bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
sLASER and PRESS perform similarly at revealing metabolite‐age correlations at 3 T
Authors: Hui Steve C. N. , Zöllner Helge J. , Gong Tao , Hupfeld Kathleen E. , Gudmundson Aaron T. , Murali‐Manohar Saipavitra , Davies‐Jenkins Christopher W. , Song Yulu , Chen Yufan , Oeltzschner Georg , Wang Guangbin , Edden Richard A. E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To compare the respective ability of PRESS and sLASER to reveal biological relationships, using age as a validation covariate at 3 T.

Methods

MRS data were acquired from 102 healthy volunteers using PRESS and sLASER in centrum semiovale and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Acquisition parameters included TR/TE = 2000/30 ms, 96 transients, and 2048 datapoints sampled at 2 kHz.

Spectra were analyzed using Osprey. SNR, FWHM linewidth of total creatine, and metabolite concentrations were extracted. A linear model was used to compare SNR and linewidth. Paired t‐tests were used to assess differences in metabolite measurements between PRESS and sLASER. Correlations were used to evaluate the relationship between PRESS and sLASER metabolite estimates, as well as the strength of each metabolite‐age relationship. Coefficients of variation were calculated to assess inter‐subject variability in each metabolite measurement.

Results

SNR and linewidth were significantly higher (p < 0.01) for sLASER than PRESS in PCC. Paired t‐tests showed significant differences between PRESS and sLASER in most metabolite measurements. PRESS‐sLASER measurements were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) for most metabolites. Metabolite‐age relationships were consistently identified using both methods. Similar coefficients of variation were observed for most metabolites.

Conclusion

The study results suggest strong agreement between PRESS and sLASER in identifying relationships between brain metabolites and age in centrum semiovale and PCC data acquired at 3 T. sLASER is technically desirable due to the reduced chemical shift displacement artifact; however, PRESS performed similarly in homogeneous brain regions at clinical field strength.
Comparison of muscle ultrasound and needle electromyography findings in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Wijntjes Juerd , Gerritsen Jimmy , Doorduin Jonne , van Alfen Nens
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Aims

Needle electromyography (EMG) and muscle ultrasound can be used to evaluate patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. The relation between muscle ultrasound pathology and the corresponding needle EMG findings is unknown. In this study we compared the results of concurrent ultrasound and needle EMG examinations in patients suspected of a neuromuscular disorder.

Methods

Retrospective data from 218 patients with pairwise ultrasound and EMG results of 796 muscles were analyzed. We compared overall quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results to EMGs with neurogenic and myopathic abnormalities and assessed the congruency of both methods in the different clinical diagnosis categories.

Results

In muscles of patients with a neuromuscular disorder, abnormalities were found with EMG in 71.8%, and quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results were abnormal in 19.3% and 35.4% respectively. In muscles with neurogenic EMG abnormalities, quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results were abnormal in 18.9% versus 35.6%, increasing up to 43.7% versus 87.5% in muscles with the most pronounced signs of denervation. Congruency of EMG and ultrasound was better for more proximal and cranial muscles than for muscles in the hand and lower limb.

Discussion

Needle EMG and muscle ultrasound typically produce disparate results and identify different aspects of muscle pathology. Muscle ultrasound seems less suited for detecting mild neurogenic abnormalities. As the severity of neurogenic needle EMG abnormalities increased, muscle ultrasound abnormalities were also increasingly found. Visual analysis seems better suited than grayscale quantification for detecting neurogenic abnormalities.
Developing a realistic numerical equivalent of a GPR antenna transducer using global optimizers
Authors: Patsia Ourania , Giannopoulos Antonios , Giannakis Iraklis
Published: October 2023

Numerical modelling of a ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used for predicting and assessing its performance. As the transmitter and the receiver are the most essential components of a GPR system, an accurate representation of them should be included in a model. Simulating a real system is particularly challenging, especially when it comes to commercial GPR systems. A three‐dimensional model based on a 2000 MHz ‘palm’ antenna from Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI) is presented in this paper. The geometric features of the transducers were modelled via visual inspection, whereas their unknown dielectric properties were estimated using global optimizers in order to minimize the differences between real and synthetic measurements. In particular, the antenna was calibrated in free space and on top of a metal plate. Subsequently, the resulting model was successfully tested in various case studies to assess its performance. Models of two units of the same transducer were developed, showing that units of the same system in general are not identical. The results support the premise that global optimizers can be used to provide information on key aspects of the dielectric structure of the transducer and allow us to accurately model its behaviour in various environments.
Association of Autonomic Symptom Burden with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Yang Chao‐Hui , Lin Wei‐Che , Chen Wei‐Chih , Luo Sheng‐Dean , Yang Ming‐Yu , Hwang Chung‐Feng , Chen Shu‐Fang
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the autonomic symptom burden in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and its association with the severity and prognosis.

Study Design

Observational prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with SSNHL at a single medical center completed the COMPASS 31 questionnaire, which assesses dysautonomia across 6 domains with 31 questions. A total COMPASS 31 score was calculated by summing the scores from each weighted domain. The treatment outcome was evaluated by the percentage of recovery, calculated as the hearing gain in pure tone average (PTA) after treatment divided by the pretreatment PTA difference between the 2 ears. We defined poor recovery as a percentage of recovery <80%.

Results

A total of 63 SSNHL patients were included. The mean COMPASS 31 score was 23.4 (SD 14). Patients with poor recovery had significantly higher COMPASS 31 scores than those with good recovery (mean 26.4 [SD 14.4] vs 16.9 [SD 10.4]; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2‐17). There was a negative association between COMPASS 31 score and both hearing gain (r = −.323, 95% CI −0.082 to −0.529) and percentage of recovery (r = −.365, 95% CI −0.129 to −0.562). Multivariate analyses of independent factors indicate that patients with higher COMPASS 31 scores had a greater risk for poor recovery (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.003‐1.117]).

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between autonomic symptom burden and poor hearing outcomes in SSNHL patients. The findings underscore the importance of evaluating autonomic function during the treatment of SSNHL.
Uncovering the proximal proteome of CTR1 through TurboID‐mediated proximity labeling
Authors: Chien Yuan‐Chi , Reyes Andres , Park Hye Lin , Xu Shou‐Ling , Yoon Gyeong Mee
Published: October 2023

Protein‐protein interactions play a crucial role in driving cellular processes and enabling appropriate physiological responses in organisms. The plant hormone ethylene signaling pathway is complex and regulated by the spatiotemporal regulation of its signaling molecules. Constitutive Triple Response 1 (CTR1), a key negative regulator of the pathway, regulates the function of Ethylene‐Insensitive 2 (EIN2), a positive regulator of ethylene signaling, at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through phosphorylation. Our recent study revealed that CTR1 can also translocate from the ER to the nucleus in response to ethylene and positively regulate ethylene responses by stabilizing EIN3. To gain further insights into the role of CTR1 in plants, we used TurboID‐based proximity labeling and mass spectrometry to identify the proximal proteomes of CTR1 in Nicotiana benthamiana. The identified proximal proteins include known ethylene signaling components, as well as proteins involved in diverse cellular processes such as mitochondrial respiration, mRNA metabolism, and organelle biogenesis. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of proximity labeling using the N. benthamiana transient expression system and identifies the potential interactors of CTR1 in vivo, uncovering the potential roles of CTR1 in a wide range of cellular processes.
Diverse Morphologies of Nb2O5 Nanomaterials: A Comparative Study for the Growth Optimization of Elongated Spiky Nb2O5 and Carbon Nanosphere Composite
Authors: Kommula Bramhaiah , Prabhu B Ramya , Kopperi Harishankar , Bhat Vinay S. , Hegde Gurumurthy , John Neena S.
Published: October 2023

Controlled synthesis and design of nanomaterials with intricate morphologies and active phases offer new prospects in harnessing their unique chemical and physical properties for various applications. Herein, a facile and efficient hydrothermal approach is reported for obtaining various complex Nb2O5 nanostructures, including thin sheets, thick flakes, spiky and elongated spiky sea urchin morphologies using urotropin as a growth‐directing and hydrolyzing agent in various mixed and pure solvents. The detailed structural and chemical composition, surface morphology and crystallinity of as‐synthesized Nb2O5 nanostructures are presented. The urotropin concentration, reaction time, and water‐ethanol solvent mixture play a critical role for obtaining the elongated spiky sea urchin morphologies. The spiky Nb2O5 structures show a pseudohexagonal phase with less urotropin content, while thin sheets are obtained with a higher urotropin concentration and are primarily amorphous. These structures undergo transformation in their crystal phase and morphologies during calcination at higher temperatures revealing the active role of urotropin in stabilizing them. A composite of spiky sea urchin Nb2O5‐carbon nanospheres (suNb2O5‐CNS) is achieved by in‐situ growth of Nb2O5 in the presence of CNS without compromising on morphology, phase, and crystallinity. suNb2O5‐CNS composite is shown to possess higher charge storage capacity compared to its constituents for supercapacitor applications.
Dynamic fracture of metal rods under overdriven effect of cylindrical detonation collision
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Liang Minzu , Tian Zhandong
Published: October 2023

The collision of detonation waves is widely used in weapon design due to its ability to efficiently achieve an ultra‐high pressure region. This work discusses the dynamic fracture of metal rods under the collision of cylindrical detonations. In the experiments, the detonation wave collision is generated by detonating an explosive charge at its end position along two parallel initiation lines, which are detonated by a plane wave generator. The recovered metal rods were broken around their centers due to the superposition of detonation waves. A blue oxidation zone appeared at the fracture surfaces of steel rods in the contact zone under the charge, indicating the local existence of high temperatures. A finite element model was used to simulate and describe the dynamic fracture of metal rods caused by detonation wave collision. The three‐shock theory was used to examine the detonation wave collision. When the incidence angle was between 0° and 40°, the reflected shock wave pressure was approximately 2.1 times the CJ pressure. At an incidence angle of 44.84°, the ratio of Mach and CJ pressure reached a maximum of 3.1. The concentration degree of detonation pressure was developed to evaluate the superposition influence on the dynamic fracture of metal rods. The microstructure of fracture surfaces revealed that metal rods preferred shear fracture under high pressure concentration. With a low degree of pressure concentration, a brittle fracture may emerge. This research serves as a guide for designing and evaluating multimode warheads.
Experimental measurement and simulation of the biaxial mechanical properties of solid propellant HTPB
Authors: Jin Li , Yan Wei‐Xin , Fang Qin‐Zhi , Li Yang , Hu Qin‐Wei
Published: October 2023

Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) solid propellant was widely used in carrier rocket and guided missiles, owing to its excellent mechanical properties. The material of HTPB subjected to complex load such as in the process of manufacturing, storage and transportation. Therefore, the mechanical properties of HTPB had important implications for the safety of structure and service life. The purpose of this work is to study the effects of different loading ratios and loading speeds on the biaxial tension of hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) solid propellant with a proper kind of biaxial tensile specimen and a high volume fraction three dimensional particle filling model of the material. The proper kind of biaxial tensile specimen with which the stresses in its central part could be obtained with the loads acted on each loading direction was designed and used in the study, and the strains in its central parts were obtained with digital image correlation (DIC) method. The stress‐strain relationship at each direction could be obtained by experiments. Experimental results indicated that the loading speed remarkably influenced the biaxial tensile behaviors of HTPB propellant at room temperature and at different loading ratios. The finite element simulation results demonstrated the accuracy of the biaxial experiment. Based on the experimental results, the particle debonding in biaxial experiments were analyzed and an equivalent Poisson's ratio parameter was proposed to evaluate the degree of debonding. The highly volume fraction three dimensional particle filling model provides a good simulation with experimental results and the equivalent Poisson's ratio parameter can conveniently and accurately determine the debonding of particles which is meaningful to the structure integrity assessment of HTPB solid propellant.
Analyzing organizational gaps in process accidents with FRAM: The case of the Imperial Sugar refinery explosion (2008)
Authors: França Josué Eduardo Maia , Vaz Maria Inês , Coutinho Brenda Rodrigues , Pina Luís
Published: October 2023

This study presents a reanalysis of the Imperial Sugar refinery accident that occurred in February 2008, in Georgia, USA, using functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) and based on technical‐scientific materials and the official reports. This explosion was fueled by sugar dust in the packaging building of the refinery, causing 14 fatalities and injuring 38 workers. The purpose of this reanalysis is to seek factors and interactions that could not be well analyzed or evidenced using traditional accident investigation techniques, which are primally designed to analyze linear systems. This reanalysis with FRAM allowed us to perceive the influence of organizational elements, such as culture, in the accidental chain of the event, highlighting the need of a broader approach for accidents involving high‐tech process industries. In this sense, FRAM enabled a more comprehensive analysis of the complex functioning of process plants, for both normal operation and in emergency. It was noticed that the greater the complexity of work systems, the greater the interaction and variability between personnel, equipment, and systems, requiring analysis techniques and methodologies capable of recognizing the real complexities that take place in these sociotechnical systems, especially in high‐tech process plants, such as the sugar refinery in this case.
Active Learning in Physics: From 101, to Progress, and Perspective
Authors: Ding Yongcheng , Martín‐Guerrero José D. , Vives‐Gilabert Yolanda , Chen Xi
Published: October 2023

Active learning (AL) is a family of machine learning (ML) algorithms that predates the current era of artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional approaches that require labeled samples for training, AL iteratively selects unlabeled samples to be annotated by an expert. This protocol aims to prioritize the most informative samples, leading to improved model performance compared to training with all labeled samples. In recent years, AL has gained increasing attention, particularly in the field of physics. This paper presents a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the theory of AL reviewing the latest advancements across various domains. Additionally, the potential integration of AL is explored with quantum ML, envisioning a synergistic fusion of these two fields rather than viewing AL as a mere extension of classical ML into the quantum realm.
Effects of regulation on open‐water flows in the lower Peace River, Canada, and implications for the recharge of Peace‐Athabasca Delta basins
Authors: Beltaos Spyros , Peters Daniel L.
Published: October 2023

Downstream impacts of large hydropower dams are often neglected or underestimated, especially for areas situated at long distances from a dam. Naturalization of the flow hydrograph is an important step in assessing hydro‐ecological and socio‐economic impacts of regulation. Using reservoir inflows, a recently developed, lagged‐flow naturalization method is applied to the lower portion of the regulated Peace River, which forms the northern boundary of the Peace‐Athabasca Delta (PAD). The PAD is a Ramsar wetland of international importance that depends on overland flooding for recharge of its high‐elevation or “perched” basins. Such flooding can be caused by ice jams during the spring breakup of the ice cover or by exceptionally high runoff during open‐water flow conditions. Herein, the focus is on the latter type of event and the resulting recharge of basins located within the Peace sector of the PAD. For the period 1972–2017, regulation has reduced open‐water flow peaks by ~4100 m3/s on average, while limiting the possibility of overbank flooding from the Peace River during the summer. Consistent with earlier findings on spring breakup flows, naturalized open‐water peaks do not exhibit a temporal trend. Recharge of non‐perched basins can also occur with moderately high flows that cause no overland flooding but generate flow reversals in Peace River tributaries. In turn, this mechanism can deliver river water to various basins either directly or via connecting channels. Our results show that flow‐based variables that index the hydrological sustenance of non‐perched basins have been significantly reduced by regulation.
Evolution of Relaxor‐Type High‐k Dielectric in Bulk Pristine Cu2+ and Li+ Co‐Substituted Wurtzite ZnO
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Kumar Mridul , Singh Preetam
Published: October 2023

Dielectric constants determine the level of miniaturization in capacitive components involved in electronic devices. Cu‐Li co‐doping is attempted to introduce the multiferroic relaxor nature of dielectricity and dilute magnetism in the bulk material simultaneously as Li+ ion substitution in ZnO lattice is known to form acceptor states within the band gap of ZnO and paramagnetic Cu2+ present in ZnO lattice can introduce dilute magnetism. Phase purity and substitution of Cu2+ and Li+ ions in ZnO lattice along with oxide‐ion vacancy formation was confirmed using Powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and Magnetic property measurement system (MPMS) studies. The dielectric constant (ϵr′) of bulk pristine Zn0.92Cu0.05Li0.03O and Zn0.9Cu0.05Li0.05O is found to be 18000 and 20000 respectively at 1000 Hz frequency at 600 °C. Both dielectric constant and dielectric loss were decreasing with increasing frequencies. The increase in dielectric constant (ϵr′) with increasing temperatures at different frequencies for Zn0.92Cu0.05Li0.03O1‐δ and Zn0.9Cu0.05Li0.05O1‐δ is likely due to the localized nature of hopping charge carriers in addition to interfacial polarization due to space charge. Tm was found to increase with increasing frequencies suggesting the relaxor nature of dielectricity in the Zn0.9Cu0.05Li0.05O1‐δ. Bulk pristine Zn0.9Cu0.05Li0.05O1‐δ also exhibits ferroelectricity at room temperature with remnant polarization Pr and Vc equal to 4.20e–02 μC/cm2 and 4.1e+03 V/cm at (30KV, 500 Hz) respectively. Zn0.9Cu0.05Li0.05O also shows the paramagnetic behaviour.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Gas‐Phase Hydrogen Sulfide Decomposition using Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Photocatalysts
Authors: Katayama Tomofumi , Nagata Morio
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic gas generated by chemical and geothermal power plants and has an unpleasant odor. Even low concentrations of H2S can cause odor problems upon release into the atmosphere; therefore, the efficient removal of H2S is required. Photocatalytic H2S decomposition methods have been extensively investigated because they are energy‐efficient; however, most methods involve the degradation of a sacrificial reagent after alkaline adsorption and gas‐phase decomposition at relatively high concentrations of 100 ppm or more. Although H2S decomposition by TiO2 under low‐concentration conditions has been reported, H2S is decomposed by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation because TiO2 is unresponsive to visible light. In this study, a composite catalyst is synthesized to achieve the gas‐phase decomposition of low‐concentration hydrogen sulfide under visible light. By combining carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with a cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocatalyst, a g‐C3N4/CdS catalyst is obtained, which reduces 10 ppm H2S to less than 1 ppm. This effective and simple photocatalyst is suitable for mitigating the odor issue related to H2S.
I2/DMSO Promoted Metal Free Oxidative Reaction: Facile Synthesis of α‐Amido Hydroxyketones
Authors: Bhoge Satish , Singh Prabal Pratap , Das Deepak K. , Patra Ranjan
Published: October 2023

α‐Amido ketones play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry due to their significance. The synthesis of these compounds under metal‐free conditions has been successfully achieved. An efficient hydrogen bond‐assisted method for synthesizing α‐amido hydroxyketones was developed using I2/dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) to promote oxidative reactions between various acetophenones and amides. This reaction occurs under mild metal‐free conditions, resulting in the production of the corresponding α‐amido hydroxyketones in significant quantities and with good to high yields. DFT studies have revealed that the H‐bonding interaction between the carbonyl oxygen and hydroxy group leads to the formation of stable α‐amido hydroxyketones, in contrast to α‐amido dione.
Optoelectronic Characterisation and Theoretical Insight into the Binding Mechanism of D‐π‐A Triphenylamine‐Organic Dyes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Haridas Reethu , Ajikumar Nandu , Velore Jayadev , Philip Nisha Anna , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Soman Suraj , Yoosaf Karuvath
Published: October 2023

There has been a notable surge of interest in the field of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in recent years due to their remarkable performance in indoor/ambient and diffused light conditions. A significant portion of these highly efficient indoor DSSCs employs organic dyes based on triphenylamine. In this study, we present the findings of our investigation on two metal‐free D‐π‐A organic dyes, namely triphenylamine (YK 10) and hexyloxy‐substituted triphenylamine (YK 11), serving as electron donors. These dyes feature a 3,3′′‐dioctyl‐2,2′:5′,2′′‐terthiophene π‐spacer and cyanoacetic acid as the anchoring group. In order to comprehensively assess the relationship between the molecular structure, physical properties, and solar cell performance, we conducted in‐depth analysis involving photophysical, electrochemical, and theoretical studies. Our results indicate that these dyes possess the ability to effectively capture light within the visible spectrum and exhibit suitable energetic characteristics for efficient electron injection and dye regeneration. Through the utilization of density functional theory (DFT) modeling, we explored the interfacial adsorption configuration of the dyes on the TiO2 semiconductor, revealing the involvement of the cyano group in the anchoring mechanism for both sensitizers. Moreover, the intramolecular S…CN interaction in these dyes was verified through topological quantum‐theory‐of‐atom‐in‐molecule (QTAIM) analysis, which facilitates additional intramolecular charge transfer pathways. The DSSCs incorporating YK 10 and YK 11 demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 6.42 % and 6.22 %, respectively, under full sun illumination (100 mW/cm2). Remarkably, under both standard 1000 lux CFL and LED illumination conditions, YK 11 exhibited superior performance with PCEs of 8.29 % and 5.89 %, respectively, surpassing the efficiencies of YK 10, which achieved 7.50 % and 5.09 % efficiencies under the same conditions.
Improved Photodynamic Therapy Based on Glutaminase Blockage via Tumor Membrane Coated CB‐839/IR‐780 Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Zhiyan , Li Xianghui , Lu Yanjun , Zhu Xudong , Zheng Wenxuan , Chen Kai , Liu Song , Wu Jinhui , Guan Wenxian
Published: October 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has promising applications. However, the lethal function of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during PDT is typically limited. This restriction is induced by oxygen shortage in the tumor microenvironment due to tumor cell hypermetabolism and reductive chemicals overexpression in tumor tissues. Glutamine (Gln) metabolism is crucial for malignancy development and is closely associated with redox. Herein, a novel nanoparticle (NP) named IRCB@M is constructed to boost PDT through dual effects. This NP simultaneously blocks aerobic respiration and inhibits cellular reduced substances by blocking the Gln metabolic pathway. Within the nanocomplex, a photosensitizer (IR‐780) and a glutaminase inhibitor (CB‐839) are self‐assembled and then encapsulated by cancer cell membranes for homologous targeting. The Gln metabolism intervention relieves hypoxia and decreases the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) in vitro and in vivo, which are the dual amplification effects on the IR‐780‐mediated lethal PDT. The antitumor effects against gastric cancer are ultimately evoked in vivo, thus offering a novel concept for enhancing PDT and other ROS‐dependent therapeutic approaches.
Transport Properties and Local Ions Dynamics in LATP‐Based Hybrid Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Boaretto Nicola , Ghorbanzade Pedram , Perez‐Furundarena Haritz , Meabe Leire , López del Amo Juan Miguel , Gunathilaka Isuru E. , Forsyth Maria , Schuhmacher Jörg , Roters Andreas , Krachkovskiy Sergey , Guerfi Abdelbast , Armand Michel , Martinez‐Ibañez María
Published: October 2023

Hybrid solid electrolytes (HSEs), namely mixtures of polymer and inorganic electrolytes, have supposedly improved properties with respect to inorganic and polymer electrolytes. In practice, HSEs often show ionic conductivity below expectations, as the high interface resistance limits the contribution of inorganic electrolyte particles to the charge transport process. In this study, the transport properties of a series of HSEs containing Li(1+x)AlxTi(2–x)(PO4)3 (LATP) as Li+‐conducting filler are analyzed. The occurrence of Li+ exchange across the two phases is proved by isotope exchange experiment, coupled with 6Li/7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and by 2D 6Li exchange spectroscopy (EXSY), which gives a time constant for Li+ exchange of about 50 ms at 60 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) distinguishes a short‐range and a long‐range conductivity, the latter decreasing with LATP concentration. LATP particles contribute to the overall conductivity only at high temperatures and at high LATP concentrations. Pulsed field gradient (PFG)‐NMR suggests a selective decrease of the anions’ diffusivity at high temperatures, translating into a marginal increase of the Li+ transference number. Although the transport properties are only marginally affected, addition of moderate amounts of LATP to polymer electrolytes enhances their mechanical properties, thus improving the plating/stripping performance and processability.
Colloidal CsBr Nanocrystals Triggered Inorganic Cation and Anion Exchange Enables High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yang , Gao Feng , Luo Chao , Wang Xianjin , Zhan Changling , Chen Chinping , Zhao Qing
Published: October 2023

Achieving longitudinal doping of specific ions by surface treatment remains a challenge for perovskite solar cells, which are often limited by dopant and solvent compatibility. Here, with the flowing environment created by CsBr colloidal nanocrystals, ion exchange is induced on the surface of the perovskite film to enable the homogeneous distribution of Cs+ and gradient distribution of Br− simultaneously at whole depth of the film. Meanwhile, assisted by long‐chain organic ligands, the excess PbI2 on the surface of perovskite film is converted to a more stable quasi‐2D perovskite, which realizes effective passivation of defects on the surface. As a result, the unfavorable n‐type doping on the top surface is suppressed, so that the energy level alignment between perovskite and hole transport layer is optimized. On the basis of co‐modification of the surface and the bulk, the PCE of champion device reaches 23.22% with enhanced VOC of 1.12 V. Device maintains 97.12% of the initial PCE in dark ambient air at 1% RH after 1056 h without encapsulation, and 91.56% of the initial PCE under light illumination of 1 sun in N2 atmosphere for more than 200 h. The approach demonstrated here provides an effective strategy for the nondestructive introduction of inorganic ions in perovskite film.
Stabilizing Anode‐Electrolyte Interface for Dendrite‐Free Zn‐Ion Batteries Through Orientational Plating with Zinc Aspartate Additive
Authors: Huang Yang , Zhuang Yuexin , Guo Li , Lei Chongjia , Jiang Yue , Liu Zhenjie , Zhao Yuzhen , Xing Kangqian , Wu Xiangrong , Luo Shaojuan , Chen Guangming , Liu Zhuoxin , Hu Zhe
Published: October 2023

The stability of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) is detrimentally influenced by the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of parasitic side reactions at the Zn metal anode (ZMA)‐electrolyte interface. The strategic manipulation of the preferential crystal orientation during Zn2+ plating serves as an essential approach to mitigate this issue. Here, Zn aspartate (Zn‐Asp), an electrolyte additive for AZIBs, is introduced not only to optimize the solvation structure of Zn2+, but also to crucially promote preferential Zn2+ plating on the (002) crystal plane of ZMA. As a result, both side reactions and Zn dendrites are effectively inhibited, ensuring an anode surface free of both dendrites and by‐products. The implementation of Zn‐Asp leads to significant enhancements in both Zn||Zn symmetric and Zn||Ti batteries, which demonstrate robust cyclability of over 3200 h and high Coulombic efficiency of 99.29%, respectively. Additionally, the Zn||NaV3O8·1.5H2O full battery exhibits remarkable rate capability, realizing a high capacity of 240.77 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1, and retains 92.7% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles. This research underscores the vital role of electrolyte additives in regulating the preferential crystal orientation of ZMA, thereby contributing to the development of high‐performing AZIBs.
Flexible Anionic Groups‐Activated Structure Dissymmetry for Strong Nonlinearity in Ln2Ae3MIV3S12 Family
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Xiao Yan , Wu Kui , Zhang Bingbing , Lu Dazhi , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: October 2023

Structural dissymmetry and strong second‐harmonic generation (SHG) responses are key conditions for nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, and targeted combinatorial screening of suitable anionic groups has become extremely effective. Herein, optimal combination of flexible SnSn (n = 5, 6) groups and highly electropositive cations (lanthanides (Ln3+) and alkaline earth (Ae2+: Sr, Ca) metals) affords the successful synthesis of 12 NLO thiostannates including Ln2Sr3Sn3S12 (Pmc21) and Ln2Ca3Sn3S12 (P‐62m); whereas 17 rigid GeS4 or SiS4 tetrahedra‐constructed Ln2Ae3Ge3S12 and Ln2Ae3Si3S12 crystallize in the centrosymmetric (CS) Pnma. This unprecedented CS to noncentrosymmetric (NCS) structural transformation (Pnma to P‐62m to Pmc21) in the Ln2Ae3MIV3S12 family indicates that chemical substitution of the tetrahedral GeS4/SiS4 units with SnSn breaks the original symmetry to form the requisite NCS structures. Remarkably, strong polarization anisotropy and hyperpolarizability of the Sn(4+)S5 unit afford huge performance improvement from the nonphase‐matching (NPM) SHG response (1.4 × AgGaS2 and Δn = 0.008) of La2Ca3Sn3S12 to the strong phase‐matching (PM) SHG effect (3.0 × AgGaS2 and Δn = 0.086) of La2Sr3Sn3S12. Therefore, Sn(4+)S5 is proven to be a promising “NLO‐active unit.” This study verifies that the coupling of flexible SnSn building blocks into structures opens a feasible path for designing targeted NCS crystals with strong nonlinearity and optical anisotropy.
A Rolling‐Bead Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Omnidirectional Wind‐Induced Energy toward Shelter Forests Monitoring
Authors: Cao Yaxing , Su Erming , Sun Yanshuo , Wang Zhong Lin , Cao Leo N.Y.
Published: October 2023

Shelter forests (or shelter‐belts), while crucial for climate regulation, lack monitoring systems, e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) devices, but their abundant wind energy can potentially power these devices using the trees as mounting points. To harness wind energy, an omnidirectional fluid‐induced vibration triboelectric nanogenerator (OFIV‐TENG) has been developed. The device is installed on shelter forest trees to harvest wind energy from all directions, employing a fluid‐induced vibration (FIV) mechanism (fluid‐responding structure) that can capture and use wind energy, ranging from low wind speeds (vortex vibration) to high wind speeds (galloping). The rolling‐bead triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can efficiently harvest energy while minimizing wear and tear. Additionally, the usage of double electrodes results in an effective surface charge density of 21.4 µC m−2, which is the highest among all reported rolling‐bead TENGs. The collected energy is utilized for temperature and humidity monitoring, providing feedback on the effect of climate regulation in shelter forests, alarming forest fires, and wireless wind speed warning. In general, this work provides a promising and rational strategy, using natural resources like trees as the supporting structures, and shows broad application prospects in efficient energy collection, wind speed warning, and environmentally friendliness.
Precursor Engineering of Solution‐Processed Sb2S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yanyan , Li Ruiming , Jia Zhenglin , Yu Bin , Yang Yujie , Bai Songxue , Pollard Michael , Liu Yong , Ma Ye , Kampwerth Henner , Lin Qianqian
Published: October 2023

Antimony‐based chalcogenides have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation thin film photovoltaics. Particularly, binary Sb2S3 thin films have exhibited great potential for optoelectronic applications, due to the facile and low‐cost fabrication, simple composition, decent charge transport and superior stability. However, most of the reported efficient Sb2S3 solar cells are realized based on chemical bath deposition and hydrothermal methods, which require large amount of solution and are normally very time‐consuming. In this work, Ag ions are introduced within the Sb2S3 sol‐gel precursors, and effectively modulated the crystallization and charge transport properties of Sb2S3. The crystallinity of the Sb2S3 crystal grains are enhanced and the charge carrier mobility is increased, which resulted improved charge collection efficiency and reduced charge recombination losses, reflected by the greatly improved fill factor and open‐circuit voltage of the Ag incorporated Sb2S3 solar cells. The champion devices reached a record high power conversion efficiency of 7.73% (with antireflection coating), which is comparable with the best photovoltaic performance of Sb2S3 solar cells achieved based on chemical bath deposition and hydrothermal techniques, and pave the great avenue for next‐generation solution‐processed photovoltaics.
Political ecology of climate change in Sundarbans, India: Understanding well‐being, social vulnerabilities, and community perception
Authors: Bhowmick Debayanti
Published: October 2023

This study is an attempt to review the climate change phenomenon through the theoretical lens of “Political Ecology of Health.” It identifies the strategic implications of climate change policies on health and well‐being in the Sundarbans region of India and other related factors which come into play in determining the health status there. It encapsulates the existing vulnerabilities observed in this eco‐sensitive region and tries to reflect on the community's perception of the climate change crises inflicted upon them. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current conditions in the region. In addition to utilizing electronic databases, the author also reached out to experts from pertinent organizations with related expertise to gather supplementary references. Adapting to climate change is crucial to cope with the changing surroundings and elevate competency. Since Sundarbans’ adaptation strategies are intricately dependent on historical positionality, community behavior, gender roles, social capital, and ecoregion sensitivity, the well‐being and recovery in the community are very much context‐specific. Thus, it must give space to discourses of newer politics of adaptation, emerging from a rigorous ecological standpoint. Looking into the matter through the lens of “situated knowledge, political economy and socio‐ecological relationships” brought out important issues like land‐ownership conflict, fading away of the traditional knowledge system, conspicuous utilization of funds and a poor public health system.
Eco‐friendly geopolymer mortar prepared from geopolymer waste: Mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Bourzik Oumaima , Baba Khadija , Akkouri Nacer
Published: October 2023

As the demand for sustainable construction practices increases, alternative materials are being explored to reduce waste and carbon emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing recycled geopolymer binder as a substitute for ordinary sand in the production of geopolymer mortar. The study examines the effects of various replacement rates of recycled geopolymer on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the geopolymer mortar. The results indicate that geopolymer mortar incorporating recycled geopolymer binder as a replacement for ordinary sand exhibits similar mechanical properties to traditional geopolymer mortar, with minor decreases in compressive and flexural strength as the replacement rate increased. The geopolymer mortar also demonstrated lower thermal conductivity than traditional mixes, resulting in increased thermal insulation. These findings suggest that using recycled geopolymer binder as a replacement for ordinary sand in geopolymer mortar production could be a promising approach for sustainable construction practices.
Modeling and optimization of the yield of pyrolytic oil from waste face masks using RSM‐ANN‐LM hybrid approach
Authors: Abu Huraira M. M. , Saravanathamizhan R. , Israel T. T. , Haripriyan U. , Perarasu V. T.
Published: October 2023

Pyrolysis is one of the most widely practiced thermochemical conversion technique to convert biomass into bio fuel. In this investigation, waste surgical masks were taken for pyrolysis process and the pyrolysis oil yield was determined experimentally. The experiments were designed and optimized based on Box Behnken Design (BBD) with operating parameters (feed size, temperature, and time) to study the effect on the yield of the pyrolysis oil and char. Experiments were conducted by varying the feed size (10–50 mm), pyrolysis temperature (400–600°C), and time (30–90 min). A hybrid Response Surface Methodology –Artificial Neural Network‐ Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (RSM‐ANN‐LM) modelling approach has been to optimize the process parameters for the prediction of pyrolysis oil yield. The optimized network architecture was found to be 3‐10‐1 and the authenticity of the developed model has been evaluated using Regression Co‐efficient (R2) and Mean Squared Error (MSE). The developed RSM‐ANN‐LM model has outperformed the RSM model on predicting the pyrolytic oil yield. For the optimized conditions of 10 mm size, 600°C of pyrolysis temperature and 90 min pyrolysis time, 85.30% oil yield was obtained.
HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer: preventable and treatable if recognised early
Authors: Towler Jonathan , Nutting Christopher
Published: October 2023

Oncogenic human papilloma virus (HPV) currently accounts for 50% of throat cancer cases in men in the UK. Due to the absence of conventional risk factors for head and neck cancer, many men are diagnosed late. Despite this, cure rates are high. Typically, the treatment is with surgery or chemoradiotherapy. The recently introduced programme of HPV vaccination in boys should, in the long‐term, see a dramatic reduction in this cancer type.
Use of tramadol as analgesic alternative in Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Authors: Hernández‐Millán Carlos Leonel , Quezada Tristán Teódulo , Ortiz Martínez Raúl , Gerardo Valdivia Flores , Marcela Martínez‐Haro , Fernando Jaramillo Juárez
Published: October 2023

Background

The Harris hawk is a bird of prey susceptible to traumatic injuries because it is useful for several purposes such as conservancy, biological control and falconry. Once received in rehabilitation centres or specialized clinics, it is necessary to provide proper analgesia.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol in Harris hawks (PISADOL 50 PiSA Agropecuaria, S.A. de C.V. Calle 1 Norte, Manzana 2‐25 Parque Industrial Tula Atitalaquia, Hgo, México), by the assessment of nociceptive threshold.

Methods

A total of 24 adult Harris hawks were selected from a rehabilitation centre. The birds were randomly divided into four groups: control (saline solution), 5.0, 15.0 and 30.0 mg/kg of intramuscular tramadol. Nociception was produced with electrical stimuli of 9 V, applied in propatagial skin at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min, assessing the nociceptive threshold and sedative effects produced by each treatment.

Results

No difference was observed between control and tramadol group 5 mg/kg. At 15 mg/kg, the pain threshold increased from 20 to 240 min, with minimal sedative effects. At 30 mg/kg, there was a marked increase in pain threshold from 10 to 300 min, and sedative effects like wing and head drooping for a period of 90 min.

Conclusions

Tramadol can be an analgesic alternative for Harris's hawks, as it decreases the response to painful stimuli in this species when administered by intramuscular route.
Desalination of seawater in Morocco: Case study of Chtouka and Dakhla public‐private partnership projects
Authors: Bourziza Rqia , Oudrhiri Salma , Outmrhoust Youssra , Mourjanou Imane , El Khoumsi Wafae
Published: October 2023

Situated between the southern Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert, Morocco has a semi‐arid climate characterized by low and irregular rainfall and a succession of dry years. With demographic and economic growth, the country's water needs are constantly increasing. The desalination of sea water is an option adopted by the government to cope with the drying up of water resources. A number of projects have been launched to secure the country's drinking water and irrigation needs. In this study, the contributions of the public‐private partnership (PPP) set‐up are assessed from the institutional, financial, technical, and management points of view, as well as the contribution of this set‐up to the success of major desalination projects for irrigation. To achieve the objective, the study focused on two desalination projects for irrigation, one in the Chtouka plain and another in the Dakhla area, based on an assessment of the various components of the two projects, and the key success factors for each of them. The study reveals that the PPP arrangement brings several advantages to these desalination projects for irrigation, principally: the participation of the private partner in the financing, the sharing of risks between the two public and private parties, and the sustainable management of the various components of the project. The Dakhla project also offers added value compared with other desalination PPP projects, because it is the first project to be included in Law No. 86‐12 on PPP contracts. At the same time, the PPP structure presents risks in terms of controlling delays caused by external events. Thus, the inauguration of new desalination PPP projects, as part of the Generation Green strategy, is proving to be a relevant solution for guaranteeing additional resources for irrigation and improving the technical, economic, and financial conditions for managing the irrigation water service.
Opportunities and challenges of irrigation in Morocco, Spain, and India: A critical analysis
Authors: Guemouria Ayoub , El Harraki Wafae , Elhassnaoui Ismail , Hadri Abdessamad , Chehbouni Abdelghani , Dhiba Driss , Bouchaou Lhoussaine
Published: October 2023

Morocco is experiencing rapid development driven by population growth, increasing food demand, water stress, urbanization, emerging market opportunities, and climate change. Due to climate variability, Morocco faces significant climate risks, including a reduction in the number of rainy days, shorter growing seasons, changes in soil moisture levels, more frequent and intense droughts, flash floods, and rising temperatures. Without efficient irrigation systems, both quantitative and qualitative yields are low, crops are damaged or even lost, and incomes are diminished. In this scientific article, a critical analysis was conducted based on a comparative study of the situation of irrigation in Morocco, India, and Spain with the aim of learning from successful experiences and addressing gaps in the understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of effective irrigation systems. Data were collected through literature review to assess the status, challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of irrigation investments in the three countries. The evaluation was carried out through two pathways: analyzing the impacts of microirrigation on plot management and its effects on groundwater and basins. The findings of this study will provide significant contributions to future research and policymakers and pave the way for the implementation of integrated water resources management.