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Background Methods Results Conclusions Medical diagnosis plays a critical role in our daily lives. Every day, over 10 billion cases of both mental and physical health disorders are diagnosed and reported worldwide. To diagnose these disorders, medical practitioners and health professionals employ various assessment tools. However, these tools often face scrutiny due to their complexity, prompting researchers to increase their experimental parameters to provide accurate justifications. Additionally, it is essential for professionals to properly justify, interpret, and analyse the results from these prediction tools.This research paper explores the use of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in developing Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS). These systems are capable of diagnosing and detecting patterns of various medical disorders. Various machine learning algorithms contribute to building these assessment tools, with the Network Pattern Recognition (NEPAR) algorithm being the first to aid in developing CDSS. Over time, researchers have recognised the value of machine learning‐based prediction models in successfully justifying medical diagnoses.The proposed CDSS models have demonstrated the ability to diagnose mental disorders with an accuracy of up to 89% using only 28 questions, without requiring human input. For physical health issues, additional parameters are used to enhance the accuracy of CDSS models.Consequently, medical professionals are increasingly relying on these machine learning‐based CDSS models, utilising these tools to improve medical diagnosis and assist in decision‐making. The different cross‐validation values are considered to remove the data biasness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intramedullary nail (IMN) and plate fixation are the most commonly used surgical modalities for distal tibia fractures. However, the superiority of their efficacy regarding functional outcomes and complications remains controversial. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of these two modalities. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of IMN and plate fixation in distal tibia fractures were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library up to January 31, 2024. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a random-effect model for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. Results: A total of 20 RCTs comprising 1528 patients were included. Compared with plate fixation, IMN significantly shortened surgery time (WMD=-10.73 min, 95%CI: -15.93 to -5.52), union time (WMD=-1.56 weeks, 95%CI: -2.82 to -0.30), and partial (WMD=-1.71 weeks, 95%CI: -1.91 to -0.43) and full (WMD=-2.61 weeks, 95%CI: -3.53 to -1.70) weight-bearing time. IMN was associated with markedly reduced risk of wound infection (OR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.31–0.63) and secondary procedures (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.55–0.95), but increased the risk of malunion (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.02–2.30) and anterior knee pain (OR = 3.94, 95%CI: 1.68–9.28). The rates of nonunion, delayed union, and functional assessment scores did not significantly differ between the two groups. The percentages of patients obtaining an excellent functional outcome or an excellent and good functional outcome post-operation were comparable. Conclusions: Both IMN and plate fixation are effective modalities for the surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures. IMN seems to be preferred since it confers more advantages, but the elevated rates of malunion and knee pain require attention. The decision on fixation modality should be tailored to the specific fracture, considering these pros and cons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the propagation characteristics of a detonation wave in a narrow gap, the detonation processes of a stoichiometric ethylene-oxygen mixture were studied at different initial pressures in narrow gaps ranging 1.0–4.0 mm in height. Flame propagation through the narrow gap was observed with a high-speed camera, and the trajectories of triple points on the detonation waves were obtained using a soot-deposition plate. The results showed that both higher initial pressure p 0 and lower narrow gap height h could accelerate the deflagration-to-detonation transition process and determine how the detonation wave propagates, e.g., galloping detonation, stuttering detonation, and stable detonation. To attain unstable detonation propagation, the corresponding range of initial pressures increased with decreasing height of the narrow gap. A smaller height of the narrow gap led to a higher initial pressure threshold corresponding to the detonability limit. This could be determined by the range of h / λ ; the onset of galloping detonation occurred when 0.17 < h / λ < 0.27 . Since the effect of the boundary layer on detonation propagation could not be neglected in narrow gaps, the velocity deficits were relatively large compared with those from a large scale channel. It was found that the velocity deficits were inversely proportional to the narrow gap height and initial pressure, and the relation between them was obtained by fitting the experimental data, i.e., Δ D = 0.65 h - 0.8 p 0 - 0.5 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of microencapsulation techniques that can microencapsulate a wide variety of aqueous phases with different functions can greatly promote the advancement of microcapsule-based functional materials. Herein, a novel microencapsulation technique to microencapsulate aqueous phases with different functions was successfully established based on the inverse emulsion. Using pure water as the targeting core, the shell formation mechanism was carefully studied for this microencapsulation technique. Different cross-linkers, including glycerol, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) with multiple reactive hydrogen atoms, were adopted to adjust the microcapsule quality. It finds that the microcapsules have relatively low quality when no cross-linker was used, and that they became robust when cross-linked agents were adopted. Importantly, the higher the functionality of the cross-linker, the better the impermeability of the microcapsules shell to retain the core content. This technique was applied to microencapsulate common compounds of different nature in the laboratory, including water-soluble organics, water-soluble inorganics, and water-based dispersions, to demonstrate its versatility. It shows that the technique can microencapsulate a wide variety of water-soluble/dispersible substances except for the inorganic strong acid. The established technique opens a window to fabricate high-quality microcapsules containing aqueous phases with diversified functions, promoting the development of microcapsule-based functional materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite without methylammonium and/or Cs cations is considered the most promising candidate for perovskite photovoltaics. However, the crystallization of photoactive α‐FAPbI3 requires high‐temperature annealing (≥150 °C) and a controlled humidity environment when methylammonium‐containing additives are absent. A methylammonium‐free ink is reported that enables low‐temperature (≤80 °C) crystallization of photoactive α‐FAPbI3 films, while also demonstrating compatibility with blade‐coating large‐area films in ambient air. The synergistical effects of methylphenyl sulfoxide and PbCl2 facilitate the formation of an intermediate phase of nanoscale‐disordered δ‐FAPbI3, which dramatically reduces the crystallization temperature of α‐FAPbI3 down to 80 °C and even below. The 80 °C crystalized α‐FAPbI3 exhibits reduced strain and improved uniformity compared to high‐temperature annealed counterparts. The synthesized ink and the corresponding intermediate precursor film are also found remarkably stable, allowing open‐air processing without the need for humidity control. Highly efficient n–i–p structured α‐FAPbI3 minimodules can be fabricated under an ambient environment RH 50% with the ink at 80 °C, achieving a power conversion efficiency of up to 22.4%. The discovery of the low‐temperature FAPbI3 ink paves a new avenue for printing perovskite solar cells and associated optoelectronic applications, accelerating the commercialization progress of perovskite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling nickel particle size and inhibiting coke deposition on the supported catalyst are enormous challenges. To solve these problems, La-doped nickel-based catalysts using MCM-41 as the support were prepared via the radio frequency (RF) plasma-enhanced method. The Ni–La–Imp–P catalyst with a smaller nickel particle size, higher nickel dispersion, and a stronger metal–support interaction possessed more surface adsorbed oxygen than the conventional Ni–La–Imp catalyst, which was beneficial for the formation of more active Ni sites and enhanced the catalytic performance. In particular, the Ni–La–Imp–P catalyst showed excellent resistance to carbon deposition, and the carbon weight loss of the spent catalyst was only 5.94%, which was much less than those of conventional Ni–La–Imp (18.49%) and Ni–La–Sol (12.60%) catalysts. Nickel nanoparticles can effectively inhibit the growth of the carbon chain or the formation of the C–C bond to cover the surface site of Ni–La–Imp–P, thus reducing the formation of graphitic carbon and realizing the directional conversion of C (CH4 and CO2). Hence, the Ni–La–Imp–P catalyst activated by plasma proved to be a new method for enabling resistance to carbon deposition in dry reforming of methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An instant p-doping strategy employing 4-tert-butyl-2-chloropyridine and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate for the spiro-OMeTAD hole-transport layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is proposed to replace the conventional 4-tert-butylpyridine-doped HTL. The novel doping process eliminates the formation of pores in the HTL. Meanwhile, a 21.4% efficiency is achieved on the corresponding absolute methylammonium-free PSCs with significantly improved thermal and moisture stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deficiency of hydroxyl in ethanol impregnation method for dry reforming of methane (DRM) resulted in poor activity and stability. A new cold H 2 -plasma activation technique was proposed to enhance the performance of ethanol impregnation catalyst. Nickel catalysts (NM-EA-PH) supported on MCM-41 were prepared and activated by cold H 2 -plasma. And its structure and catalytic performances were evaluated. The BET results revealed that the addition of ethanol significantly reduced the effect of plasma on the carrier MCM-41. The ethanol-coupled H 2 -plasma treatment effectively reduced the nickel particles, and the particle size of NM-EA-PH catalyst was only 7.4 nm, which was 10.8 nm smaller than that of MCM-41 loaded nickel catalyst (NM-C) prepared by conventional impregnation method and activated by conventional roasting (18.2 nm), and enhanced Ni-carrier interaction. Consequently, the catalyst NM-EA-PH had high initial activity with excellent stability, with a low carbon deposition (1.72%) after 20 h of continuous reaction at 700 °C, which was 25.57% less than that of NM-C (27.29%) catalyst. This study introduces a new approach by exploring the effect of plasma-assisted ethanol impregnation method on developing high-performance catalysts. [Display omitted] • Modification of nickel-based catalysts by ethanol coupled H 2 plasma for the first time. • The addition of ethanol inhibited the destruction of the support by the plasma. • The size effects and SMSI were significant for DRM reaction. • The NM-EA-PH catalyst exhibited the highest activity and coke resistance than that of the NM-C catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain boundaries of metal halide perovskites contain massive defects that are detrimental to photovoltaics applications. This work demonstrates that inorganic NH4NO3 can selectively passivate the grain boundaries of perovskite films and improve their moisture resistance simultaneously, resulting in enhanced performance and stability of the methylammonium-free perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies revealed that changing the electrode structures of a gallium arsenide photoconductive semiconductor switch (GaAs PCSS) can significantly affect the local electric field and current density at the electrodes. Knowing the optimization of the electrode structures of GaAs PCSS can improve the withstand voltage performance and current carrying capability. In this work, we optimize the surface contact electrode structure of GaAs PCSS, and numerical simulations are performed to systematically study the electric field and current density distribution in the bulk of the device. The result shows that the maximum transverse current density and maximum longitudinal current density of the embedded 172° isosceles trapezoid electrode structure are smaller than other kinds of electrode structures, which is the most favorable for improving the withstand voltage and current carrying capability of GaAs PCSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted with sugarcane monoculture under 100% nitrogen fertilization (500 kg N ha−1 year−1, N500) and sugarcane/soybean intercropping under 100% (SN500), 80% (SN400), 60% (SN300), and 40% (SN200) nitrogen fertilizers application. Soil fungal abundances in SN500 and SN400 were significantly higher than those in N500 throughout sugarcane growth period and significantly higher than those in SN300 and SN200 at jointing and ripening stages, possibly because of increased carbon and nitrogen substrates. The variations in alpha diversity index in fungal community composition for SN500 and SN400 were more stable across stages than those for other treatments. At tillering stage, sugarcane/soybean intercropping significantly enhanced the relative abundances of Talaromyces and Trichoderma, which help protecting against phytopathogens, and significantly decreased the percentages of potential phytopathogens of Fusarium and Curvularia, compared to monoculture. Additionally, compared with N500, SN500, and SN400 significantly increased the percentages of Trechispora across stages, which favor plant growth, and significantly decreased the percentages of Fusarium at jointing and ripening stages and Curvularia at jointing stage. However, relative to N500, SN300, and SN200 significantly decreased the percentages of Talaromyces at jointing stage, and SN200 significantly raised the percentages of Curvularia at jointing and ripening stages. FUNGuild-based predictions showed that SN500 and SN400 presented the lowest percentages of phytopathogens among treatments and enhanced the percentages of endomycorrhizal fungi compared with N500 across stages. In conclusion, nitrogen application can be reduced to 400 kg N ha−1 year−1 in sugarcane/soybean intercropping, which facilitates soil health improvement by ameliorating fungal community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of calcium chloride (CaCl2) in coal seams on the rheological property of a foam fracturing fluid, the guar powder was used as a foam stabilizer, and the anionic and cationic surfactants were used as foaming agents. The impact of CaCl2 concentrations on the foaming volume, half-life, viscosity, and surface tension of foam was investigated. The results show that CaCl2 has a more significant effect on the foaming amount and foam stability of the anionic surfactant-prepared foam. When the concentration of CaCl2 exceeds 0.25%, the viscosity of the base fluid shows a downward trend and gradually tends to a stable level below 10 mPa s. The foam half-life increases as the shape parameter an in the gamma function increases and decreases as the scale parameter b increases. The effect of CaCl2 on the bubble size of the anionic surfactant foam fracturing fluid is significantly greater than that of the cationic surfactant foam fracturing fluid. For coal reservoir foam fracturing, a foaming agent with better CaCl2 compatibility should be employed to reduce the influence of CaCl2 in the formation water on fracturing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Methylammonium-Free Ink for Low-Temperature Crystallization of α-FAPbI3 Perovskite," was published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. The authors, Tian Hou, Meng Zhang, Xiaoran Sun, Yihao Wang, Kaipeng Chen, Zhipeng Fu, Mingrui He, Xu Liu, Ziheng Liu, Yuelong Huang, Martin A. Green, and Xiaojing Hao, discuss a new method for fabricating α-FAPbI3 perovskite at low temperatures without the use of methylammonium (MA). The article includes an image illustrating the phase transition from hexagonal δ-FAPbI3 to cubic α-FAPbI3, and explains how the addition of PbCl2 and MPSO helps facilitate this transition. For more details, readers are directed to the full article. [Extracted from the article]

Coke deposition has been considered to be one of the most important reasons hindering the stability of the catalyst during CH 4 /CO 2 reforming. In this study, after the addition of P123 (PEG-PPG-PEG triblock copolymer), Ni2+ can be well-dispersed on the mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41. And then, the catalysts were prepared by using N 2 radio frequency (RF) discharge plasma for different treatment times to reduce the size of Ni particles, improve the anti-coking performance, and thereby improve the stability of the catalyst. The results showed that the catalyst NM-P123-PN2h exhibits superior catalytic properties in the CH 4 /CO 2 reforming. The initial conversions of CH 4 and CO 2 were 90.80% and 89.60% at 750 °C, respectively. The catalyst NM-P123-PN2h showed highly coke resistance with less carbon deposition (1.12%) at 750 °C after 10 h of continuous reaction, while the carbon deposition of the catalyst NM-C was 37.32%. Compared with the traditional calcination method, the catalyst prepared by plasma treatment has a smaller particle size and better dispersibility of nickel. In particular, the nickel particle size of the catalyst NM-C was 8.37 nm, however, that of the catalyst NM-P123-PN2h was only 1.70 nm, and the nickel particle size was reduced by 5 times. Therefore, it can be concluded that the catalyst prepared under the combined action of P123 and RF plasma-treated can effectively improve the coke resistance of the catalyst and the stability of the CH 4 /CO 2 reforming. [Display omitted] • P123 makes Ni2+ highly dispersed in the MCM-41 channel. • The N 2 radio frequency (RF) plasma treatment can reduce the size of Ni particles. • After reacting at 750 °C for 10 h, CH 4 and CO 2 conversion of NM-P123-PN2h remained at 88.10% and 88.50%, respectively. • The NM-P123-PN2h exhibits excellent stability and less carbon deposition compared with another catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High activity and stability are the goals sought for by industrial applications of dry reforming of methane (DRM). However, the particle size is not easy to control and carbon accumulations are key issues to be solved. Herein, a new Ce-doping Ni-based catalyst (Ni–Ce–P2h) with excellent coke resistance and eximious activity was prepared by the N 2 Radio Frequency Plasma assisted impregnation method. The prepared materials were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, H 2 -TPR, XPS and TG. The results showed that the plasma treatment time was important, and catalysts with 2 h of plasma treatment had the best catalytic performance. The initial activities of CH 4 and CO 2 for Ni–Ce–P2h catalyst both exceed 76% at 700 °C. Compared to the conventional catalyst Ni–C and Ni–Ce–C with high temperature calcination treatment, the initial conversion of CH 4 and CO 2 for Ni–Ce–P2h was improved by over 15% and 10%, respectively. Moreover, excellent stability of Ni–Ce–P2h was observed. The activity drop was no more than 3% after 10h long time reaction. And the amount of carbon accumulation was only 0.5%. The smaller grain size of active components Ni, the stronger metal-support interactions and more abundant oxygen species might be the main reasons for the better DRM performance on the Ni–Ce catalysts prepared by plasma-assisted method. The Ni particle size of the Ni–Ce–P2h catalyst was only 5.4 nm, which is much smaller than that of the Ni–C (24 nm) and Ni–Ce–C (20 nm). This study provides a new idea to explore the synergistic effect of Ce doping and the plasma treatment on Ni based catalyst with good DRM performance. • Highly dispersion and small particle size after plasma treatment. • High adsorbed oxygen content of plasma treatment catalysts. • The Ni–Ce–P2h catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity and stability at 700 °C. • The anti-coke performance of plasma treatment catalysts was outstanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Corrected to: Biology and Fertility of Soils b https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-023-01709-5 The order of affiliations 1 and 2 in the original published version of the above article was incorrect. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-023-01709-5. [Extracted from the article]