic the structure and components of cancellous bone with high mechanical strength (>100 MPa) based on α‐TCP self‐curing properties through low‐temperature 3D printing. Meanwhile, the scaffolds loaded with TP‐Mg exhibit significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and promote the transition of macrophages from M1 pro‐inflammatory to M2 anti‐inflammatory phenotype. In addition, the composite scaffold also exhibits excellent bone‐enhancing effects based on the synergistic effect of Mg2+ and Ca2+. In this study, a multifunctional ceramic scaffold (α/β‐TCP@TP‐Mg) that integrates anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and osteoinduction is constructed, which promotes late bone regenerative healing while modulating the early microenvironment of infected bone defects, has a promising application in the treatment of infected bone defects.
Stretchable Unsymmetrical Piezoelectric BiO2‐x Deposited‐Hydrogel as Multimodal Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Biomechanical Motion Harvesting
Authors: Sun Zewei , Yin Yanqi , Jiang Tianzong , Zhou Bingchen , Ding He , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping
Published: May 2024

Enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is essential for increasing their application in smart devices. Oxygen‐vacancy‐rich BiO2‐x nanosheets (BiO2‐x NSs) are advanced‐engineered nanomaterials with excellent piezoelectric properties. Herein, a stretchable unsymmetrical BiO2‐x NSs deposited‐hydrogel made of polyacrylamide (PAM) as a multimodal TENG is rationally fabricated, and the performance of TENG can be tailored by controlling the BiO2‐x NSs deposition amount and spatial distribution. The alteration of resistance caused by the Poisson effect of PAM/BiO2‐x composite hydrogel (H‐BiO2‐x) can be used as a piezoresistive sensor, and the piezoelectricity of BiO2‐x NSs can effectively enhance the density of transfer charge, thus improving the output performance of the H‐BiO2‐x‐based TENG. In addition, the chemical cross–linking between the BiO2‐x NSs and the PAM polymer chain allows the hydrogel electrode to have a higher tensile capacity (867%). Used for biomechanical motion signal detection, the sensors made of H‐BiO2‐x have high sensitivity (gauge factor = 6.93) and can discriminate a range of forces (0.1–5.0 N) at low frequencies (0.5–2.0 Hz). Finally, the prepared TENG can collect biological energy and convert it into electricity. Consequently, the improved TENG shows a good application prospect as multimodal biomechanical sensors by combining piezoresistive, piezoelectric, and triboelectric effects.