bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis‐Indeno‐Fused Tetraazaanthracene Hybrids: Straightforward Synthesis and Studies of Optical and Electronic Properties
Authors: Salgues Bruno , Sarkar Rudraditya , Potier Nans , Manick Anne‐Doriane , Canard Gabriel , Parrain Jean‐Luc , Giorgi Michel , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Videlot‐Ackermann Christine , Ackermann Jörg , Fages Frederic , Le Guennic Boris , Jacquemin Denis , Amatore Muriel , Zaborova Elena , Commeiras Laurent
Published: October 2024

The synthesis and the studies of optical and electronic properties of new bis‐indenone‐fused tetraazaanthracene isomers as electron accepting materials are reported. TD‐DFT calculations have been also undertaken and corroborate experiments. Organic field effect transistors demonstrated unipolar n‐type characteristics and average electron mobility values.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Youth Intergroup Contact and Social Cohesion Outcomes in Two Divided Societies
Authors: McKeown Shelley , Schaefer Christoph Daniel , Ali Shazza , Dupont Pier‐Luc , Manley David , Rao Sumedh , Taylor Laura K. , Meleady Rose
Published: October 2024

Intergroup contact has long been established as a prejudice‐reduction tool in divided societies, with contact being particularly effective during adolescence. A large proportion of evidence, however, draws on cross‐sectional surveys or analytical approaches that do not distinguish between‐ and within‐person effects. In the present research, we address this by exploring the potential of intergroup contact longitudinally on social cohesion–related outcomes amongst youth (aged 14–19) in Belfast (Study 1, N = 231) and Bradford (Study 2, N = 159). Measures included intergroup contact, outgroup attitudes, intergroup anxiety, outgroup empathy and outgroup prosocial behaviour across three time points. Using random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel models, results demonstrate between‐person associations of contact with our outcomes, but limited within‐person changes. Our findings demonstrate the potential and limitations of intergroup contact for social cohesion–related outcomes for youth growing up in divided societies, pointing to the need for developmental‐focused future research.
Experimental study on thermal performance of reverse flow solar collector for dual heating applications
Authors: Sharma Sohan Lal , Debbarma Ajoy
Published: October 2024

The present study investigated the performance of dual function reverse flow solar collector (RFSC). The impact of the mass flow rate of air and water on outlet temperature, thermal performance, and overall performance of dual‐function solar air heater (SAH) has also been investigated. An experimental investigation of three different working models namely, Model‐A: SAH, Model‐B: solar water heater (SWH), and Model‐C: integrated solar air‐water heater (SAWH) for dual heating applications was performed to analyze the actual performance of these models. The investigation of the impact of time intervals on the water inlet and outlet temperatures at various mass flow rates of water is conducted to analyze the time‐varying efficiency of SWH systems. Furthermore, the effect of solar intensity on the performance of the dual‐function heating system has also been explained. The result reveals that the maximum thermal efficiency of Models: A and B can be achieved at about 78.8% and 67.9%, at a mass flow rate of 0.0644 and 0.10 kg/s, respectively, according to the experimental findings. The maximum temperature rise of air and water reaches about 52.4 and 55.58°C for Models A and B, respectively. The total efficiency of Model C reaches 81.69%, exceeding that obtained in Models A and B individually. The efficiency, outlet temperature of the fluid, and heat transfer effectiveness of the system strongly depend on the mass flow rate. The increase in heat removal factor is negligible for a higher flow rate (more than 0.10 kg/s).
The effect of anti‐imbalance on glycolipid metabolic homeostasis via the liver–gut axis intervened by 3′‐sialyllactose in obese mice
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Meizhen , Dekyi Kelsang , Zheng Linxi , Zhang Yichen , Lv Youping , Guo Dongbei , Chen Xiaoxuan , Pan Lili , Wang Xinyue , Li Hongwei
Published: October 2024

Sialic acid could ameliorate disorders associated with glycolipid metabolism. 3′‐Sialyllactose (3′‐SL), a type of oligosaccharide, contains sialic acid. We examined the effects of 3′‐SL on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice with high fat diet and explore the underlying mechanisms. A total of 160 male C57BL/6J mice were fed with high‐fat diet for 8 weeks to construct obese mice model. Sixty successfully constructed obese mice were randomly divided three 3′‐SL dosage‐dependent groups, one free sialic acid N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) group, and one blank control group. Each group of obese mice (n = 12) was continuously supplemented by 3′‐SL or Neu5Ac for 10 weeks. Ten‐week 3′‐SL supplementation and Neu5Ac supplementation both yielded remarkedly lower body weight, reduced fat content, increased energy expenditure and active daily exercises with improved glycolipid biomarkers, and attenuated proinflammation. 3′‐SL increased the colonic abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Solibacillus and reduced those of Enterobacter and Enterococcus. Changes were also observed in colonic and liver transcript and metabolites, which were mainly enriched in glycolipid metabolism, ameliorated immune function, and mitigated inflammatory signals, autophagy, bile acid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Akkermansia and Solibacillus were significantly associated with changes in colonic metabolites and transcriptome genes. The liver bile component and glucose metabolites were significantly correlated with transcriptional gene expression in the aforementioned differential pathways. Therefore, 3′‐SL can enhance the gut microbiota, regulate intestinal immunity and bile acid metabolism, reduce liver oxidative stress and autophagy processes, alleviate chronic inflammation levels, and improve islet function and lower blood sugar levels by acting through the gut–liver axis.
The Memory in Return Volatility: An Analysis of Mutual Fund Returns
Authors: Yao Kai , Duan Kun , Huang Rong , Chevapatrakul Thanaset
Published: October 2024

This paper examines long memory in the return volatility in the cross‐section of U.S. mutual funds. Our results provide evidence of this phenomenon. Through univariate analysis, we find that the long memory in mutual fund return volatility is more pronounced than in stock return volatility. Additionally, the long memory estimate is negatively related to expected fund returns. Holding a long position in shorter‐term memory funds and a short position in longer‐term memory funds generates significant excess returns of 0.26% per month for value‐weighted portfolios.
AGK2, a SIRT2 inhibitor, ameliorates D‐galactose‐induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting fibrogenic factors
Authors: Bahar Aslı Nur , Keskin‐Aktan Arzu , Akarca‐Dizakar Saadet Özen , Sonugür Gizem , Akbulut Kazime Gonca
Published: October 2024

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SIRT2 inhibition on function, fibrosis and inflammation in liver fibrosis induced by D‐Galactose (D‐Gal) administration. A total of 32 3‐month‐old Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into 4 groups as Control, d‐Gal, Solvent+d‐Gal, d‐Gal+AGK2+Solvent. d‐Gal (150 mg/kg/day), AGK‐2 (10 µM/bw) as a specific SIRT2 inhibitor, 4%DMSO + PBS as a solvent was applied to the experimental groups and physiological saline was applied to the control group for 10 weeks. All applications were performed subcutaneously. Histological fibrotic changes were studied in the liver tissues by Masson's trichrome staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry and the levels of selected factors were determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. Biochemical parameters and Paraoxonase levels were determined in the plasma. d‐Galactose administration increased AST, AST‐ALT Ratio, APRI, SIRT2 protein expression, IL1β, TGF β, β‐catenin, Type I collagen, Type III collagen and α‐SMA, collagen fiber density and histopathological score. ALT and lipid panels were not changed and paraxonase plasma level was shown to decrease. These effects were largely blocked by the SIRT2 inhibitor AGK2. These findings suggest that SIRT2 inhibition attenuates d‐Gal‐induced liver injury and that this protection may be due to its antifibrotic and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Improved bounds on the cop number when forbidding a minor
Authors: Kenter Franklin , Meger Erin , Turcotte Jérémie
Published: October 2024

Andreae proved that the cop number of connected ‐minor‐free graphs is bounded for every graph . In particular, the cop number is at most if contains no isolated vertex, where . The main result of this paper is an improvement on this bound, which is most significant when is small or sparse, for instance, when can be obtained from another graph by multiple edge subdivisions. Some consequences of this result are improvements on the upper bound for the cop number of ‐minor‐free graphs, ‐minor‐free graphs and linklessly embeddable graphs.
Intrafraction motion and impact of margin reduction for MR‐Linac online adaptive radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer treatments
Authors: Fasala Ashleigh , Carr Madeline , Surjan Yolanda , Daghigh Parmoun , de Leon Jeremy , Burns Abbey , Batumalai Vikneswary
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Online adaptive radiotherapy is well suited for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in pancreatic cancer due to considerable intrafractional tumour motion. This study aimed to assess intrafraction motion and generate adjusted planning target volume (PTV) margins required for online adaptive radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment using abdominal compression on the magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR‐Linac).

Methods

Motion monitoring images obtained from 67 fractions for 15 previously treated pancreatic cancer patients were analysed. All patients received SABR (50 Gy in five fractions) on the MR‐Linac using abdominal compression. The analysis included quantification of intrafraction motion, leading to the development of adjusted PTV margins. The dosimetric impact of implementing the adjusted PTV was then evaluated in a cohort of 20 patients.

Results

Intrafraction motion indicated an average target displacement of 1–3 mm, resulting in an adjusted PTV margin of 2 mm in the right–left and superior–inferior directions, and 3 mm in the anterior–posterior direction. Plans incorporating these adjusted margins consistently demonstrated improved dose to target volumes, with improvements averaging 1.5 Gy in CTV D99%, 4.9 Gy in PTV D99% and 1.2 Gy in PTV‐high D90%, and better sparing of the organs at risk (OAR).

Conclusions

The improved target volume coverage and reduced OAR dose suggest potential for reducing current clinical margins for MR‐Linac treatment. However, it is important to note that decreasing margins may reduce safeguards against geographical misses. Nonetheless, the continued integration of gating systems on MR‐Linacs could provide confidence in adopting reduced margins.
The New Era of Total Neoadjuvant FLOT Therapy for Locally Advanced, Resectable Gastric Cancer: A Propensity‐Matched Comparison With Standard Perioperative Therapy
Authors: Rencuzogullari Ahmet , Karahan Salih Nafiz , Selcukbiricik Fatih , Lacin Sahin , Taskin Orhun Cig , Saka Burcu , Karahacioglu Duygu , Gurses Bengi , Ozoran Emre , Uymaz Derya Salim , Ozata Ibrahim Halil , Saglam Sezer , Bugra Dursun , Balik Emre
Published: October 2024

Background

The FLOT 4‐AIO trial established the docetaxel‐based regimen's superiority over epirubicin‐based triplet therapy in terms of survival rates and acceptable toxicity for locally advanced resectable gastric (LARGC). Yet, fewer than half of the patients achieved completion of eight prescribed FLOT cycles. We proposed that administering all FLOT cycles in the form of total neoadjuvant therapy may improve completion rates and downstaging. This study contrasted total neoadjuvant therapy (FLOT x8) with standard neoadjuvant therapy (FLOT 4+4) for patients LARGC adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection with routine D2 lymphadenectomy, focusing on histopathological outcomes, toxicity, and survival outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed patients with histologically confirmed advanced clinical stage cT2 or higher, nodal positive stage (cN+), or both, with resectable gastric tumors and no distant metastases (January 2017 to July 2023). We divided patients into two groups, FLOT 4+4 and FLOT x8; FLOT 4+4 patients underwent four preoperative and four postoperative bi‐weekly cycles of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, while FLOT x8 patients received all eight cycles preoperatively after a gradual practice change starting from January 2020. Propensity score matching adjusted for age, clinical stage, tumor location, and histology.

Results

Of the 77 patients in the FLOT x8 group, 37 were propensity‐matched to an equal number in the FLOT 4+4 group. Demographics, duration of surgery, and hospital stay showed no significant differences between the groups. The FLOT x8 group exhibited a significantly higher all‐cycle completion rate at 89.1% compared to FLOT 4+4's 67.6% (p < 0.01). Both groups demonstrated comparable hematological and non‐hematological toxicity rates, Clavien−Dindo ≥ 3 complications, and CAP tumor regression grades. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 42.5 and 41.2 in the FLOT 4+4 and FLOT x8 groups, respectively. Similar rates of disease‐free survival and overall survival were noted in both groups, despite a trend toward a higher pathological complete response rate, albeit not statistically significant (8.1% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.29), in the FLOT x8 group at a median follow‐up of 36 months.

Conclusion

Total neoadjuvant therapy with the FLOT x8 protocol corresponds to higher treatment completion rates, a safety profile similar to standard perioperative therapy, and a twofold increase in complete pathological response. Further research on long‐term oncological outcomes is needed to confirm the effectiveness of total neoadjuvant therapy.
Enhancement of Moisture‐Resistant Performance of Epoxy Resins via Introduction of Hydrophobic and Flexible Chains
Authors: Zhu Binglian , Yang Jun , An Chongqing , Nie Yuhuan , Li Lu , Hao Qixuan , Chen Qibin
Published: October 2024

The introduction of long and flexible polyether chains in epoxy resins is an effective method to improve their toughness. However, using the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of polyether chains to tune their moisture resistance has been overlooked currently. In this work, two types of polyether‐based diglycidyl ethers with hydrophilic poly(oxyethylene) (DGEPOE) and relatively hydrophobic poly(oxybutylene) segments (DGEPOB) are synthesized and then binary‐cured with commercial diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), respectively, yielding the corresponding DGEPOE:DGEBA‐m:ns and DGEPOB:DGEBA‐m:ns based on various ratios. For comparison, pure DGEPOEr, DGEPOBr, and DGEBAr resins are also prepared. Results show that the equilibrium water uptake of DGEPOB:DGEBA‐m:ns is at least less than one‐fifth of that of DGEPOE:DGEBA‐m:ns; meanwhile, the diffusion coefficients of water molecules in DGEPOB:DGEBA‐m:ns are also 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than those in DGEPOE:DGEBA‐m:ns, demonstrating that the incorporation of hydrophobic POB chains can significantly reduce the hygroscopicity of resins. Moreover, DGEPOB:DGEBA‐m:ns not only exhibit superior flexibility and ductility relative to pure DGEBAr, but display exceptional strength and toughness in comparison with pure DGEPOBr. These findings suggest that tuning the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of building units of epoxy monomers offers a promising strategy for developing high‐performance epoxy materials, especially suitable for humid environments.
Electrospun Smart Hybrid Nanofibers for Multifaceted Applications
Authors: Nirwan Viraj P. , Amarjargal Altangerel , Hengsbach Rebecca , Fahmi Amir
Published: October 2024

Smart electrospun hybrid nanofibers represent a cutting‐edge class of functional nanostructured materials with unique collective properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of smart electrospun hybrid nanofibers in the fields of energy, catalysis, and biomedicine. Electrospinning is a powerful tool to fabricate different types of nanofibers’ morphologies with precise control over structure and compositions. Through the incorporation of various functional components, such as nanoparticles, nanomoieties, and biomolecules, into the (co)polymer matrix, nanofibers can be tailored into smart hybrid materials exhibiting responsiveness to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, or light among others. Herein recent advancements in fabrication strategies for electrospun smart hybrid nanofibers are discussed, focusing on different electrospinning tools aimed at tailoring and developing smart hybrid nanofibers. These strategies include surface functionalization, doping, and templating, which enable fine‐tuning of mechanical strength, conductivity, and biocompatibility. The review explores the challenges and recent progress in the development of smart hybrid nanofibers. Issues such as scalability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, and environmental sustainability are identified as key for improvement. Furthermore, the applications of smart nanofibers in biomedicine, environment, energy storage, and smart textiles underscore their potential to address the challenges in development of nanostructured materials for emerging technologies.
Feasibility of submillimeter functional quantitative susceptibility mapping using 3D echo planar imaging at 7 T
Authors: Straub Sina , Zhou Xiangzhi , Tao Shengzhen , Westerhold Erin M. , Jin Jin , Middlebrooks Erik H.
Published: October 2024

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a tool for mapping tissue susceptibility. Using QSM for functional brain mapping, it is possible to directly quantify blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) susceptibility changes. This study presents a submillimeter functional QSM (fQSM) approach compared to BOLD fMRI from data acquired with 3D gradient‐echo echo planar imaging (EPI) at ultra‐high field. Complex EPI data were acquired in nine healthy subjects with varying temporal and spatial resolutions and used for BOLD fMRI and for fQSM. Right‐hand finger tapping experiments were performed as well as one measurement with intentional subject movement. Susceptibility maps were computed using 3D path‐based unwrapping, the variable‐kernel sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data, and the streaking artifact reduction for QSM algorithm. Functional data analysis included general linear modeling and computation of z‐scores. Submillimeter data were denoised using NOise reduction with DIstribution Corrected (NORDIC), which improved z‐scores in the motor cortex for fQSM and fMRI. An expected increase in BOLD fMRI signal and corresponding decrease in magnetic susceptibility was observed in sensorimotor areas during active periods. For all experiments, fQSM showed smaller activation regions compared with fMRI. The percentage of high negative t‐values localized in the cortex was higher for fQSM (52%) than for positive or negative t‐values for fMRI (45%). For the scans with intentional motion, movement exceeded the size of a voxel, but paradigm dependent signal evolution could be recovered using motion correction. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of submillimeter whole‐brain fQSM with voxel volume of 0.53 μL. In comparison to traditional BOLD fMRI, fQSM provided improved localization of brain activation within the cortex, especially in submillimeter 3D EPI sequences.
Machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence to predict pathologic stage in men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Semwal Hemal , Ladbury Colton , Sabbagh Ali , Mohamad Osama , Tilki Derya , Amini Arya , Wong Jeffrey , Li Yun Rose , Glaser Scott , Yuh Bertram , Dandapani Savita
Published: October 2024

Background

Though several nomograms exist, machine learning (ML) approaches might improve prediction of pathologic stage in patients with prostate cancer. To develop ML models to predict pathologic stage that outperform existing nomograms that use readily available clinicopathologic variables.

Methods

Patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery were identified in the National Cancer Database. Seven ML models were trained to predict organ‐confined (OC) disease, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and lymph node involvement (LNI). Model performance was measured using area under the curve (AUC) on a holdout testing data set. Clinical utility was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA). Performance metrics were confirmed on an external validation data set.

Results

The ML‐based extreme gradient boosted trees model achieved the best performance with an AUC of 0.744, 0.749, 0.816, 0.811 for the OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI models, respectively. The MSK nomograms achieved an AUC of 0.708, 0.742, 0.806, 0.802 for the OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI models, respectively. These models also performed the best on DCA. Findings were consistent on both a holdout internal validation data set as well as an external validation data set.

Conclusions

Our ML models better predicted pathologic stage relative to existing nomograms at predicting pathologic stage. Accurate prediction of pathologic stage can help oncologists and patients determine optimal definitive treatment options for patients with prostate cancer.
Study on the mechanism of echinacoside in preventing and treating hypoxic pulmonary hypertension based on proteomic analyses
Authors: Gai Xiangyun , Xia Qingqing , Wang Hongmai , Bi Hongtao , Wang Jinyu , Zhao Yuefu
Published: October 2024

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), a chronic condition affecting the cardiopulmonary system, has high mortality. Echinacoside (ECH) is a phenylethanoid glycoside, which is used to ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary vasoconstriction in rats. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the mechanism of ECH in preventing and treating HPH. Sprague Dawley rats were housed in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber for 28 days to obtain the HPH model. The experimental rats were randomly allocated into the following several groups: normoxia group, chronic hypoxia group, and ECH group. The therapeutic results of ECH (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) showed that ECH reduced mPAP, Hb, Hct, and RVHI in HPH rats. Then this work employed label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis, western blotting, and RT‐PCR to investigate the mechanism by which ECH prevents HPH. The results found that in the chronic hypoxia group, the levels of ACSL1, COL6A1, COL4A2, COL1A1, and PC increased compared to the normoxia group. However, the opposite effect was observed in the chronic hypoxia group treated with ECH. The study indicates that the administration of ECH may slow the pathological progression of HPH by suppressing the inflammatory response, inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, and minimizing the deposition of extracellular matrix.
Disposition of orally administered atuliflapon, a novel 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor in healthy participants
Authors: Li Xue‐Qing , Lindmark Bo , Amilon Carl , Samuelsson Kristin , Weidolf Lars , Nelander Karin , Knöchel Jane , Heijer Maria , Bragg Ryan A. , Gränfors Malin , Lindstedt Eva‐Lotte , Sidhu Sharan , Garkaviy Pavlo , Ericsson Hans
Published: October 2024

In this study, the mass balance, pharmacokinetics (PK) and metabolism of atuliflapon, a novel 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor, were investigated in healthy male subjects. A single oral dose of 200 mg [14C]atuliflapon suspension was administered to six healthy male subjects. Mass balance, PK and metabolite profiles of atuliflapon were analyzed using radioactivity monitoring and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis. The safety of atuliflapon was assessed during the study. Atuliflapon was rapidly absorbed with a median tmax of 1.5 h, followed by a biphasic decline in plasma exposure rendering a terminal half‐life of ~20 h. Unchanged atuliflapon was the predominant radioactive component in plasma, accounting for 40.1% of the total drug‐related exposure (DRE), while a direct N‐glucuronide was the only metabolite exceeding 10% of DRE, accounting for 20.9%. Renal excretion of intact atuliflapon accounted for <1% of the administered dose. In total 85.2% of administered radioactivity was recovered over 312 h with 79.3% and 5.9% in feces and urine, respectively. Parent atuliflapon contributed to approximately 40% of the recovered dose in excreta, while metabolites resulting from phase 1 oxidative pathways accounted for more than 30% of the excreted dose. Overall, a single oral dose of 200 mg [14C]atuliflapon suspension was well tolerated in healthy male subjects. The human metabolism and disposition data obtained will support future development and submissions of atuliflapon as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of cardiovascular, cardiorenal, and respiratory indications.
Modeling the Electrical Stabilities of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Qin Dashan , Li Jiatong
Published: October 2024

The ratio (R) of the molecular density of emissive layer to the carrier density in exciton formation zone has been provided to weigh the electrical stability of organic light‐emitting diode and simulated via the general mode of carrier device lifetimes. With current density increasing from 1 to 500 mA cm−2, the molecular density of emissive layer enabling the largest R, that is, the best electrical stability of device, gradually increases from 7.5 × 1019 to 1.5 × 1021 cm−3. At a given current density, R increases with the average bandgap of emissive layer increasing. There is a power law dependence of R on current density. For host–guest emissive layer, the electrical stability of device decreases with guest concentration increasing, mostly because the average bandgap of the host–guest emissive layer decreases. The current research provides some deep insights into developing the emissive layers of organic light‐emitting diodes toward high luminance applications.
Adaptive sample size strategies for process dispersion using EWMA control chart
Authors: Abbasi Abdul Rauf , Noor‐ul‐Amin Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Monitoring the stability of measured dispersion in a process quality parameter is one of the critical steps in statistical process control (SPC) and is a paramount activity carried out by specialists. For this purpose, the current research presents a promising and computationally effective tool where the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic utilizes the quadratic sigmoid function by incorporating sample size leading to the Quadratic Sigmoid Exponential weighted Moving Average (QSEWMA) control chart. The adaptive sample size is a strategy that increases or decreases the sample size according to the conditions of the process and accordingly, increases the sensitivity and response of the control chart. The proposed strategy improves the detection of process dispersion changes, making it a more efficient and effective way of quality assurance. Our proposed control chart is superior to the EWMA‐S2 chart, HHW‐EWMA chart CUSUM‐S2chart, and parametric free adaptive EWMA (AEWMA) charts for dispersion through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The proposed QSEWMA chart has better detection sensitivity and fewer false alarms, and is, in general, more effective comparatively. At last, a real data application test is done to measure the practicability and highest accuracy of the above chart.
Architecting Sturdy Si/Graphite Composite with Lubricative Graphene Nanoplatelets for High‐Density Electrodes
Authors: Park Seongsu , Choi Minhong , Lee Jinsu , Lee Sangryeol , Kim Jaehyeon , Yun Taeyeong , Kim Namhyung , Sung Jaekyung , Cho Jaephil , Ko Minseong , Chae Sujong
Published: October 2024

Densification of the electrode by calendering is essential for achieving high‐energy density in lithium‐ion batteries. However, Si anode, which is regarded as the most promising high‐energy substituent of graphite, is vulnerable to the crack during calendering process due to its intrinsic brittleness. Herein, a distinct strategy to prevent the crack and pulverization of Si nanolayer‐embedded Graphite (Si/G) composite with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) is proposed. The thickly coated GNP layer on Si/G by simple mechanofusion process imparts exceptional mechanical strength and lubricative characteristic to the Si/G composite, preventing the crack and pulverization of Si nanolayer against strong external force during calendering process. Accordingly, GNP coated Si/G (GNP‐Si/G) composite demonstrates excellent electrochemical performances including superior cycling stability (15.6% higher capacity retention than P‐Si/G after 300 cycles in the full‐cell) and rate capability under the industrial testing condition including high electrode density (>1.6 g cm−3) and high areal capacity (>3.5 mAh cm−2). The material design provides a critical insight for practical approach to resolve the fragile properties of Si/G composite during calendering process.
One‐Stone‐for‐Multiple‐Birds Additive Strategy for Highly Efficient and Stable Carbon‐Based Hole‐Transport‐Layer‐Free CsPbI2Br Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Tong Hongbo , Li Yali , Liu Xiaoyang , Wan Guodong , Ma XueYan , Liu Hai , Gao Zhe , Fu Yujun , He Deyan , Li Zhenguo , Li Junshuai
Published: October 2024

During fabrication and operation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), defects commonly arise within the crystals as well as at grain boundaries. However, conventional additive strategies typically only serve to mitigate the occurrence of a single defect and fail to significantly enhance device performance. Herein, carbon‐based hole‐transport‐layer‐free CsPbI2Br devices are focused on, one kind of important PSCs with more stable structure and an appropriate bandgap for a semitransparent solar cell or a top cell in a tandem configuration, and present a highly efficient one‐stone‐for‐multiple‐birds additive strategy based on lanthanide trifluoromethanesulfonates (Ln(OTF)3, Ln: neodymium (Nd), europium (Eu), dysprosium (Dy), thulium (Tm)). Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Ln3+ ions with a smaller radius can elevate defect formation energy for Pb and I vacancies within the crystals, while the presence of OTF− can effectively passivating uncoordinated Pb2+ at grain boundaries. In addition, Ln(OTF)3 addition increases the grain size and meanwhile reduces the surface roughness of the CsPbI2Br layers. All these positive contributions lead to a significant enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 15.13% which is among the top PCEs reported for the corresponding solar cells, from 11.80% of the pristine device without Tm(OTF)3 addition, while notably boosting long‐term stability and reducing current–voltage hysteresis.
Biomimetic Microstructural Materials for Intervertebral Disk Degeneration Repair
Authors: Li Ang , Yuan Hui , Cai Feng , Wang Juan , Chen Zehao , Li Xiaohu , Chang Hongze , Cui Wenguo , Liu Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

The intervertebral disks (IVD) serve as shock absorbers in the spine. As the largest avascular tissue in the human body, it has a limited capacity for regeneration. To address this issue, various innovative biomimetic materials have been explored to facilitate IVD regeneration at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. Techniques such as electrostatic spinning and fiber‐winding machines have been employed to prepare biomimetic materials. In this review, the physiological structure of the IVD is described, and advanced studies on its microstructure are summarized. The techniques used in biomimetic biomaterial development are further investigated, and biomimetic materials that facilitate IVD regeneration are systematically explored. Specifically, this article provides a detailed description and summary of the key features of biomimetic materials, including the types of loads they can withstand and their regenerative effects. Finally, a prospective outlook for the development and application of biomimetic materials in IVD regeneration is presented.
Large‐Area Lead Monolayers under Cover: Intercalation, Doping, and Phase Transformation
Authors: Schölzel Franziska , Richter Peter , Unigarro Andres David Peña , Wolff Susanne , Schwarz Holger , Schütze Adrian , Rösch Niels , Gemming Sibylle , Seyller Thomas , Schädlich Philip
Published: October 2024

Intercalation is a promising approach for tailoring the electronic structure of epitaxial graphene on SiC. It enables the formation of otherwise unstable 2D phases of elements and allows the investigation of the interplay between the 2D materials and the substrate. Detailed studies have been conducted on the Pb intercalation process, as well as the structure and electronic properties of the 2D Pb layer using low‐energy electron microscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy. The low‐energy bands of Pb show good agreement with density‐functional theory calculations. A uniform Pb intercalation layer with (1 × 1) periodicity with respect to the SiC substrate is found. The quasifreestanding graphene is effectively screened from the doping influence of the substrate, leading to charge neutrality. Instead, the 2D Pb layer compensates for the spontaneous polarization of the substrate, allowing for the doping of a metal layer under cover. A phase transformation from the (1 × 1) intercalation phase into a bubble phase with quasi‐tenfold periodicity with respect to graphene occurs if the system is provided with sufficient energy. These results experimentally quantify the interaction between the 2D Pb layer, the substrate, and the graphene layer, demonstrating a first step toward controlling the diversity of 2D Pb phases.
Digital Twin Reveals the Impact of Carbon Binder Domain Distribution on Performance of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Jang Seungsoo , Kang Yejin , Kim Hyeongseok , Park Joonam , Lee Kang Taek
Published: October 2024

The rising demand for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) emphasizes the need for precise electrode design. The carbon binder domain (CBD) within electrodes, crucial for electron transport and structural integrity, can impede lithium‐ion transport and reduce electrochemically active sites. This study leverages digital twin technology to investigate the impact of CBD distribution along the electrode thickness on LIB cathode performance. Virtual LIB cathodes with varying CBD configurations are generated, and their performance using 3D heterogeneous electrochemical modeling is evaluated. The results reveal that a steep CBD gradient significantly diminishes charge capacity compared to a mild gradient, particularly at higher current rates. This reduction is attributed to an increased tortuosity factor and an uneven distribution of electrochemical activity, which adversely affect mass transport and electrochemical reaction dynamics. These effects are more pronounced at lower porosities and higher loading levels. These findings highlight that optimizing CBD distribution is critical for advancing electrode design and enhancing LIB cathode performance.
Anti‐Interference Sliding Mode Control of PMSM Based on Improved Salp Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Yao Guozhong , Yuan Peng , Han Shaojun , Wang Guiyong
Published: October 2024

Aiming at the problem that the control performance of permanent magnet synchronous motor is easily affected by load disturbance during operation, a fractional‐order sliding mode control method combining fractal‐order sliding mode controller (FOSMC) and fractional‐order sliding mode load torque observer (FOSMO) is proposed. The parameters of this method are tuned using the improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA). Initially, the fractional‐order sliding mode controller is designed by applying fractional‐order calculus theory to enhance the system's response speed. Subsequently, a fractional‐order sliding mode load torque observer is developed to improve the system's anti‐interference capability and robustness due to the slow response and low identification accuracy of traditional load torque observers. Lastly, the control parameters are self‐tuned using the improved salp swarm algorithm due to the difficulty of adjusting them manually. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control method exhibits good convergence, no overshoot, minimal buffeting, and strong robustness against uncertain factors like load disturbances. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Anticancer Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) Dried Fruits on Breast Adenocarcinoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences
Authors: Nguedia Merline Ymele , Rebe Roland Nhouma , Bakam Berlise Yengwa , Njamen Dieudonné , Mendimi Joseph Marie Nkodo , Zingue Stéphane
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer incidence and mortality rate in Cameroonian women is incredibly high, thus there is need for more effective therapy. Xylopia aethiopica dry fruits are traditionally used for both nutritional and medicinal purposes, including the management of diverse ailments such as cancer. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo anti‐mammary cancer potential of X. aethiopica. The cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract of X. aethiopica dry fruits was assessed at different concentrations against MDA‐MB 231 and MCF‐7 cells using the MTT assay. Additionally, clone formation, apoptosis/necrosis, cell adhesion, cell migration, and chemotaxis were examined. Furthermore, the chemo‐preventive potential of X. aethiopica dry fruit extract (XAE) was evaluated on breast tumors induced by DMBA in 42 female rats of age 45–55 days (~80 g). The normal (NOR) and negative (DMBA) control groups were daily treated with the vehicle, while the positive (Tamox) and test (XAE) groups were administered tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg) and X. aethiopica extract (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg BW), respectively for 20 weeks. Parameters such as tumor volume and burden, tumor incidence, CA 15‐3 serum level, inflammatory status, antioxidant and histopathology were evaluated. X. aethiopica significantly (p < 0.05) decreased ER+ (MCF‐7) and ER− (MDA‐MB 231) breast adenocarcinoma cell growth from 12.5 to 100 μg/mL after 72 h. At the 100 μg/mL concentration, clone formation, cell proliferation, and migration were notably decreased in MDA‐MB 231 cells after 48 h, while there was an observed rise in cell adhesion to the collagen extracellular matrix. Additionally, there was a rise in apoptotic cell count (p < 0.01) and caspase‐3 activity (p < 0.05) observed in MDA‐MB 231 cells following exposure to XAE at 100 μg/mL. XAE, across all tested doses, demonstrated significant reductions in tumor incidence, burden, and volume, akin to tamoxifen, compared to untreated rats (DMBA). Furthermore, there was an elevation in antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GSH) and a decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (INF‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐12, and IL‐6) observed at all tested doses. Overall, X. aethiopica dry fruit displays anticancer potential through caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis pathways, alongside antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Wolf population density: prey biomass limits via intrinsic factors
Authors: Mech L. David
Published: October 2024

Whether gray wolf Canis lupus population density is limited intrinsically or extrinsically has occupied researchers for decades. Since 1983, prey biomass, an extrinsic factor, has been accepted as limiting, but that conclusion was recently challenged for unusually high wolf densities which were then said to be limited by behavioral, or intrinsic, factors such as intraspecific strife, dispersal, etc., below prey‐biomass constraints. That contention has been disputed, so disagreement remains. This article discusses the models involved, presents revised models that shed new light, and offers evidence that supports the conclusion that at least at densities below 79 wolves 1000 km−2, wolf numbers per area are limited by prey biomass. As wolf density increases, behavioral factors limit the density to the number of wolves the prey biomass will support. Extra wolves disperse, and wolf range expands. Thus, while wolf density is self‐limiting, the population is not.
The Holistic, Digital Cultural Heritage Documentation of the Fikardou Traditional Village in Cyprus
Authors: Ioannides Marinos , Rizopoulos Orestis , Baker Drew , Karittevli Elena , Hadjiathanasiou Maria , Samara Panayiota , Panayi Ioannis , Mateou Marina , Koulafeti Iliana , Koundouris Marios , Efstathiou Kyriakos , Savva George , Argyridou Elina
Published: October 2024

This paper focusses on the case study of Fikardou Village (Cyprus), a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List monument, highlighting its unique cultural value by referencing historical evidence identified during our research. Our contribution investigates Fikardou’s cultural offerings by presenting and analysing the major outcomes of three H2020 EU-funded projects (TExTOUR, MNEMOSYNE, IMPACTOUR) that include Fikardou as a major component in their research programme. By elaborating on selected successful outputs such as policy interventions, new cultural tourism trends, advances in visitor management systems, and new business and/or governance models that arise from this specific case study, we argue for the advances that have been achieved in the cultural tourism sector in Cyprus, as exemplified through the experience of Fikardou Village as a developing cultural tourist destination exploring and embracing digital technology as a force multiplier in achieving its aims.
SPOT-IT: An Advanced Tool for Dynamic Cultural Tourism Management and Regional Development
Authors: Tchetchik Anat , Shiff Shilo , Michael Yaron , Sinclair Michael , Cohen-Amit Irit , Shmuel Irit , Sofer Micheal
Published: October 2024

Global changes and trends have been greatly influencing the way cultural tourism is defined, operated, and developed. These changes require the creation of new measurement and management tools. Given the diverse nature of cultural tourism, one of the most pertaining obstacles hindering its sustainable development is that the required relevant information for effective decision-making and management is currently not well complied with, organized, and processed. SPOT-IT, which was developed under SPOT, an EU-Horizon2020-funded project, rises to this challenge by offering a new approach to cultural tourism that reflects the tourism patterns of the twenty-first century. It is a decision-supporting platform for the development of cultural tourism sites within a Web-based Resource Centre. This paper describes the purposes of the tool, its conceptualization, its components, and its importance. It concludes with some policy implications.
Redefining Cultural Tourism Leadership: Innovative Approach and Tool
Authors: Martins João , Pereira Pedro , Pasandideh Shabnam , Raiyani Kashyap , Kalvet Tarmo , De la cal Mikel Zubiaga , Gandini Alessandra
Published: October 2024

The paper discusses the intersection of Cultural Tourism and topics that emerged during the IMPACTOUR project's lifespan. It showcases innovative approaches to managing Cultural Tourism and emphasizes essential trends related to tools and data. The paper also introduces the IMPACTOUR methodology and tool, which enhances the crucial role of Cultural Tourism stakeholders and offers a forward-looking perspective.
Spain: The Response of the Education System to the COVID-19 Pandemic: How LNOB (Leaving No-One Behind) Got Lost in Translation
Authors: Gomendio Montse
Published: October 2024

Historically the evidence from international surveys shows that Spanish students have levels of performance below the OECD average, particularly in maths, which have followed a flat line for over a decade (from 2000 onwards) showing a complete lack of progress until some improvements took place around 2015. When compared to other countries, Spain has very few excellent students. This flatness has been wrongly interpreted as a signal that the Spanish education system has sacrificed quality for the sake of equity. Nothing could be further from the truth. The most distinctive feature is the high rate of early school leaving, which represents the worst kind of inequity. During and after Covid-19 student performance declined despite short school closures. The policy response to the pandemic was to lower standards, leading to negative consequences. During the state of alarm, central government decreed that grade repetition was forbidden, all students should promote to the next grade and teachers should give their students higher grades. These apparently temporary measures became the new normal after the latest reform was approved. The result was grade inflation on a major scale. Thus, over the last years teachers’ grades have become higher, while international surveys clearly show declines in levels of performance. Such complacency at the national level will prevent any improvements. These changes have had a greater impact among secondary students since it is at this stage that grade repetition used to be most common and students who failed several subjects could not promote or obtain degrees. The new model has created a mirage in which teachers’ grades have become disentangled from true levels of performance. The idea that this would help students who suffered the greatest learning losses is just plain wrong, since those students will not be correctly identified and will not receive the support they need. In addition, the illusion created by the levels of grade inflation achieved, generate the false impression that levels of performance are improving, and therefore policies are having a positive impact, when ILSAs tell us the opposite.Finally, there are two rich regions which in the last cycles have experienced the steepest declines. Catalonia and the Basque Country have strong pro-independence movements which have identified education as a great lever to strengthen national identities. As part of these nationalistic politics, schools teach in the co-official languages exclusively, treating Spanish as a foreign language. In such cases the proportion of students who take the test (PISA, PIRLS and TIMSS) in a language different from that spoken at home is over half of the student population, most of them Spanish students who speak Spanish at home. Clearly such policies harm the ability of students to learn.
England: Turbulent Years—PISA 2022 and COVID-19 School Disruption
Authors: Oates Tim
Published: October 2024

Like many nations, England suffered a decline in scores in PISA in 2022, following important improvement. It declined less than the other nations of United Kingdom, which are in different stages of curriculum renewal and development. This chapter examines key events in England's experience of COVID-19. It explores the nature and extent of COVID-19 impact in England and compares outcomes with other key nations. It suggests that there is strong, continuing and complex COVID-19 impact on education and this is likely to continue into the 2030's. It examines how this poses a highly distinctive public policy challenge which so far has been underestimated with inadequate remedy.
Estonia: The Impact of Covid-19 on Education in Estonia—What Have We Learned from PISA 2022 and National External Evaluations?
Authors: Tire Gunda
Published: October 2024

PISA 2022 is the first large scale international assessment that claims to capture the impact of Covid-19 on school systems worldwide. Learning loss is observed in many countries around the globe and Estonia is not an exception. However, Estonia is still among the top performing countries showing high levels of student performance in all domains of assessment. In this chapter we look at pre and post Covid-19 data about the aspects of equity, performance and well-being as seen by the national and international studies for Estonia.