bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and validation to the spanish context of the scale of self-stigma in relatives of people with mental illness
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Aguilar-Parra José Manuel , Cangas Adolfo Javier , Ortiz Luis , Navarro Noelia
Published: October 2019

El estigma, y en particular el autoestigma en personas con trastorno mental grave (TMG), constituyen uno de los principales problemas que a los que se enfrentan los profesionales de la salud mental. Sin embargo, este problema no se encuentra únicamente en las personas que padecen esta enfermedad mental, sino que sus consecuencias afectan de igual manera a familiares allegados. Por ello, resulta necesario adaptar y validar al contexto español la Escala de Autoestigma en Familiares de Personas con Enfermedad Mental (AFPEM). En el estudio han participado 304 adultos (M=44.57; DT=15.29). Para analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala se han realizado diversos análisis. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio han ofrecido apoyo a la estructura del cuestionario tanto del 30 ítems, el de 10 ítems como el modelo de orden superior. La estructura de los modelos se mostró invariante respecto al género. Los valores de alpha de Cronbach fueron superiores a .70 en las diferentes subescalas. Los resultados de este estudio han proporcionado evidencias de validez y fiabilidad de la AFPEM, por lo que diversos profesionales de la salud mental dispondrán de un instrumento con el que evaluar el grado de autoestigma que tienen los familiares de personas con TMG.

Stigma, and in particular self-stigma in people with severe mental disorder (GIST), is one of the main problems faced by mental health professionals. However, this problem is not only found in people who suffer from this mental illness, but its consequences affect family members in the same way. For this reason, it is necessary to adapt and validate in the Spanish context the Scale of Self-Stigma in Relatives of People with Mental Illness (AFPEM). The study involved 304 adults (M = 44.57, SD = 15.29). To analyze the psychometric properties of the scale, several analyzes have been carried out. The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) have offered support to the questionnaire structure of 30 items, 10 items and the higher order model. The structure of the models was invariant respect to gender. Cronbach's alpha values ​​were greater than .70 in the different subscales. The results of this study have provided evidence of validity and reliability of the AFPEM, so that various mental health professionals will have an instrument with which assesses the degree of self-stigma that family members of people with SMI have.
Burnout and wellbeing of teacher candidates: The mediator role of cynicism
Authors: Bakioğlu Fuad , Kiraz Zafer
Published: October 2019

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el papel mediador del cinismo en la relación entre el agotamiento y el bienestar. Los participantes fueron 326 maestros candidatos [189 (58%) mujeres, 137 (42%) hombres, Medad = 23.14 años, SD = 2.36] que completaron los cuestionarios el grupo de Burnout Measure Short Version, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Life with Satisfaction Scale y el Hunter Cynicism Scale. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Se realizó un análisis de arranque para determinar los efectos indirectos. Los resultados mostraron que el agotamiento predijo el cinismo de manera positiva y el bienestar de manera negativa, y que el cinismo predijo el bienestar de manera negativa. Se encontró además que se confirmó el modelo de ecuación estructural que proponía que el agotamiento tenía un efecto directo e indirecto a través del cinismo sobre el bienestar. Los resultados del estudio se discutieron a la luz de la literatura relevante, y se hicieron sugerencias para futuros estudios.

The aim of this study was to investigate a mediator role of cynicism in the relationship between burnout and wellbeing. Participants were 326 teacher candidates [189 (58%) female, 137 (42%) male, Mage = 23.14 years, SD = 2.36] who completed questionnaires package the Burnout Measure Short Version, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Life with Satisfaction Scale and the Hunter Cynicism Scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. A bootstrapping analysis was conducted in order to determine any indirect effects. The results showed that burnout predicted cynicism positively and wellbeing negatively, and that cynicism predicted wellbeing negatively. It was further found that the structural equation model that proposed that burnout had a direct and an indirect effect through cynicism on wellbeing was confirmed. The results of the study were discussed in the light of relevant literature, and suggestions for future studies were made.
Classroom coliving climate: nature, measurement, effects and implications for social education. A cross-cultural study
Authors: Alonso Tapia Jesús , Simón Cecilia , López-Valle Nuria , Ulate María Alexandra , Biehl María Loreto
Published: October 2019

Este artículo tiene tres objetivos, después de proponer un modelo inicial de clima de convivencia en el aula: desarrollar dos medidas para probar su validez, probar su utilidad para analizar las diferencias entre las aulas y hacerlo en dos países diferentes. El modelo inicial incluye siete patrones de interacción que, si están presentes, favorecen la inclusión social de los estudiantes. El primer cuestionario evalúa el clima de clase percibido por el alumno y el segundo, el grado en que el alumno interactúa de acuerdo con el modelo. Los participantes fueron 2581 estudiantes de secundaria, 2038 de Costa Rica y 543 de España. Para probar el ajuste del modelo, se realizaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios, validación cruzada y análisis multigrupo. También se realizaron análisis de correlación y regresión para determinar la validez discriminante y concurrente utilizando como criterio una medida de integración social. Se utilizaron los análisis ANOVA para probar las diferencias entre las aulas (η2 entre .19 y .28). Los resultados, similares en ambos países, mostraron que ambos cuestionarios tenían una validez estructural adecuada (CFI entre .94 y .97), y una validez concurrente y discriminante (r predictor-criterio entre .37 y .44; p < .0001). Debido a la naturaleza de su contenido, los cuestionarios se pueden utilizar para planificar intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar la organización y evaluar su eficacia.

This paper has three objectives, after proposing an initial model of classroom coliving climate: to develop two measures to test its validity, to test their usefulness for analyzing differences between classrooms, and to do it in two different countries. The initial model includes seven interaction patterns that, if present, favor the students’ social inclusion. The first questionnaire assesses the classroom coliving climate perceived by the student, and the second, the degree in which the student interacts according to the model. Participants were 2581 Secondary-School students, 2038 from Costa Rica and 543 from Spain. To test model-fit, confirmatory factor analyses, cross validation and multi-group analyses were carried out. Correlation and regression analyses were also carried out to determine discriminant and concurrent validity using as criteria a measure of social integration. ANOVA analyses were used to test for differences between classrooms (η2 between .19 and .28). Results, similar in both countries, showed that both questionnaires had adequate structural validity (CFI between .94 and .97), and discriminant and concurrent validity (r predictors-criterion between .37 and .44; p < .0001). Due to the nature of their content, the questionnaires can be used for planning interventions aimed at improving coliving, and for assessing their effectiveness.
Apologia, Image Repair and Rhetoric in the Defence of Electoral Defeat
Authors: Sarfo-Kantankah Kwabena Sarfo
Published: October 2019

Using the concepts of apologia, image repair and rhetoric, this paper examines the strategies employed by a former president of the Republic of Ghana to simultaneously maintain his reputation after losing the 2016 Ghanaian general elections and campaign for re-lection as the standard bearer of his party. The paper finds that the former president did not accept responsibility for the electoral loss, but used several indirect ways to deny responsibility for the defeat. He employed bolstering, accusation/attack, playing the victim, throwing a challenge and the God’s will factor as defence strategies in order to repair his image. He exploited the Aristotelian appeals of logos, ethos and pathos to boost his persuasion. In doing so, he deployed several rhetorical tools such as metaphor, allusion, rhetorical questions and parallelism to enhance the expression of the defence strategies. The analysis reveals that, as noted in the literature, some of the image repair strategies espoused by Benoit (1995, 2015), for example, outright denial and mortification, hardly apply to political contexts – the former President’s defence was indirectly expressed. Thus, the paper concludes that combining the concepts of apologia, image repair and rhetoric in the analysis of political discourse can illuminate political discourse analysis. The paper has implications for communicating defence, reputation repair and political rhetoric.
Why are Certain Accents Judged the Way they are? Decoding Qualitative Patterns of Accent Bias
Authors: P. Shah Amee
Published: October 2019

While it is well-established that listeners judge accents different from their own, and that this listener bias has pervasive consequences to the speakers, we have only offered a cursory attention to understand the nature of this accent bias. This paper explores listeners’ judgments, ratings, and qualitative comments associated with psychosocial, personality and behavioral attributes of seven accents. Fifty-five respondents evaluated six different attributes of seven regional and foreign accents on a Likert scale. Means, Standard Deviations, and statistical significance of the difference in the respondent ratings from the Midwestern standard were computed, as well as qualitative analyses of the judgments were conducted. Results showed that perceptual biases for many attributes of the regional and foreign accents were significant at the 95% level. Results also showed that the accent recognition was consistent across a group of people from the same region, and the identification of the region of the accent was largely accurate. Qualitative analyses revealed that the underlying bases of listener judgments are typically borne out of the influence of media, TV, and movies. Besides character traits, the listeners also frequently inferred occupations/professions from the accents. Accent judgments are not reserved for foreign accents alone; regional accents are also subject to judgments and stereotypes. Findings provide important insights for clinicians and teachers working in the area of accent interventions, specifically in improving understanding about how listeners judge accents and how those messages need to be addressed in developing awareness and empowerment for clients in accent interventions. Other implications in the field of speech language pathology, education, social science, communication and business are also discussed.
A Cultural Discourse Analysis to Chinese Martial Arts Movie in the Context of Glocalization: Taking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero as Cases
Authors: Zhang Junchen
Published: October 2019

This study is oriented to do Chinese cultural discourse analysis via examining two Chinese Wu-Xia (martial arts) movies. Specifically, the study explores the construction of glocalization, cultural hybridization and cultural discourse embedded in the two transnational Chinese martial arts movies, i.e. Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Zhang Yimou’s Hero (2002). The film product is an audiovisual representation of a certain of national culture, ideology and society. Chinese martial arts film is this kind of cultural product that embodies Chinese sociocultural and philosophical values. The research aims to explore the connections between filmic discourse, culture and society. A combined analytical framework that integrates glocalization concept, cultural hybridization and cultural discourse approach is constructed. By comparative analysis, the main finding of the study reveals that Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) presents a high degree of cultural globalization and hybridization, while Zhang Yimou’s Hero (2002) has relatively a low degree of cultural globalization and hybridization but embodies a high degree of Chinese locally authoritarian culture. This implies that a successful filmic production with strong national features need to organically hybridize global-local culture in proper when it enters globally cultural competition. On the one hand, it should have locally cultural identity; on the other, it should also show a kind of universally cultural values accepted by other cultures.
Linguistic Verbal Arts and the Problem of Overpopulation Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Bó̩láńlé Tajudeen Ò̩pò̩o̩lá
Published: October 2019

Linguistic verbal arts deals with the use of chants, statements and verses of oral and written materials in expressing feelings using one language or the other. Among the challenges militating against expected human and material development in many African countries is population explosion. Available social infrastructures can no longer adequately satisfy the needs of the people. At present, in Nigeria compared with what obtained many years ago, religious practices are taken as excuses for marrying many wives when in the actual sense, there are often misinterpretations of the doctrines of the religions. The findings of this paper is that though many Nigerians are either Muslims or Christians with few number of traditional religious faith, the lust for marrying more than one wife did not make them obey the doctrines of their religious practices. This paper derives its strength from collation of verbal arts as expressed in the Holy Books of the Muslims, Christians and Ifá Oracle, one of the African traditional religions. The paper posits that no religion in Nigeria advocates for many wives and many children. The implication of this paper among others is that it provides valuable information on Nigerian population particularly as this concept remains a great troubling issue for Nigerian and many African governments. It is yet an attempt aimed at discouraging Africans from creating more problems for themselves and the continent through production of more children than they can cater for.
A Corpus-based Investigation of Diachronic Evolution of Like and Its Variants through Grammaticalization
Authors: Liang Meng Qing
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this research is to investigate the diachronic evolution of the word “like” and its variants “likely”, “like to”, “feel like”, and “would like to”, etc. in the process of grammaticalization. Statistics from the search of corpora BNC and COHA show the variants of “like” and their historical trend of grammatication. The results demonstrate the highly active role of “like” in both lexical and grammatical functions in history. Furthermore, the variants and collocations of “like” have been the result of frequent interaction between human beings and languages. The findings have significant implications for second language pedagogy.
Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic analysis of lycorine treatment in highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infection
Authors: Yang Li , Zhang Jia Hao , Zhang Xiao Li , Lao Guang Jie , Su Guan Ming , Wang Lei , Li Yao Lan , Ye Wen Cai , He Jun
Published: October 2019

Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses (HPAIV) cause rapid systemic illness and death in susceptible animals, leading to a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although vaccines and drugs are the best solution to prevent this threat, a more effective treatment for H5 strains of influenza has yet to be developed. Therefore, the development of therapeutics/drugs that combat H5N1 influenza virus infection is becoming increasingly important. Lycorine, the major component of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, exhibits better protective effects against A/CK/GD/178/04 (H5N1) (GD178) viruses than the commercial neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor oseltamivir in our prior study. Lycorine demonstrates outstanding antiviral activity because of its inhibitory activity against the export of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) from the nucleus. However, how lycorine affects the proteome of AIV infected cells is unknown. Therefore, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis to identify changes in protein expression in AIV-infected Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells treated with lycorine. Three groups were designed: mock infection group (M), virus infection group (V), and virus infection and lycorine-treated after virus infection group (L). The multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) approach was employed to analyze protein level in this study. In total, 5,786 proteins were identified from the three groups of cells by using TMT proteomic analysis. In the V/M group, 1,101 proteins were identified, of which 340 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were determined during HPAIV infection; among the 1,059 proteins identified from the lycorine-treated group, 258 proteins presented significant change. Here, 71 proteins showed significant upregulation or downregulation of expression in the virus-infected/mock and virus-infected/lycorine-treated comparisons, and the proteins in each fraction were functionally classified further. Interestingly, lycorine treatment decreased the levels of the nuclear pore complex protein 93 (Nup93, E2RSV7), which is associated with nuclear–cytoplasmic transport. In addition, Western blot experiments confirmed that the expression of Nup93 was significantly downregulated in lycorine treatment but induced after viral infection. Our results may provide new insights into how lycorine may trap vRNPs in the nucleus and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for influenza virus.
An Economic Analysis of Rice Production in Pakistan: A Case Study
Authors: Bashir Bilal , Nawaz Bilal , Sattar Saira
Published: October 2019

Rice is the second-largest crop in Pakistan as it contributes 1.3% share in the GDP of Pakistan.

For the last couple of year’s rice economy is caught up in a very complex situation. The present study was designed to find the yield gap, cost of production, technical efficiency and BCR (Benefit Cost Ratio) in rice production. To achieve the study objectives, data were collected from 150 respondents. These respondents were selected from eight villages of District Sheikhupura by using a purposive random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a well-developed and pre-tested questionnaire by conducting personnel interviews.

Results of descriptive analysis showed that the average farm size of the farmers was 14.85 acres. BCR (Benefit Cost Ratio) of fine and coarse rice varieties were 1.13 and 1.11, respectively. To Support rice production and to minimize the farmer’s losses, the Government should announce the support price of rice. The cost of production can be reduced by imposing strict vigilance and control over the input supplier.
Tendency of ICT Usage among Adolescent in Oredo Local Govenrment Primary Schools, Benin City, Edo State-Nigeria
Authors: Osagie Maxwell Scale Uwadia , Glory Osamwonyi , Obehi Okoawo Bridget , John Ikediashi A. , Osarenkhoe Ekhator Joseph , Shirley Agbontaen Abieyuwa , Herietta Uruneden , Rophina Odili Ify , Osamudiamen Uwadiae Monday
Published: October 2019

The viability of a society depends largely on the learning outcome of its teenagers. Raising them can be challenging because modern society is embolden with information communication technology (ICT) that do not only isolate them from peers but create mental disorder in them. ICT is not an isolated entity rather an embodiment of deferent technologies that act as an entity to delivering and channeling information. To ascertain it tendency in primary school and its impact on adolescent, this paper reviewed the concept of ICT and carried out a survey on its usage among adolescent. The survey questionnaire was structured on five points scale and the feedbacks from hundred respondents were analyzed with Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). From the findings, it was showed that the tendency of ICT by both private and government primary school is indeed poor and its impact on adolescent is on the downward trend. The study offered some recommendations including the need for government to carry out a holistic review of the primary schools curriculum so as to accommodate ICT usage.
Journal of Advances in Mathematics and Computer Science
Authors: Chen Xiaoting
Published: October 2019

In this paper, exact determinants and inverses of skew symmetric generalized Loeplitz matricesare given by constructing the special transformation matrices. And an example is provided to verify the feasibility of the formulas.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Energy Efficient Biomass Gasifier Cook Stove Using Multi Fuels
Authors: Odesola Isaac F. , Ige Ebenezer O. , Yunus Idris O.
Published: October 2019

Since the beginning of civilization, cooking has been done by using biomass as fuel. They are used in stoves which cause wastage of fuel and also health problems. Thus, there is the need to analyze the thermal performance of a developed cook stove that operates on multifuel conditions. The stove was designed to work on sawdust, wood, groundnut and charcoal as the primary fuel. Prior to fabrication, design parameters were obtained using the appropriate governing equations. Inputs were further made to simplify the construction of the stove and to minimize heat loss to the surroundings. A thermal efficiency of 32.18%, 80.10%, 38.73% and 50.33% was achieved when the stove was fuelled with charcoal, sawdust, wood and groundnut husk respectively. The highest flame temperature was recorded as 205ºC when wood was used as fuel. The highest stove body temperature recorded was 56ºC. Wood took the shortest time (20 mins) to boil water compared to sawdust, charcoal and groundnut husk which took 29, 23 and 27 minutes respectively for 2 kg of water. The developed cook stove was found to be energy efficient for domestic cooking especially in the rural communities of Nigeria.  Although it has the potential to save fuel, further research could be carried out in the aspect of removing CO emission.
Legal Aid Is Essential to Effective Social Care Integration
Authors: Sonik Rajan Anthony , Taira Breena R. , Sorto Gerson
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint discusses how integration of social and legal services can deliver individual-level care that addresses health-related social needs such as food and housing security.
Asthma Prevalence in the Disaggregated Multiracial Population of California
Authors: Lam-Hine Tracy , Thakur Neeta , Saperstein Aliya , Mujahid Mahasin S. , Rehkopf David H.
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study examines current and lifetime asthma prevalence among adults of all racial and ethnic categories in California, including the multiracial population.
Scanning Arrays
Authors: Navarro Julio A.
Published: December 2024

Antenna scanning arrays use integrated phase shifters and/or time‐delay units at each antenna element to provide agile directional beams in a given direction. This directional agility satisfies an increasing number of military and commercial applications. In military applications, large ground‐based, airborne, and space‐based phased‐array apertures provide unique capabilities for radar and directional communication systems. Similarly, wideband, low‐latency commercial 5G and 6G connectivity needs are met using similar, albeit much lower cost, electronically scanned phased‐array antennas. This article describes the fundamental properties and limitations of array antennas, including the parameters that constrain their gain, beamwidth, and bandwidth, along with the phenomena of grating lobes. Several real‐world examples of functioning phased arrays are included along with details on pattern synthesis and adaptive control algorithms. Last, there is a description of array architectures as appropriate to the three basic means of control, using analog, optical, and digital beamforming methods.
Both‐In‐One Rapid Detection and Removal of Methylmercury in Real Complex Aquatic Environments Using a Janus Confined SERS Filter Membrane
Authors: Guo Xiao , Cai Xin , Lei Fengcai , Jiao Yang , Zhao Xiaofei , Li Zhen , Zhang Chao , Man Baoyuan , Yu Jing
Published: December 2024

A surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) filter membrane based on a Janus copper/poly(vinylidene fluoride)/zinc oxide/silver/zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (Cu/PVDF/ZnO/Ag/ZIF‐8, J‐CPZAZ) is designed in this work, which can extract and enrich methylmercury (MeHg) from real samples containing various sizes and types of interferents into the PVDF/ZnO/Ag/ZIF‐8 SERS enhancement unit directly within 2 min. Combined with the microcavity structure in PVDF/ZnO/Ag/ZIF‐8, J‐CPZAZ can also localize the incident light at the same position. This co‐confinement effect of “hotspot‐molecule” effectively lowers the limit of detection of MeHg to 10−10 m. Interestingly, a controllable wettability of J‐CPZAZ endows it with good oil‐water separation function for separating various kinds of MeHg extractant (>95%) from mixed aqueous solution. Based on these features, a dual‐layer J‐CPZAZ filter membrane is further successfully fabricated, enabling both‐in‐one detection and removal of MeHg from real water environments. In the experiments, real water samples are selected from six different water areas in Shandong Province, China, for relevant tests and compared the results with those obtained using traditional gas chromatography. The results demonstrate that the dual‐layer J‐CPZAZ filter membrane exhibits both high MeHg removal efficiency (≈100%) and detection accuracy (average error < 1.8%), showcasing great application potential.
Photothermal Nanozyme‐Encapsulating Microneedles for Synergistic Treatment of Infected Wounds
Authors: Chen Zesheng , Zhang Lin , Yang Ye , Cheng Wenwen , Tu Lingfeng , Wang Zijian , Chen Yun , Hu Weikang
Published: December 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is widely used in wound healing because it produces heat under near‐infrared irradiation, eliminating bacterial infections. However, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs during PTT, which causes oxidative stress damage. In this study, a nanozyme, PDA‐MnO2 (PM), is synthesized and encapsulated in the needle tip layer of a bi‐layer GelMA microneedle patch (PbMP), which has excellent mechanical properties and can easily penetrate the skin. In a study involving an SD rat wound model infected with S. aureus, the PbMP significantly accelerated the healing process of bacterially challenged wounds, resulting in better blood vessel growth, cell proliferation, and collagen biosynthesis than other wound dressings. The experiment shows that the PM nanoparticles in PbMP improve photothermal conversion efficiency and activate SOD and CAT, resulting in an efficient cascade enzyme reaction system to eliminate ROS during the PTT process. This study describes a highly effective nanozyme hydrogel microneedle platform with photothermal synergistic antibacterial effects on wound healing.
Crystal and Electronic Structure of β‐Nb2N Thin Films Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Yao Jianghao , Li Tongrui , Zhi Aomiao , Ding Jianyang , Xu Rui , Wang Yuzhe , Zhao Zhisheng , Liu Zhengtai , Shen Dawei , Tian Xuezeng , Bai Xuedong , Feng Donglai , Jiang Juan
Published: December 2024

Niobium nitrides have garnered significant research interest since their discovery due to their exceptional properties and broad applications. In this study, NbNx thin films are successfully grown on 4H(6H)‐SiC(001) substrates using nitrogen‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Through scanning transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, it is confirmed that the crystal structure of the thin films corresponds to the β‐Nb2N. Different from the previously reported structure of the βA phase (P63/mmc) of β‐Nb2N, the results clearly match with the βB phase (). Resistivity measurements reveal that β‐Nb2N exhibits superconductivity at ≈10 K with an upper critical field of ≈5 T. Its 3D electronic structure is further elucidated using angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations. The observed superconductivity in β‐Nb2N is attributed to its relatively high electron–phonon coupling strength and density of states at Fermi level. Interestingly, it is found that the sample is close to a Lifshitz transition, suggesting potential for tunable physical properties. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the crystal and electronic structures of β‐Nb2N, facilitating its future applications.
Jellyfish‐Inspired High‐Sensitivity Pressure‐Temperature Sensor
Authors: Ren Huiwen , Li Wangyang , Li Hexin , Ding Yanan , Li Jianyang , Feng Yuming , Su Zhen , Zhang Xin , Jiang Li , Liu Hong , Hu PingAn
Published: December 2024

In recent years, biomimetic high‐sensitivity tactile sensors increasingly become a research focus. Specifically, hydrogel tactile sensors based on ionic‐electronic mechanisms gain widespread attention due to their excellent pressure sensitivity. However, due to the saturation deformation of sensitive elements, these sensors struggle to accurately measure pressure under high‐pressure conditions. Additionally, as hydrogels cause signal drift under constant pressure and ionic‐electronic mechanisms are susceptible to temperature interference, these characteristics limit their application. Inspired by the jellyfish's “mesoglea” and “ectoderm” structures, a novel tactile sensor is developed that combines the ionic‐electronic mechanism with a filling structure. This sensor integrates the hydrogel with a flexible framework to create a jellyfish‐like umbrella structure. This design achieves extremely high pressure sensitivity and improves signal drift. By utilizing the different response characteristics of the capacitance and resistance values of a single sensing element to pressure and temperature changes, it enables simultaneous measurement of temperature and pressure, thereby enhancing its potential for application in wearable electronics and robotics.
From Single Atom Photocatalysts to Synergistic Photocatalysts: Design Principles and Applications
Authors: Luo Yaowu , Wang Xinqiang , Gao Fan , Jiang Lin , Wang Dingsheng , Pan Hongge
Published: December 2024

Photocatalysis represents a solar‐to‐chemical energy transformation process including three processes, light absorption, charge separation/transfer, and surface reactions. Owing to the merits of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) toward maximal atom utilization, unsaturated coordination structure, and tunable electronic configuration, single‐atom photocatalysts (SAPs) exhibit extraordinary photocatalytic performance toward a series of sustainable reactions. Accompanied by the complexity of photocatalytic processes and the realistic demand for tandem reactions as well as the promotion of intricate reactions with multiple reaction routes and intermediates, significant efforts are desired to gain in‐depth insights into the design and fabrication of synergistic photocatalysts. In this review, the first part discusses the design principles from traditional semiconductor‐based photocatalysts to SAPs. Moreover, six basic models of synergistic photocatalysts including remote dual atoms, bridged dual atoms, adjacent dual atoms, single atoms + clusters/nanoparticles (NPs), single atoms + defects, NPs + NPs, are highlighted and distinguished by their structure features. Second, specific examples of SAPs and synergistic photocatalysts are appreciated under the category of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and pollutants degradation. Finally, this review will conclude by discussing the challenges and future perspectives of SAPs and synergistic photocatalysts for sustainable applications.
Tunable Infrared Emissivity Using Laser‐Sintered Liquid Metal Nanoparticle Films
Authors: Im Sooik , Frey Ethan , Kim Do Hyeon , Heo Se‐Yeon , Song Young Min , Vong Man Hou , Jamalzadegan Sina , Wei Qingshan , Gregg Amanda A. , Khatib Omar , Padilla Willie J. , Genzer Jan , Dickey Michael D.
Published: December 2024

This paper describes laser exposure to tune the infrared (IR) emissivity of a film of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) particles. EGaIn – a liquid metal at room temperature – forms a native oxide that keeps particles of the metal from spontaneously percolating. Photothermal energy from a CO2 laser percolates the particles into a conductive network. Here, it also causes a decrease in the IR emissivity of the film of particles from 0.4 to 0.24 over the range of 7.5–13 µm wavelength (measured by an IR camera) with the increase of laser fluence from 1.4 to 1.9 J cm−2. The particles percolate most prominently at the bottom of the film, and thus, the apparent surface roughness does not change with laser exposure. This finding suggests the decrease in emissivity is not due to changes in the film's topography. Instead, the change in IR emissivity is attributed to a loss of the surface plasmonic resonance effect of EGaIn particles in the IR range after the sintering, which is confirmed by optical simulations. As a demonstration, it is shown that the ability to change the emissivity makes it possible to encrypt messages and camouflage laser‐processed patterns.
Mn and Zn‐Doped Multivariate Metal–Organic Framework as a Metalloimmunological Adjuvant to Promote Protection Against Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Howlett Thomas S. , Kumari Sneha , Ehrman Ryanne N. , Masson Jesse , Izzo Linda , Wang Trixie , Gull Humera , Trashi Ikeda , Tang Wendy , Trashi Orikeda , Satish Neha , Wijesundara Yalini H. , Herbert Fabian C. , Izzo Angelo A. , Gassensmith Jeremiah J.
Published: December 2024

A first‐in‐class vaccine adjuvant delivery system, Mn‐ZIF, is developed by incorporating manganese (Mn) into the zinc‐containing zeolitic‐imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8). The mixed metal approach, which allowed for tunable Mn doping, is made possible by including a mild reducing agent in the reaction mixture. This approach allows up to 50% Mn, with the remaining 50% Zn within the ZIF. This multivariate approach exhibits significantly decreased cytotoxicity compared to ZIF‐8. The porous structure of Mn‐ZIF enables the co‐delivery of the STING agonist cyclic di‐adenosine monophosphate (CDA) through post‐synthetic loading, forming CDA@Mn‐ZIF. The composite demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and synergistic activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway, producing proinflammatory cytokines and activating antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). In a preclinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) model, CDA@Mn‐ZIF formulates with the CysVac2 fusion protein elicited a potent antigen‐specific T‐cell response and significantly reduced the mycobacterial burden in the lungs of infected mice. These findings highlight the potential of CDA@Mn‐ZIF as a promising adjuvant for subunit vaccines, offering a novel approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy and protection against infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
3D‐Bioprinting for Precision Microtissue Engineering: Advances, Applications, and Prospects
Authors: Liu Jinrun , Wang Qi , Le Yinpeng , Hu Min , Li Chen , An Ni , Song Qingru , Yin Wenzhen , Ma Wenrui , Pan Mingyue , Feng Yutian , Wang Yunfang , Han Lu , Liu Juan
Published: December 2024

Microtissues, engineered to emulate the complexity of human organs, are revolutionizing the fields of regenerative medicine, disease modelling, and drug screening. Despite the promise of traditional microtissue engineering, it has yet to achieve the precision required to fully replicate organ‐like structures. Enter 3D bioprinting, a transformative approach that offers unparalleled control over the microtissue's spatial arrangement and mechanical properties. This cutting‐edge technology enables the detailed layering of bioinks, crafting microtissues with tissue‐like 3D structures. It allows for the direct construction of organoids and the fine‐tuning of the mechanical forces vital for tissue maturation. Moreover, 3D‐printed devices provide microtissues with the necessary guidance and microenvironments, facilitating sophisticated tissue interactions. The applications of 3D‐printed microtissues are expanding rapidly, with successful demonstrations of their functionality in vitro and in vivo. This technology excels at replicating the intricate processes of tissue development, offering a more ethical and controlled alternative to traditional animal models. By simulating in vivo conditions, 3D‐printed microtissues are emerging as powerful tools for personalized drug screening, offering new avenues for pharmaceutical development and precision medicine.
Solvation Structure Engineering via Inorganic–Organic Composite Layer for Corrosion‐Resistant Lithium Metal Anodes in High‐Concentration Electrolyte
Authors: Roh Youngil , Kwon Hyeokjin , Baek Jaewon , Park Changhoon , Kim Seongyeong , Hwang Kahee , Ha A Reum , Ha Seongmin , Song Jongchan , Kim Hee‐Tak
Published: December 2024

High‐concentration electrolytes have been reported to form an anion‐derived, inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase on lithium metal electrodes; however, these electrodes suffer from high Li corrosion by the coordinated anions and consequent anion depletion. Herein, the study reports a composite layer comprising single‐ion conducting ceramic (SICC) nanoparticles and a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), which can suppress the Li corrosion in a high‐concentration electrolyte based on lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and a weakly solvating solvent (N,N‐dimethylsulfamoyl fluoride, FSA). The lithium‐ion space charges formed at the SICC/GPE interface reduce the coordination of anions in the composite layer, suppressing their decomposition. A Li | LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) pouch bi‐cell with a composite layer‐coated thin lithium metal anode (N/P = 1, thickness: 20 µm) delivers projected gravimetric (316 Wh kg−1) and projected volumetric (1433 Wh L−1) energy densities and exhibits stable operation for 350 cycles, with 70% capacity retention at 1/3 C charge–discharge rate. The engineering of the solvation structure through the inorganic–organic composite layer represents a practical strategy for developing corrosion‐resistant lithium metal anodes in high‐concentration electrolytes.
Impact of hepatospleno volume ratio on postoperative chronic liver failure after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Ono Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kosuke , Oba Atsushi , Sato Takafumi , Ito Hiromichi , Inoue Yosuke , Saiura Akio , Takahashi Yu
Published: December 2024

Aims

The incidence of postoperative chronic liver failure (PCLF) after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is relatively low, but it warrants careful attention. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for PCLF, with a specific focus on the correlation with postoperative changes in liver and spleen volumes.

Methods

A total of 172 patients who underwent major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2006 and 2021 were included in the study. PCLF is defined as the presence of liver failure, such as ascites, esophageal varices, encephalopathy, and jaundice at 3 mo postoperatively. Risk factors, including chronological changes in liver volume, spleen volume, and hepatospleno volume ratio for PCLF, were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

PCLF occurred in 8 of the 172 patients. On univariate analysis, multiple factors including preoperative prealbumin levels, indocyanine green retention test, and future remnant liver volume were identified as risk factors for PCLF. On multivariate analysis, the hepatospleno volume ratio (p = 0.033) and prealbumin level (p = 0.015) 3 mo after surgery were significantly associated with PCLF. The cutoff value for the hepatospleno volume ratio was 3.0 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.881, sensitivity: 91.7%, specificity: 66.7%) and that for prealbumin level was 10 mg/dL (AUC: 0.894, sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 88.9%).

Conclusion

Hepatospleno volume ratio <3.0 and prealbumin level <10 mg/dL 3 mo after surgery were identified as risk factors for PCLF, implying the importance of postoperative nutritional guidance to preserve the remnant liver function for patients with these risk factors.
CityDPC: A Python library for handling 3D city model datasets
Authors: Shamovich Maxim , Raming Simon , Malhotra Avichal , van Treeck Christoph , Frisch Jérôme
Published: December 2024

This study presents CityDPC, a Python library for geometric computations on CityGML and CityJSON datasets, merging features from tools such as CityATB. It supports loading, analyzing, validating, and manipulating 3D city model datasets, aiming to enhance Python applications for urban building stock analyses. It introduces a shared building class to expedite new data formats integration and improve software development and interoperability among urban‐scope applications. A novel feature is the calculation of party or shared walls, showcased in a UBEM (Urban Building Energy Modeling) context through TEASER+ integration. This demonstrates the library's utility in urban energy modeling, calculating shared walls to advance existing tools’ functionality and foster innovative urban‐scale building analysis applications.
Television's Mixed Messages: Choose the Best and Mute the Rest (The Sequel)
Authors: Schreck Kimberly A. , Lyon Jonathan , Leslie Julia , Wilson Samara
Published: December 2024

Media's framing of autism treatment practices may significantly impact parents' and professionals' choices. This study examined the trends of media's framing of evidence‐based practices (EBP) and non‐evidence‐based practices (NEBP) within television transcripts (n = 203) comparing previously published transcript data from 2000 to 2012 and new data from the subsequent decade (i.e., 2013–2022). Results indicated that EBPs received less overall television coverage than NEBPs. However, applied behavior analysis remained the most mentioned EBP. Although television networks framed NEBPs negatively, these treatment practices also received proportionately more positive statements than EBPs. Based on these results, behavior analysts must continue to disseminate to journalists and to influence media framing of EBPs for autism. If not, these continuing television media framing trends could result in potential harm to autistic individuals.
Green/red fluorescent protein disrupting drugs for real‐time permeability tracking in three‐dimensional tumor spheroids
Authors: Avrashami Maytal , Niezni Danna , Meron Azagury Dana , Sason Hagit , Shamay Yosi
Published: December 2024

Three‐dimensional (3D) spheroid models offer a more physiologically relevant and complex environment compared to traditional two‐dimensional cultures, making them a promising tool for studying tumor biology and drug response. However, these models often face challenges in real‐time monitoring of drug diffusion, penetration, and target engagement, limiting their predictive power for in vivo and clinical outcomes. This study introduces a novel approach for real‐time tracking of drug permeability using small molecule drugs with GFP/RFP‐disrupting properties that correlate with their efficacy. We developed a reproducible 3D spheroid model with various cancer cell lines expressing GFP/RFP for efficient drug screening. Through screening over 20 FDA‐approved enzyme inhibitors, we identified three covalent kinase inhibitors—osimertinib, afatinib, and neratinib—that irreversibly disrupt GFP and RFP fluorescence. Our results reveal distinct drug diffusion and penetration profiles within GFP/RFP‐expressing spheroids, varying with drug concentration and formulation, and correlating with clinical volume of distribution (Vd) values. Additionally, we demonstrate that our approach is useful for evaluating different drug formulations as well as screening penetration enhancers for solid tumors. These findings offer a valuable 3D model for studying kinetics of drug permeability and efficacy in tumor‐like environments, with potential implications for drug delivery research and formulation development.
Leadership support for Clery Act compliance doesn’t necessarily translate into resources
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2024

While the majority of campus safety professionals believe they have the support of their administration for Clery Act‐related safety policies, that support doesn’t always translate into the necessary financial investment, according to a new study. In fact, only 42.6% of respondents agreed that their department had an appropriate amount of financial resources devoted to Clery Act compliance.
Analysis and Design of Stacked Coupled Inductor Quadratic Boost Converter With a Lossless Snubber Cell
Authors: Koç Yavuz , Birbir Yaşar , Özel Erdoğan
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces the stacked coupled inductor quadratic boost converter with an inductorless, passive lossless snubber cell suited for high step‐up applications with various microgrids. Some design constraints can be selected from the voltage gain techniques of the high step‐up converters to obtain the solution of improvement performance of converter. The proposed converter utilizes quadratic boost converter and coupled inductor to attain high voltage gain beyond the voltage multiplier/lift cells. In this proposed converter, the use of a stacked coupled inductor type introduces the leakage inductor to snubber cell as an inductor without using an extra inductor in proposed snubber cell. Thus, a regenerative snubber cell is used to achieve a high system efficiency. Compared with earlier counterparts, the solution of attaining a high voltage gain in the proposed converter and passive lossless snubber cell leads to an increase in the converter's performance, reliability, and robustness. The theoretical expectations are supported by simulations and verified by experimental results obtained by implementing a 300‐V, 120‐W prototype.
Review on pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cai Jinxia , Liu Yanqing , Fan Haojun
Published: December 2024

The rising incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the associated economic impacts has prompted a global focus in the field. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of AD, including the aggregation of β‐amyloid, hyperphosphorylated tau, and neuroinflammation. These processes collectively lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, which ultimately results in the loss of autonomy in patients. Currently, there are three main types of AD treatments: clinical tools, pharmacological treatment, and material interventions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the underlying etiology and pathogenesis of AD, as well as an overview of the current prevalence of AD treatments. We believe this article can help deepen our understanding of the AD mechanism, and facilitate the clinical translation of scientific research or therapies, to address this global problem of AD.