bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain decomposition methods and acceleration techniques for the phase field fracture staggered solver
Authors: Rannou Johann , Bovet Christophe
Published: June 2024

The phase field modeling of fracture is able to simulate the nucleation and the propagation of complex crack patterns. However, the relatively small internal lengths that are required usually lead to very fine meshes and high computational costs, especially for three‐dimensional applications. In the present work, additional cost also comes from the implicit dynamics regularization of unstable crack propagations which potentially leads to a large variation of time steps when switching from quasi‐static to dynamic regimes. To reduce the time to solution in this context, this study proposes a domain decomposition framework and acceleration techniques for the phase field fracture staggered solver. The displacement subproblem and the phase field one are solved with parallel domain decomposition solvers. Dual domain decomposition methods provide low cost preconditioner well adapted to the phase field subproblem. For displacement subproblems undergoing unstable crack propagations, primal domain decomposition methods are preferred to be less sensitive to the treatment of floating substructures. Preconditioners performances are assessed and scalability studies over academic test cases, up to 324 subdomains, are presented. Finally, the robustness of the approach is illustrated on two semi‐industrial simulations.
Cognitive changes in professional value and career development amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of nurses' experiences
Authors: Luo Yawen , Li Quanlei , Ma Zhiqun , Hu Xiuying
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore cognitions in nurses' professional value and career development amid the COVID‐19 pandemic and to analyse influencing factors.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design was employed.

Methods

Thirty practising nurses from three general hospitals in Chengdu, China, were purposively recruited. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted. The content analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

After the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, there were obvious cognitive changes in nurses' professional value, including improvement in the cognition of professional value, awareness of the broadening of the field of acting professional value, and realization of increasingly high requirements in careers. Approval and gratitude of patients, social recognition and attention, self‐awareness of nurses were main influencing factors. For cognitive changes in career development, nurses became more motivated to develop their careers, had a clearer understanding of career development environment, and acquired a clearer understanding of what was needed to advance careers. Hospital support, social respect, family support, and team atmosphere were key influencing factors.

Conclusions

The contributions made by nurses in the prevention and control of the COVID‐19 pandemic have prompted positive changes in their cognition of professional value and career development. To promote nurses' positive understanding and approach to career development, measures should be taken by hospitals. Further, social respect, family support and team cooperation can enhance nurses' enthusiasm for career development.
Enhancing electric vehicle performance through buck‐boost converters with renewable energy integration using hybrid approach
Authors: Sakthivel A. , Ramesh S. , Das R. Mohan , Josh F. T. , Kumar U. Arun , Mohan B. S.
Published: June 2024

The electrification of vehicles has emerged as a pivotal technique for addressing environmental concerns and reducing reliance on conventional fuel sources. Conversely, the best way to incorporate renewable energy into electric vehicles (EVs) is still a challenging task, particularly in enhancing the performance of EVs through efficient energy management. The transition to EVs has gained momentum as part of global efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This paper proposes a hybrid method for enhancing EV performance through buck‐boost converters with renewable energy integration. The proposed technique is the joined execution of Flying Foxes Optimization (FFO) and Viscoelastic Constitutive Artificial Neural Networks (vCANNs) techniques. The proposed method's goal is to enhance the energy efficiency, minimize EV charging cost, and mitigating environmental impacts. The renewable energy sources: solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines, are integrated into the EV power system through buck‐boost converters. The buck‐boost converter's control signal is optimized through the FFO method. vCANNs are used to predict these control parameters. The proposed strategy is executed in MATLAB software and is compared with existing strategies. In comparison with other current approaches like particle swarm optimization, heap based optimizer, and wild horse optimize, the proposed method achieves a high efficiency of 99% and low cost of 0.05 €/KWh.
Solvent‐free grafting route to develop thin and flexible polymer film from lignin
Authors: Saikia Ankumoni , Dutta Koushik , Singh Ajit
Published: June 2024

The recent advancements on the development of sustainable copolymers from lignin, has led us to explore a novel two‐step methodology for the development of lignin‐derived copolymers for flexible film preparation. In this work, firstly, chemical modification of lignin with itaconic acid (IA) in green solvent followed by grafting with lactic acid (LA) via solvent free polycondensation pathway was used to produce Lig‐g‐PLA copolymers. The effect of various reaction parameters like IA and LA amount, reaction time, solvent, temperature was studied to optimize yield of the reaction. Analytical techniques (FT‐IR, NMR, and XPS) confirmed successful chemical modification of lignin and copolymer (Lig‐g‐PLA) synthesis. The change in flexibility behavior of the polymer thin films (250 microns) prepared through hydraulic hot press method found to be dependent on the LA grafting. Notably, smooth surface of the films prepared with LA amount (IAL:LA 1:3 wt ratio) indicates enhanced compatibility between copolymer molecules due to the grafting of LA. Additionally, films prepared with a higher LA amount (i.e., IAL:LA 1:4 wt ratio) exhibited superior mechanical property with 3 times higher storage modulus as compared to the film prepared with lower LA amount (i.e., IAL:LA 1:2 wt ratio).
A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on surface molecularly imprinted polymers and graphene carbon nanotubes for highly selective detection of chlorpyrifos
Authors: Huang Yongqiang , Zhao Shan , Wang Qingqing , Xu Wanzhen , Huang Weihong
Published: June 2024

Pesticide residues represent a serious challenge for environmental protection, food safety, and public health. Addressing this challenge, this study strategically developed an electrochemical sensor with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as the recognition element to accurately detect chlorpyrifos in environmental samples. In this study, we used vinyl‐modified SiO2 as the matrix, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker, and azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator to synthesize the surface‐imprinted polymers. The development of the electrochemical sensor involved a detailed modification of the electrode, first by integrating carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide to improve its properties, and then by applying a suspension of MIPs to the glassy carbon electrode. This process resulted in a sensor capable of detecting chlorpyrifos in environmental samples with high sensitivity. The electrochemical sensor, designed for chlorpyrifos detection, exhibited a robust linear response in peak current to varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos, ranging from 1 × 10−11 to 1 × 10−5 mol L−1. It achieved a detection limit as low as 1.85 × 10−11 mol L−1 (S/N = 3). Testing confirmed the sensor's exceptional repeatability, stability, and high selectivity towards chlorpyrifos, underscoring its efficacy. The demonstrated capabilities of this sensor suggest its substantial potential for widespread use in pesticide regulation and environmental conservation efforts.
Design of eco‐synthesized nanocomposites (PVA/TiO2) for promising agents in germicidal and photodecomposition behaviors
Authors: Vishnuvardhanraj G. , Vijayakumar S. , Muthukumaran R. , Vidhya E. , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Mythili R. , Prathipkumar S.
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, there has been a significant surge in enthusiasm surrounding the topic of nanotechnology due to the rapid progress of innovation. The enhanced benefits exhibited by nanoparticles (NPs) in comparison to micro‐materials provide a diverse array of applications. Sustainable synthesis is a very efficient technique for producing nanomaterials using a simple, rapid, and eco‐friendly approach. In this investigation, titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs were produced by combining the residue of coffee extract with PVA/TiO2 as an anchor material. The use of PVA/TiO2 substrates was employed to enhance the surface area of TiO2 NPs to enhance their characteristics. The TiO2 NPs/PVA nanocomposites (NCs) were characterized using procedures. The TiO2/PVA NCs exhibited an absorbance peak at 319 nm in the ultraviolet–visible spectrum, and the particle size was calculated to be 19.2 nm based on the data obtained from FE‐SEM and x‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to examine the photodecomposition and germicidal properties of the TiO2/PVA NCs. The TiO2/PVA NCs showed remarkable germicidal efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The investigation focused on examining the photodecomposition performance of the TiO2/PVA NCs in the presence of methylene blue (MB). The MB dye exhibited the greatest photocatalytic activity, reaching 89% within 70 min. Hence, the findings of this study indicate that the TiO2/PVA NCs have promising characteristics for use as both germicidal and photodecomposition properties.
Fracture toughness and failure behavior of CF/epoxy composites interleaved with melt‐infused PET, PEI, and PEEK film
Authors: Too Daniel Kipkirui , Kumar Sanjay , Kim Yun‐Hae
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the effect of incorporating polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) thermoplastic films in melt form as interlayers to toughen carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The addition of melt‐infused PET, PEI, and PEEK film into carbon fiber/epoxy composite enhanced the mode‐I interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT) by 60%, 156%, and 284%, respectively. The primary toughening mechanisms found were plastic deformation and mechanical interlocking through fiber bridging, which left fiber imprint traces on the fracture surface. The mode‐II ILFT of PET, PEI, and PEEK film interleaved laminates was improved by 80%, 188%, and 96%, respectively. Plastic deformation was observed to be the principal toughening mechanism. Notably, these enhancements in ILFT were achieved while simultaneously increasing interlaminar shear strength. These findings show the role of hot‐melt‐infused PET, PEI, and PEEK thermoplastic films in the improvement of ILFT of composites which is crucial in the design of damage‐tolerant composite structures.

Highlights

Composites were interleaved with PET, PEI, and PEEK films via melt‐infusion.

Mode‐I and mode‐II ILFT were significantly enhanced, up to 284% for PEEK.

Failure exhibited plastic deformation, extensive fiber bridging, and pull‐out.

Melt‐infusion created complex, mechanically interlocked interfaces.
Towards developing advanced CFRP with simultaneously enhanced fracture toughness and in‐plane properties via interleaving CNT/PEI hybrid veils
Authors: Weng Yiting , Liu Kun , Ou Yunfu , Li Juan , Mao Dongsheng
Published: June 2024

Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐polyetherimide (PEI) hybrid nanofibrous veils were prepared through the electrospinning process to function as an interlayer in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRP), and the effects of the addition of the hybrid fiber veils on the interlaminar fracture properties and flexural properties of CFRP were investigated. The results showed that interleaving CNT/PEI hybrid veils can effectively avoid long‐troubled trade‐off between mode‐I interlaminar fracture toughness and in‐plane properties when using thermoplastic toughening materials. Specifically, the GIc value and flexural strength of the laminates were increased by as much as 86.2% and 14.3%, respectively when CNT content was reached up to 0.7 wt% in CNT/PEI hybrid veil. This method adopts ultra‐low PEI and CNT additions, and the limited quantity of these additives demonstrates a notably high interlaminar toughening efficiency while concurrently enhancing the strength, rendering it a promising strategy for both toughening and strengthening.

Highlights

PEI is used as a carrier to transport CNT to the CFRP interlaminar layers.

PEI‐CNT hybrid fiber veils improve GIC and flexural strength of CFRP.

PEI‐CNT hybrid fiber veils impede crack expansion through various mechanisms.

This method adopts ultra‐low PEI and CNT additions.
Progress in the analysis of phytocannabinoids by HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) during 2020–2023
Authors: Nahar Lutfun , Chaiwut Phanuphong , Sangthong Sarita , Theansungnoen Tinnakorn , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Organic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors are known as cannabinoids. These molecules possess pharmacological properties similar to those produced by Cannabis sativa L. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC, also known as ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography, UHPLC) have become the most widely used analytical tools for detection and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) are usually coupled to an ultraviolet (UV), photodiode array (PDA), or mass spectrometric (MS) detector.

Objective

To critically appraise the literature on the application of HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published from January 2020 to December 2023.

Methodology

An extensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and published materials including relevant books. In various combinations, using cannabinoid in all combinations, cannabis, hemp, hashish, C. sativa, marijuana, analysis, HPLC, UHPLC, UPLC, and quantitative, qualitative, and quality control were used as the keywords for the literature search.

Results

Several HPLC‐ and UPLC (or UHPLC)‐based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids were reported. While simple HPLC‐UV or HPLC‐PDA‐based methods were common, the use of HPLC‐MS, HPLC‐MS/MS, UPLC (or UHPLC)‐PDA, UPLC (or UHPLC)‐MS, and UPLC (or UHPLC)‐MS/MS was also reported. Applications of mathematical and computational models for optimization of protocols were noted. Pre‐analyses included various environmentally friendly extraction protocols.

Conclusion

During the last 4 years, HPLC and UPLC (or UHPLC) remained the main analytical tools for phytocannabinoid analysis in different matrices.
Use of methylphenidate and reporting of valvular heart disease: Global pharmacovigilance analysis in children and adults
Authors: Ayme‐Dietrich Estelle , Kaguelidou Florentia , Bertschy Gilles , Chouchana Laurent
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a common treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concern has been raised regarding its cardiovascular safety, partly in relation with its micromolar affinity for the 5‐HT2B receptor, whose activation may result in valvular heart disease (VHD).

Methods

To explore the association between the use of MPH and VHD reporting, we performed a disproportionality analysis within the WHO global safety database (VigiBase) using data, since inception until March 6th 2024, from: (i) the full database and (ii) different age groups (children/adolescents 6–17 years; adults 18–64 years). To avoid competition bias, safety reports with amphetamine‐like appetite suppressants were excluded. Disproportionality was expressed using reporting odds‐ratio (ROR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 29 129 spontaneous reports with MPH, 23 VHD cases (7.9 per 10 000 reports) were identified, including 13 adults and 10 children. Most cases concerned injury on the mitral valve. A disproportionate reporting was observed overall (ROR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4). Analysis according to age group found that disproportionality in VHD reporting was found in adults only (ROR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.7) but not in children/adolescents (ROR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9–3.2). Furthermore, amongst MPH users only, VHD reporting was higher in adults compared to children (ROR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.3).

Conclusion

VHD reporting appears rare with MPH compared to other adverse events and is increased in adults only. Our findings support a potential safety signal of VHD in adults exposed to MPH. A risk in that population cannot be excluded and requires further assessment.
Facile synthesis of size‐tunable multihydroxy nanogels by self‐assembly‐induced disulfide bonds crosslinking
Authors: Zeng Hai , Chen Qingli , Mo Zhimin , Huang Xiaohua , Zhou Li
Published: June 2024

Significant advancements have been achieved in polymer nanogel synthesis, yet there is a dearth of methods for easily preparing size‐adjustable, surface‐modifiable, and biocompatible nanogels. This study introduces a straightforward method for fabricating hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) nanogels in water through self‐assembly and disulfide bond crosslinking, avoiding the use of surfactants. The process involves modifying HPG with thioctic acid (TA) to create amphiphilic HPG‐TA rich in disulfide bonds, which is then reduced to facilitate water introduction and self‐assembly. Photocrosslinking is used to finalize the formation of HPG nanogels. These nanogels feature a uniform size distribution, with hydrodynamic diameters tunable from around 90 to 400 nm by tweaking synthesis variables. They have shown low cytotoxicity and high stability in aqueous media, with notable sensitivity to pH, especially in acidic conditions (e.g., pH 3), and redox‐responsiveness, as evidenced by reactions to 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). The nanogels' multiple hydroxyl groups enable easy functionalization, exemplified by the synthesis of fluorescent HPG‐RB nanogels. This work presents an efficient strategy for producing robust HPG nanogels, potentially spurring further advancements in the field of polymer nanogel synthesis and application.
Necrotizing pneumonia associated with macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma in a child
Authors: Ding Guodong , Yang Lan , Xu Changli , Vinturache Angela , Zhang Yongjun
Published: June 2024

We reported a pediatric case of necrotizing pneumonia due to macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an uncommon presentation of a common disease. Acquisition of resistance does not increase virulence, but it leads to more difficult treatment and potential complications. Macrolide‐resistant M. pneumoniae requires extended antibiotic therapy with the addition of a second‐line agent and an immunomodulator to promote clinical improvement with minimal sequelae.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling of pantoprazole to evaluate the role of CYP2C19 genetic variation and obesity in the pediatric population
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J. , Jeong Angela , Helfer Victória E. , Shakhnovich Valentina , Edginton Andrea , Balevic Stephen J. , James Laura P. , Collier David N. , Anand Ravinder , Gonzalez Daniel ,   the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act – Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee
Published: June 2024

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition that disproportionately affects children with obesity. Appropriately dosing pantoprazole in children with obesity requires understanding the body size metric that best guides dosing, but pharmacokinetic (PK) trials using traditional techniques are limited by the need for larger sample sizes and frequent blood sampling. Physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) models are an attractive alternative that can account for physiologic‐, genetic‐, and drug‐specific changes without the need for extensive clinical trial data. In this study, we explored the effect of obesity on pantoprazole PK and evaluated label‐suggested dosing in this population. An adult PBPK model for pantoprazole was developed using data from the literature and accounting for genetic variation in CYP2C19. The adult PBPK model was scaled to children without obesity using age‐associated changes in anatomical and physiological parameters. Lastly, the pediatric PBPK model was expanded to children with obesity. Three pantoprazole dosing strategies were evaluated: 1 mg/kg total body weight, 1.2 mg/kg lean body weight, and US Food and Drug Administration‐recommended weight‐tiered dosing. Simulated concentration–time profiles from our model were compared with data from a prospective cohort study (PAN01; NCT02186652). Weight‐tiered dosing resulted in the most (>90%) children with pantoprazole exposures in the reference range, regardless of obesity status or CYP2C19 phenotype, confirming results from previously published population PK models. PBPK models may allow for the efficient study of physiologic and developmental effects of obesity on PK in special populations where clinical trial data may be limited.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of reaction products of Chemical Weapons Convention–related 2‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)ethylchlorides with 2‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)ethanols
Authors: Rodda Ramesh , Malkapuri Nikita Singh , Addipilli Ramunaidu , Vattem Venkata Swarajya Lakshmi , Kantevari Srinivas , Thota Jagadeshwar Reddy , Sripadi Prabhakar
Published: June 2024

Rationale

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) mandates rigorous screening of chemical weapons and their potential degradation/reaction products, which is essential to identify such products in suspected samples. The reaction between 2‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)ethylchlorides and 2‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)ethanols (precursors/degradation products of VX agents) produces a new class of reaction products that are not explored.

Methods

The reaction products, bis(2‐N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl)ethers (1–10), were synthesized using established synthetic procedures, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) (electron ionization [EI] and chemical ionization [CI]) methods were developed for their identification. The GC/MS experiments were performed on an Agilent GC/MSD system using an HP‐5MS capillary column. Methane gas was used as the CI reagent gas for GC/CIMS experiments. GC/retention index (RI) values of 1–10 were calculated using the retention times of the hydrocarbon mixture and the analytes.

Results

The GC/EI spectra of 1–10 exhibited [M‐H]+ ions and distinctive fragments that provided valuable structural information. The selective fragmentation of the alkyl groups on nitrogen facilitated the discrimination of possible isomeric compounds. Interpretation of EI fragments in the high mass region is important for unambiguous identification of 1–10, because the major ions significantly match other CWC‐related compounds containing the 2‐(N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl) group. GC/CI (methane) spectra included M+., [M + H]+, [M‐H]+, reagent‐specific adduct ions, and a few structure‐indicative fragments. The spiking experiments in soil and water samples revealed that the target analytes were stable, easily extractable, and detectable using GC/MS.

Conclusions

The reaction products, 1–10, could be successfully synthesized and characterized using GC/MS (EI and CI). The GC/MS and GC/RI data provide important insights into the unambiguous identification of the target molecules in challenging CWC verification and are helpful in participation in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons proficiency tests.
Adaptive neural dynamic surface control for nonstrict feedback systems with state delays
Authors: Sun Meng , Yang Hong , Sun Jing , Xu Shengyuan
Published: June 2024

This article focuses on a class of nonstrict feedback systems with input delay, state delays and time‐varying full‐state constraints by proposing an adaptive neural control scheme. To overcome the problems of all state variables effected by time‐varying constraints, the asymmetric time‐varying barrier Lyapunov functions are constructed. The influence of state delays and input delay is eliminated by employing suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals. Additionally, the process of controller design is based on backstepping method and the unknown functions can be approximated by radial basis function neural networks. Moreover, the problem of repeated differentiations for nonlinear components during controller design is hugely simplified by taking advantage of the dynamic surface control method. The boundness of all the closed‐loop signals can be ensured by the designed controller. Finally, two numerical simulations illustrate that the proposed adaptive neural control scheme is effective.
Professional Development in Reading Comprehension: A Meta‐analysis of the Effects on Teachers and Students
Authors: Rice Marianne , Lambright Kacee , Wijekumar Kausalai (Kay)
Published: June 2024

Reading comprehension instruction was identified by the National Reading Panel as an effective instructional practice to improve students' reading comprehension. Teacher professional development (PD) is essential for effective reading comprehension instruction to occur in schools. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to examine the extent to which teacher PD in reading comprehension impacted teacher knowledge or practice outcomes and student reading comprehension outcomes. Additionally, we explored whether various studies or PD characteristics were potential moderators of these outcomes. We identified 29 experimental and quasi‐experimental studies, including 51 independent samples and 97 effect sizes. Using robust variance estimation, teacher PD in reading comprehension had a large effect (g = 0.947, p < .001) on teacher knowledge or practice and a small effect (g = 0.193, p < .001) on student reading comprehension. Results indicate teacher PD in reading comprehension is effective in improving teaching practices and student learning. However, more systematic research is needed to investigate effective PD components and other factors which may influence the impact of PD on teacher and student outcomes.
Assessment of the real‐time pattern recognition capability of machine learning algorithms
Authors: Polytarchos Elias , Bardaki Cleopatra , Pramatari Katerina
Published: June 2024

Nowadays data streams from different sources, like blockchain‐based and traditional financial transactions, social networks, and interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are becoming increasingly large in volume and the need to recognize patterns in real time from these streams, while adapting to their velocity and veracity, is emerging. Established machine learning algorithms used for pattern recognition methods have not been designed taking under account the volume, velocity, diversity, and accuracy of the data streams. This research contributes with an approach for assessing the pattern recognition capabilities of established machine learning algorithms when handling volatile data in real time and proposes a system that adapts the algorithms to the requirements of data streams, as well as assesses their pattern recognition capabilities based on established criteria. The system was applied for assessing five machine learning algorithms with input from a data stream from Bluetooth beacons tracking consumers in a retail store. This research can support future data scientists and analysts who need to reveal data patterns in big, volatile data streams in real time in order to support effective decision‐making in the respective application domain. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetric Assembly in Microdroplets: Efficient Construction of MOF Micromotors for Anti‐Gravity Diffusion
Authors: Liu Rong‐Kun , Guo Yanling , Jia Jia , Sun Qian , Zhao Hong , Wang Jie‐Xin
Published: June 2024

Janus‐micromotors, as efficient self‐propelled materials, have garnered considerable attention for their potential applications in non‐agitated liquids. However, the design of micromotors is still challenging and with limited approaches, especially concerning speed and mobility in complex environments. Herein, a two‐step spray‐drying approach encompassing symmetrical assembly and asymmetrical assembly is introduced to fabricate the metal‐organic framework (MOF) Janus‐micromotors with hierarchical pores. Using a spray‐dryer, a symmetrical assembly is first employed to prepare macro‐meso‐microporous UiO‐66 with intrinsic micropores (<0.5 nm) alongside mesopores (≈24 nm) and macropores (≈400 nm). Subsequent asymmetrical assembly yielded the UiO‐66‐Janus loaded with the reducible nanoparticles, which underwent oxidation by KMnO4 to form MnO2 micromotors. The micromotors efficiently generated O2 for self‐propulsion in H2O2, exhibiting ultrahigh speeds (1135 µm s−1, in a 5% H2O2 solution) and unique anti‐gravity diffusion effects. In a specially designed simulated sand‐water system, the micromotors traversed from the lower water to the upper water through the sand layer. In particular, the as‐prepared micromotors demonstrated optimal efficiency in pollutant removal, with an adsorption kinetic coefficient exceeding five times that of the micromotors only possessing micropores and mesopores. This novel strategy fabricating Janus‐micromotors shows great potential for efficient treatment in complex environments.
Mirror Plane Effect of Magnetoplumbite‐Type Oxide Restraining Long‐Chain Polysulfides Disproportionation for High Loading Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Xinrui , Hao Weiju , Sun Sida , Wang Ruirui , Liu Handing
Published: June 2024

A facile solid‐state approach is employed to synthesize a novel magnetoplumbite‐type oxide of NdMgAl11O19, which integrates spinel‐stacking layers (MgAl2O4) with Nd‐O6 mirror plane structures. The resulting NdMgAl11O19 exhibits remarkable catalytic activity and conversion efficiency during the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) in lithium‐sulfur batteries. By employing the 2D projection mapping technique of in situ confocal Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical technique, it is discovered that the exposed mirror plane structure of Nd‐O6 can effectively suppress the undesiring disproportionation reaction (S82−→S62−+1/4 S8) of long‐chain lithium polysulfides at the initial stages of sulfur reduction, thereby promoting the positive process of sulfur to lithium sulfide. This not only mitigates the issue of sulfur shuttle loss but also significantly improve the kinetics of the conversion process. Leveraging these advantages, the NdMgAl11O19/S cathode delivered an impressive initial capacity of up to 1398 mAh g−1 at an electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio of 5.1 µL mg−1 and a sulfur loading of 2.3 mg cm−2. Even when the sulfur loading is increased to 10.02 mg cm−2, the cathode retained a reversible areal capacity of 10.01 mAh cm−2 after 200 cycles. This mirror engineering strategy provides valuable and universal insights into enhancing the efficiency of cathodes in Li‐S battery.
Scalable Fabrication Methods of Large‐Area (n‐i‐p) Perovskite Solar Panels
Authors: Samantaray Manas Ranjan , Wang Zhe , Hu Dingqin , Yuan Mingjian , Song Haisheng , Li Fang‐Fang , Jia Guohua , Ji Li , Zou Xingli , Shen Hsin‐Hui , Xi Bangzi , Tian Yanqing , Xu Xue‐Qing , Lee Duu‐Jong , Hsu Hsien‐Yi
Published: June 2024

Organometal halide perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) comparable to the leading crystalline silicon (c‐Si) PV technology. However, despite their exceptional performance, these perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face technological challenges such as large‐area fabrication complexities and outdoor stability concerns. These challenges need to be addressed to pave the way for the commercialization of PSCs. The key to commercializing PSCs lies in developing stable, large‐area solar modules that offer both high efficiency and reliability. Overcoming the hurdles of large‐area module design and fabrication is a crucial step, and researchers are exploring innovative solutions to tackle these challenges. This review article primarily focuses on the development of large‐area PSCs, recent advancements in this field, and the obstacles related to scaling up this technology. It delves into the techniques used to fabricate perovskite films, with a special emphasis on large‐area and large‐scale PSC manufacturing methods. Moreover, the review highlights stability concerns that perovskite solar modules (PSMs) face and reports on recent progress in addressing these issues. The article concludes by summarizing potential future research directions aimed at realizing the full commercial potential of this innovative and promising solar cell technology.
Numerical Analysis of Temperature and Stress Field of Side Dam on the Twin‐Roll Strip Casting
Authors: Zhang Yansheng , Li Zhenlei , Fang Feng , Zhang Rui , Yuan Guo
Published: June 2024

Side sealing technology is crucial in the twin‐roll casting process. The performance of side dam materials directly determines twin‐roll casting (TRC) process stability and safety. An orthogonal test is conducted to study the effects of thermal conductivity, linear expansion coefficient, and elastic modulus on the maximum thermal stress of side dams. The elastic modulus and linear expansion coefficient are identified as key factors affecting the maximum thermal stress of the side dam. The fluctuation of maximum thermal stress under different elastic modulus and linear expansion coefficients is 79.7 and 75.8 MPa, respectively, whereas it is only 11.2 MPa under different thermal conductivity. A side dam with heterogeneous material along height and thickness gradient is designed. The results indicate that the maximum thermal stress in the contact area between the side dam and the molten metal decreases to 31.2 MPa, representing a reduction of more than 30 MPa compared to the homogeneous side dam with optimal performance. The results provide important guidance in improving the stability of the TRC process.
Isolation, identification, antibiotic resistance profile and molecular analysis of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheal isolates from turkeys
Authors: Yusefinejad Sedigheh , Gharibi Darioush , Khosravi Mohammad , Mayahi Mansour , Shapouri Masoud Reza Seyfi Abad
Published: June 2024

Background

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheal (ORT) infects numerous birds, particularly chickens and turkeys. ORT is an emerging bacterial pathogen of global concern in the poultry industry. As ORT is rapidly spreading throughout commercial poultry, it requires intensive studies of its epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, molecular typing, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives

The present study was conducted in isolation and identification of ORT from slaughtered turkeys.

Methods

Cleft palate swabs of 200 were collected from slaughtered turkeys and cultured on blood agar. ORT was characterized using biochemical tests and PCR targeting the ORT 16S rRNA gene. Virulence genes of isolates were determined targeting adenylate kinase (adk), copA and virulence‐associated protein D (vapD) genes. Additionally, diversity of ORT isolates was performed by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) and RAPD PCR. Disk diffusion was used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates.

Results

ORT was identified in 23 (11.5%) samples using both the biochemical tests and PCR. The result of detecting virulence genes showed that all the isolates (23: 100%) had the adk gene, whereas two (8.7%) isolates had the copA gene, and seven (30.43%) isolates had the vapD gene. Molecular typing of isolates revealed 21 different patterns by RAPD PCR assay using M13 primer and 20 distinct patterns by ERIC PCR test. Both ERIC and RAPD PCR were distinctive methods for investigating the genetic diversity of ORT isolates. The antibiotic resistance test showed that 18 (78.26%) isolates were resistant to gentamicin, amikacin, cefazolin, streptomycin and penicillin. All isolates (100%) were resistant to cloxacillin and fosfomycin.

Conclusions

This study showed the prevalence of ORT in turkey and high resistance of this bacterium to many common veterinary antibiotics. Moreover, both ERIC and RAPD PCR are distinctive methods for investigating the genetic diversity of ORT isolates. These data may help monitor antibiotic resistance and typing of ORT in epidemiological studies and serve as the foundation for designing region‐specific vaccines for future use.
Global Climate Change: Political Realism and the Case for a World Climate Bank
Authors: Bernstein Alyssa R.
Published: June 2024

The Paris Agreement’s goals cannot be achieved without sufficient funding, but the funding has been extremely inadequate. Addressing this problem innovatively, John Broome and Duncan Foley offer economic and political arguments in favor of establishing a new international institution, a World Climate Bank (WCB). The economic case for a WCB appears strong insofar as the bank’s main function would be to scale up mobilization of the financial resources needed for decarbonizing the world economy. However, Broome and Foley problematically assert that a WCB must buy up fossil fuel assets. I argue that this could lead to disastrous consequences and must be ruled out. Claims by Broome and Foley about realism play important roles in their proposal, although it is not clearly based on any particular form of realist political theory. I argue that a realistic proposal would include sound arguments, and I show that the political arguments offered by Broome and Foley involve equivocation, vagueness, and self-contradiction. I sketch a provisional political case for a World Climate Bank for Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience (WCB-MAR) satisfying certain desiderata. In the course of critiquing and revising the Broome-Foley proposal, I begin to develop a new conception of political realism. Here I aim to motivate political scientists and theorists focusing on international institutions and global justice to help develop and assess political responses to the climate crisis, including my  proposal for a WCB-MAR. When doing such work, they should take full account of the gravity and urgency of the crisis. This requires them to be politically realistic in the sense discussed herein.
Determination of the time-variable geopotential by means of orbiting clocks
Authors: Giuliani Simone , Tapley Byron D. , Ries John C.
Published: June 2024

Monitoring the time-variable geopotential identifies the mass redistribution across the Earth and reveals, e.g., climate change and availability of water resources. The features of interest are characterized by spatial and temporal scales accessible only through space missions. Among the most important gravity missions are GRACE (2002–2017), its successor GRACE-FO (since 2018), and GOCE (2009–2013), which all sense the Earth’s gravity field via the geopotential derivatives. We investigate the geopotential estimation through frequency comparisons between orbiting clocks by means of the Doppler-canceling technique, describing the clocks’ behavior in the Earth’s gravitational field via Einstein’s general relativity. The novelty of this approach lies in measuring gravity by sensing the geopotential itself. The proof of principle for the measurement is achieved through an innovative mission scenario: for the first time, the observations are collected by a probing clock in LEO. We show gravity solutions obtained by simulating an estimation problem via our proposed architecture. The results suggest that we can conceivably retrieve the geopotential coefficients with accuracy comparable to the GRACE measurement concept by employing clocks with stabilities of order $${10}^{-18}$$

10

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18

. Presently, terrestrial clocks can routinely attain fractional frequency stabilities of $${10}^{-18}$$

10

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18

, whereas spaceborne clocks are still at the $${10}^{-15}$$

10

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15

level. While our findings are promising, further analysis is needed to obtain more realistic indications on the feasibility of an actual mission, whose realization will be possible when clock technology reaches the required performance. The goal is for the technique investigated in this study to become a future staple for gravity field estimation.
Prefrontal cortex oxygenation during a mentally fatiguing task in normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: De Wachter Jonas , Roose Manon , Proost Matthias , Habay Jelle , Verstraelen Matthias , De Bock Sander , De Pauw Kevin , Meeusen Romain , Van Cutsem Jeroen , Roelands Bart
Published: June 2024

Mental fatigue (MF) and hypoxia impair cognitive performance through changes in brain hemodynamics. We want to elucidate the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC)-oxygenation in MF. Twelve participants (22.9 ± 3.5 years) completed four experimental trials, (1) MF in (normobaric) hypoxia (MF_HYP) (3.800 m; 13.5%O2), (2) MF in normoxia (MF_NOR) (98 m; 21.0%O2), (3) Control task in HYP (CON_HYP), (4) Control in NOR (CON_NOR). Participants performed a 2-back task, Digit Symbol Substitution test and Psychomotor Vigilance task before and after a 60-min Stroop task or an emotionally neutral documentary. Brain oxygenation was measured through functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Subjective feelings of MF and physiological measures (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose and hemoglobin) were recorded. The Stroop task resulted in increased subjective feelings of MF compared to watching the documentary. 2-back accuracy was lower post task compared to pre task in MF_NOR and CON_NOR, while no differences were found in the other cognitive tasks. The fraction of inspired oxygen did not impact feelings of MF. Although performing the Stroop resulted in higher subjective feelings of MF, hypoxia had no effect on the severity of self-reported MF. Additionally, this study could not provide evidence for a role of oxygenation of the PFC in the build-up of MF.
Cost-effectiveness of one-stop-shop [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT to localise parathyroid adenomas in patients suffering from primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: van Mossel Sietse , Saing Sopany , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha , Quak Elske , Schepers Abbey , Smit Frits , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Vriens Dennis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis in which we compared a preoperative [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT-based one-stop-shop imaging strategy with current best practice in which [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT is only recommended after negative or inconclusive [99mTc]Tc-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile SPECT/CT for patients suffering from primary hyperparathyroidism. We investigated whether the one-stop-shop strategy performs as well as current best practice but at lower costs.

Methods

We developed a cohort-level state transition model to evaluate both imaging strategies respecting an intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitored treatment setting as well as a traditional treatment setting. The model reflects patients’ hospital journeys after biochemically diagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism. A cycle length of twelve months and a lifetime horizon were used. We conducted probabilistic analyses simulating 50,000 cohorts to assess joint parameter uncertainty. The incremental net monetary benefit and cost for each quality-adjusted life year were estimated. Furthermore, threshold analyses regarding the tariff of [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT and the sensitivity of [99mTc]Tc-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile SPECT/CT were performed.

Results

The simulated long-term health effects and costs were similar for both imaging strategies. Accordingly, there was no incremental net monetary benefit and the one-stop-shop strategy did not result in lower costs. These results applied to both treatment settings. The threshold analysis indicated that a tariff of €885 for [18F]Fluorocholine PET/CT was required to be cost-effective compared to current best practice.

Conclusion

Both preoperative imaging strategies can be used interchangeably. Daily clinical practice grounds such as available local resources and patient preferences should inform policy-making on whether a hospital should implement the one-stop-shop imaging strategy.
Behavioral correlates of migration in bats – do migration strategies predict responses to a novel environment?
Authors: Schabacker Theresa , Rizzi Sofia , Teige Tobias , Hoffmeister Uwe , Voigt Christian C. , Snijders Lysanne
Published: June 2024

Migration is a life-history trait that shapes individual-by-environment interactions, affecting fitness. Currently, many species are changing their migration strategies, stressing the need to identify and better understand the behavioral correlates of migration. As a partial migrant, the noctule bat, Nyctalus noctula, allows for rare intra-specific investigations of the potential behavioral causes (or consequences) of variation in migration. Here, we combined in-situ behavioral assays with stable isotope analyses to investigate whether spatial and acoustic responses to a roost-like novel environment correlate with migration strategy (local or distant). Given a migrant’s more frequent exposure to novel environments, we predicted migrants would enter a novel environment more quickly and show stronger spatial and acoustic exploration activity. However, individuals of local and distant origin did not differ in acoustic exploration (call activity per unit space), nor, contrasting to several bird studies, in spatial activity (number of chambers visited). Surprisingly, local individuals were more likely than migrants to enter the novel environment. Our findings suggest that small-scale exploration does not vary with migration, potentially because of similar selection pressures across migration strategies on small-scale exploration (e.g., exploration of roosts) as opposed to large-scale. Yet, our findings on the likelihood of entering a novel environment suggest that locals may be more risk-taking. Repeated measures would be necessary to determine if personality differences are underlying these responses. Our unique approach, combining behavioral assays with isotopic geolocation, gave us novel insight into an elusive taxon, highlighting the importance of studying behavioral correlates of migration across various taxa.
Physiotherapists’ adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines in fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Ferrández-Gómez José Édgar , Gacto-Sánchez Mariano , Nouni-García Rauf , Gascón-Jaén Jaime , Lozano-Quijada Carlos , Baño-Alcaraz Aitor
Published: June 2024

To evaluate the level of knowledge and adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines on fibromyalgia of physiotherapists in Spain. A cross-sectional study using an ad-hoc online survey was implemented to assess aspects on the assessment, treatment, and decision of the length of the therapeutic approach on fibromyalgia. Based on the results, professionals were classified as adherent, partially adherent, or non-adherent. The level of agreement with several statements on the condition was also evaluated across the professionals surveyed to evaluate the potential consensus. A total of 240 physiotherapists met inclusion criteria, amongst which 68 (28.33%) were adherent. The academic level of studies (Chi-square = 48.601, p-value = 0.001) and having had previous training in fibromyalgia (Chi-square = 151.011, p-value = 0.001) displayed statistically significant differences across adherence-based groups. Consensus was reached for 15 out of 24 statements. Our findings highlight the presence of an acceptable level of knowledge and adherence to clinical practice guidelines in the field of fibromyalgia among physiotherapists in Spain.

Practice implications

Our results also reveal the existence of an evidence-to-practice gap in the field, with potential room for improvement: further efforts on promoting and reinforcing the importance of evidence-based therapies are needed, from university teaching plans to clinical updates for daily practice.