bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Nanocomposite Membranes for Organic Compound Remediation from Potable Waters
Authors: Cosme Jose R. Aguilar , Castro‐Muñoz Roberto , Vatanpour Vahid
Published: December 2022

Water treatment is one of the main approaches for producing drinking water from contaminated water sources which is challenging due to the presence of a variety of substances requiring removal. The fabrication of nanocomposite membranes relies either on filling nanomaterials into polymeric phases before membrane fabrication, or coating of nanomaterials on the fabricated membrane surface. The removal of organic compounds from potable waters requires processes such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis. Since most nanomaterials display interesting organic compound uptakes from aqueous systems, nanocomposite membranes have been tested in the removal of various substances from potable waters. Currently, many membrane processes necessitate more advanced and well‐designed selective barriers that may guarantee both permeation and separation efficiency. The progresses and breakthroughs on nanocomposite membranes in remediating potable waters are reported, highlighting novel composite formulations and emphasizing recent advances and outcomes in the field.
Study of frequency and inheritance model of ACE1 I/D and ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphisms in COVID‐19 patients with varying severity of lung involvement and its effect on serum cytokines levels
Authors: Beyranvand Shirin , Davoodian Parivash , Alizade Hesam , Gouklani Hamed , Nejatizadeh Azim , Eftekhar Ebrahim , Nikpoor Amin Reza
Published: December 2022

The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown to play a role as a receptor for the COVID‐19 virus. This virus usually gets into cells and infects them by attaching to their glycoprotein receptors, which are found on the ACE2 receptor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and inheritance of ACE1 I/D and ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphisms in COVID‐19 patients with varying severity of lung involvement and its effect on serum cytokines levels of interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐6 and laboratory parameters. One hundred eighty‐five COVID‐19 patients were grouped according to the severity of lung involvement. (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE1 gene and rs2285666 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene were determined by single specific primer‐polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length reaction‐polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively. Serum levels of IL‐1 and IL‐6 were also measured by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. No statistically significant association of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism genotypes and ACE1 I/D with the severity of lung involvement was noted. However, there was a statistically significant association between I/D ACE1 polymorphism genotypes and IL‐6, white blood cells (WBC), and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels. Also, there was no statistically significant association between rs2285666 polymorphism genotypes and patients' blood oxygen saturation level, IL‐6, IL‐1β, lactate dehydrogenase activity, WBC count, and NLR. In patients with COVID‐19, the rs2285666 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene and the I/D polymorphism of the ACE1 gene were not significantly associated with the severity of COVID‐19 disease and serum IL‐6 and IL‐1 cytokine levels.
Impact of different ancient wheats and pseudocereals on physical, chemical, and functional properties of gevrek, cereal‐based snack product
Authors: Cankurtaran Kömürcü Tekmile
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Gevrek is grissini/breadstick like snack product. In this study, whole flours of modern wheat (Esperia), ancient wheats (einkorn, emmer, and spelt) and pseudocereal (amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa) were used in gevrek formulation instead of refined wheat flour, and the effects on the physical, nutritional, and functional properties of gevreks were researched.

Findings

The use of pseudocereals in the gevrek formulation decreased the lightness and yellowness value compared to the control and ancient wheat gevreks. Also, pseudocereals especially buckwheat decreased the hardness of gevreks significantly (p < .05). The phytic acid content of Esperia and buckwheat gevrek were 50.98% and 51.21% less than amaranth gevreks, respectively. The use of buckwheat and emmer contributed greatly to the increase in total phenolic content as well as antioxidant activity. Amaranth gevrek was superior in terms of Ca, Fe, and Mg content among all gevrek samples. Esperia and emmer gevreks were the most liked by the panelists when all parameters were taken into account.

Conclusions

The use of ancient wheats and pseudocereals in the gevrek formulation yielded products with improved protein, antioxidant activity and phenolic content, acceptable technological quality and distinctive sensory properties.

Significance and Novelty

Compared to traditional gevrek, our findings were the first to show that it is possible to produce nutritionally superior ancient wheat and pseudocereal‐enriched functional snacks (gevrek).
Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma presenting with peritoneal lymphomatosis
Authors: Sabbah Meriam , Nakhli Abdelwahab , Bellil Nawel , Khanchel Fatma , Haddad Dhafer , Chammakhi Chiraz
Published: December 2022

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive non‐Hodgkin B‐cell lymphoma. It has a doubling time of 24 h. Fortunately, it is highly sensitive to aggressive chemotherapy. Sporadic BL often affects the mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Extra‐nodal involvement includes the ileocecal area, stomach, kidneys, gonads, and central nervous system. Peritoneal lymphomatosis is a rare presentation. We report a case of BL presenting with peritoneal lymphomatosis to emphasize the importance of early histological diagnosis of any peritoneal thickening.
Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Newly Synthesized Stilbazolium Dyes
Authors: Hubenova Yolina , Todorova Mina , Bakalska Rumyana , Mitov Mario
Published: December 2022

In this study, the spectral and electrochemical properties of three newly synthesized stilbazolium dyes possessing an enlarged π‐conjugated system were examined. The synthesis of the dyes was carried by Knoevenagel condensation of 1‐butyl‐4‐methylquinolinium bromide as a common acceptor moiety precursor and different donor moiety precursors (2‐hydroxy‐naphtaldehyde or 4‐hydroxy‐naphtaldehyde or 4‐N, N‐dimethylamino naphthaldehyde). The composition of the produced compounds was confirmed by 1H‐ and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and infrared (IR)‐spectroscopy. Their properties including the solvatochromism in different solvents were investigated by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the dyes’ solutions in methanol were explored by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optical band‐gap values as well as the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the dyes were estimated based on experimental data and compared. A putative mechanism of electrochemical oxidation/reduction of the investigated dyes was also proposed.
Synthesis of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as a Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Hongting , Ho Chan Ka , Malik Monu , Azimi Gisele
Published: December 2022

A supercritical carbonation method for the preparation of lithium‐ion battery precursor (Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2CO3) is proposed. With appropriate selection of reaction temperature, pressure and pH, a desirable stoichiometry of transition metal ratio (6 : 2 : 2) can be achieved. The precursor synthesis time plays a significant role in the battery performance as the transition metal ion distributions become more uniform with increasing reaction time. This results in a more stable layered structure, lower cation mixing level, higher electrochemical reversibility, and lower impedance. The battery made of the precursor prepared under the best synthesis conditions can achieve a discharge capacity of 174.2 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and a capacity retention of 93.0 % after 50 cycles using a current density of 60 mA g−1. This study proves the feasibility of using supercritical carbon dioxide as the reagent for the coprecipitation of lithium‐ion battery precursor Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2CO3. Furthermore, this method can possibly be applied to the synthesis of other carbonate‐based materials.
An end‐to‐end deep learning approach for Raman spectroscopy classification
Authors: Zhou Mengfei , Hu Yinchao , Wang Ruizhen , Guo Tian , Yu Qiqing , Xia Luyue , Sun Xiaofang
Published: December 2022

Raman spectroscopy has numerous advantages as a means of analyzing materials and is widely used in petrochemical, material, food, biological, medical, and other fields. Its analysis process is fast, nondestructive, and requires no prepreparation. Meanwhile, the research on applying machine learning methods in Raman spectral recognition is becoming increasingly popular. In this study, an end‐to‐end deep learning method called deep residual shrinkage‐VGG (DRS‐VGG) is proposed, which is able to match Raman spectral features with model structure and reduces the reliance on feature engineering. The addition of identity shortcut and soft thresholding in the model eliminates redundant signals to achieve end‐to‐end spectral identification. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified in three subsets of the RRUFF Raman database and bacterial Raman dataset from different perspectives without data augmentation, and the recognition accuracy is 97.84%, 92.81%, and 95.08%, respectively. Compared with other methods, the proposed DRS‐VGG model achieved a significant improvement in speed or accuracy. The model's understanding of the spectra is visualized by the gradient‐weighted class activation mapping (Grad‐CAM), which explains the excellent classification performance. Additionally, the weight pruning technique is used to achieve model compression and improve recognition accuracy by shrinking the weights and fine‐tuning the biases.
Dinitrogen Activation in the Gas Phase: Spectroscopic Characterization of C−N Coupling in the V3C++N2Reaction
Authors: Li Zi‐Yu , Horn Francine , Li Yao , Mou Li‐Hui , Schöllkopf Wieland , Chen Hui , He Sheng‐Gui , Asmis Knut R.
Published: December 2022

We report on cluster‐mediated C−N bond formation in the gas phase using N2as a nitrogen source. The V3C++N2reaction is studied by a combination of ion‐trap mass spectrometry with infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectroscopy and complemented by electronic structure calculations. The proposed reaction mechanism is spectroscopically validated by identifying the structures of the reactant and product ions. V3C+exhibits a pyramidal structure ofC1‐symmetry. N2activation is initiated by adsorption in an end‐on fashion at a vanadium site, followed by spontaneous cleavage of the N≡N triple bond and subsequent C−N coupling. The IRPD spectrum of the metal nitride product [NV3(C=N)]+exhibits characteristic C=N double bond (1530 cm−1) and V−N single bond (770, 541 and 522 cm−1) stretching bands.
Origin of Stereoselectivity in SE2′ Reactions of Six‐membered Ring Oxocarbenium Ions
Authors: Remmerswaal Wouter A. , Hansen Thomas , Hamlin Trevor A. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: December 2022

Oxocarbenium ions are key reactive intermediates in organic chemistry. To generate a series of structure‐reactivity‐stereoselectivity principles for these species, we herein investigated the bimolecular electrophilic substitution reactions (SE2′) between allyltrimethylsilane and a series of archetypal six‐membered ring oxocarbenium ions using a combined density functional theory (DFT) and coupled‐cluster theory approach. These reactions preferentially proceed following a reaction path where the oxocarbenium ion transforms from a half chair (3H4 or 4H3) to a chair conformation. The introduction of alkoxy substituents on six‐membered ring oxocarbenium ions, dramatically influences the conformational preference of the canonical 3H4 and 4H3 conformers, and thereby the stereochemical outcome of the SE2′ reaction. In general, we find that the stereoselectivity in the reactions correlates to the “intrinsic preference” of the cations, as dictated by their shape. However, for the C5‐CH2OMe substituent, steric factors override the “intrinsic preference”, showing a more selective reaction than expected based on the shape of the ion. Our SE2′ energetics correlate well with experimentally observed stereoselectivity, and the use of the activation strain model has enabled us to quantify important interactions and structural features that occur in the transition state of the reactions to precisely understand the relative energy barriers of the diastereotopic addition reactions. The fundamental mechanistic insight provided in this study will aid in understanding the reactivity of more complex glycosyl cations featuring multiple substituents and will facilitate our general understanding of glycosylation reactions.
Exploiting Coordination Behavior of 7‐Azaindole for Mechanistic Investigation of Chan‐Lam Coupling and Application to 7‐Azaindole Based Pharmacophores
Authors: Mondal Krishanu , Mukhopadhyay Narottam , Sengupta Arunava , Roy Tanumay , Das Parthasarathi
Published: December 2022

Multiple spectroscopic techniques, along with single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, have been used to reveal the detailed structural and electronic information on reaction intermediates of a new copper(II)‐DBU catalytic system for the N‐arylation of 7‐Azaindole. The reaction mixture of Chan‐Lam cross‐coupling yields two dimeric copper(II)‐7‐azaindole complexes, including one attached with DBU, prior to adding arylboronic acid and are confirmed structurally and spectroscopically. A suitable mechanism has been proposed using the dimeric copper(II) complex as a catalyst for the coupling reactions. The role of DBU as a base and also as an auxiliary ligand in the course of the reaction has been established. The transmetalated monomeric aryl‐copper(II) species generated from the dimeric unit is oxidized by another equivalent of copper(II) to yield an aryl‐copper(III) intermediate for facile N‐arylation, which has been authenticated with UV‐vis spectroscopy. The regeneration of the copper(II)‐catalyst by aerial oxidation of colorless copper(I) species (generated via reductive elimination and disproportionation step) is confirmed by mass and absorption spectroscopy. Detailed DFT and TD‐DFT calculations help to rationalize the proposed reaction intermediates and their corresponding electronic transitions. Moreover, the confirmation of copper(I)‐7‐azaindole intermediate via HRMS reaffirmed the involvement of Cu(II)/Cu(III)/Cu(I) species in the Chan‐Lam type of coupling. A medicinally‐important 7‐azaindole‐based SHP2 inhibitor has been synthesized via sequential arylation.
Diverse Cooperative Reactivity at a Square Planar Aluminium Complex and Catalytic Reduction of CO2
Authors: Shaves Chloe L. , Villegas‐Escobar Nery , Clark Ewan R. , Riddlestone Ian M.
Published: December 2022

The use of a sterically demanding pincer ligand to prepare an unusual square planar aluminium complex is reported. Due to the constrained geometry imposed by the ligand scaffold, this four‐coordinate aluminium centre remains Lewis acidic and reacts via differing metal‐ligand cooperative pathways for activating ketones and CO2. It is also a rare example of a single‐component aluminium system for the catalytic reduction of CO2to a methanol equivalent at room temperature.
Laser‐Assisted Scalable Pore Fabrication in Graphene Membranes for Blue‐Energy Generation
Authors: Yadav Sharad Kumar , D Manikandan , Singh Chob , Kumar Mukesh , G Aswathy , Ramaprabhu Sundara , Nandigana Vishal V. R. , Nayak Pramoda K.
Published: December 2022

The osmotic energy from a salinity gradient (i. e. blue energy) is identified as a promising non‐intermittent renewable energy source for a sustainable technology. However, this membrane‐based technology is facing major limitations for large‐scale viability, primarily due to the poor membrane performance. An atomically thin 2D nanoporous material with high surface charge density resolves the bottleneck and leads to a new class of membrane material the salinity gradient energy. Although 2D nanoporous membranes show extremely high performance in terms of energy generation through the single pore, the fabrication and technical challenges such as ion concentration polarization make the nanoporous membrane a non‐viable solution. On the other hand, the mesoporous and micro porous structures in the 2D membrane result in improved energy generation with very low fabrication complexity. In the present work, we report femtosecond (fs) laser‐assisted scalable fabrication of μm to mm size pores on Graphene membrane for blue energy generation for the first time. A remarkable osmotic power in the order of μW has been achieved using mm size pores, which is about six orders of magnitudes higher compared to nanoporous membranes, which is mainly due to the diffusion‐osmosis driven large ionic flux. Our work paves the way towards fs laser‐assisted scalable pore creation in the 2D membrane for large‐scale osmotic power generation.
Biofouling of a unionid mussel by dreissenid mussels in nearshore zones of the Great Lakes
Authors: Larson James H. , Bailey Sean W. , Evans Mary Anne
Published: December 2022

In North America, native unionid mussels are imperiled due to factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, and invasive species. One of the most substantial threats is that posed by dreissenid mussels, which are invasive mussels that attach to hard substrates including unionid shells and can restrict movement and feeding of unionids. This dreissenid mussel biofouling of unionids varies spatially in large ecosystems, such as the Great Lakes, with some areas having low enough biofouling to form effective refugia where unionid mussels might persist. Here, we measured biofouling on mussels suspended in cages over the growing season (generally first week in June to last week of August) over 3 years in nearshore areas in Lake Erie (2014–2016), Lake Michigan (Grand Traverse Bay, 2015 and Green Bay, 2016), and Lake Huron (2015). Biofouling varied substantially by years within Lake Erie, with increasingly higher biofouling rates each year. Although dreissenid mussels are present throughout these lakes, we observed very low biofouling in Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) and Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron), with no dreissenid mussels in 8 of 9 sites across these two bays. Sampling in the rivermouth of the Fox River (Wisconsin) and the Maumee River (Ohio) both showed very high biofouling in areas adjacent to the outlet of these tributaries into Green Bay and Maumee Bay (Lake Erie), respectively. These watersheds are dominated by agriculture, and we would expect high growth of primary producers (i.e., mussel food) and primary consumers (unionids and zebra mussels) in these areas compared to the other sampled bays or the open waters of the Great Lakes.
Species‐specific environmental DNA analysis of the index species in soil ecosystem,Allonychiurus kimi(Collembola: Onychiuridae)
Authors: Lee Yun‐Sik , Jung Minhyung , Wee June , Kim Yongeun , Lee Doo‐Hyung , Lee Dong‐Sung , Kim Taewoo , Cho Kijong , Sim Cheolho
Published: December 2022

Collembola are abundant and have significant roles in the soil ecosystem. Therefore, the phenotypic endpoints of Collembola population or community have been used as an effective bioindicator for assessing soil quality. Since the identification and counting the collembolans in the soil is a laborious and costly procedure, environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based biomonitoring was proposed as an analysis tool of collembolan species found in the soil. In this study, standard primer sets for the species‐specific eDNA analysis usingAllonychiurus kimi, a soil bioindicator species was selected. Then, the primers were tested for specificity and sensitivity from the soil samples. Two different eDNA samples were tested: (1) eDNA samples were extracted from the soil withA. kimiindividuals (intra‐organismal eDNA). (2) The samples from the soil withoutA. kimiindividuals (extra‐organismal eDNA). The two primers were confirmed in their sensitivity and specificity to the two types of eDNA samples selected.Ct‐values from both intra‐ and extra‐organismal eDNA showed the significant correlations to the number of inoculatedA. kimi(adj.R2 = 0.7453–0.9489). These results suggest that in excretion, egg, and other exuviae had a significant effect on eDNA analysis from soil samples taken. Furthermore, our results suggest that environmental factors should be considered when analyzing eDNA collected from soil.
Bidentate Pyridyl‐Amido Hafnium Catalysts for Copolymerization of Ethylene with 1‐Octene and Norbornene
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Wang Quan , Jiang Hui , Chen Ao , Zou Chen
Published: December 2022

Polyolefin elastomers (POEs) and cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) are high‐performance polyolefin materials of wide interest. It is crucial to develop low‐cost and high‐performance transition metal catalysts to prepare these polyolefin materials. In this contribution, we designed and synthesized a series of bidentate pyridyl‐amido hafnium catalysts and used them in ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with comonomers including 1‐octene and norbornene. These catalysts exhibited high activities of up to 16.3×106 g mol−1 h−1 and produced polyethylene with a high molecular weight of up to 24.5×104 g mol−1 in ethylene polymerization at 150 °C. More importantly, these catalysts produced ethylene/1‐octene copolymers with incorporation of up to 13.7 mol % and molecular weight of up to 72.7×104 g mol−1, and prepared ethylene/norbornene copolymers with incorporation of up to 50.3 mol %, along with glass transition temperature of up to 184.3 °C and molecular weight of up to 187.6×104 g mol−1. The ease of synthesis, high versatility and great copolymerization properties of these hafnium catalysts make them highly attractive for future studies.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Synthesis of (Hetero)Aryl Trifluoromethyl Selenides
Authors: Krykun Serhii , Durandetti Muriel
Published: December 2022

A convenient and efficient approach for the construction of aryl trifluoromethyl selenoethers from aryl iodides under mild conditions is reported. Electrochemical activation of stable and inexpensive NiBr2bipy (bipy – bipyridine) complex instead of labile Ni(COD)2(COD – cyclooctadiene) catalyst. [NMe4][SeCF3] is employed as shelf‐stable source of SeCF3fragment. The reaction tolerates a wide range of substrates, including modification of drug‐like molecules. Cyclic voltammetry studies allow insight into the reaction mechanism.
Flow injection analysis of ranitidine based on derivatization reaction producing 2‐Methylfuran cation as a sensitive and selective amperometric detector
Authors: Berisha Liridon , Jashari Granit , Veseli Vullnet , Shabani Egzontina , Lushaj Florentin , Maxharraj Fatjon , Maloku Arsim
Published: December 2022

A new electrochemical sensor in a flow injection system is developed for the determination of ranitidine in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the deamination reaction of ranitidine in an acidic environment in the presence of nitrite ions producing the electroactive species 2‐methylfuran and releasing nitrosamine [1]. A wide linear range of ranitidine from 4.4 to 6000 mg L−1, with correlation coefficient R2 = 0.996 and the detection limit 1.3 mg L−1 was obtained. The method has been applied in tablet analysis and ampoules; the results are within the confidence limits with 95 % reliability compared to the reference method with HPLC.
Stimulation of ACE inhibitory and improving α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase and antioxidant activities of semi‐prepared and dry soup by incorporating with date kernel powder
Authors: Mousavi Maryam , Fadaei Vajiheh , Akbari‐adergani Behrouz
Published: December 2022

Date kernel as a functional food component has a special importance due to its rich nutritional profile, low price, and ease of access. For this, in this research, the sub‐product was used for formulation of semi‐prepared dry soup (SPDS); the effect of adding 0 (S1 = control), 2 (S2), and 4 (S3) %w/w date kernel powder (DKP) on physicochemical, nutritional, and organoleptic properties and beneficial effects of SPDS samples were evaluated. The results revealed that S2 and S3 samples were different from the control sample in some physicochemical properties so that viscosity increased 1.27 and 1.52 times and a* raised 5.6 and 8.5 times, respectively, while L* decreased 0.94 and 0.88 times and b* reduced 0.92 and 0.8 times, respectively. The nutritional properties of S2 and S3 samples compared with the control sample improved. Also, differences were observed in the beneficial effects of S2 and S3 compared with the control sample as total polyphenol content (TPC) increased 1.06 and 1.11 times, respectively (p < .05); antioxidant activities (AA) of S2 and S3 samples were 8.04 and 6.01 mg/ml and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were measured to be 8.2 and 7.86 mg/ml, respectively; also, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of S2 and S3 samples were observed 4.48% and 5.70%, and 4.59% and 6.36%, respectively. From the organoleptic aspect, S3 had the highest acceptability. Generally, it is concluded that with the addition of DKP (maximally 4%w/w) to SPDS formulation, a functional soup could be produced considering the rich nutritional profile of DKP.
Analysis of dissipative non‐Newtonian magnetic polymer flow from a curved stretching surface with slip and radiative effects
Authors: Gnaneswara Reddy M. , Tripathi D. , Anwar Bég O.
Published: December 2022

The convective–radiative magnetohydrodynamic non‐Newtonian second‐grade fluid boundary layer flow from a curved stretching surface has been scrutinized in the present study. The Reiner–Rivlin second‐grade viscoelastic model is deployed which provides a good approximation for certain magnetic polymers. High temperature invokes the presence of radiative heat transfer, which is simulated with the Rosseland diffusion approximation. Viscous dissipation and Joule heating are also featured in the model and hydrodynamic (velocity) slip at the wall is also incorporated in the boundary conditions. The emerging nonlinear coupled dimensionless transport equations are solved with a Runge–Kutta method and a shooting numerical scheme. The influence of emerging multiphysical flow parameters on the dimensionless profiles is examined with the help of plots for comparative analysis of both non‐Newtonian fluid and Newtonian fluid. The numerical solutions are validated for special cases with existing works. The velocity declines for a higher magnetic field, whereas the reverse trend is noted for the temperature function. The augmentation in the thermal field is noted with increments in radiation parameters. Furthermore, the fluid temperature of the second‐grade fluid is higher with increasing Brinkmann number. The wall slip induces deceleration. Contour plots for streamlines and isotherms are also visualized and analyzed.
Feasibility test of a sapphire cryoprobe with optical monitoring of tissue freezing
Authors: Dolganova Irina N. , Zotov Arsen K. , Safonova Larisa P. , Aleksandrova Polina V. , Reshetov Igor V. , Zaytsev Kirill I. , Tuchin Valery V. , Kurlov Vladimir N.
Published: December 2022

This article describes a sapphire cryoprobe as a promising solution to the significant problem of modern cryosurgery that is the monitoring of tissue freezing. This probe consists of a sapphire rod manufactured by the edge‐defined film‐fed growth technique from Al2O3 melt and optical fibers accommodated inside the rod and connected to the source and the detector. The probe's design enables detection of spatially resolved diffuse reflected intensities of tissue optical response, which are used for the estimation of tissue freezing depth. The current type of the 12.5‐mm diameter sapphire probe cooled down by the liquid nitrogen assumes a superficial cryoablation. The experimental test made by using a gelatin‐intralipid tissue phantom shows the feasibility of such concept, revealing the capabilities of monitoring the freezing depth up to 10 mm by the particular instrumentation realization of the probe. This justifies a potential of sapphire‐based instruments aided by optical diagnosis in modern cryosurgery.
Schwarz P‐surface via isolated sp2 carbon heptagons: Design and properties
Authors: Ignatchenko Alexey V. , Willower Jacob P.
Published: December 2022

Described are the first two molecular designs of the triply periodic Schwarz P surface using merely the Schläfli t{3,7} pattern of sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. Each atom is exactly part of one heptagon and two hexagon rings so that two heptagons do not share the same edge or vertex. Such pattern, called hyperbolic soccer ball obeys the isolated‐heptagon rule with the minimum possible number of hexagons between heptagons similar to the isolation of pentagons from hexagons in the C60 fullerene. Both of the designed P surfaces are unbalanced, that is, they have two unequal sides, and belong to space groups P432 of the cubic system, and P4/ncc of the tetragonal system, respectively. Unit cells have a multiple of 24 heptagons similar to the only one previously known in literature Schwarzite with the hyperbolic soccer ball pattern—the D surface of Vanderbilt and Tersoff. The geometry of the periodic structures and unit cell parameters were fully optimized by DFT calculations using CASTEP software with PBE and PBESOL functionals under generalized gradient approximation. The effect of P and D surface dilution by hexagons on the calculated density, elastic and electronic properties is discussed.
Measurement invariance of the Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form across US military veteran and civilian adults
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Joo Sean , Harris Taylor P. , Harosh Itzik
Published: December 2022

Objective

Recent research has suggested that mental health is not only the absence of mental illness but includes aspects of well‐being. One common psychological assessment used to assess dimensions of well‐being is the Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form (MHC‐SF). The MHC‐SF is a 14‐item measure that assesses emotional, psychological, and social well‐being. The purpose of this study was to assess measurement invariance of the MHC‐SF across US military veterans and civilians.

Method

First, we examined the factor structure of the MHC‐SF separately for veterans (n = 418) and civilians (n = 411). We then conducted multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MG‐CFA) to assess measurement invariance for the two groups.

Results

Findings suggested there were three latent factors representing emotional, social, and psychological well‐being. Results from MG‐CFA suggested that the MHC‐SF is invariant across veterans and civilians.

Conclusion

Researchers and practitioners can administer the MHC‐SF with both groups.
The fallacy of “there are no candidates”: Institutional pathways of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino doctorate earners
Authors: Fleming Gabriella Coloyan , Patrick Anita D. , Grote Dustin , Denton Maya , Knight David , Lee Walter , Borrego Maura , Murzi Homero
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite many initiatives to improve graduate student and faculty diversity in engineering, there has been little or no change in the percentage of people from racially minoritized backgrounds in either of these groups.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this paper is to counter the scarcity fallacy, in which institutions blame the “shortage” of qualified people from traditionally marginalized backgrounds for their own lack of representation, related to prospective PhD students and prospective faculty from traditionally marginalized groups. This study identifies the BS‐to‐PhD and PhD‐to‐tenure‐track‐faculty institutional pathways of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino engineering doctorate recipients.

Design/Method

Using the US Survey of Earned Doctorates, we tracked the BS‐to‐PhD institutional pathways of 3952 Black/African American and 5732 Hispanic/Latino engineering PhD graduates. We also used the Survey of Doctorate Recipients to track the PhD‐to‐tenure‐track faculty pathways of 104 Black/African American and 211 Hispanic/Latino faculty.

Results

The majority of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino PhD graduates in this study did not earn their BS degrees from Top 25 institutions, but rather from Not Top 25, non‐US, and minority‐serving institutions. The results also show the relatively small proportion of PhD earners and faculty members who move into highly ranked institutions after earning a bachelor's degree from outside this set of institutions.

Conclusions

The findings of this study have important implications for graduate student and faculty recruitment by illustrating that recruitment from a narrow range of institutions (i.e., Top 25 institutions) is unlikely to result in increased diversity among racially minoritized PhDs and faculty in engineering.
Risk attitudes and asset diversification: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Asuming Patrick Opoku
Published: December 2022

Attitudes toward risk influence an individual's decision‐making with significant implications for economic outcomes and yet there is limited understanding of the relationship between risk attitude and economic decision‐making in developing countries. This paper estimates the influence of risk aversion on asset diversification using data from a large nationally representative sample of Ghanaian households. The results show weak association between risk aversion and asset diversification. Furthermore, relatively stronger positive associations are found for rural compared with urban households, but these positive associations disappear after controlling for locality fixed effects. These findings highlight the importance of addressing rural–urban disparities.
In vivo electrochemical lipolysis of fat in a Yucatan pig model: A proof of concept study
Authors: Park Asher C. , Chan Carmen K. , Hutchison Dana M. , Patel Urja , Hong Ellen M. , Steward Earl , Dilley Katelyn K. , Sterritt Naya L. , Kim Sehwan , Hill Michael G. , You Joon S. , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Traditional fat contouring is now regularly performed using numerous office‐based less invasive techniques. However, some limitations of these minimally invasive techniques include high cost or limited selectivity with performing localized contouring and reduction of fat. These shortcomings may potentially be addressed by electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL), a novel approach that involves the insertion of electrodes into tissue followed by application of a direct current (DC) electrical potential. This results in the hydrolysis of tissue water creating active species that lead to fat necrosis and apoptosis. ECLL can be accomplished using a simple voltage‐driven system (V‐ECLL) or a potential‐driven feedback cell (P‐ECLL) both leading to water electrolysis and the creation of acid and base in situ. The aim of this study is to determine the long‐lasting effects of targeted ECLL in a Yucatan pig model.

Methods

A 5‐year‐old Yucatan pig was treated with both V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL in the subcutaneous fat layer using 80:20 platinum:iridium needle electrodes along an 8 cm length. Dosimetry parameters included 5 V V‐ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, and −1.5 V P‐ECLL, −2.5 V P‐ECLL, −3.5 V P‐ECLL for 5 minutes. The pig was assessed for changes in fat reduction over 3 months with digital photography and ultrasound. After euthanasia, tissue sections were harvested and gross pathology and histology were examined.

Results

V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL treatments led to visible fat reduction (12.1%–27.7% and 9.4%–40.8%, respectively) and contour changes across several parameters. An increased reduction of the superficial fat layer occurred with increased dosimetry parameters with an average charge transfer of 12.5, 24.3, and 47.5 C transferred for 5 V V‐ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively, and 2.0, 11.5, and 24.0 C for −1.5 V P‐ECLL, −2.5 V P‐ECLL, −3.5 V P‐ECLL for 5 minutes, respectively. These dose‐dependent changes were also evidenced by digital photography, gross pathology, ultrasound imaging, and histology.

Conclusions

ECLL results in selective damage and long‐lasting changes to the adipose layer in vivo. These changes are dose‐dependent, thus allowing for more precise contouring of target areas. P‐ECLL has greater efficiency and control of total charge transfer compared to V‐ECLL, suggesting that a low‐voltage potentiostat treatment can result in fat apoptosis equivalent to a high‐voltage DC system.
Numerical solutions of Hadamard fractional differential equations by generalized Legendre functions
Authors: Istafa Ghafirlia , Rehman Mujeeb ur
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to develop a numerical method for the solutions of Hadamard fractional differential equations. We introduced Hadamard fractional Legendre functions by modifying classical Legendre polynomials and used them to approximate the numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear Hadamard fractional differential equations. The solution is approached by approximating the appropriate terms in Hadamard fractional differential equations using Hadamard fractional Legendre functions and converting the problem to a system of algebraic equations. Quasilinearization technique is employed to linearize the nonlinear Hadamard fractional differential equations. An upper bound for approximation error is derived. This method provides reasonably accurate results for a relatively smaller order of Hadamard fractional Legendre functions.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Binglei , Wang Carol Chunfeng , Lee Khui Hung , Xia Jianhong Cecilia , Luo Zongting
Published: December 2022

Acupuncture is widely accepted as a therapeutic option for managing depression. However, evidence from clinical trials remains controversial. This review aims to synthesize the best available evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in managing depression. The review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis) guidelines. Five databases and the relevant trial registries were searched from the inception to October 2021. Randomized clinical trials of acupuncture for managing depression, published in English, were selected for inclusion. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Netmeta and dmetar of R packages were used to conduct a network meta‐analysis. Twenty‐two trials with 2391 participants were eligible and included in the analysis. This review found evidence that electroacupuncture (EA) plus antidepressant achieved superior outcomes compared with the waitlist (standardized mean difference = −8.86, 95% confidence interval: −14.78 to −2.93). The treatment ranking of different interventions in improving depression symptoms indicated that EA plus antidepressant with a probability of 0.8294, followed by manual acupuncture (MA) plus antidepressant (0.6470) and MA (0.5232). Acupuncture, either in isolation or as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment, has clinical benefits and can be considered a safe option for managing depression.
Polyurethane vitrimers: Chemistry, properties and applications
Authors: Tao Yue , Liang Xiangyu , Zhang Jun , Lei Iek Man , Liu Ji
Published: December 2022

Thermosetting polyurethanes (PUs) are ubiquitous in our daily life due to their low cost and attractive properties, such as mechanical robustness, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. However, thermosetting PUs are challenged by their intrinsic non‐recyclability. Due to the chemically cross‐linked network structures, reprocessability, and controllable degradation of thermosetting PUs are difficult to achieve, tremendous pollution and waste were generated each year. A promising strategy is to introduce “vitrimer” chemistry to the design of thermosetting PUs. Intriguing opportunities, offered by the integration of vitrimers and thermosetting PUs, have enabled the design of high‐performance PU materials with exclusive performances, including shape memory, self‐healability, degradability, recyclability and reprocessability. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancement in the research on PU vitrimers. First, the classification of reversible covalent chemistry and the preparation of PU vitrimers are discussed. Second, the unique properties of PU vitrimers enabled by the dynamic covalent bonds are reviewed, including shape memory, self‐healability, recyclability, reprocessability, adhesion, degradability, and weldability. Potential applications enabled by this intriguing performance are subsequently discussed. Afterwards, we present our perspectives on the challenges that are yet to be addressed for transforming PU vitrimers into high‐performance yet recyclable polymer materials.
A Theoretical Study on Adjustment of Negative Differential Resistance Effect in Monolayer GeS via Substitutional Doping
Authors: Guo Caixia , Li Jiayin , Wang Tianxing
Published: December 2022

Density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's function theory are used to systematically explore the electronic structures and transport characteristics of doped monolayer GeS with group V (N, P, As) atoms. The calculated band structures demonstrate that the doping of N, P, and As atoms results in the transformation of monolayer GeS from semiconducting to metallic properties. Further, an obvious negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior is obtained by altering the dopant atom and the doping concentration. In particular, for N‐doped monolayer GeS, the NDR behavior appears in the millivolt region as the doping concentration decreases, and the current peak‐to‐valley ratio (PVR) is up to 107 (order of magnitude 7). These findings have significant implications for future design of low‐power novel nanoelectronic devices based on monolayer GeS.
Biopolymers for packaging applications: An overview
Authors: Juikar Subodh K. , Warkar Sudhir G.
Published: December 2022

Biopolymers are fourth generation packaging materials. Due to the shortcomings of the petrochemical‐based polymers and their threat to the environment, biopolymers are seen as the sustainable substitute for traditional synthetic polymers and have attracted the researchers towards the development of biopolymer‐based packaging materials. However, biopolymers suffer from flaws like inferior mechanical strength and thermal stability, which poses its inability to use at industrial scale. The recent studies thus highlighted the different modification methods such as reactive or nonreactive compatibilisation to conquer such issues. The present article recapitulates the various biopolymers developed in the recent past, modification methods for their processing and their packaging applications.
Recognizing vaccine wastage in Georgia
Authors: Aladashvili Giorgi , Nebieridze Anano , Pkhakadze Giorgi , Nadareishvili Ilia
Published: December 2022

The COVID‐19 vaccination program in the country of Georgia began on March 15, 2021, and reached its peak in the summer of 2021. Throughout the process, individuals had access to over 5.3 million doses of COVID‐19 vaccines which were acquired from various sources as reported by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC). Factors such as widespread vaccine hesitancy and low demand led to reduced vaccine uptake, low vaccination rates, and vaccine wastage. As of August 2022, a total of 2,922,000 doses have been administered with less than 35% of the Georgian population, or 1,276,000 people, fully vaccinated with at least two doses. Over 400,000 doses have expired at NCDC's storage facilities due to low demand. Many more doses have been wasted at administration points, and there is a risk of wasting more in the future. The key reasons for wastage are widespread public hesitancy toward the newly developed vaccines, inconsistent policies and communication from government officials, rampant disinformation, and ambiguity from influential bodies in Georgian society. Despite certain limitations, logistics is not among the leading causes of wastage, as Georgia was able to develop a strong cold‐chain and vaccine administration infrastructure through years of international cooperation that allowed for efficient management of the COVID‐19 vaccination process. Lastly, in addition to establishing a robust reporting system and ensuring transparency of vaccine wastage data, relevant studies based on original data are required to better understand the problem. Conducting studies on health literacy in the country as a baseline for long‐term interventions, as well as research that will increasingly evidence‐inform further pandemic response are being recommended.
Dynamic event‐triggered networked predictive control for discrete‐time NCSs under deception attacks
Authors: Wu Zhiying , Wang Zhe , Wang Yan , Xiong Junlin , Xie Min
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the dynamic event‐triggered predictive control problem for discrete‐time networked control systems under deception attacks. A new dynamic event‐triggered scheme is proposed for discrete‐time networked predictive control systems to reduce the data transmission. The feature of the dynamic event‐triggered scheme is that the triggering threshold is adjusted dynamically. The Luenberger observer is provided to estimate the output measurements. The networked predictive control method is used to compensate for the time delay. Next, by using the piecewise linear model and the augmented model methods, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee the mean square asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop systems, respectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated via a buck DC‐DC converter system.
1,3‐Diynes: A Versatile Precursor in Transition‐Metal Catalyzed (Mediated) C−H Functionalizations
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Kumar Sabbi Tharun , Pingale Rasika , Girase Pradeep , Kanchupalli Vinaykumar
Published: December 2022

Transition metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization of diverse arenes with alkyne units has attracted enormous attention for decades since they provide straightforward access to various functionalization/annulations, which are commonly present in bioactive compounds and natural products. Recently, conjugated alkynes (1,3‐diynes) have been utilized as key coupling partner in many C−H activation reactions due to their versatile characteristic properties. The presence of two C≡C bonds in conjugated 1,3‐diyne brings the new diversity in synthetic transformations, such as chemo‐, regioselective pathways, mono‐bis functionalizations, cascade annulations, etc. Herein, we summarized the latest developments in the realm of transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalizations of diverse arenes with 1,3‐diynes. Moreover, we highlighted the diverse transformations, conditions, mechanisms and applications of the corresponding reaction in detail.
Digitisation and Low-Carbon Energy Transitions
Authors: Müller Katja , Sareen Siddharth
Published: December 2022

The world is digitising as the need for low-carbon transitions gains urgency. This chapter introduces the emergent linkages between digitisation and decarbonisation—the twin transition. Important for grid stability, the twin transition is needed for greenhouse gas emission reduction, yet its energy efficiency is debatable. Rebound effects and data generation for and within the twin transition are critical issues that surface within socio-technical and political economic contexts. The chapter pulls together insights on situating digitisation and on realising imaginaries of the twin transition, articulating the value of conceptualising low-carbon transitions with explicit attention to digitisation as a phenomenological element of infrastructural change. It provides an overview of chapters across these themes, and synthesis reflections on a research agenda for ethnographies of digitisation and energy transitions.