bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between tunneled catheter placement and catheter‐associated deep venous thrombosis in adults with inflammatory bowel disease receiving home parenteral nutrition: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Siddiqui Mohamed Tausif , Coughlin Kathleen L. , Koenen Brian , Al‐Yaman Wael , Bestgen Ashley , Regueiro Miguel , Kirby Donald F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of thrombosis. They often need parenteral nutrition (PN) requiring intravenous access for prolonged periods. We assessed the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and tunneled catheters for patients with IBD receiving home PN (HPN).

Methods

Using the Cleveland Clinic HPN Registry, we retrospectively studied a cohort of adults with IBD who received HPN between June 30, 2019 and January 1, 2023. We collected demographics, catheter type, and catheter‐associated DVT (CADVT) data. We performed descriptive statistics and Poisson tests to compare CADVT rates among parameters of interest. We generated Kaplan‐Meier graphs to illustrate longevity of CADVT‐free survival and a Cox proportional hazard model to calculate the hazard ratio associated with CADVT.

Results

We collected data on 407 patients, of which, 276 (68%) received tunneled catheters and 131 (32%) received PICCs as their initial catheter. There were 17 CADVTs with an overall rate of 0.08 per 1000 catheter days, whereas individual rates of DVT for PICCs and tunneled catheters were 0.16 and 0.05 per 1000 catheter days, respectively (P = 0.03). After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidity, CADVT risk was significantly higher for PICCs compared with tunneled catheters, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.962 (95% CI=1.140–7.698; P = 0.025) and adjusted incidence rate ratio of 3.66 (95% CI=2.637–4.696; P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Our study shows that CADVT risk is nearly three times higher with PICCs compared with tunneled catheters. We recommend tunneled catheter placement for patients with IBD who require HPN infusion greater than 30 days.
Heterogeneous Presentations and Serologies in Myasthenia Gravis Patients Presenting with Dysphagia
Authors: Moffatt Clare , Pillutla Pranati , Soltanzadeh Payam , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction. MG patients may present de novo with primary otolaryngology complaints, including swallowing dysfunction. This study describes a range of unique presentations and rare diagnostic serologies, which have not previously been fully described.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with primary symptom of dysphagia and subsequently diagnosed with MG. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, swallow studies, serology, imaging, treatment, and response.

Results

Five patients met the inclusion criteria. Four endorsed dysphagia as primary complaint and one endorsed dysphagia and dysphonia. All patients underwent in‐office swallow evaluations that showed vallecular or pyriform sinus residue. Three patients completed modified barium swallow studies that showed pharyngeal weakness and epiglottic dysfunction in all, and upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction in two. One patient with additional symptom of dyspnea was admitted and found to be in myasthenic crisis. Upon serologic evaluation, three patients were positive for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies only, one for muscle‐specific‐kinase (MuSK) antibodies only, and one for low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4 (LRP4) antibodies only. All patients received neurology evaluation and were treated with steroids, pyridostigmine, plasma exchange, or rituximab. In three patients with over 1 year follow‐up, symptoms were significantly improved or resolved.

Conclusion

MG is an important differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained pharyngeal dysphagia. While workup can include AChR antibody screening, in seronegative patients with persistent symptoms, additional testing for MuSK and LRP4 may lead to diagnosis and effective treatment.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4903–4910, 2024
Detection of soil salinity distribution and its change in the Yellow River Delta comparing 2006 and 2022
Authors: Yang Qing , Fan Xiaomei , Wang Linlin , Tang Ying , Huang Liuhong
Published: July 2024

The Yellow River Delta (YRD) has the world's highest land formation rate. However, soil salinization has caused severe land degradation in the region. Understanding the distribution of soil salinity and its variation is essential for saline soil management. This study combined soil salinity sampling data, remote sensing imagery, and layers of geographic environmental factors. Three different models, including Ordinary Kriging (OK), Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME), were used and compared to predict the soil salinity of two soil layers in 2006 and 2022. Then the spatial distribution characteristics and development trends of soil salinity in the YRD were analyzed. The results indicated that (1) The BME model is an optimal salinity prediction model that integrates soft data from multiple sources to perform nonlinear estimates. Compared to the OK and GWR models, the RMSE was reduced by up to 25% and 13%, respectively, and the greatest improvement in R2 was increased from 0.0534 and 0.2718 to 0.5569, respectively. (2) Soil salinity in the YRD shows a spatially increasing trend from the southwestern inland to the northeastern coast. Over the past 16 years, the salinization pattern has become more complex: soil salinization has been mitigated in the central and southern regions, with the average salinity decreasing from 1.03% to 0.86% and the salinization rate decreasing from 99% to 88%; and it has significantly intensified in the northern part of the study area near the old Yellow River channel and the Gubei Reservoir, and in some scattered inland areas. Continuous water and sediment regulation in the Yellow River basin and ecological management of natural reserves can generally alleviate soil salinization, but the risk of soil salinization can be increased by seawater erosion, inappropriate land use, and resource exploitation.
Frequency‐Space Selective Fano Resonance Based on a Micro‐Ring Resonator on Lithium Niobate on Insulator
Authors: Yuan Tingge , Wang Xueyi , Wu Jiangwei , Li Hao , Chen Yuping , Chen Xianfeng
Published: July 2024

Corresponding to the different phase‐shifts of the interference modes, the whispering gallery mode resonator‐based Fano resonance exhibits a variety of unique spectral lineshapes that can be applied to sensing, optical signal processing, and so on. However, most approaches to lineshape tuning aim to alter the propagation phase‐shift or coupling strength, and generally suffer from relatively low efficiency and limited tuning range. In this paper, with a carefully designed waveguide‐taper coupled micro‐ring resonator structure and the assistance with the grating‐coupler, for the first time a near full‐lineshape selectivity of the Fano resonance is demonstrated in two isolated tuning dimensions of the frequency and transverse space, which means arbitrary lineshapes including the Lorentzian‐dip, asymmetric Fano peak or electromagnetically‐induced‐transparency (EIT)‐like peak can be obtained at a specific resonance wavelength in the whole C‐band. In addition to the different types of line shapes, the extinction ratio can also be enhanced by dynamically tuning the coupling position. This research provides an efficient approach to manipulate the transmission spectra of the Fano resonance, which is of great importance in promoting its further applications on integrated photonics platforms.
When life throws curveballs: Unpacking consumers’ compensatory strategies
Authors: Rauber Gabriela Nogueira , Barros Lucia Salmonson Guimarães , Zambaldi Felipe , Perin Marcelo Gattermann
Published: July 2024

Compensatory consumption is a typical strategy used by consumers to alleviate feelings of self‐discrepancy. This phenomenon occurs in multiple contexts, and the related literature has experienced rapid and fragmented growth. This article presents a systematic review of 96 articles on compensatory consumption published in 42 journals over 26 years (from 1997 to 2023). Using the antecedents, decisions, and outcomes (ADO) model, we propose a framework that covers the entire compensatory consumption journey, linking an individual's types of discrepancy with the underlying mechanisms, coping strategies, and compensatory behaviors. We also explore the positive and negative outcomes of compensatory behaviors and the potential for the process to become a continuous compensation cycle. Our findings highlight four significant themes (antecedents, compensation strategies, outcomes, and methodologies) that need to be further investigated in future studies.
Vernetzungstreffen der Praktikumsleitungen der Anorganisch‐Chemischen Grundpraktika
Authors: Krieck Sven
Published: July 2024

Anfang März fand in Köln das dritte Vernetzungstreffen der Praktikumsleiterinnen und ‐leiter der anorganisch‐chemischen Grundpraktika statt. Aufgrund eines kurzfristig angekündigten Streiks der Lokführer wurde ein hybrides Format gewählt, sodass insgesamt 26 Teilnehmende entweder vor Ort oder per Zoom bei der zweitägigen Veranstaltung dabei sein konnten.
Gründen und gewinnen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: July 2024

Der Startup‐Verband hat Menschen in Deutschland ausgezeichnet, die neue Unternehmen aufgebaut oder dabei geholfen haben. Darunter ist Nils Aldag, einer der Sunfire‐Gründer.
Assessing numeracy and medication calculations within undergraduate nursing education: A qualitative study
Authors: Minty‐Walker Christine , Wilson Nathan J. , Rylands Leanne , Pettigrew Jim , Hunt Leanne
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore how undergraduate nursing students are assessed on nursing numeracy and medication calculations from the perspective of Australian nurse education leaders.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 nurse education leaders between November 2022 and January 2023. Braun and Clarke's six phases of thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results

Five key themes were identified: (i) high expectations to keep the public safe, (ii) diverse assessment formats, (iii) different ways of managing assessment integrity, (iv) assessment conditions incongruent to the clinical setting and (v) supporting struggling students.

Conclusion

Nurse education leaders set high standards requiring students to achieve 100% in numeracy and medication calculation assessments, thus maintaining the reputation of nursing and patient safety. However, students struggled to meet this expectation. Diverse assessment formats were implemented, with some examination conditions contrary to clinical practice. Currently, there is no benchmark or independent point of registration examination in Australia, hence the problem is each university had a different standard to judge students' competence. Gaining insight into how these assessments are conducted provides an opportunity to work towards an evidence‐based model or benchmark for the assessment of numeracy.

Implications for the Profession

Dosage errors in clinical practice threaten patient safety and the reputation of the nursing profession. The accuracy rate of calculations by undergraduate and registered nurses is deficient worldwide. This research highlights a major educational issue, that being the wide variation in how numeracy assessments are conducted with no clear pedagogical rationale for a standardised method. Such assessments would establish a national standard, contributing to quality assurance, the development of the nursing profession and improve patient safety.
Convergence and stability analysis of energy stable and bound‐preserving numerical schemes for binary fluid‐surfactant phase‐field equations
Authors: Duan Jiayi , Li Xiao , Qiao Zhonghua
Published: July 2024

In this article, we develop stable and efficient numerical schemes for a binary fluid‐surfactant phase‐field model which consists of two Cahn–Hilliard type equations with respect to the free energy containing a Ginzburg–Landau double‐well potential, a logarithmic Flory–Huggins potential and a nonlinear coupling entropy. The numerical schemes, which are decoupled and linear, are established by the central difference spatial approximation in combination with the first‐ and second‐order exponential time differencing methods based on the convex splitting of the free energy. For the sake of the linearity of the schemes, the nonlinear terms, especially the logarithmic term, are approximated explicitly, which requires the bound preservation of the numerical solution to make the algorithm robust. We conduct the convergence analysis and prove the bound‐preserving property in details for both first‐ and second‐order schemes, where the high‐order consistency analysis is applied to the first‐order case. In addition, the energy stability is also obtained by the nature of the convex splitting. Numerical experiments are performed to verify the accuracy and stability of the schemes and simulate the dynamics of phase separation and surfactant adsorption.
The clinical spectrum associated with ERCC5 mutations: Is there a relationship between phenotype and genotype?
Authors: Zhang Jinpeng , Ma Jiannan , Luo Yuanyuan , Hong Siqi , Jiang Li , Li Tianyi
Published: July 2024

Mutations in the ERCC5 gene can lead to different clinical phenotypes, few articles have reported the clinical phenotypes in detail and explained the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The clinical data of cases with ERCC5 gene mutations diagnosed in our center and reported in previous studies were collected. The cases were divided into three groups based on phenotype; the differences of clinical manifestation and genotype among groups were analyzed. Genetic tests showed a complex heterozygous mutation of the ERCC5 gene with paternal C.402_C.403 (exon 4) insA (p.T135Nfs*28) and maternal C.1096 (exon 8) C > T (p.R366X.821) in our case. The gene mutation has not been reported and was predicted to seriously affect the protein structure. According to a review of 59 cases of ERCC5 mutations, cerebrooculofacioskeletal syndrome (COFS) occurred in 16 cases, XP in 19 cases, and XP/CS in 24 cases. The incidence of physical retardation, mental retardation, peripheral neuropathy, magnetic resonance abnormalities and fundus/vision abnormalities in XP/CS patients was significantly higher than that in XP patients. In addition, patients with the XP/CS phenotype were more prone to appearance abnormalities, deafness, and epilepsy, and cheilitis and tumors were more common in patients with the XP phenotype, but the differences were not significant. XP/CS can cause abnormal liver function and even fatality, which should be given attention. ERCC5 mutation‐related diseases were characterized by mild to severe clinical phenotypes. In addition to tumors, liver function should be considered in ERCC5‐related diseases, and patients should be cautious with medication to avoid drug‐induced liver injury.
Addressing suicidality in autistic youth: Implications for school mental health professionals
Authors: Rodriguez Geovanna , Holmberg Dania R. , Fredrick Amber , Stadelman Susan J.
Published: July 2024

Suicide is a complex, multifaceted crisis affecting children and adolescents, and has become a major public health concern. While there is a plethora of research on this topic among neurotypically developing youth, much less is known about the nature of suicidality in autistic individuals. Autistic youth show an increased vulnerability for suicidal tendencies that are poorly understood among school mental health (SMH) professionals, who report a range of competency and self‐efficacy to address suicidality in school settings (Debski et al., 2007; O'Neill et al., 2020). Co‐occurring mental health difficulties pose significant challenges in the early detection of suicide risk in autistic youth. Given that suicide is the leading cause of death among autistic individuals, the incidence of suicidality among autistic youth is of particular concern. This article provides a practice‐friendly review of the research outlining innate vulnerabilities that present risk factors for suicide among autistic youth, along with assessment considerations that help inform the management of suicide risk in autistic youth. We conclude with recommendations for integrating a multi‐tiered neurodiverse‐affirming approach with sensitivity for student intersecting identities and system‐level influences on student mental health that enables SMH professionals to create supportive school environments for autistic youth that prevent further harm.
The Teachers' Mental Health Literacy Scale
Authors: Skrzypek Candra
Published: July 2024

Teachers play a critical role in school mental health. They aid in the identification and referral of students in need of mental health services and are key players in implementing interventions. Nevertheless, teachers often lack the education and training needed to support youths' mental health. Increasing teachers' mental health literacy (MHL) is recognized as a needed area of focus in improving systems' responses to youths' mental health needs, yet no current tools assess teachers' complete MHL. A measure of MHL for in‐service teachers based on current conceptualizations of MHL in the context of schools was developed and tested. The 24‐item scale was tested in a sample of 407 full‐time teachers in the United States and initial psychometric testing supports its use. The analytic strategy included an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability analysis via Cronbach's α, and convergent validity analysis via zero‐order correlations between the Teachers' MHL Scale and theoretically linked constructs. The final scale includes four subscales that measure teachers' understanding of how to promote well‐being, recognize potential problems, link students in need to appropriate resources, and the link between well‐being and school success. The underlying theory supporting the tool's development and suggestions for its use are discussed.
Extended time test accommodations: Does use correspond to score comparability for students with disabilities deemed in need?
Authors: Witmer Sara E. , Marinho Nathalie
Published: July 2024

Extended time is frequently recommended for students with disabilities (SWD) with an intent to remove barriers to accurate measurement of their underlying knowledge and skills. However, empirical findings have varied in terms of whether extended time conditions are an appropriate method for doing so, raising questions of whether frequent recommendation is warranted. Existing score comparability studies have not carefully attended to whether students for whom the extended time accommodation has been recommended truly need, use, and benefit from extended time. In the current study, math test process data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress were used to explore and compare score comparability, as determined via analysis of differential item functioning, for SWD specifically deemed by school teams to need extended time. Score comparability was evident regardless of whether or not the students actually used extended time, begging the question of whether, for many SWD, extended time is truly necessary for score comparability to be achieved. Implications for practice, including methods for more specifically identifying who indeed needs extended time, as well as options for alternative accommodations and interventions that may better target the needs of students who don't truly need and/or use it are offered.
Oppenheimer: Der Wissenschaftler als Kunstfigur zwischen Film und Dokumentartheater
Authors: Heydenreich Aura
Published: July 2024

Wie wird die Figur des Wissenschaftlers Oppenheimer mit den Mitteln des literarischen Dokumentardramas (1964) und des Films (2024) ästhetisch modelliert?
Deep fakes and the Artificial Intelligence Act—An important signal or a missed opportunity?
Authors: Łabuz Mateusz
Published: July 2024

The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) adopted by the European Union might serve as a global regulatory reference point. Heated negotiations over the AI Act have shown that reconciling the interests of numerous stakeholders is not an easy task. As well as creating clear and precise rules that would enable implementing effective safeguards for citizens against the manipulative potential of technology. The AI Act introduces the first legal definition of deep fakes and creates a system of protection against their harmful applications, that is based on transparency obligations. I argue that in the course of negotiations, the EU has made progress in regulating deep fakes, but the adopted solutions should only be an introduction to a more strict protection of individuals. The AI Act targets a specific group of deep fakes, leaving some of them unregulated or poorly regulated and disregarding the consequences of nonconsensual deep fake pornography. By analyzing the legal provisions related to deep fakes in the AI Act, I point to the rationale behind the chosen forms of protection, criticize the shortcomings and list the consequences of adopting the AI Act for deep fakes landscape.
Optically transparent and refractive thiol‐ene polymers containing cyclotriphosphazenes
Authors: Jin Jeong‐Un , Lee Miyeon , You Nam‐Ho
Published: July 2024

A colorless, transparent thiol‐ene polymer network was developed that contains cyclic phosphazene units in the polymer chain. Hexakis (allyloxy) cyclotriphosphazene (HAP) was synthesized from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of phosphonitrilic chloride trimer and allyl alcohol. Thiol‐ene polymers (HAP‐SH) were successfully prepared without by‐products or the use of solvents through photopolymerization of the HAP and multithiol monomers with various functional group and flexible structures (e.g., 1,4‐butanedithiol (BDTH), 1,3,5‐benzenetrithiol (BTTH), trimethylolpropane tris (3‐mercaptopropionate) (TTMP) and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3‐mercaptopropionate) (PTTH)). The prepared HAP‐SH polymers showed sufficient thermal stability due to the high degree of cross‐linking. In addition, the HAP‐SH polymer films exhibited high optical transparency of over 90% in the visible region. The refractive indices of the HAP‐SH polymers measured at 637 nm were in the range of 1.5530–1.6344, and the Abbe number was calculated to be in the range of 34.5–47.1. These results are attributed to the structure of the cyclophosphazine and the polymer main chain containing aliphatic linkers with sulfur atoms. Another significant result was the transparency of the HAP‐SH polymer films in the mid‐infrared (MWIR) region. The thermal stability and excellent optical properties of the HAP‐SH polymers make them good candidates for application as a protective film for IR lenses, which are easily damaged by external factors.
Benefits of customizing dust hazard controls to meet your needs
Authors: Gaither Edward
Published: July 2024

The OSHA Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP), recent studies commissioned by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research Foundation and U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), as well as emphasis by insurance companies have brought more urgency to combustible dust safety. NFPA standards are being revised for consistency and clarity of standards for combustible dust safety. While that is a significant improvement from conditions of past decades, the situation can be improved even more by implementing risk‐based methods to help develop application‐specific explosion protection. Many facilities that handle combustible particulate solids follow prescriptive requirements of applicable NFPA standards, especially for new installations. Decisions are often driven primarily by meeting codes and standards with minimum capital cost. Legacy installations that do not meet current standards typically claim “grandfather” status as the reason for not implementing the current standard requirement or good engineering practice. The goal of this paper is to present a method of adapting the familiar process safety risk matrix to assess likelihood of a deflagration event rather than the overall the risk of a consequence. This method provides an objective basis to assist staff of a legacy facility to make decisions to prioritize capital improvement projects, to follow current good engineering practice, and to stop relying on “grandfather” status. This paper makes the broad, practical assumption that any deflagration event has serious consequences. The magnitude of those consequences may vary based on facility siting, deflagration area of effect, population of personnel in the affected area, or business criticality of affected equipment and structures. Decisions based solely on the likelihood matrix may inadvertently prioritize a more likely, but less consequential, concern over an event that may put multiple people at risk, or have serious commercial implications. Methods such as Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) are useful to more comprehensively understand risks. Flexible, outside‐the‐box thinking in applying safeguards, Independent Protection Layers (IPLs), administrative controls, and facility siting may provide a better solution than merely following prescriptive code without making the effort to fully understand the hazard.
University teaching of mass spectrometry as a key practical technique within the context of a fully integrated, spiral curriculum
Authors: Worrall Andrew F. , Campbell Craig D. , Midson Megan O. , Stewart Malcolm I.
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Mass spectrometry (MS) is introduced to high school students in the UK in many pre‐university course syllabi. As such, we have identified the use of MS as a key technique that should be taught practically to undergraduates from the outset of their studies. This mini‐review describes how we introduce and develop students' use of MS throughout our three‐year undergraduate spiral curriculum practical programme, using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS (APCI‐MS).

Methods

We have used an Advion ExpressionL spectrometer, fitted with an atmospheric solids analysis probe or a Plate Express TLC sampler for sample introduction.

Results

We have successfully demonstrated the use of APCI‐MS in a range of practicals and experiments covering organic and organometallic chemistries, with large cohorts of students gaining hands‐on instrumental experience in authentic research settings.

Conclusions

APCI‐MS has proven to be an easy‐to‐use and valuable addition to our undergraduate practical course. The robustness of the spectrometer enables routine use by large cohorts of students with minimal supervision, and routine maintenance can be carried out by non‐specialist technicians. Students can readily process and interpret results for a series of routine analyses, as well as demonstrate uses in problem‐solving exercises.
Autonomous navigation method based on RGB‐D camera for a crop phenotyping robot
Authors: Yang Meng , Huang Chenglong , Li Zhengda , Shao Yang , Yuan Jinzhan , Yang Wanneng , Song Peng
Published: July 2024

Phenotyping robots have the potential to obtain crop phenotypic traits on a large scale with high throughput. Autonomous navigation technology for phenotyping robots can significantly improve the efficiency of phenotypic traits collection. This study developed an autonomous navigation method utilizing an RGB‐D camera, specifically designed for phenotyping robots in field environments. The PP‐LiteSeg semantic segmentation model was employed due to its real‐time and accurate segmentation capabilities, enabling the distinction of crop areas in images captured by the RGB‐D camera. Navigation feature points were extracted from these segmented areas, with their three‐dimensional coordinates determined from pixel and depth information, facilitating the computation of angle deviation (α) and lateral deviation (d). Fuzzy controllers were designed with α and d as inputs for real‐time deviation correction during the walking of phenotyping robot. Additionally, the method includes end‐of‐row recognition and row spacing calculation, based on both visible and depth data, enabling automatic turning and row transition. The experimental results showed that the adopted PP‐LiteSeg semantic segmentation model had a testing accuracy of 95.379% and a mean intersection over union of 90.615%. The robot's navigation demonstrated an average walking deviation of 1.33 cm, with a maximum of 3.82 cm. Additionally, the average error in row spacing measurement was 2.71 cm, while the success rate of row transition at the end of the row was 100%. These findings indicate that the proposed method provides effective support for the autonomous operation of phenotyping robots.
The role of private sector investment in agriculture: A catalyst for sustainable development in Asia
Authors: Pickson Robert Becker , Gui Peng , Jian Lirong , Boateng Elliot
Published: July 2024

The agricultural sector is a crucial driver for sustainable development in many countries, as it directly or indirectly contributes to various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, this sector requires increasing financial investment to rejuvenate and modernise production processes. This study investigates the impact of private sector investment on agricultural production across selected Asian countries from 2001Q1 to 2020Q4. The results of the Driscoll‐Kraay regression and the method of moments quantile regression reveal that private agricultural investment positively affects agricultural production. The findings indicate positive contributions from agricultural aid, domestic credit, and rural population, whereas remittances negatively affect agricultural production. The Dumitrescu‐Hurlin panel causality test results establish bidirectional causality between farm production and its determinants (private agricultural investment, agricultural aid, domestic credit, remittances, and the rural population). Based on these findings, we recommend that policymakers and governments incentivise and facilitate private agricultural investment to drive sustainable development. This strategy could boost agricultural productivity and enhance a more resilient agricultural system capable of withstanding environmental challenges while improving farmers' incomes and livelihoods.
Recent Breakthroughs and Future Potential of Inorganic Nanocomposites in Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Virender  , Priyanka  , Neeraj  , Kumar Krishan , Prakash Ajay , Kumar Gupta Rakesh , Modi Krunal , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Singh Gurjaspreet , Mohan Brij
Published: July 2024

Green hydrogen synthesis has attracted researchers due to energy resource applications. Non‐renewable energy sources have been found to be incapable of meeting energy demands. Therefore, the need of the hour is to introduce an alternative to produce an efficient amount of H2. This review has summarized and investigated hetero‐catalysts and their hydrogen production potential under different light illuminations. Here, the syntheses of various nanoparticles (NPs) and composite semiconductors have been reviewed, and insights into the enhanced ability of noble‐free metal electrocatalysts have been provided. Specific nanomaterials, such as nickel, ruthenium, silver, boron‐doped SnO2, AgVO3, cobalt‐ferrite, and cobalt, dominate in synthesizing durable electrocatalysts. These exhibit Schottky junctions and enhance catalytic behaviour for hydrogen production. Finally, the challenges of the nanoparticle‘s structural and conductive properties and critical solutions are discussed. This review discusses mechanistic insights, interactions, and kinetics that involve a higher H2 synthesis rate.
Gelatin Nanoparticles can Improve Pesticide Delivery Performance to Plants
Authors: Park Sunho , Safdar Mahpara , Kim Woochan , Seol Jaehwi , Kim Dream , Lee Kyeong‐Hwan , Son Hyoung Il , Kim Jangho
Published: July 2024

Nanomaterials associated with plant growth and crop cultivation revolutionize traditional concepts of agriculture. However, the poor reiterability of these materials in agricultural applications necessitates the development of environmentally‐friendly approaches. To address this, biocompatible gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) as nanofertilizers with a small size (≈150 nm) and a positively charged surface (≈30 mV) that serve as a versatile tool in agricultural practices is designed. GNPs load agrochemical agents to improve maintenance and delivery. The biocompatible nature and small size of GNPs ensure unrestricted nutrient absorption on root surfaces. Furthermore, when combined with pesticides, GNPs demonstrate remarkable enhancements in insecticidal (≈15%) and weed‐killing effects (≈20%) while preserving the efficacy of the pesticide. That GNPs have great potential for use in sustainable agriculture, particularly in inducing plant growth, specifically plant root growth, without fertilization and in enhancing the functions of agrochemical agents is proposed. It is suggested conceptual applications of GNPs in real‐world agricultural practices.
Attojoule Hexagonal Boron Nitride‐Based Memristor for High‐Performance Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Kim Jiye , Song Jaesub , Kwak Hyunjoung , Choi Chang‐Won , Noh Kyungmi , Moon Seokho , Hwang Hyeonwoong , Hwang Inyong , Jeong Hokyeong , Choi Si‐Young , Kim Seyoung , Kim Jong Kyu
Published: July 2024

In next‐generation neuromorphic computing applications, the primary challenge lies in achieving energy‐efficient and reliable memristors while minimizing their energy consumption to a level comparable to that of biological synapses. In this work, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN)‐based metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) memristors operating is presented at the attojoule‐level tailored for high‐performance artificial neural networks. The memristors benefit from a wafer‐scale uniform h‐BN resistive switching medium grown directly on a highly doped Si wafer using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), resulting in outstanding reliability and low variability. Notably, the h‐BN‐based memristors exhibit exceptionally low energy consumption of attojoule levels, coupled with fast switching speed. The switching mechanisms are systematically substantiated by electrical and nano‐structural analysis, confirming that the h‐BN layer facilitates the resistive switching with extremely low high resistance states (HRS) and the native SiOx on Si contributes to suppressing excessive current, enabling attojoule‐level energy consumption. Furthermore, the formation of atomic‐scale conductive filaments leads to remarkably fast response times within the nanosecond range, and allows for the attainment of multi‐resistance states, making these memristors well‐suited for next‐generation neuromorphic applications. The h‐BN‐based MIS memristors hold the potential to revolutionize energy consumption limitations in neuromorphic devices, bridging the gap between artificial and biological synapses.
Melting Behavior of a CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 Flux with Varying MnO Concentration for Use in Fusion Welding of Low‐Carbon Steel
Authors: Gowravaram Sree Lakshmi Aditya , Basu Somnath
Published: July 2024

CaF2 has been a very common constituent in the fluxes used for welding of low‐carbon steel plates, owing to its strong ability to lower the liquidus temperature as well as viscosity of the molten flux. But the adverse impact of fluoride evaporation from molten slag on the health of operating personnel and the environment has prompted a worldwide effort to replace CaF2 with more benign constituents. Three compositions with varying MnO concentration in the CaO–MnO–SiO2–Al2O3 system, identified in the current work, have shown promise in terms of ability to control oxygen transfer and modify inclusion generation in the molten metal during the welding of low carbon low alloy steels. However, the melting behavior of a flux needs to be established before recommending its use for welding. Three compositions, with varying MnO concentration, are chosen in the current work. Aided by experimental measurements using high‐temperature microscopy, DTA and simulations using the commercially available thermodynamic package FactSage (version 8.3), this work aims to understand the melting characteristics of the developed fluxes. These characteristics seem to be comparable with a commercial CaF2‐containing welding flux, used as a reference for comparison. In addition, simulations using FactSage suggest that transfer of dissolved O, Si and Mn to the weld metal, while using these fluxes, would be benefitial to performance of the welded joint.
Failure Mechanisms in Stainless Steel/Carbon Steel Clad Plate Under Shear Tensile Loading: Experimental and Modeling Methods
Authors: Liu Zhanzhou , Ding Haochen , Ma Yi , Zhang Chi , Wang Yinghu , Zheng Huaibei , Zhang Liwen
Published: July 2024

The deformation behavior of a stainless steel/carbon steel (SS/CS) clad plate under interface shear loading is characterized in this work. A 2D digital image correlation method is applied to track the strain field variation near the interface during shear tensile tests. Then, a cohesive zone model (CZM) finite‐element method is developed to clarify the delamination behavior of the tested clad plate. Finally, the interfacial failure characteristics of the SS/CS clad plate are further presented through the comparison between the finite‐element method and fractography analysis at the interface. In the experimental and simulation results, it is shown that the mixed‐mode CZM, which couples the constitutive equations of three fracture modes, demonstrates excellent capabilities in capturing SS/CS interfacial deformation behavior. The main deformation mode in shear tensile tests is variable according to locations. The central region at the bonded surface is dominated by the shear delamination mode, and the region near the notches shows shifted crack propagation toward normal mode. These abrupt interfacial failures can be clarified via stress state and local damage analysis of the well‐reproduced finite‐element model of cladding material.
Towards the Optimization of Polyurethane Aerogel Properties by Densification: Exploring the Structure–Properties Relationship
Authors: Merillas Beatriz , García‐González Carlos A. , Álvarez‐Arenas Tomás Enrique Gómez , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2024

The aerogel performance for industrial uses can be tailored using several chemical and physical strategies. The effects of a controlled densification on polyurethane aerogels are herein studied by analyzing their textural, mechanical, sound, optical, and thermal insulating properties. The produced aerogels are uniaxially compressed to different strains (30%–80%) analyzing the consequent changes in the structures and, therefore, final properties. As expected, their mechanical stiffness can be significantly increased by compression (until 55‐fold higher elastic modulus for 80%‐strain), while the light transmittance does not noticeably worsen until it is compressed more than 60%. Additionally, the modifications produced in the heat transfer contributions are analyzed, obtaining the optimum balance between density increase and pore size reduction. The minimum thermal conductivity (14.5%‐reduction) is obtained by compressing the aerogel to 50%‐strain, where the increment in the solid conduction is surpassed by the reduction of the radiative and gas contributions. This strategy avoids tedious chemical modifications in the synthesis procedure to control the final structure of the aerogels, leading to the possibility of carefully adapting their structure and properties through a simple method such as densification. Thus, it allows to obtain aerogels for current and on‐demand applications, which is one of the main challenges in the field.
Ethanol Vapor‐Induced Synthesis of Robust, High‐Efficiency Zinc Ion Gel Electrolytes for Flexible Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Zihao , Cheng Wanke , Jiang Geyuan , Li Xiaona , Sun Jinsong , Zhu Ying , Zhao Dawei , Yu Haipeng
Published: July 2024

The evolution of flexible Zn‐ion batteries (FZIBs) significantly hinges on the development of gel electrolytes, characterized by their mechanical properties, ionic conductivity, and environmentally friendly production processes. The prevailing challenge in this domain has been devising a gel electrolyte that encapsulates all these critical attributes effectively for practical application. This study presents a novel zinc ion gel (Zn‐gel) electrolyte developed for FZIBs, synthesized via ethanol vapor‐induced assembly of cellulose molecules. This innovative process fosters significant hydrogen bonding and ion‐complexation with Zn2+ ions, resulting in a gel with exceptional mechanical strength (0.88 MPa), high ion transference (over 0.7), and impressive ionic conductivity (8.39 mS cm−1). The Zn‐gel enables a FZIB to achieve a reversible capacity of 207.3 mAh g−1 and over 93% Coulombic efficiency after 500 cycles, devoid of liquid electrolyte. Highlighting a promising route for high‐performance, eco‐friendly gel electrolytes, this research advances flexible electronics and portable device applications, demonstrating the profound potential of bio‐based polymers in enhancing energy storage technology.
Pulsed Laser‐Initiated Dual‐Catalytic Interfaces for Directed Electroreduction of Nitrite to Ammonia
Authors: Begildayeva Talshyn , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Nguyen Vy Thuy , Min Ahreum , Shin Hyeyoung , Choi Myong Yong
Published: July 2024

Green and highly selective synthesis of ammonia (NH3) via electrochemical reduction reaction of toxic nitrite (NO2−RR) in a neutral electrolyte is a feasible solution for energy and environmental issues. Dual‐nature electrocatalysts combining metal and metal‐derived materials are crucial for enhancing the selectivity parameter and efficacy of this reaction. Here, Pd‐, Pt‐, Ru‐, and Ir‐decorated Co3(PO4)2 (CoPi) composites with a robust metal–support interaction are obtained via the one‐pot pulsed laser ablation in liquid method. Among the designed composites, Ir–CoPi affords ≈100% Faradaic efficiency, mass balance, and selectivity toward NH3 product at sufficiently low potentials. Further, it affords the highest NH3 yield rate of 19.13 mg h−1 cm−2 with 78.1% removal of toxic NO2− with a rate constant kapp = 0.31 mm min−1 under −1.6 V versus Ag/AgCl. In situ experiments and theoretical investigations reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for this outstanding performance of Ir–CoPi, which can be accredited to the generation of specific active sites on the Ir component. Insights derived from the evolving intermediate reactive species provide new opportunities for large‐scale NH3 production through electrochemical techniques, density functional theory calculations, and the improvement of the corresponding industrial processes.
Biosorption of Cadmium by Living and Non‐living Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DR7
Authors: Zhang Jianhui , Noor Zainura Zainon , Baharuddin Nurul Huda , Setu Siti Aminah , Hamzah Mohd Amir Asyraf Mohd , Zakaria Zainul Akmar
Published: July 2024

The global concern over health issues related to heavy metal pollution has driven the adoption of various treatment technologies. The investigation into optimal conditions for cadmium biosorption and bioaccumulation was conducted using a resilient bacterial strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DR7, which was isolated from ponds. The equilibrium time of the adsorption process of living cells was much longer than that of non‐living cells, which was about 240 min, which indicates that living cells have intracellular accumulation and delay the adsorption process. Living cells favored a pH of 6.0, while non‐living cells showed higher efficiency at pH 7.0, demonstrating the pH‐dependent nature of metal biosorption. In this context, the maximum biosorption capacities for cadmium using non‐living cells and living cells were 103.8 mg/g and 70.94 mg/g, under cell mass of 1.0 g/L, pH 7.0, initial metal concentration of 200 mg/L, and contact time of 240 min, respectively. Cadmium biosorption by living cells was more accurately described by the Freundlich isothermal model, whereas the Langmuir model was used for non‐living cells. Living cells tend to show pseudo‐second‐order kinetic adsorption behavior, while non‐living cells tend to show pseudo‐first‐order kinetic adsorption behavior. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis suggested that the hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups all play a role in biosorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the high‐temperature treatment destroys the integrity of the cell wall, which enhances the permeability of the cell wall, thus increasing the biosorption of Cd (II) by the non‐living cells. The study found that P. aeruginosa DR7 with high temperature inactivation has a higher Cd(II) adsorption capacity than living cells, making it a green and environmentally friendly biological adsorbent for wastewater treatment with heavy metals.
Portuguese Presidency of the Council 2021 and the Rule of Law
Authors: Van Dunem Francisca
Published: July 2024

The Rule of Law is a current issue in European politics, which has gained visibility in recent times, both because of the presentation of the Annual Reports on the Situation of the Rule of Law in Europe and, unfortunately, because of the situation experienced in some Member States.
Real-time dynamics of the Schwinger model as an open quantum system with Neural Density Operators
Authors: Lin Joshua , Luo Di , Yao Xiaojun , Shanahan Phiala E.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ab-initio simulations of multiple heavy quarks propagating in a Quark-Gluon Plasma are computationally difficult to perform due to the large dimension of the space of density matrices. This work develops machine learning algorithms to overcome this difficulty by approximating exact quantum states with neural network parametrisations, specifically Neural Density Operators. As a proof of principle demonstration in a QCD-like theory, the approach is applied to solve the Lindblad master equation in the 1 + 1d lattice Schwinger Model as an open quantum system. Neural Density Operators enable the study of in-medium dynamics on large lattice volumes, where multiple-string interactions and their effects on string-breaking and recombination phenomena can be studied. Thermal properties of the system at equilibrium can also be probed with these methods by variationally constructing the steady state of the Lindblad master equation. Scaling of this approach with system size is studied, and numerical demonstrations on up to 32 spatial lattice sites and with up to 3 interacting strings are performed.
Minijet quenching in non-equilibrium quark-gluon plasma
Authors: Zhou Fabian , Brewer Jasmine , Mazeliauskas Aleksas
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study the energy deposition and thermalisation of high-momentum on-shell partons (minijets) travelling through a non-equilibrium Quark-Gluon Plasma using QCD kinetic theory. For thermal backgrounds, we show that the parton energy first flows to the soft sector by collinear cascade and then isotropises via elastic scatterings. In contrast, the momentum deposition from a minijet reaches the equilibrium distribution directly. For expanding non-equilibrium QGP, we study the time for a minijet perturbation to lose memory of its initial conditions, namely, the hydrodynamisation time. We show that the minijet evolution scales well with the relaxation time τR ∝ η/s/T(τ), where T(τ) is the effective temperature and η/s is the viscosity over entropy ratio.