bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung CT harmonization of paired reconstruction kernel images using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Krishnan Aravind R. , Xu Kaiwen , Li Thomas Z. , Remedios Lucas W. , Sandler Kim L. , Maldonado Fabien , Landman Bennett A.
Published: March 2024

Background

The kernel used in CT image reconstruction is an important factor that determines the texture of the CT image. Consistency of reconstruction kernel choice is important for quantitative CT‐based assessment as kernel differences can lead to substantial shifts in measurements unrelated to underlying anatomical structures.

Purpose

In this study, we investigate kernel harmonization in a multi‐vendor low‐dose CT lung cancer screening cohort and evaluate our approach's validity in quantitative CT‐based assessments.

Methods

Using the National Lung Screening Trial, we identified CT scan pairs of the same sessions with one reconstructed from a soft tissue kernel and one from a hard kernel. In total, 1000 pairs of five different paired kernel types (200 each) were identified. We adopt the pix2pix architecture to train models for kernel conversion. Each model was trained on 100 pairs and evaluated on 100 withheld pairs. A total of 10 models were implemented. We evaluated the efficacy of kernel conversion based on image similarity metrics including root mean squared error (RMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) as well as the capability of the models to reduce measurement shifts in quantitative emphysema and body composition measurements. Additionally, we study the reproducibility of standard radiomic features for all kernel pairs before and after harmonization.

Results

Our approach effectively converts CT images from one kernel to another in all paired kernel types, as indicated by the reduction in RMSE (p < 0.05) and an increase in the PSNR (p < 0.05) and SSIM (p < 0.05) for both directions of conversion for all pair types. In addition, there is an increase in the agreement for percent emphysema, skeletal muscle area, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area for both directions of conversion. Furthermore, radiomic features were reproducible when compared with the ground truth features.

Conclusions

Kernel conversion using deep learning reduces measurement variation in percent emphysema, muscle area, and SAT area.
Benchmarking machine learning‐based real‐time respiratory signal predictors in 4D SBRT
Authors: Wimmert Lukas , Nielsen Maximilian , Madesta Frederic , Gauer Tobias , Hofmann Christian , Werner Rene
Published: March 2024

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy of thoracic and abdominal tumors has to account for respiratory intrafractional tumor motion. Commonly, an external breathing signal is continuously acquired that serves as a surrogate of the tumor motion and forms the basis of strategies like breathing‐guided imaging and gated dose delivery. However, due to inherent system latencies, there exists a temporal lag between the acquired respiratory signal and the system response. Respiratory signal prediction models aim to compensate for the time delays and to improve imaging and dose delivery.

Purpose

The present study explores and compares six state‐of‐the‐art machine and deep learning‐based prediction models, focusing on real‐time and real‐world applicability. All models and data are provided as open source and data to ensure reproducibility of the results and foster reuse.

Methods

The study was based on 2502 breathing signals ( h) acquired during clinical routine, split into independent training (50%), validation (20%), and test sets (30%). Input signal values were sampled from noisy signals, and the target signal values were selected from corresponding denoised signals. A standard linear prediction model (Linear), two state‐of‐the‐art models in general univariate signal prediction (Dlinear, Xgboost), and three deep learning models (Lstm, Trans‐Enc, Trans‐TSF) were chosen. The prediction performance was evaluated for three different prediction horizons (480, 680, and 920 ms). Moreover, the robustness of the different models when applied to atypical, that is, out‐of‐distribution (OOD) signals, was analyzed.

Results

The Lstm model achieved the lowest normalized root mean square error for all prediction horizons. The prediction errors only slightly increased for longer horizons. However, a substantial spread of the error values across the test signals was observed. Compared to typical, that is, in‐distribution test signals, the prediction accuracy of all models decreased when applied to OOD signals. The more complex deep learning models Lstm and Trans‐Enc showed the least performance loss, while the performance of simpler models like Linear dropped the most. Except for Trans‐Enc, inference times for the different models allowed for real‐time application.

Conclusion

The application of the Lstm model achieved the lowest prediction errors. Simpler prediction filters suffer from limited signal history access, resulting in a drop in performance for OOD signals.
Validity and reliability of the self‐care behaviour scale for patients with left ventricular assist device
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Shim JaeLan , Kim Min‐Seok
Published: March 2024

Aims

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the self‐care behaviour scale for patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Design

Methodological study.

Methods

The English version of the scale was translated into Korean, and it was then back‐translated into English. Survey data were collected from 32 patients with left ventricular assist device in South Korea, and construct validity, content validity and reliability were analysed.

Results

The original self‐care behaviour scale comprises three domains and 33 items, whereas the Korean self‐care behaviour scale comprises 27 items and five domains: device management, wound management, symptom monitoring, activated healthcare system and self‐care management. Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was 0.94, and that for the five domains ranged from 0.36 to 0.90. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the overall scale was 0.89, and the five domains ranged from 0.71 to 0.88.

Conclusion

The newly evaluated scale would be valid and reliable in measure self‐care behaviour for patients with a left ventricular assist device.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Patients can manage the left ventricular assist device on their own based on evidence and use it as a tool for effective communication with medical professionals.
Application of a stabilizing model predictive controller to path following for a car‐like agricultural robot
Authors: Comelli Román , Olaru Sorin , Seron María M. , Kofman Ernesto
Published: March 2024

This work addresses the problem of path following for a car‐like agricultural robot by means of a finite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) strategy that considers the control actions in a set composed of a limited amount of elements. Recent results on a stabilizing MPC formulation that replaces the classical control invariant set by a pair of inner‐outer sets are extended to preserve stability properties with different control and prediction horizons and are then used for the aforementioned application. Being particularly simple, the presented approach can explicitly deal with nonlinearities and constraints at the expense of resolution in the vehicle steering system, which in practice does not affect the controller performance as will be shown. In addition to describing the control method, simulations and a comparison with another nonlinear MPC strategy are presented to illustrate the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Frontier Narratives That Take on Flesh: Tracing Legacy, Labour, and Legitimacy in Outback Queensland, Australia
Authors: Brekelmans Alana , Martin Richard J.
Published: March 2024

In this article, we explore the notion of legacy through the ways graziers in Outback Queensland, Australia, draw on material, narrative, and embodied traces of past ‘events’ to emplot their lives during times of uncertainty. Through an ethnography of pastoral work and storytelling on stations, or ranches, we show how settler‐colonial narratives of the frontier and legacy circulate as affective forces in pastoralists' daily lives and become embodied through labour. We argue that pastoral families respond to both the failure of modernist grand narratives and more personal events by renegotiating stories of the frontier to legitimate their ongoing presence in Outback Australia and give meaning to their lives. While these narratives are existentially useful for pastoralists, we argue that they remain tied to exclusionary and unsustainable structures and ideologies that prevent pastoralists from adjusting to contemporary crises.
Strategies for CO2 Laser Use in Laryngeal Microsurgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Landry Vivianne , Sedillot‐Daniel Ève , Ayad Tareck , Leclerc Andrée‐Anne
Published: March 2024

Objective

We aim to systematically review the literature addressing perioperative practices for optimal use of the CO2 laser in laryngeal transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), with a focus on safety.

Data Sources

A systematic review of publications indexed in Medline, Embase, and EBM reviews‐Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials which evaluated perioperative strategies for the use of CO2 laser in laryngeal TOLMS was conducted.

Review Methods

Records obtained from the search strategy were assessed for eligibility in a 2‐step process by 2 independent researchers using the Covidence software.

Results

Among 2143 identified records, 103 were included in this study. The majority of studies (n = 25) focused on the use of the CO2 laser in oncologic resection, while 20 addressed the treatment of vocal cord paralysis, 16 discussed the treatment of pediatric or congenital pathologies, 11 detailed the management of benign lesions, and 31 studies tackled other surgical indications. Strategies for safe CO2 TOLMS were highly heterogeneous across studies and included preoperative measures (ie, related to the environment, staff preparation, patient protection, and ventilation), intraoperative precautions (ie, protection of nontarget structures, technical considerations, topical and systemic medications), and postoperative strategies (ie, related to airway protection, oral intake, vocal rest, hospitalization duration, drug regimen, and consultant follow‐up).

Conclusion

The results provided in this study can be used as a framework to guide the creation of laser safety protocols across institutions, guide quality improvement initiatives, the development of simulation training activities, and as a tool to facilitate resident teaching and skill assessment.
Preparation of TiO2 Nanorods Composites Doped with Silver Nanoparticles and Their Bactericidal Properties under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ren Yufang , Sun Zeyuan , Huang Yong , An Xiaoyan , Bian Xiaona , Cao Zhenhao , Liu Yifan , Javed Kanwal , Derkach Tetiana , Li Xue
Published: March 2024

TiO2 is a widely used photocatalytic antibacterial material and shows good antibacterial properties under ultraviolet light. However, its antibacterial efficacy under visible light still remains limited. To develop low‐cost and biocompatible antibacterial materials, this article provides a facile method for in situ preparation of a trace amount of silver (Ag) doped TiO2 nanorods (TiO2NR–Ag) composites, which cannot only enhance the antibacterial properties under visible light, but also has good biocompatibility. Two representative epidemic strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are selected for analysis of the antibacterial properties of the obtained TiO2NR–Ag composite nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that even if the Ag doping level is as low as 2.5 × 10−4 wt% (i.e., Ag/TiO2 = 2.50 µg g−1), the TiO2NR–Ag composite nanoparticle coatings are transparent and exhibit exceptional antibacterial properties, which is attributed to synergistic enhanced bactericidal effect of the active substances generated by TiO2NR–Ag under visible light. The cytotoxicity and hemolysis rate results indicate that TiO2NR–Ag composite exhibit excellent biocompatibility. This study effectively improves the antibacterial effect of TiO2 photocatalytic nanomaterials while maintaining their biocompatibility, and the prepared TiO2NR–Ag composite nanoparticles can be applied in various fields such as window glasses, medical device surfaces, furniture surfaces, and optical devices, etc.
Stroke related sarcopenia in individuals with different physical activity levels: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Galvão Ana Carolina Joviano , Dias Camila , Miranda Ana Luiza , Moura Daniela , Palhares Carlos Vinícius Teixeira , Oliveira Leopoldino Amanda , Polese Janaine Cunha
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

Individuals after stroke are likely to deal with the possible development of sarcopenia and reduced physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to compare sarcopenia of individuals with chronic stroke who were stratified according to their physical activity levels, and to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and physical activity levels.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted with individuals after chronic stroke recruited from the general community. Individuals were submitted to sarcopenia screening (SARC‐F questionnaire) and assessment of physical activity levels (Human Activity Profile questionnaire) to classify the individuals as impaired, moderately active, and active according to their Adjusted Activity Status (AAS). ANOVA was used to investigate the sarcopenia between groups and Pearson's coefficient to investigate the association among variables.

Results

Fifty‐four individuals with a mean age of 56 ± 17.4 years were included. Twenty‐one percent of the individuals were screened for sarcopenia. Inactive individuals had higher mean scores in the SARC‐F (3.6 ± 2.1 points), whereas moderately active and active individuals presented lower mean scores in the same questionnaire, being 1.2 ± 1.1 points and 0.5 ± 0.7 points, respectively. A statistically significant inverse and high association was found between sarcopenia and physical activity levels (r = −0.716; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was found to be higher in individuals after chronic stroke with lower physical activity levels considered inactive when compared to individuals with higher physical activity levels. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between sarcopenia and physical activity level in stroke survivors.
The effect of dose‐escalation radiotherapy with simultaneous‐integrated‐boost on the use of short‐term androgen deprivation therapy in patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer
Authors: Onal Cem , Guler Ozan Cem , Erbay Gurcan , Elmali Aysenur
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To compare the biochemical failure (FFBF) and prostate cancer specific survival (PCSS) rates of patients with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer (IR‐PC) who were treated with 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with 78 Gy to the prostate, those treated with ADT and focal boost (FB) of 86 Gy to intraprostatic lesion (IPL) using the simultaneous‐integrated boost (SIB) technique, and those treated with SIB alone.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 320 IR‐PC patients treated between January 2012 and April 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups based on their treatment arm: 78 + ADT (109 patients, 34.1%), 78/86 (102 patients, 31.8%), and 78/86 + ADT. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine prognostic factors for FFBF and PCSS.

Results

Median follow‐up was 8.8 years. The 8‐year FFBF and PCSS rates were 88.6% and 99.0%. Patients who received ADT had significantly higher pretreatment PSA levels and clinical tumor stage. Disease progression occurred in 45 patients (7.3%) at a median of 41.9 months after definitive radiotherapy (RT). Younger age, positive core biopsy (PCB) ≥ 50%, and the absence of ADT were all independent predictors of poor FFBF in multivariate analysis, whereas patients with PCB < 50% who were also given ADT had better PCSS. Patients treated with 78/86 Gy alone had worse FFBF than those treated with 78 Gy and ADT (Hazard ratio [HR] = 3.39 [95% CI = 1.46–7.88]; p = 0.005), as well as than those treated with 78/86 Gy and ADT (HR = 3.21 [95% CI = 1.23–6.46]; p = 0.009). However, FB to IPL has no effect on PCSS in multivariable analysis. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in terms of acute and late Grade ≥2 genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that patients who received 78/86 alone did worse than patients who received ADT with either 78 or 78/86 Gy. However, because IR‐PC patients are so diverse, additional prospective trials are needed to validate our findings.
Evaluation of OCT2‐mediated drug–drug interactions between ulotaront and metformin in subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Xiao Guangqing , Tsukada Hironobu , Chen Yu‐Luan , Shi Lei , Hopkins Seth C. , Galluppi Gerald R.
Published: March 2024

Ulotaront (SEP‐363856) is a TAAR1 agonist, with 5‐HT1A agonist activity, currently in clinical development for the treatment of schizophrenia. In vitro studies indicate ulotaront is an OCT2‐specific inhibitor with IC50 of 1.27 μM. The primary objective of this study is to determine if a single dose of ulotaront affects the PK of metformin, an index substrate of OCT2, in subjects with schizophrenia. In a randomized, single‐blind, 2‐period crossover study, 25 adults with schizophrenia received a single dose of metformin‐HCl 850 mg (approximately 663 mg metformin) with and without coadministration of 100 mg ulotaront. The plasma samples were analyzed by fully validated LC–MS/MS methods. The primary PK endpoints for metformin were AUCinf, AUClast, Cmax, and tmax. The highest‐anticipated clinical dose of ulotaront (100 mg) had no statistically significant effect on the PK of a single dose of metformin based on Cmax and AUCinf. Geometric least squares mean ratios were 89.98% and 110.63%, respectively, with the 90% confidential interval (CI) for each parameter contained within 80%–125%. Median tmax was comparable across the treatments. Ulotaront does not act as a perpetrator of OCT2‐mediated DDI against metformin. Co‐administration of ulotaront is not expected to require dose adjustment of metformin or other drugs cleared by OCT2.
Massive pleural effusion in porous diaphragm syndrome due to lymphatic leakage after pelvic surgery
Authors: Nishimura Masashi , Ogawa Takunori , Tanigaki Tomomi , Sumi Koji , Enjoji Yasuhiro , Suyama Yohsuke , Kawana Akihiko , Kimizuka Yoshifumi
Published: March 2024

Key message

We present the case of a patient who developed a massive right pleural effusion after pelvic surgery, not thoracic surgery. Lymphatic leakage into the abdominal cavity after pelvic surgery can cause massive pleural effusion when complicated with porous diaphragm syndrome.
Navigating misinformation in voice messages: Identification of user‐centered features for digital interventions
Authors: Hartwig Katrin , Sandler Ruslan , Reuter Christian
Published: March 2024

Misinformation presents a challenge to democracies, particularly in times of crisis. One way in which misinformation is spread is through voice messages sent via messenger groups, which enable members to share information on a larger scale. Gaining user perspectives on digital misinformation interventions as countermeasure after detection is crucial. In this paper, we extract potential features of misinformation in voice messages from literature, implement them within a program that automatically processes voice messages, and evaluate their perceived usefulness and comprehensibility as user‐centered indicators. We propose 35 features extracted from audio files at the character, word, sentence, audio, and creator levels to assist (1) private individuals in conducting credibility assessments, (2) government agencies faced with data overload during crises, and (3) researchers seeking to gather features for automatic detection approaches. We conducted a think‐aloud study with laypersons () to provide initial insight into how individuals autonomously assess the credibility of voice messages, as well as which automatically extracted features they find to be clear and convincing indicators of misinformation. Our study provides qualitative and quantitative insights into valuable indicators, particularly when they relate directly to the content or its creator, and uncovers challenges in user interface design.
Observer‐based event‐triggered H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ control of networked switched systems under hybrid attacks
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Liu Jinhai , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Hongfei
Published: March 2024

This article is concerned with the issue of observer‐based event‐triggered control for networked switched systems (NSSs) under hybrid attacks. Since hybrid attacks can cause more damage to the system than a single cyber attack, this article considers a situation where stochastic deception attacks and aperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks coexist in NSSs. To address this issue, the dynamics of the initial switched system combined with the event‐triggered mechanism (ETM), observers and hybrid attacks are formulated as a new augmented switched system. Thereinto, the unmeasurable states are estimated by a newly constructed gain adjustable observer and an observer state‐based adaptive ETM is designed under DoS attacks to save limited communication resources. Then, employing the Lyapunov stability theory and average dwell time (ADT) approach, sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the mean‐square exponential stability with a performance index of the new model. And the quantitative relationship between the switching signal and DoS attacks is formulated. Moreover, a co‐design method of ETM parameters and observer‐based controller gains is proposed. Compared with some existent results, restrictions on DoS attack signals and switching signals are relaxed. Finally, a numerical example is utilized to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed theory.
Antioxidant Activity and DFT Calculations of Metal Complexes Derived from a Schiff Base Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Lawan Salisu Y. , Mshelia Matthew B. , Mala Grema A. , Olaide Wahab O. , Musa Salihu A. , Ahmed Abubakar A. , Yesufu Hassan B. , Waziri Ibrahim
Published: March 2024

Metal complexes derived from Schiff bases are known to have a wide range of applications, spanning the areas of material and medicinal sciences. Herein, a Schiff base ligand, (Z)‐2‐(((4‐chlorophenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen‐1‐ol HL, was synthesized via a condensation reaction between 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde and 4‐chloroaniline using methanol as a solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of formic acid. The obtained ligand was further reacted with Mn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) using their acetate salts in a 1 : 2 stoichiometric ratio of metal to ligand to afford complexes C1–C3, respectively. Physicochemical and analytical techniques consisting of FTIR, UV‐Vis, elemental (CHN and metal content), TGA, HRMS, 1H, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy were deployed to establish the formation of the compounds. Results show that the ligand coordinated with the metal ions through the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the phenolate and azomethine moieties, respectively, forming ON‐type complexes. Furthermore, the free ligand and its complexes were evaluated for their antioxidant activity compared to the standard (ascorbic acid) using an in vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay. From this investigation, C1 demonstrated higher radical scavenging activity than the free ligand, the complexes, and the standard (ascorbic acid). But the ligand has better scavenging activity than C2 and C3 at higher concentrations. DFT was also used to examine the electronic properties of the compounds, and the data obtained corroborated well with the experimental study.
Solid‐State Electrolytes by Electrospinning Techniques for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Yong , Han Haoqin , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: March 2024

Solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs) are regarded as next‐generation energy storage devices because of their advantages in terms of safety and energy density. However, the poor interfacial compatibility and low ionic conductivity seriously hinder their development. Electrospinning is considered as a promising method for fabricating solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) with controllable nanofiber structures, scalability, and cost‐effectiveness. Numerous efforts are dedicated to electrospinning SSEs with high ionic conductivity and strong interfacial compatibility, but a comprehensive summary is lacking. Here, the history of electrospinning SSEs is overeviewed and introduce the electrospinning mechanism, followed by the manipulation of electrospun nanofibers and their utilization in SSEs, as well as various methods to improve the ionic conductivity of SSEs. Finally, new perspectives aimed at enhancing the performance of SSEs membranes and facilitating their industrialization are proposed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and future perspective on electrospinning technology in SSEs, with the goal of guiding the further development of SSLBs.
In Situ Phase‐Transformation Forming a Bicontinuous (Ni, Co, Ti, and Al)‐Oxide/Li2CO3 Interpenetrating Network Electrolyte for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Ma Xiaochun , Ye Hongjun , Yan Jitong , Tang Yongfu , Ji Shaozheng
Published: March 2024

Designing heterogeneous electrolytes with superior interface charge transfer is promising for low‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT‐SOFCs). However, a rational construction with optimal interfaces to maximize ionic conduction remains a challenge. Here an in situ phase‐transformation strategy is demonstrated to prepare a highly conductive heterogeneous electrolyte. A pristine LiNiO2‐TiO2 nanocomposite precursor undergoes chemical reactions and phase‐transformation upon heating and feeding H2, destroying the original phases, and forming new species, including an amorphous Li2CO3 scaffold within a (Ni, Co, Al, and Ti)‐oxide (NCAT) matrix. It creates an intertwining and continuous network inside the electrolyte with plentiful interfaces. The in situ formed NCAT/Li2CO3 heterogeneous electrolyte displays superior ionic conductivity and impressive fuel cell performance. This work emphasizes the potential of rational heterogeneous structure design and interface engineering for LT‐SOFC electrolyte through an in situ phase‐transform approach. The generated interfaces enhance ion transport, presenting an opportunity for further optimizing electrolyte candidates, and lowering the operating temperatures of SOFCs.
Rational Design of Naphthol Groups Functionalized Bipolar Polymer Cathodes for High Performance Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Taehyoung , Lee Taewoong , Yoon Young Rok , Heo Woo Sub , Chae Seongwook , Kim Jee Woo , Kim Byung‐Kwon , Kim Sang Youl , Lee Jinhee , Lee Jin Hong
Published: March 2024

Redox‐active organic compounds gather significant attention for their potential application as electrodes in alkali ion batteries, owing to the structural versatility, environmental friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness. However, their practical applications of such compounds are impeded by insufficient active sites with limited capacity, dissolution in electrolytes, and sluggish kinetics. To address these issues, a naphthol group‐containing triarylamine polymer, namely poly[6,6′‐(phenylazanediyl)bis(naphthol)] (poly(DNap‐OH)) is rationally designed and synthesized, via oxidative coupling polymerization. It is capable of endowing favorable steric structures that facilitate fast ion diffusion, excellent chemical stability in organic electrolytes, and additional redox‐active sites that enable a bipolar redox reaction. By exploiting these advantages, poly(DNap‐OH) cathodes demonstrate remarkable cycling stability in both lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), showcasing enhanced specific capacity and redox reaction kinetics in comparison to the conventional poly(4‐methyltriphenylamine) cathodes. Overall, this work offers insights into molecular design strategies for the development of high‐performance organic cathodes in alkali‐ion batteries.
Liquidlike, Low‐Friction Polymer Brushes for Microfibre Release Prevention from Textiles
Authors: Lahiri Sudip Kumar , Azimi Dijvejin Zahra , Gholamreza Farzan , Shabanian Sadaf , Khatir Behrooz , Wotherspoon Lauren , Golovin Kevin
Published: March 2024

During synthetic textile washing, rubbing between fibres or against the washing machine, exacerbated by the elevated temperature, initiates the release of millions of microplastic fibres into the environment. A general tribological strategy is reported that practically eliminates the release of microplastic fibres from laundered apparel. The two‐layer fabric finishes combine low‐friction, liquidlike polymer brushes with “molecular primers”, that is, molecules that durably bond the low‐friction layers to the surface of the polyester or nylon fabrics. It is shown that when the coefficient of friction is below a threshold of 0.25, microplastic fibre release is substantially reduced, by up to 96%. The fabric finishes can be water‐wicking or water‐repellent, and their comfort properties are retained after coating, indicating a tunable and practical strategy toward a sustainable textile industry and plastic‐free oceans and marine foodstuffs.
Imaging the Iodine Sorption‐Induced Synchronous Skeleton–Pore Interactions of Single Covalent Organic Framework Particles
Authors: Lin Ying , Wang Changjiang , Wu Jinxiang , Tang Jian , Ye Guangmao , Zhao Xiaobing , Li Hua , He Yi
Published: March 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising iodine adsorbents. For improved performances, it is critical and essential to fundamentally understand the underlying mechanism. Here, using the operando dark‐field optical microscopy (DFM) imaging technique, the observation of an extraordinary structure shrinkage of 2D triphenylbenzene (TPB)‐dimethoxyterephthaldehyde (DMTP)‐COF upon the adsorption of I2 vapor at the single‐particle resolution is reported. Combining single‐particle DFM imaging with other experimental and theoretical methods, it is revealed that the shrinkage mechanism of the TPB‐DMTP‐COF is attributed to the I2 sorption‐induced synchronous skeleton‐pore interactions. The redox reaction of I2 and TPB‐DMTP‐COF yields some cationic skeletons and I3− species, which triggers the multi‐directional halogen‐bonding interactions of I2 and I3− as well as strong cation‐π interactions between neutral and cationic skeletons, accompanying the synchronous in‐plane skeleton shrinking in the xy plane and compact out‐of‐plane layer packing in the z‐direction. This understanding of the synchronous action between the skeleton and pore breaks the perspective on the structure robustness of 2D COFs with excellent stability during the I2 uptake, which offers pivotal guidance for the rational design and creation of advanced microporous adsorbents.
Tailoring Charge Donor–Acceptor Interaction in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals through Ligand Exchange
Authors: Shah Syed Abdul Basit , Ghimire Sushant , Lesyuk Rostyslav , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Lughi Vanni , Klinke Christian
Published: March 2024

The surface ligands in colloidal metal halide perovskites influence not only their intrinsic optoelectronic properties but also their interaction with other materials and molecules. Donor–acceptor interactions of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals with TiO2 nanoparticles and nanotubes are explored by replacing long‐chain oleylamine ligands with short‐chain butylamines. Through postsynthesis ligand exchange, the nanocrystals are functionalized with butylamine ligands while their intrinsic properties are maintained. In solution, butylamine‐capped nanocrystals exhibit reduced photoluminescence intensity with increasing TiO2 concentration but without any change in photoluminescence lifetime. Intriguingly, the Stern–Volmer plot depicts different slopes at low and high TiO2 concentrations, suggesting donor‐acceptor interaction through mixed static photoluminescence quenching and quenching sphere of action mechanism . Oleylamine‐capped nanocrystals in solution, on the other hand, show no interaction with TiO2, as indicated by consistent photoluminescence intensities and lifetimes before and after TiO2 addition. In films, both types exhibit decreased photoluminescence lifetime with TiO2, indicating enhanced donor–acceptor interaction, which is discussed in terms of electron transfer. TiO2 nanotubes enhance nonradiative recombination more in butylamine‐capped CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals, emphasizing the role of ligand chain length.
Balancing Solvent Polarity and Drying‐Kinetics for Processing Nonfullerene Acceptors Toward High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Ming , Xu Yujie , Fu Zhen , Wang Linghua , Li Min , Hao Xiao‐Tao , Du Xiaoyan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the emergence of high‐efficiency nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) has pushed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) beyond 19% in organic solar cells (OSCs). For solution processing of the photoactive layers, the study of solvent properties on device performance has become a hot research topic toward up‐scaling. Herein, the key roles of balancing solvent polarity and drying kinetics for processing of small molecular NFAs toward high‐performance OSCs are revealed. It is demonstrated that the synergistic effect of solvent polarity and drying kinetics significantly affects the multilength scale morphology of solid films and photovoltaic performance. Furthermore, the self‐assembly of NFAs in solution and the resulting thin film microstructures induced by electrostatic interactions with polarized additives are even more sensitive to solvent polarity and drying kinetics. Finally, the optimized devices achieve an outstanding PCE of 18.54% by fine‐tuning the microstructure with polar solvent and fast‐drying kinetics to form improved molecular packing and structure size. The work provides a novel view and deeper insights into the general selection rules of solvents toward the solution processing of high‐performance nonfullerene OSCs.
Selection of a Topic of a Research Proposal of Emerging Academic Writers in a Blended Linked EAP Course: An Interactional Ethnographic Perspective
Authors: Lai Haiyan
Published: March 2024

Recent years have witnessed the ethnographic turn in academic writing research and the multimodal turn in classroom discourse studies. Most research proposal genre studies have only provided generic guidelines, and most EAP intervention studies have only provided pre‐ and post‐intervention learning outcomes but have not examined actual in‐depth classroom teaching and after‐class consultative processes of proposal development. This paper fills these gaps by following the view of genre as contextualized social practices and adopting interactional ethnography (IE) logic‐of‐inquiry to analyze video‐recorded linked EAP classroom interactions and WeChat‐mediated individual consultations focusing on postgraduate students' topic selection. IE‐guided reasoning and analysis may make the invisible research topic developmental processes transparent by utilizing IE analytic tools to visualize these dynamic and complex processes, identify cultural patterns of academic literacy practices, and (re)theorize educational phenomena. The IE approach may complement the well‐established three approaches to student writing (i.e., study skills, academic socialization, academic literacies) as the fourth approach for its deep theorizing, micro‐ethnographic discourse‐based analysis, and video‐enabled IE‐guided analytic tools. This study may make a methodological contribution to the EAP field through the IE as an epistemology with analytical tools and propose a tri‐level four‐step IE analytic model for teacher‐researchers' self‐reflexive professional development.
Examination of upstream supply chain and logistics issues in the US logging industry
Authors: Dogru Ali K. , Elmadag A. Banu , Gong Ke , Travers John Michael , Meng Chao
Published: March 2024

Using a mixed methods approach, this study investigates upstream supply chain and logistics issues in the logging industry through the findings of (1) a systematic literature review and (2) an inductive and interpretive case study of Mississippi, a top timber‐producing state in the United States. First, we analyze 45 peer‐reviewed studies examining logistical challenges in the logging industry via a systematic literature review to identify existing cumulative knowledge. Then, we conduct 11 qualitative semistructured interviews with logging business owners/managers to understand better complex and interdependent logistics issues that negatively impact productivity and profitability in the upstream timber supply chain. Performing a comparative analysis of the systematic literature review results and interview findings, we propose a general conceptual framework that classifies 25 logistical challenges in three main areas. They are (1) supply chain issues, (2) company‐, and (3) industry‐specific issues. Finally, using an abductive reasoning approach, we generalize our findings by linking our conceptual framework to resource dependence theory, transaction cost economics theory, and carrier selection literature to develop propositions to guide future quantitative research efforts.
Methylation of microRNA genes and its effect on secondary xylem development of stem in poplar
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Wu Meixuan , Zhang Xiao , Jiang Tingbo , Wei Zhigang
Published: March 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation are both vital regulators of gene expression. DNA methylation can affect the transcription of miRNAs, just like coding genes, through methylating the CpG islands in the gene regions of miRNAs. Although previous studies have shown that DNA methylation and miRNAs can each be involved in the process of wood formation, the relationship between the two has been relatively little studied in plant wood formation. Studies have shown that the second internode (IN2) (from top to bottom) of 3‐month‐old poplar trees can represent the primary stage of poplar stem development and IN8 can represent the secondary stage. There were also significant differences in DNA methylation patterns and miRNA expression patterns obtained from PS and SS. In this study, we first interactively analyzed methylation and miRNA sequencing data to identify 43 differentially expressed miRNAs regulated by differential methylation from the primary stage and secondary stage, which were found to be involved in multiple biological processes related to wood formation by enrichment analysis. In addition, six miRNA/target gene modules were finally identified as potentially involved in secondary xylem development of poplar stems through degradome sequencing and functional analysis. In conclusion, this study provides important reference information on the mechanism of interaction between different regulatory pathways of wood formation.
Comprehension for Emergent Readers: Revisiting the Reading Rope
Authors: Kambach Anna Elizabeth , Mesmer Heidi Anne
Published: March 2024

This article discusses language comprehension and developing skills with emergent readers, in particular verbal reasoning and language structures, that are necessary for later reading comprehension.
Bilateral ulnar retained cartilage cores causing thoracic angular limb deformities in a cat
Authors: Sumping Jessica , Weston Philippa , Crosby‐Durrani Hayley , Pettitt Rob
Published: March 2024

A 6‐month‐old, female, neutered, Bengal‐cross cat presented for bilateral thoracic angular limb deformity. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed well‐defined, flame‐shaped radiolucent and hypoattenuating defects within the medullary cavity of the distal ulnar metaphyses, surrounded by a thin rim of sclerosis. Surgical correction of initially the right angular limb deformity involved radial and ulnar ostectomies, and a bone biopsy of the distal ulnar metaphysis was submitted for histopathology. The morphological diagnosis was consistent with retained cartilage core, never previously reported in a cat.
Designing biomass policy: The political economy of renewable energy for net zero
Authors: Taylor Daniel , Chong Katie , Röder Mirjam
Published: March 2024

The climate, ecological, and energy crises require change in our political, economic, and societal systems to ensure we decouple humanity from a reliance on fossil fuels, prevent rising carbon dioxide emissions, and develop sustainable solutions for people and the planet. As well as technical processes, renewable energy transitions are processes of social, environmental, and economic change which have the potential to challenge the status quo. This status quo determines who benefits from energy, where wealth is created, and the level of inequality between stakeholders within our energy systems. The politicization of energy transitions motivates stakeholders to engage in the policymaking process to ensure any trade‐offs associated with policy changes benefit them. Bioenergy is unique amongst renewable energy sources as it is inherently linked to biomass extraction from our natural environment and because biomass is the only source of renewable carbon. However, this further politicizes its use and is a source of controversy in public debate. Polarized perspectives in the public debate on biomass policy allow stakeholders to assert themselves as experts on the topic and to make authoritative claims that further their interests to influence policy development. Therefore, political and economic drivers shape and influence the sustainability and success of proposed policies. Despite this, there is little research into the nontechnical factors influencing the design of sustainable biomass policy for net zero. This research highlights how political economy impacts the success of renewable energy technologies in replacing fossil fuels and the implications for using bioenergy.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Bioenergy

Policy and Economics > Energy Transitions

Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and Decarbonization
A full‐scale operational digital twin for a water resource recovery facility—A case study of Eindhoven Water Resource Recovery Facility
Authors: Daneshgar Saba , Polesel Fabio , Borzooei Sina , Sørensen Henrik R. , Peeters Ruud , Weijers Stefan , Nopens Ingmar , Torfs Elena
Published: March 2024

Digital transformation for the water sector has gained momentum in recent years, and many water resource recovery facilities modelers have already started transitioning from developing traditional models to digital twin (DT) applications. DTs simulate the operation of treatment plants in near real time and provide a powerful tool to the operators and process engineers for real‐time scenario analysis and calamity mitigation, online process optimization, predictive maintenance, model‐based control, and so forth. So far, only a few mature examples of full‐scale DT implementations can be found in the literature, which only address some of the key requirements of a DT. This paper presents the development of a full‐scale operational DT for the Eindhoven water resource recovery facility in The Netherlands, which includes a fully automated data‐pipeline combined with a detailed mechanistic full‐plant process model and a user interface co‐created with the plant's operators. The automated data preprocessing pipeline provides continuous access to validated data, an influent generator provides dynamic predictions of influent composition data and allows forecasting 48 h into the future, and an advanced compartmental model of the aeration and anoxic bioreactors ensures high predictive power. The DT runs near real‐time simulations every 2 h. Visualization and interaction with the DT is facilitated by the cloud‐based TwinPlant technology, which was developed in close interaction with the plant's operators. A set of predefined handles are made available, allowing users to simulate hypothetical scenarios such as process and equipment failures and changes in controller settings. The combination of the advanced data pipeline and process model development used in the Eindhoven DT and the active involvement of the operators/process engineers/managers in the development process makes the twin a valuable asset for decision making with long‐term reliability.

Practitioner Points

A full‐scale digital twin (DT) has been developed for the Eindhoven WRRF.

The Eindhoven DT includes an automated continuous data preprocessing and reconciliation pipeline.

A full‐plant mechanistic compartmental process model of the plant has been developed based on hydrodynamic studies.

The interactive user interface of the Eindhoven DT allows operators to perform what‐if scenarios on various operational settings and process inputs.

Plant operators were actively involved in the DT development process to make a reliable and relevant tool with the expected added value.
The use of orthoimagery and stereoscopic aerial imagery to identify muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) houses
Authors: Greenhorn Janet E. , Sadowski Carrie , Rodgers Jennifer A. , Bowman Jeff
Published: March 2024

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is considered a ubiquitous inhabitant of wetlands across Canada and the United States, but recent studies indicate that muskrat populations in many parts of North America have experienced substantial declines over the last 40–60 years. Monitoring of muskrat abundance is therefore an important task for wildlife managers, but traditional methods such as house counts conducted during ground‐based surveys can be labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. Poor conditions or a lack of access may limit how much of a wetland can be surveyed. Aerial imagery has previously been used to census a diverse array of wildlife populations but is not yet a common tool for muskrat surveys. To investigate the accuracy of this alternative survey method, we collected aerial imagery from coastal wetlands along the north shore of Lake Ontario during the winter of 2014 for examination in both 2D orthorectified and 3D stereoscopic formats. We compared muskrat house counts obtained from imagery to counts recorded by ground survey crews in the same wetlands during the same winter. We found no significant difference between mean muskrat house counts obtained by ground survey crews and orthoimagery observers. In contrast, stereoscopic imagery observers overestimated mean house counts compared to ground survey crews, which we interpret was due to an increase in false positives. Our results indicate that orthoimagery is a promising tool for assessing muskrat occupancy, provides comparable broad‐scale results to traditional ground survey methods, and may be preferable to wildlife managers for a variety of reasons.