bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Decontamination by Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) in Winemaking
Authors: Delso Carlota , Berzosa Alejandro , Sanz Jorge , Álvarez Ignacio , Raso Javier
Published: November 2021

Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) is a non-thermal technique that causes electroporation of cell membranes by applying very short pulses (μs) of a high-intensity electric field (kV/cm). Irreversible electroporation leads to the formation of permanent conductive channels in the cytoplasmic membrane of cells, resulting in the loss of cell viability. This effect is achieved with low energy requirements and minimal deterioration of quality. This chapter reviews the studies hitherto conducted to evaluate the potential of PEF as a technology for microbial decontamination in the winemaking process for reducing or replacing the use of SO2, for guaranteeing reproducible fermentations or for wine stabilization.
Ultrathin Metal Hydroxide/Oxide Nanowires: Crystal Growth, Self-Assembly, and Fabrication for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Pathiraja Gayani , Rathnayake Hemali
Published: November 2021

The fundamental understanding of transition metal oxides nanowires’ crystal growth to control their anisotropy is critical for their applications in miniature devices. However, such studies are still in the premature stage. From an industrial point of view, the most exciting and challenging area of devices today is having the balance between the performance and the cost. Accordingly, it is essential to pay attention to the controlled cost-effective and greener synthesis of ultrathin TMOS NWs for industrial optoelectronic applications. This chapter provides a comprehensive summary of fundamental principles on the preperation methods to make dimensionality controlled anisotropic nanowires, their crystal growth studies, and optical and electrical properties. The chapter particularly addresses the governing theories of crystal growth processes and kinetics that controls the anisotropy and dimensions of nanowires. Focusing on the oriented attachment (OA) mechanism, the chapter describes the OA mechanism, nanocrystal’s self-assembly, interparticle interactions, and OA-directed crystal growth to improve the state-of-the art kinetic models. Finally, we provide the future perspective of ultrathin TMOS NWs by addressing their current challenges in optoelectronic applications. It is our understanding that the dimension, and single crystallinity of nanowires are the main contributors for building all functional properties, which arise from quasi-1-D confinement of nanowire growth.
Fabrication and Characterization of Cobalt-Pigmented Anodized Zinc for Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Chebwogen Judith , Mkirema Maghanga Christopher
Published: November 2021

Population growth and urbanization have led to water scarcity and pollution, which is a health hazard not only to humans but also to the ecosystem in general. This has necessitated coming up with ways of treating water before consumption. Photocatalysis has proved to be one of the most promising cheap techniques that involve chemical utilization of solar energy. TiO2 widely used in photocatalysis absorbs a narrow range of the solar spectrum compared to ZnO. In this regard, this study aimed at preparing and optimizing cobalt-pigmented ZnO, which is applicable in photocatalytic water treatment. The objectives in this study were to fabricate zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films by anodization, pigment the fabricated films with varying cobalt concentrations, characterize the fabricated films optically, and investigate the cobalt-pigmented ZnO’s performance in the methylene blue degradation under UV light irradiation. Mirror-polished zinc plates were sonicated in ethanol and rinsed. Anodization was done at room temperature in 0.5 M oxalic acid at a constant voltage of 10 V for 60 min, and cobalt electrodeposited in the films. Post-deposition treatment was done at 250°C. Optical properties of the films were studied using a UV-VIS- NIR spectrophotometer in the solar range of 300–2500 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the fabricated films was studied in methylene blue solution degradation in the presence of UV light irradiation for 5 h. Cobalt pigmenting was observed to reduce reflectance and optical band gap from 3.34 to 3.10 eV indicating good photocatalytic properties. In this study, ZnO film pigmented with cobalt for 20 s was found to be the most photocatalytic with a rate constant of 0.0317 h−1 and hence had the optimum cobalt concentration for photocatalytic water treatment. This can be applied in small-scale water purification.
Why Political? Why Spirituality? Why Now?
Authors: Cornell Drucilla , Seely Stephen D. ,   Caribbean Philosophical Association
Published: November 2021

In this essay, we revisit the concept of “political spirituality” that we developed in our book The Spirit of Revolution: Beyond the Dead Ends of Man (2016) in light of the profound political upheavals that have happened since its publication. We begin with theories about the breakdown of neoliberalism and the “return of politics” with the rise of so-called populist movements. We argue that notions of the “demos” and the “people” miss the dimension of transindividuality central to our thinking of political spirituality. The second aspect of political spirituality missing from current critical theory is transcendence, or the desire to go beyond the limits of who and what we are. We capture both these dimensions through a notion of “relational finitude,” demonstrating both the poverty of European philosophy in this respect, and celebrating the contribution of feminism, decolonial theory, and African philosophy toward a new praxis of being human.
Whitehead and the Immanence of Extension
Authors: Vermeiren Florian ,   The Center for Process Studies
Published: November 2021

The Extensive Continuum is most often seen as an empty form that awaits the accommodation of actuality. Contrary to this popular interpretation, I argue that extension is completely immanent to actual occasions and their prehensive relations. Whitehead's doctrine of internal relations entails that extension cannot be separated from actual occasions, just as actual occasions cannot be separated from extension. To prehend is to extend. Furthermore, any strict separation of form and actuality is shown to bifurcate nature into publicity and privacy. Only with the immanence of extension is nature truly one.
Vulnerability to biological invasion of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. in green areas of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Reis Allan Rodrigo Nunho dos , Biondi Daniela , Viezzer Jennifer , Freiman Fabiano Peixoto , Fogaça Leonardo
Published: November 2021

Alien invasive species alter biodiversity, landscape structure, ecosystem functions and services, and habitats of native species of flora and fauna. Multicriteria analysis in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment can be used to evaluate the vulnerability of urban green areas to biological invasion by these species. The objective of this research was to investigate natural and anthropic parameters related to the vulnerability to biological invasion by the Hovenia dulcis Thunb. in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. A vulnerability assessment was done in the Curitiba’s urban green areas with lower degrees of anthropization. Six factors related to the presence of Hovenia dulcis were considered: nine points of species occurrence; altitude and slope (topographic metrics); and area, shape, and isolation between areas (landscape metrics). The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to define weights for each factor. The vulnerability was assessed as very low (0 – 0.2); low (0.21 – 0.4); moderate (0.41 – 0.6); high (0.61 – 0.8); and very high (0.81 – 1). Spatial analyses were performed on QGIS® 3.10 software. The occurrence points of the species represented 45% of the generated model, followed by the landscape factors, mainly the shape of the fragments (17.69% of the model). Within the selected urban green areas, 995.15 ha corresponded to the high vulnerability class, and 839.54 ha to the moderate vulnerability class to invasion by the species. The western, southern, and northern parts of the city are the most vulnerable, which are also the most urbanized. Passaúna Park is the green area most susceptible to invasion by the species mainly due to its irregular shape, most susceptible to the edge effect. Curitiba has a high vulnerability to biological invasion by Hovenia dulcis in its green areas, especially in those located in more urbanized regions.
Efeito do fogo na abundância e diversidade fúngica no solo do Cerrado
Authors: Silva Cássia , Viana Igor , Souza Dalmárcia de , Silva Damiana , Portella Augustus , Giongo Marcos
Published: November 2021

A realização de queimas prescritas, com diferentes objetivos de gestão e manejo, vem sendo aplicada mais frequentemente em áreas protegidas. Com o intuito de compreender o efeito do fogo, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a abundância e a diversidade dos microrganismos fúngicos em resposta ao uso do fogo e incêndios florestais. As amostras de solo anterior e após a queimada foram coletadas, sendo os fungos isolados pelo método de plaqueamento, posteriormente quantificados por meio da contagem das unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC g-1) e identificados ao nível de gênero. A média de UFC g-1 não apresentou diferença significativa entre os regimes de fogo avaliados, no entanto houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) para diversidade, tendo os dois anos de incêndios ocasionado menor diversidade de gênero. Os gêneros Aspergillus e Penicillium estiveram presentes em todas as áreas amostradas, com maiores valores de UFC g-1,enquanto os gêneros Mucor e Rhizopus apresentaram os menores valores. A média de unidade formadora de colônia (UFC g-1) e diversidade antes e após a queima prescrita diferiram estatisticamente (p<0,05), sendo que a média de UFC g-1 teve redução e a diversidade apresentou aumento após a passagem do fogo em todas as áreas avaliadas. A maior redução da média de UFC g-1 ocorreu para o mês de julho. Os valores de coeficientes de correlação de Pearson obtidos demonstraram correlação negativa significativa entre a média de UFC g-1, a diversidade e a temperatura (r=0,70; r=-0,98 e p<0,05). A variável diversidade apresentou correlação negativa com a temperatura, precipitação e umidade relativa do ar (r=-0,56; r=-0,86; r=-0,86 e p<0,05), indicando que houve influência direta destas variáveis na abundância e diversidade dos fungos do solo. Os parâmetros do solo (alumínio, acidez trocável, capacidade de troca de cátions, cálcio, magnésio, cálcio e magnésio, fósforo, pH, saturação por base e de alumínio) possuem relação direta com os fungos do solo.
Analysis of tensile strength, crystallinity, crystallite size, and thermal stability of polypropylene joined by friction stir welding
Authors: Kusharjanta Bambang , Soenoko Rudy , Purnowidodo Anindito , Surya Irawan
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to investigate the joining of polypropylene using friction stir welding (FSW). FSW parameters were the rotation speed of 620 rpm, the travel speed of 7.3 mm/min, and 13 mm/min. The tensile test was using a universal testing machine, and the results of the tensile test were related to the degree of crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) examined the crystallite size and degree of crystallinity. The thermal analysis was using thermogravimetry analysis/ differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). This paper explained the degree of crystallinity effects on the thermal stability at the weld nugget area due to travel speed. The findings showed FSW with a travel speed of 7.3 mm/min had a bigger crystallite size and degree of crystallinity than that with a travel speed of 13 mm/min. There was a fusion of crystals also recrystallization occurred. It was an effect of the difference in the length of time exposed to heat during the FSW process. A travel speed of 7.3 mm/min sample had high tensile strength because it obtained sufficient heat for an extra complete joint. In terms of thermal stability, the specimen with a lower travel speed showed a higher stability level than the specimen with a higher travel speed in the higher degree of crystallinity.
Analytic rubric scoring versus comparative judgment: a comparison of two approaches to assessing spoken-language interpreting
Authors: Han Chao
Published: November 2021

In this article, we report on an empirical study conducted to evaluate the utility of analytic rubric scoring (ARS) vis-à-vis comparative judgment (CJ) as two approaches to assessing spoken-language interpreting. The primary motivation behind the study is that the potential advantages of CJ may make it a promising alternative to ARS. When conducting CJ on interpreting, judges need to compare two renditions and decide which one is of higher quality. Such binary decisions are then modeled statistically to produce a scaled rank order of the renditions from “worst” to “best.” We set up an experiment in which two groups of raters/judges of varying scoring expertise applied both CJ and ARS to assess 40 samples of English-Chinese consecutive interpreting. Our analysis of quantitative data suggests that overall ARS outperformed CJ in terms of validity, reliability, practicality and acceptability. Qualitative questionnaire data helped us obtain insights into the judges’/raters’ perceived advantages and disadvantages of CJ and ARS. Based on the findings, we tried to account for CJ’s underperformance vis-à-vis ARS, focusing on the specificities of interpreting assessment. We also propose potential avenues for future research to improve our understanding of interpreting assessment.
Towards two decades of journalistic translation research (2000-2019): a corpus-based bibliometric study of the Translation Studies Bibliography
Authors: Ping Yuan
Published: November 2021

This paper provides a bibliometric analysis of journalistic translation research (JTR) from the past two decades. It is based on a corpus of 396 entries on journalistic translation and interpreting from the Translation Studies Bibliography (TSB) between 2000 and 2019. This study first consists of a bibliometric analysis of these entries from the aspects of author/editor, year, language, type, journal and publisher. It then explores prominent research topics and areas of focus based both on keywords provided by annotated entries in the TSB and on keywords and high-frequency nouns extracted from the abstracts as a result of corpus analysis. The study elaborates on various methodological approaches to studying journalistic translation according to the keywords provided in the entries of the TSB. The study found that: (1) most of the JTR was published by prestigious journals and publishers in English around 2010; (2) multimedia news about socio-cultural issues, published on various platforms, attracted the most attention from scholars; and (3) socio-cultural approaches have been the most prominent type of approach to journalistic translation over the past two decades. JTR research trends are also predicated according to the current development of the field.
Control of protein synthesis and memory by GluN3A-NMDA receptors through inhibition of GIT1/mTORC1 assembly
Authors: Conde-Dusman María J , Dey Partha N , Elía-Zudaire Óscar , Rabaneda Luis G , García-Lira Carmen , Grand Teddy , Briz Victor , Velasco Eric R , Andero Raül , Niñerola Sergio , Barco Angel , Paoletti Pierre , Wesseling John F , Gardoni Fabrizio , Tavalin Steven J , Perez-Otaño Isabel
Published: November 2021

De novo protein synthesis is required for synapse modifications underlying stable memory encoding. Yet neurons are highly compartmentalized cells and how protein synthesis can be regulated at the synapse level is unknown. Here, we characterize neuronal signaling complexes formed by the postsynaptic scaffold GIT1, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, and Raptor that couple synaptic stimuli to mTOR-dependent protein synthesis; and identify NMDA receptors containing GluN3A subunits as key negative regulators of GIT1 binding to mTOR. Disruption of GIT1/mTOR complexes by enhancing GluN3A expression or silencing GIT1 inhibits synaptic mTOR activation and restricts the mTOR-dependent translation of specific activity-regulated mRNAs. Conversely, GluN3A removal enables complex formation, potentiates mTOR-dependent protein synthesis, and facilitates the consolidation of associative and spatial memories in mice. The memory enhancement becomes evident with light or spaced training, can be achieved by selectively deleting GluN3A from excitatory neurons during adulthood, and does not compromise other aspects of cognition such as memory flexibility or extinction. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into synaptic translational control and reveal a potentially selective target for cognitive enhancement.
Unconventional conservation reveals structure-function relationships in the synaptonemal complex
Authors: Kursel Lisa E , Cope Henry D , Rog Ofer
Published: November 2021

Functional requirements constrain protein evolution, commonly manifesting in a conserved amino acid sequence. Here, we extend this idea to secondary structural features by tracking their conservation in essential meiotic proteins with highly diverged sequences. The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a ~100-nm-wide ladder-like meiotic structure present in all eukaryotic clades, where it aligns parental chromosomes and regulates exchanges between them. Despite the conserved ultrastructure and functions of the SC, SC proteins are highly divergent within Caenorhabditis. However, SC proteins have highly conserved length and coiled-coil domain structure. We found the same unconventional conservation signature in Drosophila and mammals, and used it to identify a novel SC protein in Pristionchus pacificus, Ppa-SYP-1. Our work suggests that coiled-coils play wide-ranging roles in the structure and function of the SC, and more broadly, that expanding sequence analysis beyond measures of per-site similarity can enhance our understanding of protein evolution and function.
Low Uptake of Lipid Screening—Concerning Nonadherence or Appropriate Skepticism?
Authors: Wolf Elizabeth R. , Newman Thomas B. , Redberg Rita F.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint discusses factors that play a role in the low rate of lipid screening in children, including a lack of compelling evidence, disagreement with recommendations, and concerns for overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Pyroptosis‐Inducing Self‐Adaptor to Potentiate Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Breast Cancer by Reeducating the Treatment‐Recruited Macrophages
Authors: Qiu Zi‐Wen , Zhong Ying‐Tao , Lu Zhen‐Ming , Zhang Ke‐Yan , Li Zhuo‐Feng , Nie Jun‐Mei , Cheng Hong
Published: December 2024

Treatment‐induced cell pyroptosis can improve the immunogenicity of breast cancer and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), but the resultant recruitment of immunosuppressive cells impedes the systemic anti‐tumor immunity. Herein, a rationally designed self‐adaptor (R@L‐MRS17) is developed to initiate breast cancer cell pyroptosis and concomitantly reeducate the pyroptosis‐recruited macrophages to enhance the ICB therapy. Of which, R@L‐MRS17 promotes breast cancer‐specific drug delivery through CD47 recognition, and enables the plasma membrane targeted photosensitizer insertion through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Under light excitation, R@L‐MRS17 produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ to trigger cell pyroptosis, followed by the release of pro‐inflammatory factors to recruit macrophages and improve tumor immunogenicity. Moreover, the acid responsiveness of R@L‐MRS17 facilitates the release of R848 to polarize the infiltrated macrophages into M1 phenotype for active anti‐tumor immunity. Additionally, R@L‐MRS17 is capable of blocking CD47 to restore the recognition and phagocytosis behavior of M1‐type macrophages against breast cancer cells. In short, the stepwise immune activation by R@L‐MRS17 significantly suppresses the bilateral tumor growth and metastasis in combination with αPD‐L1. This study provides a self‐adaptable strategy to activate the immunological cascade, which may spatiotemporally amplify the immune responses for breast cancer.
Solvent‐Tuned Plasticity for Various Binder‐Free Applications of a New Lead‐Free Manganese Halide
Authors: Han Joo Hyeong , Seo Jeong Min , Choi San Ha , Noh Jae Geon , Min Jeong Wan , Kim Yu Ri , Kim Hyeon Woo , Cho Sung Beom , Cha Bo Kyung , Im Won Bin
Published: December 2024

The development of efficient color conversion layers for μ‐LED technology faces significant challenges owing to the limitations of materials that require binders. Binders are typically used to ensure uniform film formation in color‐conversion layers, but they often cause optical losses, increase layer thickness, and introduce long‐term stability issues. To address the limitations of materials requiring binders, cyclopropyltriphenylphosphonium manganese tetrabromide (CPTP2MnBr4) is synthesized, a novel lead‐free metal halide. CPTP2MnBr4 exhibits unique solvent‐based plasticity, which enables the formation of uniform films thinner than those formed with binders without the need for either heat treatment or binders. This approach eliminates the performance degradation typically associated with conventional binder systems such as optical losses and stability issues. Structural and optical analyses confirm its high luminescence efficiency and stability, supporting its potential applications in luminescent clays, direct ink writing, pattern printing, and ink drawing. Moreover, its successful application in white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) and scintillators demonstrates that CPTP2MnBr4 can replace traditional binder systems, offering a solution to overcome the technical challenges in next‐generation displays, lighting, and scintillator technologies.
Exciton Transport in Perovskite Materials
Authors: Sheehan Thomas John , Saris Seryio , Tisdale William A.
Published: December 2024

Halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for a wide variety of optoelectronic applications, including solar cells, light‐emitting devices, photodetectors, and quantum information applications. In addition to their desirable optical and electronic properties, halide perovskites provide tremendous synthetic flexibility through variation of not only their chemical composition but also their structure and morphology. At the heart of their use in optoelectronic technologies is the interaction of light with electronic excitations in the form of excitons. This review discusses the properties and behavior of excitons in halide perovskite materials, with a particular emphasis on low‐dimensional perovskites and the effects of nanoscale morphology on excitonic behavior. The basic theory of excitonic energy migration in semiconductor nanomaterials is introduced, and novel observations in halide perovskite nanomaterials that have evolved our current understanding are explored. Finally, many important questions that remain unanswered are presented and exciting emerging directions in low‐dimensional perovskite exciton physics are discussed.
Coverage Contact Control of Benzoxazole‐Based SAMs to Enhance the Operational Performance of Perovskite Nanocrystal Light–Emitting Diodes
Authors: Villanueva‐Antolí Alexis , Marín‐Moncusí Laia , Puerto‐Galvis Carlos E. , Sánchez Rafael S. , Simancas Jorge , Barea Eva M. , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Pareja‐Rivera Carina , Gualdrón‐Reyes Andrés F. , Palomares Emilio , Martínez‐Ferrero Eugenia , Mora‐Seró Iván
Published: December 2024

Perovskite light–emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have emerged as a prominent topic within optoelectronic research. Despite remarkable advancements, this technology still faces challenges that must be addressed for successful commercialization. Typical device architectures employ PEDOT:PSS as hole transporting material (HTM). However, besides its expensive cost, PEDOT:PSS has been reported to cause issues with efficiency and long‐term stability. Molecular self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have arisen as potential HTMs, not just to overcome these drawbacks but to enhance the interface properties and performance of LEDs. This technology has been efficiently applied in PeLEDs, but its use in devices based on perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) remain underexplored. In this work, two benzoxazole derivatives have been analyzed as SAMs to conform the hole selective contact in CsPbBr3 PNCs‐based LEDs. The devices demonstrate improved optoelectronic properties compared to the reference composed of PEDOT:PSS, attributed to a suitable band alignment and an enhanced charge injection. Furthermore, optimizing the deposition technique of SAMs on the conducting substrate by dip‐ or spin‐coating has allowed the preparation of efficient LEDs exhibiting external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 6.8% with 300 s of operational stability. This research aims to provide extensive insights into applying SAMs to design PeLEDs with improved carrier mobility.
Soft Robotic Devices for Mechanotherapy of the Upper and Lower Extremities
Authors: Jiralerspong Trivoramai , Zhao Huichan
Published: December 2024

Soft robotics are rapidly emerging as a promising method for mechanotherapeutic applications. Through mechanical stimulation, they aid in the recovery and regeneration of soft tissues and improve lymphatic fluid and blood flow. With their ability to safely interact with humans, soft robotic devices are applied across various fields, including medicine, physical therapy, and space physiology. The wearable nature of these devices allows for mobility and comfort during treatment, enabling continuous and personalized therapeutic interventions. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in soft robotic devices for mechanotherapy, focusing on applications for the upper and lower extremities. A comprehensive investigation is conducted on actuation, sensing, control, and power technologies to identify current trends. Finally, future developments and potential innovations in soft robotics for mechanotherapy are discussed.
Nanocellulose and Its Composites Toward Flexible Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Zhang Yingnan , Lv Zhi , Ding Zonghao , Wang Yikai , Yang Huawei , Wang Jingyuan , Chen Hou
Published: December 2024

Flexible wearable devices are revolutionizing the electronics industry with their lightweight, flexible, intelligent, and efficient characteristics. Flexible supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage devices for wearable electronics due to their high security, high power density, and long service life. Nanocellulose, a low‐cost and environmentally friendly material, has emerged as a promising candidate for FSC electrodes and electrolytes, owing to its degradable and renewable properties, and excellent mechanical behaviors. This review aims to provide a fresh perspective on optimizing FSCs by nanocellulose for superior energy storage. The exploration begins by detailing the preparation of various types of nanocellulose with unique structures. Subsequently, the latest research progress in crafting FSC electrodes with nanocellulose and its diverse composites, including conductive polymers, metal compounds, and carbon nanomaterials is comprehensively discussed. Additionally, gel electrolyte materials composed of nanocellulose composites are examined in detail. The previous research findings are consolidated, offering a reference point for further exploration of nanocellulose in this context.
Interface Engineering Induced Homogeneous Isomeric Bimetallic of CoSe/NiSe₂ Electrocatalysts for High Performance Water/Seawater Splitting
Authors: Zhou Huiya , Li Ruiyu , Xu Songlin , Zhang Boyao , Zhao Rongda , Zhao Xingming , Wu Fufa , Zhao Depeng
Published: December 2024

As a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) possess a highly ordered porous structure, extensive surface area, and accessible catalytically active sites, demonstrating significant potential in catalytic applications. Although the catalytic activity of individual ZIFs is relatively low, their pore structure and size distribution can be rationally designed and optimized through appropriate chemical modifications and post‐treatment strategies to enhance their catalytic performance. This process requires meticulous control of ZIFs materials to meet the specific demands of catalytic reactions. In this study, a series of CoSe/NiSe2 nanosheets is synthesized with precisely engineered morphology and architecture using a precursor route involving ZIFs. Notably, the CoSe/NiSe2‐3 nanosheets exhibit a remarkable overpotential of 250.5 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline seawater and 215.3 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Furthermore, when used as a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst, the material also shows excellent electrocatalytic activity. When integrated with the a forementioned electrocatalyst into a full cell configuration, the device operates at a low voltage of 1.956 V at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in an alkaline seawater medium, while maintaining excellent stability over a 12‐h operational period.
Novel Naphthyridones Targeting Pannexin 1 for Colitis Management
Authors: Hsueh Wen‐Yun , Wu Yi‐Ling , Weng Meng‐Tzu , Liu Shin‐Yun , Santavanond Jascinta P , Liu Yi‐Chung , Lin Ching‐I , Lai Cheng‐Nong , Lu Yi‐Ru , Hsu Jing Yin , Gao Hong‐Yu , Lee Jinq‐Chyi , Wei Shu‐Chen , Lyu Ping‐Chiang , Poon Ivan K H , Hsieh Hsing‐Pang , Chiu Yu‐Hsin
Published: December 2024

Pannexin 1 (PANX1) forms cell‐surface channels capable of releasing signaling metabolites for diverse patho‐physiological processes. While inhibiting dysregulated PANX1 has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for many pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), low efficacy, or poor specificity of classical PANX1 inhibitors introduces uncertainty for their applications in basic and translational research. Here, hit‐to‐lead optimization is performed and a naphthyridone, compound 12, is identified as a new PANX1 inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.73 µm that does not affect pannexin‐homologous LRRC8/SWELL1 channels. Using structure–activity relationship analysis, mutagenesis, cell thermal shift assays, and molecular docking, it is revealed that compound 12 directly engages PANX1 Trp74 residue. Using a dextran sodium sulfate mouse model of IBD, it is found that compound 12 markedly reduced colitis severity, highlighting new PANX1 inhibitors as a proof‐of‐concept treatment for IBD. These data describe the mechanism of action for a new PANX1 inhibitor, uncover the binding site for future drug design, and present a targeted strategy for treating IBD.
Enhanced UV–Vis Rejection Ratio in Metal/BaTiO3/β‐Ga2O3 Solar‐Blind Photodetectors
Authors: Wriedt Nathan , Meng Lingyu , Yu Dong Su , Chae Chris , Liddy Kyle , Dheenan Ashok , Dhara Sushovan , Myers Roberto C. , Maksimov Oleg , Blakeley Richard , Krishna Sanjay , Hwang Jinwoo , Zhao Hongping , McGlone Joe , Rajan Siddharth
Published: December 2024

The fabrication and characterization of metal/BaTiO3/β‐Ga2O3 solar‐blind photodetectors are reported. β‐Ga2O3 is a promising material for solar‐blind photodetectors due to its large bandgap and the availability of low defect‐density melt‐grown substrates. In this work, structures are introduced that employ high‐permittivity dielectric/semiconductor heterojunctions to enhance the performance of a Schottky photodetector. It is shown that integrating the high‐k dielectric BaTiO3 reduces the dark current by ≈104, all but eliminates illumination induced Schottky barrier lowering, and increases the UV–vis rejection ratio by a factor greater than 9 × 103 compared to a Schottky photodetector. It is hypothesized that the high permittivity of the dielectric overcomes the influence of self‐trapped holes in Ga2O3 to reduce the peak electric field at the dielectric/metal interface, thereby eliminating the effects of Schottky barrier lowering on illuminated β‐Ga2O3 photodetectors. Additionally, it is hypothesized that the increase in the UV–vis rejection ratio is caused by the “dead layer” that forms at the BaTiO3/Pt interface.
An integrated OkraNet Framework for detection of disease and maturity stage classification in okra farming
Authors: Varman Utkarsh , Sivapatham Shoba , K P Vijayakumar , Pradeep K. , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: December 2024

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a vital crop in the Indian agriculture sector, producing one‐third of its production. Identifying fresh and ripe okra plants for maximum yield and profit is significantly challenging. Ripeness can be determined by shape, length, color variation, and moisture content. However, to reduce this time‐consuming effort, this work emphasizes the classification of fresh and diseased okra leaves as the initial step and assesses the maturity stages, including ripe, unripe, and overripe. The OkraFarm dataset was collected from the real‐time farm to determine the maturity stage. Building on state‐of‐the‐art convolutional neural networks, three experiments are performed to lay identification of fresh and ripe okra—Experiment 1: leaf disease classification using the pre‐trained VGG19 model achieving a maximum accuracy of 98.89%; Experiment 2: detection of okra fruit using the YOLOv5 model, achieving a maximum accuracy of 84.5%; Experiment 3: handling data imbalance using the MLSMOTE algorithm and classifying the maturity stages of the okra plant into ripe, overripe, and unripe, achieving a maximum accuracy of 96.10% on the test data.
Facing the new diagnostic and treatment options of Alzheimer's disease: The necessity of informed consent
Authors: Karneboge Jonas , Haberstroh Julia , Geschke Katharina , Perry Julia , Radenbach Katrin , Jessen Frank , Rostamzadeh Ayda
Published: December 2024

With advances in biomarker‐based detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and new treatment options with disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs), we are heading toward a new conceptualization of diagnostics and therapy in the early stages of AD. Yet consensus guidelines on best clinical practices in predictive AD diagnostics are still developing. Currently, there is a knowledge gap regarding counseling and disclosure practices in early symptomatic disease stages, its implications for dementia risk estimation, and DMTs with associated risks and benefits. The crucial feature is the capacity of patients with (mild) cognitive impairment, eligible for DMTs, to consent. This perspective aims to (1) discuss the current challenges in assessing capacity to consent and (2) highlight the importance of a supported (informed) decision‐making process. Measures to facilitate informed decision‐making of patients constitute an ethical approach to enhancing the quality of care in this evolving therapeutic landscape.

Highlights

This perspective:

Explores biomarker‐based early symptomatic AD detection and the implications for patient care.

Emphasizes supported decision‐making in DMTs for MCI and dementia patients.

Discusses the need for standardized tools to assess the capacity to consent.

Aligns diagnostic and treatment approaches with ethical care standards.

Enhances patient autonomy in the evolving AD therapeutic landscape.
Microstructural mapping of neural pathways in Alzheimer's disease using macrostructure‐informed normative tractometry
Authors: Feng Yixue , Chandio Bramsh Q. , Villalon‐Reina Julio E. , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Nir Talia M. , Benavidez Sebastian , Laltoo Emily , Chattopadhyay Tamoghna , Joshi Himanshu , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , John John P. , Jahanshad Neda , Reid Robert I. , Jack Clifford R. , Weiner Michael W. , Thompson Paul M. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is sensitive to the microstructural properties of brain tissues and shows great promise in detecting the effects of degenerative diseases. However, many approaches analyze single measures averaged over regions of interest without considering the underlying fiber geometry.

METHODS

We propose a novel macrostructure‐informed normative tractometry (MINT) framework to investigate how white matter (WM) microstructure and macrostructure are jointly altered in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. We compared MINT‐derived metrics with univariate diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics to examine how fiber geometry may impact the interpretation of microstructure.

RESULTS

In two multisite cohorts from North America and India, we find consistent patterns of microstructural and macrostructural anomalies implicated in MCI and dementia; we also rank diffusion metrics' sensitivity to dementia.

DISCUSSION

We show that MINT, by jointly modeling tract shape and microstructure, has the potential to disentangle and better interpret the effects of degenerative disease on the brain's neural pathways.

Highlights

Changes in diffusion tensor imaging metrics may be due to macroscopic changes.

Normative models encode normal variability of diffusion metrics in healthy controls.

Variational autoencoder applied on tractography can learn patterns of fiber geometry.

WM microstructure and macrostructure are modeled with multivariate methods.

Transfer learning uses pretraining and fine‐tuning for increased efficiency.
High‐throughput Design of Single‐atom Catalysts with Nonplanar and Triple Pyrrole‐N Coordination for Highly Efficient H2O2 Electrosynthesis
Authors: Jia Jingjing , Li Zhenxin , Sang Zhiyuan , Liu Xiaoqing , Peng Wei , Chen Rui , Jiang Qiao , Li Xia , Ren Zhizhen , Hao Weichang , Yin Lichang , Liu Jiachen , Hou Feng , Liang Ji
Published: December 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with nonplanar configurations possess unique capabilities for tailoring the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance compared with the ones with planar configurations, owing to the additional orbital rearrangement arising from the asymmetric coordination atoms. However, the systematic investigation of these nonplanar SACs has long been hindered by the difficulty in screening feasible nonplanar configurations and precisely controlling the coordination structures. Herein, we demonstrate a combined high‐throughput screening and experimental verification of nonplanar SACs (ppy‐MN3) with metal atoms triple‐coordinated by pyrrole‐N, for highly active and selective 2e− ORR electrocatalysis. With the additional p‐orbital rearrangement of N‐ligands for ppy‐MN3 during catalysis, a new descriptor on the energy difference between d‐band center of metal sites and p‐band centers of N‐ligands (Δϵd−p) is proposed to accurately identify the relationship between their catalytic activities and electronic structures, on top of the conventional d‐band center theory. Consequently, ppy‐ZnN3 is identified with excellent 2e− ORR activity (η=0.08 eV) and selectivity, as well as a low 2e− ORR kinetic barrier under alkaline condition owing to a strong hydrogen bonding between OOH* intermediate and interfacial water, which is then experimentally verified by its high electrocatalytic H2O2 yield (43 mol g−1 h−1) and selectivity (92 %) under alkaline condition. This study thus presents a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the performance‐oriented and precise coordination design of nonplanar SACs for efficient H2O2 electrosynthesis, and, more importantly, provides an essential complement to the d‐band theory for more accurately predicting the catalytic activities of catalysts with nonplanar configurations for series potential electrochemical processes.
Surface Coverage Tuning for Suppressing Over‐Oxidation: A Case of Photoelectrochemical Alcohol‐to‐Aldehyde/Ketone Conversion
Authors: Dong Chaoran , Lin Cheng , Li Panjie , Park Jong Hyeok , Shen Jinyou , Zhang Kan
Published: December 2024

Suppressing over‐oxidation is a crucial challenge for various chemical intermediate synthesis in heterogeneous catalysis. The distribution of oxidative species and the substrate coverage, governed by the direction of electron transfer, are believed to influence the oxidation extent. In this study, we presented an experimental realization of surface coverage modulation on a photoelectrode using a photo‐induced charge activation method. Through the surface coverage modulation, both pre‐oxidized alcohol substrates and surface coverage were increased, which not only improved the reaction kinetics but also suppressed the over‐oxidation of the generated aldehydes/ketones. As a demonstration, the Faradaic efficiency for the conversion of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone increased from 31.8 % to 46.8 % (with selectivity rising from 47.6 % to 71.3 %), from 73.4 % to 87.8 % for benzyl alcohol to benzyl aldehyde (selectivity increasing from 76.7 % to 92.4 %) and from 4.2 % to 53.6 % for ethylene glycol to glycolaldehyde (selectivity increasing from 6.2 % to 62.7 %). Our findings offer a promising strategy for the production of high‐value carbon products in heterogeneous catalysis.
A quiet revolutionary: A conversation with Heather Chambers
Authors: Amos Jackie
Published: December 2024

Many innovations in clinical care are never reported in academic literature, because skilled and creative practitioners are often unaccustomed to academic writing. This means that important insights that could influence practice may not come to the attention of researchers who can generate the evidence that is needed for an intervention to gain wide acceptance. Heather Chambers is one of those gifted clinicians whose insights have often been revolutionary for the practitioners who have worked with her, but whose work still requires formal evaluation. Parallel Parent and Child Narrative (PPCN) is one of the interventions that Heather Chambers developed. It is a dyadic form of therapeutic storytelling, in which moving beyond any moral condemnation and towards therapeutic care is deeply embedded. PPCN focuses on revealing and proving the good intentions at the heart of everything that parents and children do, to counter feelings of hurt, blame and shame. PPCN has been utilised in both New Zealand and Australia, in small geographical pockets, since the early 2000s. There is accumulated anecdotal evidence from its use in private practice: Infant, Child and Family Services (ICAFS) in the Hutt Valley and Wellington, New Zealand; and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and reunification services (restoring children to their birth families, after removal by child protection services) in South Australia. The use of PPCN over many years and in a variety of settings suggests that clinicians who are familiar with PPCN find it useful and rewarding and that families are able to engage with the process. This conversation with Heather Chambers has been included in this special issue with the hope of introducing PPCN to the wider family therapy community and stimulating interest in this approach.
Raphia sese unconventional oil from the Congo Basin: Comparison between chemical and screw press extraction
Authors: Taty Mignon Prince Exaucé , Loumouamou Bob Wilfrid , Elenga Michel , Baréa Bruno , Barouh Nathalie , Danflous Jean‐Paul , Nzikou Jean Mathurin , Figueroa‐Espinoza Maria Cruz
Published: December 2024

This study highlights the importance of adding value to Raphia sese (raffia) from the Congo Basin, by using a screw press to extract its pulp oil that can be used in agri‐food industry. A 2k factorial experiment was used to study the influence of the intrinsic parameters of the press (rotation speed and diameter of the output die) on the oil extraction efficiency. Screw press extraction efficiency yield was of 43.3 ± 1.7%, representing an extraction rate of 80.8 ± 6.2%. Mechanical extracted raffia oil was chemically characterized measuring acidity and peroxide values; fatty acid (FA), tocopherol, and sterol compositions, and carotenoids content. These results were compared to those obtained from the analysis of a solvent‐extracted oil. The screw press extracted raffia oil exhibited good quality (richer in monounsaturated FA and total sterols; similar total contents in unsaturated FA, tocopherols, and carotenoids; lower acidity and peroxide values), surpassing the solvent‐extracted one. Raffia oil's composition would offer a promising alternative to palm oil (obtained from the pulp of Elaeis guineensis fruit). Compared to palm oil, the press‐ and solvent‐extracted raffia oils presented a similar content in saturated FA, ~3.3‐fold less monosaturated FA, ~3.4‐fold more polyunsaturated FA, 3.5‐fold more linoleic acid, and between 2.4 and 2.8‐fold more linolenic acid. Raffia oil's use in food products as a replacement for palm oil would thus allow to diversify edible oil sources, stimulate the local economy, and promote healthier and more sustainable diets.
Hierarchical Structured Superhydrophobic Surfaces on Graphite Composites
Authors: Raab Raphael , Fotachov Daniel , Oesterschulze Egbert , Melchior Tobias , von Harbou Erik , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: December 2024

A scalable thermal imprinting method and subsequent hierarchical structuring with metal oxide nanostructures forms superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic surfaces on graphite composites. Anisotropically etched silicon wafers serve as basis to create various microstructures by a thermal imprinting on thermally conductive polymer graphite composites. Even after 32 times of embossing, the mold can be reused and restored by pyrolysis, ensuring its longevity and costeffective process. Nanostructuring caused by sputtered aluminum or electron beam evaporated copper on the embossed microstructures and further oxidized with a simple hot water treatment offers a wide range of different hierarchical structures. The combination of microstructures and nanostructures with a low surface energy coating of stearic or lauric acid results in a superhydrophobic surface, which is completely water‐repellent with a contact angle greater than 160° and low contact angle hysteresis lower than 5°. This work provides a deeper understanding of the effects of the interaction of aluminum and copper metal oxide nanostructures and thermally imprinted microstructures on surface of graphite compounds. It has been demonstrated that superhydrophobic surfaces can be created with both fatty acids. Lauric acid is easier to use due to its simple handling and reaches a maximum contact angle after 30 min of exposure time with copper oxide nanostructures of over 170°.
Electrospun Membrane of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Functionalized With Copper Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Properties and Particulate Matter Filtering
Authors: Marin‐Silva Diego A. , Perez‐Calderon John , Pinotti Adriana
Published: December 2024

Electrospun materials are widely used in filtering applications due to their excellent dynamic properties. However, their solubility and mechanical strength limit their use in humid environments. A nanostructured device based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), reinforced with copper nanoparticles (CuNps), was designed to impart antimicrobial properties, modify fiber diameters, and improve solution conductivity for environmental applications such as filtering devices. Morphological, tensile, thermal, and antimicrobial analyses and filtering of particulate matter were conducted to evaluate the impact of CuNps on the electrospun mat. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the addition of CuNp enhanced the ultimate tensile strength from 13 to 53 MPa. The electrical conductivity of the solution, improved by CuNps, enabled the production of fibers with adequate diameters, and as a result, the fibers became thinner and more uniform. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and ATR‐FTIR analyses indicated the presence of CuNp and their interaction with the polymer mat. Antimicrobial tests revealed excellent properties against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and
Candida albicans
. Heat treatment of the fibrous structures improved their solubility, making them suitable for use in high‐humidity environments. The application of the PVA–PVPCu mats as filters, using electrostatic precipitator TDA equipment, enabled the retention of a particulate matter of 2.5 and 10 μm, confirming that these electrospun biocompatible mats can be efficient and cost‐effective air filtration devices.