bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomically Dispersed Scandium in Cuprous Oxide Weakens *CO Adsorption to Boost Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction Toward C2 Products
Authors: Chen Rongzhen , Jiang Yuhang , Zhu Yihua , Zhang Ling , Li Yuhang , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2024

Copper (Cu) is a promising metal for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) to value‐added C2 products. However, as the key intermediate for C─C coupling to form C2 products, *CO intermediate is difficult to adsorb on the Cu surface on a moderate level. Rare earth elements possess a distinctive electronic structure that effectively regulates the local density of surrounding atoms, yet has rarely been investigated. Herein, different rare earth metals are screened doping Cu2O and found that Sc atomically dispersed Cu2O can weaken the CO adsorption on the catalyst surface and lower the energy barrier of the C─C coupling step through in situ ATR‐SEIRAS and DFT calculations. Therefore, the as‐prepared Sc0.09‐Cu2O catalyst presents improved eCO2RR to C2 product performance with a faradic efficiency of 71.9% at a current density of 600 mA cm−2.
High Polarization‐Sensitive Synaptic Transistor Based on Perovskite Nanowire Array for Efficient Biometric Recognition
Authors: Yang Peng , Yu Xipeng , Yu Rengjian , Gao Changsong , Zhang Peng , Lin Tao , Chen Gengxu , Chen Huipeng
Published: November 2024

In the digital age, biometric recognition technology is highly valued and widely used in biometrics, security detection, and personalized medicine. This demands more efficient and diverse extraction methods. Traditional techniques rely on natural light, often failing to capture all necessary information and facing issues like high energy consumption and bulky design due to component separation, thus not meeting current high demands. In this paper, a polarization‐sensitive synaptic phototransistor based on perovskite nanowire is developed using nanoimprint technology, effectively integrating artificial photonic synapses with polarized light detection to enhance system integration. Notably, this device achieves a high polarization ratio of 2.2 under different polarization angles. Additionally, it features memory‐like optical synapse functionality, improving fingerprint recognition accuracy by 225% compared to natural light. This technology overcomes the limitations of traditional optical systems, meeting the needs of security, medical, and research fields to a certain extent.
Free‐Charge Carrier Generation in Homojunction Non‐Polymeric Organic Semiconductor Films – The Role of the Optical Frequency Dielectric Constant
Authors: Mallo Neil , McAnally Shaun , Jin Hui , Brooks Eucalyptus , Chu Ronan , Babazadeh Mohammad , Smyth James , Huang David M. , Hight‐Huf Nicholas , Reid Obadiah G. , Rumbles Garry , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: November 2024

Engineering the dielectric constant (ε) to lower the exciton binding energy of the light‐absorbing semiconductor can improve organic photovoltaic (OPV) device performance. Here, a series of materials are reported with 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile (INCN) acceptor end groups and a central glycolated bis(4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene) unit with large low‐frequency (εlf = 7.4–7.9 at 0.1–0.2 MHz) and optical‐frequency (εopt up to 6.6 at 2 × 1014 Hz) dielectric constants. The INCN end groups differed in whether they were protonated, chlorinated, or fluorinated, with the latter having the highest εopt. An εopt of 6.6 is predicted to lead to a low exciton binding energy of ≈0.04 eV. Time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements showed a temperature‐dependent yield–mobility product, with it increasing linearly from 340 K. The onset temperature was near that required to overcome the calculated exciton binding energy and indicates increased free charge generation in a homojunction film. Room temperature transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that photoexcitation rapidly converted to a lower energy state that was consistent with the formation of polarons or a charge transfer state. This work provides experimental evidence of the importance of εopt for the generation of free charges, and a strategy for development of efficient single chromophore homojunction OPV devices.
Semi‐Interpenetrating Network Electrolytes Utilizing Ester‐Functionalized Low Tg Polysiloxanes in Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Petry Jannik , Dietel Markus , Thelakkat Mukundan
Published: November 2024

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) obtained from polyesters are viable alternatives to polyethylene oxide‐based materials, especially for room‐temperature applications. In SPEs, the ion conduction is dependent on the polymer segmental mobility and is thus facilitated by low glass transition temperature (Tg). Here, the study synthesizes an ester‐funtionalized polysiloxane‐based polymer electrolyte with an exceptionally low Tg of −76 °C, resulting in a high ionic conductivity of 2.6 × 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature and a lithium transference number of 0.72. However, the low Tg and consequently low mechanical stability require reinforcement to promote the formation of stable lithium‐electrolyte interfaces in lithium plating stripping experiments and stable battery cycling in lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). For this, the SPE is incorporated into a network structure to yield a semi‐interpenetrating network electrolyte (SPE20‐SIPN) which results in significantly improved storage modulus by three orders of magnitude and ionic conductivity is maintained upon crosslinking. The SPE20‐SIPN exhibits stable cycling for up to 50 cycles with fluctuation (voltage noise) in some of the cells. A combination of crosslinking and nanoparticle addition (SPE20‐N10‐SIPN) overcomes the voltage noise and results in high coulombic efficiencies and high capacity retention above 80% for 200 cycles in solvent‐free, all‐solid‐state LMBs at 30 °C.
Fabrication and Characterizations of Microwave‐Assisted Gelatin Cross‐Linked LBG/Guar Gum–Based Super Porous Hydrogels With Metformin Hydrochloride for Open Incision Wound Healing
Authors: Dey Ishika , Ruidas Avijit , Hazra Ahana , Paul Pankaj , Giri Subhankar , Dubey Navneet , Bhowmick Pratibha , Bhowmick Mithun
Published: November 2024

The goal of this study was to fabricate gelatin cross‐linked Locust bean gum (LBG)/guar gum–based hydrogels with microwave assistance for diabetic wound healing applications and evaluate it for physicochemical properties. In the last few years, microwave irradiation has gained acceptance as a reliable technique for quickening and streamlining chemically modified reactions. In order to achieve this, metformin‐loaded LBG and guar gum–based hydrogel were formulated employing microwave radiation. Moreover, the microwave‐assisted–based metformin hydrogel are microwave‐assisted reaction sudden increase in temperature may led to distortion of molecules, very vigorous and which may be hazardous, but environmental sustainability and friendly chemistry concepts are supported by microwave irradiation. The optimized formulation (F3) showed significantly improved physicochemical properties, with a swelling capacity of 480.4% ± 2.5%. The results indicate an appropriate duration for adequate drugs diffusion and nutrition exchange. Controlled disintegrate and sustained release of embedded drug molecules from F3 may have an impact on antibacterial activity. The study indicated that microwave‐assisted polymer blend hydrogels had adequately improved physical qualities, making them a promising candidate for improving diabetic wound healing and hastening skin tissue regeneration.
What is in a Rating? Exploring the Link Between the Italian Legality Rating and Earnings Management
Authors: Bertacchini Federico , Magri Carlotta , Gabrielli Gianluca
Published: November 2024

Corporate legality is a key dimension of business strategy. However, due to the difficulties associated with its measurement, little has been done to study the activities and behaviors that legally responsible companies enact towards their stakeholders. To address this gap, we consider the Italian Legality Rating (LR) as a proxy for corporate legality to study the earnings quality of legally responsible companies. Considering the theoretical framework of stakeholder theory and agency theory, we hypothesize that the LR scores and the presence of LR are associated with higher earnings quality. Based on a dataset of over 126,000 companies, the results of the analyses confirm our hypotheses and highlight the role of the LR as an effective tool to recognize ethically responsible companies. Our study provides valuable practical insights to private companies and public institutions.
MTHFD1 Regulates Autophagy to Promote Growth and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer via the PI3K‐AKT–mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Zhihao , Ke Haoxian , Cai Jiawei , Ye Shubiao , Huang Junfeng , Zhang Chi , Yuan Ming , Lan Ping , Wu Xianrui
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) is the enzyme with the activities of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, methylenetetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase, and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. Our aim was to elucidate the function of MTHFD1 in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

In vitro assessments of the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of CRC cells were conducted using Immunohistochemistry, Transwell invasion assays, Western blot (WB), and Cell counting Kit‐8 assays. WB was also utilized to measure autophagy protein levels and PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway expression. Furthermore, the role of MTHFD1 was evaluated in vivo by using subcutaneous xenograft tumor models and lateral tail vein metastasis models of human CRC in nude mice.

Results

Overexpression of MTHFD1 promoted the abilities of tumorigenesis and metastasis in CRC in vitro and in vivo and reduced autophagy, attributing to the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway in CRC cells. In contrast, the down‐regulation of MTHFD1 increased autophagy and suppressed their proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions

MTHFD1 can modulate the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway to suppress autophagy and stimulate tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Structural, DFT, Molecular Docking and Biological Activity of New Albendazole‐Norfloxacin Mixed‐Ligand Complexes: Promising Metal Complexes for Combating Microbial Resistance and Inflammation
Authors: Khalaf Mai M. , El‐Lateef Hany M. Abd , Abdou Aly
Published: November 2024

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the Fe(III) (C1) and Co(II) (C2) complexes that were synthesized from the Albendazole (Alb) and Norfloxacin (Nor) ligands. The complexes exhibit remarkable thermal stability, low water solubility, and a non‐electrolytic nature, characteristics that enhance their suitability for diverse applications. Conductivity measurements indicate molar conductivities of 9.85 and 8.59 Ω−1 cm2 mol−1, confirming their status as neutral molecules. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveals significant ligand‐metal interactions, marked by shifts in vibrational frequencies that confirm chelation, while Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy supports the identification of octahedral geometries for both complexes. Magnetic moment assessments align with their electronic configurations, and stoichiometric analysis consistently shows a 1:1:1 ratio, further validated by mass spectrometry. Thermal stability studies highlight anhydrous characteristics and distinct thermal decomposition behaviors, underscoring their structural integrity. Employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional, we evaluate the electronic properties of the ligands and their metal complexes, revealing reduced energy gaps (ΔE) of 2.29 eV for C1 and 2.15 eV for C2, significantly lower than those of the ligands (Alb: 4.61 eV, Nor: 4.17 eV), indicating enhanced reactivity and potential biological activity. Additionally, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps provide insights into charge distributions, suggesting critical regions for interactions with biomolecules. Notably, the results demonstrate that metal coordination significantly enhances antibacterial/anti‐fungal activity surpassing both the free ligands and the standard antibiotic Ofloxacin/Fluconazole. Furthermore, the complexes show significant improvement in anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting protein denaturation more effectively than their ligand counterparts. Molecular docking studies reveal stronger binding affinities and interactions with antimicrobial target proteins 1HNJ and 5IKT, attributed to enhanced hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. These findings position C1 and C2 as promising candidates for developing effective antimicrobial therapies, highlighting the crucial role of metal ions in enhancing biological reactivity and addressing resistant strains of pathogens.
Assessing the Effects of Palm Oil Consumption on Life Expectancy, Metabolic Markers, and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: da Silva Gustavo Felipe , Rodrigues Nathane Rosa , Boligon Aline Augusti , Ávila Eduardo , da Rosa Silva Luan , Franco Jeferson Luis , Posser Thaís
Published: November 2024

Palm oil is the world's second most consumed vegetable oil, sourced from the tropical palm tree Elaeis guineensis. Its consumption has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, largely due to its elevated palmitic acid content, however those studies are contradictory and inconclusive. Wishing to contribute to this issue, the present study aims to investigate the molecular and toxicological effects of this oil and the involvement of oxidative stress, given its role in metabolic dysfunctions using Drosophila melanogaster. This study examines survival rates, and locomotor performance, oxidative status by analysis of lipid peroxidation, ROS formation, thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolic parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose, trehalose and glycogen levels. Exposure to palm oil concentrations of 10% and 30% resulted in a shortened lifespan, reduced locomotor performance, and increased lipid peroxidation, with lower thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme modulation. Cholesterol levels was increased whereas energetic fuels as glucose and glycogen and trehalose were decreased mainly after 10 days of exposure. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of high‐fat diets containing palm oil on lifespan, antioxidant defenses, and metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. This data highlights the potential risk associated with the habitual consumption of palm oil in the daily diet by population, particularly concerning cardiovascular health and metabolic function.
Proton‐conducting γ‐sulfopropyl Acrylate Tethered Halato‐Telechelic PVDF Membranes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Sharma Jeet , Améduri Bruno , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: November 2024

Advanced fluorinated proton‐conducting membrane are dominating functional macromolecules due to their high performance in electrochemical energy devices. However, the co‐ion leakage and low power densities still proposes a challenge. Herein, a novel functionally tailored polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐(γ)‐sulfopropyl acrylate (PVDF‐g‐SA) based proton‐conducting membrane is prepared for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The approach introduces a facile guideline to design halato‐telechelic −SO3H architectures by tethering γ‐sulfopropyl acrylate onto dehydrofluorinated PVDF. The optimized PVDF‐g‐SA‐15 exhibits proton conductivity (κmH+) of 17 mS cm−1 (akin Nafion: ~19 mS cm−1) and retained 87 % and >95 % of its properties in Fenton's reagent and 3 M H2SO4, respectively. In VRFB device, the PVDF‐g‐SA‐15 shows ∼98 % capacity utilization outperforming Nafion‐117 (∼85 %). Moreover, bearing dense ionic orientation (viz AFM phases), the potential drop rate is ~2× lower for PVDF‐g‐SA‐15 (1.4×10−3 V min−1) than that of Nafion‐117 (2.6×10−3 V min−1). Operational endurance is evaluated fit for 150 mA cm−2 showing maximum coulombic, energy and voltage efficiencies of >98 %, ∼78 %, ∼80 %, respectively. Further investigation for ~200 cycles infer excellent durability with ∼95 % property retention. Additionally, the PVDF‐g‐SA‐15 can deliver ~20 % higher power density than Nafion‐117 does. Thus, the revealed alternate membrane holds promising utility in VRFB applications.
Quantifying the Site Heterogeneities of Non‐Uniform Catalysts Using QuantEXAFS
Authors: Rana Rachita , Hong Jiyun , Hoffman Adam S. , Werghi Baraa , Bare Simon R. , Kulkarni Ambarish R.
Published: November 2024

We present the Multi‐site (MS) QuantEXAFS approach, designed to model the EXAFS data from samples containing an element in different local bonding geometries. Building upon our QuantEXAFS method, which maps experimental extended X‐ray absorption fine structures (EXAFS) data to DFT‐optimized structures, MS‐QuantEXAFS introduces the key capability to probe fractional contributions of multiple sites that may be present in an experimental sample. Specifically, we demonstrate effectiveness of this technique by investigating mixed samples containing known fractions of site‐isolated subsurface Pt/MgO with Pt nanoparticles uniformly supported on MgO. The ‘site‐fractions’ obtained through MS‐QuantEXAFS closely match (i. e., ±6%) the known fractions of the physically mixed samples. This approach has been generalized to other oxides, and thus represents an important advance in quantifying the speciation of non‐uniform catalyst samples.
Engineering and Evaluating Vascularized Organotypic Spheroids On‐Chip
Authors: Tronolone James J. , Mohamed Nadin , Chaftari Christopher P. , Sun Yuxiang , Mathur Tanmay , Jain Abhishek
Published: November 2024

Organotypic spheroids are evolving as a mainstream in vitro modeling platform, but it is crucial to integrate vascular tissue and perfusion for maintaining their longevity, stability, and physiological relevance. Current vascularization methods remain underdeveloped, and several protocols are poorly reproducible and are limited to use by a few select groups who have designed these methods. To achieve standardization, we offer a step‐by‐step guide to vascularize organotypic spheroids in case studies of pancreatic islets and cancer spheroids. Our systematic approach spans microfluidic chip design, spheroid fabrication, and vascularization techniques (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis) while describing critical tissue engineering methods. We also include additional insights and operating guidelines within our protocols that characterize and quantitate these models with molecular assays as well as our integrated computational algorithms of mass transport through formed capillary vessels. These protocols contribute to establishing reproducibility, standardization, and enhanced adoption by other contemporary organ‐chip researchers, who want to engineer vascularized organoid‐based microphysiological platforms. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Design and fabrication of microfluidic chips for vascularized spheroids

Basic Protocol 2: Organotypic spheroid fabrication

Basic Protocol 3: Vascularized spheroids on‐chip

Basic Protocol 4: Functionality assays

Support Protocol 1: Cell Culture

Support Protocol 2: Immunocytochemistry
To what extent is the banking sector devoted to sustainability? A bibliometric and content analysis
Authors: Santiago Moises Flavia , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de
Published: November 2024

This research explores the diverse scenario of sustainability in the banking sector, aiming to comprehensively map the existing literature on the subject. It uses a comprehensive literature review methodology, applying bibliometric and content analysis techniques. Based on an analysis of 142 papers, the study traces the trajectory of sustainability in the banking sector, identifying key challenges and unresolved issues. The study not only offers insights into the interplay of sustainable practices but also sheds light on the internal struggles within the banking sector to integrate environmental, social, and governance practices into daily operations. The findings reveal that the main topics related to banking sustainability are sustainability reporting, banking performance, and customer loyalty. Additionally, the research examines the definitions of essential constructs, such as sustainable banking and finance, green banking and finance, exploring overlaps and distinctive characteristics. The findings provide valuable contributions to research by pinpointing critical literature gaps and offering practical insights into a broader sustainability agenda, including its primary challenges.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activities Evaluation of Type I FLT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yang Jin , Zhang Yan , Li Yue‐Chu , Wang Qing‐Xin , Zhang Meng‐Yuan , Xu Yu‐Jing , Wang Jing‐Jing , Liang Xiao‐Ting , Jing Xiao‐Long , Zhou Shuang‐Shuang , Li Qing‐Qing , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Zhou Yun , Qiao Nuo , Wei Tian‐Hua , Ding Ning , Xue Xin , Yu Yan‐Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Long , Sun Shan‐Liang , Dai Wei‐Chen , Li Nian‐Guang , Shi Zhi‐Hao
Published: November 2024

The abnormal overexpression of FLT3 kinase is intimately associated with pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), positioning FLT3 inhibitors as pivotal therapeutic agents. Despite the availability of three FDA‐approved FLT3 inhibitors, their clinical utility is hampered by resistance stemming from tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations. Through an integrative analysis of case studies, we identified a potential advantage of type I FLT3 inhibitors in overcoming TKD mutation‐induced resistance. Structure–activity relationships (SAR) analysis indicated that FW‐1 exhibited over 50% inhibition against FLT3 at a concentration of 1 μM and demonstrated potent activity against AML cell lines MV4‐11 (IC50 = 2.68 μM) and MOLM‐13 (IC50 = 1.03 μM). In our cellular mechanistic studies, FW‐1 also effectively induced apoptosis by arresting cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase. This study introduces FW‐1 as a promising lead for type I FLT3 inhibitor, warranting further optimization.
P−F Bond Activation of Organophosphates by [(iPrPNHP)Mn(CO)2]+
Authors: Prejanò Mario , Toscano Marirosa , Marino Tiziana
Published: November 2024

Organophosphate compounds (OPC) are chemical species with a broad range of applications from agricultural to medicinal chemistry, which however rose sadly to the fore for their use as chemical weapons worldwide. Several efforts are therefore carried out to contrast their toxic effects or to repurpose OPC for chemical synthesis. In this regard, metal‐containing systems, like metal‐organic frameworks or complexes, represent a valid solution for the treatments of OPC in a number of fields. Our work has been inspired by the recent findings concerning the reactivity of (iPrPNHP)Mn(CO)2(OH) (1) complex with P−F bond containing organophosphate compounds. We, in particular, have investigated three different OPC, which are diisopropylfluorophosphate (a), isopropylfluorophosphoric acid (b) and fluorophosphoric acid (c), extending the complex 1 reactivity to the nerve gas sarin (sa). The reaction concerns the leaving of fluoride from OPC, to produce relative defluorinated phosphates and the (iPrPNHP)Mn(CO)2(F) complex. Analysis of the calculations revealed that the reaction is favored from both thermodynamic and kinetical points of view for a substrate. Our results are in agreement with the available experimental data and represent a further confirmation of versatility of such metal‐complex to interact with P−F containing toxic agents.
Dynamic Instability Mechanism and Stress Staged Evolution of Gob‐Side Entry During Cross‐Fault Mining for Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Liu Xuesheng , Gao Yudong , Shi Zhihan , Li Xuebin , Pei Hongxi , Zhang Yu , Fan Deyuan
Published: November 2024

During cross‐fault mining, the stress concentration in the surrounding rock of thick coal seam gob‐side entry was prone to dynamic disasters. Based on the in‐site geological conditions of the No. 6305 coal face of the Xinjulong coal mine, a FLAC3D numerical simulation model was established to research the failure and stress staged evolution of coal pillar in the gob‐side entry during cross‐fault mining. By analyzing the relation of surrounding rock structure, the mechanical models of different stages during cross‐fault mining were established. Furthermore, the mechanical mechanism of coal pillars' dynamic instability under the influence of fault activation was revealed, and the mechanical criterion n was given. The control technology of ‘asymmetric strengthening support + roof cutting and pressure relief’ was proposed and designed. Field practice showed that the maximum roof‐to‐floor and two‐side displacements of the gob‐side entry are 249.3 mm and 150.4 mm, and the force of anchor cable is 184.2 kN. This research provided theoretical guidance and reference for the stability control of roadways within the influence range of fault under deep mining conditions.
Charting the Future of Assessments
Authors: Kyllonen Patrick , Sevak Amit , Ober Teresa , Choi Ikkyu , Sparks Jesse , Fishtein Daniel
Published: November 2024

Assessment refers to a broad array of approaches for measuring or evaluating a person's (or group of persons') skills, behaviors, dispositions, or other attributes. Assessments range from standardized tests used in admissions, employee selection, licensure examinations, and domestic and international large‐scale assessments of cognitive and behavioral skills to formative K–12 classroom curricular assessments. The various types of assessments are used for a wide variety of purposes, but they also have many common elements, such as standards for their reliability, validity, and fairness—even classroom assessments have standards.

We believe the future of assessment will involve a shift in emphasis on what skills will be measured, innovations in how we go about measuring them, the use of advanced technologies for test operations, and an expansion in the value and kinds of information that test takers will receive from taking the assessment.

In this paper, we argue and provide evidence for our belief that the future of assessment contains challenges but is promising. The challenges include risks associated with security and exposure of personal data, test score bias, and inappropriate test uses, all of which may be exacerbated by the growing infiltration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our lives. The promise is increasing opportunities for testing to help individuals achieve their education and career goals and contribute to well‐being and overall quality of life. To help achieve this promise we focus on the evidence‐based science of measurement in education and workplace learning, a theme throughout this paper.
Wildland Urban Interface Codes in the USA: Comparison Between the Codes From the International Code Council and the State of California
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M.
Published: November 2024

Two organizations in the United States have developed codes to protect against the hazards associated with wildfires: the International Code Council (ICC; a private not‐for‐profit organization) and the state of California. Both codes contain strict requirements that, when put into effect, do significantly improve fire safety. The ICC code (IWUIC) has been adopted (either as issued or with amendments) by several states in the USA while the California code (CA Chapter 7A) applies only in that state. There are many similarities between both sets of codes but there are also some clear differences. The most important difference is that CA Chapter 7A allows wood that has not been treated with fire retardants (untreated wood) to be used on decks and walls, while the IWUIC requires the use of materials with improved fire performance for those applications. On the other hand, there are also requirements in CA Chapter 7A that are more conducive to fire safety than the equivalent ones in the IWUIC. One example is the fact that CA Chapter 7A does not permit the use of coated wood materials, in view of the act that all wildland applications involve exterior use and that coatings on wood materials have been shown to be susceptible to suffer fire performance degradation when exposed to weather; IWUIC is silent on that issue, meaning that the use of coated wood materials is not prohibited. The two codes (in the USA only) will be compared and contrasted in this work with respect to delivering improved fire safety.
Multi‐Parameter Investigation of Cretaceous to Palaeocene Sedimentary Sequences in the Anambra and Niger Delta Basins, Nigeria: Organic Matter Characterisation, Palynofacies and Implications for Palaeoclimate and Sea‐Level Changes
Authors: Omietimi Erepamo J. , Lenhardt Nils , Yang Renchao , Götz Annette E. , Edegbai Aitalokhai J. , Bumby Adam J.
Published: November 2024

The Anambra Basin of Nigeria, part of the larger West and Central African Rift System (WCARS) across Africa, contains primarily Cretaceous to Palaeocene shallow to marginal marine and freshwater sedimentary deposits. The organic‐rich deposits of the Cretaceous Nkporo and Mamu formations within the Anambra Basin and the Palaeocene Imo Formation of the Niger Delta Basin constitute important conventional source rocks. Despite its economic significance, research on organic matter characterisation, palynofacies, sea‐level fluctuations, palaeoclimate, hydrogeography, basin restriction, palaeobathymetry and the factors controlling organic matter preservation remains largely undocumented. The here presented new inorganic and organic geochemical and organic petrography data of the Cretaceous to Palaeocene deposits serve to refine the regional interpretation at a basinal scale and within the supra‐regional context of the WCARS. Geochemical palaeotemperature proxies suggest a warm and humid tropical palaeoclimate during the Late Cretaceous within the study area. Furthermore, the measured TOC values indicate poor to very good organic content. Palynofacies analysis revealed high abundances of opaque and translucent phytoclasts and low amounts of palynomorphs with negligible amorphous organic matter (AOM) in the studied mudrocks. Two palynofacies groups suggest shallow‐marine conditions in a proximal shelf setting and a heterolithic oxic basin. The palynofacies of the upper Imo Formation reveal higher percentages of dinoflagellate cysts during the early highstand phase, with equidimensional, opaque phytoclasts representing the maximum flooding phase, accompanied by warmer conditions. Additionally, abundant terrestrial phytoclasts, Deltoidospora spp., Classopollis spp. and geochemical indicators collectively indicate warm tropical climatic conditions consistent with geochemical interpretations. The palaeobathymetry reconstructions suggest a shallow seaway during the Upper Cretaceous in the Anambra Basin.
Modelling Groundwater Hydrological Drought and Its Recovery Given Natural and Anthropogenic Scenarios in South America
Authors: Vega‐Briones Jorge , Sutanudjaja Edwin H. , de Jong Steven , Wanders Niko
Published: November 2024

Changes in groundwater recharge are a major concern in areas where increasing irrigated agriculture evidences unsustainable groundwater withdrawals despite low precipitation. This is worsening due to the increasing groundwater demand, which has intensified the magnitude of the hydrological drought by 10%–500%. Globally, 69% of groundwater abstraction is used for agriculture. Hence, South America is expected to face an unprecedented hydrological drought over the next 30 years due to rising agricultural withdrawals. Furthermore, attributing groundwater decline to groundwater pumping is an ongoing challenge (including scientific and technical/modelling challenges) that needs to be robustly addressed. To better understand the influence of anthropogenic water consumption on hydrological drought, with a particular emphasis on how irrigated agriculture impacts groundwater, we compared coupled and non‐coupled versions of PCR‐GLOBWB2.0 with MODFLOW regarding model selection and scenario comparison. We presented a natural and human scenario to understand the effects of hydrological drought on groundwater depletion and recovery. Using scenario comparison, the spatial patterns of human impact on the water cycle are identified by comparing groundwater flows, drought characteristics, and drought recovery. These impacted areas may help to understand their effects on human consumption, food security, and ecosystem demands.
A Cutting‐Edge Hybrid Deep Learning Technique with Low Rank Approximation for Attacks Classification on IoT Traffic Data
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Rani Shalli
Published: November 2024

Network security is experiencing huge challenges as network attacks on traffic data become more frequent and sophisticated. In this paper, we employ hybrid deep learning models and low‐rank approximation to present a novel method for multi‐label categorization of network assaults on traffic data. Our suggested solution, LR‐CNN‐MLP, consists of three models a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP), a hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN), and a low‐rank approximation model. While the CNN and MLP models extract features and categorize data, respectively, the low‐rank approximation model reduces the input's dimensionality. Overall, by combining hybrid models and low‐rank approximation, our proposed LR‐CNN‐MLP approach provides a promising solution for multi‐label categorization of network attacks on traffic data. LR‐CNN‐MLP achieves the highest results of performance metrics such as 0.944 precision, 0.979 recall, 0.961 F1‐score and 98.17 accuracy.
Literacy in everyday life: How bilingual college students repurposed and adapted literacy spaces
Authors: Foran Timothy M.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to understand how bilingual college students constructed literacy spaces across their lives rather than an in‐school/out‐of‐school dichotomy. Drawing on Lefebvre's (1991) spatial triad as a lens to examine the participants' spatial literacy practices, the findings show that some participants repurposed planned spaces into literacy ones while others relied on the planned aspect of space. Furthermore, adapting spatial literacy practices to meet life and semester demands significantly impacted the participants' ability to compose college essays. This study has implications for college writing instructors because it shows that students' literacy spaces are contingent on the social production of space beyond the physical classroom and calls for a greater emphasis on the role of space in college.
Laboratory Biochemical and Hematological Parameters: Early Predictive Biomarkers for Diagnosing Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Bagheri Saeede , Fard Ghazaleh Behrouzian , Talkhi Nasrin , Rashidi Zadeh Davoud , Mobarra Naser , Mousavinezhad Seyedmahdi , Khamse Fatemeh Mirzaeian , Hosseini Bafghi Mahdi
Published: November 2024

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide concern, causing liver damage and necessitating early detection to prevent its spread. Studies indicate that evaluating changes in biochemical and hematological parameters, which serve as suitable predictors of inflammation, can be a reasonable method for diagnosing hepatitis C infection.

Methods

This study analyzed 100 samples from high‐risk patients positively identified via quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). Anti‐HCV titers, biochemical and inflammatory tests, and complete blood cell counts (CBCs) were performed for these individuals. Additionally, 100 HCV‐negative individuals with normal laboratory results were selected as the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the cutoff values of the laboratory parameters.

Results

According to the findings, the age, average white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and ferritin levels were significantly higher in HCV patients. On the other hand, red blood cell (RBC) counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin‐to‐platelet ratio (HPR), and iron (Fe) levels were significantly lower in the case group compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis revealed that lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, and PLR were very strong predictors for hepatitis C infection (p < 0.0001, AUC = 1).

Conclusion

The study highlights significant biochemical and hematological differences between HCV patients and healthy subjects. These biomarkers are crucial for early diagnosis, potentially preventing liver damage and reducing HCV transmission.
“I Speak Up for Myself, My Family, and for My Community”: How Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Respond to Anti‐Asian Racism During COVID‐19
Authors: Nguyen Julie K. , Chu Wendy , Yu Stephanie H. , Ng Andrea C.
Published: November 2024

This qualitative study explored how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) responded to anti‐Asian racism during COVID‐19. Participants (n = 459; Mage = 26.4 years; 77.8% female) completed a survey and responded to the open‐ended question: “How have you responded to anti‐Asian racism since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic?” Reflective thematic analysis was utilized to code responses. Three themes were identified, indicating that AANHPIs engaged in knowledge sharing and cultural exploration; experienced emotional reactions that galvanized efforts to take care of themselves, friends, family, and their community; and engaged in advocacy and activism to advance social justice. Subthemes were also identified to further characterize responses. Results reflect how AANHPI communities responded to anti‐Asian racism by leveraging cultural strengths and taking the initiative to create social change. These findings have individual‐, organizational‐, and community‐level implications to mitigate the impacts of anti‐Asian racism and promote the well‐being of AANHPI communities.
Validating the DIVERT scales, CARS, and EARLI for predicting emergency department visits in home health care in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ono Takao , Watase Hiroko , Ishihara Takuma , Watase Taketo , Kang Kiho , Iwata Mitsunaga
Published: November 2024

Background

The Detection of Indicators and Vulnerabilities for Emergency Room Trips (DIVERT) scale, the Community Assessment Risk Screen (CARS), and the Emergency Admission Risk Likelihood Index (EARLI) are scales that assess the risk of emergency department (ED) visits among home health care patients. This study validated these scales and explored factors that could improve their predictive accuracy among Japanese home health care patients.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome of unplanned ED visits was used to assess the validity of the DIVERT scale, CARS, and EARLI. Additionally, we examined whether the addition of patient age and receipt of advance care planning as variables on these assessments could enhance their precision.

Results

Altogether, 40 (17.8%) had at least one ED visit during the 6 months study period. In these patients, the DIVERT scale, CARS, and EARLI of the patients with ≥1 ED visit was superior compared with no ED visit (both p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the DIVERT scale, CARS, and EARLI were 0.62, 0.59, and 0.60, respectively. Adding patient age and receipt of advance care planning improved the AUC in all three scales.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that these assessment scales could be applicable to home health care patients in Japan. Furthermore, adding age and receipt of advance care planning as variables was found to enhance the predictive accuracy of the scales.
Strategic Pivoting in Deep Tech: An Investigation of NSF I‐Corps Teams
Authors: Bellavitis Cristiano , Tran Mi Hoang , Wiklund Johan
Published: November 2024

This study examines the role of strategic pivoting in early‐stage deep tech startups participating in the NSF I‐Corps program. Analyzing data from 230 teams, we found that 95% of teams adjusted at least one component of their business model, with 66% making notable changes involving four or more components. The most frequently altered components were value propositions and customer segments, suggesting the importance of achieving product‐market fit. Our findings emphasize the dynamic and iterative nature of business model development in deep tech startups, as well as the important role of strategic adaptability in overcoming the challenges of market exploration and commercialization.
Integrated Local Search Technique With Reptile Search Algorithm for Solving Large‐Scale Bound Constrained Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Abu‐Hashem Muhannad A. , Shehab Mohammad , Shambour Mohd Khaled , Abualigah Laith
Published: November 2024

The Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) is a powerful modern optimization technique that effectively solves intricate problems across various fields. Despite its notable success, the local search aspect of RSA requires enhancement to overcome issues such as limited solution variety, a pattern of falling into local optimal traps, and the possibility of early convergence. In response to these challenges, this research introduces an innovative paradigm that melds the robust and time‐honoured local search technique, Simulated Annealing (SA), with RSA, christened henceforth as SARSA. This amalgamation aims to tackle the qualities of both strategies, synergistically improving their optimization capabilities. We utilize a broad and thorough assessment system to survey the viability and strength of SARSA. A comprehensive cluster of benchmark issues sourced from the CEC 2019 benchmark suite and an assorted set of real‐world challenges drawn from the CEC 2011 store is utilized as the test bed. This fastidiously curated testbed guarantees an intensive examination of SARSA's execution over a wide range of issues and complexities. Our observational discoveries substantiate that SARSA beats the foundational RSA and a few related calculations reported within the existing body of writing, in this manner setting up SARSA as a critical progression in optimization calculations. The prevalent execution illustrated by SARSA highlights its potential for broad application and underscores its utility in handling complex optimization issues viably.
Analysis of mechanical and vibration properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with SiO2/Al2O3 micron particles
Authors: Han Yu , Shi Zelin , Hua Chenpeng , Sang Yunfei , Gao Hang , Wang Yi‐Qi
Published: November 2024

SiO2 and Al2O3 micron particle effects on the mechanical and vibration properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were systematically investigated by incorporating these particles into the epoxy resin. CFRP laminates were prepared by adding various weight fractions (0–10 wt. %) of micron particles to the epoxy resin. The influence of cutout shape and the angle (θcf) between square cutout and fiber orientation on the vibrational performance of CFRP laminates were investigated. As the particle weight fraction (PWF) increased, the tensile, bending, interlaminar shear, and vibration properties of CFRP initially improved and then declined. The flexure strength of samples with 4 wt. % SiO2 and Al2O3 particles increased by 11.70%. The samples with 8 wt. % SiO2 and Al2O3 particles exhibited the highest damping ratio, which was 4.59 times greater than that of the samples without particles. The cutout shape and θcf influence the vibration performance of CFRP laminates. For the rectangular cutout, the sample with θcf = 22.5° exhibits the highest damping ratio, exceeding those at 0° and 45° by 2.28% and 7.10%, respectively.

Highlights

Three‐roll milling can disperse 4 wt.% particles in resin.

SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ particles improve mechanical properties of CFRP.

SiO2 and Al2O3 particles increased the damping ratio of CFRP by 359.22%.

Circular cutout minimally reduces the first‐order natural frequency of CFRP.

Angle between rectangular cutout and fiber affects CFRP vibrational properties.
Effect of recycling and bio‐filler addition on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior of the injection molded flax/PLA green composite
Authors: Debnath Mitali , Chakraborty Prasun , Surya Rao Gorrepotu
Published: November 2024

This study explores the mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with flax fiber (FF) during recycling. The influence of the addition of bio‐filler (w/w) on the recycling of FF/PLA composites was also analyzed. The recycling influencing the performance of FF/PLA composite was compared with that of halloysite nanotube (HNT)/FF‐PLA composites. The FF/PLA and HNT/FF‐PLA composited were fabricated by injection molding subjected to multiple recycling. The tensile and flexural properties of both composites were assessed after each recycling. Fractured specimens of the recycled samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope to study their morphology. Thermal degradation was evaluated through thermogravimetric analysis of the recycled FF/PLA and HNT/FF‐PLA samples. After the fifth recycling process, the HNT/FF‐PLA composite experienced a decrease in tensile strength by 75.01% and flexural strength by 59.88%. The performance of FF/PLA and HNT/FF‐PLA composites was detrimentally affected due to the thermal deterioration of flax fiber and the subsequent decrease in fiber length resulting from repeated reprocessing. The highest degradation for non‐recycled FF/PLA and HNT/FF‐PLA samples occurred at temperatures of 354°C and 347°C, respectively. Whereas the maximum degradation for recycled cellulose (RC)‐5 (fifth recycled) FF/PLA and HNT/FF‐PLA composite occurred at 328 and 327°C.

Highlights

Adding 1% HNT increased the tensile and flexural strength by 12.5% and 1.79%.

The behavior of the composites was affected by the thermal degradation of FF.

The maximum degradation of RC‐5 FF/PLA composite occurred at 327°C.

The maximum degradation for RC‐5 HNT/FF‐PLA composite was noticed at 328°C.
Surface modification of nano‐SiO2 and its interaction mechanism in the interface of fiber metal laminates: Experimental and MD simulation analysis
Authors: Guo Jinzhan , Zhan Lihua , Ma Bolin , Dai Guangming , Fan Yisa , Zhang Dechao , Hu Xin , Xie Min , Cao Zheng
Published: November 2024

In order to optimize the reinforcing effect of nano‐SiO2 on the interface of fiber metal laminates (FMLs), the nano‐SiO2 was treated by ultraviolet irradiation and silane coupling agent for different surface properties. The interaction mechanisms of nano‐SiO2 were studied by mechanical test, chemical analysis, morphology observation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results showed that the average failure strength of FMLs with untreated, hydrophilic and lipophilic nano‐SiO2 increases by 31.80%, 48.77%, and 51.38% compared to the FMLs without SiO2, respectively, and the interface fracture energy for those increases by 31.50%, 74.82%, and 21.47%, respectively. The disparity among the properties is primarily attributed to the surface polarity. The surface group of untreated and hydrophilic SiO2 is hydroxyl, which shows stronger attraction to resin but also easy to agglomerate, while the lipophilic is silane group that shows lower polarity, resulting in weaker attraction to resin but easier dispersion within the resin. Specifically, the surface polarity was verified by characterizing the particle center distance and the number of atoms surrounded by the particle in the two‐particle model. Moreover, the simulation revealed that nano‐SiO2 and resin molecules are mainly connected by chemical bond and hydrogen bond to transfer the load.

Highlights

The mechanism was explored by experiment and molecular dynamic simulation.

The addition of lipophilic SiO2 increased the failure strength by 51.38%.

The incorporation of hydrophilic SiO2 enhanced fracture energy by 74.82%.

The polarity of the surface group of SiO2 affected the agglomeration/dispersion.

The SiO2 and resin were mainly connected by chemical bond and hydrogen bond.