bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal efficiency of arsenic in water using desulfurization slag
Authors: Ho Ching‐Lin , Kuo Shu‐Lung
Published: February 2023

The steel industry in Taiwan produces more than 3 million tons of steelmaking slag per year on average. Conventional solidification and landfilling methods are no longer suitable for the highly populated small island as a wide area is needed for such methods. This study aims to improve the quality of polluted water bodies using desulfurization slag – a recycled product resulted from steelmaking – as an arsenate adsorbent. Experimental results revealed that desulfurization slag pH and metal ions including Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn affected the behavior and content of arsenate existing in an aqueous solution. The concentration of Ca among these metal ions is the highest in the aqueous solution, which facilitates the formation of calcium hydroxyarsenate and is therefore more critically beneficial than other metal ions in removing As in the aqueous solution. Additionally, desulfurization slag samples with particle size of >200 mesh had a greater specific surface area compared to those in other particle sizes, suggesting preferable As adsorption ability of slag with higher mesh numbers. Such desulfurization slag samples were thus used in subsequent adsorption experiments in this study. The energy dispersive spectrometry results confirmed that the >200‐mesh group comprised the highest metal oxide content in terms of As removal. This study found that under different Cl− and SO42− concentrations, the covalent bond effect did not significantly affect the slag's ability to adsorb As. According to the adsorption isotherm experiment results, the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.998) outperformed the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.961) possibly because the former is suitable for situations with even energy distribution and monolayer adsorption, while the latter is often applied to scenarios with uneven distribution and multilayer adsorption, indicating that the adopted desulfurization slag adsorbed arsenate through the mechanism of monolayer adsorption. There are many useful contents in the desulfurization slag. In terms of sustainable use of resources, desulfurization slag is worthy of economic development and reusing if recycled. Currently, there is little research and information on desulfurization slag in Taiwan. Hopefully, this study will be helpful for future development and application of desulfurization slag in recycling techniques.
A high‐resolution submersible oxygen optode system for aquatic eddy covariance
Authors: Granville Kayleigh E. , Berg Peter , Huettel Markus
Published: February 2023

The aquatic eddy covariance technique is increasingly used to determine oxygen (O2) fluxes over benthic ecosystems. The technique uses O2 measuring systems that have a high temporal and numerical resolution. In this study, we performed a series of lab and field tests to assess a new optical submersible O2 meter designed for aquatic eddy covariance measurements and equipped with an existing ultra‐high speed optical fiber sensor. The meter has a 16‐bit digital‐to‐analog‐signal conversion that produces a 0–5 V output at a rate up to 40 Hz. The device was paired with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. The combined meter and fiber‐optic O2 sensor's response time was significantly faster in O2‐undersaturated water compared to in O2‐supersaturated water (0.087 vs. 0.12 s), but still sufficiently fast for aquatic eddy covariance measurements. The O2 optode signal was not sensitive to variations in water flow or light exposure. However, the response time was affected by the direction of the flow. When the sensor tip was exposed to a flow from the back rather than the front, the response time increased by 37%. The meter's internal signal processing time was determined to be ~ 0.05 s, a delay that can be corrected for during postprocessing. In order for the built‐in temperature correction to be accurate, the meter should always be submerged with the fiber‐optic sensor. In multiple 21–47 h field tests, the system recorded consistently high‐quality, low‐noise O2 flux data. Overall, the new meter is a powerful option for collecting robust aquatic eddy covariance data.
The medial sural artery perforator flap for retromolar trigone reconstruction: A multicenter case series
Authors: Maruccia Michele , Elia Rossella , De Cosmo Alessio , Cigna Emanuele , Tedeschi Pasquale , Bolletta Alberto , Manrique Oscar J. , Ciudad Pedro , Di Summa Pietro G. , Cherubino Mario , Giudice Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background

Retromolar trigone (RMT) cancer is a rare malignancy, which develops in a narrow area of the oral cavity. Surgical intervention requires wide excision and appropriate reconstruction usually with a free tissue transfer. Little has been published regarding the ideal microvascular reconstruction, mainly focusing on radial forearm and anterolateral thigh free flap. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is not new for head and neck reconstruction but its use for RMT reconstruction has not been previously explored. The purpose of the study is to present a multicentric case series investigating the reliability of MSAP flap for RMT reconstruction.

Methods

The study is designed as a retrospective case series. All patients diagnosed with RMT cancer and undergone surgical resection and immediate reconstruction with a MSAP flap between February 2016 and March 2020 were identified. Patients' demographics and surgical details were collected. Functional results were evaluated using the Head and Neck Module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer at 12 months of follow‐up. A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 58 years were included in the study. An average defect size of 31.5 cm2 was observed after RMT tumor resection.

Results

The MSAP flaps' average dimensions were 11 ± 3.1 cm in length and 4.7 ± 1.6 cm in width with a mean thickness of 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. No flap complications were observed in 28 cases; four patients developed an orocutaneous fistula. One patient needed surgical revision for venous congestion while only one case of flap failure was observed. At 12 months of follow‐up, 87% of the patient cohort had normal, understandable speech. No patient experienced complete loss of swallowing. Results of the H&N35 module showed a significative postoperative improvement in mouth soreness, mouth opening and social (p < .05*). No patient complained difficulty in motility at the donor site.

Conclusions

The MSAP flap appears to be appropriate for RMT reconstruction and could be considered the workhorse for small to medium size defect of RTM region. It has a long pedicle of matching caliber and provides adequate tissue volume with minimal donor site morbidity.
A robust stress update algorithm for elastoplastic models without analytical derivation of the consistent tangent operator and loading/unloading estimation
Authors: Lu Dechun , Zhang Yaning , Zhou Xin , Su Cancan , Gao Zhiwei , Du Xiuli
Published: February 2023

A robust and concise implicit stress integration algorithm of elastoplastic models is presented. It does not require the loading/unloading estimation and analytical derivation operation for the stress update. First, the elastoplastic stress update problem is recast into an unconstrained minimization problem by utilizing the smooth function to bypass the loading/unloading estimation. Then, the object problem is solved by the line search method instead of the Newton method for better convergence. The consistent tangent operator is evaluated by the complex step derivative approximation without the subtraction cancellation error, which provides the quadratic convergence rate of global iteration. The rationality of the numerical consistent tangent operator is validated by the one obtained by the analytical derivation. A recently developed non‐orthogonal elastoplastic (NEP) clay model is implemented using the new algorithm. The algorithm is confirmed through comparing the numerical solution and the analytical one for a cavity expansion problem. The algorithm performance is assessed based on a series of geotechnical boundary value problems. It is found that the new algorithm is more robust than the one employed by ABAQUS. The source code of the model implementation can be downloaded from https://github.com/zhouxin615.
Topology optimization of bi‐material shell structures in shallow sea for reducing waveguide sound radiation
Authors: Zhai Jingjuan , Shang Linyuan , Miao Yuyue , Fu Ning
Published: February 2023

Previous studies on topology optimization against exterior sound radiation have mainly focused on free‐face and half‐face problems. In contrast, the waveguide sound radiation problem is a finite domain problem, and the topology optimization work on the latter is challenging due to the complexity of multiple physical couplings. This paper presents a topology optimization approach for designing bi‐material distributions on vibrating shell structures in the shallow sea waveguide. The combined method of the finite element method, the virtual mass method, and the image method‐based boundary element method is adopted for the system response analysis, where the coupling of the direct sound waves and the reflected sound waves from the free sea surface and the rigid seabed, as well as the strong interaction between the structural and fluid domains, are considered. In this context, a new sensitivity analysis of waveguide sound pressure is proposed. In the optimization problem, the design variables are the volumetric densities of design material elements in a bi‐material model constructed by the solid isotropic material with penalization method, and the minimization of sound pressure level at a reference field point in the waveguide domain is taken as the design objective. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the correctness of the sensitivity analysis approach and the validity of the proposed optimization procedure, and several factors on the optimized designs are also discussed.
Breaking down re‐enrollment barriers for adult learners improves the college experience for all students
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2023

CHICAGO — Re‐engaging your stopped‐out adult learners can be an effective tool in your arsenal for dramatically boosting completion rates, not to mention changing the lives of the students in your community. “We know who [these students] are: when they stopped out, why they stopped out. It's rarely that they failed out, but more likely they ‘lifed’ out in some way,” Tony Sheppard, Professor and Program Coordinator of Hospital Management & Tourism at Sacramento State University said.
The value of charrettes for organizational change
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: February 2023

In the first seven columns of Management Matters I covered:
Disentangling global market drivers for cephalopods to foster transformations towards sustainable seafood systems
Authors: Ainsworth Gillian B. , Pita Pablo , Garcia Rodrigues João , Pita Cristina , Roumbedakis Katina , Fonseca Tereza , Castelo Daniela , Longo Catherine , Power Anne Marie , Pierce Graham J. , Villasante Sebastián
Published: February 2023

Aquatic food systems are important contributors to global food security to satisfy an intensifying demand for protein‐based diets, but global economic growth threatens marine systems. Cephalopod (octopus, squid and cuttlefish) fisheries can contribute to food security; however, their sustainable exploitation requires understanding connections between nature's contributions to people (NCP), food system policies and human wellbeing.

Our global literature review methodology examined what is known about cephalopod food systems, value chains and supply chains, and associated market drivers. For analysis, we followed the IPBES conceptual framework to build a map of the links between cephalopod market drivers, NCP and good quality of life (GQL). Then we mapped cephalopod food system dynamics onto IPBES (in)direct drivers of change relating to catch, trade and consumption.

This research contributes knowledge about key factors relating to cephalopods that can support transitions towards increased food security: the value of new aquatic food species; food safety and authenticity systems; place‐based innovations and empowerment of communities; and consumer behaviour, lifestyle and motivations for better health and environmental sustainability along the food value chain. We outline requirements for a sustainable, equitable cephalopod food system policy landscape that values nature's contributions to people, considers UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasises the role of seven overlapping IPBES (in)direct drivers of change: Economic, Governance, Sociocultural and Socio‐psychological, Technological, Direct Exploitation, Natural Processes and Pollution. We present a novel market‐based adaptation of the IPBES conceptual framework—our ‘cephalopod food system framework’, to represent how the cephalopod food system functions and how it can inform processes to improve sustainability and equity of the cephalopod food system.

This synthesised knowledge provides the basis for diagnosing opportunities (e.g. high demand for products) and constraints (e.g. lack of data about how supply chain drivers link to cephalopod NCP) to be considered regarding the role of cephalopods in transformations towards a resilient and more diversified seafood production system. This social–ecological systems approach could apply to other wild harvest commodities with implications for diverse marine species and ecosystems and can inform those working to deliver marine and terrestrial food security while preserving biodiversity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Re‐evaluating the behavioral change from conditional cash transfers: Evidence from the Avancemos National Program in Costa Rica
Authors: Meza‐Cordero Jaime A. , Gulemetova Michaela
Published: February 2023

Conditional cash transfers (CCT) have become a common solution aiming to reduce poverty by increasing the human capital of children. In 2006, the Government of Costa Rica introduced Avancemos, a nationwide CCT program, with the premise that a monetary subsidy, conditional on school attendance, would offset adolescents' opportunity cost from working and increase secondary school completion. In this paper, we assess whether the program achieved its main objective of increasing secondary schooling and reducing adolescent labor, and we disentangle the mechanisms generating these effects. We used data from the Costa Rica National Household Survey (2006–2014) collected by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. The program effects are estimated through a propensity score matching technique. We find that for program beneficiaries, Avancemos led to increases of about 27% in attendance and 0.72 year of schooling, and a decrease of 6% in the likelihood of labor participation. We also present evidence that economic vulnerability is not the only or main cause for school dropout and argue that efforts complementary to CCT, such as improving instruction quality and offering more information on the returns to education, are needed to increase attendance and completion and to reduce child labor outcomes.
Strong degradation of polycarbonate and polystyrene by the CO2 capture solvent diethyl sebacate
Authors: Islam Syed Z. , Sholl David S. , Steckel Janice A. , Thompson Robert L.
Published: February 2023

We report on observations of strong degradation of a polycarbonate vessel by a solvent being considered for a CO2 capture process, diethyl sebacate. This degradation led to failure of a polymeric hollow fiber membrane unit. Additional tests showed rapid degradation of polycarbonate safety glasses and polystyrene‐based petri dishes by exposure to diethyl sebacate at ambient conditions. We also report on safe operations with diethyl sebacate in extensive experiments studying the corrosion of steel in CO2‐pressurized reactors lined with PTFE and using PTFE gaskets. Used diethyl sebacate was also stored for long time periods in bottles made from low‐density polyethylene bottles without physical deterioration. These observations indicate that care must be taken in development of new contactors and processes for CO2 capture with diethyl sebacate and related solvents and in the choice of material for storage.
The stratified win statistics (win ratio, win odds, and net benefit)
Authors: Dong Gaohong , Hoaglin David C. , Huang Bo , Cui Ying , Wang Duolao , Cheng Yu , Gamalo‐Siebers Margaret
Published: February 2023

The win odds and the net benefit are related directly to each other and indirectly, through ties, to the win ratio. These three win statistics test the same null hypothesis of equal win probabilities between two groups. They provide similarp‐values and powers, because the Z‐values of their statistical tests are approximately equal. Thus, they can complement one another to show the strength of a treatment effect. In this article, we show that the estimated variances of the win statistics are also directly related regardless of ties or indirectly related through ties. Since its introduction in 2018, the stratified win ratio has been applied in designs and analyses of clinical trials, including Phase III and Phase IV studies. This article generalizes the stratified method to the win odds and the net benefit. As a result, the relations of the three win statistics and the approximate equivalence of their statistical tests also hold for the stratified win statistics.
Ellagitannins and triterpenoids extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extracts: Protective effects against osteoarthritis
Authors: Micheli Laura , Ferrara Valentina , Akande Titilayo , Khatib Mohamad , Salawu Sule Ola , Ciampi Clara , Lucarini Elena , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Mulinacci Nadia , Ghelardini Carla
Published: February 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disease characterized by persistent pain. Unfortunately, current pharmacological therapies are unsatisfactory and characterized by side effects, reason why new strategies are needed. We tested the efficacy of different classes of compounds, ellagitannins and olean‐type triterpenoids, contained in Anogeissus leiocarpus extract (Combretaceae family) in comparison to ellagitannins of Castanea sativa extract in a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by the intra‐articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). The decoction of stem bark of A. leiocarpus AL‐DEC‐TOT (300 mg/kg; 4.8% triterpenoids; 11.0% tannins), the butanol extract AL‐BuOH‐EXT (120 mg/kg; triterpenoids 20.9%; tannins 6.4%) and its correlated aqueous residue AL‐Res‐H2O (300 mg/kg; triterpenoids 0.7%; tannins 8.7%) and the decoction of C. sativa, CS‐DEC‐TOT, (240 mg/kg; triterpenoids 0.65%; tannins 10.8%) were orally administered for two weeks starting from the day of the damage. Behavioural tests highlighted that all stem bark extracts of A. leiocarpus counteracted hypersensitivity development, reduced spontaneous pain, and improved motor skills. Histologically, AL‐DEC‐TOT, AL‐BuOH‐EXT and AL‐Res‐H2O were effective in preventing joint alterations. In conclusion, all the extracts were effective demonstrating that both olean‐type triterpenoid and ellagitannin fractions have anti‐hypersensitivity and restorative properties running the stem bark extracts of A. leiocarpus as a candidate in the treatment of OA.
The effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel on the quality of life in patients with systolic heart failure: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sabbaghzadegan Saeideh , Soltani Mohammad Hossein , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Bahrami Mohsen , Kabir Ali , Dadmehr Majid
Published: February 2023

This trial was designed to evaluate the effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel (AVG) on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with systolic heart failure (HF). Forty‐two patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive either AVG 150 mg or harmonized placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, six‐minute walk test (6MWT), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and STOP‐BANG questionnaires. Post‐intervention, AVG group indicated a significant reduction in the total score of MLHFQ (p < 0.001). The changes in MLHFQ and NYHA class were statistically significant after taking medication (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The change of 6MWT in the AVG group was more advanced; however, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.353). Moreover, in the AVG group, the severity of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea decreased (p < 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively) and the sleep quality improved as well (p < 0.001). There were significantly fewer adverse events reported in the AVG group (p = 0.047). Therefore, AVG combined with standard medical therapy could provide more clinical benefits for patients with systolic HF.
Low‐Temperature NH3 Selective Catalytic Reduction Performance Enhancement of Fe‐Based Oxides by Employing Carbon Nanotubes to Decorate the MgFe‐LDH
Authors: Du Yali , Wu Xianfeng , Liu Lili , Li Xiaodong , Liu Lifei , Wu Xu
Published: February 2023

In this study, a series of Mg3Fe1‐layered double oxide/xcarbon nanotubes (Mg3Fe1‐LDO/xCNTs) catalysts were constructed from the topological shift of Mg3Fe1‐layered double hydroxide (Mg3Fe1‐LDH) precursor. The as‐prepared catalysts were innovatively evaluated as potential candidates for low temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3‐SCR). It was found that Mg3Fe1/10CNTs catalyst exhibited superb NH3‐SCR activity, with NOx conversion exceeding 80 % at low temperatures (180–270 °C). Moreover, excellent durability and stability towards SO2 was obtained. Such high catalytic efficiency can be attributed to the proper surface acidity and redox capacity of the catalyst, which might be correlated with higher dispersion and more appropriate valence distribution of Fe species caused by the moderate CNTs doping content. This work provides a fundamental understanding on Fe3+/Fe2+ synergistic effect of NH3‐SCR, which is propitious for the rational design and optimization of Fe‐based oxide low‐temperature denitrification (de‐NOx) catalysts.
Facile Fabrication of ZnO Nanoparticles for efficient dye degradation: Effect of Adipic Acid in photocatalytic activity
Authors: Demir Muslum , Özbay Emre , Kamış Handan , Haspulat Taymaz Bircan
Published: February 2023

Photocatalysis is the most environmentally benign and efficient method for degrading organic dyes in water purification. Herein, the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was achieved by simple homogeneous chemical precipitation via the support of adipic acid and followed the calcination process at elevated temperatures. Based on the physical and morphological characterization analysis, the high crystallinity hexagonal structure with uniform granular shape morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles was formed with a band gap of 3.2 eV. The photocatalytic performance of the ZnO nanoparticles was investigated with the degradation of methylene blue (M.B.) dye as a model compound in an aqueous medium under UV light irradiation. The optimal ZnO‐700 nanoparticles demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity thanks to their large surface area and numerous oxygen vacancies. More importantly, a small amount of photocatalyst (0.4 g/L) successfully degraded M.B. dye from an aqueous solution with 100 % efficiency within just 11 minutes of irradiation time under UV light with protective photocatalytic activity 4 sequential cycles. Besides, in‐depth photocatalysis experiments present that via a facile two‐step synthesis method, the as‐prepared ZnO photocatalysts depict enhanced chemical stability in a harsh environment and efficient photodegradation.
ZnTi‐LDH Nanosheets Prepared Solvothermically in Ethylene Glycol Studied for their Adsorption Performance towards Ethyl Mercaptan**
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhao Huijian , Hu Lifang , Zhu Jichao , He Jie
Published: February 2023

Ethyl mercaptan (Et‐SH) is a common sulfide in natural gas. It is toxic and can cause equipment corrosion and catalyst poisoning, which needs to be properly handled. In present paper, Zn−Ti layered double hydroxide and its nanosheets were prepared by hydrothermal method and solvothermal method using ethylene glycol (EG) as a reaction medium, respectively. The desulfurization capabilities of the as‐prepared samples were evaluated through the adsorption of Et‐SH from methane gas. The results show that the desulfurization performance of the samples prepared by solvothermal method is significantly elevated comparing that of sample prepared by hydrothermal method. The washing solvent in the post‐treatment of the samples obtained by solvothermal method has great influence on its desulfurization performance. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the H atom of hydroxyl group on the surface of nanosheet is the main active site for adsorption of Et‐SH. The strong hybridization between S 3p orbitals and H 1s orbitals promote the formation of S⋅⋅⋅H bond.
A Comprehensive Review on Novel Graphene‐Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites For Potential Bioimplant Applications
Authors: Boyapati Purna Chandra Sekhar , Srinivas Kolla , Akhil Syed , Bollikolla Hari Babu , Chandu Basavaiah
Published: February 2023

The advancements in medical treatment necessitated the development of advanced bio‐implant materials for hard tissue replacement and bone regeneration. Hydroxyapatite (HA), an extreme bioresorbable material having physicochemical similarities with natural bone, seems to be a good bioimplant. Still, the ineffective mechanical properties, viz. fracture toughness, wear resistance, and tensile strength, restrict its practical utility in bioimplants. Recently, graphene‐HA nanocomposites have been explored for potential bioimplant applications ascribed to their superior biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and enhanced mechanical properties. The huge surface area with a two‐dimensional sheet structure facilitates graphene's strong integration with HA, thus enhancing mechanical properties. These enhanced mechanical properties of graphene‐HA nanocomposite are chiefly attributed to the pull‐out, ridge growth, crack deflection, and grain bridging characteristics exhibited by graphene filler in the HA matrix. Further, graphene is neutral and biocompatible, thus improving the graphene‐HA nanocomposite‘s biocompatibility. These qualities made this nanocomposite a rising star among bio‐ceramic implant materials. This review presents the current scenario on the synthesis and mechanical and biological properties of graphene‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposite, which seems to be a propitious material for implants in orthopaedic applications.
Preparation of Cu2O/Au Composite Nanomaterials for Effective Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Zhao Yang , Bi Shiliang , Gao Faming , Wang Lei
Published: February 2023

The conversion of nitroaromatics to aminobenzene plays an important role in the synthesis of medicines or fine chemicals. In this work, we successfully prepared Cu2O/Au nanocubes with different Au content for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. With the increase of gold precursor concentration or reaction time, the density of Au nanoparticles (NPs)on Cu2O surface increases, which results in the stronger electron transfer between Au and Cu2O, and thus the better synergistic catalytic performance of Cu2O/Au nanoparticles toward 4‐Nitrophenol (4‐NP). In this work, we found the Au component in the nanoparticles played an important role in charge redistribution and transfer, as well as the adsorption and reduction of 4‐NP. Therefore, the degradation performance of Cu2O/Au composite is better than that of pure Cu2O, and the degradation rate of 4‐NP can reach almost 90 % in 10 min, therefore providing a new idea for the rational design of effective nanocatalysts.
A Gradient Doping Strategy toward Superior Electrochemical Performance for Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Cathode Materials
Authors: Yang Puheng , Zhang Shichao , Wei Ziwei , Guan Xianggang , Xia Jun , Huang Danyang , Xing Yalan , He Jia , Wen Bohua , Liu Bin , Xu Huaizhe
Published: February 2023

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) are concerned as promising cathode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries due to their high reversible capacities (larger than 250 mA h g−1). However, LLOs suffer from critical drawbacks, such as irreversible oxygen release, structural degradation, and poor reaction kinetics, which hinder their commercialization. Herein, the local electronic structure is tuned to improve the capacity energy density retention and rate performance of LLOs via gradient Ta5+ doping. As a result, the capacity retention elevates from 73% to above 93%, and the energy density rises from 65% to above 87% for LLO with modification at 1 C after 200 cycles. Besides, the discharge capacity for the Ta5+ doped LLO at 5 C is 155 mA h g−1, while it is only 122 mA h g−1 for bare LLO. Theoretical calculations reveal that Ta5+ doping can effectively increase oxygen vacancy formation energy, thus guaranteeing the structure stability during the electrochemical process, and the density of states results indicate that the electronic conductivity of the LLOs can be boosted significantly at the same time. This strategy of gradient doping provides a new avenue to improve the electrochemical performance of the LLOs by modulating the local structure at the surface.
Selective Catalytic Behavior Induced by Crystal‐Phase Transformation in Well‐Defined Bimetallic Pt‐Sn Nanocrystals
Authors: Werghi Baraa , Wu Liheng , Ebrahim Amani M. , Chi Miaofang , Ni Haoyang , Cargnello Matteo , Bare Simon R.
Published: February 2023

The Pt‐Sn bimetallic system is a much studied and commercially used catalyst for propane dehydrogenation. The traditionally prepared catalyst, however, suffers from inhomogeneity and phase separation of the active Pt–Sn phase. Colloidal chemistry offers a route for the synthesis of Pt–Sn bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) in a systematic, well‐defined, tailored fashion over conventional methods. Here, the successful synthesis of well‐defined ≈2 nm Pt, PtSn, and Pt3Sn nanocrystals with distinct crystallographic phases is reported; hexagonal close packing (hcp) PtSn and fcc Pt3Sn show different activity and stability depending on the hydrogen‐rich or poor environment in the feed. Moreover, face centred cubic (fcc) Pt3Sn/Al2O3, which exhibited the highest stability compared to hcp PtSn, shows a unique phase transformation from an fcc phase to an L12‐ordered superlattice. Contrary to PtSn, H2 cofeeding has no effect on the Pt3Sn deactivation rate. The results reveal structural dependency of the probe reaction, propane dehydrogenation, and provide a fundamental understanding of the structure−performance relationship on emerging bimetallic systems.
Wetting‐Enabled Three‐Dimensional Interfacial Polymerization (WET‐DIP) for Bioinspired Anti‐Dehydration Hydrogels
Authors: Yang Man , Wan Xizi , Liu Mingqian , Wang Zhao , Jia Lanxin , Zhang Feilong , Wang Shutao
Published: February 2023

Anti‐dehydration hydrogels have attracted considerable attention due to their promising applications in stretchable sensors, flexible electronics, and soft robots. However, anti‐dehydration hydrogels prepared by conventional strategies inevitably depend on additional chemicals or suffer from cumbersome preparation processes. Here, inspired by the succulent Fenestraria aurantiaca a one‐step wetting‐enabled three‐dimensional interfacial polymerization (WET‐DIP) strategy for constructing organogel‐sealed anti‐dehydration hydrogels is developed. By virtue of the preferential wetting on the hydrophobic‐oleophilic substrate surfaces, the organogel precursor solution can spread on the three‐dimensional (3D) surface and encapsulate the hydrogel precursor solution, forming anti‐dehydration hydrogel with 3D shape after in situ interfacial polymerization. The WET‐DIP strategy is simple and ingenious, and accessible to discretionary 3D‐shaped anti‐dehydration hydrogels with a controllable thickness of the organogel outer layer. Strain sensors based on this anti‐dehydration hydrogel also exhibit long‐term stability in signal monitoring. This WET‐DIP strategy shows great potentialities for constructing hydrogel‐based devices with long‐term stability.
Elastomeric Electrolyte for High Capacity and Long‐Cycle‐Life Solid‐State Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Zhou Zekun , Tao Zengren , Chen Ruiyong , Liu Zhen , He Zhenhang , Zhong Lei , Li Xin , Chen Guixiang , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2023

High room‐temperature ionic conductivity and good compatibility with lithium metal and cathode materials are prerequisites for solid‐state electrolytes used in lithium metal batteries. Here, the solid‐state polymer electrolytes (SSPE) are prepared by combining the traditional two‐roll milling technology with interface wetting. The as‐prepared electrolytes consisting of elastomer matrix and high‐mole‐loading of LiTFSI salt show a high room temperature ionic conductivity of 4.6×10−4 S cm−1, a good electrochemical oxidation stability up to 5.08 V, and improved interface stability. These phenomena are rationalized with the formation of continuous ion conductive paths based on sophisticated structure characterization including synchrotron radiation Fourier‐transform infrared microscopy, wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Moreover, at room temperature, the Li||SSPE||LFP coin cell shows a high capacity (161.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), long‐cycle‐life (retaining 50% capacity and 99.8% Coulombic efficiency after 2000 cycles), and good C‐rate compatibility up to 5 C. This study, therefore, provides a promising solid‐state electrolyte that meets both the electrochemical and mechanical requirements of practical lithium metal batteries.
Biotinylated Fluorescent Polymeric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Immunostaining
Authors: Yudhistira Tesla , Da Silva Elisabete Cruz , Combes Antoine , Lehmann Maxime , Reisch Andreas , Klymchenko Andrey S.
Published: February 2023

The performance of fluorescence immunostaining is physically limited by the brightness of organic dyes, whereas fluorescence labeling with multiple dyes per antibody can lead to dye self‐quenching. The present work reports a methodology of antibody labeling by biotinylated zwitterionic dye‐loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). A rationally designed hydrophobic polymer, poly(ethyl methacrylate) bearing charged, zwitterionic and biotin groups (PEMA‐ZI‐biotin), enables preparation of small (14 nm) and bright fluorescent biotinylated NPs loaded with large quantities of cationic rhodamine dye with bulky hydrophobic counterion (fluorinated tetraphenylborate). The biotin exposure at the particle surface is confirmed by Förster resonance energy transfer with dye‐streptavidin conjugate. Single‐particle microscopy validates specific binding to biotinylated surfaces, with particle brightness 21‐fold higher than quantum dot‐585 (QD‐585) at 550 nm excitation. The nanoimmunostaining method, which couples biotinylated antibody (cetuximab) with bright biotinylated zwitterionic NPs through streptavidin, significantly improves fluorescence imaging of target epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) on the cell surface compared to a dye‐based labeling. Importantly, cetuximab labeled with PEMA‐ZI‐biotin NPs can differentiate cells with distinct expression levels of EGFR cancer marker. The developed nanoprobes can greatly amplify the signal from labeled antibodies, and thus become a useful tool in the high‐sensitivity detection of disease biomarkers.
Applications of X‐Ray‐Based Characterization in MXene Research
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Usman Ken Aldren S. , Judicpa Mia Angela N. , Hegh Dylan , Lynch Peter A. , Razal Joselito M.
Published: February 2023

X‐rays are a penetrating form of high‐energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 10 pm to 10 nm. Similar to visible light, X‐rays provide a powerful tool to study the atoms and elemental information of objects. Different characterization methods based on X‐rays are established, such as X‐ray diffraction, small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and X‐ray‐based spectroscopies, to explore the structural and elemental information of varied materials including low‐dimensional nanomaterials. This review summarizes the recent progress of using X‐ray related characterization methods in MXenes, a new family of 2D nanomaterials. These methods provide key information on the nanomaterials, covering synthesis, elemental composition, and the assembly of MXene sheets and their composites. Additionally, new characterization methods are proposed as future research directions in the outlook section to enhance understanding of MXene surface and chemical properties. This review is expected to provide a guideline for characterization method selection and aid in precise interpretation of the experimental data in MXene research.
Enhancing the Chemical Stability of MXene Through Synergy of Hydrogen Bond and Coordination Bond in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yun , Liao Si‐Yuan , Huang Hai‐Peng , Wang Qiao‐Feng , Shi Yu‐Ying , Zhu Peng‐Li , Hu You‐Gen , Sun Rong , Wan Yan‐Jun
Published: February 2023

MXenes with unique physicochemical properties have shown substantial potential in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. However, the chemical instability and mechanical fragility of MXenes has become a major hurdle for their application. Abundant strategies have been dedicated to improving the oxidation stability of colloidal solution or mechanical properties of films, which always come at the expense of electrical conductivity and chemical compatibility. Here, hydrogen bond (H‐bond) and coordination bond are employed to achieve chemical and colloidal stability of MXenes (0.1 mg mL−1) by occupying the reaction sites of Ti3C2Tx attacking of water and oxygen molecules. Compared to the Ti3C2Tx, the Ti3C2Tx modified with alanine via H‐bond shows significantly improved oxidation stability (at room temperature over 35 days), while the Ti3C2Tx modified with cysteine by synergy of H‐bond and coordination bond can be maintained even after 120 days. Simulation and experimental results verify the formation of H‐bond and Ti‐S bond by a Lewis acid‐base interaction between Ti3C2Tx and cysteine. Furthermore, the synergy strategy significantly improves the mechanical strength of the assembled film (up to 78.1 ± 7.9 MPa), corresponding the increment of 203% compared to untreated one, almost without compromising the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance.
Unraveling the Steric Link to Copper Precursor Decomposition: A Multi‐Faceted Study for the Printing of Flexible Electronics
Authors: Mrig Shreya , Bhide Malavika A. , Zhou Ye , Stanton Nils , Wang Jingyan , Douglas Samuel P. , Tinker Henry R. , Mears Kristian L. , Bakewell Clare M. , Knapp Caroline E.
Published: February 2023

The field of printed electronics strives for lower processing temperatures to move toward flexible substrates that have vast potential: from wearable medical devices to animal tagging. Typically, ink formulations are optimized using mass screening and elimination of failures; as such, there are no comprehensive studies on the fundamental chemistry at play. Herein, findings which describe the steric link to decomposition profile: combining density functional theory, crystallography, thermal decomposition, mass spectrometry, and inkjet printing, are reported. Through the reaction of copper(II) formate with excess alkanolamines of varying steric bulk, tris‐co‐ordinated copper precursor ions: “[CuL3],” each with a formate counter‐ion (1–3) are isolated and their thermal decomposition mass spectrometry profiles are collected to assess their suitability for use in inks (I1–3). Spin coating and inkjet printing of I1,2 provides an easily up‐scalable method toward the deposition of highly conductive copper device interconnects (ρ = 4.7–5.3 × 10−7 Ω m; ≈30% bulk) onto paper and polyimide substrates and forms functioning circuits that can power light‐emitting diodes. The connection among ligand bulk, coordination number, and improved decomposition profile supports fundamental understanding which will direct future design.
High‐dimensional regression coefficient estimation by nuclear norm plus l1 norm penalization
Authors: Farnè Matteo , Montanari Angela
Published: February 2023

We propose a new estimator of the regression coefficients for a high‐dimensional linear regression model, which is derived by replacing the sample predictor covariance matrix in the ordinary least square (OLS) estimator with a different predictor covariance matrix estimate obtained by a nuclear norm plus norm penalization. We call the estimator ALgebraic Covariance Estimator‐regression (ALCE‐reg). We make a direct theoretical comparison of the expected mean square error of ALCE‐reg with OLS and RIDGE. We show in a simulation study that ALCE‐reg is particularly effective when both the dimension and the sample size are large, due to its ability to find a good compromise between the large bias of shrinkage estimators (like RIDGE and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator [LASSO]) and the large variance of estimators conditioned by the sample predictor covariance matrix (like OLS and principal orthogonal complement thresholding [POET]).
Patterns of endocardial fibroelastosis without atrioventricular block in fetuses exposed to anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies
Authors: Keller S. B. , Cohen J. , Moon‐Grady A. , Cuneo B. , Paul E. , Coll A. C. , Campbell M. , Srivastava S.
Published: February 2023

Anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibody‐mediated endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) without atrioventricular (AV) block at presentation is a rare cardiac phenotype. We report on 11 fetuses with this rare type of anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibody‐mediated cardiac involvement, presenting with a distinctive echocardiographic pattern of EFE. Eleven fetuses with isolated EFE at presentation were included from four cardiac centers, and experienced fetal cardiologists reached a consensus regarding EFE location on echocardiography at presentation. Interval changes to subsequent fetal and postnatal echocardiograms were assessed to evaluate response to therapy. Echocardiographic markers of cardiac performance, including diastolic function and AV conduction, were reviewed. Ten fetuses were found to have EFE of the aortic root, proximal aorta and/or left ventricular outflow tract. In the same 10 cases, EFE of the pulmonary root, pulmonary artery and/or right ventricular outflow tract was identified. Six cases had atrial EFE and six had EFE of the crux. Four cases were known to be positive for anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies prior to diagnosis, whereas, in the remaining seven, echocardiographic findings prompted testing, which was positive in all cases. The AV interval at presentation was normal in all cases, but one fetus subsequently developed AV block. Nine patients were treated with transplacental dexamethasone, five of which also received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and one received IVIG only. Of the 10 treated cases, six had improvement in EFE as shown by serial imaging and, in four cases, the severity was unchanged. All patients were liveborn. In our cohort, EFE of the aortic and pulmonary arteries and outflow tracts was nearly universal, and involvement of the atria and the crux of the heart was also common. The high survival rate and low burden of AV block are also suggestive of a distinct phenotype of anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibody‐mediated cardiac disease with a favorable prognosis. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Management control systems and innovation: a case study grounded in institutional theory
Authors: Barros Rúben Silva , Ferreira Ana Maria Dias Simões da Costa
Published: February 2023

Drawing on the growing literature that has addressed the role of Management Control Systems in innovation and the literature on institutional theory, this study explores the case of Amorim Cork Composites to analyse how the situated rationalities within the company get reflected in the management control practices in use, and then how these practices are used to communicate and provide guidance when innovation is part of the strategy. The study uses a single case study approach at an innovative company, collecting data from 32 interviews, direct observations, and documentation of the company. Based on that data, this study is able to perceive the existence of a rationality that is constructed around the importance of innovation, which becomes a paramount part of the defined strategy and leaves signs on to the internal control practices of the company. After that, through a mix of strategic objectives, well-defined cascaded process of these objectives, values, mottos, objectives related to that situated rationality within the company, and with the commitment created within the “signing” of objectives contracts, managers are able to communicate strategically and provide guidance to the collaborators, driving them to action that makes them more aware.
Food and social media: a research stream analysis
Authors: García-León Ruth Areli , Teichert Thorsten
Published: February 2023

Interest in food and online communication is growing fast among marketing and business scholars. Nevertheless, this interest has been not exclusive to these areas. Researchers from different disciplines have focused their research on different concepts, target populations, approaches, methodologies, and theoretical backgrounds, making this growing body of knowledge richer, but at the same time difficult to analyze. In order to have a broader overview of this topic, this study analyzes the existent literature regarding food and social media in social sciences in order to identify the main research streams and themes explored. With this purpose, the present paper uses bibliometric methods to analyze 1356 journal articles by means of factor and social network analysis. The study contributes by revealing 4 clusters containing 11 dominant research streams within the social sciences, determining the linkages among the main research discourses, and recommending new future topics of research.
Creating a consumer-driven global community of practice to support action within environmental design with people living with dementia: assistive technology challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ong Emily , Frost Dennis , Kuliga Saskia , Layton Natasha , Liddle Jacki
Published: February 2023

The environment, and assistive technologies as part of this, can play an important role in supporting the participation and wellbeing of people living with dementia. If not considered, environments can be overwhelming and disempowering. Disability approaches including environmental considerations and assistive technology were often not offered routinely with people living with dementia. Concerned by this, dementia advocates aimed to create change in this area. The Environmental Design-Special Interest Group (ED-SiG) of Dementia Alliance International was developed as an international consumer-driven community of practice bringing together people with different relevant expertise including living experience (people living with dementia, care partners), architecture and design, occupational therapy, rehabilitation and care provision. This practice opinion piece provides an overview of dementia, the need for collaborative practices within practice with people living with dementia, and the considerations of assistive technology, environmental design and the global context. The reflection provides insights into this international community of practice, with personal reflections of members with living experience of dementia, and benefits and opportunities in considering environmental design and assistive technology from the perspectives of members. This work demonstrates and advocates collaborations that centre the perspectives and expertise of people living with dementia.