bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic analysis of the general stochastic epidemic with variable infectious periods
Authors: Startsev A. N.
Published: October 2002

A generalisation of the classical general stochastic epidemic within a closed, homogeneously mixing population is considered, in which the infectious periods of infectives follow i.i.d. random variables having an arbitrary but specified distribution. The asymptotic behaviour of the total size distribution for the epidemic as the initial numbers of susceptibles and infectives tend to infinity is investigated by generalising the construction of Sellke and reducing the problem to a boundary crossing problem for sums of independent random variables.
Some asymptotic results for transient random walks with applications to insurance risk
Authors: Baltrūnas Aleksandras
Published: October 2002

We consider a real-valued random walk which drifts to -∞ and is such that the step distribution is heavy tailed, say, subexponential. We investigate the asymptotic tail behaviour of the distribution of the upwards first passage times. As an application, we obtain the exact rate of convergence for the ruin probability in finite time. Our result supplements similar theorems in risk theory.
On the closure of the IFR(2) and NBU(2) classes
Authors: Franco Manuel , Ruiz José M. , Carmen Ruiz M.
Published: October 2002

In this note, we give some preservation results for the classes IFR(2), NBU(2) and their dual classes under the formation of special coherent systems. Further, we show with examples that the relationships among these aging classes and others are strictly one-way implications.
Locally contracting iterated functions and stability of Markov chains
Authors: Jarner S. F. , Tweedie R. L.
Published: October 2002

We consider Markov chains in the context of iterated random functions and show the existence and uniqueness of an invariant distribution under a local contraction condition combined with a drift condition, extending results of Diaconis and Freedman. From these we deduce various other topological stability properties of the chains. Our conditions are typically satisfied by, for example, queueing and storage models where the global Lipschitz condition used by Diaconis and Freedman normally fails.
Random bisection and evolutionary walks
Authors: Bach Eric
Published: October 2002

As models for molecular evolution, immune response, and local search algorithms, various authors have used a stochastic process called the evolutionary walk, which goes as follows. Assign a random number to each vertex of the infiniteN-ary tree, and start with a particle on the root. A step of the process consists of searching for a child with a higher number and moving the particle there; if no such child exists, the process stops. The average number of steps in this process is asymptotic, asN→ ∞, to logN, a result first proved by Macken and Perelson. This paper relates the evolutionary walk to a process called random bisection, familiar from combinatorics and number theory, which can be thought of as a transformed Poisson process. We first give a thorough treatment of the exact walk length, computing its distribution, moments and moment generating function. Next we show that the walk length is asymptotically normally distributed. We also treat it as a mixture of Poisson random variables and compute the asymptotic distribution of the Poisson parameter. Finally, we show that in an evolutionary walk with uniform vertex numbers, the ‘jumps’, ordered by size, have the same asymptotic distribution as the normalized cycle lengths in a random permutation.
Measuring Equity in Readmission as a Distinct Assessment of Hospital Performance
Authors: Nash Katherine A. , Weerahandi Himali , Yu Huihui , Venkatesh Arjun K. , Holaday Louisa W. , Herrin Jeph , Lin Zhenqiu , Horwitz Leora I. , Ross Joseph S. , Bernheim Susannah M.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Equity is an essential domain of health care quality. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed 2 Disparity Methods that together assess equity in clinical outcomes.

Objectives

To define a measure of equitable readmissions; identify hospitals with equitable readmissions by insurance (dual eligible vs non–dual eligible) or patient race (Black vs White); and compare hospitals with and without equitable readmissions by hospital characteristics and performance on accountability measures (quality, cost, and value).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional study of US hospitals eligible for the CMS Hospital-Wide Readmission measure using Medicare data from July 2018 through June 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

We created a definition of equitable readmissions using CMS Disparity Methods, which evaluate hospitals on 2 methods: outcomes for populations at risk for disparities (across-hospital method); and disparities in care within hospitals’ patient populations (within-a-single-hospital method).

Exposures

Hospital patient demographics; hospital characteristics; and 3 measures of hospital performance—quality, cost, and value (quality relative to cost).

Results

Of 4638 hospitals, 74% served a sufficient number of dual-eligible patients, and 42% served a sufficient number of Black patients to apply CMS Disparity Methods by insurance and race. Of eligible hospitals, 17% had equitable readmission rates by insurance and 30% by race. Hospitals with equitable readmissions by insurance or race cared for a lower percentage of Black patients (insurance, 1.9% [IQR, 0.2%-8.8%] vs 3.3% [IQR, 0.7%-10.8%], P < .01; race, 7.6% [IQR, 3.2%-16.6%] vs 9.3% [IQR, 4.0%-19.0%], P = .01), and differed from nonequitable hospitals in multiple domains (teaching status, geography, size; P < .01). In examining equity by insurance, hospitals with low costs were more likely to have equitable readmissions (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.38-1.77), and there was no relationship between quality and value, and equity. In examining equity by race, hospitals with high overall quality were more likely to have equitable readmissions (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03-1.26]), and there was no relationship between cost and value, and equity.

Conclusion and Relevance

A minority of hospitals achieved equitable readmissions. Notably, hospitals with equitable readmissions were characteristically different from those without. For example, hospitals with equitable readmissions served fewer Black patients, reinforcing the role of structural racism in hospital-level inequities. Implementation of an equitable readmission measure must consider unequal distribution of at-risk patients among hospitals.
Perinatal Depression and Risk of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Yu Hang , Shen Qing , Bränn Emma , Yang Yihui , Oberg Anna Sara , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna , Lu Donghao
Published: January 2024

Importance

Suicidal ideation is common among women with perinatal depression (PND). However, prospective data are limited on the risk, particularly long-term risk, of suicidal behavior (suicide attempt and completed suicide) among women with perinatal depression.

Objective

To examine the association between PND and risk of short- and long-term suicidal behavior.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A nationwide population-matched cohort study was conducted in Sweden including 86 551 women with PND from 2001 to 2017 and 865 510 unaffected women individually matched on age and calendar year at delivery. Sibling comparison was used to account for familial confounding. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to November 2023.

Exposure

PND was identified through depression diagnosis or filled prescriptions of antidepressants from pregnancy to 1 year post partum in registers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All women were followed up for the first event of suicidal behavior recorded in registers. Hazard ratios (HR) of suicidal behavior were estimated using time-to-event analysis.

Results

Women with PND (86 551 participants) received a diagnosis at a mean (SD) age of 30.67 (5.23) years. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 6.91 (3.62-10.88) years, 3604 events of suicidal behavior (incidence rate [IR], 5.62 per 1000 person-years) were identified among women with PND and 6445 (IR, 1.01 per 1000 person-years) among population-unaffected women. Women with PND had an elevated risk of suicidal behavior when compared with matched unaffected women (HR, 3.15; 95% CI, 2.97-3.35). Comparable, albeit somewhat attenuated, associations were yielded when comparing PND women with their PND-free sisters (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.10-3.61). In the population-matched cohort, the association was greater for postnatal depression and among women without a history of psychiatric disorders. The excess risk was pronounced during the first year after diagnosis (HR, 7.20; 95% CI, 6.07-8.54), yet remained statistically significant during 5 to 18 years of follow-up (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 2.12-2.57).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide cohort study, women with PND were at an increased risk of suicidal behavior, particularly within the first year after diagnosis with persistent risk elevations throughout the 18 years of follow-up, highlighting the need for vigilant clinical monitoring of this vulnerable group.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Versus Education and Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Propensity‐Matched Analysis
Authors: Young James J. , Zywiel Michael G. , Skou Søren T. , Chandran Vinod , Davey J. Rod , Gandhi Rajiv , Mahomed Nizar N. , Syed Khalid , Veillette Christian J. H. , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Perruccio Anthony V.
Published: January 2024

Objective

We estimate the treatment effect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus an education and exercise (Edu+Ex) program on pain, function, and quality of life outcomes 3 and 12 months after treatment initiation for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Patients with knee OA who had undergone TKA were matched on a 1:1 ratio with participants in an Edu+Ex program based on a propensity score fitted to a range of pretreatment covariates. After matching, between‐group differences in improvement (the treatment effect) in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 12‐item version (0, worst to 100, best) pain, function, and quality of life from baseline to 3 and 12 months were estimated using linear mixed models, adjusting for unbalanced covariates, if any, after matching.

Results

The matched sample consisted of 522 patients (Edu+Ex, n = 261; TKA, n = 261) who were balanced on all pretreatment characteristics. At 12‐month follow‐up, TKA resulted in significantly greater improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] 22.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 19.7–25.8), function (MD 21.2; 95% CI 17.7–24.4), and quality of life (MD 18.3; 15.0–21.6). Even so, at least one‐third of patients receiving Edu+Ex had a clinically meaningful improvement in outcomes at 12 months compared with 75% of patients with TKA.

Conclusion

TKA is associated with greater improvements in pain, function, and quality of life, but these findings also suggest that Edu+Ex may be a viable alternative to TKA in a meaningful proportion of patients, which may reduce overall TKA need. Confirmatory trials are needed.
Tribotronic Vertical Field‐Effect Transistor Based on van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Yifei , Lin Xiangde , Gao Guoyun , Yu Jinran , Wei Yichen , Gong Jie , Sun Jia , Wang Zhong Lin , Sun Qijun
Published: January 2024

Graphene has attracted considerable interest for next‐generation electronics. However, the absence of natural bandgap has limited the current on/off ratio of graphene‐based transistors. Vertical integration of 2D heterostructures offers a promising approach to address this challenge, enabling high‐current‐density vertical field‐effect transistor (VFET) with large on/off ratio. Here, a triboelectric potential‐powered VFET with a vertical stacked graphene/MoS2 heterostructure and a sliding‐mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) coupled with gate dielectrics are proposed. The tribotronic VFET has an ultrashort channel length in vertical direction, exhibiting excellent current driving capability with an ultrahigh on‐state current density of 950 A cm−2 and a good current on/off ratio of 630. It also demonstrates reconfigurable diode behavior with a rectification ratio over 102. Temperature‐dependent studies are applied to tribotronic devices for the first time, indicating an effective modulation on the Schottky barrier height of 150 meV by the triboelectric potential. A green LED pixel is driven by the tribotronic VFET as a demonstration to work as a tactile interactive light‐emitting device. The demonstrated tribotronic vertical device offers a promising strategy for integrating various 2D layered materials with TENG in vertical direction, enabling 3D integration of low‐power and interactive devices for next‐generation electronics.
Boosting Efficiency and Stability of NiOx‐Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Through D–A Type Semiconductor Interface Modulation
Authors: Sun Xianglang , Zhang Chunlei , Gao Danpeng , Zhang Shoufeng , Li Bo , Gong Jianqiu , Li Shuai , Xiao Shuang , Zhu Zonglong , Li Zhong'an
Published: January 2024

NiOx is one of the promising inorganic hole transporting materials in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), however, its device efficiency and stability are still limited by the energy level mismatch, low intrinsic conductivity, high interface defect density, and complex active species. Herein, the use of an imide‐based donor–acceptor type semiconductor (BTF14) as the interlayer between perovskite and NiOx is proposed, which facilitates the hole extraction and transfer, reduces the defect density at interface and in perovskite film bulk, and further reduces the concentration of Ni>3+ species to stabilize the heterointerface. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of inverted PSCs can be significantly boosted from 22.11% of NiOx to 24.20% of NiOx/BTF14. Moreover, NiOx/BTF14 based devices also exhibit negligible hysteresis and excellent long‐term stability, with over 77% of their initial efficiency remaining after continuous operation at 60 °C for 1000 h under 1 sun illumination.
Formulating Local Environment of Oxygen Mitigates Voltage Hysteresis in Li‐Rich Materials
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Qiu Lang , Hua Weibo , Song Yang , Deng Yuting , Wu Zhenguo , Zhu Yanfang , Zhong Benhe , Chou Shulei , Dou Shixue , Xiao Yao , Guo Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Li‐rich cathode materials have emerged as one of the most prospective options for Li‐ion batteries owing to their remarkable energy density (>900 Wh kg−1). However, voltage hysteresis during charge and discharge process lowers the energy conversion efficiency, which hinders their application in practical devices. Herein, the fundamental reason for voltage hysteresis through investigating the O redox behavior under different (de)lithiation states is unveiled and it is successfully addressed by formulating the local environment of O2−. In Li‐rich Mn‐based materials, it is confirmed that there exists reaction activity of oxygen ions at low discharge voltage (<3.6 V) in the presence of TM‐TM‐Li ordered arrangement, generating massive amount of voltage hysteresis and resulting in a decreased energy efficiency (80.95%). Moreover, in the case where Li 2b sites are numerously occupied by TM ions, the local environment of O2− evolves, the reactivity of oxygen ions at low voltage is significantly inhibited, thus giving rise to the large energy conversion efficiency (89.07%). This study reveals the structure–activity relationship between the local environment around O2− and voltage hysteresis, which provides guidance in designing next‐generation high‐performance cathode materials.
Prognostic significance of lymph node metastasis in pancreatic tail cancer: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Hirashita Teijiro , Ikenaga Naoki , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi , Kurahara Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Takao , Tatsuguchi Takaaki , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Nakagawa Shigeki , Ide Takao , Noshiro Hirokazu , Adachi Tomohiko , Eguchi Susumu , Miyoshi Atsushi , Kohi Shiro , Nanashima Atsushi , Nagano Hiroaki , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Inomata Masafumi ,   Kyushu Study Group of Treatment for Pancreatobiliary Cancer
Published: January 2024

Background

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) with lymph node (LN) dissection is the standard procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the tail (Pt‐PDAC). However, the optimal surgery including extent of LN dissection is still being debated. The present study investigated the incidence and prognostic impact of LN metastasis on patients suffering from Pt‐PDAC.

Patients and method

This multicenter, retrospective study involved 163 patients who underwent DP for resectable Pt‐PDAC at 12 institutions between 2013 and 2017. The frequency of LN metastasis and the effect of LN dissection on Pt‐PDAC prognosis were investigated.

Results

There were high incidences of metastases to the LNs along the splenic artery in the patients with Pt‐PDAC (39%). The rate of metastases in the LNs along the common hepatic, left gastric, and celiac arteries were low, and the therapeutic index for these LNs was zero. In pancreatic tail cancer located more distally, there were no metastases to the LNs along the common hepatic artery. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size was the only independent factor related to recurrence‐free survival (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.33–3.05, p = 0.001). The level of pancreas division and LN dissection along the common hepatic artery did not affect the site of tumor recurrence or recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusions

LN dissection along the hepatic artery for Pt‐PDAC has little significance. Distal pancreatic transection may be acceptable in terms of oncological safety, but further examination of short‐term outcomes and preservation of pancreatic function is required.
Drift‐Aware Feature Learning Based on Autoencoder Preprocessing for Soft Sensors
Authors: Wang Junming , Shu Jing , Alam Md Masruck , Gao Zhaoli , Li Zheng , Tong Raymond Kai‐Yu
Published: January 2024

In this article, a novel approach is presented for drift‐aware feature learning aimed at calibrating drift biases in soft sensors for long‐term use. The proposed method leverages an autoencoder for data preprocessing to extract expressive signal drift traces features, and incorporates drift characteristics through the latent space representation in a long short‐term memory (LSTM) regression neural network. In the results, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach outperforms other typical recurrent neural networks, such as LSTM, gated recurrent unit, and bidirectional LSTM, with a reduced root mean square error of 60% for the training dataset (≈2.5 h) and 80% for the testing dataset (≈20 h). The proposed approach has the potential to optimize the performance of soft sensors with long‐term drift and reduce the need for frequent recalibration. By compensating for sensor drift using existing prior information and limited time data, the proposed neural network can effectively reduce the complexity and computational burden of the system, without the need for additional settings or hyperparameter fine‐tuning.
Distal supports, capabilities, and growth‐focused recovery: A comparison of Housing First and the staircase continuum of care
Authors: Greenwood Ronni Michelle , O'Shaughnessy Branagh R. , Manning Rachel M. , Hogan Niamh , Vargas‐Moniz Maria J. , Ornelas Jose
Published: January 2024

Adults who have substantial histories of homelessness and complex support needs may feel ambivalent about integrating into their communities and find it difficult to do so. Being familiar to and recognized by others as a resident in a neighborhood or community are sources of “distal support” that provide individuals with feelings of belonging to their community and are important to recovery from homelessness. We hypothesized that individuals engaged with Housing First (HF) programs would report more distal support than individuals engaged with traditional homeless services (treatment as usual, TAU), and that distal support would predict more community integration, growth‐related recovery, and achieved capabilities. We analyzed data collected from homeless services users (n = 445) engaged with either HF or TAU in eight European countries. Measures included achieved capabilities, growth‐focused recovery, distal supports, and community integration. Serial mediation analyses confirmed our hypothesis that the effects of HF on growth‐related recovery and achieved capabilities are indirect, mediated by distal supports and community integration. Findings are discussed in relation to the importance of modeling the effects of HF on social and psychological outcomes as indirect and identifying important mediators that translate the effects of HF components on social and psychological outcomes. We also note the importance of case management activities that encourage clients to develop and sustain distal supports with others who live and work in their neighborhoods.
Broadband Airy Beam for Mid‐Infrared Wave Enabled by Ge3Sb2Te6 Metasurface
Authors: Chen Zijun , Zhang Runxuan , Zhou Zhesheng , Nie Ruixing , Pan Zimo , Song Zhengyong
Published: January 2024

As a novel phase change material, germanium antimony telluride (Ge3Sb2Te6) possesses the potential in the field of metasurface to dynamically manipulate wavefront and polarization of electromagnetic wave. In this work, Ge3Sb2Te6 meta‐atoms are designed for the generation of Airy beam. Relying on the advantage of Ge3Sb2Te6 rod and gold substrate, tunable reflective phase and amplitude of meta‐atom are realized through different rotation angles of Ge3Sb2Te6 rod. Due to the unique characteristics of Ge3Sb2Te6, meta‐atom can flexibly change between half‐wave plate and mirror reflector. As crystalline Ge3Sb2Te6 is adopted, cross‐polarized wave is generated by meta‐atom with a peak polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of 98% at 77.6 THz. On the contrary, as amorphous Ge3Sb2Te6 is employed, PCR is below 5%. Then, two exemplary metasurfaces are implemented as Airy beam generator and Airy beam focuser, and simulated results have a remarkable advantage of an overall bandwidth over 10 THz. The proposed metasurface may be applied in beam shaping and telecommunication.
Activation of RIG‐I/MDA5 Signaling and Inhibition of CD47‐SIRPα Checkpoint with a Dual siRNA‐Assembled Nanoadjuvant for Robust Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Li Shumeng , Yu Wenhao , Yao Shankun , Fan Huanhuan , Guo Zijian
Published: January 2024

Antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) play a crucial role in the anti‐tumor immunity as they are responsible for capturing, processing, and presenting tumor antigens to T cells. However, their activation is often limited by the absence of adjuvants and the suppressive effects of immune checkpoints, such as CD47‐SIRPα. Herein, we present a nanoadjuvant that is self‐assembled from long RNA building blocks generated through rolling circle transcription (RCT) reaction and further modified with cationic liposomes. Owing to the high load of densely packed RNA, this nanoadjuvant could robustly activate RIG‐I/MDA5 signaling in APCs, leading to the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and the polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) toward an anti‐tumor M1‐like phenotype. In addition, with a well‐designed template, the generated long RNA from RCT reaction includes two kinds of siRNA targeting both CD47 in tumor cells and SIRPα in APCs. This dual gene silencing results in efficient inhibition of the CD47‐SIRPα checkpoint. Collectively, the robust activation of RIG‐I/MDA5 signaling and efficient inhibition of CD47‐SIRPα checkpoint enhance the phagocytic activity of APCs, which in turn promotes the cross‐priming of effector T cells and the activation of anti‐tumor immune responses. This study therefore provides a simple and robust RNA nanoadjuvant for cancer immunotherapy.
Fullerene‐like Niobovanadate Cage Built from {(Nb)V5} Pentagon
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Changan , Lin Zhengguo , Dong Long‐Zhang , Zhang Chao , Yao Zishuo , Lei Peng , Dong Jing , Du Jianxin , Chi Yingnan , Lan Ya‐Qian , Hu Changwen
Published: January 2024

The striking aesthetic appeal of fullerene‐like clusters has captured the interest of researchers. Nevertheless, the assembly of fullerene‐like polyoxovadanadate (POV) cages remains a significant challenge due to the scarcity of suitable pentagonal motif. Herein, we have successfully synthesized the first fullerene‐like all‐inorganic POV cage, {(V2O)V30Nb12O102(H2O)12} (V30Nb12), by introducing Nb into the POVs. V30Nb12 is assembled by 12 heterometallic {(Nb)V5} pentagons through sharing V centers with Ih symmetry, reminiscent of C60. To our knowledge, the fullerene‐like V30Nb12 not only represents the highest‐nuclearity POV cage but also stands as the first niobovanadate cluster. Notably, V30Nb12 exhibits excellent solution stability, as confirmed by ESI‐MS, FT‐IR and UV/Vis spectra. As there is no protection organic ligand on its outer surface, V30Nb12 can be further modified with Cu‐complexes to form a fullerene‐like cluster based zigzag chain (Cu−V30Nb12).
A Single Set of Well‐Designed Aptamer Probes for Reliable On‐site Qualitative and Ultra‐Sensitive Quantitative Detection
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Qi , Tu Yi‐Dan , Liu Hong , Liu Rui , Zhang Xiao‐Jin , Jiang Lei , Huang Yu , Xia Fan
Published: January 2024

Aptamer‐based probes are pivotal components in various sensing strategies, owing to their exceptional specificity and versatile programmable structure. Nevertheless, numerous aptamer‐based probes usually offer only a single function, limiting their capacity to meet the diverse requirements of multi‐faceted sensing systems. Here, we introduced supersandwich DNA probes (SSW‐DNA), designed and modified on the outer surface of nanochannels with hydrophobic inner walls, enabling dual functionality: qualitative detection for on‐site analysis and quantitative detection for precise analysis. The fragmented DNAs resulting from the target recognition, are subsequently identified through lateral flow assays, enabling robust on‐site qualitative detection of microcystin‐LR with an impressively low limit of detection (LOD) at 0.01 μg/L. Meanwhile, the nanochannels enable highly sensitive quantification of microcystin‐LR through the current analysis, achieving an exceptionally low LOD at 2.5×10−7 μg/L, with a broad dynamic range spanning from 1×10−6 to 1×102 μg/L. Furthermore, the process of target recognition introduces just a single potential error propagation, which reduces the overall risk of errors during the entire qualitative and quantitative detection process. This sensing strategy broadens the scope of applications for aptamer‐based composite probes, holding promising implications across diverse fields, such as medical diagnosis, food safety, and environmental protection.
Synergistic modulation of oxygen vacancies and heterojunction structure in Pd@CN@TiO2 promotes efficient photocatalytic Suzuki–Miyaura CC coupling reactions
Authors: Sun Longchao , Wang Gang , Bi Shuxian , Li Heping , Zhan Haijuan , Liu Wanyi
Published: January 2024

This paper reports a concise strategy for the controlled preparation of Pd@g‐C3N4/TiO2 photocatalysts rich in oxygen vacancies. The scheme forms black TiO2 with oxygen vacancies on a carbon nitride material by in‐situ growth and heat treatment, and then utilizes solvothermal reduction to load metallic palladium into the material. The composites were structurally analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The results show that the oxygen vacancies in the black TiO2 materials prepared by the method reported in this paper can effectively improve the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and prolong the lifetime of the charge carriers by inhibiting charge recombination. In addition, the heterojunction structure formed between TiO2 and g‐C3N4 materials also enhances the photocatalytic performance of the materials to some extent. After a simple optimization of the conditions, the Pd@g‐C3N4/TiO2 photocatalyst could promote the Suzuki–Miyaura CC coupling reactions under mild conditions (room temperature, 30 W LED lamp, λ = 455 nm), and good biaryl yields were obtained (optimum yield = 99%). It is very noteworthy that the photogenerated electrons and holes generated by the photoexcited catalyst were confirmed to be the main active species in the photocatalytic process of the catalyst by radical trapping assay and EPR test. The Pd@g‐C3N4/TiO2 material reported in this paper has excellent photocatalytic activity and stability in use, which provides a new reference scheme for wider green synthesis and catalysis.
Designing, implementing and monitoring the translocation of a highly threatened freshwater fish
Authors: Kalogianni Eleni , Leris Ioannis , Vardakas Leonidas , Kapakos Yiannis , Laschou Sofia , Bommerlund Julie , Mauvisseau Quentin , Zimmerman Brian
Published: January 2024

Conservation translocations are increasingly applied for the protection of threatened species, but their success depends strongly on pre‐release preparatory work and strict implementation methodology, followed by post‐release monitoring.

The aim of this work was to implement a conservation translocation that involved (a) the design and application of a pre‐release feasibility assessment tool for the selection of the translocation water bodies; (b) the translocation of 77 individuals of the highly threatened freshwater Corfu killifish Valencia letourneuxi in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and (c) a 5‐year post‐release monitoring with multiple methods.

After initial pre‐screening, a feasibility assessment was conducted on two potential release water bodies (R‐WBs) and on four potential source water bodies (S‐WBs), using a custom‐made feasibility assessment tool that incorporated 14 criteria for the potential R‐WBs, related to the species' habitat requirements, human pressures and technical issues. Two criteria were applied to the potential S‐WBs, on source population availability and on its genetic compatibility to the release area. Post‐release monitoring (2017–2022) was conducted with fish sampling methods, underwater video recording and/or using environmental DNA (eDNA).

The feasibility assessment tool gave one R‐WB high, positive score, and one S‐WB met both criteria, thus these selected as the translocation water bodies. Despite the low number of founders, the establishment of a self‐reproducing population was finally confirmed in 2022 in the R‐WB, initially with video recording and subsequently by fish sampling and eDNA.

This study highlights the importance of pre‐release feasibility assessment, the use of multiple post‐release monitoring methods and actions to secure the long‐term viability of the translocated population.

The feasibility assessment tool and the methodological protocol can easily be modified for successful application to other freshwater fish species, with different habitat requirements, current and future human pressures and genetic constraints.
The statistical characteristics of the prompt emission lightcurves of gamma‐ray bursts
Authors: Ma Guan‐Lun , Xie Wei , Wang Wan‐Kai , Dong Ai‐Jun , Zhi Qi‐Jun
Published: January 2024

We fitted 75 pulses from 44 gamma‐ray burst (GRB) prompt emission lightcurves, including four short ones and 40 long ones. Each pulse is fitted by a fast‐rising exponential‐decay (FRED) model. The statistical properties of these pulses are analyzed and compared with previous works. We found that the FRED model is almost suitable to describe all the pulses. We reconfirmed that there is a linear correlation between the full width at half maximum and the pulse rising time , which supports the idea that the individual pulse is emitted at once within one explosion. Moreover, we found that several pulses do not obey the correlation, this implies that the radiation process of the prompt emission especially in the multi‐pulse GRBs might involve more than one type and even possibly change with time. The innovation of this work lies in examining the statistical characteristics of lightcurves of both long and short‐duration GRBs and re‐evaluating the applicability of empirical relationships discovered by predecessors to both types of GRBs while paying special attention to the existence of outlier pulses. This work has positive implications for further exploring the diversity of GRB prompt radiation mechanisms.
Large increase in ASD prevalence in Israel between 2017 and 2021
Authors: Dinstein Ilan , Solomon Shirley , Zats Michael , Shusel Ronit , Lottner Raphael , Gershon Bella Ben , Meiri Gal , Menashe Idan , Shmueli Dorit
Published: January 2024

Accurate estimation of annual changes in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) prevalence is critical for planning the expansion of diagnostic, education, and intervention services at an adequate rate. Previous studies from Israel have reported that ASD prevalence among 8‐year‐old children has increased from estimates of 0.3% in 2008 to 0.65% in 2015 and 1.3% in 2018. Here, we analyzed data acquired from the National Insurance Institute of Israeli (NII), a governmental organization that approves and monitors all ASD children who receive welfare services in Israel, and Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel that provides health services to ~52% of the population. Data from both sources included annual data files from 2017 to 2021 containing the number of ASD cases per year of birth for 1–17‐year‐old children. This allowed us to estimate annual ASD prevalence among 3.5 million children born between 2000 and 2020 in Israel. Both data sources revealed a nearly two‐fold increase in ASD prevalence among 1–17‐year‐old children from 2017 to 2021. Estimated prevalence rates differed across age groups with 2–3‐year‐old (day‐care) children increasing from 0.27% to 1.19% (>4 fold change), 4–6‐year‐old (pre‐school) children increasing from 0.8% to 1.83%, and 8‐year‐old children increasing from 0.82% to 1.56% in NII data. These results demonstrate that autism prevalence continues to increase in Israel with a shift towards diagnosis at earlier ages. These findings highlight the challenge facing health and education service providers in meeting the needs of a rapidly growing autism population.
Opportunities and Challenges of Calendering Sulfide‐Based Separators for Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Heck Carina Amata , Scharmann Timon , Osenberg Markus , Diener Alexander , Manke Ingo , Michalowski Peter , Kwade Arno
Published: January 2024

Continuous densification procedures such as calendering are crucial for sulfide‐based solid‐state batteries to realize industry‐relevant processing. Therefore, in this study, the impact of line load, roller circumferential speed and roll temperature on slurry‐based Li3PS4 and Li6PS5Cl separators compacted by a lab‐calender installed in an argon‐gas‐filled glovebox was investigated. While the Li3PS4 layers became fragile in calendered state, the tested Li6PS5Cl separators were more suitable for calendering due to better mechanical stability. Besides basic analysis of, for example, density, length expansion, pore size distribution and specific ionic conductivity of the Li6PS5Cl separators, 3D images of the structures were generated based on images obtained by synchrotron tomography. Here, all calendered separators showed particle breakage of the Li6PS5Cl. A slight decrease of the specific ionic conductivity with increased applied line load or pressure was observed for calendering and uniaxial pressing, respectively. However, an increase in the conductivity was obtained for an increase in the stack pressure. In addition to poorer contact with the metal current collectors at low stack pressure, it is assumed that a spring back effect after densification could negatively affect the microstructure of the separator. These results highlight that a densification of binder‐based Li6PS5Cl separators does not necessarily result in improved ionic conductivity probably due to the individual deformation behavior of the materials used.
Removal of pharmaceutical compounds (ranitidine, tramadol, and gabapentin) from wastewater by Trichormus variabilis microalgae
Authors: Etesam Masoudeh , Jalili Hasan , Barshan Mohammad , Bahman Mahsa , Amrane Abdeltif , Borhani Fard Esmail
Published: January 2024

Wastewater effluent from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries often contains pharmaceutical contaminants, making the reuse of wastewater a controversial practice. Physical and chemical methods have been unsuccessful in removing these pollutants on a large scale. Microalgal technology has been introduced as a promising tool to tackle this issue. This study evaluated the performance of Trichormus variabilis microalgae in removing three contaminants, namely ranitidine, tramadol, and gabapentin. Three concentrations of each compound were introduced into the microalgal culture medium. The effect of these pharmaceutical concentrations on growth, biomass production, photosynthetic pigments, and protein and lipid content was evaluated and compared with control cultures over 14 days. It was found that T. variabilis was able to remove 61–100% of these drugs. Moreover, the addition of 250 mg L–1 of ranitidine to the algae culture medium led to a 33.4% reduction in biomass growth. Adding 20 mg L–1 of tramadol and 200 mg L–1 of gabapentin caused 30% and 19.2% biomass reductions, respectively. The presence of 100 mg L–1 of gabapentin led to a 38% and up to 14% increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid content in comparison with the control, while the presence of the other drugs reduced the content of chlorophyll and carotenoid. On the other hand, the protein content increased by 254% in the culture media compared to the control media in the presence of 50 mg L–1 ranitidine. Regarding lipid concentration, 20 mg L–1 of tramadol had the most important effect by doubling the lipid content in T. variabilis in comparison with the control. In conclusion, these drugs could be removed to a significant extent by T. variabilis, which is promising for larger scale applications.
Comparative phytochemical study of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Thymus linearis and their antibacterial and antioxidant potential
Authors: Nadeem Hafiz Amir , Pervaiz Muhammad , Ejaz Anam , Saeed Zohaib , Imran Muhammad , Khan Rana Rashad Mahmood , Younas Umer
Published: January 2024

Thymus linearis (Thyme) is a medicinal plant widely distributed throughout Asia. Various parts of thyme are utilized for diverse medicinal purposes, including its use as a tonic and diuretic, for cough relief, as a flavoring agent, in treating dysentery, and for alleviating stomach disorders. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the unexploited potential of thyme. Thyme was collected from the northern region of Pakistan, and sun‐mediated extraction was conducted. Phytochemical analysis, utilizing GC–MS, revealed numerous bioactive phytochemical constituents with disease‐preventing roles, including detoxifying agents, antioxidants, anticancer compounds, dietary fiber, neuropharmacological agents, and immunity‐potentiating agents, in the methanolic and ethanolic (14 days) extracts of the flower, leaf, and stem. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results indicated that the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the stem exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, reaching up to 67.34% and 62.73%, respectively, while the values for the flower and leaf extracts (both methanol and ethanol) were around 60%. The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values were also calculated for all the samples, ranging between 7 and 9 μg/mL. Positive antibacterial and antifungal effects against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, as well as Aspergillus niger (fungi), were observed only in the extracts of the flower (both methanol and ethanol). The sun‐mediated technique was used for extraction for the first time in this study. Therefore, this study introduces a novel approach to the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, ultimately contributing to the development of herbal drugs with more convenient and cost‐effective methods.
Circular economy and public policies: A dynamic analysis for European SMEs
Authors: Segarra‐Blasco Agustí , Teruel Mercedes , Tomàs‐Porres Josep
Published: January 2024

Previous empirical studies have highlighted the importance of the institutional framework in fostering a transition towards the circular economy (CE). Adopting a dynamic approach, which merges three Flash Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2015, 2017 and 2021 into a single dataset, we observe the evolution in the factors determining the adoption of CE practices. Firstly, using factor analysis, our results indicate two groups of institutional drivers: knowledge and environmental spillovers. Secondly, applying a multivariate probit model, we observe that both spillovers have a positive effect on the adoption of the CE. Finally, we find that the effect of knowledge spillovers remains relatively constant, while that of environmental spillovers tends to increase. This suggests that firms are increasingly benefiting from the adoption of circular practices by their peers. Policymakers should take into account that a more intense knowledge spillovers and a stronger institutional framework will increase the likelihood of European small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) adopting CE practices.
Synthesis of Hydrazide Derivative of Betulinic Acid, Its Organometallic Complexes, Characterization and Bioassay
Authors: Batool Azra , Muddassir Muhammad , Shahid Khadija
Published: January 2024

Betulinic acid and its derivatives comprehend an immense prospective toward the development of cytotoxic, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Cisplatin (cytotoxic drug) divert the attentions to develop organometallic compounds with pronounced biological activities. The current study was aimed for the first time to synthesize, characterize and evaluate biologically a series of metal (Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn and Sb) complexes of betulinic acid hydrazide. First step involved the formation of hydrazide derivative of betulinic acid (ligand) by modification at C‐28 carboxylic acid moiety of betulinic acid with hydrazine followed by the synthesis of its metal complexes using salts of different metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn and Sb). Physical state, melting point, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectral techniques were used to characterized the ligand and its metal complexes. Agar well diffusion method and agar tube dilution assay were performed to evaluate its antibacterial and antifungal activities respectively. DPPH assay was carried out to develop antioxidant properties by the reported methods.
Pyrimido[5,4‐c]quinolines: Synthesis from 3,4‐Di‐functionallized Quinoline, Reactivity and Biological Activities
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A. , Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Ameen Tahah A. , Althagafi Saif H. , Hamama Wafaa S. , Khalil Abdel‐Galil M.
Published: January 2024

Quinoline and pyrimidine moieties are ubiquitous components in both natural and synthetic compounds, showcasing diverse applications. The fusion of these well‐known structures into hybrid molecules has garnered attention due to their intriguing biological properties. Particularly in the field of medicinal chemistry, numerous studies in the last decade have focused on pyrimido[5,4‐c]quinoline ring systems (PyQs5,4‐c). This review elucidates the synthesis of PyQs5,4‐c and their derivatives using 3,4‐difunctionalized quinoline as a key starting material. The preparation of PyQs5,4‐c involves a series of chemical transformations, including the Friedländer, Ullmann and Biginelli reaction, Vilsmeier‐Haack formylation, Suzuki coupling, and a one‐pot three‐component reaction. These synthetic routes not only offer access to diverse PyQs5,4‐c derivatives
Electrochemical Promotion of Bimetallic Palladium‐Cobalt Nano‐Catalysts for Complete Methane Oxidation
Authors: Ahledel Najmeh , Saini Komalpreet Kaur , Couillard Martin , Baranova Elena A.
Published: January 2024

The catalytic activity and electrochemical promotion of catalysis (EPOC) of the bimetallic Pd−Co nanoparticles (10 nm) deposited on yttria‐stabilized zirconia were investigated for complete methane oxidation. The reaction was conducted under open‐circuit and under polarization in a temperature range of 320–400 °C in reducing, stoichiometric, and oxidizing conditions. The catalytic activity of the catalyst nanoparticles increased to 40 % upon positive polarization in all gaseous compositions. A comparison of three reaction conditions revealed that the highest reaction rate increase (enhancement ratio, ρ=1.4) occurs under reducing conditions. The reaction rate increased upon anodic polarization, resulting in non‐Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity (Λ≫1) in reducing and oxidizing conditions and Faradaic or electrochemical enhancement (Λ<1) in stoichiometric reaction condition. This work demonstrates that the formation of different Pd and Co oxide phases can be accurately controlled by electrochemical stimuli and, in reducing conditions, result in pseudo‐capacitor behaviour.
Interfacial Coupling of NiPx/MoS2/CC Hybrid Catalysts for Effective Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Urea and Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Songjie , Cao Qiuhan , Yao Hu , Jia Yuxin , Guo Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

Urea oxidation reactions (UOR) coupled with hydrogen generation simultaneously is a promising strategy for developing sustainable energy conversion technologies, but the complexity of urea oxidation dynamics and the high coupling hydrogen evolution potential through a single catalyst limit its industrial application. Herein, a kind of novel bifunctional NiPx/MoS2/CC hybrid catalyst can be fabricated via a hydrothermal method followed by a facile in‐situ electrodeposition process. The prepared NiPx/MoS2/CC catalyst exhibits an overpotential of only 88 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER while the potential for UOR was only 1.36 V at 10 mA cm−2. Further, the urea electrolytic cell assembled of the NiPx/MoS2/CC catalyst displays low potential (1.45 V@10 mA cm−2) and better long‐term durability. The improved electrocatalytic performances are mainly attributed to the intimately coupled interface between NiPx and MoS2, enormously improving the conductivity and increasing the heterogenous interface active area. Additionally, the closely incorporated heterogeneous interfaces trigger charge redistribution, which induces the fast electron transfer from the NiPx to MoS2. In a word, the present results can provide a feasible research strategy for design advanced multi‐functional catalysts via interfacial engineering for clean energy conversion applications.
Critical Review of Optimal Control Methods for Li‐Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo
Published: January 2024

Battery management systems are important for the safe and efficient operation of electric vehicles. Although high hardware performance and effective configurations of batteries have been realized, a management algorithm is required for ensuring optimal system performance. This review focuses on optimal controllers for charging, thermal control, and cell balancing of electric vehicles. A potential approach for practical applications is the direct optimal control method, particularly model predictive control (MPC). The objective function, prediction model types, and manipulated variables are summarized, along with the computational performance. Typical nonlinear MPC, linear MPC, explicit MPC, and hierarchical MPC are the main formulations for the optimal control of EVs. The AI‐based approach learns the optimal control law as a function from the optimal control result data. Although few studies have applied the reinforcement approach to battery systems, additional safety considerations for constraints must be considered for real applications. Cell variations, aging factors, and uncertainty considerations have been analyzed for improving the controller design. Addressing the computational issue with a reliable optimizer is critical to the implementation of an optimal controller for EVs.