bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal conductivity and heat transfer mechanism of epoxy composites constructing by carbon fiber felt with three‐dimensional layered structure
Authors: Shi Shanshan , Jiang Tao , Cao Shuai , Gui Xiaofan , Wang Ying , Li Yifan , Yu Wei , Lin Donghai , Xie Huaqing , Li Xiaofeng , Li Wenge , Sun Kai , Yu Jinhong , Wu Xinfeng
Published: December 2024

The preparation of lightweight polymer‐based composites with high thermal conductivity is an urgent requirement for thermal management applications. In this work, carbon fiber felt (CFF) with three‐dimensional (3D) layered structure was firstly prepared based on papermaking method. Then, high in‐plane thermal conductivity (TC) Epoxy resin/graphitized carbon fiber felt (Epoxy/G‐CFF) composites were prepared by graphitized CFF with different layers under vacuum assistance. The effect of graphitization on the thermal property was investigated, and the practical heat transfer behavior was analyzed. The results show that the Epoxy/G‐CFF composites exhibit the highest in‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.88 W/mK at 8.5 wt% loading, which is 889.47% higher than that of pure Epoxy. It represents the achievement of enhancing the thermal performance of polymer‐based composites with low additions. More importantly, the composites still exhibit low density and strong thermal management capability. This suggests that Epoxy/G‐CFF composites have promising applications in the thermal management field.

Highlights

The carbon fiber felt (CFF) with three‐dimensional (3D) layered structure was firstly prepared based on papermaking method.

The graphitization process significantly increases the grain size and shortens the layer spacing, contributing to the comprehensive properties of G‐CFF.

The Epoxy/G‐CFF composites exhibit the highest in‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.88 W/mK at 8.5 wt% loading.
Optimizing Lithium Battery Interface: Room Temperature Diels‐Alder Cross‐Linked In Situ Gel Electrolyte Inhibits Lithium Dendrite Growth
Authors: Kasimu Aihemaiti , Hao Tianwei , Ruan Wenhong , Zhang Mingqiu
Published: December 2024

In situ gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are promising for lithium metal batteries due to their high ionic conductivity (≈ 10−3 S cm−1) and outstanding compatibility with electrode interface. However, challenges such as initiator and monomer residue, high initiation temperatures, and low mechanical properties hinder their development. To address these challenges, a low‐temperature, catalyst‐free method utilizing the Diels‐Alder reaction between fulvene and maleimide is proposed, offering a by‐product‐free solution. With this method, a GPE was prepared through the Diels‐Alder reaction between PEG‐fulvene and bismaleimide diphenylmethane (BMI), using lithium‐sulfur electrolyte (1.0 M LiTFSI in DOL (1,3‐dioxolane): DME (Dimethoxyethane) = 1:1 vol% with 1.0% LiNO3) as the solvent. The in situ GPE demonstrates an ionic conductivity of up to 1.11 mS cm−1 at 30°C and maintains stable cycling for 2000 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the formation of lithium dendrites is effectively suppressed. The discharge capacity of the LFP/GPE/Li battery was 118.9 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5C, with a capacity retention of 88.20%. These results demonstrate that the in situ GPE has excellent capacity retention and cycle life, making the catalyst‐free crosslinking strategy at room temperature a new plan for preparing in situ GPE.
Spaces of Encounter: The Relationship Between Amenities and Visitor Diversity
Authors: Hołubowska Olena , Poorthuis Ate
Published: December 2024

Urban experiences are shaped by daily activities that often extend beyond residential areas, leading to opportunities for encounters with people different from us in various contexts. Such encounters can subsequently influence attitudes towards those groups, which is critical in the diverse environments of modern cities. This study explores how neighbourhoods with varying types of amenities facilitate intergroup mixing among individuals of different income levels and migration backgrounds. Using data from OpenStreetMap to characterise neighbourhoods by their amenities and mobility patterns derived from mobile phone app data of 204,567 residents of Auckland, New Zealand, we quantify the relationship between intergroup mixing and the types of amenities, or more particularly ‘spaces of encounter’, that a neighbourhood offers. Our findings reveal distinct characteristics between spaces that promote income mixing versus those that foster migration background mixing. Spaces promoting income mixing tend to have more consumption‐oriented amenities (such as bars and restaurants) and fewer shops, whereas spaces promoting mixing between migrants and locals feature more places of worship and fewer institutional settings. These insights underscore the important role that specific spaces of encounter might play within our neighbourhoods and thus carry implications for urban planning and policy aimed at enhancing social cohesion.
The capability of 20th‐century reanalyses to reproduce the spatiotemporal variation in surface incident solar radiation over Japan for 1931–2010
Authors: Liu Han , Li Ying , Liang LingJun , Ma Qian
Published: December 2024

Understanding the spatiotemporal variations in surface incident solar radiation (Rs), especially over longer time spans, is crucial for climate modeling and environmental assessment. This study, referring to the century‐long homogenized Rs measurements, comprehensively quantifies the ability of five 20th‐century reanalyses phenomena to estimate Rs over Japan for 1931–2010, and furthermore assesses the contributions of total cloud cover and vapor pressure to the biases in Rs trends. Dominant features revealed that Rs signals boost from the north to the south, which could be captured but is overestimated by all reanalyses. The dominant time evolution of Rs was well captured by CERA20C, followed by ERA20C and 20CRv3, corresponding to their relatively better performance cloud cover. Unfortunately, ERA20CM totally fails to reproduce the spatiotemporal variation in Rs as its procedure does not include an assimilation step. 20CRv2c fails in estimating Rs for 1931–1960, but improves much for 1961–2010 as the quality of assimilated observational variables becomes better. A dimming of −2.76 W·m−2·decade−1 for 1931–1960 was detected in the observed Rs, which could be reproduced by CERA20C and ERA20C. Afterwards, a brightening of 0.88 W·m−2·decade−1 for 1961–2010 was shown in observations, and all reanalyses fail. The trend bias of Rs in CERA20C attributes more to total cloud cover before 1960, and to aerosols or other factors after 1960. Cloud cover contributed more than vapor pressure to the trend bias of Rs for 1931–1960; vapor pressure became more important in regulating Rs for 1961–2010 than for 1931–1960. The combined effects of both factors on Rs are insignificant for 20CRv3 during the entire period, for 20CRv2c for 1931–1960 and for CERA20C for 1961–2010, suggesting other factors, such as aerosols, cloud types, cloud optical depth and their interactions may impact Rs simulations more and this calls for further investigation.
Characterization of Active Compounds in Sanhuang Shu'ai Decoction for the Management of Ulcerative Colitis: A UHPLC‐MS Study
Authors: Liu Amei , Zhong Muxiao , Han Zhenglan , Yan Yuxiang , Zhang Dengke , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Mingjun , Zou Yidan , Zhang Jingping
Published: December 2024

Objective

The effectiveness of Sanhuang Shu'ai decoction (SSD), a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat diarrhea and colitis, especially ulcerative colitis (UC), is not well understood regarding how its chemical components work.

Methods

This research used ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking to understand the active substances and potential mechanisms of SSD in treating UC.

Results

UHPLC and MS analyses identified 710 active components in SSD extracts (ZYTQY) and 387 in SSD‐containing serum (HYXQ), with 35 active compounds found in both ZYTQY and HYXQ and 67 active compounds from SSDD (SSD compound obtained directly from the database), along with 6 metabolites that may be key components in its function. Subsequently, we used PubChem, DrugBank, and TTD to identify 108 potential targets from SSDD, and 27 hub genes were found by constructing the PPI network. GO and KEGG pathway analyses confirmed that SSDD may be effective in treating UC through the PI3K/AKT and HIF‐1 signaling pathways. The pathway analysis of 4 metabolites in SSD highlights the continued importance of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Molecular docking and simulations indicate that baicalein, oroxylin A, quercetin, and wogonin may aid in treating UC by regulating the MAPK3 and NFKB1 genes. Baicalein interacts with several specific targets, including EGFR, MAPK1, MAPK3, NFKB1, PTGS2, and TP53.

Conclusions

SSD treats UC through various compounds and pathways targeting multiple areas, whereas baicalein specifically promotes intestinal repair in UC by modulating EGFR‐PI3K/AKT/NFκB, EGFR/PI3K/AKT‐/TP53, and EGFR/PI3K/A KT/MAPK signaling pathways.
FREDA: A Web Application for the Processing, Analysis, and Visualization of Fourier‐Transform Mass Spectrometry Data
Authors: Degnan David J. , Claborne Daniel M. , White Amanda M. , Akers Sarah M. , Winans Natalie M. , Corilo Yuri E. , Strauch Clayton W. , Bailey Vanessa L. , McCue Lee Ann , Stratton Kelly G. , Bramer Lisa M.
Published: December 2024

Rationale

The high‐resolution measurement capability of Fourier‐transform mass spectrometry (FT‐MS) has made it a necessity for exploring the molecular composition of complex organic mixtures, like soil, plant, aquatic, and petroleum samples. This demand has driven a need for informatics tools to explore and analyze FT‐MS data in a robust and reproducible manner.

Methods

FREDA is an interactive web application developed to enable spectrometrists to format, process, and explore their FT‐MS data without the need for statistical programming expertise. FREDA was built to explore outputs from a molecular identification tool, like CoreMS, and provide a suite of methods to filter data, compute chemical properties of peaks, statistically compare samples and groups of samples, conduct exploratory data analysis, and download the results with a report detailing all steps conducted.

Results

To demonstrate the utility of FREDA, an example analysis was conducted using FT‐MS data from a soil microbiology study of samples collected in two different soil depths at the Sphagnum bog forest north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Differences between the two depths are observed using Kendrick, Gibbs free energy, and van Krevelen plots. G‐tests are used to quantify a significant difference between the groups. All analyses and plotting are conducted using only the FREDA application.

Conclusions

FREDA is an open‐source and readily available web application that allows users to explore and make statistically valid conclusions about their FT‐MS data. The application is available online (https://map.emsl.pnnl.gov/app/freda) with a tutorial web series (https://youtu.be/k5HLE2kNSBY?si=yB6sGoyvzxrFf5MP) and freely accessible code on Github (https://github.com/EMSL‐Computing/FREDA).
Hybrid Metric‐Topological Localization for Robots in Pipe Networks
Authors: Worley Rob , Anderson Sean R.
Published: December 2024

Accurate, reliable, and efficient robot localization is essential for long‐term autonomous robotic inspection of buried pipe networks. It is necessary for path planning and for locating detected faults in the network. This paper proposes a novel localization algorithm designed for limited, high‐uncertainty sensing in network environments. The localization method is developed from the Viterbi algorithm, which efficiently searches for the most likely robot trajectory amongst multiple hypotheses. It is augmented to facilitate hybrid metric‐topological localization, and it is improved to efficiently spend computation on useful points in time. Results using field robot data from a sewer network demonstrate the algorithm's practical applicability, as the algorithm is shown to robustly produce a coherent trajectory estimate with low error in estimated location, compared with a particle filter alternative that incorrectly jumps between parts of the network. Results using simulated data demonstrate the algorithm's robust performance at large spatial and temporal scales. In 79% of trajectories, the algorithm produces less error than a particle filter, while requiring a median of 0.18 times the computation time, demonstrating a substantial improvement in computational efficiency with comparable or superior accuracy. The flexibility of the algorithm is also demonstrated in simulation by incorporating measurements representing acoustic echo sensing and pipe gradient sensing, which is shown to reduce the error rate from 28% to 7% or below, in the case of large uncertainty in all other inputs. These results demonstrate that the proposed localization method improves the computational efficiency, accuracy, and robustness of localization compared to a particle filter specialized to the pipe environment, even in the presence of limited and high‐uncertainty sensing.
Biochar‐Amended Soils: A Water‐Saving Strategy for Quinoa Cultivation in the Andes
Authors: Condori‐Ataupillco Tatiana , Flores‐Marquez Ricardo , Quispe Kenyi , Quispe‐Rodriguez Juan , Velásquez‐Mantari José , Solórzano‐Acosta Richard
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Previous studies showed that biochar amended soils significantly enhanced the growth and yield of quinoa under water limitations. So it becomes an emerging agronomic strategy to consider for sustainable quinoa production. Biochar can specifically be considered for the area particularly receiving low annual rainfall and more vulnerable to current climate change conditions.

Materials and Methods

A field experiment was conducted using the quinoa variety INIA 415 Pasankalla, employing a factorial design to assess the effects of different application rates of biochar made of municipal pruning waste and agricultural waste (0, 1, 2, and 3 t·ha⁻¹), and three irrigation intervals (irrigation every 5 days, irrigation every 10 days, and irrigation every 15 days). The volumetric soil moisture content, the soil hydraulic properties, and quinoa's biometric characteristics and yield components were evaluated.

Results

The results indicated that the longest irrigation intervals (10 and 15 days) resulted in soil moisture levels between 19% and 40% below the wilting point (soil matric potential: −1.5 MPa), creating water stress conditions. However, biochar application increased the field capacity from 0.31 to 0.38 g H₂O g⁻¹ soil, raised soil air content from 22% to 29% at irrigation, and promoted the quinoa's soil water absorption below the wilting point. Furthermore, the application of 3 t·ha⁻¹ of biochar significantly enhanced quinoa yield, increasing it from 3.18 to 4.22 t·ha⁻¹, along with improvements in leaf area, total biomass, root length, and panicle length by 70.74%, 76.54%, 14.34%, and 16.55%, respectively.

Conclusions

It was concluded that a 3 t·ha⁻¹ biochar application mitigated the negative effects of water stress caused by prolonged irrigation intervals. This biochar treatment improved the soil's physical properties and enabled the quinoa variety INIA 415 Pasankalla to achieve yields close to its theoretical productive potential.
Energy‐Aware Protocol Design and Evaluation of the PHY Layer in Satellite IoT
Authors: Heine Simon , Hofmann Christian A. , Knopp Andreas
Published: December 2024

Direct‐to‐satellite communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted significant interest from both the scientific community and major telecommunications players. The integration of satellite connectivity in smartphones and IoT devices promises a transformative impact on critical applications such as environmental monitoring, asset tracking, agriculture, and nature conservation. These applications require reliable and energy‐efficient technologies for transmitting sensor data from regions without terrestrial networks, necessitating robust design of waveforms and protocols. This work investigates the most suitable IoT protocols for direct‐to‐satellite communication, emphasizing overhead, spectral, and energy efficiency. By introducing a framework and evaluation metrics that incorporate physical layer overhead into the evaluation, a comprehensive analysis of the effective energy efficiency in satellite IoT systems is conducted. Our findings highlight substantial differences among the Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) protocols. Consequently, we propose a new classification for the most energy‐efficient protocols, termed Massive Multiple Access very Low Power Wide Area Networks (MMA‐vLPWANs). This classification aims to streamline the selection process for energy‐conscious satellite IoT waveforms for deployments in remote areas. The results not only advance the understanding of protocol efficiency in satellite IoT communications but also offer a guideline for optimizing power usage in IoT devices, extending their operational life and enhancing their utility in inaccessible regions.
Preparation and Growth Mechanism of Hexagonal Boron Nitride in the Presence of Lithium Oxide
Authors: Xie Yifan , Yang Jinguang , Wu Ping , Meng Yunlong , Zhang Shiping , Wang Li
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) by the reaction of boron oxide (B2O3) and NH3 represents an environmentally friendly and economical preparation process. Employing a catalyst to improve the issues including low conversion and reaction rate is important to facilitate the implementation of this method. In this study, we studied the effect of adding lithium oxide (Li2O) with a mass fraction of 14%–25% on the reaction process between B2O3 and NH3 at 1000–1200 °C. During the reaction process, Li2O reacts with B2O3 to form a lithium borate melt. The lithium borate melt facilitates the diffusion of NH3, and benefits to the dissolution and precipitation of BN, thus promoting the growth of h‐BN. A nearly complete conversion to h‐BN was observed by adding Li2O with a mass fraction of 17% when heating at 1200 °C for 240 min. The products exhibit good crystallinity (graphitization index of 3.4) and a sheet structure, with a thickness of 32 nm and a diameter of 400–500 nm. These results provide a reference for optimizing the preparation process of h‐BN.
Synergistic Effects of CeO2/Ag/ZnO Nanocomposites for Environmental and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Krishnan Bama , Karthik Palani , Prakash Natarajan , Mukkannan Azhagurajan
Published: December 2024

In this study, an eco‐friendly hydrothermal synthesis method was developed to synthesis a CeO2/Ag/ZnO nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV–vis) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD confirmed a well‐ordered structure in the CeO2/Ag/ZnO nanocomposites, while FTIR identified the presence of ZnO and Ag bands. SEM revealed distinct phase morphologies and TEM mapping indicated the spherical nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity was tested under visible light with Rhodamine B (Rh‐B) dye, showing effective degradation. Additionally, the nanocomposites exhibited strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in contaminated lake water. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated notable cytotoxic effects on HEK 293 cells. This novel, eco‐friendly synthesis approach presents CeO2/Ag/ZnO nanocomposites as promising materials for the photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants, antibacterial applications, and cytotoxic activities, showcasing their potential for diverse environmental and biomedical uses.
A Novel Dendrobine‐Derived Phase‐Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Shen Xiaojiang , Liu Yijun , Chen Shuo , Dong Fawu , Hu Jiangmiao , Ge Shulin
Published: December 2024

The development of novel and efficient chiral catalysts has always been a focus of research in the field of organic synthesis. In this paper, we present the design, synthesis, and application of a new chiral phase‐transfer catalyst derived from Dendrobine alkaloid using simple synthetic methods with competitive yields. Meanwhile, the unique chiral skeleton structure of our catalyst was conducive to chiral induction in asymmetric catalysis and has been successfully utilized in the asymmetric alkylation of β‐keto esters, leading to excellent reactivity and good enantioselectivity in the formation of chiral 1H‐inden‐1‐ones.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Fullerene‐Fused 3,4‐Dihydropyrimido[1,6‐a]Indol‐1(2H)‐Ones via Radical Cyclization
Authors: Fu Hua‐Yu , Liu Xiu‐Shan , Bai Shu‐Wan , Li Fa‐Bao , Wang Jie , Wang Yu‐Yang , Liu Li
Published: December 2024

A series of fullerene‐fused 3,4‐dihydropyrimido[1,6‐a]indol‐1(2H)‐one compounds were synthesized by the N─H/C─H sequential relay radical heteroannulation reaction of [60]fullerene with N‐alkoxy‐1H‐indole‐1‐carboxamides promoted by di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP) and iodine (I2) in the presence of succinimide. This protocol avoids the use of expensive metal salts and shows high regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance. A plausible formation mechanism for fullerene‐fused 3,4‐dihydropyrimido[1,6‐a]indol‐1(2H)‐ones is proposed.
Electronic Promoter Breaks the Linear Scaling Relationship: Ultra‐Rapid High‐Temperature Synthesis of Heterostructured CoS/SnO2@C as a Bifunctional Oxygen Catalyst for Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Nan , Fang Tingxue , An Tinghui , Wang Yuhao , Li Jiaqi , Yu Shuming , Sun Honghai , Xiang Dong , Bo Xiangjie , Cai Kedi
Published: December 2024

Li‐O2 batteries urgently needs high discharge capacity and stable cycling performance, requiring effective and reliable bifunctional catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, Hovenia acerba Lindl‐like heterostructure composed of cobalt sulfide and tin dioxide supported on carbon substrate (CoS/SnO2@C) is prepared via CO2 laser irradiation technology. The half‐wave potential of CoS/SnO2@C for the ORR is 0.88 V, while the overpotential of the OER at 10 mA cm−2 is as low as 270 mV. The Li‐O2 batteries employing the bifunctional CoS/SnO2@C catalyst displays a high discharge specific capacity of 3332.25 mAh g−1 and long cycling life of 226 cycles. Additionally, theory calculations demonstrate that the construction of heterostructure decreases energy barrier of the rate‐determining step (RDS) for both ORR and OER. Notably, SnO2 behaves as the electronic promoter to optimize the electronic structure of heterostructure interface and triggers charge redistribution of CoS, which weakens the adsorption strength of the *O‐intermediates and allows to break the linear scaling relationship, thus further enhancing the catalytic performance of CoS/SnO2@C. This research furnishes directions for the design of heterogeneous catalysts, highlighting its great potential for application in rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries.
Coupling ZnN4 Atomic Sites with Graphitic Nitrogen for Enhanced Ammonium Production via Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Li Qianghua , Ma Yixuan , Zeng Qingling , Liu Wenjun , Wang Chunfeng , Han Shun , Cao Peijiang , Zhu Deliang , Fang Ming
Published: December 2024

The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) presents a promising alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch process for synthesizing ammonium (NH3) under mild conditions. Supported single atoms have emerged as active catalysts for this conversion; however, the efficiency of NH3 production are limited by the modest activity and selectivity of these catalysts. In this study, it is demonstrated that zinc single atoms supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon (ZnNCs), derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8), possess remarkable catalytic performance for this conversion, achieving an unprecedented selectivity (exceeding 90%) for NH3 formation across a broad potential range (−0.4–−0.8 V vs. RHE). Comprehensive analyses reveal that the incorporation of a graphitic nitrogen atom adjacent to the Zn‐N4 site precisely modulates the reaction pathway, enabling a unique dual‐site adsorption and cascading reaction route for NH3 formation. These findings not only uncover a novel reaction mechanism for the NO3RR but also have the potential to inspire the development of more efficient NO3RR catalysts.
Magnetic Field‐Driven NiCo‐3DOMC Modified Separators for Effective Lithium Polysulfide Mitigation and Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Jianli , Ai Qinghui , Wang Yang , Du Zepu , Chen Qiang , Hou Guangya , Tang Yiping
Published: December 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) face challenges from the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and slow redox kinetics. In this study, a NiCo‐Doped 3D Ordered Mesoporous Carbon (NiCo‐3DOMC) composite material is synthesized using a gel‐crystalline template and sol–gel method to modify polypropylene separators in LSBs. Density Functional Theory calculations and experiment results demonstrate that under a magnetic field, the NiCo‐3DOMC enhances adsorption and catalyzes the conversion of LiPSs, effectively mitigating the shuttle effect and boosting redox kinetics. This improvement is due to the material's porous structure and active catalytic sites. Enhanced by magnetohydrodynamic effects and NiCo spin polarization, the modified separators in LSBs deliver a high initial capacity of 1544.21 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, maintain superior rate performance at 565.49 mAh g−1 at 3 C, and show prolonged cycling stability with only 0.06% capacity decay per cycle over 470 cycles. Even with a sulfur loading of 3.78 mg cm−2, an initial capacity of 884 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C is achieved. This approach marks a significant advancement in LSB performance, leveraging magnetic field applications to improve battery technology.
Vapor–Solid Reaction Techniques for the Growth of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Hu Shenghan , Hou Peiran , Duan Changyu , Dou Yichen , Deng Xinyu , Xiong Wenjuan , Yuan Zhangwei , Liang Jiace , Peng Yong , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Ku Zhiliang
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells are considered next‐generation photovoltaic technology due to their remarkable advancements in power conversion efficiency. To transition this technology from the lab to industry, the method for preparing perovskite thin films must support mass production. Currently, the solution‐based slot‐die technique is the primary method for depositing large‐area perovskite thin films. However, solution‐based methods are not standard in the semiconductor industry, where vapor‐based techniques are favored for their high controllability and reproducibility. The cost of vacuum facilities and the complexity of these processes hinder many researchers, resulting in vapor‐based technique development lagging behind solution‐based methods in device efficiency and scale. This review focuses on the progress in growing perovskite thin films using vapor–solid reaction techniques, which are believed to offer the most direct path to commercialization. By examining the crystallization and growth mechanisms of perovskite films and discussing specific optimization strategies for vapor–solid reactions, insights into future developments and challenges in fabricating perovskite solar cells using fully vacuum processes are concluded.
Fe‐Vacancies Manipulate Kondo Screening States in the d‐Orbital Kondo Lattice of Fe3‐xGeTe2 (x = 0.07–0.54)
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhao Mengting , Xu Shengjie , Xi Yilian , Zhang Jingwei , Feng Haifeng , Zhuang Jincheng , Cai Wei , Du Yi , Hao Weichang
Published: December 2024

Manipulating the electronic correlation is a long‐term issue in the Kondo regime. Based on the pioneer successes in many localized f‐orbital systems, further achievements in more itinerant d‐orbital systems will open up avenues for numerous systems to participate in enabling the understanding of the electron interactions toward quantum criticality. Here, by simply tuning the ratio of Fe vacancies (x) in d‐orbital Fe3‐xGeTe2 (x = 0.07–0.54), the effective mass of Kondo lattice (KL) Fe3‐xGeTe2 is modulated due to the change of spinless Kondo hole densities, through a series of scaling investigations including on the effective and spontaneous moments µeff and µspon, magnetic susceptibility χ, the Sommerfeld coefficient γ, and the resistivity coefficients A. By analyzing the Fermi liquid characteristics of KL via the two relations of AFL/γ2 and χ0Pauli/γ below T*, an orbital coupling between degenerate orbitals of local moment S and multiple conducting spins m are found. With increasing Fe vacancy concentration, the localization effect, and Kondo interactions can be manipulated simultaneously, and the change in 2S/m leads to a subtle over‐under‐over‐ Kondo screening states evolution in Fe3‐xGeTe2. This work expands the comprehension of Kondo screening and provides a facile method to control electron correlation.
African American Language in science education: A translanguaging perspective
Authors: Sedlacek Quentin C. , Lemmi Catherine , Feldman Kimberly , Ortiz Nickolaus , León Maricela
Published: December 2024

Ideologies of language and race are deeply connected in the United States. Language practices associated with racially marginalized communities, such as African American Language (AAL) or Spanglish, are often heavily stigmatized. Such stigma is not grounded in empirical research on language, but rather in “raciolinguistic ideologies” that reproduce white supremacy and oppression in teacher education and in US classrooms—including science classrooms. Science education need not be this way, however. Translanguaging pedagogies can create space for students to use any and all types of languaging practices to engage in scientific sensemaking. Implementing translanguaging pedagogies to support scientific sensemaking will require science teachers to develop inclusive ideologies of language—not only the knowledge that multiple varieties of language are valid tools for sensemaking, but also the inclination and ability to formatively assess student thinking even when that thinking is not couched in canonical “science language.” In the present manuscript, we explore the relationships among teachers' language ideologies, their racial ideologies, their knowledge of language as an epistemic tool for teaching science, their self‐reported assessment practices, and their actual responses to several different samples of student science writing—including a writing sample that includes an oft‐stigmatized feature of African American Language. We show that teachers with more language‐inclusive ideologies—that is, those who take a translanguaging stance, and thus value the use of AAL in classrooms—appear to be better at formatively assessing and responding to student science writing compared to teachers with more language‐exclusive ideologies. We also show that seemingly race‐neutral ideologies of language are in fact strongly associated with oppressive ideologies of race, and that these language ideologies predict teachers' science formative assessment practices independently of existing measures of pedagogical knowledge. We discuss implications for science teaching, teacher education, and science education research.
Syrian refugee youths' science learning in a “dialogic” third space: Pushing boundaries in the Lebanese educational system through translanguaging
Authors: Salloum Sara , Al Debs Rena , BouJaoude Saouma
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore translanguaging space as a transformative third space, where alternative and competing discourses are celebrated and where science learning and the development of science's discourse and epistemic practices expand across overlapping boundaries (e.g., home, school, and community). The study focused on Syrian refugee youth adapting to learning science in English in the Lebanese multilingual educational system that esteems international languages (English or French) over Arabic. Our research questions included: (1) What translanguaging practices and functions emerge during a linguistically responsive life science unit designed for refugee multilingual learners? (2) How does a translanguaging space act as a third space for refugee learners to engage in meaning‐making and science practices and discourse around the topic of “respiration”? The study utilized a qualitative instrumental case‐study approach to generate data around refugee learners' languaging practices and their development of science understandings, practices, and discourse. We also engaged in participatory methodologies that challenge boundaries between researchers and participants. The data sources were 22 Zoom recordings, students' work, and participant‐generated feedback. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts and students' work while adhering to trustworthiness criteria. Our findings center translanguaging as a justice‐oriented pedagogy that enables a productive and “inviting” third space for refugee multilingual learners to make meaning of phenomena by bringing together and extending their semiotic and epistemic repertoires. Serving multi‐tiered functions, translanguaging fostered dialogic connections that affirmed students' “outside” social spaces as valuable resources for meaning‐making in science classrooms. The implications discuss design features that support a fluid and purposeful translanguaging third space for asset‐oriented science learning.
Savviness of sixth graders: Student perspectives about translanguaging during science formative assessment
Authors: Fine Caitlin G. McC. , Braaten Melissa
Published: December 2024

Science classroom assessment often requires multilingual learners to demonstrate ideas using only English‐language resources. These assessments can provide an incomplete picture of students' knowledge and limit subsequent learning opportunities. Increasingly, science teachers are incorporating translanguaging pedagogies in their instructional practices. Less is known about students' perspectives of translanguaging in science. In this manuscript, we employ equity‐as‐access and equity‐as‐transformation lenses to investigate multilingual learners' perspectives about translanguaging as a formative assessment practice. Data came from a larger participatory co‐design design study in a culturally and linguistically diverse middle school in the Mountain West. We qualitatively analyzed 8 focus group interview transcripts with 13 sixth‐grade students from across 4 formative assessment cycles. Analysis was both inductive and deductive. Findings suggest that sixth graders have savvy, nuanced views about translanguaging that bridge equity‐as‐access and equity‐as‐transformation lenses. They saw translanguaging as both supporting their English language development and as an important practice to allow them to focus bilingually on their science ideas without translating everything into English. Additionally, they highlighted tensions associated with welcoming translanguaging in schools with de facto English‐only languaging norms. This study has implications for teachers, assessment designers, and researchers. Findings signal structural/policy changes needed to authentically center translanguaging as an equity‐oriented practice across science assessment systems.
Attention‐based image segmentation and classification model for the preoperative risk stratification of thyroid nodules
Authors: Jassal Karishma , Di Muzio Bruno , Edwards Melissa , Brown Wendy , Serpell Jonathan , Koohestani Afsaneh , Lee James C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite widespread use of standardized classification systems, risk stratification of thyroid nodules is nuanced and often requires diagnostic surgery. Genomic sequencing is available for this dilemma however, costs and access restricts global applicability. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to overcome this issue nevertheless, the need for black‐box interpretability is pertinent. We aimed to create an ultrasonographic segmentation and classification model that offers explainability and risk accountability.

Methodology

Four hundred and fourteen ultrasonography images were collected from 105 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, divided into training and testing groups. Classification ground truth used is exclusively surgical histopathology. Relevant nodules were manually annotated by a dedicated study radiologist and surgeon. Three AI architectures with and without block attention modules were trained to identify the relevant nodule and the best performing was selected for the subsequent task in classifying identified nodules into benign or malignant. Gradient‐Weighted Class Activation Map is used to provide saliency mapping for visual interpretability.

Findings

Superior performance was recorded by the block attention model which stratified thyroid nodules into benign versus malignant with an accuracy of 93% versus 90%, F‐score 90% versus 89%, sensitivity 93% versus 91% and specificity 92% versus 91% on a training dataset versus a testing dataset respectively.

GradCAM

Visual interpretability maps demonstrate salient areas for a benign nodule diagnosis overlaps spongiform areas and malignant diagnosis salient areas overlap solid components of a partially cystic‐solid nodule and microcalcifications within nodules. These findings are consistent with established diagnostic criteria for benign and malignant nodules.

Conclusion

We developed an image segmentation and classification model for the risk stratification of thyroid nodules benchmarking surgical histopathology as ground truth and providing visual interpretability.
Investigation of the safety of position‐based titanium plate fixation for costal cartilage injuries
Authors: Xie Zexin , Feng Lei , Zhou Xuetao , Yang Yang , Liang Zheng , Chen Menghui , Hou Chunjuan , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: December 2024

Background

Costal cartilage injuries are unappreciated, and there is a paucity of reports on fixation methods. This study aims to evaluate the safety of titanium plate internal fixation for costal cartilage injuries.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients with costal cartilage injuries who underwent titanium plate internal fixation between April 2016 and November 2022 at our hospital. The internal fixation devices consisted of titanium plates and locking screws, securing 60 costal cartilage injury sites. Injuries were classified based on the fixation location: costal cartilage‐costal cartilage (22 sites), bone (sternum, rib)‐ costal cartilage (24 sites), and bone (sternum)‐ costal cartilage‐bone (rib) (14 sites). Follow‐ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively included CT assessments to evaluate injury healing and the presence of displacement or screw loosening.

Results

The average lengths of the titanium plates used for the three different fixation positions were 6, 7, and 10 holes, respectively, with at least two locking screws securing each end. The maximum follow‐up period was 90 months, with 6 cases lost to follow‐up (3 at 1 month postoperatively, affecting 4 fixation sites, and 3 at 3 months postoperatively, affecting 6 fixation sites). Excluding these cases, all fixed costal cartilage injuries healed without nonunion or displacement, with two instances of screw loosening observed at 1 month postoperatively.

Conclusion

Titanium plate fixation with locking screws is a safe and effective method for treating costal cartilage injuries, with all patients showing good injury healing.
Ergebnisdarstellung der Grounded Theory
Authors: Schlachter Sabrina
Published: December 2024

Als Auswertungsergebnis wird die entwickelte Theorie zum Phänomen Differenzerleben als Balanceakt in Paarbeziehungen vorgestellt. Hierfür wird zuerst die sogenannte Story der Grounded Theory – also eine beschreibende Erzählung über das zentrale Phänomen – anhand von zwei Fallbeispielen erzählt. In den darauffolgenden Abschnitten werden die jeweiligen Kategorien des Kodierparadigmas ausführlich erläutert und miteinander in Verbindung gebracht. Abgerundet wird das Kapitel durch eine Einordnung des Phänomens in einen größeren Zusammenhang mithilfe der sogenannten Bedingungsmatrix und durch die Beschreibung von fünf Typen von Paaren mit spezifischen Umgangsweisen bzgl. des Phänomens.
The Multi-tiered Support and Empowerment of Youth At-Risk of Social Exclusion in VET in Norway
Authors: Tikkanen Tarja , Bruin Marieke , Moen Vegard
Published: December 2024

In this chapter we first introduce the Norwegian concept and model for supporting the social inclusion of VET students at-risk of social exclusion with respect to combating school dropout and the promotion of transitions between various learning contexts, such as school and work, and discuss in the light of available studies, how the model works when applying the inclusion principle in practice. We explain the Norwegian definition of dropout, the support system available for the successful completion of VET. Furthermore, we describe the basis, the basics, and prospects of inclusion as a concept and principle in education, and then take a critical look at its implementation in practice with special regard to vulnerable students in VET. The second part of the chapter is based on findings from empirical studies in Norway during the EmpowerVET project. Based on individual qualitative interviews, we first describe how these students themselves experience and voice their opportunities, prospects, and limitations in the context of VET. Thereafter, we describe how two exemplary schools work in practice to support these students through their interpretation and implementation of the Norwegian principle and model for inclusion, “the best for the pupil/students” (The Education Act). In the final section of this chapter, we draw some conclusions based on the analysis and discuss the model and its implementation.
The Empowerment of Socially Vulnerable Youth in the VET System of Latvia: Implications of a Systemic Orientation to the Needs of the Labour Market
Authors: Sloka Biruta , Buligina Ilze , Tora Ginta , Dzelme Juris , Brante Ilze , Angena Anna , Liepiņa Kristīne
Published: December 2024

The reduction in the Latvian population has created an urgent need to increase retention in the labour market, of not only high skilled entrepreneurs and competitive employees, but also to ensure that most of the VET students obtain a qualification relevant to the labour market. This also refers to vocational students at risk of dropping out due to a variety of reasons, including their unfavourable socio-economic backgrounds. In Latvia, after the EU accession it was a political decision to invest major funds in the development of VET, to increase the number of vocational students, as compared to the number of students in general education. According to the evaluation of the OECD and Cedefop, the progress is slow but steady. The success of the policy was determined by a set of factors, that included the modernisation of the curricula, successful introduction of the competence-based approach and work-based learning, as well as improving the overall competence of teachers and their well-being, to promote their individualised work with students and to avoid burn-out due to heavy workloads. Alongside these factors, massive investment in the VET institutions’ infrastructure and equipment, and co-operation with employers, has improved the prestige and attractiveness of VET. This has created the pre-conditions for retaining maximum numbers of students in the education system, including the students at risk of dropping out, especially due to disadvantaged socio-economic conditions.
On Some Cauchy Problems and Positive Linear Operators
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Acu Ana Maria , Heilmann Margareta , Raşa Ioan
Published: December 2024

Durrmeyer type modifications of the Szász–Mirakjan operators were studied in several papers. We consider a general family of such operators. Basically, we investigate the relationship between the images of a function f under the operators and the solutions of a suitable linear and homogeneous partial differential equation of parabolic type with f as initial value.
Trans-nuclei CRISPR/Cas9: safe approach for genome editing in the edible mushroom excluding foreign DNA sequences
Authors: Koshi Daishiro , Sugano Junko , Yamasaki Fuga , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Nakazawa Takehito , Oh Minji , Honda Yoichi
Published: December 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-assisted genome editing has been applied to several major edible agaricomycetes, enabling efficient gene targeting. This method is promising for rapid and efficient breeding to isolate high-value cultivars and overcome cultivation challenges. However, the integration of foreign DNA fragments during this process raises concerns regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their regulatory restrictions. In this study, we developed a foreign-DNA-free genome editing method in Pleurotus ostreatus by transferring the Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) complex between nuclei in the dikaryotic state. We isolated a donor monokaryotic P. ostreatus strain expressing Cas9 and gRNA targeting pyrG by introducing a recombinant plasmid, which exhibited uracil auxotrophy and 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA) resistance. This strain was then crossed with a pyrG+ recipient monokaryon, resulting in dikaryotic strains exhibiting 5-FOA resistance after mycelial growth. When these strains were de-dikaryonized into monokaryons through protoplasting, we obtained monokaryotic isolates harboring the recipient nucleus with small indels at the pyrG target site. Importantly, these isolates were confirmed to be free of foreign DNA through genomic PCR, Southern blotting, and whole-genome resequencing analyses. This is the first report of an efficient genome editing protocol in agaricomycetes that ensures no integration of exogenous DNA. This approach is expected to be applicable to other fungi with a dikaryotic life cycle, opening new possibilities for molecular breeding without the concerns associated with GMOs.

Key points

• Successful genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9 trans-nuclei manner in P. ostreatus.

• Recipient monokaryons from gene-edited dikaryons showed no exogenous DNA sequences.

• Efficient genome editing protocol for safer molecular breeding in mushroom fungus.

Graphical Abstract
A new anatomical finding: the paramastoid diverticulum of the sigmoid sinus
Authors: Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Toader Corneliu , Tudose Răzvan Costin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The sigmoid sinus (SS) is a major surgical landmark. The paramastoid process (PMP) occurs rarely. Inferior diverticula of the SS were not found or reported previously. We aimed to determine the incidence and detailed anatomy of such morphology of the SS.

Methods

Archived angioCT files of 25 males and 25 females were used. The morphology of the SS was checked on planar sections and by three-dimensional volume renderings.

Results

In 3 female cases (6%), inferior paramastoid diverticula of the SS (PMDSSs) were found, two on the right and one on the left. They were all protruding on the inferior side of the jugular process of the occipital bone. Their heights and inner diameters were, respectively, 9.94/11.01 mm, 8.21/4.85 mm and 5.97/8.72 mm. A high jugular bulb was also found on that side in each case. Each PMDSS had a thin or dehiscent bottom. They were closely related to condylar veins, the occipital artery, the vertebral artery and its venous plexus.

Conclusion

The PMDSS should not be mistaken as a PMP to avoid surgical lesions of the SS. The PMDSS is an unexpected landmark in the suboccipital region.