bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive gating for low signal-to-noise ratio non-line-of-sight imaging
Authors: LI Min , LUO Yihan , LI Tailin , ZHAO Kaiyuan , TAN Yi , XIE Zongliang ,   National Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   Key Laboratory of Optical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: January 2025

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging is an emerging optical imaging technique used for detecting hidden targets outside the line of sight. Due to multiple diffuse reflections, the signal echoes are weak, and gated single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) plays a pivotal role in signal detection under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. However, when gated SPAD is used for detecting a target signal, existing methods often depend on prior information to preset the gate width, which cannot fully mitigate non-target signal interference or signal loss. Additionally, these methods encountered some problems such as large data acquisition volumes and lengthy processing times. To address these challenges, an adaptive gating algorithm is proposed in this work based on the principle of maximizing the distance from the vertex of a triangle to its base. The algorithm possesses advantages of the linear variation in scan point positions and the echo information from specific feature points. It can automatically identify echo signals and compute their widths without additional prior information or manual intervention. This method reduces the amount of data collected, improves processing efficiency, and has other benefits. Moreover, a confocal NLOS imaging system based on gated SPAD is developed to validate the proposed algorithm. The work further quantitatively evaluates the enhancement of target signal detection and image quality achieved by gated SPAD, and compares its imaging performance with leading NLOS image reconstruction algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the adaptive gating algorithm can effectively identify echo signals, facilitate automatic adjustment of gating parameters, and significantly improve target imaging quality while reducing data acquisition volume and enhancing processing efficiency.
SOSYO-EKONOMİK EŞİTSİZLİK ARAŞTIRMALARINDA DİN VE TEMATİK DİNAMİKLER: BİBLİYOMETRİK BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: Aydoğan Muhammet
Published: January 2025

Son yıllarda sosyo-ekonomik eşitsizlikler üzerine yapılan araştırmalar, disiplinler arası yaklaşımların artması ve sosyal kategorilerin eşitsizliklerle nasıl kesiştiğine dair yeni anlayışlar geliştirilmesiyle önemli bir dönüşüm geçirmiştir. Ancak bu literatürde, dinin eşitsizlikler üzerindeki rolünü ele alan çalışmalar sınırlı kalmıştır. Bu çalışma, sosyo-ekonomik eşitsizliklere odaklanan akademik araştırmaların din ve dindarlık temasıyla nasıl kesiştiğini analiz etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Web of Science (WoS) veri tabanından elde edilen 2922 akademik çalışma, belirlenen kriterlere uygun olarak seçilmiş ve Bibliometrix yazılımı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma, din ve eşitsizlikler üzerine yapılan çalışmaların tematik eğilimlerini, bölgesel dağılımlarını ve bilimsel iş birliklerini incelemektedir. Elde edilen bulgular, bu alanın literatürde yeterince ele alınmadığını ve dinin eşitsizlik dinamikleri üzerindeki etkisine dair daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyaç duyulduğunu göstermektedir. Bu yönüyle çalışma, literatürdeki önemli bir boşluğu doldurmayı hedeflemektedir.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Arab Omar Abdulsattar Kamel Sandel , Göktaş Kulualp Halime
Published: January 2025

Higher education institutions are the foundation of society. They are also the key to progressing toward a perfect culture that connects the past with the future. The provision of good service by institutions is the cornerstone of all talents and individual or collective achievements. Therefore, prioritizing and implementing all quality management systems are crucial for positioning a business among large organizations worldwide. Learning new practices from international institutions and adapting to these innovations is vital for the success and long-term stability of the organization.
This study sought to promote knowledge about how comprehensive quality management concepts might be more effectively utilized to improve the performance of academic and administrative staff at universities. At this moment, the purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of overall quality management on employee performance in higher education institutions. For this objective, data were collected from 400 Samarra University employees using an online survey. The dependent variable in the study is employee performance, whereas the independent variables are TQM and its sub-variables, Leadership, Continuous Improvement, and Employee Involvement. The study included descriptive, reliability, and validity analyses, as well as factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis.
The results show a statistically significant direct association between leadership, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and employee performance. Total quality management in higher education, including the sub-dimensions of leadership, continuous improvement, and employee involvement, has a significant and positive impact on employee performance. Consequently, all hypotheses were accepted.
Effect of low-dose radiation pre-irradiation on postoperative local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer—A retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Ruifang , Wang Hanyu , Cai Xiaojun , Lin Junhao , Li Pengfei , Zeng Shan , Li Aimin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of low-dose radiotherapy (LDR) for postoperative local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer.

Methods

The records of 52 patients with postoperative local chest wall recurrent breast cancer treated at our cancer center from January 2019 to December 2022. The t-test was used to compare the means of the LDR group and non LDR group. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method were used to determine the factors associated the survival.

Results

Compared to patients who did not undergo LDR, patients in the LDR group showed a higher incidence of grade I side effects in their skin and soft tissue systems (p = 0.002), a significant reduction in grade II side effects (p < 0.05), and no grade III side effects. Compared with the non LDR group, the complete response rates were 42.3% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.777, the partial response rates were 53.8% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.781, and the objective relief rates were 96.2% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.833, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rate, local recurrence free survival rate, distant metastasis-free survival rate and disease-specific survival rate comparison between LDR group and non LDR group was 54.8% vs. 55.8%, p = 0.845 and 54.2% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.751, 67.9% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.097 and 39.2% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.993, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with traditional radiotherapy, LDR pre-irradiation has better tolerance and efficacy in patients with local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer after operation.
Analysis of the correlation between the serum triglyceride glucose index and the risk of death in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chi Xiaokeng , Chen Shuxin , Huang Zhe , Zhou Rong , Su Zhicheng , Mai Qiujun , Xu Yilin , Wan Jianxin
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have increased insulin resistance (IR). The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a marker of IR and is associated with the prognosis of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the TyG index and the risk of death in patients on MHD.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort analysis of 368 patients with MHD over an 11-year period from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2023, the TyG index and other baseline characteristics were measured at the beginning of MHD treatment. A regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between the TyG index and all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality in patients on MHD.

Results

The TyG index was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients (P = 0.002 & P = 0.015). After adjusting for various confounding factors, the TyG index remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients (P < 0.001 & P = 0.044). Compared with MHD patients with low TyG index levels, the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients with high TyG index levels increased by 1.790 and 1.735 times, respectively (P = 0.006 & P = 0.022). The predictive time-AUC values of the TyG index for all-cause and cardiovascular death in MHD patients were between 0.698 to 0.819.

Conclusion

The baseline TyG index may be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients.
La consulta indígena ante la jurisprudencia: cinco años (2020-2024)
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Valdivia José Miguel , Blake Tomás ,   Universidad Diego Portales
Published: January 2025

A 10 años de la dictación del DS 66, que regula el procedimiento de consulta indígena (el “Reglamento de Consulta” o el “Reglamento”), el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social dispuso recientemente el inicio de un proceso de modificación de tal reglamento. Con ocasión de este anuncio, y a casi dos décadas de la entrada en vigencia del Convenio 169, sobre pueblos indígenas y tribales (el “Convenio 169”), que introdujo el mecanismo de consulta en nuestro ordenamiento, estimamos oportuno reflexionar sobre los efectos de su aplicación práctica. En este comentario analizamos críticamente el estado actual de la jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema sobre la consulta indígena, cuyos contornos han sido definidos principalmente en sede de recurso protección.
La deferencia judicial a las agencias expertas
Authors: Bravo Alliende Felipe
Published: January 2025

La sentencia de la Tercera Sala de la Corte Suprema en el caso Girardi Lavín con Emotiv Inc., ha sido destacada como un hito en el reconocimiento de los denominados “neuroderechos”. Sin embargo, el caso va mucho más allá de esa conclusión, con algunos elementos menos visibles para la comunidad académica, pero que queremos destacar en este comentario.
Traducción de: Loper Bright Enterprises et al., v. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, et al. Certiorari contra la Corte de Apelaciones de EE.UU. para el Circuito del Distrito de Columbia. Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos, 28 de junio, 2024
Authors: Méndez Pablo
Published: January 2025

El Juez Roberts redactó la opinión de la Corte.

Desde nuestra decisión en el caso Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., a veces hemos exigido a los tribunales el ser deferentes a las interpretaciones «permisibles» que las agencias administrativas hacen de las leyes que ellas administran, incluso cuando un tribunal revisor interpreta la disposición legal de manera diferente. En estos casos, decidimos si tal doctrina debe ser revocada.
El derecho de caminos en Chile: Un panorama histórico (1842 – 1969)
Authors: Muñoz León Fernando
Published: January 2025

Este trabajo examina la historia de la legalidad de los caminos en Chile durante su existencia independiente como país soberano, centrándose especialmente en el período que comprende de 1842 a 1969. En este arco temporal, distintos actores articularon un conjunto de ideas rectoras sobre los deberes del Estado y las atribuciones legales de la autoridad administrativa en materia de planificación, construcción y gestión de infraestructura vial que permitiera la conectividad entre centros poblados y entre regiones, de acuerdo a las ideas y recursos disponibles en su momento histórico. Esta revisión histórica del “derecho vial” chileno se realiza a la luz de las reflexiones e interrogantes de la historia intelectual y la historia institucional contemporáneas. En este sentido, se sostiene que la evolución de las normas e instituciones que organizaron la infraestructura vial durante el período en estudio puede dividirse en tres regímenes históricos, en función de sus hitos legislativos fundamentales, ideas rectoras, escenarios institucionales y estrategias de acción estatal: de 1842 a 1887, un período de un “estado vial mínimo” altamente descentralizado y con caminos precarios caracterizados por la incertidumbre material y jurídica; de 1887 a 1920, la aparición de un “estado vial proto-desarrollista”, decidido a reforzar su control sobre la infraestructura caminera nacional; y de 1920 a 1969, un período de “estado vial tecno-desarrollista”, que creó una red nacional de carreteras pavimentadas para la nueva tecnología de los vehículos motorizados.
La tutela jurisdiccional administrativa
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Romero Rodríguez Sophía
Published: January 2025

Este artículo pretende plantear una propuesta de bases conceptuales para un contencioso-administrativo que suponga el control judicial de la Administración bajo paradigmas de coordinación a través del uso del agotamiento de la vía administrativa previa como presupuesto procesal.

Se concluye que solo esta forma de comprensión permite disminuir la discusión en sede jurisdiccional de forma tal que, si tal agotamiento no se produce, los jueces deben evaluar las condiciones específicas del procedimiento administrativo previo, respecto de la cuestión fáctica y la prueba.
Protección jurisdiccional de los administrados: El exceso de poder [texto de 1961]
Authors: Rodríguez Elizondo José
Published: January 2025

No son pocos los filósofos y juristas que se han detenido perplejos ante el espectáculo que les ofrece la sociedad contemporánea desde el ángulo de su organización jurídica. Por una parte, no pueden dejar de pensar en la conveniencia que representa la existencia de Parlamentos, Presidentes, Tribunales; pero por otra, no pueden cerrar los ojos ante el hecho palpable de que tal organización, al conferir a unos hombres más poder que a otros, es causa de múltiples conflictos.
De: José María Rodríguez de Santiago (2023). Planes Administrativos. Una teoría general del plan como forma de actuación de la Administración. Madrid: Marcial Pons, 162 pp.
Authors: Román Cordero Cristian
Published: January 2025

Se trata de un libro español. Por ello, cabría pensar que no podría sernos de utilidad. Pero no es así. Ello por cuanto su propósito, en orden a construir una teoría general sobre los planes administrativos como forma de actuación de la Administración, que es relevante en España, lo es igualmente en Chile.
De: Rodrigo Valdés Alé. (2021). La influencia de las pandemias en el Derecho urbanístico chileno. Del movimiento higienista al desarrollo sustentable Editorial Sa Cabana, Santiago, 275 pp.
Authors: Román Cordero Cristian
Published: January 2025

El Derecho Urbanístico ha adquirido importancia en el último tiempo. Pero, ¿Qué es? José Fernández Richard y Felipe Holmes Salvo señalan que es “el conjunto de principios y reglas que rigen la planificación de las ciudades y el diseño de sus construcciones” ; en tanto que para Antonio Carceller Fernández, “es el conjunto de normas jurídicas que, por sí mismas o a través del planeamiento que regulan, establecen el régimen urbanístico de la propiedad del suelo y la ordenación urbana y regulan la actividad encaminada al uso del suelo, la urbanización y la edificación”.
Competencia del Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia para conocer actuaciones de órganos administrativos del sector eléctrico
Authors: Von Chrismar Medina Andrea
Published: January 2025

Durante los últimos cuatro años, cuatro casos han sido conocidos por el Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia en relación a actuaciones concretas de la Comisión Nacional de Energía y el Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional. El artículo busca delimitar cuál es la competencia que tiene el TDLC para conocer de actuaciones de la CNE y el CEN, a partir del análisis de jurisprudencia en estos casos concretos.
El Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia ejerce la función jurisdiccional para preservar y potenciar el bien jurídico de la libre competencia, también en mercados regulados
Authors: Quintanilla Hernández Jorge , Caiedo Sophia
Published: January 2025

El Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia desempeña una función fundamental para preservar y potenciar la libre competencia en mercados regulados y no regulados, atendida su competencia para conocer toda impugnación de uno o más actos que restrinjan, actual o potencialmente, dicho bien jurídico, incluyendo las impugnaciones de actos de autoría de un Órgano de la Administración del Estado. Con fundamento en lo anterior, es importante evitar la comunicación de significados equívocos al utilizar expresiones tales como “contencioso energético”, ya que tales equívocos pueden generar controversias improductivas en asuntos contenciosos y no contenciosos, dilatando la dictación de resoluciones o sentencias de este Tribunal, las cuales están llamadas a preservar y restablecer, según sea el caso, la consecución del bienestar social y la eficiencia económica en los mercados. Así, las decisiones del Tribunal son fundamentales para garantizar que las actuaciones de cualquier agente del mercado, asociación gremial u OAE no perjudiquen la competencia.
Distribución, mantenimiento y realismo mágico: El extraño caso de jibarización del artículo 57 de la Ley General de Servicios Eléctricos
Authors: Olivares Rodríguez Ernesto
Published: January 2025

El presente trabajo problematiza la forma tradicional de determinar la gestión del riesgo y atribuir responsabilidad al concesionario del servicio público eléctrico frente a eventos de la naturaleza y actos de terceros que dañan las instalaciones eléctricas y afectan la calidad y continuidad del suministro, proponiendo una solución matizada con base en la actual normativa sectorial y, en especial, en el reciente Oficio Circular de la Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles Nº204702, publicado con fecha 27 de diciembre de 2023.
Sobre el régimen jurídico aplicable al desmantelamiento de las instalaciones de transmisión eléctrica
Authors: Quezada Marín Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

El desmantelamiento de instalaciones en desuso es un asunto relevante y cada vez más frecuente en el marco de la expansión de nuestro sistema de transmisión eléctrica. Si bien el marco normativo actual ofrece herramientas para abordar regulatoriamente la responsabilidad y los costos asociados a estas actividades, presenta limitaciones que dificultan integrar eficientemente los intereses sociales, ambientales y económicos en juego. Por ello, a partir de una breve revisión normativa del sector de la transmisión y de las alternativas existentes, el presente trabajo propone ciertas modificaciones que permitirían decretar las labores de desmantelamiento de obras obsoletas o en desuso bajo un régimen remuneratorio diferenciado y con criterios objetivos, facilitando su desarrollo oportuno y promoviendo un enfoque sostenible para el segmento de transmisión.
Decarbonization of Materials and Construction Processes Editorial Note
Authors: González Marcelo , Zegarra Marmanillo Omar
Published: January 2025

The construction industry, responsible for 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces an urgent need for decarbonization to meet Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Addressing this challenge in the context of issues like structural fragmentation and complex value chains requires innovative solutions and accelerated implementation. This special issue of the Revista Ingeniería de Construcción presents contributions from academics and practitioners across multiple countries, exploring critical decarbonization trends in the industry. Featured topics include low-carbon materials, recycling innovations, material design and performance, use of industrial by-products, and infrastructure quality assurance and preservation. The findings underscore the need for collaboration, innovation, and research to advance sustainable practices, aligning the construction sector with global decarbonization goals. This work invites stakeholders to contribute to transforming construction towards a more sustainable future.
A Systematic Review of Introduction Approaches in Essay Writing Studies: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gerald Chishiba , Joseph Mukuka
Published: January 2025

This article is a systematic review of various types of academic essay introductory sections, focusing on how these introductions engage readers and improve overall essay quality. The analysis centered on five commonly used introduction forms: the funnel technique, direct approach, anecdotal approach, question-based approach, and quotation-based approach. The study emphasized research published between 2010 and 2023 and involved a comprehensive search of scholarly databases, including JSTOR, Google Scholar, ERIC, and ResearchGate. The review was limited to peer-reviewed publications examining the significance, use, and contextual applicability of these introduction techniques across academic disciplines.
The findings indicated that the selection of an introductory structure should take into account the academic discipline, the essay’s purpose, and the target audience’s expectations. The funnel technique emerged as the most commonly used approach, particularly in humanities and social sciences, where a gradual build-up of context effectively frames the thesis. The direct approach, emphasizing clear and concise presentation of the main argument, was especially effective in scientific writing, where clarity and precision are prioritized. The quotation-based approach was ideal for philosophical and reflective essays, as it helped establish authority and contextual relevance. Both the anecdotal and question-based approaches were found to be particularly useful in disciplines that value narrative engagement and critical inquiry, such as psychology and sociology.
This study underscores the importance of training students to select the most appropriate introductory style based on the specific context of their writing. By choosing the most fitting approach, students can enhance reader engagement and strengthen the coherence and persuasiveness of their arguments. The practical implications of this study highlight the need for educators to incorporate explicit instruction on these various introductory techniques into writing curricula. Educators can empower students to refine their writing by providing the tools to analyze their writing context and strategically apply the most effective introduction style. Future research on the contextual use of these approaches could lead to the creation of more discipline-specific writing frameworks. The study also recommends further exploration of the relationship between writing approaches and student engagement across diverse academic fields.
Virulence Phenotype of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Prevalence of Colibacillosis among Poultry Birds in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Sani Hassan Muhammad , Iliyasu Mahmud Yerima , Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf , Usman Nazeef Idris , Abdullahi Usman Sarki
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a major cause of colibacillosis, is mainly associated with respiratory tract or systemic infections that lead to a variety of diseases. Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infections include acute fatal Septicemia, and subacute pericarditis, which are responsible for severe economic losses worldwide in the poultry industry. The study aimed to determine the virulence phenotype and prevalence of colibacillosis among poultry birds in Bauchi metropolis.
Methods: Faecal, internal organs and poultry house air samples were collected systematically from the birds in selected poultry farms within the Bauchi metropolis. APEC was isolated and characterized using standard phenotypic conventional microbiological techniques.
Results: The study found that colibacillosis is caused by virulent strain of APEC with Haemolysin (59.6%) and type 1 fimbriae (40.4%) phenotypes, with high prevalence (100%) of colibacillosis in faecal samples, indicating faeces as a significant reservoir for APEC and a potential source of transmission. A moderate correlation (0.592) was observed among sample types. The occurrence of APEC was higher in faecal samples compared to internal organs. Birds with internal organ infections showed a 26.0% mortality rate, with younger (30.7%), female (69.3%), and layer birds (53.8%) being more vulnerable. The disease is more common (15.3%) in birds from the populated area of Federal low-cost housing estates in the study area. High prevalence with mortality cases was also found in younger birds (46.1%), mostly female (65.3%) and Layers (73.0%). But the highest mortality rates was observed in the adult (61.5%), Female (69.3%), and Layers (53.8%).
Conclusion: The highest Colibacillosis prevalence was recorded in faeces. The occurrence rate of APEC was higher in faeces followed by internal organs from GRA and Gida Dubu among sample locations internal organ samples showed 26% mortality, with no deaths in other birds; younger, female, and layer birds have higher APEC mortality. It is recommended that further study should be conducted to trace the phylogenetic relationship of the virulent APEC isolates in the study area with other related sequences.  This study also emphasizes the need for proper diagnosis of bacteria to decrease the prevalence of Colibacillosis in the area.
Influence of Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Mitigating the Deleterious Effect of Salt Stress on Morphophysiological, Biochemical, and Yield Traits of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Singh Radha , Singh Divya , Tripathi S. K. , Singh V.K. , Mishra Pradeep
Published: January 2025

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Salicylic acid (SA) as a foliar spray to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress on mungbean plants. Two mungbean genotypes viz; Shikha and Heera were grown under induced saline conditions (100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) and compared with untreated control. Salt exposure decreased the morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield traits of both the genotypes, which was responded in the same way under induced salt stress. SA found to be essential in mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress in both tested mungbean genotypes. At the threshold combination of SA and NaCl (100 ppm SA + 100 mM NaCl), SA led to maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, number of pods and seed yield. Its foliar application was also expressed positive response in modulating the total proline content under different salt stress conditions.
It was also concluded that foliar application of SA @100 ppm was highly effective in reducing the deleterious effect of salt at the combination with 100 mM NaCl and 150 mM NaCl and strengthened the ability of survival of both the mungbean genotypes under salt stress.
Estimating snow leopard and prey populations at large spatial scales
Authors: Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh , Reddy Abinand , Sharma Manvi , Khanyari Munib , Bijoor Ajay , Rathore Devika , Jaggi Harman , Khara Abhirup , Malgaonkar Aditya , Ghoshal Abhishek , Patel Jenis , Mishra Charudutt
Published: December 2021

Effective management of charismatic large carnivores requires robust monitoring of their population at local, regional and global scales. While enormous progress has been made to estimate carnivore populations at local scales, estimates at regional and global scales remain elusive. In the first systematic effort at a large regional scale, we estimated the population of the elusive snow leopardPanthera unciaover an area of 26,112 km2in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

We stratified the entire snow leopard habitat in Himachal Pradesh based on an occupancy survey. Subsequently, we conducted camera trapping surveys at 10 sites distributed proportionately, that is with similar coverage probability across the three strata. We conducted simulations to understand how unidentified captures could affect our model estimate. We also assessed populations of the primary wild ungulate prey of snow leopards – blue sheepPseudois nayaurand Siberian ibexCapra sibirica.

Our results yielded a mean estimated density of 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12–0.31) snow leopards per 100 km2and population size of 51 (95% CI: 34–73) snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh. The density estimates for individual sites ranged from 0.08 to 0.37 snow leopards per 100 km2. Simulations showed that unidentified snow leopard captures did not seem to affect the accuracy of our model estimate but could have affected the precision. Wild ungulate prey density ranged from 0.11 to 1.09 per km2. Snow leopard density showed a positive linear relationship with prey density (slope = 0.25,SE = 0.08,P = 0.01,R2 = 0.51).

Our study shows the earlier opinion‐based estimate for Himachal Pradesh to have been significantly positively biased. Using occupancy surveys to stratify large areas in order to design camera trap surveys addresses one of the common spatial sampling biases, that is limited sampling of only prime snow leopard habitats. Our work validates two‐step approach recommended in the ongoing initiative of the 12 snow leopard range countries for Population Assessment of World's Snow leopards (PAWS program), and cautions against the use of opinion‐based estimates for assessing the status of species of critical conservation importance.
Ellipsometry‐Based Approach for the Characterization of Mesoporous Thin Films for H2 Technologies
Authors: Sachse René , Moor Maëlle , Kraehnert Ralph , Hodoroaba Vasile-Dan , Hertwig Andreas
Published: December 2021

Porous thin layer materials are gaining importance in different fields of technology and pose a challenge to the accurate determination of materials’ properties important for their function. Herein, a hybrid measurement technique using ellipsometry together with other independent methods for validation, is demonstrated. Ellipsometry provides information about the porosity of different mesoporous films (PtRuNP/OMC = 45%; IrOx = 46%) as well as about the pore size (pore radius of ≈5 nm for PtRuNP/OMC). In addition, the electronic structure of a material, such as intraband transitions of a mesoporous IrOx film, can be identified, which can be used to better understand the mechanisms of chemical processes. In addition, it is shown that ellipsometry can be used as a scalable imaging and visualization method for quality assurance in production. These require accurate and traceable measurements, with reference materials playing an important role that include porosity and other related properties. It is shown that novel analytical methods are useful for improving analytical work in this entire field.
Silk‐Based Bioengineered Diaphyseal Cortical Bone Unit Enclosing an Implantable Bone Marrow toward Atrophic Nonunion Grafting
Authors: Moses Joseph Christakiran , Dey Souradeep , Bandyopadhyay Ashutosh , Agarwala Manoj , Mandal Biman B.
Published: December 2021

Postnatal fracture healing of atrophic long bone diaphyseal nonunions remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Paucity of autologous spongiosa has potentiated the use of tissue engineered bone grafts to improve success rates of bone marrow engraftment used in plate reosteosynthesis. Herein, the development and in vitro validation of a “sandwich‐type” biofabricated diaphyseal cross‐sectional unit, with an outer mechanically robust bioprinted cortical bone shell, encompassing an engineered bone marrow, are reported. Channelized silk fibroin blend sponges derived from Bombyx mori and Antheraea assama help in developing compartmentalized endosteum, exhibiting specialized osteoblasts (endosteal niche) and discontinuous endothelium (vascular niche). The cellular cross‐talk between these two niches triggered via integrin‐mediated cell adhesion, enables in preserving quiescence state of CD34+/CD38− hematopoietic stem cells and their recycling in the engineered marrow. The outer cortical bone strut is developed through multimaterial microextrusion bioprinting strategy. Osteogenically primed mesenchymal stem cells‐laden silk fibroin–nano‐hydroxyapatite bioink is bioprinted alongside paramagnetic Fe‐doped bioactive glass–polycaprolactone blend thermoplastic ink, reinforcing it for mechanical stability. Pulsed magnetic field actuation positively influences the osteogenic commitment and maturation of the bioprinted constructs via mechanotransductory route. Therefore, the assembled engineered marrow and bioprinted cortical shell hold promise as potential orthobiologic substitutes toward atrophic nonunion repairs.
Exciton‐Polaritons and Their Bose–Einstein Condensates in Organic Semiconductor Microcavities
Authors: Jiang Zhengjun , Ren Ang , Yan Yongli , Yao Jiannian , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: December 2021

Exciton‐polaritons are half‐light, half‐matter bosonic quasiparticles formed by strong exciton–photon coupling in semiconductor microcavities. These hybrid particles possess the strong nonlinear interactions of excitons and keep most of the characteristics of the underlying photons. As bosons, above a threshold density they can undergo Bose–Einstein condensation to a polariton condensate phase and exhibit a rich variety of exotic macroscopic quantum phenomena in solids. Recently, organic semiconductors have been considered as a promising material platform for these studies due to their room‐temperature stability, good processability, and abundant photophysics and photochemistry. Herein, recent advances of exciton‐polaritons and their Bose–Einstein condensates in organic semiconductor microcavities are summarized. First, the basic physics is introduced, and then their emerging applications are highlighted. The remaining questions are also discussed and a personal viewpoint about the potential directions for future research is given.
Nanolayer Laser Absorber for Femtoliter Chemistry in Polymer Reactors
Authors: Zhang Junfang , Liu Yuxin , Ronneberger Sebastian , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Merbouh Nabyl , Loeffler Felix F.
Published: December 2021

Laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT) has the potential to be an alternative approach to atomic force microscopy based scanning probe lithography techniques, which have limitations in high‐speed and large‐scale patterning. However, traditional donor slides limit the resolution and chemical flexibility of LIFT. Here, a hematite nanolayer absorber for donor slides to achieve high‐resolution transfers down to sub‐femtoliters is proposed. Being wettable by both aqueous and organic solvents, this new donor significantly increases the chemical scope for the LIFT process. For parallel amino acid coupling reactions, the patterning resolution can now be increased more than five times (>111 000 spots cm−2 for hematite donor vs 20 000 spots cm−2 for standard polyimide donor) with even faster scanning (2 vs 6 ms per spot). Due to the increased chemical flexibility, other types of reactions inside ultrasmall polymer reactors: copper (I) catalyzed click chemistry and laser‐driven oxidation of a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative, suggesting the potential of LIFT for both deposition of chemicals, and laser‐driven photochemical synthesis in femtoliters within milliseconds can be explored. Since the hematite shows no damage after typical laser transfer, donors can be regenerated by heat treatment. These findings will transform the LIFT process into an automatable, precise, and highly efficient technology for high‐throughput femtoliter chemistry.
Air‐Processed Organic Photovoltaics for Outdoor and Indoor Use Based upon a Tin Oxide‐Perylene Diimide Electron Transporting Bilayer
Authors: Munir Rahim , Cieplechowicz Edward , Lamarche Renaud Miclette , Chernikov Roman , Trudel Simon , Welch Gregory C.
Published: December 2021

Efficient organic photovoltaics (OPV) based on SnO2 | perylene diimide (PDI) bilayer as an electron transport layer (ETL) is fabricated and tested in an ambient environment. The PTQ10:Y6 photoactive system is used as the primary bulk‐heterojunction. Without any surface treatment, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of SnO2‐based OPV devices is 1.5%. Treating the SnO2 nano‐particles with UV‐ozone and then applying a layer of N‐annulated PDI with a functional NH bond (PDIN‐H) on top increase device PCEs to 9.2%. For indoor applications, the OPV device PCE rises from 8.1% to 12.3% when PDIN‐H is employed on SnO2 and tested under low light conditions, without the need for light soaking. The SnO2 | PDIN‐H ETL bilayer is slot‐die coated and corresponding OPV devices have a PCE of 7.9%, demonstrating utility for OPV scale‐up. The hybrid ETL is tested with other photoactive systems employing Y6, Y7, and IDIC as acceptors, as well as PM6 donor, and all these cases yield OPV devices with improved PCE when compared to OPV devices with SnO2‐only ETLs. These results show the successful implementation of SnO2 | PDIN‐H as an ETL for OPV.
Revealing Atomic‐Scale Ionic Stability and Transport around Grain Boundaries of Garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Gao Bo , Jalem Randy , Tian Hong‐Kang , Tateyama Yoshitaka
Published: December 2021

For real applications of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) to be realized, understanding and control of the grain boundaries (GBs) are essential. However, the in‐depth insight into the atomic‐scale defect stabilities and transport of ions around GBs is still far from understood. Here, a first‐principles investigation on the promising garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid electrolyte (SE) GBs is carried out. The study reveals a GB‐dependent behavior for the Li‐ion transport correlated to the diffusion network. Of particular note, the Σ3(112) tilt GB model exhibits a quite high Li‐ion conductivity comparable to that in bulk, and a fast intergranular diffusion, contrary to former discovered. Moreover, the uncovered preferential electron localization at the Σ3(112) GB leads to an increase in the electronic conductivity at the GB, and the Li accumulation at the coarse GBs is revealed from the negative Li interstitial formation energies. These factors play important roles in the dendrite formation along the GBs during Li plating in the LLZO|Li cell. These findings suggest strategies for the optimization of synthesis conditions and coating materials at the interface for preventing dendrite formation. The present comprehensive simulations provide new insights into the GB effect and engineering of the SE in ASSBs.
Strategic Approach to Diversify Design Options for Li‐Ion Batteries by Utilizing Low‐Ni Layered Cathode Materials
Authors: Jeong Mihee , Lee Wontae , Yun Soyeong , Choi Woosung , Park Hyunyoung , Lee Eunkang , Kim Jaeyoung , Cho Sung Jun , Lee Nam‐Hee , Shin Hyun‐Joon , Yoon Won‐Sub
Published: December 2021

Over the past few years, considerable attention has been paid to high‐Ni layered cathode materials for high‐energy Li‐ion batteries (LIBs); however, these materials intrinsically have low thermal stability. Alternatively, the high‐voltage operation of low‐Ni materials may be one of the attractive ways to provide various options for designing advanced LIBs. Here, the structural, electrochemical, and thermal properties of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) and LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) are investigated by setting up the same initial discharge capacity. In the high‐voltage region, NCM523 exhibits less anisotropic lattice distortion and maintains wider Li‐ion channels than NCA. After long‐term cycling, reduced Ni ions are observed near the cracks, grain boundaries, or between the primary particles in both materials, however, the chemical states of the Ni ions in NCA are more heterogeneously distributed, and the particle pulverization and microcrack propagation are more prominent; the structural integrity and electrochemical properties of the material are degraded. Moreover, the cyclability and thermal stability of NCM523 are superior to those of NCA, despite the higher charge cut‐off voltage of the former. Therefore, the utilization of low‐Ni layered cathode materials operated at high voltage is a strategic approach to expand the design factors of advanced LIBs.
Further supporting SMARCC2‐related neurodevelopmental disorder through exome analysis and reanalysis in two patients
Authors: Li Dong , Downes Helen , Hou Cuiping , Hakonarson Hakon , Zackai Elaine H. , Schrier Vergano Samantha A. , Bhoj Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2021

BAFopathies are a heterogenous group of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding subunits of the BAF complex, and they exhibit a broad clinical phenotypic spectrum. Pathogenic heterozygous variants in SMARCC2 have been implicated in Coffin–Siris syndrome 8 (MIM 618362) with variable neurodevelopmental presentations. We report here two relatively severely affected patients with two different SMARCC2 variants: one has de novo pathogenic variant, c.1824_1826del, p.(Leu609del), in a suspected hotspot region through reanalysis of previously negative clinical exome data, and the other has a likely pathogenic loss‐of‐function variant, c.1094_1097delAGAA, p.(Lys365Thrfs*12) through exome analysis in an adopted subject. Regardless of variant type, both patients have severe developmental delays, severe speech delay, short stature, hypotonia, seizures, and craniofacial dysmorphisms, blurring previously speculated genotype–phenotype correlation on missense and loss‐of‐function variants. This report extends our understanding of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrums of the SMARCC2‐related neurodevelopmental disorder.
Biallelic TERT variant leads to Hoyeraal–Hreidarsson syndrome with additional dyskeratosis congenita findings
Authors: Çepni Ece , Satkın Nihan Bilge , Moheb Lia Abbasi , Rocha Maria Eugenia , Kayserili Hülya
Published: December 2021

Short telomere syndromes constitute a heterogeneous group of clinical conditions characterized by short telomeres and impaired telomerase activity due to pathogenic variants in the essential telomerase components. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare, multisystemic telomere biology disorder characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation, oral leukoplakia and nail dysplasia along with various somatic findings. Hoyeraal–Hreidarsson syndrome (HHS) is generally an autosomal recessively inherited subgroup showing growth retardation, microcephaly, cerebellar hypoplasia and severe immunodeficiency. We here report on a consanguineous family from Turkey, in which a missense variant in the reverse transcriptase domain of the TERT gene segregated with short telomere lengths and was associated with full‐blown short telomere syndrome phenotype in the index; and heterogeneous adult‐onset manifestations in heterozygous individuals.
An Activatable Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite as Early Evaluation System of Therapy Effect
Authors: Fu Qinrui , Feng Hongjuan , Su Lichao , Zhang Xuan , Liu Luntao , Fu Fengfu , Yang Huanghao , Song Jibin
Published: December 2021

Delays in evaluating cancer response to radiotherapy (RT) usually reduce therapy effect or miss the right time for treatment optimization. Hence, exploring timely and accurate methods enabling one to gain insights of RT response are highly desirable. In this study, we have developed an apoptosis enzyme (caspase‐3) activated nanoprobe for early evaluation of RT efficacy. The nanoprobe bridged the nanogapped gold nanoparticles (AuNNPs) and the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) fluorescent (FL) molecules (IR‐1048) through a caspase‐3 specific peptide sequence (DEVD) (AuNNP@DEVD‐IR1048). After X‐ray irradiation, caspase‐3 was activated to cut DEVD, turning on both NIR‐II FL and PA imaging signals. The increased NIR‐II FL/PA signals exhibited a positive correlation with the content of caspase‐3. Moreover, the amount of the activated caspase‐3 was negatively correlated with the tumor size. The results underscore the role of the caspase‐3 activated by X‐ray irradiation in bridging the imaging signals variation and tumor inhibition rate. Overall, activatable NIR‐II FL/PA imaging was successfully used to timely predict and evaluate the RT efficacy. The evaluation system based on biomarker‐triggered living imaging has the capacity to guide treatment decisions for numerous cancer types.
Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Conversion of Epoxides into Thiiranes: Mechanism, Stereochemical Model, and New Catalyst Design
Authors: Duan Meng , Díaz‐Oviedo Christian David , Zhou Yang , Chen Xiangyang , Yu Peiyuan , List Benjamin , Houk Kendall N. , Lan Yu
Published: December 2021

Computations and experiments leading to new chiral phosphoric acids (CPAs) for epoxide thionations are reported. Density functional theory calculations reveal the mechanism and origin of the enantioselectivity of such CPA‐catalyzed epoxide thionations. The calculated mechanistic information was used to design new efficient CPAs that were tested experimentally and found to be highly effective. Bulky ortho‐substituents on the 3,3′‐aryl groups of the CPA are important to restrict the position of the epoxide in the key transition states for the enantioselectivity‐determining step. Larger para‐substituents significantly improve the enantioselectivity of the reaction.
Polyacrylonitrile‐Coordinated Perovskite Solar Cell with Open‐Circuit Voltage Exceeding 1.23 V
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Xiao , Li Zhipeng , Du Xiaofan , Shao Zhipeng , Sun Xiuhong , Liu Dachang , Gao Caiyun , Hao Lianzheng , Zhao Qiangqiang , Zhang Bingqian , Cui Guanglei , Pang Shuping
Published: December 2021

In solution‐processed organic–inorganic halide perovskite films, halide‐anion related defects including halide vacancies and interstitial defects can easily form at the surfaces and grain boundaries. The uncoordinated lead cations produce defect levels within the band gap, and the excess iodides disturb the interfacial carrier transport. Thus these defects lead to severe nonradiative recombination, hysteresis, and large energy loss in the device. Herein, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was introduced to passivate the uncoordinated lead cations in the perovskite films. The coordinating ability of cyano group was found to be stronger than that of the normally used carbonyl groups, and the strong coordination could reduce the I/Pb ratio at the film surface. With the PAN perovskite film, the device efficiency improved from 21.58 % to 23.71 % and the open‐circuit voltage from 1.12 V to 1.23 V, the ion migration activation energy increased, and operational stability improved.
The Crystal Plane is not the Key Factor for CO2‐to‐Methane Electrosynthesis on Reconstructed Cu2O Microparticles
Authors: Deng Bangwei , Huang Ming , Li Kanglu , Zhao Xiaoli , Geng Qin , Chen Si , Xie Hongtao , Dong Xing'an , Wang Hong , Dong Fan
Published: December 2021

Cu2O microparticles with controllable crystal planes and relatively high stability have been recognized as a good platform to understand the mechanism of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we demonstrate that the in situ generated Cu2O/Cu interface plays a key role in determining the selectivity of methane formation, rather than the initial crystal plane of the reconstructed Cu2O microparticles. Experimental results indicate that the methane evolution is dominated on all three different crystal planes with similar Tafel slopes and long‐term stabilities. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that *CO is protonated via a similar bridge configuration at the Cu2O/Cu interface, regardless of the initial crystal planes of Cu2O. The Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG) of *CHO on different reconstructed Cu2O planes are close and more negative than that of *OCCOH, indicating the methane formation is more favorable than ethylene on all Cu2O crystal planes.