bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moving up and down the urban hierarchy: Age‐specific internal migration patterns in Japan based on the 2020 census
Authors: Kotsubo Masaki , Nakaya Tomoki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to understand the age‐specific internal migration patterns in Japan where more than a quarter of the population is aged ≥65 years and the national population is on the decline, focusing on the urban hierarchy. Demographic efficiency, which is the ratio of net to gross migration, was calculated for each migration flow between the levels of urban hierarchy in Japan based on the 2020 census. The results showed that the overall upward migration, which is a movement from lower to higher levels in the urban hierarchy, was dominant. A variation in migration patterns by age confirmed that young adults, especially those aged 20–24 years, moved up the urban hierarchy unidirectionally, while people of preretirement and retirement age moved down. The older adults (aged 75 and over) were inclined to move up. Regarding sex‐based differences, the demographic efficiency of women was higher than that of men. Additionally, the upward movement of women was predominant in almost all age groups. These findings suggest the possibility that aggregated migration behaviours may vary by sex, which has received little attention in previous migration studies focusing on urban hierarchies in other countries. Furthermore, this study discussed policy implications based on the observed patterns, such as the impacts of older adults' migration on social security at each hierarchy level and a possible relationship between women's upward migration patterns and future fertility decline.
Quantifying the related precipitation and moisture sources in the lifecycle of subtropical cyclones in the South Atlantic basin
Authors: Pérez‐Alarcón Albenis , Coll‐Hidalgo Patricia , Fernández‐Alvarez José C. , Sorí Rogert , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Reboita Michelle Simões , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study applies a Lagrangian approach to identify the origin of moisture for subtropical cyclones (SCs) along their tracks in the South Atlantic Ocean (SAO) basin from 1980 to 2015. The analysis shows that the local evaporation cannot fully explain the moisture gained by SCs, highlighting the role of external sources in moisture support, mainly through the northeasterly winds associated with the South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone. Overall, the northwestern SAO was the principal moisture source for SCs. It was noticeable that its contribution (~40%–45%) remained quasi‐constant during the year. Conversely, the moisture supplied from the northeastern SAO, southwestern SAO and the terrestrial source southeastern Brazil exhibited a marked seasonal variability. While contributions from the southwestern SAO intensify (weaken) in austral winter (summer), the southeastern Brazil source is more intense (weak) in summer (winter). In addition, SCs predominantly gain atmospheric humidity from sources close to their position, which reduces the mean water vapor residence time to ~3.2 days. Interestingly, we also found that ~42%–47% of the moisture that reached the SCs precipitates. These findings constitute a further step toward improving our knowledge of mechanisms underlying SC activity in the SAO basin.
Robust Topological Feature against Non‐Hermiticity in Jaynes–Cummings Model
Authors: Ying Zu‐Jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Jaynes–Cummings Model (JCM) is a fundamental model and building block for light‐matter interactions, quantum information and quantum computation. The present work analytically analyzes the topological feature manifested by the JCM in the presence of non‐Hermiticity which may arise from dissipation and decay rates. Indeed, the eigenstates of the JCM are topologically characterized by spin windings in 2D plane. The non‐Hermiticity tilts the spin‐winding plane and induces an out‐of‐plane component, while the topological feature is maintained. In particular, besides the invariant spin texture nodes, the study reveals a non‐Hermiticity‐induced reversal transition of the tilting angle and spin winding direction with a fractional phase gain at gap closing, a partially level‐independent reversal transition without gap closing, and a completely level‐independent super‐invariant point with untilted angle and also without gap closing. The result demonstrates that the topological feature is robust against non‐Hermiticity, which may be favorable in practical applications. On the other hand, one may conversely make use of the disadvantageous dissipation and decay rates to reverse the spin winding direction, which may add a controlled way for topological manipulation of quantum systems in light‐matter interactions.
Perceived stress and personal growth following the transition to military service: The role of sense of coherence and perceived social support
Authors: Weiss‐Dagan Shlomit , Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRelying on personal growth and structuration theories, we aimed to examine the internal (sense of coherence/SOC and help‐seeking/HS) and external (perceived social support) resources that contribute to soldiers' personal growth following the transition to military service. We also investigated the role that perceived social support plays in moderating the relationship between SOC and personal growth, and between HS and personal growth. Two‐hundred‐and‐seventy‐one compulsory service soldiers (of whom 135 were men and 136 were women) completed self‐report questionnaires between 6 and 12 months post‐recruitment. The results showed both linear and curvilinear associations between soldiers' perceived stress and personal growth; SOC, HS, and perceived social support were positively correlated with personal growth; and perceived social support moderated both SOC and HS correlations with personal growth. Empirical evidence of personal growth in the transition to military service has been scant. Transitioning from civilian life to military service can be stressful and even traumatic but it can also provide opportunities for personal development. Our findings shed light on contributors to personal growth in the transition to military service, with both internal and external resources found to help one gain personal growth. It is evident that in order for soldiers to thrive, both perceived social support and active help‐seeking are key factors.
Autonomous Underwater Self‐Healable Adhesive Elastomers Enabled by Dynamical Hydrophobic Phase‐Separated Microdomains
Authors: Wu Xiankun , Li Min , Li Haonan , Gao Huihui , Wang Zhongkai , Wang Zhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHigh‐efficient underwater self‐healing materials with reliable mechanical attributes hold great promise for applications in ocean explorations and diverse underwater operations. Nevertheless, achieving these functions in aquatic environments is challenging because the recombination of dynamic interactions will suffer from resistance to interfacial water molecules. Herein, an ultra‐robust and all‐environment stable self‐healable polyurethane‐amide supramolecular elastomer is developed through rational engineering of hydrophobic domains and multistrength hydrogen bonding interactions to provide mechanical and healing compatibility as well as efficient suppression of water ingress. The coupling of hydrophobic chains and hierarchical hydrogen bonds within a multiphase matrix self‐assemble to generate dynamical hydrophobic hard‐phase microdomains, which synergistically realize high stretchability (1601%), extreme toughness (87.1 MJ m−3), and outstanding capability to autonomous self‐healing in various harsh aqueous conditions with an efficiency of 58% and healed strength of 12.7 MPa underwater. Furthermore, the self‐aggregation of hydrophobic clusters with sufficient dynamic interactions endows the resultant elastomer with effective instantaneous adhesion (6.2 MPa, 941.9 N m−1) in extremely harsh aqueous conditions. It is revealed that the dynamical hydrophobic hard‐phase microdomain composed of hydrophobic barriers and cooperative reversible interactions allows for regulating its mechanical enhancement and underwater self‐healing efficiency, enabling the elastomers as intelligent sealing devices in marine applications.
Anion/Cation Co‐Doping to Improve the Thermoelectric Performance of Sn‐Enriched n‐Type SnSe Polycrystals with Suppressed Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Nisar Mohammad , Abbas Adeel , Zhang Junze , Li Fu , Zheng Zhuanghao , Liang Guangxing , Fan Ping , Chen Yue‐Xing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnhancing the thermoelectric performance of n‐type polycrystalline SnSe is essential, addressing challenges posed by elevated thermal conductivity and compromised power factor inherent in its intrinsic p‐type characteristics. This investigation utilized solid‐state reactions and spark plasma sintering techniques for the synthesis of n‐type SnSe. A significant improvement in the figure of merit (ZT) is achieved through strategic reduction in Se concentration and optimization of crystal orientation. The co‐doping with Br and Ge further improves the material; Br amplifies carrier concentration, enhancing electrical conductivity, while Ge introduces effective phonon scattering centers. In the Br/Ge co‐doped SnSe sample, thermal conductivity dropped to 0.38 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, yielding a remarkable power factor of 662 µW mK−2 at 773 K, culminating in a ZT of 1.34. This signifies a noteworthy 605% improvement over the pristine sample, underscoring the pivotal role of Ge doping in enhancing n‐type material thermoelectric properties. The enhancement is attributed to Br doping introducing additional electronic states near the valence band, and Ge doping modifying the band structure, fostering resonant states near the conduction band. The Br/Ge co‐doping further transforms the band structure, influencing electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, advancing the understanding and application of n‐type SnSe materials for superior thermoelectric performance.
Rapid In‐Plane Pattern Growth for Large‐Area Inverse Replication Through Electrohydrodynamic Instability of Polymer Films
Authors: Park Hyunje , Hwang Jaeseok , Chae Heejoon , Kang Dae Joon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanopatterning driven by electrohydrodynamic (EHD) instability can aid in the resolution of the drawbacks inherent in conventional imprinting or other molding methods. This is because EHD force negates the requirement of physical contact and is easily tuned. However, its potential has not examined owing to the limited size of the pattern replica (several to tens of micrometers). Thus, this study proposes a new route for large‐area patterning through high‐speed evolution of EHD‐driven pattern growth along the in‐plane axis. Through the acceleration of the in‐plane growth, while selectively controlling a specific edge growth, the pattern replica area can be extended from the micro‐ to centimeter scale with high fidelity. Moreover, even in the case of nonuniform contact mode, the proposed rapid in‐plane growth mode facilitates uniform large‐scale replication, which is not possible in conventional imprinting or other molding methods.
Solution Processing Silicon Heterojunction Photocathode for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Li Yuexiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEfficient and stable photocathodes are crucial for the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting devices. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell is one of the most advanced photovoltaic cells. However, due to the instability of its outermost indium tin oxide (ITO) layers in the electrolyte, a protective layer needs to be introduced on its surface. Previously reported high‐quality protective layers almost all involved the use of expensive thin film manufacturing techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD). In this work, for the first time, a new strategy is proposed of modifying SHJ‐based photocathode with yttrium hydroxide (Y(OH)3) through two‐step solution methods to simultaneously improve the stability and activity. The optimized SHJ photocathode exhibits a high applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) of 8.4% under simulated 100 mW cm−2 (1 Sun) with an AM 1.5G filter in 0.5 m KOH. Furthermore, the obtained SHJ photocathode demonstrates excellent stability of at least 110 h at 0.3 V versus RHE. In this work, combining facile direct current magnetron sputtering with a solution treatment technique provides a novel design strategy, which lowers the threshold for preparing high‐quality protective layer, and paves the way for developing economic, efficient, and stable SHJ‐based PEC devices.
Spontaneous Rise of Hydrogen Microbubbles in Interfacial Gas Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kalita Kangkana , Zeng Binglin , You Jae Bem , Li Yifan , Moyo Anotidaishe , Xu Ben Bin , Zhang Xuehua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLiquid organic hydrogen carrier is a promising option for the transport and storage of hydrogen as a clean energy source. This study examines the stability and behavior of organic drops immobilized on a substrate during an interfacial hydrogen‐evolution reaction (HER) at the drop surface and its surrounding aqueous solution. Hydrogen microbubbles form within the drop and rise to the drop apex. The growth rate of the hydrogen in‐drop bubble increases with the concentration of the reactant in the surrounding medium. The drop remains stable till the buoyancy acting on the in‐drop bubble is large enough to overcome the capillary force and the external viscous drag. The bubble spontaneously rises and carries a portion drop liquid to the solution surface. These spontaneous rising in‐drop bubbles are detected in measurements using a high‐precision sensor placed on the upper surface of the aqueous solution, reversing the settling phase from phase separation in the reactive emulsion. The finding from this work provides new insights into the behaviors of drops and bubbles in many interfacial gas evolution reactions in clean technologies.
Heterostructures Assembled from Bi2O2CO3 and MXene for Boosted Potassium‐Ion Storage by Arousing the Built‐in Electric Field
Authors: Chen Song , Ma Heping , Du Yibo , Tian Miao , Wang Zhitao , Fan Shuang , Zhang Wenming , Yang Hui Ying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBismuth‐based materials have been recognized as the appealing anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the kinetics sluggishness and capacity decline induced by the structure distortion predominately retard their further development. Here, a heterostructure of polyaniline intercalated Bi2O2CO3/MXene (BOC‐PA/MXene) hybrids is reported via simple self‐assembly strategy. The ingenious design of heterointerface‐rich architecture motivates significantly the interior self‐built‐in electric field (IEF) and high‐density electron flow, thus accelerating the charge transfer and boosting ion diffusion. As a result, the hybrids realize a high reversible specific capacity, satisfying rate capability as well as long‐term cycling stability. The in/ex situ characterizations further elucidate the stepwise intercalation‐conversion‐alloying reaction mechanism of BOC‐PA/MXene. More encouragingly, the full cell investigation further highlights its competitive merits for practical application in further PIBs. The present work not only opens the way to the design of other electrodes with an appropriate working mechanism but also offers inspiration for built‐in electric‐field engineering toward high‐performance energy storage devices.
Characterizing Prion‐Like Protein Aggregation: Emerging Nanopore‐Based Approaches
Authors: Meyer Nathan , Torrent Joan , Balme Sébastien 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPrion‐like protein aggregation is characteristic of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This process involves the formation of aggregates ranging from small and potentially neurotoxic oligomers to highly structured self‐propagating amyloid fibrils. Various approaches are used to study protein aggregation, but they do not always provide continuous information on the polymorphic, transient, and heterogeneous species formed. This review provides an updated state‐of‐the‐art approach to the detection and characterization of a wide range of protein aggregates using nanopore technology. For each type of nanopore, biological, solid‐state polymer, and nanopipette, discuss the main achievements for the detection of protein aggregates as well as the significant contributions to the understanding of protein aggregation and diagnostics.
Hemicellulose‐Based Nanofibers Decorated In Situ with Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Onditi Mariah , Bosire Geoffrey , Changamu Evans , Ngila Catherine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere is growing evidence that composites made up of nanomaterials and plant extracts are effective in combating drug‐resistant pathogens, which are increasing globally. In this study, a hemicellulose extract from cactus pads (Opuntia ficus indica) is blended with poly(vinyl) acetate and electrospun into fine nanofibers. Further, the electrospun nanofibers are encapsulated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in situ, to form a nanocomposite, whose surface morphology are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images showed smooth nanofiber strands (average diameter = 240 nm), with AgNPs randomly dispersed on them. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite is tested against five bacterial species. The results obtained showed that the nanonomposite has strong inhibitory effects against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, whereas the pristine nanofibers showed minimal or no antibacterial activity. This study demonstrates i) successful electrospinning of hemicellulose extracts into fine nanofibers and ii) encapsulation with AgNPs to produce a rigid nanocomposite with antimicrobial characteristics for various applications, especially those that require protection against pathogenic bacteria.
Syntheses, Properties, and Applications of Aminated‐Starch: A Review
Authors: An Feng‐kun , Fu Zhen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBecause aminated‐starch (AS) is an important chemical modification strategy of starch, much research on AS has been carried out. The present review summarizes the main synthetic strategies for AS. This review also outlines the changes in starch properties due to amination. The effects of amination on particle morphology, crystallinity, thermal properties, adhesion, and cytotoxicity are specifically reviewed. The main applications of AS are also detailed, including adsorbent and nano‐loaded particles.
Chemical, Mechanical, and Wettability Properties of Bioplastic Material from Manihot esculenta Cassava–Chitosan Blends as Plastic Alternative
Authors: Albar Norashikin , Anuar Sabiqah Tuan , Azmi Alyza Azzura , Soh Siti Kamilah Che , Bhubalan Kesaven , Ibrahim Yusof Shuaib , Khalik Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd , Abdullah Nor Salmi , Yahya Nasehir Khan E.M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe extensive use and disposal of various petroleum‐derived plastics has become a major cause of environmental pollution. The urgent need for sustainable materials to address plastic waste have resulted in the production of biodegradable plastics. In this study, a biodegradable plastic film is produced by incorporating chitosan with starch from Malaysian cassava (Manihot esculenta), utilizing the multihydroxyl properties of cassava starch. The results show that the addition of chitosan as a filler in cassava starch improves the physicochemical properties of the material, producing a bioplastic film with high compressive strength and resistance to water molecules. The contact angle of the developed biopolymer has been improved – from θ = 67.4° to θ = 97.8° – with the addition of the –NH functional group in the molecule, as confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (v = 1555 cm−1). The tensile strength of bioplastic increases with chitosan content, proving its greater rigidity compared to bioplastic without chitosan. Additionally, the fastest biodegradation rate (9 days) occurs in the composition with high amounts of cassava in a ratio of 6:4 (cassava:chitosan). The bioplastic produced in this study readily decomposes in the environment, making it more sustainable, eco‐friendlier, and providing an alternative to mitigate the use of single‐use thermoplastics.
Photo‐enhanced uranium recovery from spent fuel reprocessing wastewater via S‐scheme 2D/0D C3N5/Fe2O3 heterojunctions
Authors: Meng Qi , Wu Linzhen , Yang Xiaoyong , Xiong Ying , Kong Fanpeng , Duan Tao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRe‐extracting environmentally transportable hexavalent uranium from wastewater produced by spent fuel reprocessing using the photocatalytic technology is a crucial strategy to avoid uranium pollution and recover nuclear fuel strategic resources. Here, we have designed S‐scheme 2D/0D C3N5/Fe2O3 heterojunction photocatalysts based on the built‐in electric field and the energy band bending theory, and have further revealed the immobilization process of hexavalent uranium conversion into relatively insoluble tetravalent uranium in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics. According to the results, the hexavalent uranium removal and recovery ratios in wastewater are as high as 93.38% and 83.58%, respectively. Besides, C3N5/Fe2O3 heterojunctions also exhibit satisfactory catalytic activity and selectivity even in the presence of excessive impurity cations (including Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, and Eu3+) or various organics (such as xylene, tributylphosphate, pyridine, tannic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acid). It is believed that this work can provide a potential opportunity for S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts to re‐enrich uranium from spent fuel wastewater.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 foam and SiO2@TiO2 core‐shell nanostructure for gnetin dye degradation from industrial effluent
Authors: Bora Neetu , Joshi Deepika P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe current study intends to create TiO2 foam, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), and SiO2@TiO2 core‐shell nanostructure (CSN) with improved photocatalytic durability for the quick degradation of the textile industrial water pollutant in the presence of sunlight. The sol‐gel, Stöber, and chemical co‐precipitation methods have been used to synthesize TiO2 foam, SiO2 NPs, and SiO2@TiO2 CSN. X‐ray diffraction results have revealed the anatase phase of TiO2 foam, the amorphous nature of SiO2 NPs, and the amorphous nature of SiO2@TiO2 CSN due to equal wt.% of SiO2 NPs and TiO2 foam at 300 K. Field emission scanning electron microscope images show that the TiO2 foam, SiO2 NPs, and SiO2@TiO2 CSN exhibit cluster sheets, spherical, and spherical raspberry‐like homogeneous morphology. The ultraviolet spectrum confirmed that the TiO2 foam and SiO2@TiO2 CSN have a band gap of 2.9 eV and 3.4 eV. SiO2@TiO2 CSN has been shown an excellent decomposition rate of water pollutants (gentian dye) in comparison to TiO2 foam due to their better‐absorbing nature. Both NPs and CSN employed in the breakdown of gentian dye have been recycled and their original characteristics are preserved. The proposed SiO2@TiO2 CSN has a higher potential for application in developing self‐cleaning, long‐lasting, and air‐purifying materials.