bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimated projection of oral squamous cell carcinoma annual incidence from twenty years registry data: a retrospective cross-sectional study in Indonesia
Authors: Rahadiani Nur , Habiburrahman Muhammad , Stephanie Marini , Handjari Diah Rini , Krisnuhoni Ening
Published: August 2023

Background

The incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been well documented in Indonesia. Thus, we aimed to analyze trends and clinicopathological profiles of OSCC cases in Indonesia, focusing on differences between age and sex groups.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Indonesia’s main referral hospital, analyzing 1,093 registered OSCC cases from 2001 to 2020. Trend analysis was performed using Joinpoint regression analysis to determine the annual percentage change (APC) for overall cases and each case group based on age, sex, and anatomical subsites. APC significance was assessed using a Monte Carlo permutation test. The projection of case numbers for the following 5 years (2021–2025) was estimated using linear/non-linear regression analysis and presented as a mathematical function. The significance of the trend slope was measured using an ANOVA test. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC were analyzed according to age and sex, and their comparative analysis was assessed using Chi-square and its alternatives.

Results

The incidence of OSCC in female patients and in the tongue and buccal mucosa showed a positive trend (APC 2.06%; 3.48%; 8.62%, respectively). Moreover, the incidence of OSCC overall, and in women with OSCC, is projected to increase significantly in the next 5 years following the quadratic model. The mean age of patients was 51.09 ± 14.36 years, with male patients being younger than female patients. The male-to-female ratio was 1.15, and 36.5% of these patients were categorized as young (≤45 years old). The tongue was the predominantly affected site. Prominent pathologic characteristics included well-differentiation, keratinization, and grade I of Bryne’s (1992) cellular differentiation stage. Most patients presented with advanced staging, lymphovascular invasion, and uninvaded margins. Tumor sites and staging varied according to age, while age and tumor sites differed between sexes.

Conclusion

The rising incidence trends of OSCC among Indonesian patients, both in the past and projected future, are concerning and warrant attention. Further research into risk factors should be conducted as preventive measures.
Evaluación de la calidad de servicios telemédicos: caso hospital en Chile
Authors: Navarro Carlos Torres , Alarcón Ricardo Oñate , Caamaño Arnaldo Jélvez
Published: August 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación es diseñar un instrumento para evaluar servicios de telemedicina e identificar dimensiones de calidad subyacentes. La metodología utilizada consideró la aplicación del modelo Servqual y la técnica de análisis de factores porque han demostrado ser metodologías eficaces para evaluar la calidad en servicios. Los principales resultados permitieron comprobar que las evaluaciones de expectativas de los usuarios están por sobre las percepciones y se encontraron principalmente dos dimensiones de calidad subyacentes: Compromiso con el paciente e Idoneidad y efectividad del servicio de tele asistencia. Las conclusiones indican que se dispone de una encuesta validada estadísticamente para evaluar servicios de telemedicina en un hospital de alta complejidad y sería de gran valor que se pudiera replicar el modelo Servqual en una muestra mayor de la población para verificar si se presentan las mismas dimensiones de calidad subyacentes.
Interaction between design processes and innovation in the gastronomic equipment industry in Peru
Authors: Huertas César Antonio Lengua , Alvarez Miguel Domingo González
Published: August 2023

In Peru, in recent years, significant progress has been made as part of the objective of eliminating obstacles in the gastronomy value chain and identifying, in the current offer, factors that improve its quality, proposing actions to improve competitiveness. Meanwhile, the metalworking industry has shown a pronounced growth in recent years, also recovering exports, but has had less encouraging results in innovation indicators, which places Peru in the 89th place, out of 140, of the economies of the most competitive countries worldwide. Therefore, the main objectives of this research are the identification and analysis of the advances of gastronomic equipment developed in Peru, due to the enormous gastronomic growth evidenced as a result of the contribution of the State, the Academy and the Private Company. A descriptive research and a qualitative characterization of four specific cases of the cities of Lima and Arequipa is carried out, determining the opportunities that the sector has to improve its competitiveness and innovation. Product innovations developed in recent years and which have highlighted technical aspects of engineering design processes are examined, where the metallurgical sector involved is mainly represented by the small company. Thus, the way design is applied during innovation processes has been determined and key topics of study have been identified, as well as its impact on the interaction between design and innovation processes, through a proposed model using the diagram IDEF0 (Integration Definition for Function Modeling).
Using Fidget Spinners and Stress Balls Do Not Impact College Introductory Psychology Test Scores
Authors: II Terry F. Pettijohn , Riley-Lomedico Victoria
Published: August 2023

Aim: To determine if the use of fidget spinners and stress balls impact college test scores in Introductory Psychology courses. 

Study Design:  A between-participants experimental design was used.  Students were randomly assigned into conditions. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina, USA.  Fall semester.

Methodology: 170 college students enrolled in Introductory Psychology courses participated in the study.  Participants were randomly assigned to use a fidget spinner, a stress ball, or sit quietly for 3 minutes before a unit test in their Introductory Psychology course.

Results: Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS.  There were no statistically significant differences in test scores between the three groups (P=.28).  The fidget spinner group (M=75.82,

SD=13.12), the stress ball group (M=76.41, SD=13.89), and the control group (M=79.33, SD=11.17) scored similarly to each other on the unit test.

Conclusion: Using fidget spinners or stress balls do not impact Introductory Psychology test scores.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Interaction Approach in Learning about Rivers among Grade IX Students in Geography
Authors: Chogay Tenzin , Rigdel Karma Sonam , S. Dorji
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of the interaction approach (IA) in learning about rivers among the ninth grade students of a middle secondary school in western Bhutan. The study adopted the mixed-method explanatory sequential design. The quantitative data were gathered through a quasi-experiment, involving pre-test and post-test on Geography achievement tests (GAT) for both the control and experimental groups (EG) and survey questionnaires were administered to gather the perception of students from the EG. Additionally, structured interviews were employed to gather qualitative data from an equal representation of genders within the EG.

The GAT scores consisted of two sections viz. the CG (N = 34) and the EG (N = 34). In this study, a targeted sample selection was made with a sample size of 68 students. The analysis of the independent t-test to compare between CG and EG showed a statistically significant difference (P < .001) in post-test for both CG and EG. Similarly, a paired-sample t-test was conducted for comparative analysis. There was a statistically significant difference (P < .001) between the pre-test and post-test results of the CG (P = 0.05) in the students’ learning achievements with the post-test. Likewise, the EG shows a statistically significant difference (P < .001) between the test scores in the pre-test and post-test.

The results of the study confirmed that using the IA improved students’ GAT scores compared to the conventional teaching method. The descriptive analysis of the study also indicated that students have positive perceptions towards the use of IA in learning of river in Geography.  In addition, the study also revealed higher perceptions of the themes of self-confidence, motivation and collaboration when using IA, which was further supported by student respondents’ positive perceptions of the benefits of IA. However, when using IA, the large class size pose a challenge as perceived by students. In conclusion, this study recommends Geography teachers to use IA as an intervention approach to stimulate students to learn about rivers effectively. These predictors, however, need further work to validate its reliability.
Liver Organoid Research: Present Situation, limiting Factors and Future Therapeutical Potential in Pediatric Diseases
Authors: Bittmann Stefan , Villalon Gloria , Moschüring-Alieva Elena , BIttmann Lara , Luchter Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

Organoids are three-dimensional, organ-like cell assemblies in which different cell types have organized themselves in a way that is approximately typical for the corresponding organ in the body. They show three characteristics: self-organization, multicellularity and functionality. The range of organs that can be studied with organoids is growing rapidly and includes the brain, intestine, kidney, stomach, pancreas, lung, liver, prostate, esophagus, gallbladder, and the female reproductive tract, among others, and also the embryo. Organoids are grown either from pluripotent stem cells or from tissue-specific adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are present in a large number of tissues and are responsible for renewing the cells in these tissues. They can only give rise to the cell types that are present in the particular tissue, the stem cell of the intestinal epithelium only produces cells of the intestinal epithelium, but not muscle cells or nerve cells. They are thus multipotent. Today, it is possible to reconstruct organ-like tissue organoids in the laboratory. Stem cells are thereby induced to differentiate by molecular signals and grown in culture systems that promote their three-dimensional self-organization. Rapidly developing organoid technology makes it possible to phenotypically copy cell structure. To some extent, this is also true for the functions of various human organs (for example, brain, thyroid, thymus, intestine, liver, pancreas, stomach, lung, kidney) and even early-stage embryos. As near-physiological 3D culture systems, organoids open up new possibilities to study the development of healthy and diseased organs and offer great potential for translational research.

Aims and Objectives: This manuscript concentrates on liver organoid research and its future role in different pediatric diseases.
Some Characterizations of Whole Edge Domination in Bipolar Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Mujeeburahman T. C. , Hussain R. Jahir , Broumi Said
Published: August 2023

In this paper, Some bounds, theorems and results on whole edge domination number in bipolar fuzzy graph are established with support of some examples. The concepts of perfect, complete perfect and semi-perfect whole edge domination in bipolar fuzzy graph are discussed and investigated with some of their properties and also results on perfect contributed via the support of some examples.
Detection of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors of Klebsiella Species
Authors: Gaonkar Shradha R. , Sagar Alka , Kamat Shailesh , Naik Rajeshwar
Published: August 2023

Klebsiella species is a common cause of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) and more antibiotic resistance patterns seen in this species. The purpose of this study was to identify the antibiotic resistance such as ESBL producer,carbapenem- resistant K.pneumoniae (CRKP) and  study (Antibiogram) of Klebsiella species isolated from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital in south Goa, India. The Klebsiella species was isolated from the hospital admitted patient process at Royal Hospital South Goa from April 2022 to Dec 2022. Identification of Klebsiella species isolate was done by analyzing microscopic examination, colony morphology, performing biochemical testing and also process on Vitek 2 compact system for confirming species identification and their susceptibility. A total of 213 (21.82 %) Klebsiella species isolates were isolated from 976 total clinical bacterial isolates during the study. In this study two different species of Klebsiella were studied such as Klebsiella pneumoniae(20.59%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (1.22%) . Most of them were collected from patients aged more than 45 years old. Klebsiella pneumoniae were obtained from respiratory specimens (38.49%). Among all (90%) isolates showed sensitivity to Meropenem, Amikacin, Piperacillin/tazobactam (80%) isolates showed sensitivity to Cefoperazone/sulbactam (60%) isolates showed sensitivity to Levofloxacin, (100%) isolates showed sensitivity to Tigecycline. Most common Klebsiella species present in hospital acquired infection is Klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates demonstrated resistance to a wide range of antibiotics.
Variability Studies in Diverse Genotype of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Varanasi Conditions
Authors: Gopal Kritika , Singh Anand Kumar , Singh Binod Kumar , Pal Akhilesh Kumar , Yadav Nitin
Published: August 2023

The Current Study Assessed About 14 Tomato Genotypes For 15 Yield-Contributing Features At The Vegetable Farm Of The Department Of Horticulture, Institute Of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, During The Rabi Season Of 2019–2020. With Three Replications, The Experiment Was Set Up Using A Randomized Block Design. The Variance Analysis Of The Tomato Genotypes Revealed That There Were Substantial Differences Among All The Genotypes Considered. All Characteristics Had Very High Heritability Values, According To The Heritability Research. High Genetic Gain Was Also Seen For Traits Including Plant Height, Average Fruit Weight, Fruit Production Per Plant, And Fruit Output Per Hectare. All The Traits Evaluated Showed High Genetic Increase, Apart From Days To 50% Blooming. Apart From Few Characteristics, Such As Days To 50% Blooming And Quantity Of Fruits Per Plant, Which Had Low And Medium Values, Most Of The Characters Showed High PCV And GCV.
Effect of Different Rates and Times of Nitrogen Application on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) Under South Gujarat Condition
Authors: Gamit M. K. , Bavalgave V. G. , Shiyal V. N. , Vaja R. P.
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season in 2017-18 to study the effect of different rates and times of nitrogen application on growth, yield attributes and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under south Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The factors consisted of four nitrogen levels i.e., 90 kg ha-1 (N1), 120 kg ha-1 (N2), 150 kg ha-1 (N3) and 180 kg ha-1 (N4) and four treatments of split application i.e., ½ basal + ½ at knee height (T1), ½ basal + ¼ knee height + ¼ tasseling (T2), 1 /3 basal + 1 /3 knee height + 1 /3tasseling (T3), ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling (T4). The results revealed that increasing the nitrogen level from 90 (N1) to 180 (N4) kg   ha-1 significantly increased the growth attributes viz, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, yield attributes viz, number of grains per cob, weight of grains per cob, weight of cob per plant, green cob and fodder yield. Significantly higher green cob (132.94 q ha-1) and fodder yield (307.29 q ha-1) with net return (Rs.258239 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio of 4.74 was obtained with 180 kg ha-1 nitrogen application. Application of nitrogen in three splits i.e., at ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling (T4) recorded significantly higher growth characters viz, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, yield attributes viz, number of grains per cob, weight of grains per cob, weight of cob per plant, green cob (126.99 q ha-1) and fodder yield (293.14 q ha-1) with net return (Rs.242739 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio of 4.47.
Effect of Internally Generated Revenue Strategy on Personal Income Tax Administration in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Gambo El-Maude Jibreel , Liuraman Zephaniah , Mshelia Akilahyel Hamman , Muslimat Abu-Saeed
Published: August 2023

Personal income tax has remained one of the most reliable sources of income generation to government globally. However, there were cases of tax evasion particularly in developing nation, this has remained the major setback in realizing the much anticipated income. This menace can only be minimized through the enforcement of an effective and efficient income generation strategy. The paper assessed the influence of revenue generation strategy of state board of internal revenue service on personal income tax (PITA) administration of Adamawa state. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the research. The study adopted survey research design while questionnaire was used for data collections and data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result revealed a positive and significant relationship between all the measures of revenue generation strategy adopted for the study and the administration of PITA in Adamawa. Hence, the study recommended that, the Adamawa state board of internal revenue service should pay more attention to staff development in addition to improving ICT infrastructures, tax education and awareness to enhance effective and efficient administration of personal income tax.
Preventing Tax Evasion: The Moral Strength of Taxpayers and The Power of Tax Authorities
Authors: Widuri Retnaningtyas , Mangoting Yenni , Sadjiarto Arja , Stephanus Tonny
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of coercive power and the legitimacy of the tax authority on the morale of taxpayers to prevent tax evasion. This study conducts a moderation test to determine the role of tax morale. This study uses a survey approach by distributing 100 questionnaires and analyses them using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results prove that the morale of taxpayers is a force to prevent tax evasion. A moderation test proves that tax morals can weaken the influence of government coercion on tax avoidance. Tax morale strengthens the influence of legitimate power on tax avoidance, although the government's legitimate power does not directly affect tax avoidance. This study explains that taxpayer fraud can be anticipated by enforcing government power through sanctions and audits accompanied by moral strength. The moral strength of taxpayers is a factor that plays a role in controlling government behaviour.
Development of Physical Vulnerability Curve based on Debris Flow Events
Authors: Song Chang-Ho , Lee Ji-Sung , NGUYEN HO HONG DUY , Kim Yun-Tae
Published: August 2023

In recent years, owing to climate change various slope disasters are rising. Debris flow causes large damage to human life and social infrastructure. Generally, the vulnerability assessment of slope disasters is carried out using vulnerability curve, which consists of hazard intensity and damage index. A vulnerability curve needs to be highly reliable. In this study, GIS-based topographical characteristics and the information about 27 debris flow events that occurred between 2011 and 2020 were collected and analyzed. The hazard intensity of the debris flow events was evaluated considering entrainment of soils and buildings. Two types of buildings, non-reinforced concrete structure (non-RC) and reinforced concrete structure (RC frame) were classified into four types of vulnerability indices (slight, moderate, extensive, and complete) based on the degree of damage to the building. The relationship between the hazard intensity and the degree of damage to the building was studied through nonlinear regression analysis to derive a vulnerability curve according to the hazard intensity. The proposed vulnerability curve can be used as fundamental data for the vulnerability assessment of landslide disasters.
Whole Watershed-based Estimation of FEWS Installation Site Using UAV Photogrammetry
Authors: Kim Taegyun , Park Jaewoo , Hwang SeongHyeon , Lee Taesam
Published: August 2023

For small rivers and reservoirs, a flood early warning system (FEWS) is generally used to prepare for sudden flood events whose impact is augmented from homonized environment and climate change. Currently, a FEWS requires the installation of a water gauge, typically on a bridge. This is a limitation of the FEWS owing to the possibility of existence of areas that are more vulnerable than the bridge. Therefore, to analyze the flood risk over the entire target basin, a procedure to install a FEWS was proposed. First, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based photogrammetry information is analyzed to preselect flood-prone areas. Second, further investigation including the ground surveying is followed for the preselected areas. Finally, the flood amount is estimated and the UAV photogrammetry information for issuing the alarm levels of the FEWS. For this purpose, Malgol Reservoir, a reservoir with high-risk level from floods, containing residential areas was selected as the current study area. Eleven flood-prone points were identified by analyzing the UAV photogrammetry information. Then, the flooding point with the lowest flood volume among the 11 points was selected as the most vulnerable point; this section was located at 464 m from the Malgol Reservoir spillway in the downstream direction. The warning alarm for the basin-wide FEWS could be issued according to the embankment of the most vulnerable section. This ensured the safety over the entire basin including the reservoir and its downstream area. The proposed procedure can overcome the limitations of the current bridge water level-based analysis by employing UAV-photogrammetry information of the entire basin and considering the entire flood-prone cross-sections.
Using Text Mining to Analyze Key Topics in Civil Petitions Related to Hazardous Chemicals
Authors: Kim Kanghyun , Hong Jungyeol
Published: August 2023

Various accident prevention studies and related policies have been developed to ensure public safety when handling and transporting harmful chemical substances. However, these policies primarily focus on improving government-level laws and policies, often overlooking the immediate needs of consumers. Therefore, this study proposed the extraction of meaningful topics and keywords from questions and answers pertaining to the safe handling of harmful chemicals using civil petitions data related to these substances, as posted on the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission platform. The idea is to prioritize these topics in policy formulation. In addition, topic modeling techniques, namely Latent Semantic Analysis and Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithms, were employed, and the results and implications of each algorithm were compared and analyzed. The main topics identified through the Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm were “piping and valve management and inspection,” “manufacturing and storage facility safety,” “outdoor impact assessment,” “damage reduction and accident prevention facility,” and “education and related law.” The results derived from this study are expected to contribute to the development of accident prevention measures by directly addressing the requirements of consumers when it comes to harmful chemical substances.
Pupillary dynamics predict long‐term outcome in a cohort of acute traumatic brain injury coma patients
Authors: Monai Elena , Favaretto Chiara , Salvalaggio Anna , Pini Lorenzo , Munari Marina , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: August 2023

Objective

Examining the size and reactivity of the pupils of traumatic brain injury coma patients is fundamental in the Neuro‐intensive care unit (ICU). Pupil parameters on admission predict long‐term clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the dynamics of pupillary parameters and their potential value for outcome prediction.

Methods

This study applied a time‐course analysis of pupillary signals (size and photo‐reactivity) in acute traumatic brain injury coma patients (n = 20) to predict outcome at 6 months.

Results

The time course of pupillary signals was informative in discriminating favorable (F) versus unfavorable (U) outcomes, with the highest correlation within the 1st week notwithstanding pharmacological sedation. Patients with favorable outcome at 6 months showed more consistent in time isochoric and photo‐reactive pupils. In contrast, patients with an unfavorable outcome showed more variable measures that tended to stabilize toward pathological values.

Interpretation

Time‐dependent tracking of pupils' size and reactivity is a promising application for ICU monitoring and long‐term prognosis. These findings support the usefulness of automatic tools for the dynamic, quantitative, and objective measurements of pupils.
Longitudinal changes of SARA scale in Friedreich ataxia: Strong influence of baseline score and age at onset
Authors: Porcu Luca , Fichera Mario , Nanetti Lorenzo , Rulli Eliana , Giunti Paola , Parkinson Michael H. , Durr Alexandra , Ewenczyk Claire , Boesch Sylvia , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Indelicato Elisabetta , Klopstock Thomas , Stendel Claudia , Rodríguez de Rivera Francisco Javier , Schöls Ludger , Fleszar Zofia , Giordano Ilaria , Didszun Claire , Castaldo Anna , Rai Myriam , Klockgether Thomas , Pandolfo Massimo , Schulz Jörg B. , Reetz Kathrin , Mariotti Caterina ,   for the EFACTS Study Group
Published: August 2023

Background

The Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is widely used in different types of ataxias and has been chosen as the primary outcome measure in the European natural history study for Friedreich ataxia (FA).

Methods

To assess distribution and longitudinal changes of SARA scores and its single items, we analyzed SARA scores of 502 patients with typical‐onset FA (<25 years) participating in the 4‐year prospective European FA Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS). Pattern of disease progression was determined using linear mixed‐effects regression models. The chosen statistical model was re‐fitted in order to estimate parameters and predict disease progression. Median time‐to‐change and rate of score progression were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and weighted linear regression models, respectively.

Results

SARA score at study enrollment and age at onset were the major predictive factors of total score progression during the 4‐year follow‐up. To a less extent, age at evaluation also influenced the speed of SARA progression, while disease duration did not improve the prediction of the statistical model. Temporal dynamics of total SARA and items showed a great variability in the speed of score increase during disease progression. Gait item had the highest annual progression rate, with median time for one‐point score increase of 1 to 2 years.

Interpretation

Analyses of statistical properties of SARA suggest a variable sensitivity of the scale at different disease stages, and provide important information for population selection and result interpretation in future clinical trials.
Gate‐Last MoS2 Transistors for Active‐Matrix Display Driving Circuits
Authors: Peng Yalin , Li Lu , Huang Biying , Tian Jinpeng , Li Xiuzhen , Tang Jian , Chu Yanbang , Shi Dongxia , Du Luojun , Li Na , Zhang Guangyu
Published: August 2023

Advancements in display technology have primarily focused on discovering new materials to develop thin‐film transistors (TFTs) that complement mainstream technologies. The emerging 2D semiconductors are one of the most promising candidates due to their ultra‐thin thickness, exceptional electrical qualities, and large‐scale availability. However, these atomically thin materials are delicate and typically prepared through standard gate‐first fabrication processes, necessitating their transfer onto specific substrates. In this study, a demonstration of an in situ gate‐last process for 2D semiconductor‐based TFTs technology is presented. This approach bypasses the yield‐limiting transfer process, enabling large‐scale display applications. The as‐fabricated MoS2 TFTs retains their intrinsic properties with a current density reaching ≈≈10 µA µm−1. Additionally, it is successfully showcased that the two transistor‐one capacitor active‐matrix display driving circuits with a high pixel yield. The patterned matrix exhibits no crosstalk and can be driven by either the pulse amplitude modulation or pulse width modulation scheme, offering flexible applications.
2D MXenes as a Promising Candidate for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: State of the Art, Recent Trends, and Future Prospects
Authors: Patra Abhinandan , M. B. Bhavya , Manasa G. , Samal Akshaya K. , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: August 2023

Surface‐enhanced enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique for ultrasensitive and label‐free detection of chemical species, with numerous applications in various fields. Recently, 2D MXenes, have evoked substantial intrigue as promising substrates for SERS. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the developments in the Raman effect and the mechanisms involved in SERS is highly crucial. The review reflects the advances, working principle, and dual mechanisms, including SERS's electromagnetic and chemical mechanisms. Noble metal nanostructures are highly prioritized as SERS substrates owing to their excellent sensitivity. However, due to certain disadvantages that they pose, metal‐free SERS substrates with exceptional tunable properties are extensively researched in the current days. The combination of 2D MXenes and nanostructures can be effective in producing enhanced SERS signals. SERS performance of different MXene‐based materials is emphasized. The performance of this combination is credited to their large surface‐to‐volume ratio, good electrical conductivity, and surface‐terminated functionalities. The recent advancements in MXenes and MXenes‐based heterostructures driven SERS sensing concerning the structural design of the material, its performance, and the mechanisms are studied. Finally, a detailed conclusion is provided with the challenges and future perspectives for designing 2D materials for efficient SERS sensors.
Multiscale Structural Nanocellulosic Triboelectric Aerogels Induced by Hofmeister Effect
Authors: Luo Bin , Cai Chenchen , Liu Tao , Meng Xiangjiang , Zhuang Xinli , Liu Yanhua , Gao Cong , Chi Mingchao , Zhang Song , Wang Jinlong , Bai Yayu , Wang Shuangfei , Nie Shuangxi
Published: August 2023

The advent of self‐powered wearable electronics will revolutionize the fields of smart healthcare and sports monitoring. This technological advancement necessitates more stringent design requirements for triboelectric materials. The triboelectric aerogels must enhance their mechanical properties to address the issue of structural collapse in real‐world applications. This study fabricates stiff nanocellulosic triboelectric aerogels with multiscale structures induced by the Hofmeister effect. The aggregation and crystallization of polymer molecular chains are enhanced by the Hofmeister effect, while ice crystal growth imparts a porous structure to the aerogel at the micron scale. Therefore, the triboelectric aerogel exhibits exceptional stiffness, boasting a Young's modulus of up to 142.9 MPa and a specific modulus of up to 340.6 kN m kg–1, while remaining undeformed even after supporting 6600 times its weight. Even after withstanding an impact of 343 kPa, highly robust wearable self‐powered sensors fabricated with triboelectric aerogels remain operational. Additionally, the self‐powered sensor is capable of accurately detecting human movements, particularly in abnormal fall postures detection. This study provides considerable research and practical value for promoting material design and broadening application scenarios for self‐powered wearable electronics.
Ion‐Mediated Recombination Dynamics in Perovskite‐Based Memory Light‐Emitting Diodes for Neuromorphic Control Systems
Authors: Yantara Natalia , Ng Si En , Sharma Divyam , Zhou Biyan , Sun Pao‐Sheng Vincent , Chua Huei Min , Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Basu Arindam , Mathews Nripan
Published: August 2023

Neuromorphic devices can help perform memory‐heavy tasks more efficiently due to the co‐localization of memory and computing. In biological systems, fast dynamics are necessary for rapid communication, while slow dynamics aid in the amplification of signals over noise and regulatory processes such as adaptation‐ such dual dynamics are key for neuromorphic control systems. Halide perovskites exhibit much more complex phenomena than conventional semiconductors due to their coupled ionic, electronic, and optical properties which result in modulatable drift, diffusion of ions, carriers, and radiative recombination dynamics. This is exploited to engineer a dual‐emitter tandem device with the requisite dual slow‐fast dynamics. Here, a perovskite‐organic tandem light‐emitting diode (LED) capable of modulating its emission spectrum and intensity owing to the ion‐mediated recombination zone modulation between the green‐emitting quasi‐2D perovskite layer and the red‐emitting organic layer is introduced. Frequency‐dependent response and high dynamic range memory of emission intensity and spectra in a LED are demonstrated. Utilizing the emissive read‐out, image contrast enhancement as a neuromorphic pre‐processing step to improve pattern recognition capabilities is illustrated. As proof of concept using the device's slow‐fast dynamics, an inhibition of the return mechanism is physically emulated.
Outer Membrane Vesicle‐Based Nanohybrids Target Tumor‐Associated Macrophages to Enhance Trained Immunity‐Related Vaccine‐Generated Antitumor Activity
Authors: Liang Jie , Zhu Fei , Cheng Keman , Ma Nana , Ma Xiaotu , Feng Qingqing , Xu Chen , Gao Xiaoyu , Wang Xinwei , Shi Jian , Zhao Xiao , Nie Guangjun
Published: August 2023

Trained immunity refers to the innate immune system building memory‐like features in response to subsequent infections and vaccinations. Compared with classical tumor vaccines, trained immunity‐related vaccines (TIrV) are independent of tumor‐specific antigens. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) contain an abundance of PAMPs and have the potential to act as TIrV‐inducer, but face challenges in endotoxin tolerance, systemic delivery, long‐term training, and trained tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM)‐mediated antitumor phagocytosis. Here, an OMV‐based TIrV is developed, OMV nanohybrids (OMV‐SIRPα@CaP/GM‐CSF) for exerting vaccine‐enhanced antitumor activity. In the bone marrow, GM‐CSF‐assisted OMVs train bone marrow progenitor cells and monocytes, which are inherited by TAMs. In tumor tissues, SIRPα‐Fc‐assisted OMVs trigger TAM‐mediated phagocytosis. This TIrV can be identified by metabolic and epigenetic rewiring using transposase‐accessible chromatin (ATAC) and transcriptome sequencing. Furthermore, it is found that the TIrV‐mediated antitumor mechanism in the MC38 tumor model (TAM‐hot and T cell‐cold) is trained immunity and activated T cell response, whereas in the B16‐F10 tumor model (T cell‐hot and TAM‐cold) is primarily mediated by trained immunity. This study not only develops and identifies OMV‐based TIrV, but also investigates the trained immunity signatures and therapeutic mechanisms, providing a basis for further vaccination strategies.
Stable and Efficient Cu‐Based Zeolitic Octahedral Metal Oxides for Ethylene and Ethane Separation at High Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Yao Shufan , Hua Yihang , Zhu Qianqian , Liu Qingqing , Yu Bolun , Sadakane Masahiro , Li Yanshuo , Ueda Wataru , Zhang Zhenxin
Published: August 2023

Zeolitic octahedral metal oxides based on vanadotungstate have shown great potential in gas separation. The microporosity of these materials is highly dependent on their structure and composition, allowing for precise tuning of their separation performance. In this study, zeolitic vanadotungstate is utilized for the separation of ethylene and ethane. The choice of cation is found to significantly impact the separation performance of the material. Specifically, the material with only Cu as the cation exhibits differentiated adsorption performance for ethylene and ethane, with high theoretical selectivity. Breakthrough experiments demonstrate that the Cu‐based material is able to effectively separate ethylene and ethane even at high temperature and humidity levels. Furthermore, the material exhibits excellent stability and is able to be reused without any loss in separation performance.
Spike‐based Self‐Calibration for Enhanced Accuracy in Self‐powered Pressure Sensing
Authors: Han Chankyu , Choi Jungrak , Ahn Junseong , Kim Hyunjin , Ha Ji‐Hwan , Han Hyeonseok , Cho Seokjoo , Jeong Yongrok , Gu Jimin , Park Inkyu
Published: August 2023

Self‐powered pressure sensors are gaining popularity in human–machine interaction and mobile systems for their energy efficiency. Among the many types of self‐powered sensors, triboelectric sensors have numerous advantages, including diversity of materials, ease of fabrication, and high voltage output. However, their signal is prone to be affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors including environmental change and discharging, which can significantly deteriorate the accuracy of measurement. To address this, a simple yet effective solution is proposed: a mechanically induced spike‐based self‐calibration method for a triboelectric pressure sensor. The sensor generates two signals: an open‐circuit voltage and a spiking calibration voltage, enabling real‐time calculation of current surface charge density. The calibration signal generates a spike at each predetermined discrete pressure change, whether positive or negative direction, denoting the corresponding direction of the pressure variation. This system successfully calibrates signals from various effects, including humidity change (20%–80%), discharging (over 10 days), and charge accumulation. This sensor has potential applications in precision agriculture for efficient crop harvesting and packaging in diverse environmental conditions.
High‐Performance Flexible MoS2 Transistors Using Au/Cr/Al/Au as Source/Drain Electrodes
Authors: Yang Hui , Chen Xi , Wu Dongping , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: August 2023

2D transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are promising candidates for flexible electronics because of their bandgap tunability, high carrier mobility, and mechanical flexibility. However, flexible MoS2 field effect transistors (FETs) are typically faced with high contact resistance which is identified as a critical limiting factor to their potential applications. The present work successfully addresses this challenge by using Al contacts without any annealing process. It is found that the contact resistance is strongly coupled to the Al thickness, increasing the Al thickness is beneficial to reduce the contact resistance. The observed variation in the device electrical characteristics can be associated with the formation of the natural aluminum oxide (AlxOy) film at the interface. An ultrathin Au insert layer can further advance the device performance. An optimal contact resistance of 2.03 kΩ and an on/off current ratio of 1.57 × 109 can be achieved in the flexible MoS2 FETs using Au/Cr/Al/Au as source/drain electrodes. Furthermore, no apparent degradation in the device properties is observed under systematic cyclic bending testing with bending radii of 18 and 15 mm. The successful integration of Au/Cr/Al/Au source/drain electrodes into MoS2 FETs promises its potential application in flexible electronic devices.
Polymer‐Based Solid‐State Electrolytes for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries – Review
Authors: Lu Xiao , Wang Yumei , Xu Xiaoyu , Yan Binggong , Wu Tian , Lu Li
Published: August 2023

Portable electronic devices and electric vehicles have become indispensable in daily life and caused an increasing demand for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high‐energy‐density. This work compares the intrinsic characteristics and Li+ conduction mechanisms of various electrolytes, aiming at emphasizing their suitability for high‐energy‐density LIBs. Among all electrolytes, polymer‐based solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are the most promising candidates, as they demonstrate the most comprehensive properties. The advantages and disadvantages of commonly used polymer matrix materials of SSEs are discussed, along with typical approaches to address their limitations. As significant issues for high‐energy‐density and cycle stability, the development related to the cathode/electrolyte interfacial contact and wetting, interfacial electrochemical compatibility, and interfacial Li+ conduction in LIBs employing polymer‐based SSEs, as well as the anode/electrolyte interfacial chemical stability and lithium dendrite suppression are comprehensively reviewed and analyzed. Finally, perspectives on future research directions for developing high‐energy‐density LIBs are highlighted building upon the existing literature.
Data‐driven state observation for nonlinear systems based on online learning
Authors: Tang Wentao
Published: August 2023

For controlling nonlinear processes represented by state‐space models, a state observer is needed to estimate the states from the trajectories of measured variables. While model‐based observer synthesis is traditionally challenging due to the difficulty of solving pertinent partial differential equations, this article proposes an efficient model‐free, data‐driven approach for state observation, which is suitable for data‐driven nonlinear control without accurate nonlinear models. Specifically, by using a Chen–Fliess series representation of the observer dynamics, state observation is endowed with an online least squares regression formulation that can be solved by gradient flow with performance guarantees. When the target state trajectories for regression are unavailable, by exploiting the Kazantzis–Kravaris/Luenberger observer structure, state observation is reduced to a dimensionality reduction problem amenable to an online implementation of kernel principal component analysis. The proposed approach is demonstrated by a limit cycle dynamics and a chaotic system.
Sex differences in the association between tau PET and cognitive performance in a non‐Hispanic White cohort with preclinical AD
Authors: Wang Xin , Sundermann Erin E. , Buckley Rachel F. , Banks Sarah J. ,   the A4 Study Team
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION

We investigated how the associations between tau and cognitive measures differ by sex in the preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) stage.

METHODS

A total of 343 cognitively unimpaired, amyloid‐positive individuals (205 women, 138 men) who self‐identified as non‐Hispanic White from the Anti‐Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's (A4) Study were included. We assessed sex‐stratified associations between 18F‐flortaucipir positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) in the meta‐temporal region and Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite (PACC) and Computerized Cognitive Composite (C3) components.

RESULTS

We observed that higher tau level was significantly associated with worse cognitive performance only in women: PACC and its components except for Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and C3 components: First Letter Name Recall (FNLT) and One‐Card Learning Reaction Time (OCL RT). These associations except for FNLT were apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 independent.

DISCUSSION

Women show stronger associations between tau PET and cognitive outcomes in preclinical AD. These findings have important implications for sex‐specific tau‐targeted preventive AD clinical trials.

Highlights

The tau positron emission tomography (PET) signal in the meta‐temporal region was associated with poor cognitive performance in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD).

After sex stratification, the associations between regional tau PET and cognitive outcomes were observed only in women.

The associations between tau PET and some cognitive outcomes were independent of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4.
Characterizing the emergence of amyloid and tau burden in Down syndrome
Authors: Zammit Matthew D. , Betthauser Tobey J. , McVea Andrew K. , Laymon Charles M. , Tudorascu Dana L. , Johnson Sterling C. , Hartley Sigan L. , Converse Alexander K. , Minhas Davneet S. , Zaman Shahid H. , Ances Beau M. , Stone Charles K. , Mathis Chester A. , Cohen Annie D. , Klunk William E. , Handen Benjamin L. , Christian Bradley T. ,   the Alzheimer's Biomarker Consortium – Down Syndrome
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION

Almost all individuals with Down syndrome (DS) will develop neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding AD biomarker trajectories is necessary for DS‐specific clinical interventions and interpretation of drug‐related changes in the disease trajectory.

METHODS

A total of 177 adults with DS from the Alzheimer's Biomarker Consortium‐Down Syndrome (ABC‐DS) underwent positron emission tomography (PET) and MR imaging. Amyloid‐beta (Aβ) trajectories were modeled to provide individual‐level estimates of Aβ‐positive (A+) chronicity, which were compared against longitudinal tau change.

RESULTS

Elevated tau was observed in all NFT regions following A+ and longitudinal tau increased with respect to A+ chronicity. Tau increases in NFT regions I‐III was observed 0–2.5 years following A+. Nearly all A+ individuals had tau increases in the medial temporal lobe.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlight the rapid accumulation of amyloid and early onset of tau relative to amyloid in DS and provide a strategy for temporally characterizing AD neuropathology progression that is specific to the DS population and independent of chronological age.

Highlights

Longitudinal amyloid trajectories reveal rapid Aβ accumulation in Down syndrome

NFT stage tau was strongly associated with A+ chronicity

Early longitudinal tau increases were observed 2.5–5 years after reaching A+
Manganese/Cobalt Bimetallic Relay Catalysis for Divergent Dehydrogenative Difluoroalkylation of Alkenes
Authors: Zhong Tao , Gu Chengyihan , Li Yuhang , Huang Jun , Han Jian , Zhu Chengjian , Han Jie , Xie Jin
Published: August 2023

The involvement of manganese radical for halogen atom transfer (XAT) reactions has been esteemed as one reliable method but encountered with limited catalytic models. In this paper, a novel bimetallic relay catalysis of Mn2(CO)10 and cobaloxime has been developed for divergent dehydrogenative difluoroalkylation of alkenes using commercially available difluoroalkyl bromides. A wide range of structurally diverse terminal, cyclic and internal alkenes as well as tetrasubstituted alkenes are found to be good coupling partners to deliver difluoroalkylated allylic products and difluoromethylated cyclic products, accompanied with the production of H2 as the by‐product. This bimetallic relay strategy features broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions and excellent functional group compatibility. Its success represents an important step‐forward to expedite the construction of a rich library of difluoroalkylated products.