bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and Development of an Experimental Device for Military Communication Using Multi-level Amplitude Shift Keying
Authors: Tuyen Chu Manh , Vu Nguyen Van , Giang Le Ngoc
Published: January 2025

Ensuring "timely, accurate, confidential, and secure" communication is a core requirement for military communication systems. Traditional communication systems often use amplitude modulation (AM) due to its simple design and ease of implementation. However, the major drawback of AM is its high sensitivity to noise, making it suitable only for long-wave transmissions, such as AM radio, and challenging to integrate modern technologies like 4G and 5G into military communication systems.
This paper presents the research and development of an experimental military communication device using multi-level shift keying (MASK) modulation. The study explores the mathematical foundation, design, and construction of the MASK modulation and demodulation system. The experimental device was tested under varying noise levels and transmission conditions to evaluate its performance. Results indicate that the MASK-based system significantly improves noise resistance compared to AM systems, ensuring reliable communication even in high-interference environments. These findings demonstrate the potential of MASK for integration into next-generation military communication systems, addressing the stringent demands of modern combat and adverse conditions.
Incidence of Natural Virus Infection on Selected Improved Genetic Varieties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Minna, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Liman Abdullahi Hussaini , Salaudeen Muhammadu Tajudeen , Adeleke Ismaila Adeyemi , Fajoye Ayodeji Matthew , Arije Dotun
Published: January 2025

Cassava is a major staple food source for millions of people in Africa. It is one of the most cultivated root crops and it is a sustainable source of food security and family income for the poor in the developing world. Despite its economic significance, cassava yield is significantly reduced by viral diseases which can often result in 100 % yield loss in susceptible cultivars. Through a field-based randomized complete block-designed experiment, the present study screened five cassava genotypes in three replications at Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Collected samples were scored based on disease severity scale and data were subjected to ANOVA. Research results reveal that the five genotypes (PRV A, TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, and TMS 30572) were asymptomatic throughout the growing season, suggesting that all treatments were resistant to natural virus infection. Despite all treatments being resistant to virus infection, TME 419 had a better growth and yield performance compared to other treatments. Hence, the cassava genotypes identified in this study could be used for future breeding programs as resistant varieties to virus diseases in Minna, which can enhance food security and family income. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand the effect of diseases on these selected varieties.
Antibiotic Use and Resistance Patterns in Escherichia coli Isolates from Rabbit Farms in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Touré Daouda , Essoh Christiane , Ouattara Baguy Mohamed , Coulibaly Djata , Bamba Chata , Sanogo Sanga Brahima , Kacou-N’douba Adèle , Djaman Joseph Allico
Published: January 2025

Backround: The use of antimicrobials in rabbit farming is essential for treating sick animals, controlling disease outbreaks, preventing illness, and promoting growth. However, their overuse and improper application contribute to the development and spread of resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health threat. This study aimed to assess antibiotic use and resistance patterns in Escherichia coli isolates from rabbit farms in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Methodology: Questionnaire was sent to 48 farmers, followed by the collection of fresh rabbit droppings from 25 farms. Escherichia coli was detected by inoculating droppings on chromogenic medium, followed by identification on the basis of biochemical characteristics. Resistance was studied using the Müeller-Hinton agar disc-diffusion method using 12 antibiotics.
Results: Less than one-third of farmers (29.2%) used antibiotics, with oxytetracycline being the most commonly used. Antibiotics were primarily administered for digestive, skin, and respiratory diseases. The 56 E. coli isolates were highly resistant to colistin (82.1%), tetracycline (53.6%), amikacin (37.5%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (32.1%). Resistance rate to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin were very low (< 4%). However, all isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and imipenem. The prevalence of ESBL E. coli was 3.6%. A significant number of E. coli isolate had a MAR index > 0.2.
Conclusion: This study highlights the poor use of antibiotics on rabbit farms in Korhogo, with high levels of resistance to certain antibiotics of critical importance in human medicine. Hence the need to intensify awareness-raising and training of farmers in the rational use of antibiotics, in order to reduce the risk of dissemination of resistant bacteria within the population.
Abstract
Authors: Engl Rob , Cook Martin
Published: January 2025

In 2013 excavation works were undertaken at the location of the former Canongate Charity Poorhouse (or workhouse) on the New Waverley development site, at the junction of Calton Road and Old Tolbooth Wynd, Canongate, Edinburgh. The excavation revealed development of the site from the initial cultivation of the ‘backlands’ in the 12th/13th centuries to the construction of the Poorhouse in 1761.
A sequence of buried garden soils/middens relating to pre-18th-century activity was recorded, in addition to the remains of a single burgage plot boundary and associated rig and furrow deposits. Substantial structural features related to the 18th-century Poorhouse were revealed, including sandstone walls with wooden plank and pinion foundation rafting. Seven burials of probable late 17th-/early 18th-century date associated with the Canongate Kirk were recorded along the site’s southern boundary (an eighth had been encountered in 1997).
A rich artefact and ecofact assemblage was recovered from the soils and midden deposits, including imported fine glassware. The ceramic assemblage included Scottish White Gritty Ware (SWGW), Scottish Post-medieval Reduced Ware (SPMRW) and Scottish Post-medieval Oxidised Ware (SPMOW), together with high-status imported material such as a Spanish gaming piece and a rare German stove tile.
Consumption patterns revealed by the artefact evidence appear to reflect the high status of the Canongate’s inhabitants prior to the greater development of the site during the 18th century. The creation of the Poorhouse stands in stark contrast to this, revealing the changing fortunes of this part of post-medieval Edinburgh.
Patient Perspectives on Social Risk Screening and Documentation in a Dermatology Clinic
Authors: Wilkerson Kamina , De Marchis Emilia , Rudd Nora , Williams Jazzmin C. , Pantell Matt , Ackerman Sara L. , Amerson Erin H. , Chang Aileen Y.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Providing person-centered dermatologic care includes consideration of social risk factors, such as housing instability and unreliable transportation, that may affect clinical management. Patients’ perspectives on social risk screening and documentation in dermatology clinics have not yet been evaluated.

Objective

To understand patients’ perspectives on social risk screening and documentation in a dermatology clinic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This mixed-methods study used a survey and semistructured interviews and was conducted in a general dermatology clinic at a large urban public hospital. Patients at the clinic were eligible to complete the survey if they were 18 years or older; able to speak and read English, Spanish, or Cantonese; and comfortable using a computer tablet. Survey participants who preferred to use English were eligible for interviews. The survey included social risk screening questions, measures of acceptability, and questions on social risk factors associated with patient acceptability. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore attitudes and beliefs about social risk screening and documentation. Survey and interview findings were integrated during data analysis through development of themes and joint display. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

There were 2 outcome measures of acceptability: appropriateness of screening in a dermatology clinic and comfort with documentation of social risk in the electronic health record (EHR).

Results

A total of 135 participants (including 73 males [54.1%]) answered both measures of acceptability in the survey. Of these participants, 116 (85.9%) reported that social risk screening in their dermatology clinic was very or somewhat appropriate and 85 (63.0%) reported being completely or somewhat comfortable with having their social risks documented in the EHR. Themes that were developed from surveys and interviews were the (1) role of interpersonal factors in willingness to disclose social risks, (2) implications of institutional trust for willingness to disclose and comfort with documentation, and (3) relevance of screening in a dermatology clinic.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study showed that most participants found social risk screening to be appropriate in a dermatology clinic, although a smaller proportion of participants were comfortable with EHR documentation of their social risks. Optimizing patients’ trust in their physicians and the medical system, while addressing privacy and discrimination concerns, may help facilitate disclosure of social risks.
Parents’ Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences and Offspring Involvement With the Criminal Legal System
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Schlichte Lindsay M. , Tolliver Destiny G. , La Charite Jaime , Biely Christopher , Dudovitz Rebecca , Leifheit Kathryn , Russ Shirley , Sastry Narayan , Yama Cecile , Slavich George M. , Schickedanz Adam
Published: October 2023

Importance

Intergenerational cycles of adversity likely increase one’s risk of criminal legal system involvement, yet associations with potential contributors, such as parents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs), have not been explored.

Objective

To investigate the association of parents’ ACEs and PCEs with their adult children’s involvement in US legal systems, from arrest to conviction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The study team analyzed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), a nationally representative cohort study of families in the US. PSID-2013 survey data were merged with the 2014 PSID Childhood Retrospective Circumstances Study (CRCS), collected May 2014 to January 2015, which asked adults aged 18 to 97 years to retrospectively report on their childhood experiences. Parents and their adult children were linked in the data set. Data were analyzed from October 2022 to September 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The child arrest outcome was regressed on parents’ ACE and PCE scores using logistic regression models. In addition, multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of parents’ ACE and PCE scores with the number of times their child was arrested and convicted.

Results

Of 12 985 eligible individuals, 8072 completed the CRCS. Among CRCS participants, there were 1854 eligible parent-child dyads (ie, parents and their adult children) that formed the analytic sample. The mean (SD) age of offspring at the time of CRCS completion was 38.5 (10.9) years, and 1076 offspring (51.3%) were female. Having 4 or more parental ACEs was associated with 1.91-fold (95% CI, 1.14-3.22) higher adjusted odds of arrest before age 26 and 3.22-fold (95% CI, 1.62-6.40) higher adjusted odds of conviction before age 26 years, compared with children of parents without ACEs. These associations persisted after controlling for parental PCEs.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationally representative study, children of parents with higher ACEs were at greater risk of arrest during adolescence and young adulthood, even after controlling for parents’ PCEs. Addressing and preventing childhood adversity through multigenerational life course approaches may help disrupt intergenerational pathways to the criminal legal system.
Ketamine for Depression—Knowns, Unknowns, Possibilities, Barriers, and Opportunities
Authors: Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: October 2023

This Viewpoint discusses ketamine and its new and experimentally investigated on- and off-label indications that span different medical disciplines.
A Humidity‐Resistant, Sensitive, and Stretchable Hydrogel‐Based Oxygen Sensor for Wireless Health and Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Wu Zixuan , Ding Qiongling , Wang Hao , Ye Jindong , Luo Yibing , Yu Jiahao , Zhan Runze , Zhang He , Tao Kai , Liu Chuan , Wu Jin
Published: October 2023

Highly sensitive and wearable gas sensors are highly demanded on account of their widespread application in health and environmental monitoring. However, the sensing performance of conventional room‐temperature gas sensors are prone to fluctuate or even fail under changing humidity, temperature or putting into water, thus severely limiting their practical applications. Herein, a porous elastomer‐encapsulated hydrogel‐based oxygen sensor is designed with impressive room‐temperature sensing performance under various environmental conditions, including high precision (at ppm level), wide detection range (from 5 ppm to 90% O2), excellent repeatability, selectivity, long‐term stability, breathability, and waterproofing. The hydrophobic elastomer film prevents the water molecules from intruding and evaporating to a great extent, making the device resistant to humidity interference and applicable to underwater operation. Benefiting from the intrinsic stretchability of both hydrogel and elastomer films and their strong interfacial bonding, the final device can be stretched up to 100% strain. By integrating the sensor with a wireless circuit module, a wearable/portable oxygen sensing system for real‐time monitoring of health and environment is demonstrated, realizing timely and convenient assessment of respiratory rate, tissue oxygen, ambient oxygen, and dissolved oxygen.
Microenvironment‐Regulating Drug Delivery Nanoparticles for Treating and Preventing Typical Biofilm‐Induced Oral Diseases
Authors: Xiao Leyi , Feng Mengge , Chen Chen , Xiao Qi , Cui Yu , Zhang Yufeng
Published: October 2023

The oral cavity comprises an environment full of microorganisms. Dysregulation of this microbial‐cellular microenvironment will lead to a series of oral diseases, such as implant‐associated infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms and periodontitis initiated by Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis). In this study, a liposome‐encapsulated indocyanine green (ICG) and rapamycin drug‐delivery nanoparticle (ICG‐rapamycin) is designed to treat and prevent two typical biofilm‐induced oral diseases by regulating the microbial‐cellular microenvironment. ICG‐rapamycin elevates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and temperature levels to facilitate photodynamic and photothermal mechanisms under near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for anti‐bacteria. In addition, it prevents biofilm formation by promoting bacterial motility with increasing the ATP levels. The nanoparticles modulate the microbial‐cellular interaction to reduce cellular inflammation and enhance bacterial clearance, which includes promoting the M2 polarization of macrophages, upregulating the anti‐inflammatory factor TGF‐β, and enhancing the bacterial phagocytosis of macrophages. Based on these findings, ICG‐rapamycin is applied to implant‐infected and periodontitis animal models to confirm the effects in vivo. This study demonstrates that ICG‐rapamycin can treat and prevent biofilm‐induced oral diseases by regulating the microbial‐cellular microenvironment, thus providing a promising strategy for future clinical applications.
MAX, MXene, or MX: What Are They and Which One Is Better?
Authors: Sun Jianguo , Liu Binbin , Zhao Qi , Kirk Chin Ho , Wang John
Published: October 2023

The fast ever‐growing interest in transition metal carbonitrides (MXenes) for energy and catalysis is undermined by the undesirable multi‐surficial terminations, which severely limit their applications. In contrast, considering the intriguing and tunable electronic structure, rich surface active sites, and high thermal durability, termination‐free MXene (MX) hosts a huge possibility for catalysis. As such, recent advances in the evolution from MAX to MXene, and then to MX are overviewed and compared briefly, before concentrating on the unique future of MX in multi‐heterogeneous catalysis. This work also looks beyond the fundamental properties of MX and discusses the potential of such materials for applications in multi‐electron redox reactions. It is convinced that the potential success of MX in future catalysis is promising. Further extension toward high entropy and single‐atom modifications will consolidate the leading position of MX in catalysis.
Smart‐Responsive HOF Heterostructures with Multiple Spatial‐Resolved Emission Modes toward Photonic Security Platform
Authors: Lv Yuanchao , Liang Jiashuai , Xiong Zhile , Yang Xue , Li Yunbin , Zhang Hao , Xiang Shengchang , Chen Banglin , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: October 2023

Luminescent hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with the unique dynamics and versatile functional sites hold great potential application in information security, yet most of responsive HOFs focus on the single‐component framework with restrained emission control, limiting further applications in advanced confidential information protection. Herein, the first smart‐responsive HOF heterostructure with multiple spatial‐resolved emission modes for covert photonic security platform is reported. The HOF heterostructures are prepared by integrating different HOFs into a single microwire based on a hydrogen‐bond‐assisted epitaxial growth method. The distinct responsive behaviors of HOFs permit the heterostructure to simultaneously display the thermochromism via the framework transformation and the acidichromism via the protonation effect, thus generating multiple emission modes. The dual stimuli‐controlled spatial‐resolved emission modes constitute the fingerprint of a heterostructure, and enable the establishment of the smart‐responsive photonic barcode with multiple convert states, which further demonstrate the dynamic coding capability and enhanced security in anticounterfeiting label applications. These results offer a promising route to design function‐oriented smart responsive HOF microdevices toward advanced anticounterfeiting applications.
New Nanophotonics Approaches for Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , An Yidan , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Lei Dangyuan
Published: October 2023

Over the past decade, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has experienced a remarkable ascent, soaring from 3.8% in 2009 to a remarkable record of 26.1% in 2023. Many recent approaches for improving PSC performance employ nanophotonic technologies, from light harvesting and thermal management to the manipulation of charge carrier dynamics. Plasmonic nanoparticles and arrayed dielectric nanostructures have been applied to tailor the light absorption, scattering, and conversion, as well as the heat dissipation within PSCs to improve their PCE and operational stability. In this review, it is begin with a concise introduction to define the realm of nanophotonics by focusing on the nanoscale interactions between light and surface plasmons or dielectric photonic structures. Prevailing strategies that utilize resonance‐enhanced light–matter interactions for boosting the PCE and stability of PSCs from light trapping, carrier transportation, and thermal management perspectives are then elaborated, and the resultant practical applications, such as semitransparent photovoltaics, colored PSCs, and smart perovskite windows are discussed. Finally, the state‐of‐the‐art nanophotonic paradigms in PSCs are reviewed, and the benefits of these approaches in improving the aesthetic effects and energy‐saving character of PSC‐integrated buildings are highlighted.
Investigation of Electrochemical Stability of ALD Grown Li3PO4 Thin Films and Its Application in High‐Voltage PEO‐based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Cai Xincan , Bao Wenda , Zhao Lianqi , Zuo Yuqing , Zhao Haojie , Su Longxing , Zhang Yue , Zhang Hui , Xie Jin
Published: October 2023

In lithium batteries, the interface between electrolytes and electrodes with optimized structural stability and fast charge transfer kinetics plays a pivotal role in achieving overall cycle and rate performance. Introducing a uniform interfacial layer that conducts Li+ ions while insulating electrons, through atomic layer deposition (ALD) of lithium compounds, has shown promise in facilitating lithium ion transport and enhancing interface stability. However, synthesizing lithium compounds with both robust chemical stability and a broad electrochemical window using ALD poses challenges due to the difficulty of obtaining desired products under specific ALD reaction conditions. In this study, this challenge by investigating Li3PO4 is addressed, a compound grown by ALD that exhibits a noteworthy property: the in situ formation of a more stable LiPO3 phase under high applied voltage. The LiPO3 phase possesses an extended theoretical stability window (LiPO3: 2.48‐5.00 V versus Li3PO4: 0.69‐4.21 V), and its emergence substantially enhances the electrochemical performance of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries based on polyethylene oxide (PEO). This work not only presents experimental evidence of the in situ transformation of the interfacial layer but also offers a pragmatic approach to realizing all‐solid‐state lithium batteries with elevated energy density, emphasizing safety and stability considerations.
Identification and Characterization of CD8+CD27+CXCR3− T Cell Dysregulation and Progression‐Associated Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Du Fang , Jin Qiqi , Sun Li , Wang Boqian , Tan Ziyang , Meng Xinyu , Huang Baozhen , Zhan Yifan , Su Wenqiong , Song Rui , Wu Chunmei , Chen Luonan , Chen Xiaoxiang , Ding Xianting
Published: October 2023

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) etiopathogenesis highlights the contributions of overproduction of CD4+ T cells and loss of immune tolerance. However, the involvement of CD8+ T cells in SLE pathology and disease progression remains unclear. Here, the comprehensive immune cell dysregulation in total 263 clinical peripheral blood samples composed of active SLE (aSLE), remission SLE (rSLE) and healthy controls (HCs) is investigated via mass cytometry, flow cytometry and single‐cell RNA sequencing. This is observed that CD8+CD27+CXCR3− T cells are increased in rSLE compare to aSLE. Meanwhile, the effector function of CD8+CD27+CXCR3− T cells are overactive in aSLE compare to HCs and rSLE, and are positively associated with clinical SLE activity. In addition, the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is monitored to interleukin‐2 stimulation in aSLE and rSLE to construct dynamic network biomarker (DNB) model. It is demonstrated that DNB score‐related parameters can faithfully predict the remission of aSLE and the flares of rSLE. The abundance and functional dysregulation of CD8+CD27+CXCR3− T cells can be potential biomarkers for SLE prognosis and concomitant diagnosis. The DNB score with accurate prediction to SLE disease progression can provide clinical treatment suggestions especially for drug dosage determination.
Ac4C Enhances the Translation Efficiency of Vegfa mRNA and Mediates Central Sensitization in Spinal Dorsal Horn in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Xu Ting , Wang Jing , Wu Yan , Wu Jia‐Yan , Lu Wei‐Cheng , Liu Meng , Zhang Su‐Bo , Xie Dan , Xin Wen‐Jun , Xie Jing‐Dun
Published: October 2023

N4‐Acetylcytidine (ac4C), a highly conserved post‐transcriptional machinery with extensive existence for RNA modification, plays versatile roles in various cellular processes and functions. However, the molecular mechanism by which ac4C modification mediates neuropathic pain remains elusive. Here, it is found that the enhanced ac4C modification promotes the recruitment of polysome in Vegfa mRNA and strengthens the translation efficiency following SNI. Nerve injury increases the expression of NAT10 and the interaction between NAT10 and Vegfa mRNA in the dorsal horn neurons, and the gain and loss of NAT10 function further confirm that NAT10 is involved in the ac4C modification in Vegfa mRNA and pain behavior. Moreover, the ac4C‐mediated VEGFA upregulation contributes to the central sensitivity and neuropathic pain induced by SNI or AAV‐hSyn‐NAT10. Finally, SNI promotes the binding of HNRNPK in Vegfa mRNA and subsequently recruits the NAT10. The enhanced interaction between HNRNPK and NAT10 contributes to the ac4C modification of Vegfa mRNA and neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that the enhanced interaction between HNRNPK and Vegfa mRNA upregulates the ac4C level by recruiting NAT10 and contributes to the central sensitivity and neuropathic pain following SNI. Blocking this cascade may be a novel therapeutic approach in patients with neuropathic pain.
SdH Oscillations from the Dirac Surface State in the Fermi‐Arc Antiferromagnet NdBi
Authors: Wang Ruoqi , Zhang Junchao , Li Tian , Chen Keming , Li Zhengyu , Wu Mingliang , Ling Langsheng , Xi Chuanying , Hong Kunquan , Miao Lin , Yuan Shijun , Chen Taishi , Wang Jinlan
Published: October 2023

The recent progress in CuMnAs and Mn3X (X = Sn, Ge, Pt) shows that antiferromagnets (AFMs) provide a promising platform for advanced spintronics device innovations. Most recently, a switchable Fermi‐arc is discovered by the ARPES technique in antiferromagnet NdBi, but the knowledge about electron‐transport property and the manipulability of the magnetic structure in NdBi is still vacant to date. In this study, SdH oscillations are successfully verified from the Dirac surface states (SSs) with 2‐dimensionality and nonzero Berry phase. Particularly, it is observed that the spin‐flop transition only appears when the external magnetical field is applied along [001] direction, and features obvious hysteresis for the first time in NdBi, which provides a powerful handle for adjusting the spin texture in NdBi. Crucially, the DFT shows the Dirac cone and the Fermi arc strongly depend on the high‐order magnetic structure of NdBi and further reveals the orbital magnetic moment of Nd plays a crucial role in fostering the peculiar SSs, leading to unveil the mystery of the band‐splitting effect and to manipulate the electronic transport, high‐effectively, in the thin film works in NdBi. It is believed that this study provides important guidance for the development of new antiferromagnet‐based spintronics devices based on cutting‐edge rare‐earth monopnictides.
Deciphering Electrolyte Dominated Na+ Storage Mechanisms in Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Guiyu , Wang Zhiqiang , Yuan Huimin , Yan Chunliu , Hao Rui , Zhang Fangchang , Luo Wen , Wang Hongzhi , Cao Yulin , Gu Shuai , Zeng Chun , Li Yingzhi , Wang Zhenyu , Qin Ning , Luo Guangfu , Lu Zhouguang
Published: October 2023

Although hard carbon (HC) demonstrates superior initial Coulombic efficiency, cycling durability, and rate capability in ether‐based electrolytes compared to ester‐based electrolytes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the underlying mechanisms responsible for these disparities remain largely unexplored. Herein, ex situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra and in situ Raman spectroscopy are combined to investigate the Na storage mechanism of HC under different electrolytes. Through deconvolving the EPR signals of Na in HC, quasi‐metallic‐Na is successfully differentiated from adsorbed‐Na. By monitoring the evolution of different Na species during the charging/discharging process, it is found that the initial adsorbed‐Na in HC with ether‐based electrolytes can be effectively transformed into intercalated‐Na in the plateau region. However, this transformation is obstructed in ester‐based electrolytes, leading to the predominant storage of Na in HC as adsorbed‐Na and pore‐filled‐Na. Furthermore, the intercalated‐Na in HC within the ether‐based electrolytes contributes to the formation of a uniform, dense, and stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) film and eventually enhances the electrochemical performance of HC. This work successfully deciphers the electrolyte‐dominated Na+ storage mechanisms in HC and provides fundamental insights into the industrialization of HC in SIBs.
Einflüsse auf die Balance zwischen bcc‐ und fcc‐Phasenstabilitäten von Alkali‐ und Münzmetallen
Authors: Robles‐Navarro Andrés , Jerabek Paul , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: October 2023

Bisher war es ein Rätsel, weshalb die Elemente der Gruppe 1 in der kubisch‐raumzentrierten (bcc) und die iso‐elektronischen Elemente der Gruppe 11 in der kubisch‐flächenzentrierten Struktur (fcc) kristallisieren. In dieser Untersuchung auf Grundlage von relativistischer Dichtefunktionaltheorie wird demonstriert, wie ein komplexes Zusammenspiel zwischen Mehrteilcheneffekten, Schwingungsenergiebeiträgen und Dispersionswechselwirkungen eine Antwort auf diese langjährige Kontroverse liefert und dabei gleichzeitig zum Verständnis des Periodensystems der Kristallstrukturen beiträgt. Ein sanfter, diffusionloser Übergang durch kuboidale Gitterstrukturen hindurch bietet detaillierte Einblicke in den bcc→fcc Phasenübergang für die Elemente der Gruppen 1 und 11.
Inhibiting Ion Migration Through Chemical Polymerization and Chemical Chelation Toward Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jiakang , Niu Xueqing , Peng Cheng , Jiang Haokun , Yu Le , Zhou Hong , Zhou Zhongmin
Published: October 2023

The migration of ions is known to be associated with various detrimental phenomena, including current density‐voltage hysteresis, phase segregation, etc., which significantly limit the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells, impeding their progress toward commercial applications. To address these challenges, we propose incorporating a polymerizable organic small molecule monomer, N‐carbamoyl‐2‐propan‐2‐ylpent‐4‐enamide (Apronal), into the perovskite film to form a crosslinked polymer (P‐Apronal) through thermal crosslinking. The carbonyl and amino groups in Apronal effectively interact with shallow defects, such as uncoordinated Pb2+ and iodide vacancies, leading to the formation of high‐quality films with enhanced crystallinity and reduced lattice strain. Furthermore, the introduction of P‐Apronal improves energy level alignment, and facilitates charge carrier extraction and transport, resulting in a champion efficiency of 25.09 %. Importantly, P‐Apronal can effectively suppress the migration of I− ions and improve the long‐term stability of the devices. The present strategy sets forth a path to attain long‐term stability and enhanced efficiency in perovskite solar cells.
Low‐Cost Fully Non‐fused Ring Acceptor Enables Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Modules for Multi‐Scene Applications
Authors: Wang Jianqiu , Wang Yafei , Li Jiayao , Yu Yue , Bi Pengqing , Qiao Jiawei , Chen Zhihao , Wang Chaoyi , Wang Wenxuan , Dai Jiangbo , Hao Xiaotao , Zhang Shaoqing , Hou Jianhui
Published: October 2023

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, with highly tunable light‐response ranges, offer significant potential for use in driving low‐power consumption off‐grid electronics in multi‐scenarios. However, development of photoactive layer materials that can meet simultaneously the requirements of diverse irradiation conditions is a still challenging task. Herein, a low‐cost fully non‐fused acceptor (denoted as GS60) featuring well‐matched absorption spectra with solar, scattered light and artificial light radiation was designed and synthesized. Systematic characterizations revealed that GS60 possessed outstanding photoelectron properties and ideal morphology, which resulted in reduced voltage loss and suppressed charge recombination. By blending with a non‐fused ring polymer PTVT−T, the as‐obtained GS60 based OPV cells achieved a good power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.1 %, a high value for the cells based on non‐fused ring bulk heterojunction. Besides, manufactured large‐area OPV modules based on PTVT−T:GS60 yielded PCEs of 11.2 %, 11.8 %, 12.1 %, 23.1 %, and 20.3 % under irradiation of AM 1.5G, natural light of cloudy weather, natural light in shadow, laser and indoor, respectively. The PTVT−T:GS60 devices exhibited considerable potential in terms of improving photostability and reducing material cost. Overall, this work provides novel insight into the molecular design of low‐cost non‐fused ring acceptors, and extended potential of medium band gap acceptors based OPV cells used in various application scenarios.
Nucleation and Crystallization in 2D Ruddlesden‐Popper Perovskites using Formamidinium‐based Organic Semiconductor Spacers for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Rui , Dong Xiyue , Ling Qin , Hu Ziyang , Gao Yuping , Chen Yu , Liu Yongsheng
Published: October 2023

The conjugated organic semiconductor spacers have drawn wide attention in two‐dimensional (2D) perovskites and formamidinium (FA) has been widely used as A‐site cation in high‐performance 3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the FA‐based semiconductor spacers have rarely been investigated in 2D Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) perovskites. Here, we developed two FA‐based spacers containing thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) and 2,2′‐bithiophene (BT) units, namely TTFA and BTFA, respectively, for 2D RP PSCs. The nucleation and crystallization kinetics of TTFA‐Pb and BTFA‐Pb from sol‐gel to film were investigated using in situ optical microscopy and in situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements. It is found that the TTFA spacer could reduce the energy barrier of nucleation and induces crystal vertical orientation of 2D perovskite by forming larger clusters in precursor solution, resulting in much improved film quality. Benefiting from the enlarged crystal grains, reduced exciton binding energy, and decreased electron‐phonon coupling coefficient, the photovoltaic device based on (TTFA)2MAn−1PbnI3n+1 (n=5) achieved a champion efficiency of 19.41 %, which is a record for 2D RP PSCs with FA‐based spacers. Our work provides deep understanding of the nucleation and crystallization process of 2D RP perovskite films and highlights the great potential of FA‐based semiconductor spacers in highly efficient 2D PSCs.
Revisiting the Paradigm of Reaction Optimization in Flow with a Priori Computational Reaction Intelligence
Authors: Bianchi Pauline , Monbaliu Jean‐Christophe M.
Published: October 2023

The use of micro/meso‐fluidic reactors has resulted in both new scenarios for chemistry and new requirements for chemists. Through flow chemistry, large‐scale reactions can be performed in drastically reduced reactor sizes and reaction times. This obvious advantage comes with the concomitant challenge of re‐designing long‐established batch processes to fit these new conditions. The reliance on experimental trial‐and‐error to perform this translation frequently makes flow chemistry unaffordable, thwarting initial aspirations to revolutionize chemistry. By combining computational chemistry and machine learning, we have developed a model that provides predictive power tailored specifically to flow reactions. We show its applications to translate batch to flow, to provide mechanistic insight, to contribute reagent descriptors, and to synthesize a library of novel compounds in excellent yields after executing a single set of conditions.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Assembly Meets Anion Coordination Chemistry: Framework Shaping and Polarity Tuning for Xenon/Krypton Separation
Authors: Xie Yi , Ding Xiaojun , Wang Jianchen , Ye Gang
Published: October 2023

Hybrid hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) frameworks built from charged components or metallotectons offer diverse guest‐framework interactions for target‐specific separations. We present here a study to systematically explore the coordination chemistry of monovalent halide anions, i.e., F−, Cl−, Br−, and I−, with the aim to develop hybrid H‐bond synthons that enable the controllable construction of microporous H‐bonded frameworks exhibiting fine‐tunable surface polarity within the adaptive cavities for realistic xenon/krypton (Xe/Kr) separation. The spherical halide anions, especially Cl−, Br−, and I−, are found to readily participate in the charge‐assisted H‐bonding assembly with well‐defined coordination behaviors, resulting in robust frameworks bearing open halide anions within the distinctive 1D pore channels. The activated frameworks show preferential binding towards Xe (IAST Xe/Kr selectivity ca. 10.5) because of the enhanced polarizability and the pore confinement effect. Specifically, dynamic column Xe/Kr separation with a record‐high separation factor (SF=7.0) among H‐bonded frameworks was achieved, facilitating an efficient Xe/Kr separation in dilute, CO2‐containing gas streams exactly mimicking the off‐gas of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing.
Accelerated sonosynthesis of chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline derivatives via marine‐bioinspired tin oxide nanocatalyst
Authors: Torfi‐Zadegan Soroor , Buazar Foad , Sayahi Mohammad Hosein
Published: October 2023

Green nanocatalysts play a crucial role in organic synthesis. In this study, a novel approach utilizing marine diatom extract is presented for the production of tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs). These NPs possess distinctive characteristics, including crystalline properties, a spherical shape, and an average size of 20 ± 2 nm. The reduction and surface coating of the NPs involve organic components derived from marine sources. The resulting SnO2 NPs serve as highly effective catalysts for the synthesis of chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline derivatives, facilitated by ultrasound‐assisted reactions. This process demonstrates remarkable efficiency, yielding a variety of organic products with impressive results, reaching yields of 82–97% and requiring short reaction times. Moreover, the SnO2 nanocatalyst employed exhibits advantageous properties, such as low loading, durability, and the ability to be reused up to six cycles.
Effect of Ca–Fe composite catalysts on pyrolysis performance of demineralised anthracite and its char structure transformation
Authors: Wu Chengli , Shen Shuhao , Wu Xiang , Li Hanxu , Jiao Facun
Published: October 2023

While catalytic pyrolysis with catalyst addition has been widely studied with a primary focus on optimising gas, tar and char yields, studies exploring the evolution of char structure during coal pyrolysis remain scarce. This knowledge gap potentially affects subsequent char gasification processes during coal conversion within gasifiers. This study presents demineralised anthracite (TM) prepared by HCl–HF acid washing. The pyrolysis performance of TM while adding Ca, Fe and Ca–Fe composite catalysts was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis. The char structure, morphology and functional groups in the obtained char samples were clarified through X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that de‐ashing by acid washing promoted the formation of C–O functional groups in coal due to the decomposition of C=O or a combination of oxygen with unsaturated carbon, or both. The TM sample exhibited improved thermal decomposition upon adding either Ca or Fe catalysts, which became more pronounced after adding the Ca–Fe composite catalyst under the same conditions. While the addition of Ca–Fe composite catalysts inhibited the crystalline carbon formation and char graphitisation degree compared to their individual additions, it led to enhanced decomposition of phenol C–O, thereby facilitating the thermal decomposition of TM.
Noninvasive biosensing 3D scaffold to monitor degradation: The potential of fluorescent PCL and PLGA for tissue engineering
Authors: Balaburov Emily , Kamaraj Meenakshi , Doyle Stephanie E. , Ahmadi Zarrin , Di Bella Claudia , Nisbet David R. , Moulton Simon E. , Caballero Aguilar Lilith M.
Published: October 2023

The nondestructive localization and traceability of polymers by fluorescent tagging has become a valuable tool for biomedical applications. Integration of fluorescent molecule to the pristine polymers could modify polymers' degradation rate which is still unpredictable from a scaffold application standpoint. The current study focused to understand the material perspective of fluorescently tagged biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly (d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) with fluorescein amine isomer I (FITC). PCL‐FITC and PLGA‐FITC were characterized using FTIR for surface chemistry analysis and rheology for their mechanical properties. The grafted materials were utilized to form 3‐dimentional scaffolds, and their degradation was monitored under accelerated degradation conditions triggered by pH. It was found that PCL and PCL‐FITC had a very slow degradation rate, when compared to PLGA and PLGA‐FITC. Both the FITC tagged materials displayed a faster degradation rate compared to their respective pristine material. Biocompatibility of the FITC conjugated polymers was tested using human‐adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) revealing that the sub products from the degradation of the polymers over 7 days did not negatively affect the cellular metabolic activity. This work highlights the significance of initial characterization of fluorescent modified polymers for future biomedical application.
The influence of water on size of the monodisperse polystyrene microspheres prepared by dispersion polymerization
Authors: Nie Yingrui , Man Hong , Shao Shimin , Wang Yang , Wang Zhifei , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2023

Polystyrene microspheres with uniform sizes have a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering. However, detailed and systematic investigations on the influence of water content on alcohol/water systems are relatively scarce. In this study, the impact of trace water content on microsphere size was comprehensively examined, and a systematic exploration of the varying effects of different hydration levels on particle nucleation and growth mechanisms was conducted. When the water content increased from 0.1% to 0.4%, the microsphere diameter rapidly decreases from 3.6 to 2.71 μm. Correspondingly, the molecular weight increased from 29,797 to 69,186. However, within the water content range of 0.5%–14.5%, alterations in water content induced only slight variations in the microsphere diameter. The microsphere size, molecular weight, conversion rate, and reaction rate were compared in two stages. It was observed that the diminishing influence of water on the system was due to the changes in the main polymerization sites. Subsequently, the addition of water content up to 33.5% revealed an exponential decrease in the microsphere size with increasing water content in ethanol. This pattern was also observed in methanol and isopropanol, demonstrating its universality and predictability, making it applicable for precise prediction of microsphere size in different solvents.
An investigation on social impact performance assessment of the social enterprises: Identification of an ideal social entrepreneurship model
Authors: Nuchian Noufal , Biju Ajithakumari Vijayappan Nair , Reddy Krishna
Published: October 2023

This study examines the characteristics of ideal social entrepreneurship by assessing their social impact. The use of the contemporary design and triangulation approach allows for validating information gathered from different sources. Data were collected from in‐depth interviews, focus group interviews and documentary analysis, and MAXQDA (a qualitative analysis software package) was used for data management, coding and retrieval. The performance assessment logic model was used to assess the social performance of social enterprises. The findings show that selected social ventures have created a remarkable social value that explicitly resulted in economic empowerment, community improvement, career growth and political empowerment of its intended beneficiaries. We also found a significant variation in the linkage between social performance indicators, such as inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact, across the five selected case studies.
Cancer screening in people living with HIV
Authors: Masiá Mar , Gutiérrez‐Ortiz de la Tabla Ana , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: October 2023

Background

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in people living with HIV (PWH) and is expected to account for a growing fraction of deaths as PWH age.

Methods

In this literature review, we have compiled the most recent developments in cancer screening and screening performance in PWH, which are currently primarily implemented in well‐resourced settings. This includes an assessment of the associated benefits, harms, and cost‐effectiveness. The article also addresses unmet needs and potential strategies for tailored screening in the HIV population.

Findings

Incidence and mortality due to screenable cancer are higher in PWH than in the general population, and diagnosis is frequently made at younger ages and/or at more advanced stages, the latter amenable to improved screening. Adequate evidence on the benefits of screening is lacking for most cancers in the HIV population, in whom standard practice may be suboptimal. While cancer surveillance has helped reduce mortality in the general population, and interest in risk‐based strategies is growing, implementation of screening programs in the HIV care settings remains low.

Interpretation

Given the devastating consequences of a late diagnosis, enhancing early detection of cancer is essential for improving patient outcomes. There is an urgent need to extend the investigation in cancer screening performance to PWH, evaluating whether personalized measures according to individual risk could result in higher efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Rates of crime decrease on campus — except for sexual assault
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2023

Overall, crimes on college campuses were generally less prevalent in 2020 than a decade earlier — but forcible sex offenses increased. That finding comes from the Report on Indicators of School Crimes and Safety: 2022, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, and Department of Education.