bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of love glove application on vital signs for COVID‐19 patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Karaman Funda , Genc Asli , Yerebakan Sen Ayse Nur , Rashidi Mahruk , Yildirim Gulay , Unsal Jafarov Gulsah , Acar Rabia , Saygin Sahin Buse
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effects of love glove application on vital signs for COVID‐19 patients in the intensive care unit.

Design

A single‐group pretest‐posttest quasi‐experimental design was used. TREND Statement Checklist was followed during the present study.

Methods

The study was conducted on 30 intubated/extubated adult patients. The gloves were filled with warm water and air to prevent pressure injuries. Then they were tied together and applied to both hands of the patient for 30 min. The patient's vital signs were recorded before and after the application. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed.

Results

It was determined that respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation were significantly affected after the application of the love glove. The application of love gloves is a cheap and non‐pharmacological method with no side effects.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the design and conduct of this study.
How urbanization is shifting the context of nature experiences from economic to recreational
Authors: Aschenbrand Erik
Published: February 2024

With increasing global urbanization, the proportion of the world's population engaged in the primary sector of the economy continues to decrease, leading to significant changes in the experience of nature (EoN). As a result, not only are opportunities for EoN reduced, but they are shifting structurally because the proportion of nature experiences that take place in leisure time increases relative to that which takes place in a work and production context.

In order to understand the implications of this structural change, a new typology is introduced that defines experiences of nature by considering their social context: economic and recreational EoN.

Economic EoN is predominantly purpose‐oriented, while recreational EoN is primarily experience‐driven. Compared to economic EoN, recreational EoN often requires less skill and knowledge while relying on stereotypical constructs of nature, demonstrated, for example, by traditional land uses and tourism, respectively. As urbanization continues, the proportion of recreational nature experiences will continue to increase, raising an important question: How can the experience‐driven, recreational relation to nature contribute to long‐term engagement and responsible stewardship?

Long‐term engagement is evident in leisurely behaviour where people pursue hobbies. In urban societies, many people invest a considerable amount of time and material resources in their hobbies, while developing specific skill sets and acquiring extensive knowledge in the process. Furthermore, nature‐related hobbies enable the transformation of irrelevant economic EoN into meaningful recreational EoN, allowing the emergence of an individual perspective on and a lasting relationship with nature, as well as creating a skill‐based sense of place.

Policy implications: As traditional economic EoN diminish and becomes irrelevant during the urbanization process, hobbies can help preserve ecological knowledge and skills with recreational EoN. Protected areas and other organizations curating nature experiences should create and promote experiences that relate to nature‐based hobbies and focus on supporting skill development.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Temporal trends of splenectomy in pediatric hospitalizations with hereditary spherocytosis from 2000 to 2019: A national survey
Authors: Guizzetti Leonardo
Published: February 2024

Background

Total and partial splenectomy are used in pediatric patients with hereditary spherocytosis to resolve anemia and hemolytic complications.

Procedure

Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Kid's Inpatient Database was used to profile and describe temporal trends in pediatric (≤18 years) hospital admissions in the United States from 2000 to 2019 data release years. Survey sampling methods were used to produce national estimates.

Results

From 2000 to 2019, the use of splenectomy declined overall, from 427 to 206 weighted procedures (difference = 222, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 124–320; p < .0001); the risk of undergoing splenectomy during admission also declined from 56.7% to 38.7% (risk difference = 17.9 percentage points [p.p.], 95% CI: 9.7–26.1; p < .0001). Total splenectomy was mostly used. Age at time of splenectomy increased 10.2 years (difference = 1.6 years, 95% CI: 0.6–2.7; p = .0018). The risk of splenectomy increased with age until 10 years, then leveled off until 18 years. The proportion of children aged ≤5 years undergoing splenectomy decreased from 27.7% to 11.2% in 2019 (risk difference: 16.5 p.p., 95% CI: 7.3–25.7; p = .0004). The strongest clinical predictors of splenectomy, adjusting for patient‐ and hospital‐level characteristics, were a co‐diagnosis of symptomatic cholelithiasis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.92–5.28; p < .0001) and splenomegaly or hypersplenism (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.74–3.65; p < .0001). Risk of splenectomy with splenomegaly or hypersplenism increased over time.

Conclusion

Splenectomy was delayed until age greater than 10 years. Older age, co‐diagnosis with splenomegaly or hypersplenism, or symptomatic cholelithiasis were strongest clinical predictors of splenectomy. Conservative management of hereditary spherocytosis appears to be more common.
Successful use of tacrolimus for treatment‐refractory neuroblastoma‐associated opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia syndrome: A case series
Authors: Delap Sara , Shah Nilay , Kuns Olivia , Franklin Bianca , Skeens Micah A.
Published: February 2024

Opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disorder, primarily manifesting as a paraneoplastic sequalae to neuroblastoma, and characterized by motor disorders and behavioral disturbances. OMAS is typified by aberrant B‐cell and T‐cell activation. Current treatment involves immunosuppression using corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab. However, these approaches often lead to treatment‐related toxicities and symptomatic recurrences with chronic neurocognitive impairment. We treated three children with refractory neuroblastoma‐associated OMAS with tacrolimus, a T‐cell‐targeting calcineurin inhibitor, effectively controlling symptoms within a month and enabling the discontinuation of immunosuppression with minimal side effects. Tacrolimus shows promise as a therapeutic option for refractory OMAS.
Saturated transverse permeability of unidirectional rovings for pultrusion: The effect of microstructural evolution through compaction
Authors: Yuksel Onur , Caglar Baris , Broggi Guillaume , Michaud Véronique , Akkerman Remko , Baran Ismet
Published: February 2024

The transverse permeability of roving/tow‐based fiber reinforcement is of great importance for accurate flow modeling in the pultrusion process. This study proposes an experimental approach to characterize the roving‐based fiber beds' permeability under different compaction conditions. The experimental permeability results of thick roving‐based preforms were reported and compared with the permeability values of roving‐based preforms in the literature. A representative preform was infused under vacuum conditions. Its thickness was varied to replicate the different compaction values observed in permeability tests. Micrographs were then collected from it and analyzed to highlight the microscale transformations caused by processing/compaction on the fiber arrangement. The analysis revealed that compaction resulted in the reorganization of filaments along the direction of the applied compaction. Overall, the uniformity of the spatial filament distribution, i.e., the homogeneity within the fibrous domain, increased with increasing compaction. Furthermore, the microstructural analysis demonstrated transverse anisotropy within the tested domains, indicating that the obtained permeability results represented an upper boundary. In addition to the experimental analyses, various transverse permeability models, which were developed based on recently introduced statistical descriptors of fiber distribution, were evaluated by using the statistical descriptors extracted from the analyzed cross‐sections. Among these models, the one correlating the second neighbor fiber distance with apparent permeability exhibited good agreement with the experimental results.

Highlights

Transverse permeability measurement of a roving‐based reinforcement was presented.

The influence of compaction on the microstructure was investigated at the filament level.

Filament distribution in a pultruded profile was analyzed by using statistical descriptors.

The results of the experiments and the models in the literature were compared.

The correlation between microstructural features and apparent permeability was discussed.
Styrene–butadiene–styrene/graphene nanocomposites with improved thermal oxidation stability
Authors: Li Hui , Wu Hao , Wang Chao , Zheng Jing
Published: February 2024

Thermoplastic elastomers are rubber‐like in their elasticity, plastic‐like in their ease of processing and recyclable. Styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer is the world's most consumed thermoplastic elastomer. However, because of the carbon–carbon double bonds in its molecular structure, SBS exhibits poor thermal oxidation stability, which significantly limits the service lifetime and reliability of SBS. Here, we dramatically improve the thermal oxidation stability of SBS by incorporating graphene (GE) into the layered structure of SBS, which is attributed to GE's capacity to function as a gas barrier and scavenge free radicals. Compared with pure SBS, the oxidation induction time of SBS/GE nanocomposites can be increased by up to 225 times. This thermoplastic elastomer has potential in applications related to medical supplies, sports equipment, home appliances and automated office equipment. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Use of positive end‐expiratory pressure (20 cmH2O) for 60 s during elective heart surgery: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mafalda Fiorin Ana Amália , Schneider Juliana , Berwanger Silvana Agnolleto , Borghi‐Silva Audrey , Winkelmann Eliane Roseli
Published: February 2024

Background

Although lung expansion therapy with positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) following heart surgery is associated with positive clinical outcomes, whether such therapy can improve oxygenation and diminish the occurrence of lung complications when performed during heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is not yet clear.

Objective

Analyze the impact of lung expansion therapy with PEEP at 20 cmH2O for 60 s during elective heart surgery.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted. The experimental group (EG) (n = 27) received PEEP at 20 cmH2O for 60 s during heart surgery at the moment in which ECC was ended. No intraoperative maneuver was performed in the control group (CG) (n = 15).

Results

The incidence of atelectasis upon hospitalization and the pre‐maneuver oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) were similar between the groups. A lower incidence of atelectasis in the immediate postoperative period (7.4%, p = 0.03) and shorter time on noninvasive mechanical ventilation (TNIMV) (5.78 ± 2.54, p = 0.01) were found in the EG compared with the CG.

Conclusions

The application of PEEP at 20 cmH2O for 60 s during heart surgery reduces the incidence of atelectasis in the immediate postoperative period and shortens the TNIMV. This maneuver proved to be safe, with no adverse events.
Identification and RNAi‐based function analysis of trehalase family genes in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
Authors: Zheng Xiaobin , Yuan Jiangjiang , Qian Kanghua , Tang Yingxi , Wang Jing , Zhang Ying , Feng Jiuming , Cao Hongyi , Xu Baoyun , Zhang Youjun , Liang Pei , Wu Qingjun
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Insects utilize trehalases (TREs) to regulate energy metabolism and chitin biosynthesis, which are essential for their growth, development, and reproduction. TREs can therefore be used as potential targets for future insecticide development. However, the roles of TREs in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), a serious widespread agricultural pest, remain unclear.

RESULTS

Three TRE genes were identified in F. occidentalis and cloned, and their functions were then investigated via feeding RNA interference (RNAi) and virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. The results showed that silencing FoTRE1‐1 or FoTRE1‐2 significantly decreased expression levels of FoGFAT, FoPGM, FoUAP, and FoCHS, which are members of the chitin biosynthesis pathway. Silencing FoTRE1‐1 or FoTRE2 significantly down‐regulated FoPFK and FoPK, which are members of the energy metabolism pathway. These changes resulted in 2‐fold decreases in glucose and glycogen content, 2‐fold increases in trehalose content, and 1.5‐ to 2.0‐fold decreases in chitinase activity. Furthermore, knocking down FoTRE1‐1 or FoTRE1‐2 resulted in deformed nymphs and pupae as a result of hindered molting. The VIGS assay for the three FoTREs revealed that FoTRE1‐1 or FoTRE2 caused shortened ovarioles, and reduced egg‐laying and hatching rates.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that FoTRE1‐1 and FoTRE1‐2 play important roles in the growth and development of F. occidentalis, while FoTRE1‐1 and FoTRE2 are essential for its reproduction. These three genes could be candidate targets for RNAi‐based management and control of this destructive agricultural pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of thiamethoxam on physiological and molecular responses to potato plant (Solanum tuberosum), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), and parasitoid (Aphidius gifuensis)
Authors: Khurshid Aroosa , Inayat Rehan , Basit Abdul , Mobarak Syed Husne , Gui Shun‐Hua , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

To improve integrated pest management (IPM) performance it is essential to assess pesticide side effects on host plants, insect pests, and natural enemies. The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) is a major insect pest that attacks various crops. Aphidius gifuensis is an essential natural enemy of M. persicae that has been applied effectively in controlling M. persicae. Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid pesticide widely used against insect pests.

RESULTS

The current study showed the effect of thiamethoxam against Solanum tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis and the physiological and molecular response of the plants, aphids, and parasitoids after thiamethoxam application. Thiamethoxam affected the physical parameters of S. tuberosum and generated a variety of sublethal effects on M. persicae and A. gefiuensis, including nymph development time, adult longevity, and fertility. Our results showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations [0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm active ingredient (a.i.)/L] on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, POD, and CAT of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis significantly compared with the control. Our results also showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm a.i./L) on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) genes of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that using thiamethoxam at suitable concentrations and time durations for host plants and natural enemies may enhance natural control through the conservation of natural enemies by overcoming any fitness disadvantages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Technical assessment of mechanical and electronic traps to facilitate future improvements in trap efficacy and humaneness
Authors: Walther Bernd , Bohot André , Ennen Hendrik , Beilmann Paul , Schäper Oliver , Hantschke Peter , Werdin Sven , Jacob Jens
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Snap traps and electronic traps are the main devices for nonchemical management of rodent pests. Traps should be efficient and should not cause unnecessary suffering of animals. Harmonized, systematic test methods are required to make sure that mechanical forces or electrical parameters are optimal to achieve swift unconsciousness and death. This study aimed to describe technical trap properties that can be used to facilitate future improvements in trap efficacy and humaneness.

METHODS

We constructed a device to assess spring energy, triggering force, impulse and clamping force, and developed an arrangement to assess effective voltage, current, effective current and effective energy taking effect on rodent bodies in electronic traps – all without the use of animals. Descriptive data of trap characteristics were collated.

RESULTS

All factors showed variability among snap trap models and trigger types, and there was considerable overlap between mouse and rat traps. For most trap models, there was no difference among new snap traps and traps that had been trigged 20 times. Effective current and effective energy decreased with lower voltage input, but the traps indicated weak battery by LED lights, and one model switched off automatically when voltage was insufficient.

CONCLUSION

With the device and the electronic arrangement, the majority of snap trap models and electronic traps available on the market can be assessed in a standardized and repeatable way. Matching the data generated in this study with data on time for trapped target animals to reach irreversible unconsciousness, and experiences from pest control practitioners, should allow relating properties of traps to efficacy and animal welfare issues. This can support further development and optimization of traps for nonchemical rodent pest control. © 2024 Julius Kuehn‐Institut and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Resistance to both aphids and nematodes in tobacco plants expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang MengNan , Zhang Yali , Chen Feng , Sun Ming , Li Shengchun , Zhang Jiang , Zhang Fengjuan
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its crystal toxin or δ‐endotoxins (Cry) offer great potential for the efficient control of crop pests. A vast number of pests can potentially infect the same host plant, either simultaneously or sequentially. However, no effective Bt‐Cry protein has been reported to control both aphids and plant parasitic nematodes due to its highly specific activity.

RESULTS

Our study indicated that the Cry5Ba2 protein was toxic to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, which had a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 9.7 ng μL−1 and fiducial limits of 3.1–34.6 ng μL−1. Immunohistochemical localization of Cry5Ba2 revealed that it could bind to the apical tip of microvilli in midgut regions. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants expressing Cry5Ba2 exhibited significant resistance to Myzus persicae, as evidenced by reduced insect survival and impaired fecundity, and also intoxicated the Meloidogyne incognita as indicated by a decrease in galls and progeny reproduction.

CONCLUSION

In sum, we identified a new aphicidal Bt toxin resource that could simultaneously control both aboveground and belowground pests, thus extending the application range of Bt‐based strategy for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of increased ocean resolution on model errors in El Niño–Southern Oscillation and its teleconnections
Authors: Williams Ned C. , Scaife Adam A. , Screen James A.
Published: February 2024

Despite the complexity of the underlying processes, coupled climate models simulate fairly realistic El Niño–Southern Oscillation dynamics and teleconnections. However, there are many long‐standing errors that remain. We use the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project suite of models to assess how El Niño–Southern Oscillation and its late‐winter teleconnection to the North Pacific changes when ocean resolution is quadrupled from 1° to 0.25°. We find that increased resolution eliminates large errors in the western extent of El Niño and La Niña sea‐surface temperature anomalies, and that there is some improvement in the asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña. In low‐resolution models, the teleconnections from El Niño and La Niña to the North Pacific are both underestimated and are centred too far west. With increased resolution, the position of the teleconnection is highly accurate during El Niño, but there is less improvement during La Niña. We find no significant improvements in teleconnection strength for either phase. Tropical mean‐state sea‐surface temperatures are found to be too cold by around 1°C throughout the central/eastern Pacific in low‐resolution models, but this bias is not present in high‐resolution models. Despite this, a large discrepancy between observed and modelled mean‐state tropical rainfall persists in high‐resolution models, which may limit improvements in the simulation of the La Niña teleconnection.
Bacterial pericardial effusion secondary to endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration
Authors: Salwen Benjamin , Frechtling Dan , Chahine Wadih , Palomino Jaime
Published: February 2024

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a widely used procedure in lung cancer diagnosis with few serious complications. We present a rare case of pericardial effusion secondary to EBUS‐TBNA. An 80‐year‐old male with interstitial lung disease, developed a pericardial effusion composed exclusively of oropharyngeal flora following EBUS‐TBNA. Bacterial pericardial effusion following EBUS‐TBNA has only been reported in the literature seven previous times. The majority of these cases reported a biopsy of the 4R lymph node. This case highlights the potential risk of pericardial effusion when sampling lymph nodes, particularly station 4R, in patients with a high‐riding superior pericardial recess.
A case of asthma revealed to be a much rarer condition
Authors: Hamakawa Masamitsu , Arita Machiko , Ishida Tadashi
Published: February 2024

Key message

Asthma is one of the most common diseases. However, in patients with refractory asthma, chest imaging assessment should be performed, bearing in mind the possibility of other diseases.
Adaptive integral sliding mode fault‐tolerant control for diesel engine air path system via disturbance observer
Authors: Wu Wenjie , Wang Shaoping , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Xingjian , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a fault‐tolerant control strategy for the air path system of a turbocharged diesel engine, considering the simultaneous presence of matched and mismatched external disturbances, additive and loss of effectiveness fault modes in the EGR and VGT subsystems. Firstly, a disturbance observer based on theory is designed for estimating additive faults and external disturbances, and the upper bound of observation error is obtained. Based on the observation information, an integral sliding mode surface is designed, and the effectiveness of the sliding mode surface is analyzed. For the loss of effectiveness faults in the actuators, a novel adaptive update sliding mode controller is designed. The proposed control algorithm can get the fault information of the system and achieve fault‐tolerant control of through controller reconstruction. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through simulations and comparative analysis.
Global regulation of almost feedforward nonlinear systems by an adaptive event‐triggered controller with multi‐triggering conditions
Authors: Oh Sang‐Young , Choi Ho‐Lim
Published: February 2024

We consider a global regulation problem for almost feedforward nonlinear systems with uncertain time‐varying parameters using an adaptive event‐triggered controller. The systems we consider are called “almost” feedforward systems because, in addition to the feedforward nonlinearity with the unknown linear growth rate, there is a non‐zero input‐matching term. Notably, this input‐matching term is a non‐feedforward term and it cannot be directly canceled due to the presence of input uncertainty and the use of event‐triggered control. To solve our considered problem, we propose an adaptive event‐triggered controller with multi‐triggering conditions and dynamic gain. We show that the closed‐loop system is globally regulated and the times between executions are positively lower bounded. Moreover, we show that the positive lower bounds of interexecution times can be enlarged by a control parameter. For a clear illustration, a practical example is given.
Time–jerk optimal trajectory planning for industrial robots with coupled interpolation function selection
Authors: Wang Shilong , Zhang Bokai , Zhou Jie , Yang Bo , He Yan
Published: February 2024

In the contemporary field of optimal trajectory planning for industrial robots, it is customary to construct trajectories through the manual predefinition of interpolation functions. Unfortunately, this method frequently overlooks the influence of the interpolation function itself on the optimization objectives, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. To remedy this limitation, an optimal trajectory planning method with coupled interpolation function selection is proposed, in which the total task time and the integral squared jerk are defined as optimization objectives. This method minimizes the optimization objectives while also factoring in the optimal interpolation function, and avoiding subjective interference. To address the aforementioned biobjective optimization problem better, an Improved MultiObjective Golden Eagle Optimizer is introduced. Population diversity and the ability to escape local optima are enhanced through the incorporation of Chaotic Mapping, Opposition‐Based Learning, Differential Evolution, and adaptive inertia weight strategy into the algorithm. The superiority of the algorithm is validated through a series of simulations on 17 benchmark functions. In the context of the robotic stirring operation within the automated block cast charging process, the proposed method is utilized to derive the time–jerk optimal trajectory. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New 1,2,3‐triazole Alkyl Derivatives and Their Salts Against Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: De Paula Wenderson T. , Glanzmann Nicolas , Da Costa Nunes Isabelle K. , Bento Larissa P. , Marcelo Gualberto Pereira Henrique , De Souza‐Fagundes Elaine M. , Da Silva Adilson D.
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer is responsible for causing the death of women across various age groups worldwide. Alkylphosphocholines such as miltefosine are attractive for the chemical therapy of this neoplasm, but have disadvantages such as gastrointestinal problems, occasional hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and potential teratogenicity. In the present study, a series of 1‐alkyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles and organic salts were synthesized, as new non‐classical miltefosine bioisosteres, and biological studies were performed using human cells from the triple‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer. The results showed that 1,2,3‐triazolic salts substituted with aliphatic chains of 16 carbons showed antitumor action, with half‐maximum inhibitory concentration values between 3.2 and 6.4 μM. Furthermore, clonogenic assays were conducted to predict the chemosensitivity of the most promising compounds, which supported the findings from the IC50 values, highlighting two main compounds with significant efficacy in reducing clonogenic survival compared to the control group. In conclusion, two 1,2,3‐triazolic salts exhibited promising antitumor effects and warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic use against the disease.
Study on Artificial Light‐Harvesting System Based on Polymer Organogels
Authors: Ma Xinxian , Ren Tianqi , Tang Jiahong , Zhang Jiali , Wei Jiuzhi , Liang Yuehua , Feng Enke , Han Xinning
Published: February 2024

Herein, a simple method for developing an artificial light‐harvesting system (ALHS) based on polymer organogels using benzimidazole carboxylic acid derivatives (RJ) is introduced. The prepared polymer organogels (RJZ) exhibited good luminescence and mechanical properties. The involved energy transfer was obtained by employing RJZ as a donor and the dyes Nile red and SR101 as receptors. The findings of this research will aid in advancing the field of ALHSs. Moreover, the prepared ALHS has application potential in the field of agricultural greenhouse light‐transfer films and energy.
Challenges and Opportunities: Conducting Polymer‐Graphene based Nanocomposites of Metal Oxides and Metal Sulfides for Supercapacitors
Authors: Saeed Ashir , Khalid Sadia , Naeem Anjum Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Supercapacitor's demand for hybrid vehicles, portable electronic gadgets, and high‐power applications is increasing unexpectedly. However, supercapacitors′ inadequacies (i. e., inflated costs, poor energy density, erratic cycle life) need to be addressed by introducing novel composite materials and developing facile synthesis techniques which can give them high surface area and improved electrochemical stability. Moreover, hybrid supercapacitor electrodes based on ternary composites should be designed to broaden their application range and to deal with the challenges. The primary aim of this review is to explore the recent advances in the field of hybrid supercapacitors to address the challenges in this field. Specifically, we have focused on ternary nanocomposites comprising Graphene‐Conducting Polymers‐Metal Oxides (G‐CPs‐MOs) and Graphene‐Conducting Polymers‐Metal Sulfides (G‐CPs‐MSs). Our investigations centred around exploring various synthesis techniques, the surface morphology of composites and analysing the reported electrochemical evaluations of supercapacitor electrodes to highlight the potential prospects and challenges they present.
Transport of particles through RO membrane in steady state condition
Authors: Karmakar Rahul , Chakrabarti J.
Published: February 2024

Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes are widespread nowadays for separating solvent from a solution. Experiments show that changes in relative interaction of solvent and solute with RO membrane matrix lead to changes in solvent permeation, solute rejection and fouling. Here we study microscopically separation of binary mixture through RO polymeric membrane using Molecular Dynamics simulation. We find better solvent permeation and solute rejection with increasing interaction between solute and membrane but fouling by solute inside the membrane increases. We also find that stronger solvent membrane interaction reduces fouling but with concomitant poorer solvent permeation and solute rejection.
Mediating effect of coping dispositions on the association between trauma and gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Nass Boukje Y. S. , Dibbets Pauline , Markus C. Rob
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two gastrointestinal (GI) conditions known to be exacerbated by traumatic life experiences. One way in which these experiences might influence individuals' susceptibility to GI pathology, is by reducing their ability to deal with adversities effectively and predisposing them to passive coping styles that leave them vulnerable to the somatic effects of trauma. To validate this hypothesis, the present cross‐sectional study assessed the mediating effect of coping dispositions on the association between trauma and GI disease activity in an adult sample of 189 bowel patients (94 IBD, 95 IBS) and 92 controls. Results confirmed that GI patients exhibit significantly more cumulative trauma, pervasive feelings of uncontrollability and passive coping strategies than controls. Moreover, the use of passive coping styles was positively associated with the accumulation of trauma and the expression of GI symptoms. Using hierarchical regression and mediation analyses, we found support for the sequential model postulating passive coping styles as (partial) mediators of trauma‐induced (GI) disease manifestations. Specifically, out of all coping styles associated with cumulative trauma, behavioural disengagement most powerfully mediated the effect of trauma on GI symptom severity, accounting for 12% (IBD) to 14% (IBS) of its total effect. A somewhat smaller mediating role was observed for social support coping, the reduced reliance on which explained 7% (IBS) to 10% (IBD) of trauma's total effect. Finally, neuroticism acted as a channel through which past traumatization affected subjects' proneness to behavioural disengagement and, consequently, their GI disease activity.
FeN3S1─OH Single‐Atom Sites Anchored on Hollow Porous Carbon for Highly Efficient pH‐Universal Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhou Shilong , Chen Chao , Xia Jiawei , Li Le , Qian Xingyue , Yin Fengxiang , He Guangyu , Chen Qun , Chen Haiqun
Published: February 2024

Regulating the asymmetric active center of a single‐atom catalyst to optimize the binding energy is critical but challenging to improve the overall efficiency of the electrocatalysts. Herein, an effective strategy is developed by introducing an axial hydroxyl (OH) group to the Fe─N4 center, simultaneously assisting with the further construction of asymmetric configurations by replacing one N atom with one S atom, forming FeN3S1─OH configuration. This novel structure can optimize the electronic structure and d‐band center shift to reduce the reaction energy barrier, thereby promoting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activities. The optimal catalyst, FeSA‐S/N‐C (FeN3S1─OH anchored on hollow porous carbon) displays remarkable ORR performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.92, 0.78, and 0.64 V versus RHE in 0.1 m KOH, 0.5 m H2SO4, and 0.1 m PBS, respectively. The rechargeable liquid Zn–air batteries (LZABs) equipped with FeSA‐S/N‐C display a higher power density of 128.35 mW cm−2, long‐term operational stability of over 500 h, and outstanding reversibility. More importantly, the corresponding flexible solid‐state ZABs (FSZABs@FeSA‐S/N‐C) display negligible voltage changes at different bending angles during the charging and discharging processes. This work provides a new perspective for the design and optimization of asymmetric configuration for single‐atom catalysts applied to the area of energy conversion and storage.
The Remarkable Role of Indium in Synergistically Optimizing Carrier Concentration and Phase Distribution of AgCuTe‐Based Materials
Authors: Li Jingfeng , Lyu Jingyi , Yang Wenwei , Ren Zijie , Chen Zhixing , Zhao Zhanpeng , Jiang Jiahao , Yang Hailong , Shuai Jing
Published: February 2024

Carrier regulation has proven to be an effective approach for optimizing the thermoelectric performance of materials. One common method to adjust the carrier concentration is through element doping. In the case of AgCuTe‐based materials, it tends to form with cation vacancies, resulting in a high hole concentration and complex phase composition at low temperatures, which also hinders material stability. However, this also offers additional opportunities to manipulate the carrier concentration. In this study, the improved performance of AgCuTe through indium doping is reported, which leads to a reduction in hole concentration. In combination with a significant increase in the effective mass of the carriers, the enhanced Seebeck coefficient is also realized. Particularly, a notable improvement in power factor is observed in the hexagonal phase near room temperature. Furthermore, a lower electron thermal conductivity is achieved, contributing to an average figure of merit value of ≈1.21 (between 523 and 723 K). Additionally, the presence of indium inhibits the formation of the second phase and ensures a homogeneous phase distribution, which reduces the instability arising from phase transition. This work significantly enhances the potential of AgCuTe‐based materials for low to medium‐temperature applications.
Multivalence‐State Tungsten Species Facilitated Iridium Loading for Robust Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: Guan Zeyu , Li Jiankun , Li Shiyi , Wang Keyu , Lei Linfeng , Wang Yixing , Zhuang Linzhou , Xu Zhi
Published: February 2024

The development of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is still limited by the prohibitive cost and scarcity of iridium (Ir)‐based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. This work presents a novel catalyst synthesized by precursor‐atomization and rapid joule‐heating method, successfully doping iridium atoms into polyvalent tungsten blends (W0, W5+, W6+) based on titanium substrate. The vacancy engineering of unsaturated tungsten oxide (W5+, W6+) reconstructs the electronic structure of the catalyst surface, which resulting in the low‐valence state iridium species, avoiding excessive oxidation of iridium and accelerating the catalytic kinetics. Meanwhile, metallic tungsten (W0) improves the conductivity of catalyst and guarantees the stable existence of oxygen vacancy. The TiIrWOx possesses excellent performance in acidic OER catalysis, requiring overpotential of only 181 mV to drive 10.0 mA cm−2, and exhibiting a high mass activity of 753 A gIr−1 at an overpotential of 300 mV. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with TiIrWOx as anode electrocatalyst can reduce the Ir consumption amount by >60% compared to commercial IrO2, and it can operated over 120 h at a current density of 1.0 A cm−2.
Algorithm to satisfy l‐diversity by combining dummy records and grouping
Authors: Oishi Keiichiro , Sei Yuichi , Andrew J. , Tahara Yasuyuki , Ohsuga Akihiko
Published: February 2024

Universities and corporations frequently use personal information databases for diverse objectives, such as research and marketing. The use of these databases inherently intersects with privacy issues, which have been the subject of extensive research. Traditional anonymization techniques predominantly focus on removing or altering identifiers and quasi‐identifiers (QIDs), the latter of which, although not unique, are closely correlated with individuals. However, this modification of QIDs can often impede data analysis. In this study, we introduce an innovative anonymization algorithm that combines the dummy‐record addition technique with a grouping method while circumventing the modification of QIDs. This fusion reduces the number of dummy records required for effective anonymization. The principal contribution of this study is the algorithm's ability to reduce the number of added dummy records. The proposed algorithm not only retains a high degree of data usefulness but also successfully adheres to the ‐diversity standard, which is a critical metric in privacy security. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed method offers a more equitable balance between safety and utility than existing technological solutions.
Effects of Deformation Penetration and Recrystallization on the Internal Quality of Casting Ingot
Authors: Cheng Zhicheng , Liu Hongqiang , Liu Yanbo , Ning Zhen , Li Min , Yu Wei , Cai Qingwu
Published: February 2024

To investigate the influence of rolling passes on the internal quality during high‐temperature reduction pretreatment (HTRP), three cast ingots with identical total reduction but varying numbers of rolling passes are prepared. The 3D distribution, size, and quantity of defects are analyzed using ultrasonic nondestructive microscopy. The effect of rolling passes on defect healing is studied, with macrostructure, microstructure, and grain size analysis aided by finite element software. In contrast to the three‐pass HTRP, the one‐pass HTRP demonstrates a diminishment of 7% in defect dimensions and a notable decline of 66% in the quantity of defects. The results reveal that increasing the number of rolling passes leads to a deterioration in internal quality of the slab. Reducing the number of rolling passes improves internal strain penetration, facilitates the recrystallization process, and enhances the microstructure uniformity, ultimately improving the internal quality.
Results of Hydrogen Reduction of Iron Ore Pellets at Different Temperatures
Authors: Kovtun Oleksandr , Levchenko Mykyta , Ilatovskaia Mariia O. , Aneziris Christos G. , Volkova Olena
Published: February 2024

The application of hydrogen as a reducing agent in existing blast furnaces presents a promising avenue for significantly reducing emissions. The current emphasis on hydrogen reduction may necessitate a review of parameters such as the temperature, chemical composition, porosity, reduction time, and reducing agent. In this study, the impact of varying the temperature of reducing iron ore pellets in hydrogen is focused on. A mercury intrusion porosimeter is used to assess the porosity postreduction. The microstructure of the reduced pellets is analyzed with the help of scanning electron microscopy. Notably, the pore size and overall porosity are higher at higher temperatures. Using an X‐ray diffractometer, it is determined that Fe2O3 is reduced to Fe across all specified temperatures at different reduction times. The maximum degree of reduction is attained at 1000 °C while the minimum degree of reduction is attained at 700 °C. Considering these characteristics, researchers in the field can identify the optimal conditions, develop strategies, and advance technologies that contribute to the production of environmentally friendly steel.
Tailoring the Dynamics of Excited‐State Charge Transfer through Conformational Engineering to Improve Second Near‐Infrared Fluorescence for High‐Resolution Osteosarcoma Imaging
Authors: Li Minghui , Chen Guojing , Jia Mingxuan , Zhang Jie , Miao Xiaofei , Yao Weiyun , Fan Yibo , Lu Yajie , Xiao Xin , Fan Quli , Hu Wenbo , Li Jing
Published: February 2024

The dynamics of excited‐state charge transfer (CT) in second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) fluorophore proceeds with conformational change that govern fluorescence. Unveiling the relationship between CT dynamics and conformational change in excited state is of great fundamental significance in optimizing NIR‐II fluorescence but remains less explored. This study unveils the pivotal role of large conformational change in promoting the evolution of emissive CT state into nonemissive CT state in NIR‐II fluorophore (CA‐BBT). Spectroscopic and computational results reveal that large conformational rotation/twisting leads to a pronounced increase in the CT character in excited state. This heightened CT character in CA‐BBT enables a rapid evolution of emissive CT state into a nonemissive CT state within 1.4 ps, as observed by ultrafast spectroscopy. Subsequently, this nonemissive state dominates nonradiative decay, resulting in very low NIR‐II fluorescence. Preventing such detrimental evolution by constraining the conformational dynamics of CA‐BBT results in a 10‐fold enhancement of NIR‐II fluorescence, enabling high‐resolution dynamic visualization of vasculature within osteosarcoma. This study offers a profound understanding of the relationship between CT dynamics and conformational changes in NIR‐II fluorescence, presenting innovative perspectives to develop bright NIR‐II fluorophores.
Covalent Organic Frameworks as Promising Platforms for Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide: A Review
Authors: Chen Zihao , Li Nan , Zhang Qichun
Published: February 2024

In current research, achieving carbon neutrality has become a primary focus through the utilization of various conversion technologies that transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals or fuels. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as emerging crystalline organic polymers, offer distinct advantages in CO2 conversion compared to other materials. These advantages include controllable nanoscale pores, predefined functional units, editable framework structures, and rich conjugated systems. The unique characteristics of COFs make them highly promising electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pioneering works and recent research on the utilization of COF‐based materials as electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the design principles for various reactive sites, skeleton structures, pore functionalities, 3D frameworks, morphologies, and composite materials of COFs, aiming to enhance electrocatalysis. Finally, this review presents some recommendations for material design, reaction mechanisms, and theoretical computations to enhance the understanding of reaction mechanisms further and facilitate the design of high‐performance COF‐based electrocatalysts.
Low‐Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition Synthesis of Vanadium Sulfide (Ultra)Thin Films for Nanotubular Supercapacitors
Authors: Zazpe Raul , Sepúlveda Marcela , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Hromadko Ludek , Michalicka Jan , Kolíbalová Eva , Kurka Michal , Thalluri Sitaramanjaneya M. , Sopha Hanna , Macak Jan M.
Published: February 2024

Herein, the synthesis of vanadium sulfide (VxSy) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) based on the use of tetrakis(dimethylamino) vanadium (IV) and hydrogen sulfide is presented for the first time. The (ultra)thin films VxSy are synthesized in a wide range of temperatures (100–225 °C) and extensively characterized by different methods. The chemical composition of the VxSy (ultra)thin films reveals different vanadium oxidation states and sulfur‐based species. Extensive X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis studies the effect of different ALD parameters on the VxSy chemical composition. Encouraged by the rich chemistry properties of vanadium‐based compounds and based on the variable valences of vanadium, the electrochemical properties of ALD VxSy (ultra)thin films as electrode material for supercapacitors are further explored. Thereby, nanotubular composites are fabricated by coating TiO2 nanotube layers (TNTs) with different numbers of VxSy ALD cycles at low temperature (100 °C). Long‐term cycling tests reveal a gradual decline of electrochemical performance due to the progressive VxSy thin films dissolution under the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, VxSy‐coated TNTs exhibit significantly superior capacitance properties as compared to the blank counterparts. The enhanced capacitance properties exhibited are derived from the presence of chemically stable and electrochemically active S‐based species on the TNTs surface.
Precise Lattice‐Strain Modulation of Hematite Enabled by Gradient Doping of Mn for Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Oxidative C─C Bond Scission
Authors: Li Lanyun , Wu Pei‐dong , Li Wenliu , Huang Jinshu , Li Hu , Yang Song
Published: February 2024

The high‐value utilization of biomass feedstock is fascinating but limited by efficient C─H activation to break C─C bonds. Herein, F‐Fe2O3‐Mn photoanodes with modulable compressive strain are fabricated by gradient infusion of Mn into F‐doped hematite (F‐Fe2O3), which is illustrated to be highly efficient for oxidative C─C bond cleavage of various bio‐based 1,2‐diols to produce benzoic acids or aromatic ketones (94.5–97.2% yields) in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) device, coupling with a high H2 production of 1180 μmol cm−2 (≈96% yield). The gradient doping of Mn species into the photoelectrode bulk results in improved photoexcited carriers separation and transfer efficiency of the photoelectrode (3.41 mA cm−2). On the other hand, the lattice distortion induced by Mn doping also leads to a strain effect on F─Fe2O3─Mn, which can precisely modulate the photoelectrode electronic structure. Control experiments, in situ characterization, and theoretical calculations elaborate that compressive strain is capable of adjusting the position of the d‐band center to facilitate C─H activation, remarkably enabling PEC oxidative C─C bond breaking of 1,2‐diol and the desorption of the oxidized product. This “one‐stone‐two‐bird” strategy presents a straightforward protocol for efficiently breaking C─C bonds in organic and biomass transformations via PEC oxidation.