bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Tertiary Students' Entry Characteristics and their Academic Performance
Authors: Afua Nkrumah Maame
Published: December 2021

This article examines the effect of tertiary students’ entry characteristicson academic performance using the ‘value added’ approach and METPolytechnic, Ghana as a case study. The input-process–output-contextframework presented in the Global Monitoring Report (2005) by Scheerenswas used to select appropriate variables for the study. The studyfocused on three generic courses - African Studies, Communicative Skills,and Computer Literacy. Data from different sources, including secondarydata and administrative records from the Polytechnic were analysed usingmultilevel analysis. The overall effect of the selected variables was mixedand outcomes specific. For example, English language impacted positivelyon African Studies but negatively on second-semester Computer Literacy,while age and gender had a negative effect on first-semester ComputerLiteracy. Although the findings may not directly benefit analogous institutions,several lessons, including the need to create appropriate institutionaldatasets for future comparisons across institutions can be learnt.

Key words: Age, gender, department context, previous achievement, SES,‘value added’.
Assessment of bio-contaminants during COVID-19 outbreak from the indoor environment of Hail city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, KSA, Kuddus Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Biocontaminants are minute particles derived from different biological materials. Indoor biocontaminants are associated with major public health problems. In Gulf countries, it is more precarious due to the harsh climatic conditions, including high ambient temperatures and relative humidity. In addition, due to COVID-19 pandemic, most of the time public is inside their home. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the load of biocontaminants in the indoor environment of Hail city. The results showed that most of the bacteria are gram-positive and higher in polymicrobial (87.1%) than monomicrobial (62.7%) association. There was no significant association with sample collection time and types of isolates. The most abundant microbes found in all samples were Staphylococcus aureus followed by Bacillus spp. Among Gram-negative bacterial isolates, E. coli was most common in tested indoor air samples. The study will be useful to find the biocontaminants associated with risk factors and their impact on human health in the indoor environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results indicate the need to implement health care awareness programs in the region to improve indoor air quality.
COLLABORATIVE ENGINEERING AND ITS IMPLICATION IN THE ORGANIZATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Authors: GIL GIL IVAN , DOMINGUEZ SOMONTE MANUEL , ESPINOSA ESCUDERO MARIA DEL MAR
Published: December 2021

As suggested by several previous studies, employee and managerial engagement is a key factor in an organization's productivity and performance. Positive leadership styles, social support and autonomy, among others, have been proposed as predictors of engagement. Collaborative learning has multiple advantages over learning in competitive and individual situations, including the development of high-skill social competencies, and collaboration and teamwork per se. This paper analyses the correlation between the level of engagement, employees' perception of collaboration and other common predictors of organizational engagement over a seven-year period of field analysis (2014-2020) in multinational companies in the industrial sector. The study shows that the perception of collaboration is significantly positively correlated with engagement and can be a good predictor of engagement. This suggests the suitability of both the adoption of collaborative learning methodologies to middle and higher degrees linked to industry, as well as the promotion by industrial organizations of the application of collaborative engineering and other methods and means for collaborative work.
Literatura i promoció social: lectura i creació literàries entre els menestrals catalans medievals
Authors: Cifuentes i Comamala Lluís
Published: December 2021

This article aims to prove the active role played by artisans as consumers (readers, owners, copyists) of literature besides elite and court circles, and links it to the strategies of social promotion launched by that dynamic social group. The analysis is based on two types of sources: on the one hand, on an extensive sample of the presence of literary works in the libraries of the medieval Catalan lower middle classes, derived from the main documentary collections on history of the books produced to date; and, on the other hand, on some literary codices copied by individuals belonging to that social sphere, which have been re-examined. In addition, some individuals are identified regarding the transmission of some works of Francesc Eiximenis (Llibre de les dones and Llibre dels àngels) and the Catalan translation of La Queste del saint Graal, as well as regarding the origin of Jaume Conesa’s translation of Guido delle Colonne’s Historia destructionis Troie.
Variability of Classification Results in Data with High Dimensionality and Small Sample Size
Authors: Busa Jana , Polaka Inese
Published: December 2021

The study focuses on the analysis of biological data containing information on the number of genome sequences of intestinal microbiome bacteria before and after antibiotic use. The data have high dimensionality (bacterial taxa) and a small number of records, which is typical of bioinformatics data. Classification models induced on data sets like this usually are not stable and the accuracy metrics have high variance. The aim of the study is to create a preprocessing workflow and a classification model that can perform the most accurate classification of the microbiome into groups before and after the use of antibiotics and lessen the variability of accuracy measures of the classifier. To evaluate the accuracy of the model, measures of the area under the ROC curve and the overall accuracy of the classifier were used. In the experiments, the authors examined how classification results were affected by feature selection and increased size of the data set.
BATTERIES AS A TOOL AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGES
Authors: Mentus Slavko
Published: December 2021

In order to prevent rising danger caused by climate changes, in recent decades an agreement on the level of United Nations was established, to reduce gradually the consumption of fossil fuels until its total termination. This agreement (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) until 2018 was signed by a majority of countries in the world. One of the requirements was the transition to electrically powered automobiles, which in developed countries started roughly in 2010. The competition between fuel cells and batteries as driving tools became actual then, but in the key moment batteries mainfested themselves to be technologically superior. Already in 2018 the number of battery driven electric cars produced in leading developed countries was expressed in millions. Following this new and significant role of batteries, the aim of this contribution is a) a short presentation of the principle of energy conversion in batteries and their energetic characteristics, b) the survey of the requirements to the reactants in chemical reaction of a battery, from which the troubles in their development may be derived, depending on the materials technology, c) the competitiveness of batteries to the fossil fuels in an energetic sense, and, d) the forecast what one may expect in near future from the competitive power of batteries within the scope of development of new materials.
COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF FIXED AND TRACKING PV SOLAR POWER PLANTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Authors: Mirjanić Dragoljub , Pavlović Tomislav , Radonjić Ivana , Divnić Darko
Published: December 2021

The paper provides basic information on fixed (stationary), one-axis tracking and dual-axis tracking PV solar power plants. In this regard, a schematic overview of the PV solar power plant and basic information on its components (solar modules, inverters, monitoring system, etc.) are given. The following is a description of the fixed, one-tracking and dual-tracking PV solar power plant and their energy efficiency. Finally, measured results of power and temperature of fixed and dual-axis tracking solar modules of 50 W are presented.
ACTIVITIES ON THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION AGAINST THE RADON IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Isović Maida
Published: December 2021

The legal framework for the protection against the radon in Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter: BiH) is outdated. It covers the works involved in the practices with ionizing sources but does not clearly defines the activities which could involve NORM. The protection against the radon exposure goes beyond the radiation protection field, since it includes the building codes, the legal framework on air quality, and many other relevant legislations in BiH which now do not include the recommendation on protection against radon. As the BiH is a member of the International atomic energy agency (hereinafter: IAEA) and potential candidate for European union (hereinafter: EU) membership, activities of the State regulatory agency for radiation and nuclear safety (hereinafter: SRARNS), include activities on improvement and extension of the legal framework for protection against the radon exposure, which means the creation of new Regulation on monitoring of radioactivity in BiH. The most important activity concerning 222Rn matter is the national technical cooperation project with the IAEA TC for the cycle 2020-2021. Through this project BiH will gather first comprehensive measurements of the radon concentration from the whole territory in systematic way. The result of this project will help to create a first versions of the database and map radon concentration. The working group, made of the representatives of the relevant institutions, will have to decide which following steps BiH’s government will need to do to enable its citizens healthier living and working environment when it comes to the protection against the radon exposure.
Bidirectional synaptic plasticity rapidly modifies hippocampal representations
Authors: Milstein Aaron D , Li Yiding , Bittner Katie C , Grienberger Christine , Soltesz Ivan , Magee Jeffrey C , Romani Sandro
Published: December 2021

Learning requires neural adaptations thought to be mediated by activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. A relatively non-standard form of synaptic plasticity driven by dendritic calcium spikes, or plateau potentials, has been reported to underlie place field formation in rodent hippocampal CA1 neurons. Here, we found that this behavioral timescale synaptic plasticity (BTSP) can also reshape existing place fields via bidirectional synaptic weight changes that depend on the temporal proximity of plateau potentials to pre-existing place fields. When evoked near an existing place field, plateau potentials induced less synaptic potentiation and more depression, suggesting BTSP might depend inversely on postsynaptic activation. However, manipulations of place cell membrane potential and computational modeling indicated that this anti-correlation actually results from a dependence on current synaptic weight such that weak inputs potentiate and strong inputs depress. A network model implementing this bidirectional synaptic learning rule suggested that BTSP enables population activity, rather than pairwise neuronal correlations, to drive neural adaptations to experience.
An ontology-based approach to the analysis of the acid-base state of patients at operative measures
Authors: Tianxing Man , Lushnov Mikhail , Ignatov Dmitry I. , Shichkina Yulia Alexandrovna , Zhukova Natalia Alexandrovna , Vodyaho Alexander Ivanovich
Published: December 2021

Researchers working in various domains are focusing on extracting information from data sets by data mining techniques. However, data mining is a complicated task, including multiple complex processes, so that it is unfriendly to non-computer researchers. Due to the lack of experience, they cannot design suitable workflows that lead to satisfactory results. This article proposes an ontology-based approach to help users choose appropriate data mining techniques for analyzing domain data. By merging with domain ontology and extracting the corresponding sub-ontology based on the task requirements, an ontology oriented to a specific domain is generated that can be used for algorithm selection. Users can query for suitable algorithms according to the current data characteristics and task requirements step by step. We build a workflow to analyze the Acid-Base State of patients at operative measures based on the proposed approach and obtain appropriate conclusions.
Experimental interpretation of adequate weight-metric combination for dynamic user-based collaborative filtering
Authors: Okyay Savas , Aygun Sercan
Published: December 2021

Recommender systems include a broad scope of applications and are associated with subjective preferences, indicating variations in recommendations. As a field of data science and machine learning, recommender systems require both statistical perspectives and sufficient performance monitoring. In this paper, we propose diversified similarity measurements by observing recommendation performance using generic metrics. Considering user-based collaborative filtering, the probability of an item being preferred by any user is measured. Having examined the best neighbor counts, we verified the test item bias phenomenon for similarity equations. Because of the statistical parameters used for computing in a global scope, there is implicit information in the literature, whether those parameters comprise the focal point user data statically. Regarding each dynamic prediction, user-wise parameters are expected to be generated at runtime by excluding the item of interest. This yields reliable results and is more compatible with real-time systems. Furthermore, we underline the effect of significance weighting by examining the similarities between a user of interest and its neighbors. Overall, this study uniquely combines significance weighting and test-item bias mitigation by inspecting the fine-tuned neighborhood. Consequently, the results reveal adequate similarity weight and performance metric combinations. The source code of our architecture is available at https://codeocean.com/capsule/1427708/tree/v1.
Origin of the X-chromosome influences the development and treatment outcomes of Turner syndrome
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yang Yongchen , Li Pin , Guo Sheng
Published: December 2021

Turner syndrome (TS) affects 1/2,500 live-born female infants. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the relationship between genetic factors (especially the X-chromosome origin), clinical features, body/sexual development, and treatment outcomes. We enrolled 39 female infants aged between 3 and 14 years. General demographic and clinical features were documented, and laboratory analysis of blood samples was performed. Subject karyotype was determined by G-banding of 50 peripheral white blood cells, and the parenteral origin of the retained X-chromosome was determined. Next, growth hormone (GH) treatment was prescribed for 12 months, with follow-ups performed as determined. For patient groups separated according to X-chromosome origin, the basal height, bone age, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were comparable; however, after the 12-month treatment, significant differences in the height increase and IGF-1 levels were observed. If the X-chromosome (or chromosomes) originated from both parents, the increase in height was less substantial, with lower serum IGF-1 levels. The uterine size, prolactin level, increased weight after treatment, and bone age difference after treatment negatively correlated with the mother’s age at the time of birth. The mother’s height at the time of birth demonstrated a negative correlation with the basal bone age difference and a positive correlation with the IGF-1 level. In summary, the retained X-chromosome derived from both parents is associated with poorer response to GH therapy. The mother’s age and height at the time of birth can strongly impact the patient’s body/sexual development and the response to GH treatment. Thus, the mother’s age and height at the time of birth and the parental origin of the X-chromosome should be carefully considered before developing a treatment plan for TS.
Preclinical models of acute liver failure: a comprehensive review
Authors: Hefler Joshua , Marfil-Garza Braulio A. , Pawlick Rena L. , Freed Darren H. , Karvellas Constantine J. , Bigam David L. , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: December 2021

Acute liver failure is marked by the rapid deterioration of liver function in a previously well patient over period of days to weeks. Though relatively rare, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This makes it a challenging disease to study clinically, necessitating reliance on preclinical models as means to explore pathophysiology and novel therapies. Preclinical models of acute liver failure are artificial by nature, and generally fall into one of three categories: surgical, pharmacologic or immunogenic. This article reviews preclinical models of acute liver failure and considers their relevance in modeling clinical disease.
O CARÁTER EXPERIMENTAL DA ARTE CONTEMPORÂNEA E O ENSINO DE ARTES
Authors: Paes Paulo Cesar Duarte , Carvalho Thiago Rodrigues
Published: December 2021

O artigo apresenta estudos teóricos e exemplos artísticos para demonstrar a relevância do ensino da arte contemporânea na escola e na formação de professores. Fundamentado no método materialista histórico e dialético, apresentamos algumas características experimentais da arte contemporânea, adotando como referência, relevantes análises de especialistas que, no entanto, fragmentam o entendimento e negam o caráter histórico, há reforçar à alcunha de complexidade inacessível aos alunos. Para Lukács a arte como particularidade, media a unidade entre o singular e o universal, fundamentando a crítica as compreensões fragmentadas que fortalecem a competitividade mercantil. A formação de professores de arte deve possibilitar amplo conhecimento de diferentes referências contemporâneas e uma sólida formação em estética e história da arte.
EDUCAÇÃO ESTÉTICA: UM OLHAR SOBRE SÃO LUÍS, MARANHÃO
Authors: Perini Janine Alessandra
Published: December 2021

O artigo reflete sobre a cidade de São Luís a partir do centro histórico e de dois artistas: Paulo Cezar e Márcio Vasconcelos. Conhecer São Luís pelos olhos desses artistas é tentar fazer o exercício de olhar a obra para decifrar a cidade, utilizando-se da leitura crítica, olhando a cidade por outra perspectiva, pela experiência do outro. Utilizou-se o método materialista histórico-dialético, buscando compreender a cidade em termos visuais, fazendo relações da imagem com características políticas, econômicas, históricas, sociais e culturais. Concluímos que a cidade é reconhecida internacionalmente pelas belas fachadas dos sobrados, revestidos de azulejos portugueses e pela diversidade cultural existente pela miscigenação do índio, do negro e do europeu.
CURRÍCULO E PRÁTICA PEDAGÓGICA NO ENSINO DE ARTE-EDUCAÇÃO EM ITAPETINGA-BA: UMA ANÁLISE DISCURSIVA
Authors: Carvalho Sergio Gomes , Pereira Reginaldo Santos
Published: December 2021

Esta investigação teve como objetivo compreender os sentidos construídos por arte-educadoras sobre o currículo do ensino de Arte dos anos finais do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública da cidade de Itapetinga, sudoeste da Bahia, considerando os discursos do currículo oficial da área e sua relação com aqueles apresentados na prática docente. A metodologia utilizada foi de natureza qualitativa e a análise discursiva com base nos aportes teóricos e epistemológicos da Teoria do Discurso de Ernesto Laclau e Chantau Mouffe, de orientação pós-estrutural e pós-fundacional, traduzida para os estudos do currículo por Alice Casemiro Lopes, que concebe o currículo como discurso, luta por significação e fixação de sentidos. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram quatro professoras de Arte-Educação do município que possuem ampla experiência na área e utilizamos da entrevista semiestruturada e observação para a coleta dos dados. Concluímos que o currículo praticado no ensino de Arte manifesta-se como um discurso híbrido, diverso e que apresenta deslizamentos com o discurso curricular oficial; articula significantes flutuantes que disputam sentido em torno do que vem a ser um “ensino de Arte de qualidade”, em uma dinâmica que mobiliza significantes vazios que são preenchidos de modo contingente e provisório, devido à diversidade e mutabilidade do currículo.
Cleanup and Restoration of 1000-ha of Oiled Mangroves, Bodo, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Gundlach Erich R. , McArthur Andrew , Iroakasi Ogonnaya , Bonte Matthijs , Giadom Ferdinand D. , Shekwolo Philip , Visigah Kabari
Published: December 2021

A 1000 ha (2471 ac) area around the community of Bodo in Rivers State, Nigeria, was affected by two large pipeline spills in 2008 and numerous smaller discharges between 2009 and present, primarily related to oil theft, transport and indigenous refining. This paper describes the remediation of affected environments which represents the largest cleanup and restoration of a mangrove ecosystem due to oil-related damage ever undertaken and serves as a potential model for other areas of the Niger Delta similarly affected.

Cleanup activities include: (1) raking / mixing of surface sediments to break up a thick algal mat and removal of heavily polluted dead mangrove debris while lesser-oiled (most common) debris is broken up and left in place to aid re-establishment of mangrove plants and animal life used as a food source by the Bodo Community; (2) pressure flushing using ambient water from adjacent channels; (3) compressed air with water from a barge-mounted system, (4) use of hard boom and sorbents around the work area to capture off-floating oil, and (5) manual collection of floating oil using sorbents and hand bailers, followed by transfer to a central collection point and disposal at a government approved facility. High-volume low-pressure flushing system proved effective in releasing much of the deeply penetrated oil without damaging the sedimentary structure of the mangrove platform. Innovative methods are continually being sought. After confirmation of cleanup requirements, former mangrove areas (~860 ha, 2125 ac) will be planted with mangrove seedlings to phytoremediate remaining oil. Close-out criteria are based upon visual assessment followed by chemical sampling to meet government approved risk-based site-specific target levels. Potential major impediments to the successful completion of this Project are community unrest, security issues and reoiling from illegal activities and pipeline operations.
Pediatric Patient Referred for an Optic Nerve Mass
Authors: Grassmeyer Justin J. , Skalet Alison H. , Young Benjamin K.
Published: January 2025

A 13-year-old male patient was referred for evaluation of an optic nerve mass with decreased central vision and occasional pain. Examination revealed an afferent pupillary defect, a few vitreous cells, and an optic nerve lesion associated with a small peripapillary hemorrhage, peripapillary subretinal fluid, and scattered white lesions in the inferior retinal periphery. What would you do next?
The Promise and Perils of Using Peers and Other Paraprofessionals as Mental Health Service Professionals
Authors: Areán Patricia A. , O’Connor Stephen , Sherrill Joel
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint discusses better integration of peer support specialists and other paraprofessionals into clinical and community practice settings to help address the behavioral health workforce shortage.
Lanthanide‐Coordinated Multifunctional Hydrogel for Detecting Human Motion and Encrypting Information
Authors: Wang Fengyi , Yao Kunda , Chen Chao , Wang Kewen , Bai Haowen , Hao Xue‐Li , Wang Qian , Dong Xiaochen , Liu Wei
Published: January 2025

Smart hydrogels with multi‐fluorescent properties hold great promise for information encryption. However, conventional fluorescent hydrogels often lack adequate mechanical properties and multiple responsiveness, limiting their range of applications. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel featuring an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic amide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid) P(AM/AMPS) chemical cross‐linking networks is designed. Through the coordination of lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+) and glycine, the hydrogel achieves exceptional stretchability (over 900%) and adjustable photoluminescence properties. Due to the sulfonic acid groups on 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), which support various noncovalent interactions, the PVA‐P(AM/AMPS)‐Gly‐Ln3+ hydrogel displays strong and reversible adhesive properties on diverse substrates. Ultimately, the hydrogel is assembled into a multifunctional, flexible sensor, boasting satisfactory sensitivity (GF = 5.3), rapid response rate (100 ms), and outstanding photoluminescence characteristics, highlighting its potential for applications in human motion detection and information encryption.
A Bio‐Inspired Event‐Driven Mechanoluminescent Visuotactile Sensor for Intelligent Interactions
Authors: Sou Kit‐Wa , Chan Wang‐Sing , Lei Kai‐Chong , Wang Zihan , Li Shoujie , Peng Dengfeng , Ding Wenbo
Published: January 2025

Event‐driven sensors are essential for real‐time applications, yet the integration of current technologies faces limitations such as high cost, complex signal processing, and vulnerability to noise. This work introduces a bio‐inspired mechanoluminescence visuotactile sensor that enables standard frame‐based cameras to perform event‐driven sensing by emitting light only under mechanical stress, effectively acting as an event trigger. Drawing inspiration from the biomechanics of canine teeth, the sensor utilizes a rod‐patterned array to enhance mechanoluminescent signal sensitivity and expand the contact surface area. In addition, a machine learning‐enabled algorithm is designed to accurately analyze the interaction‐triggered mechanoluminescence signal in real‐time. The sensor is integrated into a quadruped robot's mouth interface, demonstrating enhanced interactive capabilities. The system successfully classifies eight interactive activities with an average accuracy of 92.68%. Comprehensive tests validate the sensor's efficacy in capturing dynamic tactile signals and broadening the application scope of robots in interaction with the environment.
Ultrasound‐Controllable Release of Carbon Monoxide in Multifunctional Polymer Coating for Synergetic Treatment of Catheter‐Related Infections
Authors: Liang Ziqing , Sun Rui , Zhang Xu , Luan Shifang , Xu Hong , Wang Rui , Song Lingjie , Shi Hengchong , Wang Lei
Published: January 2025

Medical catheters are susceptible to biological contamination and pathogen invasion, leading to infection and inflammatory complications. The development of antimicrobial coatings for medical devices has emerged as a promising strategy. However, limited biological functionality and the incompatibility between bactericidal properties and biosafety remain great challenges. Herein, a multifunctional polymer coating (CPB‐Ac) is created, incorporating an ultrasonic‐responsive carbon monoxide release unit (CORM‐Ac) and antifouling unit to treat catheter‐related complications. As‐synthesized CPB‐Ac polymer can be stably anchored to various medical devices with arbitrary shapes and compositions via facile UV treatment. Both in vivo and vitro experiments demonstrated that this multi‐functional coating exhibits anti‐fouling, anti‐inflammatory, and broad‐spectrum antibacterial activities as well as good biosafety. During the initial implantation phase, the antifouling units of CPB‐Ac coating effectively inhibit the attachment of biological contaminants, significantly reducing the risk of thrombosis and bacterial infection. Once bacterial infection occurs, ultrasonic irradiation can activate CPB‐Ac coating to release CO with a much higher amount of 55.3 µm than non‐ultrasound controls, therefore rapidly eliminating bacteria and alleviating inflammatory response. It is believed that the work may provide an effective method for the development of next‐generation intelligent medical coatings against catheter‐related complications.
Tunable Bicontinuous Macroporous Cell Culture Scaffolds via Kinetically Controlled Phase Separation
Authors: Dudaryeva Oksana Y. , Cousin Lucien , Krajnovic Leila , Gröbli Gian , Sapkota Virbin , Ritter Lauritz , Deshmukh Dhananjay , Cui Yifan , Style Robert W. , Levato Riccardo , Labouesse Céline , Tibbitt Mark W.
Published: January 2025

3D scaffolds enable biological investigations with a more natural cell conformation. However, the porosity of synthetic hydrogels is often limited to the nanometer scale, which confines the movement of 3D encapsulated cells and restricts dynamic cell processes. Precise control of hydrogel porosity across length scales remains a challenge and the development of porous materials that allow cell infiltration, spreading, and migration in a manner more similar to natural ECM environments is desirable. Here, a straightforward and reliable method is presented for generating kinetically‐controlled macroporous biomaterials using liquid–liquid phase separation between poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dextran. Photopolymerization‐induced phase separation resulted in macroporous hydrogels with tunable pore size. Varying light intensity and hydrogel composition controlled polymerization kinetics, time to percolation, and complete gelation, which defined the average pore diameter (Ø = 1–200 µm) and final gel stiffness of the formed hydrogels. Critically, for biological applications, macroporous hydrogels are prepared from aqueous polymer solutions at physiological pH and temperature using visible light, allowing for direct cell encapsulation. Human dermal fibroblasts in a range of macroporous gels are encapsulated with different pore sizes. Porosity improved cell spreading with respect to bulk gels and allowed migration in the porous biomaterials.
Slide‐Ring Structured Stress‐Electric Coupling Hydrogel Microspheres for Low‐Loss Transduction Between Tissues
Authors: Wang Fan , Han Xiaoyu , Han Zeyu , Wang Juan , Cai Zhengwei , Chen Gang , Bai Dingqun , Cui Wenguo
Published: January 2025

High transductive loss at tissue injury sites impedes repair. The high dissipation characteristics in the electromechanical conversion of piezoelectric biomaterials pose a challenge. Therefore, supramolecular engineering and microfluidic technology is utilized to introduce slide‐ring polyrotaxane and conductive polypyrrole to construct stress‐electric coupling hydrogel microspheres. The molecular slippage mechanism of slide‐ring structure stores and releases mechanical energy, reducing mechanical loss, the piezoelectric barium titanate enables stress‐electricity conversion, and conjugated π‐electron movement in conductive network improves the internal electron transfer efficiency of microspheres, thereby reducing the loss in stress‐electricity conversion for the first time. Compared to traditional piezoelectric hydrogel microspheres, the stress‐electric coupling efficiency of low‐dissipation microspheres increased by 2.3 times, and the energy dissipation decreased to 43%. At cellular level, electrical signals generated by the microspheres triggered Ca2+ influx into stem cells and upregulated the cAMP signaling pathways, promoting chondrogenic differentiation. Enhanced electrical signals induced macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype, reshaping inflammation and promoting tissue repair. In vivo, the low‐dissipation microspheres restored low‐loss transduction between tissues, alleviated cartilage damage, improved behavioral outcomes, and promoted the treatment of osteoarthritis in rats. Therefore, this study proposes a new strategy for restoring low‐loss transduction between tissues, particularly in mechanically sensitive tissues.
3D‐Printed Electrohydrodynamic Pump and Development of Anti‐Swelling Organohydrogel for Soft Robotics
Authors: Xin Yangyang , Zhou Xinran , Tan Ming Rui Joel , Chen Shaohua , Huang Peiwen , Jiang Yawei , Wu Wenting , Gao Dace , Lv Jian , Magdassi Shlomo , Lee Pooi See
Published: January 2025

This study introduces advancements in electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps and the development of a 3D‐printable anti‐swelling organohydrogel for soft robotics. Using digital light processing (DLP)technology, precise components with less than 1% size variation are fabricated, enabling a unique manifold pump array. This design achieves an output pressure of 90.2 kPa—18 times higher than traditional configurations—and a flow rate of 800 mL min−1, surpassing previous EHD pumps. To address swelling issues in dielectric liquids, a novel organohydrogel is developed with Young's modulus of 0.33 MPa, 300% stretchability, and a swelling ratio under 10%. Its low swelling is attributed to the shield effect and edge length confinement effect. This durable material ensures consistent pump performance under mechanical stresses like bending and twisting, crucial for dynamic soft robotic environments. These innovations significantly improve EHD pump efficiency and reliability, expanding their potential applications in soft robotics, bioengineering, and vertical farming.
Maximizing the Electrochemical Performance of Supercapacitors by Using Seawater Electrolyte Instead of Acidic/Lithium‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Garcés‐Patiño Luis Antonio , Esquivel‐Castro Tzipatly Angelica , Viesca Efrain , Mtz‐Enriquez Arturo Isaias , Martinez‐Gomez Alvaro de Jesus , Rosu Haret Codratian , Perez‐Mayen Leonardo , Oliva Jorge
Published: January 2025

The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors (SCs) was evaluated by using different inorganic electrolytes: seawater, acidic‐electrolyte (polyvinyl‐alcohol (PVA)/H3PO4) and Li‐based electrolyte (synthesized from expired LIB‐electrodes and named as ERB‐electrolyte). SCs made only with graphene electrodes and PVA/H3PO4 electrolyte exhibited a capacitance/energy‐density of 421.4 F g−1/58.5 W·h kg−1. After adding the G/SiO2/MgO (GSM) and G/SiO2/MgO‐MnO2 (GSMM) nanocomposites to the SC electrodes, the capacitance increased by 36% and 69%, respectively. To develop an environmentally friendly SC, we substituted the acidic electrolyte with seawater or ERB electrolyte and compared their electrochemical performance. SCs made GSM and GSMM composites (seawater was the electrolyte) showed specific capacitances/energy‐densities of 679.7 F g−1/94.4 W·h kg−1 and 852.3 F g−1/118.5 W·h kg−1, respectively, which were ∼20% higher compared with these for SCs made with acidic‐electrolyte. SCs made with ERB‐electrolyte and GSMM composite had a lower capacitance (683.3 F g−1) in comparison with SCs made with GSMM/acidic electrolyte (710.4 F g−1). Electrochemical‐impedance‐ spectroscopy (EIS) analysis demonstrated that the lowest charge‐transfer‐resistance and series‐resistance were obtained in SCs made with seawater‐electrolyte, therefore, those SC had the most efficient ion storage/diffusion. Finally, UV‐Vis/Raman/XPS studies revealed the presence of oxygen‐vacancies, Mg2+/Mg0, Mn4+/Mn3+, and Si4+/Si3+/Si2+ species on the SC electrodes (active‐redox‐centers to store charge).
Neighborhood resources and stressors associated with parenting inputs for children's learning and development
Authors: Lanteri Lindsay , Miller Portia , Votruba‐Drzal Elizabeth , Coley Rebekah Levine
Published: January 2025

Prior research has assessed the ways in which neighborhoods promote or inhibit children's development but has paid less attention to delineating the particular processes through which neighborhoods are linked to child outcomes. This study combines geospatial data with survey data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort of 2010–2011, a nationally representative sample of kindergarteners followed through 5th grade (N ~ 12,300), to explore how differences in neighborhood resources (parks and services) and stressors (crime and neighborhood disadvantage) are associated with variations in parental inputs—school involvement and provision of out‐of‐home enrichment activities. Using multilevel models assessing within‐ and between‐family associations, we found mixed evidence concerning how neighborhood features are linked to parental inputs. Considering within‐family changes in neighborhood contexts, concentrated disadvantage negatively predicted parental inputs, particularly following a move to a more disadvantaged neighborhood. Results were more consistent between families: concentrated disadvantage was associated with lower school involvement and out‐of‐home enrichment, while community services and parks were associated with more involvement and enrichment. Neighborhood crime was not associated with parental inputs. Results shed light on methodological limitations of neighborhood effects research and suggest the need for more rigorous methods, such as natural experiments which can capture exogenous changes in neighborhood processes.
Whole genome methylation sequencing in blood from persons with mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease identifies cognitive status
Authors: Madrid Andy , Papale Ligia A. , Bergmann Phillip E. , Breen Coleman , Clark Lindsay R. , Asthana Sanjay , Johnson Sterling C. , Keleş Sündüz , Hogan Kirk J. , Alisch Reid S.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Whole genome methylation sequencing (WGMS) in blood identifies differential DNA methylation in persons with late‐onset dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) but has not been tested in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

METHODS

We used WGMS to compare DNA methylation levels at 25,244,219 CpG loci in 382 blood samples from 99 persons with MCI, 109 with AD, and 174 who are cognitively unimpaired (CU).

RESULTS

WGMS identified 9756 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in persons with MCI, including 1743 differentially methylated genes encoding proteins in biological pathways related to synapse organization, dendrite development, and ion transport. A total of 447 DMPs exhibit progressively increasing or decreasing DNA methylation levels among CU, MCI, and AD that correspond to cognitive status.

DISCUSSION

WGMS identifies DMPs in known and newly detected genes in blood from persons with MCI and AD that support blood DNA methylation levels can distinguish cognitive status.

Highlights

Whole genome methylation levels in blood from 99 persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 109 with Alzheimer's disease, and 174 who are cognitively unimpaired were analyzed.

Nine thousand seven hundred fifty‐six differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were identified in MCI.

One thousand seven hundred forty‐three genes comprise one or more DMPs in persons with MCI.

Fifty‐eight DMPs and 392 differentially methylated genes are shared among the three pairwise comparisons.

Four hundred forty‐seven DMPs exhibit progressive changes that correspond to cognitive status.
Photoinduced Energy/Electron Transfer within Single‐Chain Nanoparticles
Authors: Nagao Masanori , Mundsinger Kai , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: January 2025

We demonstrate that single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) – compact covalently folded single polymer chains – can increase photocatalytic performance of an embedded catalytic center, compared to the comparable catalytic system in free solution. In particular, we demonstrate that the degree of compaction allows to finely tailor the catalytic activity, thus evidencing that molecular confinement is a key factor in controlling photocatalysis. Specifically, we decorate a linear parent polymer with both photoreactive chalcone moieties as well as Ru(bpy)3 catalytic centers. We initially construct a SCNP via a photosensitized [2+2] cycloaddition at 510 nm and demonstrate that the SCNP formation is substantially more efficient when the Ru(bpy)3 units are part of the polymer chain instead of as free molecules in solution. Subsequently, we employ the same Ru(bpy)3 units as photocatalysts in a model reaction employing pyrene units as charge transfer moieties. We establish that the photocatalytic activity increases as the polymer becomes more compact, reaching peak efficiency, followed by a subsequent decline as the SCNP becomes too compact. Thus, we identify a goldilocks regime of catalyst confinement via SCNP compaction for use in photocatalysis.
MOF‐Based Dual‐Layer Pickering Emulsion: Molecular‐Level Gating of Water Delivery at Water‐Oil Interface for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogenation Using H2O as a Hydrogen Source
Authors: Yuan Kuo , Zhang Ying , Yan Zhuang , Yun Qinbai , Song Tianqun , Guo Jun , Feng Jie , Chen Zheng , Zhang Xiaotao , Tang Zhiyong , Hu Wenping , Lu Tongbu
Published: January 2025

Biphasic system not only presents a promising opportunity for complex catalytic processes, but also is a grand challenge in efficient tandem reactions. As an emerging solar‐to‐chemical conversion, the visible‐light‐driven and water‐donating hydrogenation combines the sustainability of photocatalysis and economic‐value of hydrogenation. However, the key and challenging point is to couple water‐soluble photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with oil‐soluble hydrogenation. Herein, we employed metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and CdS nanorods to construct a MOF‐CdS dual‐layer Pickering emulsion (water in oil, W/O), which compartmented aqueous phase for photocatalytic HER and oil phase for hydrogenation. The hydrophobic MOF and hydrophilic CdS were isolated at the inner and outer layers of W/O emulsion, respectively. The molecularly regulated hydrophobicity of MOF controlled the water delivery onto CdS photocatalysts, which realized the synergistic regulation of HER and hydrogenation. In the photocatalytic hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde, the highest yield of MOF‐CdS Pickering emulsion reached 187.37 mmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1, 30 times that of the counterpart without emulsion (6.44 mmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1). Its apparent quantum yield reached 43.24 % without co‐catalysts. To our knowledge, this performance is at a top‐level so far. Our work realized the precise regulation of water‐oil interface to effectively couple two reactions in different phases, providing new perspective for challenging tandem catalysis.
Autocatalytic Interfacial Synthesis of Self‐Standing Amide‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework Membranes
Authors: Fang Lei , Xu Hui , Qiu Suyu , Ye Tao , Wang Tianqi , Shang Jin , Gu Cheng , Kitagawa Susumu , Li Liangchun
Published: January 2025

The synthesis of crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has in principle relied on reversible dynamic chemistry. A general method to synthesize irreversibly bonded COFs is urgently demanded for driving the COF chemistry to a new era. Here we report a universal two‐step method for the straightforward synthesis of irreversibly amide‐linked COF (AmCOF) membranes by autocatalytic interfacial polymerization (AIP). Highly crystalline amide and imine bilinker COF (AICOF) membranes are readily synthesized by AIP strategy which ingeniously leverages interfacial polymerization to generate amide units followed by an autocatalytic condensation that forms imine bonds. Then, the fully amide‐linked AmCOF membranes with Turing structures can be prepared through irreversible linker renovation. The universality of this method has been exemplified by nine AmCOF membranes. Among them, the AmCOF‐1 membrane exhibits superior performance for H2O2 photosynthesis (4353 μmol g−1 h−1) and high stability, enabling continuous production of H2O2 under sunlight for 150 h without sacrificial agents. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the greatly improved properties are attributable to the built‐in robust amide knots, facilitating full separation of electrons and holes, ultra‐long exciton diffusion length, and fast dissociation of excitons within the AmCOF channels.
Electrosynthesis of Mussel‐inspired Adhesive Polymers as a Novel Class of Transient Enzyme Stabilizers
Authors: Neubert Tilmann J. , Hielscher Maximilian M. , Walter Keven , Schröter Carolin M. , Stage Marion , Rosencrantz Ruben R. , Panis Felix , Rompel Annette , Balasubramanian Kannan , Waldvogel Siegfried R. , Börner Hans G.
Published: January 2025

Multifunctional ortho‐quinones are required for the formation of thiol‐catechol‐connectivities (TCC) but can be delicate to handle. We present the electrochemical oxidation of the dipeptide DiDOPA, achieving up to 92 % conversion efficiency of the catechols to ortho‐quinones. Graphite and stainless steel could be employed as cost‐efficient electrodes. The electrochemical activation yields quinone‐solutions, which are free of undesired reactive compounds and eliminates the challenging step of isolating the reactive quinones. The DiDOPA quinones were employed in polyaddition reactions with multi‐thiols, forming oligomers that functioned as transient enzyme stabilizers (TES). These TCC‐TES‐additives improved the thermal stability and the activity of tyrosinase in heat stress assays.
Photocatalytic Dehalogenation of Aryl Halides Mediated by the Flexible Metal–Organic Framework MIL‐53(Cr)
Authors: Luo Tian , Jeppesen Henrik S. , Schoekel Alexander , Bönisch Nadine , Xu Fei , Zhuang Rong , Huang Qiang , Senkovska Irena , Bon Volodymyr , Heine Thomas , Kuc Agnieszka , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2025

The catalytic potential of flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) remains underexplored, particularly in liquid‐phase reactions. This study employs MIL‐53(Cr), a prototypical “breathing” MOF capable of structural adaptation via pore size modulation, as a photocatalyst for the dehalogenation of aryl halides. Powder X‐ray diffraction and Pair Distribution Function analyses reveal that organic solvents influence pore opening, while substrates and products dynamically adjust the framework configuration during catalysis. This structural flexibility enables precise tuning of photocatalytic efficiency via solvent‐mediated control of the pore aperture. The results demonstrate that the dynamic behavior of MIL‐53(Cr) facilitates enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity, advancing the application of flexible MOFs as tunable, enzyme‐mimicking catalysts. These findings pave the way for the rational design of next‐generation flexible photocatalysts.
Enhanced Water Splitting with Sulfur‐Doped Nickel Ferrite for Green Hydrogen at Industrial Current Density
Authors: Rosh Tom Deepa , Shah Ayushi , Modi Krishna H. , Majethiya Ajay , Pataniya Pratik M. , Sumesh C. K.
Published: January 2025

The main challenge for water electrolysis is that continuous and effective hydrogen evolution at high current densities is unattainable due to the quick degradation of performance that occurs with extended large‐current operation. In this work, sulfur‐doped nickel ferrite nanocomposites were prepared using simple hydrothermal method with the objective of improving electrocatalytic green hydrogen production at industrial current densities. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyse the crystalline structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the synthesised nanocomposites. The prepared S−NiFe2O4/NF (NS‐85) catalyst exhibits excellent electrochemical water‐splitting activity, a low overpotential, a high current density, and extended stability lasting more than 12 hours. The NS‐85/NF electrode has a cathodic current density of 300 mA cm−2 at −0.329 V overpotential and at the lowest overpotential of −0.264 V, the electrode has a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Our work provides new approaches to the development of earth‐abundant, stable, scalable, and highly effective catalysts for industrial water electrolysis.