bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership in Higher Education – coping with AI and the turbulence of our times
Authors: Nicolae Mariana , Nicolae Elena E.
Published: June 2018

Today’s world is clearly fractured whether we are looking at it through economic, political, cultural or educational lenses. This is in no way something new. The world has always been in this state, but the speed with which it reacted to real or perceived threats and tried to change accordingly was barely perceivable and, therefore, easier to adopt and adapt to. Today those changes happen with incredible speed and our reactions to them may not be informed or educated and are usually taken by leaders who are, at best, controversial and at worst obviously partial to their own, petty interests against the greater public good they vowed to serve. What can higher education do in such a world? Artificial intelligence (AI) is making huge progress and, although education at all levels is lagging behind in meaningfully adopting AI and working with it, the educational system is expected to react to a world divided by the fear of AI using big data, claiming jobs, and ushering in the era of loss of human supremacy or by the glorification of AI which is only a tool, fast developing indeed, but permanently controlled by human intelligence. Even if that human intelligence is concentrated into fewer and fewer human decision makers thus contributing to the already huge gap of inequality existing in today’s world. The present paper will explore issues related to the way in which the leadership of higher education chooses to handle today’s challenges and will use the home university of the authors to illustrate what happens in Romanian universities. The discussion will be informed by the authors’ own experience in the higher education system as well as by an analysis of various discourses and narratives belonging to different stakeholders, discussing those issues in various inter/national media. The paper will offer some recommendations.
The Globalization in the actual Context of the European Union Economy
Authors: Păunică Mihai , Manole Alexandru , Motofei Cătălina , Tănase Gabriela Lidia
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the authors aim to realize an in-depth analysis of the current characteristics of the globalization phenomenon from the viewpoint of the European Union and Romanian economy. The study will pursue some of the globalization indicators published by Eurostat, their status and a multidimensional perspective on their evolution. Namely, the foreign trade, the foreign direct investments, the employment, value added shall be subjected to analysis. The authors will apply statistical and econometric techniques to outline the behavior of economic globalization, depending on the values and dynamics of the support indicators. The structural and dynamic evaluation shall consider the main aspect of the multi-dimensional perspective, the geographical dimension. Both statistical and econometric tools applied lead to a set of conclusions, either general or subject-oriented, which show the present impact and trends of globalization in the European Union and Romanian economic activity. The research question was focused on how strong is the influence of globalization indicators on the economic growth for European Union and Romania. The results outline the behavior of the globalization indicators in the recent period, with focus on the effects of the economic crisis. The main indicators considered were the net export, import, export and the foreign direct investments, and their impact of the Gross Domestic Product is also revealed.
Entrepreneurial motivators and competencies – main drivers of entrepreneurial success
Authors: Rașcă Lavinia , Deaconu Alecxandrina
Published: June 2018

The entrepreneurial activity has been recognized as a major source of jobs and economic development. Entrepreneurial minded persons are passionate, dedicated, optimistic. They are never satisfied with status quo, so they take action in order to address opportunities, rather than over analyzing situations, and waiting for permission. They are ambitious and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, they take calculated risks, and focus on what it matters. They know how to use own resources and how to secure those they lack, and they pay attention to cash flow. They are confident that their investment in time and money will pay-off. They love challenge, welcome change, and know how to listen. They do not strive to please everybody - being rejected motivates them to work harder. Despite much research into explaining what makes entrepreneurial initiatives successful, the answers are not clear, most studies presenting conflicting findings. The need for developing entrepreneurial competencies is more urgent than ever before, since they are recognized to be the main driver of the entrepreneurial success. It is important to know and understand how to achieve this goal. Are there specific competencies that make an entrepreneur successful? And are these born, or learnable? Based on literature review and on quantitative and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to identify motivators and competencies important for entrepreneurial success, as well as actions, learning and development programs to be developed in order to improve them. Conclusions based on surveys and interviews undertaken by the authors will also be presented. The paper might be of interest for government, education and training providers, employers, potential and practicing entrepreneurs.
Information Technology – the key enabler of multiple project management in higher education institutions
Authors: Vasilache Raluca , Capatina Alexandru , Schin George Cristian
Published: June 2018

The body of knowledge related to the impact of IT on project management (PM) acknowledges the driving and restraining forces for PM software implementation. However, the peculiarities of such kind of approach have received little research attention at the level of Romanian public institutions. This paper addresses this research gap in the attempt to outline how PM software becomes the key enabler of solution to level the resources involved in multiple projects managed in the same time by a public institution from higher education system. The methodological approach involves a case study, which highlight the value of IT support in the process of identifying and leveling the overallocated resources within multiple project management.
Chronic metabolic stress, central nervous system gene expression and innovator traits: What might we do to manage them?
Authors: Mascarenhas Desmond D.
Published: June 2018

Modern global markets have made for shorter product cycles. In turn, the importance of innovation to advanced economies has risen and psychological traits associated with innovation and entrepreneurship (as measured, for example, on some subscales of the eSAIL inventory, such as agency and abstract construal) have become recognized as a critically important national resource. Recent work has shown an inverse correlation between chronic stress and scores achieved on such scales. In light of the epidemic levels of metabolic stress observed in advanced economies, this review focuses on pathways and gene products of importance to mitochondrial homeostasis, known to connect metabolic stress with impaired cerebral function, with possible implications for agency and abstraction. Knowledge of these pathways identifies possible interventions, and some of these are also discussed.
Evaluation of the Masticatory Efficiency at the Patients with New Complete Dentures
Authors: Shala Kujtim , Bicaj Teuta , Pustina-Krasniqi Teuta , Ahmedi Enis , Dula Linda , Lila-Krasniqi Zana
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: There are a lot of factors influencing the efficiency of mastication; therefore there are also a lot of methods for testing this efficiency.OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to test the efficiency of mastication and evaluate it in the function of time, based on previous experience with the complete dentures.METHODS: A total of 88 patients (42 female, 46 male, mean age 52.2, SD = 5.76), complete dentures wearers, participated in this study. Masticatory functions were investigated by using the method of electromyography (EMG), analyzing electromyomasticatiogram. For testing the masticator efficiency, the further parameters of the masticatiogram were used: duration of the Standard Masticatory Task (SMT) (t), number of the masticatory cycles within the masticator arch (F) and maximal amplitude within the masticatory arch (F). All data were statistically analysed by using standard software package BMDP (bio-medical Statistical package). Parametric data have been tested using One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test.RESULTS: The changes of the relation A/t are evident in different time intervals in both measured sides: F-DS-time of the measurement = 34.86, P = 0.0000; F-NDS- time of the measurement = 26.1, P = 0.0000. There are also differences of the masticatory index A/t between sexes in both, dominant and non-dominant side: F-DS-gender = 237.05, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-gender = 12.90, P = 0.004. Masticatory index (A/F) varies in time, from first to the sixth measurement in both sides: F-DS-time of the measurement = 32.36, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-time of the measurement = 30.53, P = 0.0000. The interaction of the time and gender was also important: F-DS-interaction = 6.95, P = 0.0000; F-NDS-interaction = 14.9, P = 0.0000.CONCLUSION: Masticator indexes are A/F, and A/t are a very important indicator of the masticatory efficiency and the level of the functional adaptation on complete dentures. Both masticator indexes show the same dynamics (reaching the stationary condition after the 15th week after getting new dentures). After the observing period, all examinee express the same degree of masticator efficiency known as functional adaptation. Patients with previous experience with complete dentures reach faster the stationary condition, compared with those non-experienced.
In Vitro Action of Meconium on Bronochomotor Tonus of Newborns with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Haliti Arsim , Mustafa Lirim , Bexheti Sadi , Islami Drita , Bozalija Adnan , Shabani Ragip , Islami Hilmi
Published: June 2018

AIM: Here we studied the role of meconium in the respiratory system on live and exited newborns (weight 250-3000 g). Throughout this study is followed the response of tracheal rings in acetylcholine and histamine in different molar concentrations (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 mol/dm3).METHODS: To study the smooth tracheal musculature we used 23 tracheal preparations obtained from the newborns exited from meconium aspiration.RESULTS: Based on the functional analysis of the tracheal specimen we have concluded that the meconium aspiration did not change the smooth musculature response on acetylcholine and histamine when compared to control group, exited from lung inflammatory processes (e.g., pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, atelectasis, cerebral hemorrhage), where tracheal smooth musculature response is significant (P for other causes is not significant (P > 0.01).CONCLUSION: The conclusions suggest that meconium did not potentiate the constrictor action of acetylcholine and histamine in the tracheobronchial system and did not cause modulation of bronchomotor tonus in case of his aspiration. Meconium causes mild relaxation of smooth tracheal musculature with a mechanism which is not mediated by cyclooxygenase products, from tracheal epithelium or proteins. Also, direct activity in the smooth musculature of several tested acids seems to have no significant impact in increasing the tonus of respiratory airway of smooth tracheal musculature.
Oser la recherche-action vers un changement de posture professionnelle : à partir d’une maison d’enfants à caractère social, penser le lien entre protection de l’enfance et psychiatrie adulte
Authors: Delhaye Pascaline , Cadière Joël , Leroy Delphine , Tano Richard
Published: June 2018

Une recherche-action menée en maison d’enfants à caractère social s’est penchée sur la façon d’accompagner les enfants, sous mesure de protection de l’enfance, dont un parent présente des troubles mentaux. Elle a mis l’accent sur le rapprochement de deux champs, la protection de l’enfance et la psychiatrie adulte, deux champs peu habitués à travailler ensemble. Elle a permis de faire évoluer les pratiques mais surtout d’opérer un changement dans la posture professionnelle.
Electrochemical Study of Steel Corrosion in Saturated Calcium Hydroxide Solution with Chloride Ions and Sulfate Ions
Authors: Xu Yunze , He Limin , Yang Lujia , Wang Xiaona , Huang Yi
Published: June 2018

The corrosion of Q235 carbon steel in the saturated calcium hydroxide solution containing chloride ions and sulfate ions are studied using electrochemical methods and wire beam electrode (WBE) sensor. The cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that localized corrosion was mainly induced by the adsorption of chloride ions on the passive film. When the passive film is intact, sulfate ions are not corrosive to the passive film and it can inhibit the pitting initiation caused by the chloride ions. However, the WBE test results indicate that once a stable pit has already formed, sulfate ions cannot mitigate the pitting corrosion, and it can further promote the propagation of the major anodic area. Through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, it can be found that the addition of sulfate ions in the solution containing chloride ions will not result in the rise of the general corrosion rate.
De afdoening van ernstige strafbare feiten waar dementerende justitiabelen bij betrokken zijn
Authors: te Hennepe-van Vulpen Marijke
Published: June 2018

The execution of serious criminal offenses involving demented individuals

Persons who suffer from dementia could potentially commit serious crimes. By studying 22 casus of settlements in cases of serious crimes allegedly committed by a demented person, published on ‘rechtspraak.nl’, the mode of settlement in these cases was established and problems in that field were identified. The group of dementia sufferers proved to be heterogeneous which resulted in a great variety of settlements within the criminal proceedings. However, problems do occur and certain aspects of these problems are not resolvable within the current Dutch penal systems. Reflection on this issue is desirable, as the number of people who suffer from dementia will increase considerably in the near future.
Aandacht voor vaderschap in de gevangenis
Authors: Reef Joni , Ormskerk Naomi , van Es Lisa
Published: June 2018

Focus on Fatherhood in Prison

Around 36.000 men enter Dutch prisons every year. Nearly half of them are father. Imprisonment is destructive to father involvement. Many prisoners involuntary fail to stay connected with their family and are unable to reconnect with family after release. However, father involvement protects fragile families, children and fathers themselves from collateral consequences of imprisonment and even reduces recidivism. One of the first Dutch initiatives for fathers in prison came from voluntary organization Exodus. Since 2014, they run an 8-week workshop on fatherhood in a number of Dutch penal institutions. Fathers work on the restoration or reconstruction of their relationship with their children and parenting partners. In this article, we review participating fathers’ perceptions of the workshop and the changes in their attitude towards fatherhood.
The Effect of Learning-oriented Assessment on Learning Pronunciation among Iranian EFL Learners
Authors: Ashegh Navaie Leila
Published: June 2018

Oral communication is one of the main reasons language learners attend language classes. As pronunciation is among the most significant aspects of oral communication, this study attempted to see how learning-oriented assessment (LOA) could affect pronunciation learning of Iranian EFL learners. To this end, 64 language learners in a private language institute in the city of Amol, Iran, were given NELSON language proficiency test as homogeny test. A total of 40 learners were selected and assigned to two groups. Both groups were given a researcher-made pronunciation test at the beginning and two pronunciation tests (immediate and delayed tests) at the end of the treatment. The control group participants followed the conventional curriculum of the language center and the experimental group learners went through LOA treatment. The findings of the study revealed that LOA can positively affect pronunciation learning of Iranian EFL learners. In addition, it was observed that LOA has a significant effect on the participants’ retention of pronunciation knowledge. This study can have pedagogical implications for language teachers and teacher trainers.
Climate change and Adaptation Coping Strategies among Sheep and Goat Farmers in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Authors: Smiles Ume , Ezeano C. I. , Ochiaka C. D.
Published: June 2018

Climate change and Adaptation Coping Strategies among Sheep and Goat Farmers in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria was studied. A total of 60 respondents were selected using  multi-stage random sampling technique. Data  for the study was collected using a  structured questionnaire. Percentage responses and multiple regressions were used to analyzed the data. The results revealed that males were more prominent in sheep and goat farming with age range of 41-61 years old. Also, majority of the sampled farmers were married, educated, had access to extension services with household size of 7-12 persons. Also, the adaptation coping strategies adopted by the farmers were use of shade, Use of  nutrient-dense diets , destocking and use of drinking water. Furthermore, the farmers socio-economic characteristics that affected the  adaptation  of climate change coping strategies in sheep and goats production were level of education, farming experience and age of the farmers. In addition, rainfall, temperature and relative humidity were the weather elements that effected sheep and goat production in the study area.   Finally, the factors limiting farmers’ adaptation coping strategies were  poor access to credit, poor access to  information, poor access to extension services and poor government involvements.The need to ensure the  farmers’ access to credit, education and extension services should be enhancedKeywords; Climate change, Adaptation, Coping Strategies, Sheep and Goat, Farmers.
Team and Electronic Health Record Features and Burnout Among Family Physicians
Authors: Rotenstein Lisa S. , Hendrix Nathaniel , Phillips Robert L. , Adler-Milstein Julia
Published: November 2024

Importance

In the context of a growing volume of electronic health record (EHR)–based work and post–COVID-19 pandemic staffing pressures, health system leaders need an up-to-date understanding of changes in family physicians’ experiences of burnout, determinants of burnout, and how to enhance the family physicians’ experience.

Objective

To evaluate the association of family physicians’ perceptions of team structure and EHR experiences with burnout and identify modifiable practice structure factors associated with team and EHR experiences.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A serial cross-sectional survey study was conducted from December 1, 2016, to October 24, 2023. Participants included family physicians seeking continuous certification through the American Board of Family Medicine.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Yearly prevalence of burnout, perceived team efficiency, perceived EHR proficiency, and perceived EHR time were the outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models subsequently assessed associations of team- and EHR-related experiences with burnout and the association between practice structure and staffing features in team efficiency and EHR time.

Results

The study included 10 315 physicians who answered the subset of questions related to burnout on the American Board of Family Medicine’s Continuous Certification Questionnaire between 2017 and 2023. Among the sample, 5584 respondents (54.1%) were male, and the median age was 50 (IQR, 43-58) years. The proportion of physicians reporting burnout ranged from 37.9% in 2017 to a peak of 42.8% in 2022, which did not represent a significant temporal trend (P = .91). Appropriate home EHR use was associated with 0.58 (95% CI, 0.53-0.64; P < .001) times the odds of burnout, while high team efficiency was associated with 0.61 (95% CI, 0.56-0.67; P < .001) times the odds of burnout. Physician collaboration with a registered nurse was associated with greater odds of high team efficiency (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22-1.50). Collaboration with a physician assistant was associated with greater odds of appropriate home EHR time (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this national cross-sectional study of US family physicians, appropriate time spent on the EHR at home and primary care team efficiency were associated with lower odds of burnout. These findings suggest that clinical leaders and policymakers should focus on optimizing primary care team support and family physicians’ EHR experiences to enhance the sustainability of primary care practice.
Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms Before and After Adolescent Cannabis Use Initiation
Authors: Osborne K. Juston , Barch Deanna M. , Jackson Joshua J. , Karcher Nicole R.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Adolescent cannabis use has been consistently posited to contribute to the onset and progression of psychosis. However, alternative causal models may account for observed associations between cannabis use and psychosis risk, including shared vulnerability for both cannabis use and psychosis or efforts to self-medicate distress from psychosis spectrum symptomology.

Objective

To test 3 hypotheses that may explain cannabis–psychosis risk associations by modeling psychosis spectrum symptom trajectories prior to and after cannabis initiation across adolescent development (approximately 10-15 years of age).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from 5 waves across 4 years of follow-up from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. The ABCD study is an ongoing large-scale, longitudinal study of brain development and mental and physical health of children in the US launched in June 2016. Data are collected from 21 research sites. The study included data from 11 868 adolescents aged 9 to 10 years at baseline. Three participants were excluded from the present analysis owing to missing data. Data analysis was performed from September 2023 to July 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Discontinuous growth curve modeling was used to assess trajectories of psychosis spectrum symptoms before and after cannabis initiation. Control variables considered for this investigation were age, sex, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, socioeconomic status, parental mental health, and other substance use.

Results

Among the 11 858 participants at wave 1, the mean (SD) age was 9.5 (0.5) years; 6182 (52%) participants were male. Consistent with a shared vulnerability hypothesis, adolescents who used cannabis at any point during the study period reported a greater number of psychosis spectrum symptoms (B, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68-1.04) and more distress (B, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.96-1.39) from psychosis spectrum symptoms relative to those who never used cannabis. Additionally, consistent with a self-medication hypothesis, the number of psychosis spectrum symptoms (B, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12-0.20) and distress (B, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.21-0.26) from psychosis spectrum symptoms increased in the time leading up to cannabis initiation. We observed mixed evidence for an increase in psychosis symptoms after cannabis initiation (ie, contributing risk hypothesis).

Conclusion and Relevance

The findings underscore the importance of accounting for shared vulnerability and self-medication effects when modeling cannabis–psychosis risk associations.
Social Media Analysis
Authors: Standlee Alecea
Published: November 2024

Social media analysis, a subfield in sociology, is a method of analyzing the role of technologically supported social networks and virtual communities in the contemporary social world. Since the turn of the twenty‐first century an explosion of Internet and digital technologies has transformed communication and information management. Today social media analysis works to account for a wide variety of ways in which such technologies are employed in the social world. Methodologically social media analysis uses both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, from models focusing on big data in computational sociology to small‐scale ethnographic research. Social media analysis currently works to identify how technology shapes, reinforces, and even constrains human behavior, social relationships, and individual and collective identities.
Drag Queens and Drag Kings
Authors: Rupp Leila J. , Taylor Verta
Published: November 2024

Drag queens and drag kings are men, women, and transgender or nonbinary people who perform femininity, masculinity, or something in between. Different styles of drag across the USA and around the world call attention to the performativity of gender and play a part in community‐building for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender people. Drag queens have a long history, while drag kings are a more recent phenomenon. In black and Latino communities, what is known as “ballroom” features competitions in a variety of categories where individuals aim for “realness.” Much of the scholarship on drag has focused on the question of how such performances reify or challenge gender and sexual binaries.
Health Behavior
Authors: Cockerham William C.
Published: November 2024

Health behavior is defined as the activity undertaken by people for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing their health, preventing health problems, or achieving a positive body image. Earlier Stanislav Kasl and Sidney Cobb depicted health behavior as the activity of healthy people to prevent illness; this definition was useful at the time but was later found to be too limiting because health behavior does not just consist of healthy people trying not to get sick. While the health behavior of many people is intended to prevent sickness and injury, or to prolong their lives, some people may have other objectives. People with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, for example, also engage in health behavior when they seek to control physiological damage from the disease through diet, exercise, medications, and other forms of health‐related activity. People who are motivated to enhance their bodily appearance and physical fitness through health‐promoting activities such as diet and exercise likewise engage in health behavior even if the desire to look good and successful is their primary goal.
Social Indicators
Authors: Maggino Filomena
Published: November 2024

Social indicators detect the most relevant aspects of the life of a country and the interdependence of different sectors and different areas. In general, an indicator is configured as a measure of the level, trend, and distribution of an aspect of living conditions that are crucial for well‐being.
Biology and Society
Authors: Nerlich Brigitte
Published: November 2024

The entry charts some of the changing relationships between sociology and biology and between biology and society. Since the early eighteenth century, the disciplines of biology and sociology have mutually influenced each other. Insights from biology, such as evolution, inspired new thinking about society – for good or for ill. After the advent of genetics and genomics, sociologists and biologists increasingly sought to understand how scientific knowledge about biology is produced, how it influences society, and how society shapes how knowledge about biology emerges. A new field in sociology has emerged, called biology and society, which is increasingly institutionalized through dedicated journals and handbooks.
A Different Perspective on the Solid Lubrication Performance of Black Phosphorous: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Vezzelli Matteo , Rodríguez Ripoll Manel , Schwarz Sabine , Erdemir Ali , Righi Maria Clelia , Gachot Carsten
Published: November 2024

Black phosphorous (BP), a promising 2D material with exceptional electronic and optical properties, has shown remarkable potential in tribology as an additive in liquid lubrication and a composite in solid lubrication. However, its potential as the standalone solid lubricant is still at its early stage. This study evaluates BP's solid lubrication performance as deposited coating (by drop casting) on a variety of metallic substrates (polished AISI 52 100 steel, aluminum, copper, and iron) under different contact pressures using a ball‐on‐disc linear‐reciprocating test machine in dry conditions. The results demonstrate that BP does not systematically reduce friction and wear. Depending on the contact pressure and the characteristic of the substrate material (particularly surface roughness), its friction and wear behavior vary a great deal. The best results observed are a 33% reduction in friction with increased surface roughness on iron and a 23% reduction in wear on aluminum. While no general trend is observed for contact pressure effects, increased substrate roughness proves beneficial, enhancing lubricant retention and exploiting BP's low interlayer shear mechanism. Therefore, this study demonstrates that while promising, BP's solid lubrication performance is not exceptional. It also highlights the importance of optimizing test conditions and materials for enhanced lubrication.
Multi‐level Nonvolatile Transistor Memory With Optical Rewritability Utilizing Reverse‐Bias P‐N Junction of Oriented Rod‐Like Organic Molecules
Authors: Lin Yi‐Sa , Hung Chih‐Chien , Ho Jin‐Chieh , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Ercan Ender , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: November 2024

Electret has been extensively utilized as a charge‐trapping layer in organic phototransistor memory applications; nevertheless, the intricate nature of the unique structural configuration posed challenges regarding manipulating device characteristics and performance. Research on understanding material‐driven electronic performance in single‐component phototransistor memory is insufficient. This study highlights the morphology‐dependent characteristics of phototransistor memory composed of a single‐component only, followed by the expansion of optical manipulability by introducing heterojunction. A combined approach involving crystallographic and the intrinsic transistor field‐effect is employed to illustrate the intricate balance that exists between intermolecular, intercrystalline, as well as the charge transfer at the conjugated core and the carriers confinement at the non‐conjugated region. Ultimately, a novel concept of single‐component phototransistor memory is introduced. Given the performance stability of the devices, the emphasis is placed on fully optical programming. The mechanisms of charge transfer and charge trapping effect at heterojunctions under illumination remain challenging to explain. Consequently, a simplified stacking design utilizing molecular systems has been created. A P‐N junction configuration is designed in the studied N‐type phototransistor memory, demonstrating enriched minority carriers to modulate the content of trapped charges and thus leading its memory state switching without applying additional gate bias.
Optimizing Exciton Diffusion and Carrier Transport for Enhanced Efficiency in Q‐PHJ and BHJ Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lai Hanjian , Zhu Yiwu , Ouyang Yanni , Lai Xue , Ou Meihong , Deng Zihao , Wang Yunpeng , Qiu Dongsheng , Zhang Chunfeng , He Feng
Published: November 2024

Exciton diffusion and carrier transport are two critical factors that determine the efficiency of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). However, the relationship between these two factors has not been extensively studied. Designing non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with efficient diffusion coefficients and high electronic transmittance is a key area of focus. In this study, materials for bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) and quasiplanar‐heterojunction (Q‐PHJ) devices are synthesized to validate the desired differences in crystallinity. The single crystal of BOBO4Cl‐βδ demonstrated the most compact packing structure, with an improved planar configuration and closer π···π distances, resulting in higher electron mobility and superior exciton diffusion coefficient. Consequently, BOBO4Cl‐βδ‐based devices achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.38% in Q‐PHJ, compared to a lower PCE of 14.75% in BHJ devices. Furthermore, incorporating BOBO4Cl‐βδ into the D18/L8‐BO Q‐PHJ system increased the PCE from 17.98% to 18.81%, one of the highest values recorded for Q‐PHJ devices. This improvement is attributed to strong crystallinity of BOBO4Cl‐βδ, which enhances the packing arrangement and improves the exciton diffusion coefficient. Our work highlights the importance of molecular design with tunable exciton diffusion and carrier transport for BHJ and Q‐PHJ OPV architectures and reveals the relationship between them, which contributes to the achievement of high‐performance NFAs.
Advanced Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy: Gold, Silver, and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Oncological Applications
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Pandit Santosh , Balusamy Sri Renukadevi , Madhusudanan Mukil , Singh Hina , Amsath Haseef H. Mohamed , Mijakovic Ivan
Published: November 2024

Cancer remains one of the most challenging health issues globally, demanding innovative therapeutic approaches for effective treatment. Nanoparticles, particularly those composed of gold, silver, and iron oxide, have emerged as promising candidates for changing cancer therapy. This comprehensive review demonstrates the landscape of nanoparticle‐based oncological interventions, focusing on the remarkable advancements and therapeutic potentials of gold, silver, and iron oxide nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their exceptional biocompatibility, tunable surface chemistry, and distinctive optical properties, rendering them ideal candidates for various cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles, renowned for their antimicrobial properties, exhibit remarkable potential in cancer therapy through multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and drug delivery enhancement. With their magnetic properties and biocompatibility, iron oxide nanoparticles offer unique cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy opportunities. This review critically examines the recent advancements in the synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications of these nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Moreover, the challenges are discussed, including toxicity concerns, immunogenicity, and translational barriers, and ongoing efforts to overcome these hurdles are highlighted. Finally, insights into the future directions of nanoparticle‐based cancer therapy and regulatory considerations, are provided aiming to accelerate the translation of these promising technologies from bench to bedside.
Rewritable Broadband Lossy Absorber Based on Laser Induction Technology
Authors: Ma Hao‐Ran , Yang Shao‐rui , Wu Si , Su Xiao‐hui , Ye Ya‐guang , Liu Lei , Xiong Wei , Deng Lei‐min , Chen Tian‐ting
Published: November 2024

The tunable and reversible fabrication function of stealth metasurfaces has significant application value in complex electromagnetic environments., but the extremely low fault tolerance of the existing fabrication methods limits their further development and utilization. In this manuscript, a design and fabrication method for rewritable broadband stealth metasurfaces with memory function is proposed. The reversible phase transition is achieved by laser induced germanium telluride (GeTe) film, which provides the possibility for metasurface to realize the rewriting function. The process of laser induced GeTe and the simulation model of GeTe are investigated, and the conclusions are verified by rewritable broadband polarization converter (RBPC) and rewritable broadband lossy absorber (RBLA). The experimental results show that the reflectivity of fabricated RBLA is less than −10 dB in the range of 7.8–16.1 GHz, which is in good agreement with the numerical simulation results. Meanwhile, there is a highly consistent performance effect before and after repeated induction. The research has the advantages of high efficiency, region selectivity, non volatility and high fault tolerance, which can provide new manufacturing ideas and good candidates for tunable metamaterials.
Kinetics Enhancement of High‐Voltage LCO via In‐Situ Formed Cyanide‐Rich Polymer Interfaces
Authors: Luo Lingpeng , Liao Weili , Wang Guo , Pang Chao , Yao Jiaozhi , Li Chunyue , Li Jixiao , Zhang Sharui , Zhang Xiaokun , Xiang Yong
Published: November 2024

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is widely used as cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high operation voltage and high specific capacity. However, conventional LiCoO2 (LCO) undergoes severe structural phase transitions and compositional changes at high voltage (>4.4 V) leading to failure. Herein, a multifunctional crosslinked polymer interface is insitu formed on LCO particles, which can build a nanoscale conformal coating layer on the interface of LCO, preventing the side reaction with the electrolyte. Moreover, thanks to its high‐voltage talerances and high Li+ conductivity, the in‐situ polymerized interface has excellent high‐voltage stability and Li+ transport kinetics, which significantly improves the electrochemical performances of LCO at 4.55 or 4.6 V. This study confirms the feasibility of in situ polymer modification of LCO, providing new ideas and methods for the structural stabilization and performance enhancement of high‐voltage lithium cobalt oxides.
Perovskite Thin‐Film Transistors for Ultra‐Low‐Voltage Neuromorphic Visions
Authors: Rong Yang , Yu De , Zhang Xin , Wang Tao , Wang Jie , Li Yuheng , Zhao Tongpeng , He Ruiqin , Gao Yuxin , Huang Can , Xiao Shumin , Qin Jingkai , Bai Sai , Zhu Huihui , Liu Ao , Chen Yimu , Song Qinghai
Published: November 2024

Perovskite thin‐film transistors (TFTs) simultaneously possessing exceptional carrier transport capabilities, nonvolatile memory effects, and photosensitivity have recently attracted attention in fields of both complementary circuits and neuromorphic computing. Despite continuous performance improvements through additive and composition engineering of the channel materials, the equally crucial dielectric/channel interfaces of perovskite TFTs have remained underexplored. Here, it is demonstrated that engineering the dielectric/channel interface in 2D tin perovskite TFTs not only enhances the performance and operational stability for their utilization in complementary circuits but also enables efficient synaptic behaviors (optical information sensing and storage) under an extremely low operating voltage of −1 mV at the same time. The interface‐engineered TFT arrays operating at −1 mV are then demonstrated as the preprocessing hardware for neuromorphic visions with pattern recognition accuracy of 92.2% and long‐term memory capability. Such a low operating voltage provides operational feasibility to the design of large‐scale‐integrated and wearable/implantable neuromorphic hardware.
Elucidation of Switching Mechanisms in Memristive Junctions Integrating a Iron(II)‐Ter Pyridine Diazoted Complex
Authors: Jubert Tomasso Camille , Petenzi Thomas , Tidu Anna , Boukraa Rassen , Russi Sofia , Mattana Giorgio , Gautier Christelle , Breton Tony , Lucas Ivan T. , Perrot Hubert , Fillaud Laure
Published: November 2024

An original way of elaborating vertical metal/molecules/metal memristive junctions through diazonium electrografting of the organic layer and inkjet‐printed top electrodes is reported here. The molecule of interest is a FeII coordination complex with ter‐pyridine ligands, having a diazonium anchoring group. The resulting junction exhibits a memristive behavior characterized by a high ON/OFF ratio and plasticity property. Through the application of advanced techniques such as UV–vis and Raman time‐resolved spectroelectrochemistry, the study demonstrates the significant role of switchable azo bonds derived from diazo electrografting in memristive behavior.
Recyclability‐by‐design of Printed Electronics by Low‐Temperature Sintering of Silver Microparticles
Authors: van Impelen David , González‐García Lola , Kraus Tobias
Published: November 2024

A low‐temperature sintering mechanism of silver microparticles is established and used to enable the design‐for‐recycling of printed electronics. The formation of necks during the initial phase sintering of precipitated and atomized silver microparticles is studied. Temperature‐ and time‐dependent in‐situ analyses indicate the existence of a mobile silver species that provides efficient mass transport. The activation energy of neck formation identifies silver ion formation as the rate‐limiting step of low‐temperature silver sintering. It is demonstrated that resistivities of 271 times that of bulk silver can be attained after 40 minutes at 150°C. Low‐temperature sintering not only reduces the energy required during thermal treatment but it yields layers that are suitable for recycling, too. The resulting layers have conductive necks that are mechanically weak enough to be broken during recycling. Printed layers are redispersed and the recycled silver powder is reused without loss of the electrical performance in new prints. Their conductivities are industrially relevant, which makes this recyclability‐by‐design approach promising for manufacturing more sustainable printed electronics.
Effect of autonomic nervous system resection extent on urinary dysfunction in robotic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Arai Sodai , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Shiomi Akio , Yamaoka Yusuke , Manabe Shoichi , Maeda Chikara , Tanaka Yusuke , Kasai Shunsuke , Notsu Akifumi , Kinugasa Yusuke
Published: November 2024

Aim

We investigated whether autonomic nervous system resection during robotic rectal surgery contributes to urinary dysfunction and to what extent.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent rectal surgery for primary rectal cancer between December 2011 and April 2021. We identified urinary dysfunction risk factors and examined the effect of autonomic nervous system resection extent on urinary dysfunction occurrence, with urinary dysfunction defined as a residual urine volume of >50 mL. Urinary dysfunction with no improvement over 1 y was defined as permanent urinary dysfunction.

Results

Of 1017 eligible patients, 78 (7.7%) required autonomic nervous system resection. Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 357 patients (35.1%). Urinary dysfunction was observed in 102 patients (10.0%). We studied 32 (41.0%) of 78 patients who underwent autonomic nervous system resection and 82 (23.0%) of 357 patients who underwent lateral lymph node dissection presented with urinary dysfunction. Multivariate analysis revealed that lateral lymph node dissection and autonomic nervous system resection were significant predictors of urinary dysfunction. The urinary dysfunction incidence was notably higher in patients with autonomic nervous system unilateral total resection of at least one side than in those with bilateral preservation (65.4% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.01), and permanent urinary dysfunction exclusively occurred in these patients.

Conclusion

In robotic surgery, autonomic nervous system resection and lateral lymph node dissection were independent risk factors for urinary dysfunction. Furthermore, the extent of autonomic nervous system resection may increase the risk of permanent urinary dysfunction.
Making “scents” of nutrients: Investigating the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and vitamin intake
Authors: Yu Sophie E. , Jung Youn Soo , Mitchell Margaret B. , Chiang Simon , Banerjee Mitali , Ruan Mengyuan , Dey Tanujit , Fleet Sarah E. , Lee Stella E.
Published: November 2024

Key points

Decreased overall dietary consumption of micronutrients may be linked to an increased risk of olfactory dysfunction (OD) including subjective report of OD, subjective report of phantosmia, and objective OD.

Interactions were identified between these micronutrients, suggesting that outcomes may vary depending on the mixture of micronutrients taken.
Impact of urinary culture on diagnosis and treatment strategy after empiric therapy in febrile neutropenic patients
Authors: Hata Natsumi , Ihara Takateru
Published: November 2024

Aim

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is treated by a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial. Subsequent antimicrobial therapy depends on identifying the source of the infection. Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and urine culture (UC) is a valuable diagnostic tool, uncertainties remain about the specific indications for conducting UC in FN. This study examined whether performing routine UC would affect the subsequent antimicrobial therapy in FN.

Methods

All emergency department patients who received chemotherapy for malignancy and met the definition of FN (neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L and fever >37.5°C) were included. The patient's demographic data, clinical symptoms, urinalysis results, urine and blood culture results, antibiotic therapy and duration, and patient outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. UC was defined as positive if >105 colony‐forming units/L were detected.

Results

In total, 115 of the initial 124 cases were included in the analysis. Thirty‐one cases met the Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline definition for recommending UC (recommended group) and 84 cases did not (non‐recommended group). In the recommended group, 16 of 31 cases had a positive UC, and antibiotics were changed for nine, based on UC results. In the non‐recommended group, 15 of 84 cases had a positive UC, and antibiotics were changed for two. The same organism were identified in blood cultures. Seven of 115 cases were detected for the same pathogen in blood and urine cultures.

Conclusion

Performing UC regardless of symptoms could diagnose several asymptomatic UTIs in FN, but seldom impact an antimicrobial treatment strategy.