bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People, Development and Tannery: Where lies the essential mistake?
Authors: Gupta Anushka , Sanyal Srabani
Published: May 2023

Industrial Development commonly creates an ambience of better employment opportunities, better lifestyle, skill development, education, higher GDP, economic development, increased imports, development of technology and so on. But in reality, what it creates is not just limited to it. Every industry from the essential industries such as of iron and steel to the energy-based industry like Thermal power plants to the manufacturing industries like textiles, inspite of being essential, still cause problems concerning environmental to human society.  This article attempts to an in-dept introspection of the leather industry and its allies from a perspective of economic development, health, environment and human development in the city of Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. Inspite of the fact leather Industry is one of the major sources of foreign exchange and employment, it has nevertheless unintentionally created employment insecurity, reduced skill development in the population, made the population dependable and poverty-stricken and intentionally harmed the environment that includes land, air and water eventually adversely affecting agriculture and health of the population in the nearby regions.
Pulmonary Talc GranulomatosisAn Uncommon Finding at Autopsy
Authors: Agarwal Ruchi , Yadav Monika , Singh Kulwant , Hooda Sunaina , Nangru Mayank
Published: May 2023

Talc is chemically hydrous magnesium silicate and used as lubricant of consumer goods, as well as, in various oral prescribed medications due to its diluting nature. Pulmonary disease secondary to occupational exposure of talc have been named as talcosilicosis and talcoasbestosis, inhalational exposure results in talcosis whereas, talc granulomatosis found intravenous drug abusers who inject tablets intended for oral use. Herein, The authors present the case of a 25-year-old deceased male whose heart and pieces of lung, liver and kidney were received for histopathological examination sections from heart, liver, kidney were histologically unremarkable. Microsections from lung tissue revealed multiple non caseating epithelioid cells granuloma with foreign body type giant cells mainly in perivascular area. Under polarised light, crystalline needle shaped foreign bodies seen mainly in the centre of granuloma. Final diagnosis of talc granulomatosis was given. Because, pulmonary talcosis has a very low incidence, the diagnosis can be a challenge therefore, it is essential to suspect this entity in all cases of granulomatous inflammation of lung to prevent misdiagnosis.
GIS Based Mapping for a Better Crop Planning for Perumpadappu Block of Ponnani Kole Lands in Kerala
Authors: Sunil V. G. , Nandan Abhilash , Krishna R. Aswathi , Benny Asish , Suresh K. S. Swathy , Balraj Revath , Pranav V. P. , Sooraj V.
Published: May 2023

Kole lands are one of the biggest saline, humid tropical wetland ecosystems. It spreads across  Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala state. They serve as a water storage structure during  rainy season. After rains, the stored water is dewatered and circulated in various Kole padasekarams and channels to cultivate paddy. However, the problem is the lack of a proper water management plan resulting in crop loss. The current study is conducted in the Perumpadappu block of Ponnani Kole lands in Malappuram district. In this study, both GIS and Remote sensing technology have been collaborated to plan the crop calendar. The cropping calendar of Ponnai Kole was developed mainly for 37 Kole padashekharams of Perumpadappu block. Data about elevation, transportation, irrigation, weather and soil were collected to arrive at the crop calendar. Together, by adopting participatory rural appraisal methods and local knowledge were integrated. The final crop calendar was wetted with farmers and experts.
Integrating Technology Platform with User Intention: How Binimoy Holds its Ground
Authors: Chowdhury Rebeka Sultana , Sanjana Samiha , Sharmin Ishrat , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing users’ intentions to use Binimoy, an interoperable digital transaction platform that was launched in November 2022. To gather empirical data for the research model, a structured questionnaire was employed, and the UTAUT model was utilized, which focuses on four major variables that impact behavioral intention and use of Binimoy: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating condition. Face-to-face interviews and online surveys both were used to collect data, with a sample size of 250 people surveyed in Sylhet. SmartPLS 4 was employed for the evaluation of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study discovered that all constructs, except for facilitating conditions, demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency, reliability, and convergent validity. Five hypotheses were tested, and all were found to be statistically significant. The goodness of fit of the model was evaluated using the SRMR value, which was deemed to be good. This research contributes significantly to the knowledge domain by integrating system-specific and individual-specific models in an interoperable digital transaction platform context. Furthermore, the results of this study would benefit service providers and policymakers by offering comprehensive insights into the behavioral intention and usage behavior of the Binimoy users in Sylhet.
Study of Customer’s Preference towards Carbonated/ Non-Carbonated Beverages in India
Authors: Sharma Astha , Shinde Bhumika
Published: May 2023

Aims: The research paper aims to understand the trends in consumer beverage consumption, explicitly examining the shift towards healthier options such as juices and smoothies. The study seeks to understand the level of health consciousness among consumers and whether it impacts their choice of beverage.

Study Design: A survey was conducted with a sample size of 313 respondents across different age groups and demographics. Research design was conclusive and non -probability convenience sampling was used to collect data from different states of India.

Methodology: The descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 313 respondents from India, mainly from cities like - Pune, Mumbai,  Dhule, Delhi, Surat, Nashik, Jaipur, and Indore. The method adopted for conducting this survey was a structured questionnaire. Nonprobability convenience sampling was used to gather information from respondents. Excel and SPSS was used to perform  further analysis.

Results:  66.9% of respondents belonged to the age category of 20-30 years. 21.5% were below 20 years, and the rest, 11.6% of respondents, were from 30-40 years. It was found that 33.7% of the respondents prefer carbonated drinks, while high majority of 80.4% prefer non-carbonated drinks. Few respondents enjoy both types of beverages.

Conclusion: It was found that there is a huge shift towards health-consciousness among people these days, involving high preference for non-carbonated drinks such as juices and smoothies. Some significant factors that influence consumers' preference towards healthy beverages are home delivery, good packaging, and product customization.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production Using Crop Simulation Model
Authors: Annie Mangshatabam , Pal Raj kumar , Gawai Anjusha Sanjay , Sharma Aman
Published: May 2023

Climate change can have significant impacts on agriculture, both in terms of crop production and livestock management. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods can reduce crop yields. GCMs have been used to predict climate scenarios and impacts in many cases using the downscaling approach. Crop simulation models are crucial in gaining valuable insights into the intricate interactions between crops and their surroundings. To combat against climate change, researchers have discovered that implementing microclimatic modifications and conducting sensitivity analyses of crop simulation models are effective strategies. In short, these approaches can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on agricultural production by simulating diverse scenarios and predicting the impacts of varying environmental conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions. The resulting information enables assisting farmers in making wise choices about the best times to plant, fertilize, irrigate, harvest, and manage their crops, especially in the context of a changing climate. Moreover, crop simulation models that account for climate change factors can quantify the effect of climate change on crop production, and prioritize and evaluate adaptation measures at the farm level. As a result, Crop simulation modeling has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, leading it towards achieving the goals of sustainability.
Influence of Varieties and Foliar Application of Zinc on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Golada Saikumar , Debbarma Victor
Published: May 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Influence of Varieties and Foliar application of Zinc on Growth , Yield and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)”. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low level of organic carbon (0.62%), available N (225 Kg/ha), P (38.2 kg/ha) and K (240.7 kg/ha) and the treatments consisted of 3 different Zinc viz. (0.5%), (1.5%) and (2.5%) with combination of 3 Varieties viz. BPT5204, RNR15048, and KNM118. The experiment was laid out in RBD with 9 treatments each replicated thrice The results showed that treatment 9 [BPT5204+ Zinc(2.5%)] recorded significantly higher plant height (113.77 cm), , maximum number of tillers/hill (12.80), higher plant dry weight (54.13g),maximum number of effective tillers/hill (12.50) ,maximum number of panicles/plant (10.20),maximum number of grains/panicle (104.70), higher test weight (18.70 g), higher grain yield (5.81 t/ha), maximum straw yield (5.92 t/ha) and higher harvest index (50.19 %) compare to other treatment. The maximum gross returns (1,62,773.00 INR/ha), net return (1,10,546.50 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio of (2.12) was recorded.
Effect of Nano-DAP on Soil Characteristics and Qualities of Cabbage
Authors: Chamuah Suchibrata , Gogoi Sailen , Bhattacharjee Dhiraj , Barman Diplip , Dutta Samiron , Sharma Sanjib , Das Kaushik
Published: May 2023

An investigation was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, A.A.U., Jorhat during 2021-2022 to study the effect of nano-DAP on quality and soil characteristics of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. The quality and soil characters showed significant differences among the treatments. The maximum compact heads (39.84) were obtained in T3 and among nano-DAP treatments (29.88) in T7. Observations recorded at harvesting stage showed highest number of wrapper and non-wrapper leaves at T12 (16.80) and T3 (31.93). Leaf chlorophyll content was maximum in T11 (1.36 mg/g fw), T5 (1.65 mg/g fw) and T7 (1.66 mg/g fw) at 30, 60 DAT & at harvest. N content in leaves was highest in T10 (3.62%), T3 attained the maximum P (0.46%) and K (3.95%). The maximum available NPK in soil was obtained in T9 (291.03 kg/ha), T13 (20.88 kg/ha) and T4 (95.04 kg/ha). Thus nano-DAP can be a good economic and eco-friendly alternative to conventional inorganic fertilizers, reducing the quantity of application while sustaining the quality of the produce.
Sinusoidal PWM vs SVPWM for NPC Multilevel Inverter with Proportional Control Based Neutral Point Voltage Controller for Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Nandhini E. , Sivaprakasam A.
Published: May 2023

This study compares sinusoidal PWM and SVPWM for v/f control of induction motor drive with three level inverter and under various modulation indices. It also suggests a proportional control-based neutral point controller for neutral point voltage balancing.When compared to the similar methodologies, the simulation results produced in the MATLAB/Simulink environment show that the proposed method is preferable.
Design, Simulation and Optimization of PZT-5A Cantilever Piezoelectric Pressure Sensor
Authors: Meetei Maibam Sanju , Singh Heisnam Shanjit
Published: May 2023

Aims: The main aim of this research work is:

To design a mathematical model of the sensor and validate with the 3D model simulation of the sensor in COMSOL Multiphysics simulator and

To optimize the sensor for maximizing its sensitivity.

Study Design: In the methodology, we design and utilizePZT-5A piezoelectric in shear mode as the piezoelectric is attached on a cantilever structure. The various factors affecting the sensitivity of the sensor are investigated after validating the mathematical model with the simulated values.

Place and Duration of Study: This study is done in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh at COMSOL Simulation Laboratory during 2022 to 2023.

Methodology: In this study, a cantilever structure is considered for the mechanical structure. The stress distribution on the structure is calculated for the applied pressure range from 0 to 1000 Pa. Later, the output voltage of the sensor is calculated. This mathematical model is validated with the COMSOL multiphysics simulator. The optimization of the sensor is done in mathematical tool with maximizing function after providing the conditions. 

Results: The maximum stress on the sensor structure occurred near the clamped part of the cantilever. The calculated and simulated output sensitivities of the PZT-5A piezoelectric based pressure sensor are-1.6021 mV/kPa and -1.046887 mV/kPa respectively.

Conclusion: We conclude that the PZT-5A piezoelectric based pressure sensor has a linear output with negative gradient as the stress induced on the structure is tensile stress. The various parameters that affect the sensitivity of the sensor arefound to depend on the shape and size of the cantilever structure, Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus, piezoelectric voltage coefficient and piezoelectric material thickness.

Future Scope:  In future, this study can be extended by taking different shape and size of the cantilever. The different modes of piezoelectric and different materials may be another future scope of this study.
Comparative Effectiveness of an Artificial Air Pocket Device to Delay Asphyxiation in Supine Individuals Critically Buried in Avalanche Debris
Authors: Strapazzon Giacomo , Rauch Simon , Malacrida Sandro , Dal Cappello Tomas , Governo Enrica , Catuzzo Bruna , Mrakic-Sposta Simona , Urgesi Margherita , Falla Marika , Cavoretto Gianluca , Visetti Enrico , Giardini Guido , Brugger Hermann , Prato Federico
Published: May 2023

Importance

Approximately 70% of individuals critically buried in avalanche debris die within 35 minutes as a result of asphyxial cardiac arrest. An artificial air-pocket device (AAPD) that separates inhaled air from exhaled air may delay the onset of severe hypoxemia and eventual asphyxia during snow burial.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of a new AAPD during snow burial in a supine position.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This comparative effectiveness trial was performed in winter 2016 with data analysis in November 2016 and November 2022. Each trial used a simulated critical avalanche burial scenario, in which a trough was dug in a snow pile and an additional air pocket of 0.5 L volume was punched into the lateral wall for each control trial. All participants were buried in a supine position. Trials could be voluntarily terminated at any time, with a maximum length of 60 minutes; trials were automatically terminated if the participant’s peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2) dropped to less than 84%.

Exposures

Each participant conducted 2 trials, one in which they breathed into the AAPD (intervention trial) and the other in which they breathed into the prepared air pocket (control trial).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Measurements included Spo2, cerebral oxygenation, ventilatory parameters, respiratory gas concentrations, and visual-analogue scales. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and rank test for matched survival data were used to analyze the total burial time in each trial.

Results

A total of 13 volunteers (9 men; mean [SD] age, 33 [8] years) were exposed to the intervention and control trials. Intervention trials were terminated less often (2 of 13 trials) as a result of hypoxemia than control trials (11 of 12 trials). Similarly, survival curves showed a longer duration of burial in the intervention compared with the control trials for the time to reach an Spo2 less than 84% (rank test for matched survival data: P = .003). The intervention trials, compared with the control trials, also had slower rates of decrease in fraction of inspired oxygen (mean [SD] rate, −0.8 [0.4] %/min vs −2.2 [1.2] %/min) and of increase in fraction of inspired carbon dioxide (mean [SD] rate, 0.5 [0.3] %/min vs 1.4 [0.6] %/min) and expired ventilation per minute (mean [SD] rate, 0.5 [1.0] L/min2 vs 3.9 [2.6] L/min2).

Conclusions and Relevance

This comparative effectiveness trial found that the new AAPD was associated with delaying the development of hypoxemia and hypercapnia in supine participants in a critical burial scenario. Use of the AAPD may allow a longer burial time before asphyxial cardiac arrest, which might allow longer times for successful rescue by companions or by prehospital emergency medical services.
Nonpolar Cosolvent Driving LUMO Energy Evolution of Methyl Acetate Electrolyte to Afford Lithium‐Ion Batteries Operating at −60 °C
Authors: Lei Sheng , Zeng Ziqi , Yan Hui , Qin Mingsheng , Liu Mengchuang , Wu Yuanke , Zhang Han , Cheng Shijie , Xie Jia
Published: May 2023

The operation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) at low temperatures (<−20 °C) is hindered by the low conductivity and high viscosity of conventional carbonate electrolytes. Methyl acetate (MA) has proven to be a competitive low‐temperature electrolyte solvent with low viscosity and low freezing point, but its interfacial stability is poor and remains elusive until now. Here, it is revealed thaat the reductive stability of MA‐based electrolytes is fundamentally governed by the anion‐prevailed solvation structure. Based on this framework, fluorobenzene is employed in the electrolyte to promote the entry of anions into the solvation shell via dipole‐dipole interactions and the generation of free MA, thus enhancing the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of MA. The designed electrolyte enables LiCoO2 (LCO)/graphite cells to exhibit excellent cycling performance at −20 °C (90% retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C) and to remain 91% of their room‐temperature capacity at a super‐low temperature of −60 °C at 0.05 C. Thanks to the plentiful free MA, this electrolyte has a high conductivity (2.61 mS cm−1) at −60 °C and allows LCO/graphite cell to charge at −60 °C. This study offers the possibility of practical applications for those solvents with poor reductive stability and provides new approaches to designing advanced electrolytes for low‐temperature applications.
Multifunctional Cross‐Linked Polyurethane Polymer as Interface Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yao Hengda , Xu Yinyan , Zhang Guobing , Lu Hongbo , Zhu Jun , Lyu Mei , Ding Yunsheng
Published: May 2023

In the past decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made remarkable progress in improving power conversion efficiency (PCE). In order to further improve the photovoltaic performance and long‐term stability of PSCs, the interface layer is essential. A multifunctional cross‐linked polyurethane (CLPU) is designed and synthesized via the spontaneous quaternization of polyurethane and 1, 6‐diiodohexane on the surface of the perovskite layer. CLPU layer cannot only effectively induce secondary crystallization and passivate the surface defects of perovskite, reduce the non‐radiative recombination, but also effectively block the moisture invasion. By this strategy, Cs0.05FA0.95PbI3 PSCs with excellent reproducibility, is realized, achieving a PCE of 23.14% with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.11 V, a short‐circuit current density of 25.69 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 0.81. In addition, the unencapsulated devices show enhanced stability in 35 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) near 3000 h and in 65 ± 5% RH over 700 h. This study provides valuable insights into the role of CLPU interface layer in PSCs, which are essential for the design of high‐performance devices.
Integrated Control of Radiations and In‐Band Co‐Polarized Reflections by a Single Programmable Metasurface
Authors: Tian Han Wei , Xu Liang , Li Xin , Jiang Wei Xiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2023

Integrated control of radiated and reflected electromagnetic (EM) waves is of great importance in information science and engineering, which are mostly achieved by elaborately integrating metasurfaces and antennas. However, most of the radiation‐reflection‐integrated designs remain difficulties to modulate the radiated waves directly without cascading additional radio‐frequency (RF) modules. More importantly, the completely independent control of radiated waves and in‐band co‐polarized reflected waves has rarely been achieved. Herein, direct, dynamic and integrated control of radiated waves and in‐band co‐polarized reflected waves is realized merely by a single programmable metasurface. The radiation‐reflection‐integrated programmable metasurface (RRIPM) can dynamically choose to radiate EM waves only or reflect incident EM waves only, and even dynamically modulate the radiation phases and reflection phases, thus realizing arbitrary radiation functions and in‐band co‐polarized reflection functions without crosstalk. To illustrate the capabilities of RRIPM, an ultra‐compact and broadband RRIPM prototype is designed and fabricated, and this is used for the radiation and reflection of multiple beams with arbitrary energy distributions, low‐gain‐fluctuation reflection‐beam scanning, and low‐side‐lobe‐level broadside radiation.
Releasing Acceptor from Donor Matrix to Accelerate Crystallization Kinetics with a Second Donor toward High‐Efficiency Green‐Printable Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Xue Jingwei , Zhao Heng , Zhao Chao , Tang Lingxiao , Wang Yilin , Xin Jingming , Bi Zhaozhao , Zhou Ke , Ma Wei
Published: May 2023

The state‐of‐the‐art power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) is typically achieved in the devices fabricated by toxic halogen solvents with complex post‐treatment processes in strictly inert atmosphere. Developing suitable processing method for printing in ambient air using eco‐friendly solvents with continuous solution supply and fabricating efficient devices without any post‐treatment are intensively desired. Controlling the crystallization kinetics to fine‐tune the acceptor's assembly behavior with a second donor for favorable morphological evolution is an effective approach to achieve above requirements. Herein, a kinetics‐controlling strategy is implemented by introducing a strong crystalline small molecule, BTR‐Cl, to enhance the crystallinity of acceptors. The combined in situ spectra characterizations revealed that the earlier aggregation of acceptor and modulation in conformation of PM6 can be achieved. This unique aggregation behavior facilitated enhanced film crystallization with reduced paracrystallinity of π–π stacking, resulting in improved charge transport and inhibited charge recombination. An outstanding PCE of 17.50% is obtained for the device processed with o‐xylene via ambient air printing without any post‐treatment. More significantly, efficient all‐printed inverted devices and large‐area modules are prepared. The generalization of this strategy has been confirmed in other efficient systems, suggesting a great potential for universally fabricating high‐efficiency and eco‐friendly OSCs.
Metasurface‐Enhanced Mid‐Infrared Spectrochemical Imaging of Tissues
Authors: Rosas Samir , Schoeller Keegan A. , Chang Edward , Mei Hongyan , Kats Mikhail A. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Zhao Xinyu , Yesilkoy Filiz
Published: May 2023

Label‐free and nondestructive mid‐infrared vibrational hyperspectral imaging is an essential tissue analysis tool, providing spatially resolved biochemical information critical to understanding physiological and pathological processes. However, the chemically complex and spatially heterogeneous composition of tissue specimens and the inherently weak interaction of infrared light with biomolecules limit the analytical performance of infrared absorption spectroscopy. Here, an advanced mid‐infrared spectrochemical tissue imaging modality is introduced using metasurfaces that support strong surface‐localized electromagnetic fields to capture quantitative molecular maps of large‐area murine brain tissue sections. The approach leverages polarization‐multiplexed multi‐resonance plasmonic metasurfaces to simultaneously detect various functional biomolecules. The surface‐enhanced mid‐infrared spectral imaging method eliminates the non‐specific effects of bulk tissue morphology on quantitative spectral analysis and improves chemical selectivity. This study shows that metasurface enhancement increases the retrieval of amide I and II bands associated with protein secondary structures. Moreover, it is demonstrated that plasmonic metasurfaces enhance the chemical contrast in infrared images and enable detection of ultrathin tissue regions that are not otherwise visible to conventional mid‐infrared spectral imaging. While this work uses murine brain tissue sections, the chemical imaging method is well‐suited for other tissue types, which broadens its potential impact for translational research and clinical histopathology.
SiN/VO2/SiN Sandwich‐Based Resonant Waveguide Grating to Produce Thermally Activated Optical Components
Authors: Bleu Yannick , Bruhier Hugo , Pouit Thomas , Valour Arnaud , Jamon Damien , Crespo‐Monteiro Nicolas , Dubost Laurent , Bourquard Florent , Donnet Christophe , Parriaux Olivier , Jourlin Yves
Published: May 2023

The insulator‐to‐metal transition (IMT) of vanadium dioxide (VO2) at ≈68 °C enables a variety of optical applications, including switching and modulation, and tuning of optical resonators. This work designs and demonstrates a novel thermally activated optical switch consisting of a SiN/VO2/SiN multilayer sandwich structure with an AMONIL‐based grating with a reduced transition temperature of 47 °C. The optical switching in the multilayer is due to the IMT of the VO2‐embedded layer. Here, the asymmetrical TE1 mode exhibiting a quasi‐zero electric field in the center of the multilayer waveguide is excited in the resonant waveguide grating (RWG) structure under normal incidence via the AMONIL‐based grating printed on top, leading to high resonant transmittance (75%) at room temperature. Increasing the temperature to more than 47 °C causes VO2 to undergo an insulator‐to‐metal transition accompanied by optical modifications in the IR region, completely canceling the resonance effect, while reducing the transmittance to 30%. Further, the modeling results aimed at optimizing the design of the experimental structure. These results demonstrate good performance of the proposed design and pave the way to fabricate VO2‐based optical switches for photonics applications including lasers, sensors, and detectors, in which external stimuli such as heat affect the transmittance or reflectance spectrum.
Complex Refractive Index Extraction for Ultrathin Molybdenum Oxides Using Micro‐Photonic Integrated Circuit Chips
Authors: Hu Yihong , Ma Qijie , Zhang Bao Yue , Ren Guanghui , Ou Rui , Xu Kai , Salek Alan , Yang Yunyi , Wen Xiaoming , Li Qi , Ha Nam , Trinh Vien , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: May 2023

The emerging 2D nanomaterials with unique optical properties are promising for next‐generation miniatured on‐chip devices. One of the prerequisites is to precisely measure their optical parameters during their implementation. However, the inherent features of 2D layers, including limited lateral dimensions and ultra‐small thicknesses, are not favorable to the conventional characterization techniques applied in the bulk system, especially for optical complex refractive indices measurement. Here, this work proposes a silicon photonics‐enabled platform to evaluate the complex refractive indices of ultrathin 2D materials in a facile and reliable manner. Ultrathin molybdenum oxides (MoOx) with multiple stoichiometric states are selected as the target 2D material to provide sufficient complexity of the system for investigation. Upon the integration of ultrathin MoOx, the silicon photonic chip, in the form of a Mach‐Zehnder interferometer, exhibits wavelength shifts which are used for calculating the optical complex refractive indices. Compared with the theoretical calculation, the deviation is as low as 1% and generally less than 5%. This work demonstrates a highly accurate and reliable approach for measuring the complex refractive index of 2D films, possibly assisting future advances in 2D materials‐enabled optical and photonic applications.
Why Membranes Matter: Ion Exchange Membranes in Holistic Process Optimization of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Heßelmann Matthias , Minten Hannah , Geissler Tristan , Keller Robert Gregor , Bardow André , Wessling Matthias
Published: May 2023

Reducing carbon dioxide to value‐added chemicals by electrolysis is a promising strategy to substitute fossil‐based processes. Research on CO2 electrolysis has vastly progressed, focusing on catalysis and electrode design, leaving an essential question on the central part of the electrolyzer: Which type of ion exchange membrane is best suited for CO2 electrolysis from an economic perspective? To address this question, holistic process optimization of CO2 reduction and product purification is applied. The findings demonstrate that CO2 electrolysis with an anion exchange membrane shows competitive production costs for CO of 796 €/tCO, outperforming cation exchange and bipolar membranes. Unlike often described, the CO2 pumping effect does not significantly impair the economics but offers an efficient indirect regeneration of dissociated CO2. Furthermore, the results emphasize selective reduction of CO2 rather than co‐electrolysis of CO2 and H2O. While pointing to a positive economic perspective, life‐cycle assessment highlights the need to minimize CO2 emissions related to electricity consumption and incomplete CO2 utilization.
Potassium Acetate Passivated SnO2 Interface for High‐Efficiency Two‐Step Deposited Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Ding Shuo , Wu Chunyan , Qian Lei , Xiang Chaoyu
Published: May 2023

The quality of the tin dioxide interface has an important impact on the performance of perovskite solar cells. Herein, a facile potassium acetate strategy to effectively treat the SnO2/perovskite interface and enhance the film quality of perovskite crystals is used. The defect density at the interface can be reduced, thereby suppressing the nonradiative recombination of excitons. Enhanced performance of the two‐step deposited perovskite device is obtained with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.173 V, a fill factor of 78.31%, and a power conversion efficiency of 23.63%.
Low‐Concentration Hydrogel Polyelectrolyte with In Situ Formed Interphases Enables 2.7 V Aqueous Pouch Cell
Authors: Qin Tianfeng , Li Kaiwen , Liu Yingjun , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: May 2023

To maximize energy output, aqueous zinc‐based batteries are pushed to extreme potentials far beyond thermodynamic stability limit of aqueous electrolytes. Interphases at interfaces of electrodes/electrolytes are needed to make aqueous batteries stable and reversible kinetically. The absence of interphases at interfaces of hydrogel/electrodes severely impedes aqueous batteries operating in extreme potentials, although low‐concentration hydrogels are regarded as promising polyelectrolytes. Herein, a type of initiator system as cross‐linking agent is developed that makes hydrogel polyelectrolyte spontaneously in situ form interphases at 25 °C and darkness. This widens the electrochemical stability window of hydrogel polyelectrolyte to above 3.5 V. Also, the initiator system makes the designed hydrogel become a single ion conductor, increasing ionic conductivity to ≈280 mS cm−1. This hydrogel pushes a zinc//LiMn2O4 pouch cell to operate stably in a voltage window of 0.2 to 2.7 V and deliver high energy densities (e.g., 471 Wh kgLiMn2O4−1 at 2.2 mgLiMn2O4 cm−2; 203 Wh kgLiMn2O4−1, 7.1 mgLiMn2O4 cm−2) and excellent rate capabilities (e.g., 410 mAh g−1 at 0.11 C, 50 mAh g−1 at 57 C, 2.2 mgLiMn2O4 cm−2; 175 mAh g−1 at 0.7 C, 70 mAh g−1 at 7.5 C, and 7.1 mgLiMn2O4 cm−2).
Iron‐Catalyzed N, N‐formyl Ethylation of Amines
Authors: Patel Monak , Sharma Siddhant , Bhukya Hussain , Dholakiya Bharatkumar Z. , Naveen Togati
Published: May 2023

In organic synthesis, formamides are the most abundant class of compounds owing to their importance as the building blocks in synthetic and industrial organic chemistry. Formamides are also one of the most valuable intermediates produced in drug synthesis and act as precursors for the synthesis of therapeutically‐relevant molecules. Here, we developed a simple, practical, and catalytic methodology for the N‐formylation of a wide variety of amines by using iron as a catalyst. This protocol features an inexpensive iron catalyst, short reaction time, mild reaction conditions, good yields, easy workup, and tolerance of a wide variety of functional groups.
The impact of race on olfaction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Sofia , Gutierrez Jorge A. , Chapurin Nikita , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Many studies have identified a higher degree of Olfactory Dysfunction (OD) in Black patients compared to White patients. This study aims to analyze olfactory outcomes in different races.

Methods

The PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to September 5, 2022, for English‐language articles documenting self‐reported and psychophysical OD stratified by race. A meta‐analysis of proportions, comparison of weighted proportions, and comparison of means were performed in MedCalc 20.218. In the quantitative analysis, 79,297 patients were included, comprising 79.3% Whites, 16.1% Blacks, and 4.6% Hispanics.

Results

A total of 14 studies were meta‐analyzed. The prevalence of self‐reported OD in Hispanic, White, and Black patients was 19.5% (95% CI, 16.6% to 22.6%), 17.2% (95% CI, 10.5% to 25.0%), and 13.9% (95% CI, 9.3% to 19.2%), respectively (p < 0.0007). The prevalence of psychophysical OD in Black, White, and Hispanic patients was 30.3% (95% CI, 24.2% to 36.9%), 24.2% (95% CI, 20.1% to 28.5%), and 18.4% (95% CI, 16.3% to 20.7%), respectively (p < 0.0001). Blacks reported a greater extent of unrecognized OD compared to Whites, with a difference of 16.5% (95% CI, 15.0% to 17.9%) versus 5.8% (95% CI, 3.4% to 8.0%), respectively (p < 0.0001). Hispanic rates of self‐reported OD and psychophysical OD were not statistically different.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Blacks have the highest rate of psychophysical OD and are more likely to underreport their awareness compared to Whites.
Postpartum peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially precipitated by nitrous oxide use
Authors: Greenstein A. M. , Sherratt K. , Mangwiro R.
Published: May 2023

Neurological dysfunction which would concern the anaesthetist on labour ward is typically associated with neuraxial blocks. However, an appreciation of other causes is crucial. We present a case of peripheral neuropathy secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency, which highlights the importance of a thorough neurological examination, alongside an understanding of neurological pathophysiology. This is crucial for initiating appropriate referral, subsequent investigations and treatment. Neurological dysfunction secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency may be reversible, following prolonged rehabilitation, so prevention is the best approach, which may require modification of anaesthetic techniques. In addition, at‐risk patients should be screened and treated prior to nitrous oxide use, with alternative methods of labour analgesia advised in very high‐risk individuals. The incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency may increase in the future potentially linked to a rise in plant‐based diets, so this picture may be more commonly seen. Added vigilance by the anaesthetist is imperative.
Design and research of high‐performance electromagnetic interference shielding GO/NiNCs/PMMA microcellular foams
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Chiyu , Zhou Yibo , Fan Yijia , Chen Junkang , Hui Linghao , Zhang Xinyuan , Qin Jianbin
Published: May 2023

High performance electromagnetic (EM) interference shielding composites are of high demand due to increasing EM wave radiation pollution. In this work, GO/NiNCs/PMMA microcellular foams with different GO/NiNCs gradient and 3D conductive filler framework were fabricated by thermal reduction and supercritical CO2 foaming process. With the crosslink of 1D NiNCs and 2D GO sheets, GO/NiNCs framework with electrical conductivity varied from 1.15 × 10−4 to highest 1.09 × 10−1 S/m is fabricated, exhibiting absorption‐dominated electromagnetic interference shieling effectiveness (EMI SE) of 53.62 dB and specific EMI SE of 48.44 dB g−1 cm3 in X‐band. The density of GO/NiNCs/PMMA microcellular foams achieved lowest value of 0.623 g/cm3. Moreover, the foams showed excellent thermal conductivity and compressive strength of 178.76 MPa, indicating excellent application potential in aerospace and electronic field. The thermoplastic polymer matrix also indicates great potential in recycle of the foam material.
Synthesis and rheological properties of water soluble ionic copolymers as modifier fluids at high temperature and saline media
Authors: Jiménez‐Regalado Enrique Javier , de León Gómez Ramón Enrique Díaz , Cadenas‐Pliego Gregorio , St Thomas Claude
Published: May 2023

Polymer flooding depicts an interesting strategy to improve the enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This work aims with the synthesis of ionic thermo‐responsive copolymers able to be used as rheological modifiers for EOR under harsh conditions (250,000 ppm of NaCl at 150°C). Copolymers composed of different molar ratio of acrylamide, N‐isopropylacrylamide and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid were prepared in aqueous media via free radical polymerization at 50°C using 4,4′‐azobis(‐4″‐cyanopentanoic) acid (ACPA) as initiator. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses demonstrated the structure and molar composition of synthesized copolymers. Rheological measurements performed at different concentration from 1 to 8 wt% demonstrated an increase in the viscosity from 2000 to 600,000 mPa.s. Aqueous mixtures of polymer at 5 wt% and NaCl at different concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) was analyzed. Copolymer ([PAM]/[PNIPAM] = 50/50) displayed a phase separation at 15 wt% of NaCl. Solutions of polymer at 5 and 25 wt% of NaCl were heated at 150°C for 72 h. Results revealed both thermal stability and saline tolerance of copolymers [PAM]/[PNIPAM]/[PAMPS‐Na] = 25/25/50, 35/35/30, and 50/0/50 under harsh conditions with the absence of phase separation of the brine polymer solutions.
The inferior alveolar nerve and its relationship to the mandibular canal
Authors: Yoakum Caitlin , Terhune Claire
Published: May 2023

Previous work on the mandibular canal, mental foramen, and mandibular foramen has focused on humans and some other non‐primate mammals (with small sample sizes), but little work has investigated the mandibular canal and inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) across primates. However, it is important to understand the relationship between the IAN and mandibular canal due to the IAN's close relationship to the teeth and mastication, and thus dietary adaptations. While it is assumed that most bony canals within the skull grow around and form to pre‐existing nervous structures, this relationship has never been validated for the IAN and mandibular canal. MicroCT scans of 273 individuals (131 females, 134 males, and 8 unknown sex) from 68 primate species and three mammalian outgroups, and diceCT scans of 66 individuals (35 females, 23 males, and 8 unknown sex) from 33 primate species and the same mammalian outgroups were used to create 3D models of the IAN and mandibular canal from which cross‐sectional areas were taken at various points on the structures. Using qualitative descriptions, phylogenetic generalized least squares analysis, and phylogenetic ANOVAs, we were able to establish three main conclusions: (1) the mandibular canal is most often not a defined canal within the mandible of primates, (2) when the canal can be identified, the IAN does not comprise most of the space within, and (3) there are significant relationships between the IAN and the corresponding canals, with most showing isometry and the mental foramen/nerve showing negative allometry.
“Don't Say Gay” in Alabama: A taxonomic framework ofLGBTQ+ information support services in public libraries—An exploratory website content analysis of critical resistance
Authors: Mehra Bharat , Jaber Baheya S.
Published: May 2023

The American state of Alabama has recently developed a national notoriety as a toxic place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ+) people owing to several laws that have supported human rights violations and denied their civil liberties. This case study assesses how Alabama's public libraries are providing culturally relevant web access and coverage to LGBTQ+ information to meet their needs/concerns in a region that is oppressive to sexual and gender minorities. In the process, it illustrates public libraries' emerging role as simultaneously impotent to the majority's infringements, while finding creative ways to serve as counter narrative spaces of resistance representing “voices” of, and from, the margins. This exploratory assessment is based on documenting web‐based information for LGBTQ+ people in Alabama's 230 public libraries and identifies seven intersectional examples of information offerings, categorized into three groupings: (a) information sources (collections, resources); (b) information policy/planning (assigned role, strategic representation); (c) connections (internal, external, news/events). It provides a taxonomic framework with representative examples that challenge the regional stereotype of solely deficit marginalization. The discussion provides new opportunities to build collaborations of sharing within Alabama's public library networks to better address LGBTQ+ concerns and inequities in their local and regional communities.
Adaptive neural control with fast approximation for uncertain nonlinear systems: A novel composite learning approach
Authors: Xie Jianbin , Wang Shaocong , Dai Hao , Jia Jinping , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2023

In existing adaptive neural control approaches, only when the regressor satisfies the persistent excitation (PE) or interval excitation (IE) conditions, the constant optimal weights of neural network (NN) can be identified, which can be used to establish uncertainties in nonlinear systems. This paper proposes a novel composite learning approach based on adaptive neural control. The focus of this approach is to make the NN approximate uncertainties in nonlinear systems quickly and accurately without identifying the constant optimal weights of the NN. Hence, the regressor does not need to satisfy the PE or IE conditions. In this paper, regressor filtering scheme is adopted to generate prediction error, and then the prediction error and tracking error simultaneously drive the update of NN weights. Under the framework of Lyapulov theory, the proposed composite learning approach can ensure that approximation error of the uncertainty and tracking error of the system states converge to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of zero exponentially. The simulation results verify the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach in terms of fast approximation.
Global longitudinal strain at 3 months after therapy can predict late cardiotoxicity in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Zhiyue , Liu Mei , Zhong Xiaorong , Qin Yupei , Liang Ting , Luo Ting , Yan Xi , Tang Zhuoqin , Wang Xi , Liang Shichu , Li Qian , Ruan Xiaomiao , He Wenfeng , Huang He
Published: May 2023

Background

Cancer therapy‐related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR‐CVT) is a major contributor to poor prognosis in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) has predictive value for CTR‐CVT, while few researchers take into account late‐onset CTR‐CVT. This study sought to provide a guide for the prediction of late‐onset CTR‐CVT in primary BC over the 2 years follow‐up via strain and contrast‐enhanced echocardiography.

Methods

Anthracycline and anthracycline + targeted medication groups were created from 111 patients with stage I–III primary BC who were prospectively included. The left ventricular diastolic function, LV global long‐axis strain (GLS); left ventricular ejection fraction by contrast‐enhanced echocardiography (c‐LVEF), and electrocardiograms were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the start of cancer treatment. The high‐sensitivity troponin‐T and NT‐pro BNP at baseline and 3 months after chemotherapy were measured.

Results

(1) LV GLS decreased in BC patients over time. (2) After 12 months' follow‐up, the LV GLS in the anthracycline+ targeted group was lower than in the anthracycline group. After 24 months' follow‐up, the GLS and c‐LVEF in the anthracycline + targeted group declined while the E/e’ increased. (3) Decreased LVEF (56%) and arrhythmia (38%) are the common causes of CTR‐CVT. Lower LVEF was a major factor in late‐onset CTR‐CVT. (4) Combination of LV GLS and c‐LVEF at 3 months were used as predictors for CTR‐CVT and exhibited a higher AUC than either one alone (AUC = 0.929, 95% CI: 0.863–0.970). LV GLS at 3 months can predict the late‐onset CTR‐CVT (AUC = 0.745, p < 0.001), and the cut‐off is 20.32%.

Conclusions

As time went on, the systolic and diastolic dysfunction of BC patients get worsened. The combination of LV GLS and c‐LVEF is better in the prediction of CTR‐CVT. Only the LV GLS at 3 months can predict the late‐onset CTR‐CVT.