bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-Pandemic Challenges in Addressing Learning Gaps: Experiences of Teachers in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
Authors: Ondras Lucky B. , Alvero Jevanni R. 
Published: July 2023

Aims: This research focused on identifying challenges faced by public elementary and secondary school teachers after the pandemic, as they tried to address the learning gaps found among students and the potential risks these challenges posed to their learning.
Study Design: The study followed a qualitative approach, specifically utilizing a phenomenological design.
Place and Duration of Study: This was conducted in selected public elementary and secondary schools in Abuyog, Javier, and MacArthur Leyte while teachers were addressing learning gaps among students during the school year 2022.
Methodology: A total of 25 teachers from elementary and secondary schools willingly participated in the study through convenience sampling. Researchers employed a survey method using researcher-made semi-structured questionnaires distributed through Google forms and various social media platforms. Data analysis was conducted using the method of Colaizzi (1978).
Results: The findings revealed that elementary teachers faced challenges such as learners' lack of interest and attention, teachers overlapping tasks, the complexity of students' learning needs, and inadequate support from parents or guardians. Secondary school teachers encountered difficulties including students' low motivation, teachers’ overlapping tasks, insufficient administrative support, and the complexity of students' learning needs. These challenges were found to have potential risks to students' learning, impeding their learning progress and potentially leading to permanent disconnection from school.
Conclusion: This study concluded that teachers were struggling in addressing learning gaps among students after the pandemic. The need of allowing them to concentrate in teaching struggling learners must be given importance by school administrators. Strong collaboration between teachers, parents or guardians and other stakeholders in fostering student motivation to continue their education must also be prioritized.
Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use Among US Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 71 Years and Older
Authors: Reed Nicholas S. , Garcia-Morales Emmanuel E. , Myers Clarice , Huang Alison R. , Ehrlich Joshua R. , Killeen Olivia J. , Hoover-Fong Julie E. , Lin Frank R. , Arnold Michelle L. , Oh Esther S. , Schrack Jennifer A. , Deal Jennifer A. 
Published: July 2023

ImportanceNational prevalence estimates are needed to guide and benchmark initiatives to address hearing loss. However, current estimates are not based on samples that include representation of the oldest old US individuals (ie, aged ≥80 years), who are most at-risk of having hearing loss.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and hearing aid use by age and demographic covariates in a large, nationally representative sample of adults aged 71 years and older.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cohort study, prevalence estimates of hearing loss by age, gender, race and ethnicity, education, and income were computed using data from the 2021 National Health Aging and Trends Study. Survey weights were applied to produce nationally representative estimates to the US older population. Data were collected from June to November 2021 and were analyzed from November to December 2022.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCriterion-standard audiometric measures of hearing loss and self-reported hearing aid use.ResultsIn this nationally representative sample of 2803 participants (weighted estimate, 33.1 million individuals) aged 71 years or older, 38.3% (95% CI, 35.5%-41.1%) were aged 71 to 74 years, 36.0% (95% CI, 33.1%-38.8%) were aged 75 to 79 years, 13.8% (95% CI, 12.6%-14.9%) were aged 80 to 84 years, 7.9% (95% CI, 7.2%-8.6%) were aged 85 to 89 years, and 4.0% (95% CI, 3.5%-4.6%) were aged 90 years or older; 53.5% (95% CI, 50.9%-56.1%) were female and 46.5% (95% CI, 43.9%-49.1%) were male; and 7.5% (95% CI, 6.2%-8.7%) were Black, 6.5% (95% CI, 4.4%-8.7%) were Hispanic, and 82.7% (95% CI, 79.7%-85.6%) were White. An estimated 65.3% of adults 71 years and older (weighted estimate, 21.5 million individuals) had at least some degree of hearing loss (mild, 37.0% [95% CI, 34.7%-39.4%]; moderate, 24.1% [95% CI, 21.9%-26.4%]; and severe, 4.2% [95% CI, 3.3%-5.3%]). The prevalence was higher among White, male, lower-income, and lower education attainment subpopulations and increased with age, such that 96.2% (95% CI, 93.9%-98.6%) of adults aged 90 years and older had hearing loss. Among those with hearing loss, only 29.2% (weighted estimate, 6.4 million individuals) used hearing aids, with lower estimates among Black and Hispanic individuals and low-income individuals.Conclusions and RelevanceThese findings suggest that bilateral hearing loss is nearly ubiquitous among older US individuals, prevalence and severity increase with age, and hearing aid use is low. Deeper consideration of discrete severity measures of hearing loss in this population, rather than binary hearing loss terminology, is warranted.
Fractionation of Polymers
Authors: Lederer Albena , Ndiripo Anthony 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSynthetic and natural polymers exist in microstructural distributions, such as chain length, size, chemical composition, branching, tacticity, or comonomer sequence distributions. Polymer fractionation techniques are essential for the analysis of these distributions and help in understanding polymerization mechanisms and material properties.In this article, the theoretical basics of general fractionation approaches and specific fractionation techniques are discussed. Details are given on fractionation techniques for molar mass and chemical composition distribution analysis, such as temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF), crystallization analysis fractionation (CRYSTAF), or crystallization elution fractionation (CEF). In addition, column‐based and channel‐based fractionation methods are extensively discussed. Theoretical and practical aspects of the analysis of molar mass distributions using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as well as chemical composition distributions by interaction chromatography (SGIC, TGIC, LCCC) and multidimensional separations (2D‐LC) are reviewed and compared. General aspects and details on asymmetrical flow and thermal field flow fractionation techniques (AF4 and ThFFF) are discussed and examples of suitable physical and chemical detectors coupled to fractionation devices for the analysis of size, conformation, or chemical composition and topology are demonstrated.
Water Soluble Polymers
Authors: Vandenbrande Johanna A. , Brown James R. , Arrington Anastasia S. , Long Timothy E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWater‐soluble polymers (WSPs) represent a diverse class of macromolecules, and this diversity arises from the breadth of functionality derived from both natural and synthetic sources. Nature provides abundant WSPs through biosynthetic pathways in plants, animals, and fungi, and biological processes yield precisely controlled and well‐defined structures. Polymer chemists strive to develop synthetic methods that mimic the precision of natural processes. Monomers that are derived from petroleum feedstocks together with naturally sourced monomers provide a rich catalog of WSP precursors. Monomer structure, reactivity, concentration, sequence control, and reaction conditions influence polymeric microstructures, solubility, and aqueous solution structure. This article provides an overview of WSP fundamentals and highlights recent advancements in natural, nonionic, ionic, associative, and high‐performance WSPs. Recent advances in the design and performance of WSPs have critically improved the technological impact of filtration processes, water purification, drilling efficiency, and pharmaceutical applications. From modulating the rheological and filtration properties to establishing novel drug delivery systems through controllable self‐assembly, WSPs represent a critical enabling field for many emerging and diverse applications. WSPs will help to address many of the emerging challenges of our times, from energy generation and storage to water availability and next‐generation life‐saving medical technologies. This article will point to the potential impacts based on fundamental structure‐property‐processing relationships.
Genetics of Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Gofin Yoel , Scott Daryl A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common birth defect with significant morbidity and mortality. Neurodevelopmental phenotypes, other congenital anomalies and dysmorphic features often co‐occur with CDH. Genetic causes of CDH include chromosomal anomalies, copy number variants and single gene disorders. Incomplete penetrance is common with some syndromes having CDH as a major feature while other syndromes are associated with a low but increased risk of developing CDH. A molecular cause is identified more often in individuals with syndromic CDH than in individuals with isolated CDH, and recommendations for genetic testing differ between the two groups. Current CDH research is focused on identifying additional genes that cause CDH and determining the molecular mechanisms by which perturbations in these genes lead to abnormal diaphragm development.

Key Concepts

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Genetic causes of CDH include chromosomal anomalies, copy number variants and single gene disorders.

A genetic cause is more often identified in individuals whose CDH co‐occurs with other anomalies (syndromic CDH) than in individuals with isolated CDH.

Optimal genetic testing strategies vary between individuals with syndromic CDH and individuals with isolated CDH.

Further research is needed to identify additional
CDH
genes and to determine their mechanisms of action.
Interpretation of Missense Variants Found in Association with Cancer
Authors: Chiaraluce Roberta , Consalvi Valerio 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Dynamic changes in the genome characterise the onset, progression, diffusion and metastasis of cancer. Genomic changes may confer a growth advantage: gain of function mutations in oncogenes and loss of function in tumour suppressor may drive the tumour invasion and the loss of control mechanism in the hosts.
Genome instability and inflammation are at the basis of the genetic changes reported in the Cancer Genome Atlas during these last 20 years. Cancer genome landscape has been extensively analysed with the aim to distinguish, in the tumour samples, the cancer‐related mutations from those neutral or benign.
Studies in cancer tissues indicate that the somatic mutations observed effect from 33 to 66 genes and that 95% of these mutations are single‐nucleotide variants, mainly missense, or nonsynonymous variants, that is a single nucleotide substitution leads to a change in the protein sequence. The vast amount of data collected is not accompanied yet by a meaningful interpretation, and a linear connection between clinics and biological data is not even on the way.
We report on case studies of missense mutations in frequently mutated cancer genes, in relation to the effect of missense mutations on the protein structure, functions and stability.

Key Concepts

Cancer is a complex disease characterised by dynamic changes in the genome.

Germline and somatic protein variants are present in cancer.

Missense mutations in oncogenes or in tumour suppressor genes may promote uncontrolled cellular growth.

Missense mutations may affect protein structure, stability and function.

Structural and functional analysis of protein missense mutations in cancer may help in the development of personalised drugs.
Regulatory Genes in Plant Development: Homeobox
Authors: Nakayama Hokuto , Sinha Neelima R. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, numerous homeobox genes have been identified and their functions have been elucidated. Many studies in various plant species have revealed that
Knotted‐like homeobox
(
KNOX
) genes, the first identified
homeobox
gene in plants, play a profound role in shoot apical meristem organisation, maintenance, and leaf initiation. In addition to the
KNOX
gene, numerous other
homeobox
genes have been discovered (e.g.,
BEL1‐like homeodomain
,
Homeodomain leucine zipper
, and
WUSCHEL‐related homeobox
genes) and play important roles in plant development. Moreover, in recent years, it has become clear that the
homeobox
genes also contribute to morphological diversity in plants.

Key Concepts

Homeobox (HB) genes encode a subset of transcription factors that contain a homeodomain

In plants, several groups of HB genes (e.g.,
KNOTTED‐like homeobox
,
BEL1‐like homeodomain
,
Homeodomain leucine zipper
, and
WUSCHEL‐related homeobox
genes) have been shown to have a distinct role in the development.

The HB genes are involved in a wide range of developmental processes (e.g., stem cell maintenance in the SAM and floral meristems, cambium, and root meristem, leaf development, vascular development, embryo patterning, etc.).

Recent studies revealed that changes in HB genes led to leaf form diversification and that HB genes are involved in alteration in response to environmental changes in a single plant.
Is teacher preference associated with aggressive behavior among Chinese adolescents: The mediating role of peer rejection and rejection sensitivity
Authors: Yang Liu , Gao Ting , Xiong Yuke , Ren Ping 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFew studies have explored the potential impact of teacher preferences on students' peer relationships and their broader psycho‐behavioral growth from the perspective of classroom peer ecology. To remedy this research gap, this study hypothesized and tested a serial mediation model in which teacher preference is related to adolescents' aggressive behavior via the indirect paths of forming peer rejection and shaping rejection sensitivity. Using a longitudinal design, two‐wave data were obtained from 2270 Chinese adolescents (initial age = 13.93 ± 0.59, 50.7% boys) over 6 months. The results revealed that teacher preference was negatively associated with aggressive behavior in adolescents, and the mediation model indicated peer rejection and rejection sensitivity served as serial mediators between this link. Additionally, the current study examined the unique affiliations of anxiety and anger about rejection with aggressive behavior respectively, with results supporting them as distinct constructs and highlighting the significance of research integrating both forms of rejection sensitivity. Differences were also identified regarding the role of anxious rejection sensitivity in predicting proactive and reactive aggressive behaviors. The educational implications of these findings and directions for forthcoming research were discussed.
A quick guide on implementing and quality assuring 3D printing in radiation oncology
Authors: Ashenafi Michael , Jeong Seungkyo , Wancura Joshua N. , Gou Lang , Webster Matthew J. , Zheng Dandan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAs three‐dimensional (3D) printing becomes increasingly common in radiation oncology, proper implementation, usage, and ongoing quality assurance (QA) are essential. While there have been many reports on various clinical investigations and several review articles, there is a lack of literature on the general considerations of implementing 3D printing in radiation oncology departments, including comprehensive process establishment and proper ongoing QA. This review aims to guide radiation oncology departments in effectively using 3D printing technology for routine clinical applications and future developments. We attempt to provide recommendations on 3D printing equipment, software, workflow, and QA, based on existing literature and our experience. Specifically, we focus on three main applications: patient‐specific bolus, high‐dose‐rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy applicators, and phantoms. Additionally, cost considerations are briefly discussed. This review focuses on point‐of‐care (POC) printing in house, and briefly touches on outsourcing printing via mail‐order services.
Layered Materials in the Magnesium Ion Batteries: Development History, Materials Structure, and Energy Storage Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jiahe , Wang Xuemei , Li Hongfen , Zhang Hanfang , Zhang Yihe , Wang Ke 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLayered crystal materials have blazed a promising trail in the design and optimization of electrodes for magnesium ion batteries (MIBs). The layered crystal materials effectively improve the migration kinetics of the Mg2+ storage process to deliver a high energy and power density. To meet the future demand for high‐performance MIBs, significant work has been applied to layered crystal materials, including crystal modification, mechanism investigation, and micro/nanostructure design. Herein, this review presents a comprehensive overview of layered crystal materials applied to MIBs, from development history to current applications. It focuses on the relationship between the layered crystal structure and the energy storage mechanism. Meanwhile, recent achievements in the design principles of layered crystal materials and their application to electrodes are summarized. Finally, future perspectives on the application of layered materials in MIBs are presented. The overview of the development process and structural characteristics contributes to a thorough understanding of these materials, while a discussion of design strategies and practical applications can inspire further research. Therefore, this review provides guidance and assistance for constructing high‐performance MIBs.
Off‐Resonance Spin‐Locked Metasurfaces Empowered by Quasi‐Bound States in the Continuum for Optical Analog Computing
Authors: Yang Haochen , Chen Xuan , Wu Enzong , Tang Peng , Jing Liqiao , Gao Fei , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Zuojia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMetasurfaces with engineered phase discontinuity offer extra degrees of freedom to control the angular spectrum characteristics of light and can be used to construct planar metalenses with a variety of anomalous functionalities. Here, off‐resonance spin‐locked metasurfaces empowered by quasi‐bound states in the continuum are reported, in order to achieve a concept of hybridized analog computing over both frequency and angular spectrum domains. By introducing two types of asymmetric degrees, high‐quality resonance empowered by the symmetry‐protected bound states in the continuum emerges in an image‐coupled resonance system. Such high‐quality resonance can be excited in a broadband spin‐locked scattering spectrum, promising required functions for scalar multiplication and convolution operations. Off‐resonance meta‐splitter and meta‐deflector are experimentally implemented to verify the concept of hybridized analog computing in two domains, as well as providing an advantage of high robustness against scattering interference from environment. Optical spatial‐frequency processing by engineering the off‐resonance metasurfaces is also discussed. The findings provide an alternative approach toward optical analog computing over multi‐domains.
Metal‐Free Peroxidase‐Mimetic Nanocatalysts for Chemodynamic Vascular‐Disrupting Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Zihao , Zhou Chen , Zhou Yue , Su Shenge , Wang Chunru , Zhen Mingming 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMetal ion‐facilitated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an emerging method for treating cancer. However, its potential is hindered by its low catalytic performance in weakly acidic tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and the severe toxicity of free metal ions. A new approach to tumor therapy, chemodynamic vascular disruption (CVD), is introduced using metal‐free, peroxidase (POD)‐mimetic multihydroxylated [70] fullerene (MHF) nanocatalysts. The research shows that MHF contains C···O active sites, as demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and converts H2O2 into ∙OH across a pH range of 6.0–10.0. The generation of ∙OH and the dismantling of tumor blood vessels are observed in real‐time using mouse dorsal skin‐fold chamber (DSFC) models. Applying proteomics, it is discovered that the CVD mechanism involves the nanocatalytic MHF enhancing H2O2 decomposition in the TME, producing ∙OH. This damages tumor vascular endothelial junction proteins, causing vascular leakage and subsequently cutting off the vascular supply to the tumor cells. This method deviates from the traditional CDT that targets tumor cells. Instead, the proficient MHF nanocatalysts aim to directly disrupt the tumor vasculature, enhancing anti‐tumor efficiency without triggering harmful toxicity. The proposed CVD therapeutic strategy enhances the application of gentle carbon nanocatalysts in cancer therapy, offering new perspectives on nanocatalytic medicine.
Amphiphilic Cobalt Phthalocyanine Boosts Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Zhang Li‐Jun , Zhu Lei , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDue to the easy accessibility, chemical stability, and structural tunability of the macrocyclic skeleton, cobalt phthalocyanines immobilized on carbon supports offer an ideal research model for advanced electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO2RR). In this work, an amphiphilic cobalt phthalocyanine (TC‐CoPc) is loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotubes to reveal the roles of hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties on catalytic efficiency. Surprisingly, the resultant electrode exhibits a CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 95% for CO2RR with turnover frequency (TOF) of 29.4 s−1 at an overpotential of 0.585 V over long‐term electrolysis in a H‐type cell. In the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) device, the boosted transport of water vapor to the catalyst layer slows down carbonate crystallization and enhances the stability of the electrode, with FECO value of >99% over 27 h at −0.25 A, representing the best selectivity and stability among reported molecular catalysts in MEA devices. The amphiphilic cobalt phthalocyanine, which decreases interfacial charge and mass transfer resistance and maintains effective contact between active sites and the electrolyte, highlights the exceptional CO2 conversion from a molecular perspective.
Salt‐Induced High‐Density Vacancy‐Rich 2D MoS2 for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Man Ping , Jiang Shan , Leung Ka Ho , Lai Ka Hei , Guang Zhiqiang , Chen Honglin , Huang Lingli , Chen Tianren , Gao Shan , Peng Yung‐Kang , Lee Chun‐Sing , Deng Qingming , Zhao Jiong , Ly Thuc Hue 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEmerging non‐noble metal 2D catalysts, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hold great promise in hydrogen evolution reactions. The sulfur vacancy is recognized as a key defect type that can activate the inert basal plane to improve the catalytic performance. Unfortunately, the method of introducing sulfur vacancies is limited and requires costly post‐treatment processes. Here, a novel salt‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is demonstrated for synthesizing ultrahigh‐density vacancy‐rich 2H‐MoS2, with a controllable sulfur vacancy density of up to 3.35 × 1014 cm−2. This approach involves a pre‐sprayed potassium chloridepromoter on the growth substrate. The generation of such defects is closely related to ion adsorption in the growth process, the unstable MoS2‐K‐H2O triggers the formation of sulfur vacancies during the subsequent transfer process, and it is more controllable and nondestructive when compared to traditional post‐treatment methods. The vacancy‐rich monolayer MoS2 exhibits exceptional catalytic activity based on the microcell measurements, with an overpotential of ≈158.8 mV (100 mA cm−2) and a Tafel slope of 54.3 mV dec−1 in 0.5 m H2SO4 electrolyte. These results indicate a promising opportunity for modulating sulfur vacancy defects in MoS2 using salt‐assisted CVD growth. This approach represents a significant leap toward achieving better control over the catalytic performances of 2D materials.