bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass production of crystalline silicon solar cells with polysilicon‐based passivating contacts: An industrial perspective
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Dumbrell Robert , Li Wenqi , Xu Menglei , Yan Di , Jin Jingsheng , Wang Zhao , Zheng Peiting , Liu Changming , Yang Jie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSilicon solar cells that employ passivating contacts featuring a heavily doped polysilicon layer on a thin silicon oxide (TOPCon) have been demonstrated to facilitate remarkably high cell efficiencies, amongst the highest achieved to date using a single junction on a silicon substrate. Importantly, it has been shown that the polysilicon‐based passivating contacts have a high degree of compatibility with existing mass production processes and toolsets, making them an attractive choice for photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturers to increase the efficiency of their products. With several large PV manufacturers recently announcing plans to push the TOPCon technology into mass production, we review the significant industrial research and development activities that have been undertaken to push the boundaries of the technology and optimise its integration into the existing mass production pipeline. From an industrial perspective, TOPCon fabrication methodology options as well as necessary technological advances in front‐side fabrication, cell metallisation and module integration are discussed. The TOPCon technology development is contextualised in terms of larger trends in PV manufacturing, and we look towards the direction of future industrial development.
Effects of the β‐heteroatom and leaving group on neighbouring group participation in the gas phase: A density functional theory study
Authors: Brydon Samuel C. , White Jonathan M. , O'Hair Richard A. J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObservation of the [M + H]+ ion in electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for either product identification or further unimolecular reactivity studies is not always guaranteed. When a suitable donor is β to a good leaving group such as protonated alcohols, neighbouring group participation (NGP) is one process that can lead to facile in‐source decomposition leading to three‐membered ring product ions. In this study, lone pair rich heteroatoms are explored computationally as donors for the intramolecular displacement of either water or ammonia in protonated 2‐heteroethanols and ethanamines, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that for the halogens (Cl, Br and I) both the loss of water and ammonia are overall endothermic processes with modest barriers for the 2‐haloethanol fragmentation by NGP. The chalcogens (S, Se and Te) displayed a significant shift with the loss of water becoming exothermic and the enthalpic barrier approximately zero in most cases leading to little [M + H]+ ion observation. The loss of ammonia remained endothermic for both the chalcogens (S, Se and Te) and pnictogens (P, As and Sb), but the 2‐pnictoethanol fragmentation showed mixed results as two pathways were accessible due to the increased s character of the pnictogen lone pair. Examination of the donor–acceptor interactions by natural bond orbital (NBO) theory reflected an increase in the heteroatom lone pair participation at the transition state, but that stabilisation due to the polarisable CX bond dominated and should not be discounted in processes believed to proceed by nonvertical neighbouring group participation.
E‐Government maturity assessment: Evidence from Greek municipalities
Authors: Patergiannaki Zoi , Pollalis Yannis 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSeveral e‐Government maturity models have been developed throughout the years to assess the progress of e‐Government. This diversity of models has drawn some criticism in terms of their similarity, oversimplicity, one‐sided view and the characteristics incorporated in their stages. The goal of this study is to explore if a simple e‐Government maturity model can capture e‐Government progress and if operations can be classified into phases to give a realistic view of e‐Government. An adapted version of the United Nations e‐Government maturity model was used to assess the portals of the 50 largest municipalities of Greece. The factors influencing the e‐Government maturity development are examined through ordinal regression. The findings suggest that e‐Government maturity models have limited ability to capture the e‐Government development as it may not be considered linear. Municipal authorities have taken steps towards e‐Government, however, they are missing functionalities that are at the core of digital transformation. Finally, the findings indicate, that factors such as population, political ideology of the ruling party, budget and the mayor's gender have limited role in predicting the e‐Government maturity in the cases examined.
Variability and genetic determinants of cocoa aromas in trees native to South Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Colonges Kelly , Loor Solorzano Rey Gastón , Jimenez Juan‐Carlos , Lahon Marie‐Christine , Seguine Edward , Calderon Darío , Subia Cristian , Sotomayor Ignacio , Fernández Fabián , Lebrun Marc , Fouet Olivier , Rhoné Bénédicte , Argout Xavier , Costet Pierre , Lanaud Claire , Boulanger Renaud 
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact StatementRecent surveys conducted on Amazonian cocoa trees in their home range are a unique opportunity to assess the aromas, diversity and potential of the Ecuadorian Amazon to create new aromatic cocoa varieties. Our results reveal informations about the diversity and genesis of aromas in Ecuadorian fine cocoa. The great aromatic diversity could enrich cocoa flavour selection programmes and provide Amazonian populations with new income linked to aromatic varieties, which could lead to a ‘grand cru’ chocolate. Until now, breeding programmes have been mainly focused on improving characteristics for production, but in recent years cocoa quality has been increasingly examined to meet market expectations.Summary

Ecuador is known worldwide for its fine or flavour cocoa from the Nacional variety. Currently, farmers mainly grow the modern Nacional variety of cocoa trees (hybrids between the ancestral Nacional and Trinitario) while the ancestral Nacional variety tends to be neglected. In order to enlarge the genetic resources related to this ancestral variety, several surveys were carried out in its area of origin located in the South Ecuadorian Amazonia.
The 202 trees resulting from these surveys were genotyped using GBS (Genotyping By Sequencing) markers and their dried‐fermented beans were characterised for both their aromatic volatile compounds and sensorial quality. A genome wide association study (GWAS) was carried out with the aim to study the genetic and biochemical bases of the aroma traits of this population and to better exploit them in breeding programmes.
Some association areas and candidate genes related to spicy and woody aromas were found for the first time in Theobroma cacao. Some association areas and candidate genes related to floral and fruity aromas common to other studies were identified.
Our results support the hypothesis that aroma formation may be related to a defence reaction to biotic and abiotic stresses generated by the fermentation process.
Identification of the Degradation Products from α‐Tocopherol Used as Stabiliser in “Green” Propellants through its Lifetime
Authors: Damseaux Caroline , Scholl Georges , Damblon Christian , Dejeaifve Alain , Dobson Rowan , De Pauw Edwin , Eppe Gauthier 
Published: September 2022

AbstractStabilisers are added to gun and rocket propellants to react with species responsible for nitrate ester degradation during storage. The degradation products can be toxic and therefore harmful. There is a need to replace such stabilisers by “green” molecules and to study their degradation patterns through ageing. Propellant powders must remain chemically stable for a minimum of ten years when stored at temperatures equivalent to 25 °C [1]. α‐Tocopherol is a natural product that has been known for decades in other fields (Vitamin E) such as the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. It can act as a ‘green’ stabiliser” for smokeless powders because its heat flow is stable over time. In this paper, we characterise its stabilisation mechanism by identifying its main degradation products that could form within the propellant in an oxidising environment and in the presence of nitric acid. Liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) separations are performed in order to dissociate the compounds formed during ageing. Compounds are then analysed by APCI‐timsTOF to obtain the molecular ion masses and then perform fragmentation spectra (MS/MS) to characterise their structure. In addition, using preparative HPLC‐UV, the degradation products are collected and analysed by NMR, with the aim of identifying the molecules. These identification methods help to unravel the stabilisation mechanism under accelerated ageing conditions. A time‐related fluctuation of the degradation products amounts is also observed, which indicates that the decomposition products also have a stabilisation effect. The three major α‐tocopherol degradation products are identified as: 2,3‐epoxy‐α‐tocopherylquinone, 5,6‐epoxy‐α‐tocopherylquinone and α‐tocored.
Malawi polio outbreak: What next?
Authors: Kazanga‐Chiumia Isabel , Nayupe Symon Fidelis , Kazanga Betty , Munharo Steven , Patel Parth , Jassi Phatisan Bango , Phuka John 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSince, the last polio case was in 1992, health authorities in Malawi declared an outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) on 17 February 2022. A 3‐year‐old girl was diagnosed with WPV1 in the country's capital, Lilongwe, after getting paralyzed by the virus in November 2021. The re‐emergence of polio presents a new public health challenge that Malawi must respond to avoid the further spread of the virus within and outside the country. With an ongoing Coronavirus disease (Covid‐19) pandemic, responding to polio could be a challenge as the healthcare system is already challenged with responding to the pandemic. Frequent cross‐border movement in the region also poses another challenge, particularly in the background of poor vaccination coverage and poor‐quality vaccines. We recommend the development of a risk assessment plan that will guide in implementing vaccination campaigns. Additionally, polio surveillance programmes must be put in place with strong political, stakeholder and community engagement.
A rapid high‐precision analytical method for triple oxygen isotope analysis of CO2 gas using tunable infrared laser direct absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Perdue Nathan , Sharp Zachary , Nelson David , Wehr Rick , Dyroff Christoph 
Published: September 2022

RationaleThe simultaneous analysis of the three stable isotopes of oxygen—triple oxygen isotope analysis—has become an important analytical technique in natural sciences. Determination of the abundance of the rare 17O isotope in CO2 gas using magnetic sector isotope ratio mass spectrometry is complicated by the isobaric interference of 17O by 13C (13C16O16O and 12C16O17O, both have mass 45 amu). A number of analytical techniques have been used to measure the 17O/16O ratio of CO2 gas. They either are time consuming and technically challenging or have limited precision. A rapid and precise alternative to the available analytical methods is desirable.MethodsWe present the results of triple oxygen isotope analyses using an Aerodyne tunable infrared laser direct absorption spectroscopy (TILDAS) CO2 analyzer configured for 16O, 17O, and 18O combined with a custom gas inlet system. We evaluate the sensitivity of our results to a number of parameters. CO2 samples with a wide range of δ18O values (from −9.28‰ to 39.56‰) were measured and compared to results using the well‐established fluorination‐gas source mass spectrometry method.ResultsThe TILDAS system has a precision (standard error, 2σ) of better than ±0.03‰ for δ18O and ±10 per meg for Δ′17O values, equivalent to the precision of previous analytical methods. Samples as small as 3 μmol CO2 (equivalent to 300 μg CaCO3) can be analyzed with a total analysis time of ~30 min.ConclusionsWe have successfully developed an analytical technique for the simultaneous determination of the δ17O and δ18O values of CO2 gas. The precision is equal to or better than that of existing techniques, with no additional chemical treatments required. Analysis time is rapid, and the system is easily automated so that large numbers of samples can be analyzed with minimal effort.
Testosterone and Covid‐19: An update
Authors: Yassin Aksam , Shabsigh Ridwan , Al‐Zoubi Raed M. , Aboumarzouk Omar M. , Alwani Mustafa , Nettleship Joanne , Kelly Daniel 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThere is overwhelming evidence to suggest that male gender is at a higher risk of developing more severe Covid‐19 disease and thus having poorer clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between testosterone (T) and Covid‐19 remains unclear with both protective and deleterious effects on different aspects of the disease suggested. Here, we review the current epidemiological and biological evidence on the role of testosterone in the process of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and in mediating Covid‐19 severity, its potential to serve as a biomarker for risk stratification and discuss the possibility of T supplementation as a treatment or preventative therapy for Covid‐19.
The Prominent Motif of the Leaving Group in Chemical and Biological Processes of Phosphonoesters: Understanding the Behavior of V‐type Nerve Agents
Authors: Elias Shlomi , Columbus Ishay , Shoshanim Ofir , Mizrahi Dana , Chen Ravit , Yehezkel Lea , Ghindes‐Azaria Lee , Ashkenazi Nissan , Zafrani Yossi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe solvolysis of the extremely toxic nerve agent VX and its derivatives ((OEt)MeP(O)LG, LG is leaving group), promoted by nucleophiles such as fluoride, hydroxide/water or methoxide/methanol, revealed major differences in both reaction rates and products distribution. To rationalize these differences, which are of high relevance for different issues such as toxicity, persistence and decontamination of V‐type nerve agents, we conducted a combined experimental and computational (DFT) study on a series of derivatives in which only the LG was varied (O/S, N/C and more replacements). Experimentally, a high dependence of these solvolysis reactions on the LG's nature, mainly its pKa value and the presence of β‐amine moiety was observed. The DFT calculations showed that the transition states energies for P‐LG bond cleavage, by fluoride or hydroxide are roughly similar for P−S scission while for P−O cleavage sharp difference was observed in favor of hydroxide. This LG′s effect was also found to be an important determinant in biochemical processes as shown by the relative phosphonylation rates and toxicity of the described V‐type nerve agents and analogues.
Surface Engineering of Ni wires and Rapid Growth Strategy of Ni‐MOF Synergistically Contribute to High‐Performance Fiber‐Shaped Aqueous Battery
Authors: Gong Jiaxu , Luo Weige , Zhao Yang , Wang Jiaheng , Wang Shuai , Hu Cunhai , Yang Junxiao , Dai Yatang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe fiber‐shaped aqueous battery (FSAB) has the advantages of flexibility, portability and safety making it promising for energy storage applications. In particular, FSABs based on metal wire current collectors with good electrical conductivity can provide excellent energy storage properties. However, the low adhesion caused by the smooth surface of the metal wire and the unavailability of many electrochemically active materials for use in FSAB is holding back their development. Herein, a substrate is effectively constructed for the strongly applicable growth of the active material via a Ni wire etching strategy. In addition, core‐shell structured nanorod arrays consisting of NiCo2O4 and Ni‐metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are constructed, where Ni‐MOF can be obtained rapidly via β‐Ni(OH)2 intermediates. The NCO/NM‐15 electrode obtained by structural regulation exhibits high capacity and outstanding cycling stability. De calculations further demonstrate that the formation of NiCo2O4 and Ni‐MOF heterostructures results in a significant increase in the Fermi level leading to more active internal electrons, which facilitates electron transfer in electrochemical reactions. An assembled FSAB device can provide an energy density of 158.33 µWh cm−2 and the devices can provide power for a calculator and an electronic watch screen, demonstrating a wide application prospect in the field of energy storage.
Decentralized identifier based illegal digital content distribution tracking system using the format‐preserving encryption algorithm
Authors: Kwon Soonhong , Park Jaehyoung , Lee Taeyang , Oh SungHeun , Lee Jong‐Hyouk 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe coronavirus pandemic, which first began in December 2019, has completely changed our daily lives. In particular, daily online digital content consumption over the world has soared since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. For preventing illegal digital content distribution, various technologies have been applied, but current copyright protection technologies are still lacking to provide secure digital content distribution while preserving privacy. In this article, we introduce a new digital content distribution system, which utilizes blockchain‐based decentralized identifier and format‐preserving encryption to enable user privacy preserved digital content tracking. We present the system architecture with detailed message flows of the proposal and provide its analysis result in terms of security and overhead.
Dutch veterinary graduates leaving practice: A mixed‐methods analysis of frequency and underlying reasons
Authors: Sonneveld Danse , Goverts Yvonne , Duijn Chantal C. M. A. , Camps Guido , Bougie Roger , Mastenbroek Nicole J. J. M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the frequency of veterinarians graduated between 2009 and 2019 in the Netherlands leaving practice, their reasons for leaving and the relative importance of these reasons.MethodsStudy 1 (focus group sessions,n= 14) of this project was aimed at defining the reasons Dutch veterinarians have for leaving veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. In study 2, the frequency of veterinarians leaving veterinary practice and the relative importance of the reasons for leaving identified in study 1 were investigated through a cross‐sectional digital survey. A career in veterinary practice was defined as working in first‐ or second‐line veterinary practice. Leaving practice was defined as ending employment in veterinary practice.ResultsThe results of study 1 yielded 20 reasons given by veterinarians to leave veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. One of the reasons obtained by this study was not mentioned in literature before: leaving veterinary practice as a pre‐planned career path. Study 2 demonstrated that the mean percentage of respondents from graduation years 2009 to 2014 who left practice within 5 years of graduation was 16.8%. The most important reasons respondents gave for this career move were poor work–life balance, excessive workload, insufficient remuneration and perceived lack of employer support.ConclusionA substantial number of veterinarians leave veterinary practice within 5 years of graduation. The most important reasons for this decision are excessive job demands or insufficient job resources. Furthermore, these reasons are a result of negative experiences regarding organisation of work, management and remuneration.
Roles of minor spliceosome in intron recognition and the convergence with the better understood major spliceosome
Authors: Ding Zhan , Meng Yan‐Ran , Fan Yu‐Jie , Xu Yong‐Zhen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCatalyzed by spliceosomes in the nucleus, RNA splicing removes intronic sequences from precursor RNAs in eukaryotes to generate mature RNA, which also significantly increases proteome complexity and fine‐tunes gene expression. Most metazoans have two coexisting spliceosomes; the major spliceosome, which removes >99.5% of introns, and the minor spliceosome, which removes far fewer introns (only 770 at present have been predicted in the human genome). Both spliceosomes are large and dynamic machineries, each consisting of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and more than 100 proteins. However, the dynamic assembly, catalysis, and protein composition of the minor spliceosome are still poorly understood. With different splicing signals, minor introns are rare and usually distributed alone and flanked by major introns in genes, raising questions of how they are recognized by the minor spliceosome and how their processing deals with the splicing of neighboring major introns. Due to large numbers of introns and close similarities between the two machinery, cooperative, and competitive recognition by the two spliceosomes has been investigated. Functionally, many minor‐intron‐containing genes are evolutionarily conserved and essential. Mutations in the minor spliceosome exhibit a variety of developmental defects in plants and animals and are linked to numerous human diseases. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of minor splicing, compare currently known components of the two spliceosomes, survey minor introns in a wide range of organisms, discuss cooperation and competition of the two spliceosomes in splicing of minor‐intron‐containing genes, and contributions of minor splicing mutations in development and diseases.This article is categorized under:
RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs
RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry
Phylogenies in yeast species descriptions: In defense of neighbor‐joining
Authors: Lachance Marc‐André 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe neighbor‐joining (NJ) method of tree inference is examined, with special attention to its use in yeast species descriptions. How the often‐vilified method works is often misunderstood. More importantly, given the right kind of data, its output is a phylogram that illustrates a hypothetical phylogeny that is just as credible as that obtained by any other method. And as with any other method, the result is greatly affected by sampling intensity, particularly the number of aligned positions used for analysis. I address various allegations, including the claim that the method is phenetic, and, therefore, not phylogenetic. I argue that NJ is the most suitable tree inference method to use in yeast species descriptions, primarily because it is best at visually preserving the extent of sequence divergence between close relatives, which continues to be the primary criterion for yeast species delineation. The relevance of bootstraps in the application of the phylogenetic species concept is discussed.
3D printing MOFs‐based fiber electrodes: A novel platform as electrochemical sensors for heavy metal ions
Authors: Li Yanping , Wan Yating , Wang Yafei , Zhang Yan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPb2+ probes play an important part in environments and human health. We developed a new free‐standing electrochemical probe by 3D printing UiO‐66‐NH2 with @rGO. This free‐standing fiber electrochemical sensor exhibited good structural stability and Pb2+ sensing performance with enhanced conductivity. This MOFs‐based hybrid probe showed an excellent sensing sensitivity for Pb2+ with a very low detection limit of 0.041 μM, significantly lower than the standard for Pb2+ in drinking water as a result of the porous structure of UiO‐66‐NH2 and the good conductivity of rGO. This study highlighted a simple strategy for MOFs‐based hybrid sensor formation and accelerated the MOFs‐based materials for Pb2+ electrochemical detection in future practical applications.