bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2@CeO2 Hollow Structure through Synergetic Surface and Interface Engineering
Authors: Lin Chun‐Hsien , Chen Yi‐Che , Hsu Pei‐Kai , Gloter Alexandre , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Chen Chi‐Liang , Song Jenn‐Ming , Chen Shih‐Yun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, a synergetic structural design is developed to improve the photocatalytic performance of the sub‐micro core–shell hollow sphere (TiO2@H‐CeO2). TiO2@H‐CeO2 with maximum surface/interface effect is chosen as the substrate and then reacts with different concentrations of Ce(NO3)3·6H2O solutions. Optical properties analysis shows that after the reaction, the band gap of the composite structure and the electron–hole recombination efficiency both decrease while the photodegradation ability is effectively improved. Spectroscopic and microscopic observations reveal two changes in the structure after the reaction. The first is the deposition of CeO2 nanoparticles that can be observed inside and on the surface of the shell; the second is the doping of Ce3+ in the TiO2 nanoparticles of this shell. The deposition of CeO2 particles increases the interfacial area between the CeO2 and TiO2 and facilitates the corresponding charge transfer. The Ce3+ doping in the TiO2 shell changes the optical properties of TiO2. Therefore, the improved performance of the composite structure can be attributed to the synergy of different surfaces and interfacial effects caused by the reactions.
Using Unlabeled Information of Embryo Siblings from the Same Cohort Cycle to Enhance In Vitro Fertilization Implantation Prediction
Authors: Tzukerman Noam , Rotem Oded , Shapiro Maya Tsarfati , Maor Ron , Meseguer Marcos , Gilboa Daniella , Seidman Daniel S. , Zaritsky Assaf 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHigh‐content time‐lapse embryo imaging assessed by machine learning is revolutionizing the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the vast majority of IVF embryos are not transferred to the uterus, and these masses of embryos with unknown implantation outcomes are ignored in current efforts that aim to predict implantation. Here, whether, and to what extent the information encoded within “sibling” embryos from the same IVF cohort contributes to the performance of machine learning‐based implantation prediction is explored. First, it is shown that the implantation outcome is correlated with attributes derived from the cohort siblings. Second, it is demonstrated that this unlabeled data boosts implantation prediction performance. Third, the cohort properties driving embryo prediction, especially those that rescued erroneous predictions, are characterized. The results suggest that predictive models for embryo implantation can benefit from the overlooked, widely available unlabeled data of sibling embryos by reducing the inherent noise of the individual transferred embryo.
Highly Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries Enabled by an Ultrathin Crack‐Free Hydrophobic Layer with Rigid Sub‐Nanochannels
Authors: Xu Dongming , Ren Xueting , Xu Yan , Wang Yijiang , Zhang Shibin , Chen Benqiang , Chang Zhi , Pan Anqiang , Zhou Haoshen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAqueous zinc‐metal batteries (AZMBs) have received tremendous attentions due to their high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness, and simple process. However, zinc‐metal still suffer from uncontrollable dendrite growth and surface parasitic reactions that reduce the Coulombic efficiency (CE) and lifetime of AZMBs. These problems which are closely related to the active water are not well‐solved. Here, an ultrathin crack‐free metal–organic framework (ZIF‐7x‐8) with rigid sub‐nanopore (0.3 nm) is constructed on Zn‐metal to promote the de‐solvation of zinc‐ions before approaching Zn‐metal surface, reduce the contacting opportunity between water and Zn, and consequently eliminate water‐induced corrosion and side‐reactions. Due to the presence of rigid and ordered sub‐nanochannels, Zn‐ions deposits on Zn‐metal follow a highly ordered manner, resulting in a dendrite‐free Zn‐metal with negligible by‐products, which significantly improve the reversibility and lifespan of Zn‐metals. As a result, Zn‐metal protected by ultrathin crack‐free ZIF‐7x‐8 layer exhibits excellent cycling stability (over 2200 h) and extremely‐high 99.96% CE during 6000 cycles. The aqueous PANI‐V2O5//ZIF‐7x‐8@Zn full‐cell preserves 86% high‐capacity retention even after ultra‐long 2000 cycles. The practical pouch‐cell can also be cycled for more than 120 cycles. It is believed that the simple strategy demonstrated in this work can accelerate the practical utilizations of AZMBs.
In‐Depth Physical Mechanism Analysis of Polymer Artificial Optoelectronic Synapse with High Endurance and Applications of Visual System and Operant Conditioning
Authors: Qian Yangzhou , Li Jiayu , Shen Junhao , Ke Yunxin , Yu Songcheng , Li Wen , Xu Xiao , Ling Haifeng , Huang Wei , Yi Mingdong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBeing capable of dealing with both electrical signals and light, artificial optoelectronic synapses are considered to be an important cornerstone of neuromorphic computing. Here, an artificial optoelectronic synapse is reported through a simple solution process using organic poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and a remarkable analog switching characteristic similar to synaptic behavior is observed. The endurance and data retention capability of the P3HT‐based optoelectronic synapse exhibit stable characteristics up to 5000 consecutive cycles and 104 s. Through in‐depth physical mechanism analysis, it is confirmed that the analog switching characteristics of the device are mainly caused by a tunneling mechanism and space charge limited conduction. Furthermore, characterizations such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic layer deposition prove that the memristive properties of device can be attributed to ion migration. More importantly, the device can co‐modulate the optoelectronic signal and successfully implement a photo‐triggered multi‐signal mode response. Based on this, a 3 × 3 synapse array is developed to demonstrate the potential application of the proposed P3HT‐based optoelectronic synapse in constructing an artificial visual system. Finally, operant conditioning is successfully simulated in the synaptic device. This work provides a reference for the construction of optoelectronic synapses in the neuromorphic visual system.
Why Increased CdSeTe Charge Carrier Lifetimes and Radiative Efficiencies did not Result in Voltage Boost for CdTe Solar Cells
Authors: Kuciauskas Darius , Nardone Marco , Bothwell Alexandra , Albin David , Reich Carey , Lee Chungho , Colegrove Eric 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAfter a focused effort over the last decade, order‐of‐magnitude improvements in doping and electro‐optical characteristics (radiative efficiency, carrier lifetime, and passivation) have been reported for polycrystalline CdSeTe solar cells. Surprisingly, this did not result in higher solar cell voltages regardless of device contacting layers, absorber grading profiles, and other changes in device architecture. From detailed evaluation of radiative emission and carrier dynamics in CdSeTe heterostructures and devices, it is shown that the complexity introduced to the absorber to achieve lifetime and passivation metrics resulted in charge carrier trapping, which now negatively affects CdSeTe absorbers. It is found that the defects with activation energy Ea ≈ 0.14‐0.22 eV dominate radiative emission and carrier dynamics in undoped CdSeTe, and electronic potential fluctuations with the amplitude γ ≈ 45–60 meV are present in As‐doped CdSeTe/CdTe. Because of potential fluctuations, radiative voltage is reduced by ≈ −100 mV, to = 1020‐1050 mV (for 1.4 eV bandgap). For record‐efficiency solar cells with VOC ≥900 mV, radiative and nonradiative recombination voltage losses are comparable, and future research needs to focus on reducing dopant compensation which causes potential fluctuations. This represents a paradigm shift for CdTe solar cells, with non‐radiative bulk recombination no longer representing a dominant voltage loss pathway.
The effects of different biochar‐dairy manure co‐composts on soil moisture and nutrients retention, greenhouse gas emissions, and tomato productivity: Observations from a soil column experiment
Authors: Thao Touyee , Harrison Brendan P. , Gao Si , Ryals Rebecca , Dahlquist‐Willard Ruth , Diaz Gerardo C. , Ghezzehei Teamrat A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFinding feasible solutions for sustainable food production is challenging. Here we try to understand the balance between crop productivity and ecological stewardship using agroecological‐based soil management strategies. We evaluated the potential of different organic materials such as dairy manure compost and different biochar manure co‐composts, derived locally from agricultural wastes, to enhance soil ecosystem services. We assessed their potential impact on soil moisture and nutrient retention, greenhouse gas emissions, and crop productivity using data collected from an outdoor tomato column study. Results from the experiment showed potential of biochar co‐composts to positively affect soil health by lessening loss of essential nutrients such as NO3−‐N and NH4+‐N, sustained tomato yield, and uphold crop water use efficiency. However, yield response to soil organic amendment is constrained by external factors such as irrigation strategies, with treatments under deficit irrigation greatly impacted. Overall, we observed a positive effect of adding biochar manure co‐composts to soil, although best management practices are needed to optimize crop productivity and avoid unintentional consequences.
Visually assessed body condition shows high heritability in a pedigreed great ape population
Authors: Torfs Jonas R. R. , Eens Marcel , Laméris Daan W. , Stevens Jeroen M. G. , Verspeek Jonas , Guery Jean‐Pascal , Staes Nicky 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBody condition, a measure for relative fat mass, is associated with primate health, fitness, and overall welfare. Body condition is often influenced by dietary factors, age, and/or sex, but several body condition measures (body weight, weight‐to‐height ratios, and so on) also show high heritability across primate species, indicating a role of genetic effects. Although different measures for body condition exist, many require direct handling of animals, which is invasive, time‐consuming, and expensive, making them impractical in wild and captive settings. Therefore, noninvasive visual body condition score (BCS) systems were developed for various animal species, including macaques and chimpanzees, to visually assess relative fat mass. Here we evaluate the utility of a visual BCS system in bonobos by assessing (1) inter‐rater reliability, (2) links with body mass, a traditional hands‐on measure of condition, and (3) the factors driving individual variation in BCS. We adapted the chimpanzee BCS system to rate 76 bonobos in 11 European zoos (92% of the adult population). Inter‐rater reliability was high (s* = 0.948), BCSs were positively associated with body mass (β = 0.075) and not predicted by diet, sex, or age, nor were they associated with a higher abundance of obesity‐related diseases. Instead, BCSs showed high levels of heritability (h2 = 0.637), indicating that a majority of body condition variation in bonobos is attributable to genetic similarity of the individuals. This is in line with reported h2‐values for traditional body condition measures in primates and provides support for the reliability of visual BCS systems in great apes. The results of this study emphasize an often unanticipated role of genetics in determining primate body fat and health that has implications for the management of captive primates. Application of this tool in wild populations would aid to unravel environmental from genetic drivers of body condition variation in primates.
Postnatal growth restriction impairs rat lung structure and function
Authors: Zhao James , Ballard Craig , Cohen Adrienne J. , Ringham Ben , Zhao Brooke , Wang Haimei , Zuspan Katie , Rebentisch Andrew , Locklear Brent A. , Dahl MarJanna , Maschek J. Alan , Cox James E. , Joss‐Moore Lisa A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe negative impact of nutritional deficits in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia is well recognized, yet mechanisms by which nutrition alters lung outcomes and nutritional strategies that optimize development and protect the lung remain elusive. Here, we use a rat model to assess the isolated effects of postnatal nutrition on lung structural development without concomitant lung injury. We hypothesize that postnatal growth restriction (PGR) impairs lung structure and function, critical mediators of lung development, and fatty acid profiles at postnatal day 21 in the rat. Rat pups were cross‐fostered at birth to rat dams with litter sizes of 8 (control) or 16 (PGR). Lung structure and function, as well as serum and lung tissue fatty acids, and lung molecular mediators of development, were measured. Male and female PGR rat pups had thicker airspace walls, decreased lung compliance, and increased tissue damping. Male rats also had increased lung elastance, increased lung elastin protein abundance, and lysol oxidase expression, and increased elastic fiber deposition. Female rat lungs had increased conducting airway resistance and reduced levels of docosahexaenoic acid in lung tissue. We conclude that PGR impairs lung structure and function in both male and female rats, with sex‐divergent changes in lung molecular mediators of development.
Liposomal formulation of model pentathiepin improves solubility and stability toward glutathione while preserving anticancer activity
Authors: Napierkowski Martin , Janke Una , Rong Alena , Delcea Mihaela , Bandaru Siva Sankar M. , Schulzke Carola , Bednarski Patrick J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe biological properties of pentathiepins have been attracting increased attention in recent years. Experiments have shown a wide range of effects of pentathiepins in vitro, such as induction of apoptosis and alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential in cancer cells, and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, for example, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1). Biological evaluation is sometimes limited due to low aqueous solubility, high lipophilicity, and poor stability toward thiols, for example, glutathione (GSH). To assess whether liposomes are suitable as drug carriers to overcome these drawbacks, a model pentathiepin was formulated in a liposomal preparation. The success of loading liposomes with pentathiepins was evaluated by using ultraviolet‐visible light (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Through inclusion into 100‐nm‐sized 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine liposomes, the aqueous solubility of a representative pentathiepin could be increased by several orders of magnitude to ca. 400 µM. The stability of the pentathiepin in the presence of GSH was increased fourfold as determined by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. In antiproliferation experiments with two human cancer cell lines, no decrease in potency in the liposomal loaded pentathiepin compared to the free pentathiepin was found. In conclusion, liposomes are a suitable carrier for pentathiepins and improve both solubility and stability in the presence of thiols without compromising anticancer activity.
Toxicity and teratogenicity effects of valproic acid on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos in relation to autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Saleh Hodin Nur Atikah , Chong Siok Geok , Bakar Noraini Abu , Fahmi Muhammad Syafiq Akmal Mohd , Ramlan Nurul Farhana , Hamid Nik Nur Aini Zulaikha Zulkifli , Fadzar Muhammad Syuqor Iqbal Mohd , Zulkifli Abdul Rahman , Norazhar Anis Irfan , Mastuki Siti Nurulhuda , Faudzi Siti Munirah Mohd , Ibrahim Wan Norhamidah Wan , Azmai Mohammad Noor Amal 
Published: July 2023

AbstractValproic acid (VPA) is a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug with various medicinal efficacies. Accumulated evidence implied that prenatal exposure to VPA is highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, the zebrafish were exposed to a set of VPA concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 μM) at 5 h post fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf. The adverse effects of VPA were extensively studied through the evaluations on the mortality, heartbeats, spontaneous tail coiling, and hatching rate. Morphological observations were conducted at 120 hpf, following the exposure termination. Basic locomotor responses and anxiety‐like behavioral alterations evaluated for behavioral impairments are the hallmark feature of ASD. The exposure to VPA at teratogenic concentrations reduced the aforementioned parameters in a dose‐dependent manner (p ≤ .05). At the selected non‐teratogenic concentrations of VPA, the treated larvae demonstrated profound alterations of basic locomotor responses. No significant changes of anxiety and thigmotactic behaviors were observed on the VPA‐treated fish compared to the control (p ≥ .005). This study depicted that embryonic zebrafish exposure to VPA produced significant toxicity and teratogenicity effects as well as the alterations of basic behavioral responses. Overall, this study provides a fundamental insight of the toxicity effects at morphological and behavioral levels to facilitate the understanding of ASD mechanisms at different molecular levels.
Health‐related quality of life and medication adherence of people living with epilepsy in Pakistan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tanveer Maria , Tahir Azhar Hussain , Iqbal Mansoor , Aslam Faiza , Ahmed Ali 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe primary purpose of this study was to determine adherence and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in PWE. Secondary aims were to assess association between adherence and HRQoL and determine predictors of HRQoL in PWE in Pakistan.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among PWE receiving treatment from two tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. The HRQoL and adherence were assessed with Urdu versions of Quality of Life in Epilepsy‐31 (QOLIE‐31), and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Relationship between HRQoL and adherence was assessed by Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficient. Forced entry multiple linear models were used to determine relationship of independent variables with HRQoL.Results219 PWE with a mean (±standard deviation) age, 34.18 (± 13.710) years, participated in this study. The overall weighted mean HRQoL score was (51.60 ± 17.10), and mean score for adherence was 6.17 (± 2.31). There was significant association between adherence and HRQoL in PWE (Pearson's correlation = 0.820–0.930;p ≤ .0001). Multiple linear regression found adherence (B = 16.8;p ≤ .0001), male gender (B = 10.0;p = .001), employment status (employed:B = 7.50;p = .030), level of education (Tertiary:B = 0.910;p = .010), duration of epilepsy (>10 years:B = –0.700;p ≤ .0001), and age (≥46 years:B = –0.680;p ≤ .0001), and ASM therapy (polypharmacy:B = 0.430;p = .010) as independent predictors of HRQoL in PWE from Pakistan.ConclusionsThe findings suggest PWE from our center have suboptimal adherence which affects HRQoL. Independent factors such as male gender, employment status and duration of epilepsy are predictors of HRQoL.
Spanish validation of short‐form version of Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) and Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS)
Authors: Collado Fernando , Martínez Julia , Cangas Adolfo J. , Trigueros Rubén 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe evidence shows that a greater understanding of mental health and the myths about suicide is related to a reduction in these types of problems.ObjectiveValidate the Literacy of Suicide Scale—Short Form (LOSS‐SF) and the Stigma of Suicide Scale—Short Form (SOSS‐SF) for Spain.Materials and methodsBoth scales were translated to Spanish via backward translation. The sample was comprised of a total of 466 participants, of which 169 (36.2%) were men and 297 (63.6%) were women through nonrandom circumstantial sampling. The questionnaires were administered online. To test the factorial structure and evaluate reliability, both an EFA and an AFC were conducted. In addition, the reliability of the questionnaires was analyzed using the Omega coefficient and Cronbach's alpha. Finally, a linear regression analysis was carried out with the aim of testing the predictability of the scales.Results and discussionThe results obtained reveal acceptable fit indices and a factorial structure similar to that of the validation conducted for both instruments in other countries. The validity of these instruments for use in Spain is discussed.
Linking business models and digital technologies through integrated reporting
Authors: De Nicola Manuel , Maurizi Anna Maria , Mercuri Francesco , Paolone Francesco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWithin the 4.0 paradigm, the disruptive adoption of digital technologies is modifying the way companies develop business and manage the relationships within and across their business environment. Although several scholarly contributions have investigated how digital transformation (DT) and business models (BMs) influence each other, a research gap has emerged regarding the relevance attributed to the DT information disclosed in the section of the integrated reports (IRs) devoted to BM. This research investigates the role that reporters attribute to DT by exploring whether and how companies qualify DT as part of their BM and whether it is considered a purely structural factor or a strategic factor able to influence the relationship with stakeholders and the value‐creation process. Based on a content analysis of 48 integrated reports for the years 2020 and 2021, our research insights qualify DT as a driver capable of generating impacts on companies' ecosystems, although the findings do not reveal the adoption of quantitative and forward‐looking information to disclose the relationship between DT and BM. Moreover, our research provides managerial implication in terms of reporting and communication effectiveness, and it is unique and valuable, as it opens up a new line of research on IR and DT.
Blended learning for engineering education 4.0: Students' perceptions and their learning difficulties
Authors: Low Min Chi , Lee Chen Kang , Sidhu Manjit Singh , Lim Seng Poh , Hasan Zaimah , Lim Seng Chee 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEngineering education plays a vital role in nurturing high‐quality engineers to meet the demands of the industry. The advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has provided greater potential as a supporting tool in engineering education. Previous research has emphasized the need to further investigate the learning difficulties faced by engineering students to enhance their learning experience. Although the implementation of blended learning using the flipped classroom approach has gained popularity in tertiary education, there is a lack of research on students' perception of this approach in engineering education. This exploratory study focuses on the Engineering domain, specifically investigating students' learning difficulties in Mechanics Dynamics and their attitudes toward blended learning using the flipped classroom approach in engineering education. Using data collected from 121 students at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia, this study employed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to analyze the data. Three models related to students' learning difficulties were proposed based on the outcomes of exploratory factor analysis. The results indicate that students encountered difficulties in learning Mechanics Dynamics, particularly in visualizing concepts and solving problems involving three dimensions. The findings and analysis demonstrate significant results (p < .05), supporting the hypotheses of the three proposed models. Additionally, the majority of students (66.1%) exhibited a positive attitude toward the use of the flipped classroom approach in engineering courses. The research findings serve as a preliminary requirement for the development of a software prototype to investigate the efficacy of the flipped classroom approach in engineering courses.