bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric testing of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Work Instability Scale in employed people with fibromyalgia
Authors: Hammond Alison , Tennant Alan , Brown Tamara , Prior Yeliz , Ching Angela , Parker Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to establish whether the Rheumatoid Arthritis Work Instability Scale (RA‐WIS), in its current form, is applicable for use with employed people with fibromyalgia (FM) to identify the risk of work disability and need for work rehabilitation.

Methods

Content validity was first investigated using cognitive debriefing interviews. Participants completed a postal questionnaire. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity included testing between the RA‐WIS and work (e.g., Workplace Activity Limitations Scale) and health (FM Impact Questionnaire‐Revised (FIQ‐R) scales. Two weeks later, participants were mailed a second questionnaire to measure test‐retest reliability.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 13 participants with FM. All RA‐WIS items were considered very or extremely relevant by almost all participants, with only one suggesting other items (anxiety and brain fog). Questionnaire responses were analysed from 156 employed participants: 94% women; 45.71 (SD 10.05) years of age; with time since FM diagnosis 2.99 (4.17) years (symptom duration 8.36 (SD 7.16) years). The RA‐WIS mostly satisfied Rasch model requirements and a Rasch transformation scale was created. Concurrent validity was generally good (rs = 0.55–0.66) with work scales and the FIQ‐R. Internal consistency (Person Separation Index values) was consistent with group use in FM, not individual level use. Test‐retest reliability was excellent, with intraclass coefficient (2, 1) = 0.90.

Discussion

The RA‐WIS is valid and reliable for group use in employed people with FM. However, further work is needed to develop a WIS for individual use in FM.
The art of war and the militarization of mestizaje
Authors: Garcia Brenda Gisela
Published: September 2023

This photograph was taken in a public military plaza in Mexico City. Here stands an exhibit of decommissioned weapons from Mexico's Drug Wars shaped to represent each Mexican state. I argue that these sculptures illustrate the racial process of mestizaje, but infuses it with a new dimension: militarization.
Normal postvoid residual urine in healthy adults
Authors: Lim Li Yi , Yang Stephen Shei‐Dei
Published: September 2023

Objective

To establish a normal reference value of postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume in “healthy” adults.

Methods

Adults were recruited to undergo uroflowmetry and PVR. Those with neurological disorders, malignancy, diabetes, known lower urinary tract dysfunction, and urinary tract infection within the previous 3 months, were excluded from the study. Constipation was defined as Rome IV ≥ 2.

Results

Of the 883 adults enrolled in this study, 194 (22.3%) did not complete the questionnaires or perform the uroflowmetry, 103 (11.7%) met ≥1 exclusion criteria and thus were excluded. In addition, 30 and 38 uroflowmetry were excluded due to artifacts and low bladder volume (BV) (<100 mL), respectively. Finally, 515 uroflowmetry and PVR data from adults aged 36–89 (mean: 59.0 ± 9.5) were examined. There was a significant nonlinear relationship between BV and PVR (p < 0.05), with PVR significantly increased when BV was around 528 mL. Women had lower PVR than men (p < 0.05). PVR also increased as the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) increased. PVR was unaffected by age and functional constipation. A multivariate analysis revealed that BV (p < 0.05) and IPSS (p < 0.05) had significant influence on PVR, but age, gender, and Rome IV score did not. The 90th and 95th percentiles of PVR for men were 73.2 mL (25% of BV) and 102.6 mL (30% of BV), respectively, while for women they were 60.5 mL (21% of BV) and 93.8 mL (27% of BV), respectively.

Conclusion

Women had lower PVR than men. The 90th percentile or 95th percentile of normal adults' PVR may serve as the upper limit of normal PVR, and readings above this level may necessitate additional evaluation and treatment. Further studies are required to substantiate these recommendations.
e‐Service‐learning in an interdisciplinary course of plant and insect biodiversity and pollinator health
Authors: Ye Dan , Pennisi Svoboda V. , Braman Susan Kristine , Rich Christy M.
Published: September 2023

This article presents a synopsis of an interdisciplinary asynchronous online science service‐learning course for upper undergraduates and graduate students. The design process, structure of the course, pedagogical approaches, and specific goals are described. Discussions, analyses, and evaluations from both students and university faculty highlight the experience and lessons learned from the process. Our study shows that our approach impacted students positively, including developing a more positive attitude toward biodiversity protection and some behavioral changes in their personal life as well as their professional life.
Ochratoxin a in human serum samples collected in Southern Italy from healthy individuals and individuals suffering from different kidney disorders
Authors: Breitholtz‐Emanuelsson Anna , Minervini Fiorenza , Hult Karl , Visconti Angelo
Published: September 2023

Ochratoxin A was determined in human serum samples, collected in the south of Italy in November 1992, using ion‐pair liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The samples were collected from healthy people (65 subjects) as well as from people with different kidney disorders. Five different kinds of kidney disorders were represented: transplanted subjects (13), chronic glomerulonephritis (8), renal calculus or cyst (6), chronic renal failure (13), and subjects treated by dialysis (28). The mean and median concentrations of ochratoxin A in the healthy group was 0.53 and 0.44 ng/ml serum, respectively. The highest mean concentration was found in the group of patients treated by dialysis, 1.4 ng/ml serum. A higher incidence of samples containing >0.44 ng ochratoxin A/ml serum was found in the dialysis group, compared to the other groups. Comparing the mean concentrations by Student's t‐test, a significant difference was found between the mean concentrations of the healthy group and of the group of patients treated by dialysis (P < 0.01). No other significant differences were found when comparing the groups two at a time.
Immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial (mECap18) cell line recapitulates the in‐vivo environment
Authors: Mulhall Jess E. , Trigg Natalie A. , Bernstein Ilana R. , Anderson Amanda L. , Murray Heather C. , Sipilä Petra , Lord Tessa , Schjenken John E. , Nixon Brett , Skerrett‐Byrne David A.
Published: September 2023

Residing between the testes and the vas deferens, the epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule whose unique luminal microenvironment is crucial for the functional maturation of spermatozoa. This microenvironment is created by the combined secretory and resorptive activity of the lining epididymal epithelium, including the release of extracellular vesicles (epididymosomes), which encapsulate fertility modulating proteins and a myriad of small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are destined for delivery to recipient sperm cells. To enable investigation of this intercellular communication nexus, we have previously developed an immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial cell line (mECap18). Here, we describe the application of label‐free mass spectrometry to characterize the mECap18 cell proteome and compare this to the proteome of native mouse caput epididymal epithelial cells. We report the identification of 5,313 mECap18 proteins, as many as 75.8% of which were also identified in caput epithelial cells wherein they mapped to broadly similar protein classification groupings. Furthermore, key pathways associated with protein synthesis (e.g., EIF2 signaling) and cellular protection in the male reproductive tract (e.g., sirtuin signaling) were enriched in both proteomes. This comparison supports the utility of the mECap18 cell line as a tractable in‐vitro model for studying caput epididymal epithelial cell function.
A study of the microhardness and scratch and abrasion resistance of silica‐like coatings deposited from TEOS and HMDSO on polycarbonate by AP PECVD
Authors: Bil Anastasia S. , Alexandrov Sergei E. , Breki Alexander D. , Shakhmin Alexander L. , Speshilova Anastasia B.
Published: September 2023

This work is the first systematic study of the microhardness, scratch resistance, and abrasion resistance of protective silica‐like layers deposited on polycarbonate by atmospheric pressure plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (AP PECVD) from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The influence of the layer composition on the abovementioned mechanical properties was considered in detail. It has been found that the films deposited from HMDSO at 110°C are characterized by a microhardness value that is almost three times higher than that of the films deposited from TEOS under similar conditions. The lower carbon content and, most likely, the partial substitution of oxygen in the SiO2 matrix with carbon, leading to the formation of an oxycarbide structure, are responsible for the improved mechanical properties of the films deposited from HMDSO.
Characterization and response of three TNT equivalent materials in subsurface explosions
Authors: Robey Richard E. , Young Brian A. , Ingraham Mathew D.
Published: September 2023

Energetic compositions utilized for inducing seismic responses are often referred to in terms of their TNT equivalent, a metric which is often misused because observations of interest are not often understood with respect to explosive characteristics. In this investigation, we characterize three energetic compositions used to elicit seismic responses in a highly instrumented testbed to further our understanding of subsurface TNT equivalence. Three different energetic sources are prepared and studied for their fidelity to thermochemically predicted detonation behavior. We present effects of subsurface detonation on subsurface rock and seismic emission as a function of energetic source material within the testbed. Field experiments were conducted using a single thermochemical yield of 5 kg using diverse sources consisting of nitromethane, ammonal, and PBXN‐5 (an HMX based plastic bonded explosive) mixtures at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, New Mexico. Relative performance of energy density‐related detonation parameters, such as detonation velocity and pressure, affect the observed response in the subsurface. Most notable, equal thermochemical yields described in terms of TNT equivalence do not correlate to equal thermochemical effects in the subsurface.
Exploring the association between social media and farmers' knowledge of a worldwide invasive agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Chen Dongming , Zhang Liyun , Peng Ya , Si Xiaozheng
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Public education has profound effects on the management effectiveness of invasive alien species by shaping stakeholders' knowledge systems. However, our understanding of the association between social media and farmers' knowledge is lacking for the majority of invasive agricultural pests. In this study, we used the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, one of the most invasive insects globally, as a case to test the hypothesis that social media has a significant association with farmers' knowledge of FAW. To address this, we developed a theoretical framework, conducted extensive household questionnaires in the China‐Myanmar‐Laos border region (China), and used quantitative descriptions and binary logistic regressions in statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Our results showed that (1) farmers frequently reported using 12 social media applications on smartphones (SMASs), and obtained FAW‐relevant information from six of them, with high preferences for WeChat and TikTok, (2) farmers possessed a generally high level of knowledge of FAW which was significantly associated with their socio‐demographic profiles, and (3) FAW‐relevant information from SMASs was significantly associated with certain aspects of farmers' knowledge of FAW.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that social media has a significant association with farmers' knowledge of FAW. We suggest that well‐designed and ‐conducted educational programs based on the use of SMASs could help improve the management of FAW, and the Department of Agricultural Extension could play an important and necessary role. Our findings provide insights into this novel educational approach for the management of serious invasive agricultural pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Combined nighttime ultraviolet B irradiation and phytoseiid mite application provide optimal control of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae on greenhouse strawberry plants
Authors: Tanaka Masaya , Yase Junya , Kanto Takeshi , Osakabe Masahiro
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Tetranychus urticae is a hard‐to‐control pest of greenhouse strawberry production. Nighttime ultraviolet B (UV‐B) radiation using light reflection sheets (LRS) has been applied as a physical method to control T. urticae through direct ovicidal effects (the UV method). However, because strawberry leaves grow more densely, UV‐B radiation fails to reach the lower leaf surfaces inhabited by spider mites; therefore, a complementary method is required. We propose the supplemental application of phytoseiid mites in greenhouse strawberry production. We evaluated the control effects of UV‐B irradiation, phytoseiid mite application and their combined use. The effects of UV‐B irradiation on the degree of overlap relative to the independent distributions (ω) between predators and prey were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The UV method alone maintained low T. urticae density levels from November to February; however, mite populations increased from March onward. Phytoseiid mite application in January and February without UV‐B irradiation resulted in a temporary increase in spider mites in March and/or April. By contrast, combined application of the UV method and phytoseiid mites had a greater control effect during the strawberry growing season. The ω values were higher for the UV method compared with no UV‐B irradiation, suggesting that UV‐B irradiation increased phytoseiid mite foraging rates.

CONCLUSION

The release of phytoseiid mites compensated for the shortcomings of the UV method, and UV‐B irradiation promoted predation by phytoseiid mites by increasing the behavioral numerical response. Consequently, combined application of UV‐B irradiation and phytoseiid mites is optimal for T. urticae control in greenhouse strawberry production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Co‐inoculation timing affects the interspecific interactions between phoma stem canker pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa
Authors: Bingol Evren , Qi Aiming , Karandeni‐Dewage Chinthani , Ritchie Faye , Fitt Bruce D. L. , Huang Yong‐Ju
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Phoma stem canker is an economically important disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co‐existing fungal pathogen species, Leptosphaeria maculans (Plenodomus lingam) and Leptosphaeria biglobosa (Plenodomus biglobosus). Leptosphaeria maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our previous work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if it is simultaneously co‐inoculated with L. maculans. However, the effects of sequential co‐inoculation on interspecific interactions between the two pathogens are not understood.

RESULTS

The interactions between L. maculans and L. biglobosa were investigated in liquid culture by inoculation with L. maculans first, followed by L. biglobosa sequentially at 1, 3, 5 or 7 days later and vice versa; the controls were inoculated with L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only, or L. maculans and L. biglobosa simultaneously. The results showed that L. biglobosa inhibited the growth of L. maculans, the production of both sirodesmin PL and its precursors if L. biglobosa was inoculated before, or simultaneously with, L. maculans. However, the antagonistic effects of L. biglobosa were lost if it was co‐inoculated 5 or 7 days after L. maculans.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the results of this study provided evidence that the timing when L. maculans and L. biglobosa meet significantly influences the outcome of the interspecific competition between them. Leptosphaeria biglobosa can inhibit the production of sirodesmin PL and the growth of L. maculans if it is inoculated before L. maculans or less than 3 days after L. maculans in liquid culture. There is a need to further investigate the timing of co‐inoculation on interactions between L. maculans and L. biglobosa in their host plants for improving the control of phoma stem canker. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficient qPCR estimation and discrimination of airborne inoculum of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa, the causal organisms of phoma leaf spotting and stem canker of oilseed rape
Authors: Kaczmarek Joanna , West Jonathan S , King Kevin M , Canning Gail G M , Latunde‐Dada Akinwunmi O , Huang Yong‐Ju , Fitt Bruce D L , Jedryczka Malgorzata
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Detection of the inoculum of phytopathogens greatly assists in the management of diseases, but is difficult for pathogens with airborne fungal propagules. Here, we present experiments to determine the abundance and distribution frequencies of the ascospores of Leptosphaeria (Plenodomus) species that were collected on the tapes of volumetric Hirst‐type traps near oilseed rape fields in Poznan, Poland and Harpenden, UK. Fungal detection and species discrimination were achieved using a SYBR‐Green quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with two different pairs of primers previously reported to differentiate Leptosphaeria maculans (Plenodomus lingam) or L. biglobosa (P. biglobosus).

RESULTS

Detection was successful even at fewer than five spores per m3 of air. The primer pairs differed in the correlation coefficients obtained between DNA yields and the daily abundance of ascospores that were quantified by microscopy on duplicate halves of the spore trap tapes. Important differences in the specificity and sensitivity of the published SYBR‐Green assays were also found, indicating that the Liu primers did not detect L. biglobosa subclade ‘canadensis’, whereas the Mahuku primers detected L. biglobosa subclade ‘canadensis’ and also the closely related Plenodomus dezfulensis.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparisons confirmed that application of qPCR assays to spore trap samples can be used for the early detection, discrimination and quantification of aerially dispersed L. maculans and L. biglobosa propagules before leaf spot symptoms are visible in winter oilseed rape fields. The specificity of the primers must be taken into consideration because the final result will greatly depend on the local population of the pathogen. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The protective role of resveratrol in diabetic wound healing
Authors: Bi Minglei , Qin Yonghong , Wang Lerong , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2023

Diabetic wounds are severe complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), which have difficulty in healing. Although diverse treatments have been used, the prognosis of diabetic wounds is not satisfactory; therefore, an effective therapy to accelerate diabetic wound healing is urgently needed. In our review, we summarized that resveratrol can promote diabetic wound healing by protecting against hyperglycemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular pathology, infection, and peripheral neuropathy. To clarify it clearly, we highlighted its underlying mechanisms of protective effects of resveratrol against diabetic wounds, and high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish its clinical efficacy. Otherwise, with the development of material sciences, resveratrol can exert its therapeutic effectiveness efficiently; however, more high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of resveratrol on diabetic wounds.
Quality of systematic reviews with meta‐analyses of resveratrol: A methodological systematic review
Authors: Lu Cuncun , Ke Lixin , Zhang Qiang , Deng Xiuxiu , Shang Wenru , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Li Yuanyuan , Xie Yanming , Wang Zhifei
Published: September 2023

Recently, several meta‐analyses (MAs) have focused on the health effects of resveratrol. However, the methodological and reporting quality of these MAs has not yet been fully evaluated so far. Therefore, the present study evaluated the quality of these MAs through a methodological systematic review. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception until May 20, 2022, and PubMed was used to update the search until September 6, 2023. The methodological and reporting quality of the selected MAs was evaluated using AMSTAR‐2 and PRISMA 2009. Fifty‐one MAs published during 2013–2023 were included. In each review, the number of primary studies ranged from 3 to 37, and the number of participants ranged from 50 to 2114. Among the first‐listed primary outcomes, only 23 (45.10%) were “positive.” As for the methodological quality, most MAs (44, 86.27%) on resveratrol were rated critically low. Inadequate reporting of the included MAs mainly involved items 2 (“Structured summary”), 5 (“Protocol and registration”), 8 (“Search”), 9 (“Study selection”), 10 (“Data collection process”), 12 (“Risk of bias in individual studies”), and 24 (“Summary of evidence”) based on the PRISMA 2009. Additionally, journal's impact factor, number of authors, and funding support were positively associated with the overall methodological quality but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Future MAs on resveratrol require better design, implementation, and reporting by following the Cochrane Handbook, AMSTAR‐2, and PRISMA.
Design of buffered double linked list for LEO satellite beam‐hopping forwarding
Authors: Wan Yangyang , Hong Wei
Published: September 2023

The beam‐hopping technology can solve the problems of uneven user distribution and uneven service demand and improve the efficiency of resource utilization. It is one of the important technologies of future satellite–ground integrated communication. However, the mobility of LEO satellites and the on‐demand scheduling of beams make each satellite beam correspond to multiple ground wave positions, which brings great difficulties to data processing. In this paper, after analyzing the difficulties of the data forwarding buffer of the beam‐hopping system, a double‐linked list structure of user state chain and data buffer chain is proposed, which solves the problem of data forwarding between the satellite and users in the dynamic state and provides an efficient solution for the data exchange of the beam‐hopping LEO satellite.
Morphoea Induced by Vaping
Authors: Harrington Robert , Leahy Marion , Roberts Jack , Laing Mary E.
Published: September 2023

Case report of Morphoea induced by the use of electronic cigarettes.
Fabrication of Multi‐Layered Paper‐Based Supercapacitor Anode by Growing Cu(OH)2 Nanorods on Oxygen Functional Groups‐Rich Sponge‐Like Carbon Fibers
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Li Yaoyao , Zhu Ruifeng , Huang Zhe , Zhang Dan , Long Zhu , Li Yuning
Published: September 2023

This work addresses the challenges in developing carbon fiber paper‐based supercapacitors (SCs) with high energy density by focusing on the limited capacity of carbon fiber. To overcome this limitation, a sponge‐like porous carbon fiber paper enriched with oxygen functional groups (OFGs) is prepared, and Cu(OH)2 nanorods are grown on its surface to construct the SC anode. This design results in a multi‐layered carbon fiber paper‐based electrode with a specific structure and enhanced capacitance. The Cu(OH)2@PCFP anode exhibits an areal capacitance of 547.83 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and demonstrates excellent capacitance retention of 99.8% after 10 000 cycles. Theoretical calculations further confirm that the Cu(OH)2/OFGs‐graphite heterostructure exhibits higher conductivity, facilitating faster charge transfer. A solid‐state SC is successfully assembled using Ketjen Black@PCFP as the cathode and KOH/PVA as the gel electrolyte. The resulting device exhibits an energy density of 0.21 Wh cm−2 at 1.50 mW cm−2, surpassing the performance of reported Cu(OH)2 SCs. This approach, combining materials design with an understanding of underlying mechanisms, not only expands the range of electrode materials but also provides valuable insights for the development of high‐capacity energy storage devices.
Engineering High‐Tortuosity 3D Gradient Structure and CFD‐Assisted Multifield Analysis for Solar Interfacial Evaporation
Authors: Zhao Guanru , Sun Xing , Fu Gangwen , Liu Qingsong , Cui Jiaojiao , Jiang Ruiyi , He Junyuan , Cao Leiqing , Jing Tingting , Qin Fei , Tian Miao , Xu Xi
Published: September 2023

Solar interfacial evaporation is a promising method for solving the global shortage of fresh water. While 2D evaporators can efficiently localize solar‐converted heat at the thin layer of the water–air interface, 3D solar evaporators can maximize energy reutilization while maintaining effective mass transport ability, few studies are conducted to explore the effect of gradient porosity on evaporation performance. In this study, a multifield assisted strategy based on a gradient 3D structure with high tortuosity is proposed, which creates a thermal field environment for efficient evaporation through high absorption of sunlight and excellent photothermal conversion and uses the gradient structure to optimize the internal pressure field to enhance water evaporation and transport. This hierarchically nanostructured solar absorber, with porosity inhomogeneity‐induced pressure gradient and optimized temperature management, is a valuable design idea for manufacturing a more efficient 3D solar evaporator in the field of seawater desalination. Owing to the understanding of optimizing the dimension by various simulation parameters, the evaporation efficiencies of such structures are found to be 165.7%, suppressing the most evaporator. Moreover, it can provide new ideas and references for the fields of mass transfer and thermal management.
Phase‐Tailoring WxV1‐xO2 Meta‐Nanofiber Enables Temperature‐Editing Energy Control
Authors: Guo Hongyu , Niu Tianye , Yu Jianyong , Wang Xueli , Si Yang
Published: September 2023

Room‐temperature phase change materials (RTPCMs) exhibit promise to address challenges in thermal energy storage and release, greatly aiding in numerous domains of human existence and productivity. The conventional RTPCMs undergo inevitable volume expansion, structural collapse, and diffusion of active ingredients while maintaining desirable phase change enthalpy and ideal phase change temperature. Here, a sol–gel 1D‐induced growth approach is presented to fabricate meta nanofibers (Meta‐NFs) comprised of vanadium dioxide with monoclinic crystal structure, and further achieve the editable phase change temperature from 68 to 37 °C through W‐doping, which allowed for tailored length variation of the zigzag V−V bond. Subsequently, Meta‐NFs are assembled into 3D aerogels with self‐standing architecture, thereby enabling the independent use of the RTPCMs. The obtained metamaterials demonstrate not only the temperature‐editing solid–solid phase transition, but also the stiffness of the ceramic matrix, exhibiting the thermal energy control capability at room temperature (37 °C), thermal insulation properties, temperature resistance, and flame retardancy. The effective creation of these fascinating metamaterials might offer new insights for next‐generation and self‐standing solid–solid RTPCMs.
Significant Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Thin Film via Ferroelectric Polarization Engineering
Authors: Li Chengjun , Luo Yubo , Li Wang , Yang Boyu , Sun Chengwei , Ma Zheng , Ma Wenyuan , Wei Yingchao , Liu Haiqiang , Jiang Qinghui , Li Xin , Yang Junyou
Published: September 2023

The Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (BST) thin film shows great promise in harvesting low‐grade heat energy due to its excellent thermoelectric performance at room temperature. In order to further enhance its thermoelectric performance, specifically the power factor and output power, new approaches are highly desirable beyond the common “composition‐structure‐performance” paradigm. This study introduces ferroelectric polarization engineering as a novel strategy to achieve these goals. A Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (PZT/BST) hybrid film is fabricated via magnetron sputtering. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate PZT polarization's influence on charge redistribution and interlayer charge transfer at the PZT/BST interface, facilitating adjustable carrier transport behavior and power factor of the BST film. As a result, a 26.7% enhancement of the power factor, from unpolarized 12.0 to 15.2 µW cm−1 K−2, is reached by 2 kV out‐of‐plane downward polarization of PZT. Furthermore, a five‐leg generator constructed using this PZT/BST hybrid film exhibits a maximum output power density of 13.06 W m−2 at ΔT = 39 K, which is 20.8% higher than that of the unpolarized one (10.81 W m−2). The research presents a new approach to enhance thermoelectric thin films’ power factor and output performance by introducing ferroelectric polarization engineering.
Intrinsically Stretchable Fiber‐Shaped Solar Cells with Polymer‐Based Active Layer
Authors: Lv Dan , Liu Dianyi
Published: September 2023

Fiber‐shaped organic solar cells (FOSCs) with intrinsic stretchability show great potential in stretchable and wearable electronics applications. However, limited by the poor stretchability of small molecule semiconductors, the stretchability of FOSCs is still not satisfied. Polymerized nonfullerene acceptors with excellent photovoltaic performance are a promising strategy for preparing stretchable semiconductors and photovoltaics. Herein, an efficient polymer‐based bulk‐heterojunction blend is adopted as the photoactive material of the stretchable all‐polymer FOSCs. The fabricated all‐polymer FOSCs show superior intrinsic stretchability that remains more than 90% of the initial efficiency under the stretch strain of 50% and maintains stable performance even when undergoing hundreds of stretching–releasing cycles. By adding the third component of polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) elastomer, the stretchable all‐polymer FOSCs can endure the ultrahigh stretch strains over 80%. This study demonstrates the superior mechanical properties of the all‐polymer FOSCs and the simple yet effective strategy of SEBS additive to enhance stretchability.
Nodes selection review for federated learning in the blockchain‐based internet of things
Authors: Abdmeziem Mohammed Riyadh , Akli Hiba , Zourane Rima
Published: September 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) gained momentum these last few years pushed by the emergence of fast and reliable communication networks such as 5G and beyond. IoT depends on collecting information from the environment, leading to a significant increase in the amount of data generated that needs to be transmitted, saved, and analyzed. It is clear that classical deterministic approaches might not be suitable to this complex and fast evolving environment. Hence, machine learning techniques with their ability to handle such a dynamic context, are rising in popularity. In particular, Federated Learning architectures which are better suited to the distributed nature of IoT and its privacy concerns. Besides, to address security risks such as model poisoning, device compromise, and network interception, Blockchain (BC) is seen as the secure and distributed underlying communication infrastructure of choice. This integration of IoT, FL, and BC remains in its early stages and several challenges arise. Indeed, nodes selection to perform resource intensive and critical operations like model learning and transactions validation is a crucial issue considering the strong heterogeneity of the involved devices in terms of resources. In this paper, we propose an original literature review including a taxonomy, a thorough analysis, a comparison of the proposed approaches, along with some open research directions.
Estrogenic activity and acute toxicity assessments of sediments from a chronically polluted estuarine area in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Santos Ana Dalva de Oliveira , Nascimento Marilia Teresa Lima do , Argolo Allan dos Santos , Felix Louise Cruz , Santos Rejany Ferreira dos , Freitas Alex da Silva de , Hauser‐Davis Rachel Ann , Fonseca Estefan Monteiro da , Bila Daniele Maia , Baptista Neto José Antônio
Published: September 2023

Compounds displaying estrogenic potential can lead to serious negative aquatic ecosystem impacts, and exposure to mixtures of endocrine disruptors present in environmental matrices with very complex characteristics, including sediments, can cause serious risks to biota, animals, and humans. Within this perspective, the aim of the present study was to assess estrogenic activity and toxicity in sediments sampled from Guanabara Bay, the most important, although chronically polluted, estuary in southeastern Brazil. To this end, estrogenic activity determinations were performed by the yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay, and acute toxicity assays were carried out employing Vibrio fischeri. Estrogenic activity was quantified up for 8.7 ng g−1 in E2‐EQ, although high levels of cytotoxicity (up to 95%) were observed and might have hindered the determination of the real estrogenic potential in most samples. Acute toxicity to V. fischeri ranged from 0 to 45.21%. These results point to potential deleterious effects caused by micropollutants and underline the urgency of continuous monitoring of the degradation degree of the Guanabara Bay estuary.
Canine respiratory disease outbreak involving canine pneumovirus at an American animal shelter
Authors: Lenz Olivia C. , DeTar Lena G.
Published: September 2023

An outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease complex was attributed to canine pneumovirus in a municipal animal shelter in the northeastern United States. The outbreak comprised eight fatalities and over 100 cases in dogs of all signalments. Cases were characterised by mild to severe signs indicating upper airway, lower airway, and systemic involvement. Nasopharyngeal samples submitted to one commercial and one university laboratory for quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing revealed several canine infectious respiratory disease complex pathogens. However, only the university lab detected canine pneumovirus: multiple nasopharyngeal and lung samples tested positive. Vaccination status, lack of response to antimicrobials, and improvement after implementation of canine infectious respiratory disease outbreak management strategies tailored to canine pneumovirus characteristics indicate substantial involvement of this virus. The outbreak resolved within 1 month of adherence to clean break procedures, limitation of incoming dogs, and deep clean of the premises. This case highlights the difficulty in reliably detecting canine pneumovirus and how population management deficits permit canine infectious respiratory disease complex outbreaks.
Low impact siting for wind power facilities in the Southeast United States
Authors: Feng Xueying , Li Shawn , Kalies Elizabeth L. , Markus Caitlin , Harrell Peter , Patiño‐Echeverri Dalia
Published: September 2023

Although installed wind power generation capacity in the United States reached 132 GW in 2021, more than quadruple the capacity in 2008, a noticeable void exists in the Southeast. Scant wind power development in this region is due to relatively poorer wind resources, other competitive energy sources, and political opposition. However, the dramatic increases in wind turbine hub height, which allow harvesting the faster wind speeds that occur farther from the ground, combined with a growing sense of urgency to develop renewable energy, point to a near future with significant wind development everywhere, including the Southeast. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm for replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources is tempered by fears that the vast land requirements of utility‐scale wind farms may disrupt valuable ecosystems. In this paper, we identify the areas where installed wind power capacity is least likely to disrupt wildlife and sensitive natural areas in the southeastern United States. The generated maps exclude geographic areas unsuitable for wind power development due to environmental concerns or technical considerations corresponding to five categories. The resulting geospatial product suggests that even after removing sizable areas from consideration, there is significant land for wind development to meet the Southeast's energy needs and clean energy goals.
iPSCs as a groundbreaking tool for the study of adverse drug reactions: A new avenue for personalized therapy
Authors: Rispoli Paola , Scandiuzzi Piovesan Tatiana , Decorti Giuliana , Stocco Gabriele , Lucafò Marianna
Published: September 2023

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), obtained by reprogramming different somatic cell types, represent a promising tool for the study of drug toxicities, especially in the context of personalized medicine. Indeed, these cells retain the same genetic heritage of the donor, allowing the development of personalized models. In addition, they represent a useful tool for the study of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in special populations, such as pediatric patients, which are often poorly represented in clinical trials due to ethical issues. Particularly, iPSCs can be differentiated into any tissue of the human body, following several protocols which use different stimuli to induce specific differentiation processes. Differentiated cells also maintain the genetic heritage of the donor, and therefore are suitable for personalized pharmacological studies; moreover, iPSC‐derived differentiated cells are a valuable tool for the investigation of the mechanisms underlying the physiological differentiation processes. iPSCs‐derived organoids represent another important tool for the study of ADRs. Precisely, organoids are in vitro 3D models which better represent the native organ, both from a structural and a functional point of view. Moreover, in the same way as iPSC‐derived 2D models, iPSC‐derived organoids are appropriate personalized models since they retain the genetic heritage of the donor. In comparison to other in vitro models, iPSC‐derived organoids present advantages in terms of versatility, patient‐specificity, and ethical issues. This review aims to provide an updated report of the employment of iPSCs, and 2D and 3D models derived from these, for the study of ADRs.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Stem Cells and Development
Analysis of constant proportional Caputo operator on the unsteady Oldroyd‐B fluid flow with Newtonian heating and non‐uniform temperature
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak
Published: September 2023

The Caputo operator has recently gained popularity as a widely used operator in fractional calculus. The purpose of this current research is to develop a new operator by combining the Caputo and proportional derivatives, resulting in the constant proportional Caputo (CPC) fractional operator. To demonstrate the dynamic behavior of this newly defined operator, it was applied to the unsteady Oldroyd‐B fluid model. Additionally, the research considered an Oldroyd‐B fluid in a generalized Darcy medium, considering non‐uniform temperature, radiation, and heat generation. Analytical solutions for the proposed model were obtained and presented in graphical form using the computational software MATHCAD. The impact of various physical parameters was also examined through graphical analysis of velocity and temperature profiles, as well as a comparison between isothermal and non‐uniform temperature. In conclusion, this research found that the CPC fractional operator effectively explains the dynamics of the Oldroyd‐B fluid model with stable and strong memory effects, compared to the classical model.
Future of Food
Authors: Landesz Tamás
Published: September 2023

The world is facing significant challenges in providing food and water security to a growing population without harming the environment. To address these challenges, the production of bioproducts and healthy, high-quality foods will become more critical, with protein coming from synthetic processes and insects. Agricultural production will move closer to where people live, using technologies such as horizontal agriculture, rooftops, synthetic biology, and genetically modified plants. Governments need to facilitate the dialogue surrounding the societal impacts of new technologies related to food, such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. The business-as-usual approach is no longer viable, and all countries must commit to sharing responsibility in implementing fundamental changes, including raising consumer awareness, proper regulations, and more equitable income distribution. The future of food requires innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by a community of researchers, entrepreneurs, and governments to achieve a sustainable, healthy, and equitable food supply chain. This includes reducing food waste through innovative technologies, sustainable agriculture, and significant dietary shifts. Microorganisms will be used to produce carbs, proteins, and fats, with lab-grown meat replacing animal farming. With smart cities impacting food consumption and waste reduction, personalized food products and better food packaging will be developed.
Future of Religion
Authors: Landesz Tamás
Published: September 2023

The belief in God and religion is no longer considered essential for societal functioning in many parts of the world. The future of religion is the topic of many debates, and while some believe religion will die out, others believe that it will evolve to accommodate social changes. People are increasingly turning to spirituality, and there is a growing trend toward the “spiritual but not religious” label. The rise of secularism and multiculturalism and increasing understanding and shaping of the world through science has led some to believe that the future of religion may be that it has no future. Others argue that religion still has a role in society, and a universal religion based on morals will prevail. The current trend shows that some countries with a high proportion of atheists also exhibit a well-balanced society, raising the question of whether a robust economy, the rule of law, and quality education can replace the need for a religious foundation. The Internet could be a potential source for gathering followers, and virtual movements are gaining popularity at rates never seen before. As artificial intelligence (AI) blurs the boundaries between humans and machines, it is argued that the concept of “singularity” has become mainstream, leading some to believe that a superhuman AI will be created that could conceive of ideas and invent technological tools more advanced than anything we have today.
Future of Governments, Politics and Democracy
Authors: Landesz Tamás
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the decline of democracy and trust in political institutions worldwide, as well as the role of technology and AI in improving infrastructure, public services and policymaking. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index has measured the quality of political processes, civil liberties, the functioning of government, public participation and political culture every year since 2006, providing a ranking of nearly every country in the world on a 10-point scale. In 2020, the global average score fell to its lowest point since 2006, with the pandemic contributing to this decline. The Edelman Trust Barometer shows that people have fears about the future and how it may impact them, leading to a lack of trust in governmental institutions, businesses, NGOs and media. The European Union launched a project to explore the future of government beyond 2030, combining citizen engagement, foresight and design. Four scenarios emerged: DIY Democracy, Private Algocracy, Super Collaborative Government and Over Regulatocracy. The chapter concludes with predictions for democracy’s future in the new digital age and how technology can both weaken and strengthen democracy.
Future of Geopolitics
Authors: Landesz Tamás
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the potential transformation of geopolitics over the next 30 years and the global challenges humanity may face. The world is undergoing a historical transition, with economic and political power rebalancing, and as a result future politics will be moving towards more openness or resistance to change. China is predicted to become the world’s largest economy and a more significant political actor, and the proportion of economies with a high degree of state ownership and control is expected to increase sharply. Emerging power hubs by 2050 may include Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. Furthermore, future conflicts will likely be more about spheres of influence, water, resources and supply lines and less about territory. The chapter concludes with a discussion on how international trade impacts global poverty and the potential impact of policy decisions on globalization and climate change on a global scale.
Future of Energy
Authors: Varghese Sangeeth
Published: September 2023

The energy sector accounts for three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions presently, and consequently, efforts to mitigate the consequences of climate change rely massively on improving the condition of our energy consumption, production and transportation. Some of the broad trends that are predicted to realize by 2050 include the global energy demand to continue rising at an average annual growth rate to 2% with most of the increased demand coming from South Asian and African countries which experience significant economic growth during these three decades. Most of the increased demand of energy will be in the form of electricity, and efficiency in electricity production, storage and transportation will become absolutely crucial. Almost 77% of new energy demand is predicted to be met using solar and wind energy production, with some help from biofuels and nuclear energy. The realization of a net-zero future requires the adding capacity for 630 GW of solar power and 390 GW of wind power generation every year, mass electrification of vehicles to increase electric vehicles’ share of global sales from around 5% presently to 60% by 2050, and significant improvement in energy storage and transmission.
Postdigital Bildung as a Guiding Principle to Foster Inclusion in Educational Media
Authors: Pieper Marlene , Neuhaus Till , Vogt Michaela
Published: September 2023

Pieper, Neuhaus, and Vogt propose that the German concept of Bildung enriches existing debates around education and learning in the digital realm. This argument is based on the implications of (post)digitality for the handling of teaching and learning materials, with a special focus on inclusion sensitivity in the context of Open Educational Resources (OER). OER have inclusive potential which must be actively shaped in order to avoid exclusionary effects. Against this background, the concept of postdigital Bildung is developed, recognizing the entanglements of the subject with an equally entangled digitality. It is suggested that the critical approach of postdigital Bildung fosters an active, inclusion-oriented, and participatory discourse around the ideals, potentials, and limitations of education in general and educational media and resources in particular.