bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Ultra‐Durable and Flexible NiPx‐Based Electrode toward High‐Efficient Alkaline Seawater Splitting at Industrial Grade Current Density
Authors: Fu Chengyu , Hao Weiju , Fan Jinli , Zhang Qiang , Guo Yanhui , Fan Jinchen , Chen Ziliang , Li Guisheng
Published: December 2022

Designing nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalysts to yield sustainable hydrogen energy by large‐scale seawater electrolysis is challenging to global emissions of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. Herein, a series of highly efficient, economical, and robust Ni–P‐based nanoballs grown on the flexible and anti‐corrosive hydrophobic asbestos (NiPx@HA) is synthesized by electroless plating at 25 °C toward alkaline simulated seawater splitting. On the basis of the strong chemical attachment between 2D layered substrate and nickel‐rich components, robust hexagonal Ni5P4 crystalline modification, and fast electron transfer capability, the overpotentials during hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) are 208 and 392 mV at 200 mA cm−2, and the chronopotentiometric measurement at 500 mA cm−2 lasts for over 40 days. Additionally, the versatile strategy is broadly profitable for industrial applications and enables multi‐elemental doping (iron/cobalt/molybdenum/boron/tungsten), flexible substrate employment (nickel foam/filter paper/hydrophilic cloth), and scalable synthesis (22 cm × 22 cm). Density functional theory (DFT) also reveals that the optimized performance is due to the fundamental effect of incorporating O‐source into Ni5P4. Therefore, this work exhibits a complementary strategy in the construction of NiPx‐based electrodes and offers bright opportunities to produce scalable hydrogen effectively and stably in alkaline corrosive electrolytes.
Dual‐Silica Template‐Mediated Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanotubes for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Zhang Qian , Deng Chao , Huang Zaimei , Zhang Qingcheng , Chai Xiaocheng , Yi Deliang , Fang Yuanyuan , Wu Minying , Wang Xingdong , Tang Yi , Wang Yajun
Published: December 2022

1D carbon nanotubes have been widely applied in many fields, such as catalysis, sensing and energy storage. However, the long tunnel‐like pores and relatively low specific surface area of carbon nanotubes often restrict their performance in certain applications. Herein, a dual‐silica template‐mediated method to prepare nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbon nanotubes (NMCTs) through co‐depositing polydopamine (both carbon and nitrogen precursors) and silica nanoparticles (the porogen for mesopore formation) on a silica nanowire template is proposed. The obtained NMCTs have a hierarchical pore structure of large open mesopores and tubular macropores, a high specific surface area (1037 m2 g−1), and homogeneous nitrogen doping. The NMCT‐45 (prepared at an interval time of 45 min) shows excellent performance in supercapacitor applications with a high capacitance (373.6 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1), excellent rate capability, high energy density (11.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 313 W kg−1), and outstanding cycling stability (98.2% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1). Owing to the unique tubular morphology, hierarchical porosity and homogeneous N‐doping, the NMCT also has tremendous potential in electrochemical catalysis and sensing applications.
Numerical Method for Calculation of Power Conversion Efficiency and Colorimetrics of Rectangular Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: de Bruin Thomas A. , Van Sark Wilfried G. J. H. M.
Published: December 2022

Similar to conventional photovoltaics, the path toward higher efficiencies for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) shows increased interest in tandem structures. Herein, a numerical calculation that allows for much faster estimates of fundamental LSC performance indicators (power conversion efficiency, average visible transmission, and color‐rendering index) compared to ray trace simulations is proposed. Both double and triple structures are assessed, taking into account concentrations, absorption and emission spectra, and quantum yield as luminophore inputs for rectangular LSCs of any size. The waveguide material is modeled using an absorption spectrum and a refractive index. Interactions between the first, second, and/or third LSCs are incorporated into the algorithm. A comparison with ray trace results shows good correspondence. Supplementary Excel files are available with detailed calculations for future research or industry applications.
Sámi Teacher Education or Teacher Education for Sámi Students? Central Cornerstones in Sámi Teacher Education
Authors: Nutti Ylva Jannok
Published: December 2022

Sámi teacher education programs are core programs at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, and have been since the establishment of the institution. Sámi teacher education programmes involve flexible teaching methods including online teaching, teaching at gatherings and through practicum periods at early childhood centres and primary schools. The aim of this chapter is to discuss Sámi teacher education as Indigenous higher education, in order to explore the cornerstones of Sámi teacher education. The method used in the present study combines content analyses and a narrative approach. Content analysis is a research tool used to analyse the official documents for teacher education programmes and programme syllabi at Sámi University of Applied Sciences. The narrative approach was selected in order to use personal experiences from Sámi teacher education. As an analytical tool the model of Madden’s (2015) pedagogical pathways in Indigenous teacher education were used. The pathways are learning from traditional Indigenous modes of teaching, pedagogy for decolonizing, Indigenous and antiracist education, and Indigenous and placed-based education. Traditions, traditional knowledge and traditional models of teaching, together with language, are central in Sámi teacher education. Sámi teacher education could also be viewed in connection to placed-based education. Decolonizing is part of the educators’ work to transform and implement traditional knowledge and culture-based teaching perspectives, and in educators’ work to deconstruct culture, history and Indigenous identity. The term “colonial” is not used explicitly. However even if the term is not present, colonialism is indirectly visible. The antiracist education is less visible. All the pathways are visible in Sámi teacher education, but to visualise in Sámi teacher education the cornerstones, the metaphor of thelávvuand threecaggi, or poles, is used and thecaggitare, in the Sámi language,árbediehtu, andgirjás searvelatnja.
“A Lesson Is Most Exciting [When] the Teacher Typically Explains Complex Topics”: A Student Perspective on Public Schooling in Greenland
Authors: Demant-Poort Lars , Andersen Louise Pindstrup
Published: December 2022

Research on and knowledge about the Greenlandic school system is primarily based on quantitative, evaluative measures, such as grade point statistics. Though the aforementioned research is centred around schooling there is a lack of pedagogical research on schooling based on the voices of students and knowledge about what happens inside classrooms. This chapter describes the findings from a survey study of students’ experience of public schooling in Greenland. The goal of the study is to identify students’ perceptions of schooling and lessons and to broaden available knowledge on what schooling is in Greenland.
Correction to: SNPs Ability to Influence Disease Risk: Breaking the Silence on Synonymous Mutations in Cancer
Authors: Herreros Eduardo , Janssens Xander , Pepe Daniele , Keersmaecker Kim De
Published: December 2022

The original version of this chapter was previously published as non-open access.
Introducing Responsible AI in Africa
Authors: Eke Damian Okaibedi , Wakunuma Kutoma , Akintoye Simisola
Published: December 2022

In the last few years, a growing and thriving AI ecosystem has emerged in Africa. Within this ecosystem, there are local tech spaces as well as a number of internationally driven technology hubs and centres established by big tech companies such as Twitter, Google, Facebook, Alibaba Group, Huawei, Amazon and Microsoft have significantly increased the development and deployment of AI systems in Africa. While these tech spaces and hubs are focused on using AI to meet local challenges (e.g. poverty, illiteracy, famine, corruption, environmental disasters, terrorism and health crisis), the ethical, legal and socio-cultural implications of AI in Africa have largely been ignored. To ensure that Africans benefit from the attendant gains of AI, ethical, legal and socio-cultural impacts of AI need to be robustly considered and mitigated.
Urbanization and the Verticality of Rural–Urban Linkages in Mountains
Authors: Haller Andreas , Branca Domenico
Published: December 2022

Mountains are commonly considered a rural or even wild counterpart to cities. But, is this view still relevant in times of “planetary urbanization”? What is actually “wild,” “rural,” and “urban,” and how do these categories differ in structural and/or functional terms? Are there urban specificities in mountains? Drawing on the concepts of planetary urbanization and verticality, and introducing examples from the Global North and South, this chapter presents a central theme of urban montology, the sustainability-oriented, transdisciplinary study of urbanizing mountain environments: rural–urban linkages between altitudinal zones. Ecosystemic, infrastructural, demographic, economic, and sociocultural linkages in mountains present numerous peculiarities due to relief and altitude of the urbanizing environment. “Flows” of mountain ecosystem services, cable cars linking valleys and peaks, vertical spatial mobility of people, and the deliberate use of alpine environments and identities for branding mountain cities—to attract investors and visitors—are just a few examples that underline the increasing interconnectedness of the former counterparts of intrinsically “urban” cities and “rural” (or “wild”) mountains. This must be taken into account when studying and facilitating the transition of urbanizing mountain spaces into places worth living in for humans and nonhumans.
The Moral Situation: Self and Other
Authors: Ruonakoski Erika
Published: December 2022

Questions of power and ethics were implicitly present in the previous chapters. In this chapter, I deal with them in more detail, examining the power struggles in the classroom in terms of the relationship between the student and the lecturer as well as that between students. I also discuss ways out of the struggle, including a reflective attitude, classroom practices and considerations of spatial arrangements. Further, recognition, generosity and care are suggested as possible ways to overcome the difficult ethical situations in learning and teaching philosophy. In this context, I discuss the Oslo Summer School, where care ethics was used as the theoretical point of departure.
Animal Rights: A New (Non)Human Rights Revolution?
Authors: Stucki Saskia
Published: December 2022

Animal rights is an idea whose time has come. This book looks at animal rights through the lens—and as a phenomenon—of new human rights. It revisits a question once famously asked by the philosopher Paola Cavalieri: are human rightshuman? In other words, can and should animals have some of the same fundamental rights that have traditionally been reserved for humans in the guise of ‘human rights’?
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluations
Authors: Greiner-Petter André
Published: December 2022

This chapter primarily contributes to the research task V, i.e., evaluating the effectiveness of the semantification and translation system LACAST. In Section 5.1, we also extend LACAST semantic LATEX translations to support more mathematical operators, including sums, products, integrals, and limit notations. Hence, this chapter secondarily also contributes to research task IV, i.e., implementing an extension of the semantification approach to provide translations to CAS. We evaluate LACAST on two different datasets: the DLMF and Wikipedia.
A two-component vector WIMP — fermion FIMP dark matter model with an extended seesaw mechanism
Authors: Costa Francesco , Khan Sarif , Kim Jinsu
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We consider an extension of the Standard Model that explains the neutrino masses and has a rich dark matter phenomenology. The model has two dark matter candidates, a vector WIMP and a fermion FIMP, and the sum of their relic densities matches the total dark matter abundance. We extensively study the dark matter production mechanisms and its connection with the neutrino sector, together with various bounds from present and future experiments. The extra scalar field in the model may induce a first-order phase transition in the early Universe. We study the production of stochastic gravitational waves associated with the first-order phase transition. We show that the phase transition can be strong, and thus the model may satisfy one of the necessary conditions for a successful electroweak baryogenesis. Detectability of the phase transition-associated gravitational waves is also discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of spark plasma sintered zirconia and ferrotitanium reinforced hybrid aluminium composite
Authors: Akinwamide Samuel Olukayode , Maleka Mabontle , Motabeni Nthabiseng , Akinribide Ojo Jeremiah , Oluwasegun Falodun Eso , Olubambi Peter Apata
Published: December 2022

This research reports on the microstructural characterization and nanomechanical evaluation of hybrid aluminium-based composite, fabricated by reinforcing pure aluminium matrix with zirconia (ZrO2) and ferrotitanium (TiFe) particles. The composites were consolidated using the spark plasma sintering technique, and the properties of the reinforced composites were examined and compared with pure aluminium samples fabricated using the same sintering parameters. The formation of new phases in the hybrid composites was ascertained using the X-ray diffraction technique, while the morphologies of the starting powders and as-sintered specimens were analysed using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Mechanical tests such as Vickers microhardness and frictional coefficient were determined to ascertain the respective strength and tribological performance. Nanoindentation test was also carried out to evaluate the nanomechanical properties such as penetration depth, elastic modulus, work indentation, and indentation creep. The results from this study revealed that mixing and sintering the admixed powders at sufficiently high temperature resulted in the formation of new phases which contributed to improved mechanical performance of the hybrid composites. The absence of pinning effect in loading and unloading curves from the nanoindentation test conducted confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcement particles. Overall, the sample reinforced with 5% TiFe and 5% ZrO2 exhibited the most improved mechanical properties, while the unreinforced aluminium sample recorded the least mechanical and nanomechanical performance.
Chaos-enhanced multi-objective tunicate swarm algorithm for economic-emission load dispatch problem
Authors: Rizk-Allah Rizk M. , Hagag Enas A. , El-Fergany Attia A.
Published: December 2022

Climate change and environmental protection have a significant impact on thermal plants. So, the main principles of combined economic-emission dispatch (CEED) problem are indeed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. Many approaches have demonstrated their efficacy in addressing CEED problem. However, designing a robust algorithm capable of achieving the Pareto optimal solutions under its multimodality and non-convexity natures caused by valve ripple effects is a true challenge. In this paper, chaos-enhanced multi-objective tunicate swarm algorithm (CMOTSA) for CEED problem. To promote the exploration and exploitation abilities of the basic tunicate swarm algorithm (TSA), an exponential strategy based on chaotic logistic map (ESCL) is incorporated. Based on ESCL in CMOTSA, it can improve the possibility of diversification feature to search different areas within the solution space, and then, gradually with the progress of iterative process it converts to emphasize the intensification ability. The efficacy of CMOTSA is approved by applying it to some of multi-objective benchmarking functions which have different Pareto front characteristics including convex, discrete, and non-convex. The inverted generational distance (IGD) and generational distance (GD) are employed to assess the robustness and the good quality of CMOTSA against some successful algorithms. Additionally, the computational time is evaluated, the CMOTSA consumes less time for most functions. The CMOTSA is applied to one of the practical engineering problems such as combined economic and emission dispatch (CEED) with including the valve ripples. By using three different systems (IEEE 30-bus with 6 generators system, 10 units system and IEEE 118-bus with 14 generating units), the methodology validation is made. It can be stated for the large-scale case of 118-bus systems that the results of the CMOTSA are equal to 8741.3 $/h for the minimum cost and 2747.6 ton/h for the minimum emission which are very viable to others. It can be pointed out that the cropped results of the proposed CMOTSA based methodology as an efficient tool for CEED is proven.
Capturing time-dependent activation of genes and stress-response pathways using transcriptomics in iPSC-derived renal proximal tubule cells
Authors: Jennings Paul , Carta Giada , Singh Pranika , da Costa Pereira Daniel , Feher Anita , Dinnyes Andras , Exner Thomas E. , Wilmes Anja
Published: December 2022

Transcriptomic analysis is a powerful method in the utilization of New Approach Methods (NAMs) for identifying mechanisms of toxicity and application to hazard characterization. With this regard, mapping toxicological events to time of exposure would be helpful to characterize early events. Here, we investigated time-dependent changes in gene expression levels in iPSC-derived renal proximal tubular-like cells (PTL) treated with five diverse compounds using TempO-Seq transcriptomics with the aims to evaluate the application of PTL for toxicity prediction and to report on temporal effects for the activation of cellular stress response pathways. PTL were treated with either 50 μM amiodarone, 10 μM sodium arsenate, 5 nM rotenone, or 300 nM tunicamycin over a temporal time course between 1 and 24 h. The TGFβ-type I receptor kinase inhibitor GW788388 (1 μM) was used as a negative control. Pathway analysis revealed the induction of key stress-response pathways, including Nrf2 oxidative stress response, unfolding protein response, and metal stress response. Early response genes per pathway were identified much earlier than 24 h and included HMOX1, ATF3, DDIT3, and several MT1 isotypes. GW788388 did not induce any genes within the stress response pathways above, but showed deregulation of genes involved in TGFβ inhibition, including downregulation of CYP24A1 and SERPINE1 and upregulation of WT1. This study highlights the application of iPSC-derived renal cells for prediction of cellular toxicity and sheds new light on the temporal and early effects of key genes that are involved in cellular stress response pathways.
Tensile properties of human spinal dura mater and pericranium
Authors: Cavelier Sacha , Quarrington Ryan D. , Jones Claire F.
Published: December 2022

Autologous pericranium is a promising dural graft material. An optimal graft should exhibit similar mechanical properties to the native dura, but the mechanical properties of human pericranium have not been characterized, and studies of the biomechanical performance of human spinal dura are limited. The primary aim of this study was to measure the tensile structural and material properties of the pericranium, in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, and of the dura in each spinal region (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) and in three directions (longitudinal anterior and posterior, and circumferential). The secondary aim was to determine corresponding constitutive stress–strain equations using a one-term Ogden model. A total of 146 specimens were tested from 7 cadavers. Linear regression models assessed the effect of tissue type, region, and orientation on the structural and material properties. Pericranium was isotropic, while spinal dura was anisotropic with higher stiffness and strength in the longitudinal than the circumferential direction. Pericranium had lower strength and modulus than spinal dura across all regions in the longitudinal direction but was stronger and stiffer than dura in the circumferential direction. Spinal dura and pericranium had similar strain at peak force, toe, and yield, across all regions and directions. Human pericranium exhibits isotropic mechanical behavior that lies between that of the longitudinal and circumferential spinal dura. Further studies are required to determine if pericranium grafts behave like native dura under in vivo loading conditions. The Ogden parameters reported may be used for computational modeling of the central nervous system.
Silk fibroin microgels as a platform for cell microencapsulation
Authors: Bono Nina , Saroglia Giulio , Marcuzzo Stefania , Giagnorio Eleonora , Lauria Giuseppe , Rosini Elena , De Nardo Luigi , Athanassiou Athanassia , Candiani Gabriele , Perotto Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Cell microencapsulation has been utilized for years as a means of cell shielding from the external environment while facilitating the transport of gases, general metabolites, and secretory bioactive molecules at once. In this light, hydrogels may support the structural integrity and functionality of encapsulated biologics whereas ensuring cell viability and function and releasing potential therapeutic factors once in situ. In this work, we describe a straightforward strategy to fabricate silk fibroin (SF) microgels (µgels) and encapsulate cells into them. SF µgels (size ≈ 200 µm) were obtained through ultrasonication-induced gelation of SF in a water-oil emulsion phase. A thorough physicochemical (SEM analysis, and FT-IR) and mechanical (microindentation tests) characterization of SF µgels were carried out to assess their nanostructure, porosity, and stiffness. SF µgels were used to encapsulate and culture L929 and primary myoblasts. Interestingly, SF µgels showed a selective release of relatively small proteins (e.g., VEGF, molecular weight, MW = 40 kDa) by the encapsulated primary myoblasts, while bigger (macro)molecules (MW = 160 kDa) were hampered to diffusing through the µgels. This article provided the groundwork to expand the use of SF hydrogels into a versatile platform for encapsulating relevant cells able to release paracrine factors potentially regulating tissue and/or organ functions, thus promoting their regeneration.

Graphical Abstract
Tween-80 improves single/coaxial electrospinning of three-layered bioartificial blood vessel
Authors: Wu Chuang , Wang Haixiang , Cao Jin
Published: December 2022

Electrospinning is a promising technique for preparing bioartificial blood vessels. Nanofibers prepared by electrospinning can simulate the structure of extracellular matrix to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. However, thorn-like protrusions can appear as defects on electrospun scaffolds and coaxial electrospun nanofibers often have no clear core/shell structure, which can seriously affect the quality of bioartificial blood vessels. To address these problems, Tween 80 is added to the electrospinning solution, which results in a stable Taylor cone, eliminates the thorn-like protrusions on electrospun bioartificial blood vessels, and reduces interfacial effects due to different core/shell solutions during coaxial electrospinning. Simulations, biomechanical tests, and in vivo studies were performed. The results demonstrate the excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the bioartificial blood vessel. This research provides a useful reference for optimizing the electrospinning process for fabricating bioartificial blood vessels.

Graphical Abstract
Vacuum sealing drainage system combined with an antibacterial jackfruit aerogel wound dressing and 3D printed fixation device for infections of skin soft tissue injuries
Authors: Hu Xin , Li Huijian , Guo Wenting , Xiang Huiqin , Hao Liang , Ai Fanrong , Sahu Souradeep , Li Chen
Published: December 2022

Injuries and infections of skin and soft tissue are commonly encountered in primary health care and are challenging to manage. Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is generally used in clinical treatment, but current commercial methods of VSD have some disadvantages, such as easy blockage, nonantibacterial effects, and inconvenient curved surfaces. Herein, we report a functional zinc oxide/jackfruit aerogel (ZnO/JFA) composite material that is ultralight, superabsorbent and antibacterial as a new antibacterial VSD wound dressing. The JFA is carbonized from fresh jackfruit, and the JFA exhibits superhydrophilicity and superabsorbability. The water absorption rate of JFA was up to 1209.39%, and the SBF absorption rate was up to 1384.22%. The water absorption rate of ZnO/JFA was up to 494.47%, and the SBF absorption rate was up to 473.71%. The JFA and ZnO/JFA possess a pipeline structure, which is beneficial for absorbing wound exudates. In addition, surface modification of nanosized ZnO and its effects on antibacterial properties and biocompatibility were performed. When the concentration of ZnO/JFA was 3.125 mg/mL, the survival rate of human fibroblast cells was close to 80%, while the antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were up to 99.06%, 75.28% and 93.58%, respectively. Moreover, a 3D printed assisted device was introduced to make the ZnO/JFA wound dressing more attached to the bottom of the wound on a curved surface. An integrated device was formed under the printing mold, and then animal experiments were conducted in vivo. The results showed that a healing rate of almost 100% for infected skin wounds was obtained with this novel VSD device after 14 days, compared to only 79.65% without the VSD device. This novel VSD with a negative pressure suction dressing is beneficial for healing infectious wounds.

Graphical Abstract
Reconstruction of rabbit mandibular bone defects using carbonate apatite honeycomb blocks with an interconnected porous structure
Authors: Kudoh Keiko , Fukuda Naoyuki , Akita Kazuya , Kudoh Takaharu , Takamaru Natsumi , Kurio Naito , Hayashi Koichiro , Ishikawa Kunio , Miyamoto Youji
Published: December 2022

Carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) granules are useful as a bone substitute because they can be remodeled to new natural bone in a manner that conforms to the bone remodeling process. However, reconstructing large bone defects using CO3Ap granules is difficult because of their granular shape. Therefore, we fabricated CO3Ap honeycomb blocks (HCBs) with continuous unidirectional pores. We aimed to elucidate the tissue response and availability of CO3Ap HCBs in the reconstruction of rabbit mandibular bone defects after marginal mandibulectomy. The percentages of the remaining CO3Ap area and calcified bone area (newly formed bone) were estimated from the histological images. CO3Ap area was 49.1 ± 4.9%, 30.3 ± 3.5%, and 25.5 ± 8.8%, whereas newly formed bone area was 3.0 ± 0.6%, 24.3 ± 3.3%, and 34.7 ± 4.8% at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, after implantation. Thus, CO3Ap HCBs were gradually resorbed and replaced by new bone. The newly formed bone penetrated most of the pores in the CO3Ap HCBs at 12 weeks after implantation. By contrast, the granulation tissue scarcely invaded the CO3Ap HCBs. Some osteoclasts invaded the wall of CO3Ap HCBs, making resorption pits. Furthermore, many osteoblasts were found on the newly formed bone, indicating ongoing bone remodeling. Blood vessels were also formed inside most of the pores in the CO3Ap HCBs. These findings suggest that CO3Ap HCBs have good osteoconductivity and can be used for the reconstruction of large mandibular bone defects.

Graphical Abstract
Geographies of Care: The Catholic Church in Poland’s Assistance to Refugees from Ukraine During Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Mróz Franciszek
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the article was to analyze the collected empirical material in the form of in-depth interviews, observations, statistical data, and numerous accounts of the assistance of the Catholic Church in Poland in the first 8 months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The results of the survey revealed that the Catholic Church’s activities and support to Ukrainians were carried out on many levels: charitable—mainly material, financial and social housing assistance, psychological, educational, and medical. All Catholic parishes and almost all women’s and men’s convents and monasteries in Poland, Caritas Poland, as well as dozens of church institutions, joined in helping refugees from Ukraine.
Rapid synthesis of MCM-41 and SBA-15 by microwave irradiation: promising adsorbents for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Oliveira Marília R. , Cecilia Juan A. , De Conto Juliana F. , Egues Silvia M. , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique
Published: December 2022

It is known that the world scenario is one of constant search for sustainable technologies that can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. This is because CO2 is seen as the main responsible for the increase in the generation of greenhouse gases, which leads to global warming and climate change. The development of efficient adsorbents for CO2 capture is a current challenge. MCM-41 and SBA-15 were synthesized in a microwave reactor and used as adsorbents in this work. Microwave irradiation presents itself as an easy synthesis strategy with less preparation time and energy requirement. The silica synthesis period was extremely reduced (1 h) at a temperature of 60 and 80 °C in the microwave reactor, obtaining silica with good textural and chemical properties. The CO2 adsorption isotherms were performed at 0, 25, and 40 °C at 1 bar. The MCM-41 and SBA-15 present favorable results for CO2 capture processes, showing that pure silica synthesized by microwave already obtains promising results, reaching a maximum adsorption capacity of 2.16 mmol g−1 (1 bar—0 °C) and a good fit for the Langmuir, DsL and Toth models. Furthermore, to increase CO2 adsorption, the mesoporous silica was also modified via impregnation with branched polyethylene diamine (PEI) or tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). It is worth mentioning that microwave irradiation reduced the synthesis steps and improved the properties and adsorption capacity of the silica. This work opens new opportunities in the efficient preparation of materials that require optimizing the adsorbent synthesis process.

Graphical Abstract
The Architecture of Early Childhood Sleep Over the First Two Years
Authors: Lenehan Sonia Marie , Fogarty Leanna , O’Connor Cathal , Mathieson Sean , Boylan Geraldine B.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The architecture and function of sleep during infancy and early childhood has not been fully described in the scientific literature. The impact of early sleep disruption on cognitive and physical development is also under-studied. The aim of this review was to investigate early childhood sleep development over the first two years and its association with neurodevelopment.

Methods

This review was conducted according to the 2009 PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (OVID Medline, Pubmed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched according to predefined search terms.

Results

Ninety-three studies with approximately 90,000 subjects from demographically diverse backgrounds were included in this review. Sleep is the predominant state at birth. There is an increase in NREM and a decrease in REM sleep during the first two years. Changes in sleep architecture occur in tandem with development. There are more studies exploring sleep and early infancy compared to mid and late infancy and early childhood.

Discussion

Sleep is critical for memory, learning, and socio-emotional development. Future longitudinal studies in infants and young children should focus on sleep architecture at each month of life to establish the emergence of key characteristics, especially from 7–24 months of age, during periods of rapid neurodevelopmental progress.
The Unequal Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Political Interest Representation
Authors: Eady Gregory , Rasmussen Anne
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is viewed by many as the biggest global crisis since WWII and had profound effects on the daily lives of people and decision-making worldwide. Using the pandemic as a system-wide agenda shock, we employ a difference-in-differences design to estimate its causal effects on inequalities in political access, and social media prominence among business interests and NGOs. Our argument is twofold. First, the urgency and uncertainty of crises incentivized decision-makers to privilege providing access to business groups over securing inclusivity in the types of interests consulted. Second, NGOs compensated by increasing prominence in public communications. Our analysis of data from over 10,000 interest groups from over 100 countries registered in the European Union supports these hypotheses. Business interests successfully capitalized on the crisis in insider access, while NGOs increased prominence on social media. The results have wider implications for understanding how large-scale crises affect inequalities in representation.
On the predictions of cumulative prospect theory for third and fourth order risk preferences
Authors: Paya Ivan , Peel David A. , Georgalos Konstantinos
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we analyse higher-order risky choices by the representative cumulative prospect theory (CPT) decision maker from three alternative reference points. These are the status quo, average payout and maxmin. The choice tasks we consider in our analysis include binary risks, and are the ones employed in the experimental literature on higher order risk preferences. We demonstrate that the choices made by the representative subject depend on the reference point. If the reference point is the status quo and the lottery choices exhibit symmetric risk, we demonstrate that there is no third order reflection effect of lottery choices but there is a fourth order reflection effect. When the average payout is the reference point, we demonstrate that any third or fourth order lottery choice is possible dependent upon the lottery payoffs. However, under the assumption of maxmin reference point, the risky choices are prudent and temperate. In addition to these results, our analysis reveals that the representative CPT subject can choose combinations of second with third and fourth order risky options that differ from those in other major models of decision under risk. We contrast our theoretical predictions with the empirical results reported in the literature on higher order risk preferences and are able to reconcile some conflicting experimental evidence.
Stressful Events, Psychological Distress and Well-Being during the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Gender Analysis
Authors: Pilar Matud M. , del Pino Mª José , Bethencourt Juan Manuel , Estefanía Lorenzo D.
Published: December 2022

The present study investigates gender differences in stressful events, psychological distress and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19 in Spain, analyzing women’s and men’s risk and resilience factors for psychological distress and for well-being. Participants were 1758 individuals from the general population, 50.8% women, aged between 18 and 79 years. Women and men did not differ in age, number of children, educational level, occupation or marital status. The participants were assessed by seven self-report questionnaires and scales. The results revealed that women experienced more psychological distress, more negative feelings, more stressful events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, more social support, and lower thriving and self-esteem than men. Multiple regression analyses showed that, in the case of women and men as well, self-esteem was the most important predictor of higher well-being and lower psychological distress and negative feelings while more COVID-19 pandemic-related stressful events were associated with higher psychological distress and lower well-being. Another important predictor of greater well-being for either gender was social support while unemployment was associated with lower well-being. In women and men, a higher educational level was associated with greater psychological distress and negative feelings; the male sample revealed that psychological distress was also connected to younger age while in women it was associated with lower instrumental social support. The results suggest that gender plays an important role in the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the risk being higher for women than for men.
Predicted cardiac and second cancer risks for patients undergoing VMAT for mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Houlihan Orla A. , Ntentas Georgios , Cutter David J. , Daly Patricia , Gillham Charles , McArdle Orla , Duane Frances K.
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

To predict treatment-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) and second cancer 30-year absolute mortality risks (AMR30) for patients with mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma in a large multicentre radiation oncology network in Ireland.

Material and methods

This study includes consecutive patients treated for mediastinal lymphoma using chemotherapy and involved site radiotherapy (RT) 2016–2019. Radiation doses to heart, left ventricle, cardiac valves, lungs, oesophagus, carotid arteries and female breasts were calculated. Individual CVD and second cancer AMR30 were predicted using Irish background population rates and dose–response relationships.

Results

Forty-four patients with Hodgkin lymphoma were identified, 23 females, median age 28 years. Ninety-eight percent received anthracycline, 80% received 4–6 cycles ABVD. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) ± deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) was delivered, median total prescribed dose 30 Gy. Average mean heart dose 9.8 Gy (range 0.2–23.8 Gy). Excess treatment-related mean AMR30 from CVD was 2.18% (0.79, 0.90, 0.01, 0.13 and 0.35% for coronary disease, heart failure, valvular disease, stroke and other cardiac diseases), 1.07% due to chemotherapy and a further 1.11% from RT. Excess mean AMR30 for second cancers following RT were: lung cancer 2.20%, breast cancer in females 0.34%, and oesophageal cancer 0.28%.

Conclusion

For patients with mediastinal lymphoma excess mortality risks from CVD and second cancers remain clinically significant despite contemporary chemotherapy and photon-RT. Efforts to reduce the toxicity of combined modality treatment, for example, using DIBH, reduced margins and advanced RT, e.g. proton beam therapy, should be continued to further reduce potentially fatal treatment effects.
Promising Molecular Targets and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Yang Xu , Li Jixia , Yang Jigang
Published: December 2022

Purpose of Review

This article provides a brief and up-to-date overview of promising molecular targets and novel therapeutic approaches in neuroblastoma (NB).

Recent Findings

High-risk NB is hard to manage with existing treatment modalities, so more than half of those cases are unable to achieve long-term survival. With a deep understanding of molecular pathogenesis, numerous therapeutic targets have been discovered, offering a wide range of novel strategies to treat high-risk NB. Several molecular targets or pathways of NB are well studied, such as GD2, MYCN, ALK, p53/MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR/, and RAS/MAPK signaling. Novel targeted drugs and combined therapies are being developed and investigated for treating high-risk NB in preclinical and clinical trials. Considering different NB patients respond to molecular-guided therapy and conventional therapy differently, how to design an effective personalized therapy remains a big challenge.

Anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies have been approved to treat high-risk NB. Inhibitors targeting MYCN, ALK, p53/MDM2, RAS/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR are being tested in phase I/II clinical trials. However, most research on molecularly targeted therapy stays at the preclinical level. More valuable targets need to be identified, and more efficient therapies need to be developed. Further, exploration of new combinations using inhibitors targeting multiple targets and conventional therapy is still the most important research direction in future, which would advance treatment regimens, improve outcomes, and prolong survival in children with high-risk NB.
A Self-Powered, Highly Embedded and Sensitive Tribo-Label-Sensor for the Fast and Stable Label Printer
Authors: Hui Xindan , Li Zhongjie , Tang Lirong , Sun Jianfeng , Hou Xingzhe , Chen Jie , Peng Yan , Wu Zhiyi , Guo Hengyu
Published: December 2022

Label-sensor is an essential component of the label printer which is becoming a most significant tool for the development of Internet of Things (IoT). However, some drawbacks of the traditional infrared label-sensor make the printer fail to realize the high-speed recognition of labels as well as stable printing. Herein, we propose a self-powered and highly sensitive tribo-label-sensor (TLS) for accurate label identification, positioning and counting by embedding triboelectric nanogenerator into the indispensable roller structure of a label printer. The sensing mechanism, device parameters and deep comparison with infrared sensor are systematically studied both in theory and experiment. As the results, TLS delivers 6 times higher signal magnitude than traditional one. Moreover, TLS is immune to label jitter and temperature variation during fast printing and can also be used for transparent label directly and shows long-term robustness. This work may provide an alternative toolkit with outstanding advantages to improve current label printer and further promote the development of IoT.
Our Favorite Science Stories of 2022
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2022

Which Earth and space science stories stood out this year?
Novel role of AMPK in cocaine reinforcement via regulating CRTC1
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xing , Liu Fang-Lin , Li Xin , Lu Tang-Sheng , Luo Yi-Xiao , Jian Min , Yuan Kai , Meng Shi-Qiu , Bao Yan-Ping , Shi Jie , Lu Lin , Han Ying
Published: December 2022

Repeated cocaine exposure causes compensatory neuroadaptations in neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region that mediates reinforcing effects of drugs. Previous studies suggested a role for adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor, in modulating neuronal morphology and membrane excitability. However, the potential involvement of AMPK in cocaine use disorder is still unclear. The present study employed a cocaine self-administration model in rats to investigate the effect of AMPK and its target cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein-regulated transcriptional co-activator 1 (CRTC1) on cocaine reinforcement and the motivation for cocaine. We found that intravenous cocaine self-administration significantly decreased AMPK activity in the NAc shell (NAcsh), which persisted for at least 7 days of withdrawal. Cocaine reinforcement, reflected by self-administration behavior, was significantly prevented or enhanced by augmenting or suppressing AMPK activity pharmacologically and genetically, respectively. No difference in sucrose self-administration behavior was found after the same manipulations. The inhibition of AMPK activity in the NAcsh also increased the motivation for cocaine in progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement, whereas the activation of AMPK had no effect. The knockdown of CRTC1 in the NAcsh significantly impaired cocaine reinforcement, which was rescued by pharmacologically increasing AMPK activity. Altogether, these results indicate that AMPK in the NAcsh is critical for cocaine reinforcement, possibly via the regulation of CRTC1 signaling. These findings may help reveal potential therapeutic targets and have important implications for the treatment of cocaine use disorder and relapse.
Nonnegative spatial factorization applied to spatial genomics
Authors: Townes F. William , Engelhardt Barbara E.
Published: December 2022

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is widely used to analyze high-dimensional count data because, in contrast to real-valued alternatives such as factor analysis, it produces an interpretable parts-based representation. However, in applications such as spatial transcriptomics, NMF fails to incorporate known structure between observations. Here, we present nonnegative spatial factorization (NSF), a spatially-aware probabilistic dimension reduction model based on transformed Gaussian processes that naturally encourages sparsity and scales to tens of thousands of observations. NSF recovers ground truth factors more accurately than real-valued alternatives such as MEFISTO in simulations, and has lower out-of-sample prediction error than probabilistic NMF on three spatial transcriptomics datasets from mouse brain and liver. Since not all patterns of gene expression have spatial correlations, we also propose a hybrid extension of NSF that combines spatial and nonspatial components, enabling quantification of spatial importance for both observations and features. A TensorFlow implementation of NSF is available from https://github.com/willtownes/nsf-paper.
Evaluation of age-specific causes of death in the context of the Italian longevity transition
Authors: Nigri Andrea , Aburto José Manuel , Basellini Ugofilippo , Bonetti Marco
Published: December 2022

In many low-mortality countries, life expectancy at birth increased steadily over the last century. In particular, both Italian females and males benefited from faster improvements in mortality compared to other high-income countries, especially from the 1960s, leading to an exceptional increase in life expectancy. However, Italy has not become the leader in longevity. Here, we investigate life expectancy trends in Italy during the period 1960–2015 for both sexes. Additionally, we contribute to the existing literature by complementing life expectancy with an indicator of dispersion in ages at death, also known as lifespan inequality. Lifespan inequality underlies heterogeneity over age in populating health improvements and is a marker of uncertainty in the timing of death. We further quantify the contributions of different age groups and causes of death to recent trends in life expectancy and lifespan inequality. Our findings highlight the contributions of cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms to the recent increase in life expectancy but not necessarily to the decrease in lifespan inequality. Our results also uncover a more recent challenge across Italy: worsening mortality from infectious diseases and mortality at older age.