bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Degradation's Influence on Livelihoods of Small‐Scale Farmers and Land Care Workers in Ladybrand, South Africa
Authors: Msipa Alexander Mabunga , Lombard Antoinette , Aucamp Ilse , Baade Jussi
Published: January 2025

Land degradation influences the natural resource‐based livelihoods of agricultural communities whose livelihoods are dependent on the productivity of the land. South Africa has been and still is considerably affected by land degradation which adversely influences livelihoods and well‐being. The article reports on the findings of a study aimed at determining how land degradation in the Ladybrand area, Free State Province, South Africa, influences the livelihoods of small‐scale farmers and land care workers, and what land management strategies can mitigate land degradation for sustainable livelihood outcomes. The explorative study adopted a qualitative research approach and an instrumental case study research design. A purposive sampling method was used to select 13 small‐scale farmers (general and commonage) and 14 land care workers for the study. Data were collected through focus group interviews and were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated the causes of land degradation in Ladybrand that jeopardise land management practices for sustainable livelihoods, namely, the high volume of invasive plants, land pollution, overgrazing, unsecure land tenure systems and poor access to markets. Strategies recommended to mitigate land degradation and improve land management practices for sustainable livelihoods include rotational grazing, tenure security for small‐scale farmers, increasing access to markets and institutional support to small‐scale farmers and land care workers. This study documents the insights of small‐scale farmers and land care workers on land degradation and their commitment to practise sustainable land management.
Ecological Risks and Patterns Associated With Land Use/Cover Changes Along the Belt and Road Initiative Routes
Authors: He Yinjie , Liu Xinran , Wu Dafang , Li Shuangcheng , Zhou Ping
Published: January 2025

This study aims to uncover the characteristics of land use/cover (LULC) changes over a macro‐scale and long‐term period, as well as to assess their associated ecological risks. LULC changes are closely tied to ecological and environmental processes such as climate change, biodiversity, soil conservation, and water purification. With global population growth and urbanization, LULC changes have left a significant ecological footprint. To achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, understanding the negative impacts of LULC changes is essential. This study employs GIS spatial models to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of LULC changes in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries post‐BRI proposal, using remote sensing monitoring and the InVEST model. During the ancient Silk Road period, living and production spaces occupied only 2.15% of the area. By 2013, this had expanded to 12.98% due to agricultural land growth, notably in central India and the Eastern European Plain. From 2013 to 2021, living and production spaces continued to increase, while ecological spaces decreased, with notable expansions in southeastern coastal China, Java, and the Mediterranean. Post‐BRI, LULC changes led to the decreased quality risks of landscape fragmentation, carbon emissions, and nitrogen eutrophication, but increased the quality risks of habitat quality degradation, soil erosion, and phosphorus eutrophication.
Smartphone Thermal Imaging as an Adjunct to Identify Free Flap Perforators and Assisting Flap Design: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saleem Ahmed , Philteos Jonas , Lajud Shayanne , Jethwa Ashok , Thomas Carissa , Yao Christopher M. L. K. , Goldstein David P. , Higgins Kevin P.
Published: January 2025

Background

The main technique for identification of free flap perforator vessels is Doppler sonography, which is not always accurate, user dependent and affected by the patient's body habitus.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing head and neck resection and free flap reconstruction at two academic institutions were enrolled. Doppler sonography was used to identify perforators, and were marked using a skin marker. The donor site was cooled down for 3 min using a sterile iced saline bag. FLIR‐ONE (FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, OR) camera was used to assess for “hot spots” during a 3–5 min period of re‐warming as a surrogate for cutaneous blood flow. The distance between the Doppler signal location, and the “hot spot” was recorded. The position of the perforator was then identified intraoperatively and the distances between the surgical position, the Doppler and “hot spot” were recorded.

Results

A total of 28 patients were included. For all flap types, FLIR thermal imaging measurements consistently tended to be closer to the surgical site compared to Doppler ultrasound. In anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 20), thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps (n = 5), and fibula osteocutaneous flaps (n = 3), absolute mean differences ranged from 0.62 to 1.33 cm, with trends favoring FLIR. While paired t‐tests did not reach statistical significance, both methods correlated with intraoperatively identified skin perforators, and distances generally ranged between 0 and 2 cm.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that a smartphone‐based thermal imaging system has the potential to serve as an adjunct for identifying flap perforators, with the possibility of reducing operative times and minimizing patient morbidity.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Constructing an Injectable Multifunctional Antibacterial Hydrogel Adhesive to Seal Complex Interfaces Post–Dental Implantation to Improve Soft Tissue Integration
Authors: Hong Yubing , Wang Siwei , Maimaiti Abudusaimi , Li Jiarun , Li Dongying , Wang Qinmei , Teng Wei
Published: January 2025

Soft tissue integration (STI) around dental implants determines their long‐term success, and the key is to immediately construct a temporary soft tissue‐like barrier to prevent bacterial invasion after implantation and then, promote STI. In response to this need, an injectable multi‐crosslinked hydrogel (MCH) with abilities of self‐healing, anti‐swelling, degradability, and dry/wet adhesion to soft tissue/titanium is developed using gallic acid‐graft‐chitosan, oxidized sodium alginate, gelatin, and Cu2+ with water and borax solution as solvents, whose properties can be controlled by adjusting its composition and ratio. MCH can not only immediately build a sealing barrier to block the bacterial invasion in the oral simulation environment but also deliver outstanding antibacterial efficacy through the synergism of trapping bacteria and releasing bactericidal agents such as chitosan, gallic acid, aldehyde, and Cu2+. Moreover, MCH has an adjustable ROS‐scavenging ability imparted by gallic acid, chitosan, and gelatin to reduce inflammation and can control the release of Cu2+. Based on these, it is believed that by injecting MCH around implants (percutaneous/transmucosal) after surgery, a universal non‐aggressive strategy to promote STI can be developed for long‐term implant success.
In Vitro Assessment of Chitosan‐PEG Hydrogels Enriched with MSCs‐Exosomes for Enhancing Wound Healing
Authors: Ezati Masoumeh , Hashemi Amir , Zumberg Inna , Nasr Minoo Partovi , Fohlerova Zdenka
Published: January 2025

Regenerating skin tissue remains a major challenge in medical science, especially due to the risk of scarring and prolonged healing, which becomes even more complicated in people with diabetes. Recent advancements have led to the creation of therapeutic dressings incorporating drug‐delivery systems to tackle these issues. Exosomes (Exos) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained significant attention for mediating therapy without directly using cells, thanks to their natural anti‐inflammatory and tissue repair properties mirroring those of MSCs. In this study, an advanced wound dressing combines chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel with adipose MSCs‐derived Exos (ADMSCs‐Exos). This composite, formed using a straightforward blending technique, is engineered to improve the healing process of severe skin injuries by steadily releasing Exos as the hydrogel degrades. The in vitro studies demonstrate that this hydrogel‐exosome dressing greatly enhances endothelial cell migration, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes angiogenesis, crucial for effective wound healing. Additionally, real time‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis revealed significant upregulation of key genes involved in these processes, supporting the therapeutic potential of the hydrogel‐Exo combination. These findings emphasize the potential of this hydrogel‐Exos combination as an innovative and promising solution for advanced wound care.
Monitoring Polypropylene Chain‐Scission for Dissolution‐Based Recycling by In Situ Near Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ferchichi Sofiane , Sheibat‐Othman Nida , Boyron Olivier , Norsic Sébastien , Rey‐Bayle Maud , Monteil Vincent
Published: January 2025

Within the context of polypropylene recycling by dissolution, the potential degradation of polypropylene in solution has been investigated using in situ NIR and Raman spectroscopy. Pure polypropylene, completely free of additives, and commercial polypropylene, low in additives, are degraded on purpose under different conditions. Genetic algorithm combined with partial least squares (GA‐PLS) models have been built based on near‐infrared (NIR) spectra, and partial least squares (PLS) models based on Raman spectra, to predict the mass average molar mass and the chain‐scission rate, respectively, during the degradation process. The variables used in the GA‐PLS model from NIR spectra suggest that the main variability is related to physical changes via the baseline. In Raman, a baseline drift due to coloration during the degradation has been used to correlate the spectra with the degradation phenomenon. Both techniques show good predictive performances and can potentially be implemented for real‐time supervision of degradation during recycling processes.
Graft‐to/Graft‐From Synthesis of Janus Graft Copolymers for Bottlebrush Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Li Shaoqiao , Guo Kairui , Xue Zhigang
Published: January 2025

Janus graft copolymers, which combine the characteristics of block and graft copolymers, have been used in the fields of reaction catalysis, surface modification, and drug delivery, but their applications in lithium batteries have rarely been reported. Herein, Janus graft copolymers with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polystyrene (PS) side chains are synthesized by combining reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) methods and doped with lithium salts to fabricate Janus bottlebrush polymer electrolytes (PEG‐J‐PS). The PEG side chains of the brush polymers impart good ion‐conducting properties to the electrolytes, while the PS side chains improve the mechanical strength and thermal and chemical stability of the electrolytes. Notably, the PEG‐J‐PS can effectively improve the motility of the polymer chain segments compared to the conventional block copolymer electrolytes (PEG‐b‐PS). The prepared PEG‐J‐PS exhibits a considerable ionic conductivity of 2.06 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30 °C and high tensile stress (2.39 MPa) and tensile strain (143%) of the PEG45‐J‐PS20 owing to its Janus graft structure.
Asymptotic Behavior for a Viscoelastic Wave Equation With Acoustic and Fractional Conditions Combined by Nonlinear Time‐Varying Delay in Boundary Feedback in the Presence of Logarithmic Source Term
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Boulaaras Salah , Jan Rashid , Jain Shilpi
Published: January 2025

This study examines a wave equation within the framework of nonlinear viscoelasticity. Specifically, it considers a nonlinear, time‐varying delay feedback acting on the boundary, coupled with acoustic and fractional boundary conditions, and influenced by a logarithmic source term. Under suitable general assumptions on the kernel, we first establish the global existence of solutions and subsequently analyze their asymptotic behavior.
Methylene Blue‐Loaded Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles and Their Temperature, Reduction, and Near‐Infrared‐Responsive Release Property for Doxorubicin Delivery
Authors: Wangpimool Kwanjira , Palanisamy Subramanian , You SangGuan , Kim Jin‐Chul
Published: January 2025

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is a widely used polymer due to its biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and customizable structure. Thus, it makes PAA a desirable candidate for developing advanced drug delivery systems. This study used PAA and aminophenyl disulfide (APD) to prepare ion pair self‐assembly (IPM), which is sensitive to temperature and reduction. The PAA/APD ion pair exhibited upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and surface‐active. The surface tension could be controlled by APD content and reducing agent concentration. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was found at about 3.8 mg/mL and increased with increasing the reducing agent concentration. The APD reduction was verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) microscopy. IPM containing methylene blue (IPM@MB) showed photothermal activity and high photostability under NIR irradiation. The ionic interaction between PAA and APD was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. IPM appeared as almost sphere‐like nanoparticles on the TEM and SEM images. MB can be loaded inside the IPM, evidenced by confocal images. Upon heating, doxorubicin (DOX) was appreciably released when the temperature was higher than the UCST of IPM. Under reducing conditions, the disulfide bond (S‐S) of APD was reduced to thiol (S‐H) groups. The IPM would lose its amphiphilicity, leading to IPM disintegration and accelerated release. Upon NIR irradiation, the IPM@MB showed burst release because of the heat generation from MB, leading to the IPM disassembly.
Chemically Modified Gelatin/Chitosan as a Chemosensor Adsorbent for Detection of Toxic Metals and Removal of Organic Dyes
Authors: Singh Anoop , Kumar Arjun , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: January 2025

Due to the vast amounts of toxic metals, oils, and dyes containing wastewater, water pollution is currently a serious health issue for human beings and animals. Adsorption of these pollutants using a biopolymeric‐based hydrogel from wastewater is one of the potent methods due to its biodegradability and low cost. Herein, a porous and biodegradable hydrogel (CS–GL–IL) was synthesized from gelatin (GL), chitosan (CS), and ionic liquid (IL), acting as an excellent adsorbent for water pollutants. The maximum percentage swelling obtained for the synthesized CS–GL–IL hydrogel was 480% ± 3% for 0.5 g of the ionic liquid, 0.05 g of APS, and 35 mL of water at 65°C for 1.5 h of reaction. The process of eliminating methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) from a dye containing water was done using the CS–GL–IL hydrogel. Numerous methods, including PXRD, SEM, FTIR, and rheology, have been used for the characterization of the CS–GL–IL hydrogel. The obtained data indicate that the Freundlich adsorption isotherm with pseudo‐second‐order kinetics was followed for adsorption of dyes. The hydrogel exhibits excellent adsorption capacities of 1171 mg/g and 1062 mg/g for MO and MB, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrogel also exhibited efficiency in detection and adsorption of Ni2+ and Pb2+ with adsorption capacities of 315 mg/g and 370 mg/g, respectively. Dye removal efficiency remained above 82% even after eight iterations of dye adsorption and desorption experiments. Due to its high adsorption potential and regeneration capabilities, the CS–GL–IL hydrogel acts as an excellent material for remediation of wastewater.
A Validated Method for Identification and Quantification of Anthocyanins in Different Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties Using High‐Performance Thin‐Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
Authors: Borah Jyoti Lekha , Tampha Soibam , Jose Robinson C. , Chaudhary Sushil K. , Chetia Sanjay Kumar , Tamuly Amrit , Sharma Nanaocha , Mukherjee Pulok Kumar , Bhardwaj Pardeep K.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) has gained prominence as a functional food because of its rich content of anthocyanins and polyphenols, offering potential health benefits. However, comprehensive research addressing the diverse anthocyanin compositions in black rice cultivars remains limited.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify anthocyanin contents, specifically kuromanin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, peonidin‐3‐glucoside chloride, and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside chloride, in 150 rice varieties sourced from the North Eastern Region of India using a robust high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method.

Materials and Methods

Rice grains of varying colors—black, orange‐reddish, and white—were subjected to methanol extraction under dark conditions through cold maceration for 72 h. The resulting extracts underwent separation on HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 plates utilizing an optimized mobile phase of ethyl acetate, 2‐butanol, formic acid, and water (9:6:3:3::v/v/v/v).

Results

Anthocyanins were found to be present, and they were most visible in white light compared with UV light at 254 and 366 nm. They were analyzed via densitometry under white light illumination in transmission mode following development. Notably, anthocyanins were absent in grains of white and orange‐reddish rice varieties, except for specific lines of Joha (JN 71, JN 83, JN 77, and JN 78) and all black rice variants. Among these, BR 15 exhibited the highest kuromanin content (74.14 ± 0.82 μg/mg), while BR8 showcased the highest peonidin‐3‐glucoside chloride concentration (27.59 ± 0.83 μg/mg).

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis provides detailed insights into the anthocyanin compositions of 15 significant black rice cultivars, offering crucial data for breeding programs targeting enhanced anthocyanin‐rich cultivars and the development of functional foods.
Outcomes of Intrauterine Interventions in Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence: A Systematic Review of the Literature Over the Past 35 Years
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Granese Roberta , Incognito Giosuè Giordano , Grisolia Gianpaolo , Lituania Mario , Sepulveda Waldo , de Andrade Valter Lacerda , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is an uncommon disease affecting monochorionic twin pregnancies. The diagnosis can be made by ultrasound allowing to plan optimal antenatal management. An electronic search was conducted from inception to July 2024 to systematically evaluate and compare the outcomes of different intrauterine interventions in this condition. Eighty‐two studies were included, and 859 women with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of TRAP sequence with a total of 1763 fetuses were studied. The mean maternal age was 24.2 years (range 19–40) and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was 19.6 weeks (range 10–32). A total of 792 pregnancies were reported in which a fetal intervention was performed over the past 35 years. The mean gestational age at fetal intervention was 22.1 weeks (range 11–32). The two most frequent fetal interventions were radiofrequency ablation, performed in 293 cases and laser umbilical cord coagulation in 140 cases. Overall, 684 out of 828 non‐acardiac fetuses following fetal intervention survived (82.6%) compared with 49 out of 76 (64.5%) non‐acardiac fetuses in pregnancies managed expectantly (p = 0.0001). A higher survival rate was seen in fetuses undergoing umbilical cord ligation (100%) although this procedure was performed in only 8 women. Survival rates were 88.9%, 79.9%, 78.9% and 77.9% for monopolar coagulation of the umbilical cord, laser coagulation of the umbilical cord, fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses and radiofrequency ablation, respectively. Our results show that the survival rate is higher in patients with TRAP who have a prenatal intervention compared with those who have prenatal expectant management. The survival rate varies depending on the modality used for the prenatal intervention. Future studies are necessary to investigate the impact of the gestational age at the time of the procedure on the survival rate depending on the prenatal therapeutic modality.
Luminescent Mesoporous Squaraine Copolymers: Probing the Structural, Optical, and Sensing Behaviors
Authors: Sriwastav Saily , Malik Sudip
Published: January 2025

Herein, we have designed and developed four luminescent mesoporous squaraine copolymers (PSQ‐X) based on substituted diaryl‐1,4‐diamine moiety with various heteroatom “X” such as CH2, O, S, and SO2 to demonstrate the effect of heteroatom on structural, thermal, electrochemical, and optical properties of copolymers. Synthesis has been achieved through a facile single step metal‐free poly‐condensation reaction using commercially available low‐cost monomers. All polysquaraines (PSQs) possess good thermal stability, crystallinity and low bandgap energy (2–3 eV). Utilizing the fluorescent nature of the PSQs, we have explored them as a “turn‐off” sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of picric acid among various nitro‐aromatic explosives via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and inner filter effect (IFE) mechanism. The Stern–Volmer constant (KSV) for PA has estimated as 1.93 × 104, 1.92 × 104, 0.68 × 104, and 3.57 × 104 M−1 for PSQ‐CH2, PSQ‐O, PSQ‐S, and PSQ‐SO2, respectively, indicating that PA can quench the emission intensity of PSQ‐SO2 most efficiently with the detection limit in the nano‐molar range (LOD = 5.96 nM). Contact mode detection of PA has been also accomplished using economical and transportable fluorescent paper test strip devices for on‐site sensing, which can detect a minimum of 6.9 fg of PA.
Finite‐Time Input‐To‐State Stability for Infinite‐Dimensional Systems
Authors: Sun Xiaorong , Zheng Jun , Zhu Guchuan
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we extend the notion of finite‐time input‐to‐state stability (FTISS) for finite‐dimensional systems to infinite‐dimensional systems. More specifically, we first prove an FTISS Lyapunov theorem for a class of infinite‐dimensional systems, namely, the existence of an FTISS Lyapunov functional (FTISS‐LF) implies the FTISS of the system, and then, provide a sufficient condition for ensuring the existence of an FTISS‐LF for a class of abstract infinite‐dimensional systems under the framework of compact semigroup theory and Hilbert spaces. As an application of the FTISS Lyapunov theorem, we verify the FTISS for a class of parabolic PDEs involving sublinear terms and distributed in‐domain disturbances. Since the non‐linear terms of the corresponding abstract system are not Lipschitz continuous, the well‐posedness is proved based on the application of compact semigroup theory, and the FTISS is assessed by using the Lyapunov method with the aid of an interpolation inequality. Numerical simulations are conducted to confirm the theoretical results.
Robust Adaptive Control for High‐Order Nonlinear Systems With Unknown Upper Bound Uncertainties Based on Fully Actuated System Approaches and Multi‐Objective Optimization
Authors: Gu Da‐Ke , Li Hao‐Meng , Liu Yin‐Dong
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the design of a robust adaptive (RA) controller and a robust adaptive tracking (RAT) controller for high‐order nonlinear systems that have unknown upper bound time‐varying uncertainties. Utilizing the high‐order fully actuated (HOFA) system approaches and Lyapunov stability theory, the proposed RA and RAT controllers are capable of overcoming system uncertainties, while also automatically adjusting parameter estimates associated with the unknown upper bound uncertainties. The proposed controllers ensure that both the state of the closed‐loop system and the estimation error of the parameter vector converge globally to a bounded ellipsoid. Furthermore, the degrees of freedom provided by the HOFA system method is utilized for regional pole assignment, and an objective function is designed to ensure stability and enhance system performance. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed control method are demonstrated through simulation examples, including a two‐link manipulator.
Cultivating Inner Witnesses Attuned to the Emotional Experiences of Students of Color in Science
Authors: Williams Alexis Patterson , Sheth Manali J.
Published: January 2025

Traditionally, disciplinary science has been represented as void of and uninfluenced by emotions; therefore, the professional vision of science teaching and learning does not often include attending to the whole person, particularly the emotional needs of those that are harmed in science learning contexts. We find this exclusion untenable given the persistent harm that students of color suffer across science education contexts. As part of the special issue Centering Affect and Emotion Toward Justice and Dignity in Science Education, in this manuscript, we urge the field of science education to re‐envision what science teachers need to attend to for equitable science teaching and learning. Indeed, we argue that science education is inequitable for students of color if their emotions within the classroom are not addressed. Thus, science teaching and teacher education needs to account for the ways emotions show up in science classrooms. Using illustrative vignettes from two science classrooms, we highlight the importance of developing an inner witness that is attuned to the emotional needs of students. We, then, use our equity‐oriented inner witnesses to engage in pedagogical imaginings that critically interrogate our emotions and interpretations of what happened, what did not happen, how the students could have been better supported, how the teachers could have been better supported, and what it is about current models of science teaching and science professional vision that barred different possible responses. These instances, and what they illustrated to us about science (teacher) education, compelled us to explore and imagine science education research, policy, and practices that value engaging with emotional expressions–as both individually and sociopolitically situated–toward equitable science learning environments.
Monitoring the Risk of Corruption in the MENA Region: What Are the Most Reliable Data to Address the Sustainable Development Goals?
Authors: Berkachy Rédina , Villeneuve Jean‐Patrick , Mugellini Giulia
Published: January 2025

Countering corruption is recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as crucial for effective and sustainable governance. Sample surveys are often used as the primary tool for monitoring corruption, making the evaluation of their quality essential for building a reliable evidence base strategy and achieving the UN SDGs 16.5. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the quality of corruption surveys in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. This gap can be attributed to various factors, including low prioritization, insufficient resources for anti‐corruption initiatives, the sensitivity of the topic, and language and cultural barriers. This article aims to assess the quality of corruption surveys in the MENA region by developing an ad‐hoc quality evaluation framework, MENA_QUEST_16.5. This framework includes criteria for assessing survey relevance, validity, accuracy, credibility, periodicity, and comparability to evaluate MENA surveys' effectiveness in capturing corruption events, in line with SDGs' requirement for measuring corruption. The framework is then applied to evaluate the quality of 19 national and cross‐national corruption surveys targeting countries in the MENA region. The study finds that the overall quality of MENA corruption surveys is good, but the number of national initiatives is low. Surveys often lack accuracy in depicting corruption issues, typically operationalizing corruption through only one or two questions. Details about corruption events (e.g., types of officials involved; types of benefits exchanged) are rarely investigated. Also, MENA surveys are not periodically conducted and suffer from a lack of transparency, with raw data generally unavailable or inaccessible. These results point to methodological shortcomings that should be addressed to obtain a reliable overview of corruption in the MENA region. Tackling these issues can improve the monitoring of corruption trends and inform anti‐corruption policy design and evaluation, to ultimately achieve the UN SDGs.
Polycalmagite Coating Enables Long‐Term Alkaline Seawater Oxidation Over NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Li Zixiao , Zuo Wei , Liu Chaozhen , Yang Chaoxin , Cai Zhengwei , Sun Shengjun , Yue Meng , Zhang Min , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Hefeng , Zheng Dongdong , Farouk Asmaa , Ibrahim Fatma A. , Gong Feng , Lv Yanqin , Sun Xuping , Tang Bo
Published: January 2025

Renewable energy‐powered seawater electrolysis is a green and attractive technique for producing high‐purity hydrogen. However, severe chlorideions (Cl−) and their derivatives tend to corrode anodic catalysts at ampere‐level current densities and hinder the application of seawater‐to‐H2 systems. Herein, a polycalmagite (PCM)‐coated NiFe layered double hydroxide is presented on Ni foam (NiFe LDH@PCM/NF) that exhibits exceptional stability in alkaline seawater. PCM not only acts as a conductive layer to reduce charge transfer resistance of the anodes but also as a polymer‐based protective layer to inhibit Cl− adsorption and stabilize metal ions oxidation due to its own anions and strong adhesion, thereby increasing activity and stability during alkaline seawater. Thus, NiFe LDH@PCM/NF only needs a low overpotential of 364 mV to reach up to 1000 mA cm−2 and maintains operation for 500 h without activity degradation. Moreover, a minimal amount of hypochlorite can be detected in electrolyte after a 500‐h stability test. This development affords a significant exploration in creating durable and efficient anodes, highlighting the importance of polymer coating toward anti‐corrosion in alkaline seawater oxidation.
CRISPR/Cas13a‐Enhanced Porous Hydrogel Encapsulated Photonic Barcodes for Multiplexed Detection of Virus
Authors: Zhang Dagan , Zhou Yuanyang , Li Xueqin , Luan Qichen
Published: January 2025

In this study, we present an ultrasensitive and specific multiplexed detection method for SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza (Flu) utilizing CRISPR/Cas13a technology combined with a hydrogel‐encapsulated photonic crystal (PhC) barcode integrated with hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The barcodes, characterized by core‐shell structures, are fabricated through partial replication of periodically ordered hexagonally close‐packed silicon dioxide beads. Consequently, the opal hydrogel shell of these barcodes features abundant interconnected pores that provide a substantial surface area for probe immobilization. Furthermore, the inherent structural colors remain stable during detection events due to the robust mechanical strength of the barcode cores. This integration of CRISPR/Cas13a and HCR leverages both the highly specific RNA recognition capabilities and trans‐cleavage activity of Cas13a while employing HCR to enhance sensitivity. Upon encountering target RNA, Cas13a cleaves a hairpin probe, thereby initiating subsequent HCR amplification for enhanced detection sensitivity. Our method demonstrates high accuracy and sensitivity in multiplexed detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, Flu A and Flu B RNA with a limit‐of‐detection as low as 200 aM. Importantly, this assay also exhibits acceptable accuracy in repeated clinical sample testing. Thus, our platform represents a promising strategy for highly sensitive multiplexed virus detection in clinical.
Capturing Conformational Transitions of Fluorescently‐Coupled Polyelectrolyte Brushes with High Spatiotemporal Resolution
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Hermes Ilka , Fery Andreas , Besford Quinn A.
Published: January 2025

Polyelectrolyte brushes (PEBs) undergo conformational transitions due to changes in pH and/or ionic strength, which is leveraged as smart surfaces and on‐demand drug‐release systems. However, probing conformational transitions of functional PEBs has remained challenging due to low spatiotemporal resolution of characterization methods. Herein, fluorescently‐coupled PEBs are devised that give rise to Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) intrinsically coupled to conformational transitions of chains. Polyelectrolyte poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) brushes are grown on silica surfaces via a grafting‐from approach, producing nanoscale brushes ≈60 nm in solvated height. The study chose to investigate pH as astimulus, at constant ionic strength, using pH‐insensitive fluorophores coupled within the brush (donors) and on‐chain ends (acceptors), leading to conformational FRET. The influence of pH on the FRET brushes is proved by ellipsometry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Importantly, using FRET meant chain conformation is spatially resolved with sub‐micrometer resolution by confocal laser scanning microscopy, where subtle changes in brush conformation are resolved in seconds. Unique mixing dynamics of different pH microdroplets on the brushes are identified as coalescence occurred, with reversible output, and a clear delay in brush responses to mixing liquids. The surfaces offer a new basis for probing conformational transitions of PEBs with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Bacteria Flagella‐Mimicking Polymer Multilayer Magnetic Microrobots
Authors: Lu Liang , Bai Shuang , Shi Jiaqi , Zhang Hutao , Hou Gang , Wang Wei , Sun Shoubin , Huang Tianyun , Jia Yuxin , Granovsky Alexander , Nikolai Perov , Wu Zhiguang , Xie Hui , Wu He
Published: January 2025

Mass production of biomedical microrobots demands expensive and complex preparation techniques and versatile biocompatible materials. Learning from natural bacteria flagella, the study demonstrates a magnetic polymer multilayer cylindrical microrobot that bestows the controllable propulsion upon an external rotating magnetic field with uniform intensity. The magnetic microrobots are constructed by template‐assisted layer‐by‐layer technique and subsequent functionalization of magnetic particles onto the large opening of the microrobots. Geometric variables of the polymer microrobots, such as the diameter and wall thickness, can be controlled by selection of porous template and layers of assembly. The microrobots perform controllable propulsion through the manipulation of magnetic field. The comparative analysis of the movement behavior reveals that the deformation of microrobots may be attributed to the propulsion upon rotating magnetic field, which is similar to that of natural bacteria. The influence of actuation and frequency on the velocity of the microrobots is studied. Such polymer multilayer magnetic microrobots may provide a novel concept to develop rapidly delivering drug therapeutic agents for diverse practical biomedical uses.
Dual‐Mode ZnO/SnSe Heterojunction Devices with Integrated Bipolar Response Photodetectors and Artificial Optoelectronic Synapses for in‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Guo Fuhai , Yu Weizhuo , Zhang Mingcong , Zhang Bo , Hu Bing , Li Shuangshuang , Jiang Jianyu , Sun Ankai , Liu Yunjie , Hao Lanzhong
Published: January 2025

Optoelectronic synapse devices (OESDs) inspired by human visual systems enable to integration of light sensing, memory, and computing functions, greatly promoting the development of in‐sensor computing techniques. Herein, dual‐mode integration of bipolar response photodetectors (PDs) and artificial optoelectronic synapses based on ZnO/SnSe heterojunctions are presented. The function of the fabricated device can be converted between the PDs and OESDs by modulating the light intensity. As a PD, the polarity of the output current can be switched by tuning the laser wavelength and intensity, which is attributed to the competition between the photovoltaic and photothermoelectric effects in the ZnO/SnSe heterojunction. As an OESD, the device exhibits versatile photonic synaptic characteristics at low light intensity based on the defect‐dominant carrier trapping/de‐trapping processes, including short/long‐term plasticity and learning experience behaviors. More importantly, benefitting from the outstanding synaptic responses, logic functions including “AND” and “OR” are implemented through the in‐sensor computing architecture. This work supplies a novel route to realize complex functionality in one device and offers effective strategies for developing in‐sensor computing.
Advanced Sonographic Imaging of the Foot and Ankle for Diagnosis of Inferior Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment
Authors: Macklin Dannielle , Fenech Michelle , Burke Tracey
Published: January 2025

Non‐traumatic heel pain is common. Entrapment of the inferior calcaneal nerve (ICN) is an underappreciated cause of plantar heel pain and can occur independently or concurrently with plantar fasciitis. Ultrasound imaging can directly assess the ICN, its path and the structures it innervates; however, is generally not well understood. The anatomy of the ICN, the sonographic technique to assess this nerve, its surroundings, the muscles it innervates, and the normal and abnormal sonographic appearances must be appreciated. Additionally, knowledge of the plantar hindfoot muscles is crucial as they are landmarks that assist sonographic identification of the ICN. A timely diagnosis of ICN entrapment is required to inform appropriate patient management and facilitate pain relief.
Left ventricular outpouching with an intracavitary thrombus in a cat with end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Saponaro Vittorio , Alvarado Maria‐Paz , Ghazal Sarra
Published: January 2025

This report describes the transthoracic echocardiographic findings and clinical evolution of an 8‐year‐old cat with a left ventricular apical outpouching lesion with chronic intracavitary thrombosis following a suspected myocardial ischaemia secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Apical left ventricular outpouchings, true or false aneurysm, are currently considered an infrequent complication of myocardial ischaemia in humans, and very few reports of cardiac outpouching exist in veterinary medicine. This report describes an unusual pathological cascade in a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that resulted in left ventricular apical outpouching and thrombosis.
Impacts of African elephants and other environmental drivers on trees nested in by critically endangered white‐backed vultures
Authors: Cook Robin M. , Witkowski Edward T. F. , Henley Michelle D.
Published: January 2025

The decline of white‐backed vultures Gyps africanus (hereafter termed vultures) across Africa highlights the need to understand their habitat and nesting requirements, especially in protected areas where African elephants Loxodonta africana can impact the trees in which vultures build their nests. Our study aimed to assess the impact that elephants have on trees containing vulture nests in the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) of South Africa's savanna system through three separate but interlinked assessments. We first assessed the tree species used by vultures for nesting and compared their size and elephant impact scores between riparian and woodland habitats. We assessed how elephant presence or absence affects the size of Senegalia nigrescens, a key tree species, and compared vulture nests in an adjacent elephant‐free area. Lastly, we modeled environmental factors influencing vulture nest and tree persistence using data from 2008–2020. Vultures utilised 10 tree species, with riparian trees supporting nests being significantly taller, with larger DBHs, and experienced lower elephant impact compared to woodland trees, which were more heavily impacted by elephants. Less robust species like S. nigrescens were more vulnerable to elephant damage, primarily bark‐stripping, and less likely to host vulture nests. Our results show that vultures prefer the largest, least impacted trees for nesting, favouring those with greater stability and longevity. We suggest that although elephants influence the overall height range of trees to vultures, strong gusts of wind have a strong negative contribution on vulture nest persistence and that only a relatively small number of trees died during the 12‐year study in comparison to fallen nests. We recommend further research into elephant impact thresholds on trees and vulture nest selection. Monitoring treefall and regeneration rates will help predict when vultures may face a shortage of suitable nesting trees.
Québec's Participation in the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers and the Council of Great Lakes Governors, 2012–2022
Authors: Cloutier-Roy Christophe
Published: January 2025

This chapter focuses on Québec's participation in the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (CNEG-ECP) and the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (CGLG) over a period of 10 years, from 2012 to 2022, during which three governments of three different parties have been at the helm of “La Belle Province”: The Parti Québécois’ Pauline Marois government (2012–2014); the Parti Libéral’s Philippe Couillard government (2014–2018), and that of the Coalition Avenir Québec’s François Legault government (2018–2022). The Marois government emphasized environmental issues, while the Couillard government subordinated them to concerns focusing on economic development. This emphasis on economic objectives became more pronounced under the Legault government. At the same time, Québec's interest in the Great Lakes region grew, shifting its historical focus from the New England region and leading to a greater involvement in the CGLG.
Québec's Cultural Policy in the United States: From Diplomacy to Industries
Authors: Couture Gagnon Alexandre
Published: January 2025

The Québec state apparatus, which developed most fully starting in the 1960s, initially focused the objectives of Québec's cultural policy in the United States on the promotion of nationalism and the building of a national identity. Following the 1990s recessions, the Québec government adjusted its policies to partly focus its cultural policy on the marketing of cultural industries. Cultural industries have increasingly been promoted as helping build the national identity while providing jobs and contributing to Québec's GDP. Today, the Québec government's main objective in the United States is promoting and securing business opportunities. It explicitly pursues its cultural policy in the United States with this objective at the forefront. This paper seeks to answer the following question: How has the Québec government's cultural policy in the United States evolved since the 1960s? Overall, there has been a notable shift in Québec's cultural policy in the United States. It has become mainly pragmatic or utilitarian, serving as tool to advance economic benefits for the province. Using original archival research, government documentation, and academic literature, this chapter chronicles this shift that has taken place in the 1990s, while further discussing the implications of a utilitarian cultural policy in the long run.
The Intellectual Foundations of Québec’s Americanness: A Historiographical Examination
Authors: Lamonde Yvan
Published: January 2025

The idea of Québec’s Americanness is 50 years old. In the world of scholarly knowledge, this concept has been addressed in the disciplines of literature, history, geography, sociology, and political science. It has further made its way into media outlets and the general public, so much so that the word has almost lost its meaning. The idea has also “shook” the representations that Québecers had of their heritage. The recognition of the place of the Americas and the United States in the historical and contemporary identity of Québec has made it necessary to review the place that France has inordinately occupied. The idea of the Americanness of Québec is undoubtedly the main marker of the cultural and political debate of the last thirty years.
The Fantasy of the Québec-U.S. Border
Authors: Vallet Élisabeth , Bourgeon Mathilde
Published: January 2025

Over two centuries of shared border history, the Canada-United States border crossing experience has constantly evolved and been transformed through domestic political practices and international events. The border, as it has in the post-9/11 era, will (and is) necessarily be redefined in a post-COVID-19 world. Indeed, in 2020, the combination of a pandemic and the lack of health coordination at the continental level placed the border back at the heart of the debate, becoming the national health bulwark at the expense of states’ international obligations towards asylum seekers and refugees. The rapid closure of borders, has trapped many people on the move (tourists, seasonal migrants, snowbirds, refugees, displaced persons) outside their national territory or area of residence, thus underlining the fragility of all mobility. This evolution of global borders is decisive for the Québec-American relationship, articulated in recent times around a certain idea of a fluid border demarcation line. In recent times the Québec-U.S. border has changed substantially: This chapter will show that not only did the pandemic episode confirm an evolution that was initiated on September 11, but it also paved the way for an inevitable hardening of this part of the border.
Pathologisch erhöhte tibiofemorale Rotation als Hauptursache einer chronisch lateral fixierten Patellaluxation
Authors: Youssef Salim , Kijewskie Leonie , Youssef Yasmin , Engel Thomas
Published: January 2025

Hintergrund

Die patellofemorale Instabilität hat multifaktorielle Ursachen, bei denen die statischen, dynamischen und anatomischen Konfigurationen von Tibia und Femur eine entscheidende Rolle spielen. Zu den bisher bekannten Pathologien zählen vor allem die Trochleadysplasie, eine lateralisierte Tuberositas tibiae (TT), eine Valgusdeformität, pathologische Femur- oder Tibiatorsionen, ein erhöhter Patellatilt sowie eine Patella alta. In der aktuellen Literatur wird eine pathologische tibiofemorale Rotation zunehmend mit Patellainstabilität und rezidivierenden Patellaluxationen in Verbindung gebracht.

Fallbericht

Es wird eine 16-jährige Patientin mit wiederkehrenden bilateralen Patellaluxationen seit dem 11. Lebensjahr vorgestellt. Klinische und radiologische Untersuchungen zeigten eine pathologische TFR von 20°, eine erhöhte TT-TG-Distanz (23 mm), eine Trochleadysplasie (Typ B) sowie erhöhte femorale und tibiale Torsion. Die chirurgische Behandlung umfasste eine femorale Rotationsosteotomie, die Medialisierung der TT sowie eine Trochleoplastik. Postoperativ zeigte die Patientin exzellente Ergebnisse mit stabiler Patellaführung, vollem Bewegungsumfang (Extension/Flexion 5/0/150) und radiologischer Konsolidierung der Osteotomien.

Schlussfolgerung

Die TFR ist ein Parameter, welcher im klinischen Alltag bislang kaum berücksichtigt wurde, obwohl sie entscheidend zur Entstehung und Schwere patellofemoraler Instabilitäten beiträgt und in diesem Zusammenhang sowohl Diagnostik als auch Therapie beeinflussen kann. Die TT-TG-Distanz ist ein zusammengesetztes Maß, das sowohl die tatsächliche Lateralisierung der TT als auch die TFR widerspiegelt und entsprechend interpretiert werden sollte, um eine optimale Therapie sicherzustellen. In komplexen Fällen sind bildgebende Verfahren wie Torsions-MRT und/oder CT essenziell für eine präzise Diagnosestellung. Derzeit gibt es keinen kausalen Therapieansatz für eine pathologische TFR bei patellofemoraler Instabilität, weshalb die Behandlung oft um die eigentliche Pathologie herum erfolgen muss. Verfahren wie die Trochleoplastik und Rotationsosteotomie spielen dabei eine zentrale Rolle. Weitere Forschung ist erforderlich, um gezieltere Behandlungsansätze zur besseren Adressierung einer erhöhten TFR zu entwickeln, die potenziell die Langzeitergebnisse für Patienten mit patellofemoraler Instabilität verbessern könnten.