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Photo- and Electrocatalytic Dual-Layer Cathode Facilitating Zn Peroxide Chemistry in Near-Neutral Zn–Air Batteries

Optical Waveguiding Charge-Transfer Cocrystals: Examining the Impact of Molecular Rotations on Their Photoluminescence

Elucidating Gas Reduction Effects of Organosilicon Additives in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence in India: Trends, patterns, and determinants

Women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence are a major determinant of the likelihood of their exposure to physical intimate partner violence. In this study, we scrutinize the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the National Family Health Survey using descriptive analyses and logistic regression models to understand the trends, patterns, and drivers of women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence across various demographic and socioeconomic groups in India. Our findings reveal a noticeable decline in the level of women’s acceptability of physical intimate partner violence over the past 15 years, albeit at a slow pace. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the acceptability of physical intimate partner violence is more prevalent among women from demographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes women who marry at a young age, have no formal education, are exposed to interparental violence, belong to lower caste or tribal communities, exhibit poor wealth status, and reside in rural areas. The findings suggest a need for targeted policy interventions focusing on enhancing educational opportunities and promoting socioeconomic equity, particularly within demographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Hydrophobic Metal–Formate Composites for Efficient CO₂ Capture

Evaluation of long lasting insecticidal nets in experimental huts and WHO PQT/VCP compliance: A systematic review

Malaria control in highly endemic regions relies heavily on vector control tools, particularly LLINs. The effectiveness of LLINs varies by eco-epidemiological conditions and brands. A comprehensive review of WHO interim-approved LLIN brands is necessary to address this variability. This systematic review screened 145 articles, refining them to 27 eligible publications, to assess the efficacy of WHO-recommended LLINs, focusing on synthetic pyrethroids and synergists like Piperonyl Butoxide or Pyriproxyfen. The review demonstrated that LLINs impregnated with synthetic pyrethroids, especially when used with synergists, are more effective than regular LLINs. However, adherence to WHO PQT/VCP (World Health Organization Prequalification Unit/Vector Control Product) checklists was inconsistent. Several LLIN pairs which includes candidate and comparator nets showed equal efficacy (100% in both arms), including Olyset Plus vs. Olyset Net, DuraNet vs. PermaNet 3.0, Interceptor G2 vs. Interceptor, MagNet vs. DuraNet, Dawa Plus 3.0 vs. Dawa Plus 2.0, and Veerralin vs. PermaNet 3.0 in terms of mosquito mortality. Significant efficacy differences were noted between various bed net pairs: Interceptor vs CTN (RR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.28-1.66); Olyset Net Duo vs Olyset Net (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18); ICON Maxx vs CTN polyester (RR: 7.7, 95% CI: 3.6-16.31); Dawa Plus 3.0 vs Dawa Plus 2.0 (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.15); Interceptor G2 vs Interceptor G1 (RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96). These findings inform the development of improved net designs and ensure alignment with WHO guidelines, enhancing vector control measures. The review supports improved malaria control strategies and sustained LLIN utilization, highlighting the need for LLIN manufacturers to align with WHO guidelines.

Theory-Guided Design of N-Confused Porphyrinic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Supporting islet function in a PVDF membrane based macroencapsulation delivery device by solvent non-solvent casting using PVP

Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients are life-long dependent on insulin therapy to keep their blood glucose levels under control. An alternative cell-based therapy for exogenous insulin injections is clinical islet transplantation (CIT). Currently the widespread application of CIT is limited, due to risks associated with the life-long use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of donor cells. An immunoprotective macroencapsulation device can protect allogeneic islet cells against the host immune system and allow exploring extrahepatic transplantation sites. We report on the characterization and creation of porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane-based devices intended for islet and beta-cell transplantation. We hypothesize that by incorporating polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) into a PVDF solution the permeability of PVDF membranes for insulin and glucose can be improved by solvent-non solvent casting to create submicrometer porous films. We show that the use of water-soluble PVP, can significantly increase glucose diffusion through these membranes while still having the ability to block immune cells from migrating through these membranes. Human donor islets loaded into devices made from these thin PVDF/PVP membranes showed a 92 ±  4% viability after 8 days similar to their free-floating counterparts. The glucose responsiveness of human donor islets encapsulated inside PVDF/PVP membrane-based devices was significantly improved compared to islets seeded in devices made from PVDF membranes without PVP, with a stimulation index of 3.2 for PVDF/PVP devices and 1.3 for PVDF-alone devices at day 8. Our data show that by addition of PVP as pore forming agent during membrane fabrication at a specific ratio the diffusion characteristics can be tuned such that human islet function in these closed macrodevices, can be kept at the same level as non-encapsulated islets, while the membrane can still serve as a protective barrier preventing the entry of primary human macrophages and damaging beta cells.

Sequential Charge Transfer and Magnetic Ordering in Quasi-One-Dimensional Antiferromagnet CrSbS₃

Utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods and associated factor among women of reproductive age in East Africa: A multi-level analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys

Background Comprehensive family planning is essential for reproductive health, allowing individuals to make informed choices about family size and enhancing maternal and child health. Long-acting contraceptives (LACs) are known for their high efficacy and consistent use. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of LAC utilization among women of reproductive-age in 11 East African countries. Methods Secondary data from Demographic and Health Surveys (2015-2022) across 11 East African nations were pooled and analyzed. The study sample included 144,414 women aged 15–49. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted using Stata 17 to explore factors associated with LAC utilization. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR), with statistical significance at p <  0.05. Results The prevalence of LAC utilization among reproductive-age women in East Africa is 14.87%. Women from middle-income households are 13% more likely to utilize LACs compared to those from poor households (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.18), while those from wealthy households are 15% more likely (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11–1.20). Married women and those living with a partner are 42% more likely to utilize LACs than unmarried women (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.33–1.52). Educational attainment significantly impacts LAC utilization: women with primary education are 52% more likely (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.44–1.60), those with secondary education are 63% more likely (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53–1.73), and women with higher education are twice as likely to utilize LACs (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.84–2.17). Conclusions LAC utilization remains relatively low in the studied East African countries. Factors positively associated with higher LAC utilization include being married, higher income, educational attainment, employment, and media exposure. Additionally, women with more than three children and those from countries with lower illiteracy and poverty rates also have higher LAC utilization. Conversely, a history of abortion, fewer health fieldworker visits, and later initiation of sexual activity and childbirth are associated with lower LAC utilization. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to overcome barriers and promote LAC access and utilization.

Preparation of Dual-Asymmetric Acceptors via Selenium Substitution Combined with Terminal Group Optimization Strategy for High Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

Sustainable visions: unsupervised machine learning insights on global development goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations outlines 17 goals for countries of the world to address global challenges in their development. However, the progress of countries towards these goal has been slower than expected and, consequently, there is a need to investigate the reasons behind this fact. In this study, we have used a novel data-driven methodology to analyze time-series data for over 20 years (2000–2022) from 107 countries using unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques. Our analysis reveals strong positive and negative correlations between certain SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Our findings show that progress toward the SDGs is heavily influenced by geographical, cultural and socioeconomic factors, with no country on track to achieve all the goals by 2030. This highlights the need for a region-specific, systemic approach to sustainable development that acknowledges the complex interdependencies between the goals and the variable capacities of countries to reach them. For this our machine learning based approach provides a robust framework for developing efficient and data-informed strategies to promote cooperative and targeted initiatives for sustainable progress.

Impact of chemical fertilizer and composts application on growth and yield of rice in Northeast India

Velocity of Sargassum migration in the Caribbean observed with Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel 2 A/B imagery

Imagery from Landsat 8/9 (L89) and Sentinel-2 A/B (S2) was employed to monitor the velocity migration of Sargassum aggregations. The displacement characteristics of these aggregations offer insights that can inform the formulation of preventive strategies and the planning of harvesting operations for the floating biomass. Images L89 and S2 are sometimes acquired the same day and a few minutes apart. Sargassum landmark identification was performed manually on enhanced RGB composite images using quotient indices. A review of images between 2019 and 2023 was performed to select rafts that were distinguishable in both images. Geographic positions were recorded to determine traveled distance, direction, and speed. Pairs of 279 rafts were found on 21 coincident dates. Ninety eight percent of Sargassum rafts traveled between 200 m and 1700 m in a time frame of 14 to 26 minutes with an average speed of 0.63 m/s, a standard deviation of 0.24 m/s, a minimum of 0.15 m/s, and a maximum of 1.40m/s. Dominant directions were 34% NW, 23% WNW, 14% NNW, 14% W and 6% N. HYCOM ocean currents showed a positive correlation with Sargassum drift, and translation rates are also consistent with surface drifter data. The use of L89 and S2 satellite imagery as an early warning system, in conjunction with current and wind data, may help anticipate the arrival of Sargassum in coastal areas.

Conformational ensembles for protein structure prediction

Abstract Acquisition of conformational ensembles for a protein is a challenging task, which is actually involving to the solution for protein folding problem and the study of intrinsically disordered protein. Despite AlphaFold with artificial intelligence acquired unprecedented accuracy to predict structures, its result is limited to a single state of conformation and it cannot provide multiple conformations to display protein intrinsic disorder. To overcome the barrier, a FiveFold approach was developed with a single sequence method. It applied the protein folding shape code (PFSC) uniformly to expose local folds of five amino acid residues, formed the protein folding variation matrix (PFVM) to reveal local folding variations along sequence, obtained a massive number of folding conformations in PFSC strings, and then an ensemble of multiple conformational protein structures is constructed. The P53_HUMAN as a well-known protein and LEF1_HUMAN and Q8GT36_SPIOL as typical disordered proteins are token as the benchmark to evaluate the predicted outcomes. The results demonstrated an effective algorithm and biological meaningful process well to predict protein multiple conformation structures.

Enantioselective Multicomponent Electrochemical Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

Analysis of the release pattern of floral aroma components of Rhus chinensis based on HS-SPME-GC-MS technique

Rhus chinensis, a native plant species of China, possesses significant economic value in the ornamental sector. This study investigates the floral fragrance components and release patterns of R. chinensis, thus providing a theoretical foundation for the utilization of its floral fragrance. Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and chemometrics were used in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to identify the essential components of the floral aroma during the budding, blooming, and withering stages of R. chinensis. The important components of the aroma were also indicated by using the Variable Importance Projections (VIP) and Kruskal-Wallis nonparameters (P). The floral scent components of R. chinensis were abundant; 91 and 84 types of floral compounds were found throughout varying flowering seasons and daily patterns, respectively. The primary compounds responsible for flower odors were terpenes, representing over 70% of the floral aroma. Significant fluctuations were observed in the composition of 18 essential scent components and 21 chemicals, with daily variations observed in various flowering stages. The types of floral scent substances continued to rise during the flowering process; however, the relative concentrations of the floral aroma components of R. chinensis initially climbed and then fell, reaching 3.60μg/g at the full flowering stage and only 2.40μg/g after the withering stage. In the course of the daily shift, the release amount increased during the day compared to the night, peaking at 4.80μg/g. The substance type reached its greatest point at 12:00, making the circadian rhythm change rule evident. This study provides a reference for the further development and utilization of the flower fragrance of R. chinensis.

Elevated urinary phytoestrogens are associated with delayed biological aging: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

Cobalt-Doped Ru@RuO₂ Core–Shell Heterostructure for Efficient Acidic Water Oxidation in Low-Ru-Loading Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers

The causal effects of inflammatory bowel disease on its ocular manifestations: A Mendelian randomization study

Background Observational studies have shown that ocular manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are common extraintinal manifestations, among which iridocyclitis, scleritis and episcleritis are the most common. However, whether there is a causal relationship between the two is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the causality of IBD on ocular manifestations using the mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods We performed a two-sample MR analysis with public genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. Eligible instrumental variables (IVs) were selected according to the three assumptions of MR analysis. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was the main method. Complementary methods included the MR-Egger regression, the Weighted Median, the Weighted Mode and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods. Results After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, genetically predicted IBD (IVW OR =  1.184, 95% CI: 1.125-1.247, P_FDR <  0.001), Crohn’s disease (CD, IVW OR =  1.082, 95% CI: 1.033-1.133, P_FDR =  0.007) and ulcerative colitis (UC, IVW OR =  1.192, 95% CI: 1.114-1.275, P_FDR <  0.001) were associated with an increased risk of iridocyclitis. Moreover, IBD (IVW OR =  1.128, 95% CI: 1.064-1.196, P_FDR =  0.001), CD (IVW OR =  1.077, 95% CI: 1.026-1.131, P_FDR =  0.019) and UC (IVW OR =  1.153, 95% CI: 1.069-1.243, P_FDR = 0.003) were associated with a higher risk of uveitis (uveitis includes iridocyclitis). Further sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the above associations. However, IBD and its subtypes were not associated with scleritis, episcleritis, optic neuritis and corneal disease. Results of complementary methods were generally consistent with those of the IVW method. Conclusions Our study revealed genetically predicted associations of IBD, CD and UC on iridocyclitis and uveitis in European populations. However, IBD, CD, and UC are not causally related to scleritis, external scleritis, optic neuritis, and corneal disease.