Regular Channels Research Articles

Turning Brain Drain into Brain Network and Brain Exchange: A Case Study of Kosovo Albanian Diaspora in the United States

ABSTRACT This paper explores strategies for Kosovo Albanian migrants in the United States to contribute to the development of their home country, without necessarily returning. There are many diverse possibilities and practices suggested by migrants, who should be supported by governments and facilitated by Kosovar embassies and consulates. This research draws on 35 biographical interviews conducted in 2023 and 2024 with migrants in the United States. The findings suggest that migrants are willing to share their experience and expertise through the creation of brain networks and brain exchanges. These strategies include the creation of an official network-building website, regular communication channels, a diaspora database and various policies and initiatives by the government to leverage the expertise and talent of these individuals for the nation’s benefit.

High-performance proton exchange membrane derived from N-heterocycle poly(aryl ether sulfone)s with ether-free hydrophilic blocks and exhibiting good stability and proton-conducting performance

The trade-off issue between proton conduction properties and stability is a constraint on the commercial application of non-fluorinated proton exchange membranes for fuel cells. To alleviate the issue, the multi-block N-heterocycle poly(aryl ether sulfone)s with ether-free hydrophilic blocks (b-SPDPESs), which is composited by diphenyl sulfone moieties and biphthalazindione structures with dense pendant benzenesulfonic groups, are developed to prepare high-performance membranes. The self-assembly effect of block copolymers not only improves the membrane stability but also constructs regular proton conduction channels. Moreover, the conduction channel consists of hydrophilic blocks without ether bonds, which effectively improves the tolerance of the membrane to radicals. The hydrogen-bond network between sulfonic groups and N-heterocycles in the channel improves the proton conduction efficiency, inhibits the swelling of the membrane, and improves the stability of the membrane. As a result, the swelling degree of b-SPDPESs membrane is only 15.8 %, the proton conductivity is as high as 238 mS cm−1, the membrane aging broken time at 80 °C is between 4 and 6.6 h, and the fuel cells loading the membranes and feeding with hydrogen and air perform the max power density of between 0.65 and 1.25 W cm−2. Modulating the sequence structure of chains and constructing multiblock polymers containing ether-free N-heretrocyclic blocks with sulfonic groups improve the stability of membranes while ensuring their proton conductivity.

Phase-cancellation of velocity oscillations in a flow duct using a slow-sound metamaterial

Self-sustained acoustic oscillations in industrial systems with mean flow can cause unwanted vibrations or noise pollution. Acoustic metamaterials can be engineered and integrated in such systems to prevent these limit cycles. In this study, an acoustic metamaterial is proposed for decreasing the acoustic admittance at the outlet of a contraction in a pipe. It can reduce velocity oscillations by more than 50%, without requiring an enlargement of the pipe or increasing the static resistance to the mean flow significantly. The acoustic metamaterial consists of an array of slow-sound and regular channels, which form a contraction in a pipe. The slow-sound effect shifts the resonances of the respective slow-sound channels. For the frequency of interest, the velocity oscillations of these two types of channels are out of phase, which reduces the spatially averaged velocity oscillations at the outlet of the contraction and therefore decreases its acoustic admittance. The effect is demonstrated experimentally, using impedance measurements and particle image velocimetry. A key achievement of this work is the demonstration of a device that is nearly lossless for the mean (steady) flow, i.e. having a low pressure drop, while being very stiff for the acoustic (oscillating) flow at its nominal working frequency, i.e. low admittance, which was so far a difficult challenge to address.

Phase change-mediated core-sheath 3D printing of hollow microlattice pseudocapacitive aerogel electrode with favorable electrochemical properties

Channel-interconnected regulation within 3D-printed pseudocapacitive electrode architecture to generate high active material loading/utilization and fast ion transport is pivotal but challenging for implementing high-performance pseudocapacitance system. Herein, we demonstrated an innovative phase change-mediated core-sheath direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing strategy for controllably constructing pseudocapacitive hollow-microlattice graphene/NiCo2O4 aerogel (HGNA) electrode, with regular hollow channels in printed filaments and abundant well-interconnected hierarchical pores built by jointing tortuous pseudocapacitive graphene nanosheets. The unique architectural features facilitated highly efficient diffusion and infiltration of substance throughout the entire thick filaments from both “interior-exterior” and “exterior-interior” directions, thereby enabling high-level yet effective loading of active materials as well as unimpeded ion transport across the printed bulk-structured electrode. Kinetics analysis revealed that the capacitance of pseudocapacitive HGNA electrode was primarily contributed from fast kinetic process. An asymmetric device assembled with DIW-printed HGNA electrode boasted a high energy storage performance with capacitance of 3.43 F cm−2 and energy density of 1.01 mWh cm−2, while featuring remarkable cycling stability (87% after 8000 cycles) and superior capacity even at large electrode thickness. This work opens a promising route for processing rational pseudocapacitive electrode architectures toward high-capacity, fast-kinetics devices.

Cu(II)-Organic Framework for Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Amines with CO2.

Effective CO2 transformations hold essential significance for carbon neutrality and sustainable energy development. Carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 serves as an atom-economic reaction to afford oxazolidinones, showing broad applications in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical fields. However, most catalysts involved noble metals, exhibited low efficiency, or required large amounts of base. Hence, it is imperative to explore alternative noble-metal-free catalysts in order to achieve efficient conversion while minimizing the use of additives. Herein, a novel nanopore-based Cu(II)-organic framework (1) based on a new imidazole carboxylic ligand was successfully constructed and exhibited excellent stability. Catalytic investigations revealed that the combination of 1 with 1,4-diaza[2.2.2]bicyclooctane (DABCO) efficiently catalyzed the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2, achieving turnover numbers of 142 based on the catalyst and 7.1 based on DABCO. 1 as a heterogeneous catalyst maintained high catalytic performance even after being reused at least 5 cycles, with its structure remaining stable. The strong activation of Cu(II) cluster nodes of catalyst 1 toward -NH- groups within organic substrates, as demonstrated by mechanism experiments, along with excellent CO2 adsorption performance and the presence of regular 1D channels, synergistically facilitates the reaction rate. This research presents the first instance of a Cu(II)-organic framework achieving this cyclization reaction, offering wide prospects for novel catalyst design and CO2 utilization.

Zeolitic Framework Ta and MoO3 Confined in Beta Zeolite Cooperatively Enhance Activity and Stability for Oxidative Desulfurization.

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS), as a novel desulfurization technique of fuel oil, possesses high desulfurization efficiency for aromatic sulfide and low cost, making it a promising approach. The key to the technology lies in the rational design of catalysts with high activity and stability. Polyoxometalates, which are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and abundantly available, face constraints in the development of ODS applications due to their low specific surface area and difficulty in regeneration. Introducing metal oxides into carriers with large specific surface areas to obtain heterogeneous catalysts is an effective solution to this problem. Beta zeolites, with regular three-dimensional channel systems, large specific surface area, and superior thermal/hydrothermal stability, are usually used as carriers. In this work, we developed a strategy to enhance zeolite carrier utilization efficiency by introducing Ta5+ species into the rigid framework of zeolites containing confined MoO3. The Ta species in the zeolite framework and the confined MoO3 produce a synergistic effect, exhibiting extremely high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidative desulfurization of various organic aromatic sulfur compounds under mild conditions (90 °C and atmospheric pressure) in a deep eutectic solvent, surpassing common heterogeneous catalysts for oxidative desulfurization. Moreover, it can resist the adverse effects of interferents, such as naphthalene and indole. Additionally, the confined nature of Beta zeolite endows it with exceptional stability, demonstrating distinctive recyclability.

Simultaneous efficient evaporation and stable electricity generation enabled by a wooden evaporator based on composite photothermal effect

The current solar interfacial evaporators have limited evaporation performance due to their single photothermal mechanism, insufficient light utilization, and improper heat management. Therefore, a novel approach involving polypyrrole (PPy) and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified wooden evaporator (AgPW) using an in-situ polymerization and growth method was proposed for efficient and sustainable freshwater purification. The composite photothermal effect of PPy and AgNPs led to a significantly enhanced light absorption capacity and superior photothermal conversion efficiency in a wide spectrum range, which coupled with the rapid water transport capacity conferred by the regular vertical channels and superior hydrophilicity of the delignified wood, resulted in remarkable evaporation performance through the coordinated regulation of thermal and water management. The optimized AgPW50 achieved an evaporation rate of up to 2.04 kg m−2 h−1 and an evaporation efficiency of 90.7 % under 1 kW m−2 irradiation. Importantly, this evaporator was highly salt resistant and long-term desalination stability, and can also be extended to the purification of various types of wastewaters while converting the released waste heat into stable electricity generation. The innovative Ag/PPy wooden evaporator integrates biomass resources with solar energy utilization, demonstrating an environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective strategy for seawater desalination and energy production, providing a new sustainable development pathway to solve the challenge of balancing water security and energy consumption.

EPIC-CP pilot trial study protocol: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial investigating the feasibility and acceptability of social prescribing for Australian children with cerebral palsy

IntroductionThe social determinants of health contribute to poorer health outcomes for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and are barriers to families accessing health services. At an individual level, social determinants...

Influence of Temperature on The Concentration and thus on the MHD Oscillatory Flow of a Tangent Hyperbolic Fluid Through a Regular Permeable Channel

The aim of this research is to study the effect of temperature and concentration on oscillatory flow under the influence of magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) of a non-Newtonian hyperbolic fluid in a horizontal permeable channel. The problem formulation is non-linear and non-homogeneous partial differential equations. Using the perturbation technique, we solve the momentum equation under the assumptions of long wavelength and very low Reynolds number. After obtaining the solution, we used the “Mathematica 13” program to analyze the results through graphs, and the oscillatory flow and magnetic field were studied on the movement of the fluid, its temperature, and concentration.

Phonon Engineering in Solid Polymer Electrolyte toward High Safety for Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

Extensively-used rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) face challenges in achieving high safety and long cycle life. To address such challenges, ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is fabricated with reduced phonon scattering by depositing the composites of ionic-liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyamide, EMIM:DCA), polyurethane (PU) and lithium salt on the polyethylene separator. The robust and flexible separator matrix not only reduces the electrolyte thickness and improves the mobility of Li+, but more importantly provides a relatively regular thermal diffusion channel for SPE and reduces the external phonon scattering. Moreover, the introduction of EMIM:DCA successfully breaks the random intermolecular attraction of the PU polymer chain and significantly decreases phonon scattering to enhance the internal thermal conductivity of the polymer. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the as-obtained SPE increases by approximately six times, and the thermal runaway (TR) of the battery is effectively inhibited. This work demonstrates that optimizing thermal safety of the battery by phonon engineering sheds a new light on the design principle for high-safety Li-ion batteries.

Toward Enhancing Low Temperature Performances of Lithium-Ion Transport for Metal-Organic Framework-Based Solid-State Electrolyte: Nanostructure Engineering or Crystal Morphology Controlling.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as attractive candidates for Li+ conducting electrolytes due to their regular channels and controllable morphology, making their presence prominent in the field of solid-state lithium batteries. However, most MOF-based electrolytes are researched at or near room temperature, which poses a challenge to their practical applications at low temperatures. Herein, a thin layer flower-shaped 2D Cu-MOF (CuBDC-10)-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are developed for facilitating Li+ transport at lower temperatures, which achieve an ion conductivity of 10-4 S cm-1 at -30 °C. The CuBDC-10-based SSE exhibits outstanding ionic conductivity over a wide temperature range of -40 to 100 °C (0.073-3.68 × 10-3 S cm-1). This work provides strategies for exploring MOF-based SSEs with high ionic transport performances at low temperatures.

Efficient Generation of Pancreatic Progenitor Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a Non-Invasive and Accessible Tissue Source-The Plucked Hair Follicle.

The advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has brought about transformative advancements in regenerative medicine, offering novel avenues for disease modeling, drug testing, and cell-based therapies. Patient-specific iPSC-based treatments hold the promise of mitigating immune rejection risks. However, the intricacies and costs of producing autologous therapies present commercial challenges. The hair follicle is a multi-germ layered versatile cell source that can be harvested at any age. It is a rich source of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, multipotent stromal cells, and the newly defined Hair Follicle-Associated Pluripotent Stem Cells (HAP). It can also be obtained non-invasively and transported via regular mail channels, making it the ideal starting material for an autologous biobank. In this study, cryopreserved hair follicle-derived iPSC lines (HF-iPS) were established through integration-free vectors, encompassing a diverse cohort. These genetically stable lines exhibited robust expression of pluripotency markers, and showcased tri-lineage differentiation potential. The HF-iPSCs effectively differentiated into double-positive cKIT+/CXCR4+ definitive endoderm cells and NKX6.1+/PDX1+ pancreatic progenitor cells, affirming their pluripotent attributes. We anticipate that the use of plucked hair follicles as an accessible, non-invasive cell source to obtain patient cells, in conjunction with the use of episomal vectors for reprogramming, will improve the future generation of clinically applicable pancreatic progenitor cells for the treatment of Type I Diabetes.

Numerical investigation for water flow in an irregular channel using Saint-Venant equations

Given recent flood events in Indonesia, understanding the hydraulic dynamics in open channels, mirroring real-world drainage and river scenarios, has become paramount. To address this, our research employs a numerical model to simulate water flow in both regular and irregular open channels. Specifically, we utilize the Saint-Venant Equations to explore fluid flow evolution in irregular channels. This model is solved numerically using a staggered finite volume method. We complement our research with laboratory experiments and validate our numerical model against the data collected. Furthermore, we cross-reference our numerical results with those from HEC-RAS to examine the robustness and accuracy of our model in predicting water levels and velocities under varying conditions. To deepen our understanding, we conduct sensitivity analyses that offer valuable insights into the core factors influencing water levels and velocity. This knowledge provides a foundation for practitioners to normalize rivers.

Towards blockchain based federated learning in categorizing healthcare monitoring devices on artificial intelligence of medical things investigative framework

Categorizing Artificial Intelligence of Medical Things (AIoMT) devices within the realm of standard Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices, particularly at the server and computational layers, poses a formidable challenge. In this paper, we present a novel methodology for categorizing AIoMT devices through the application of decentralized processing, referred to as "Federated Learning" (FL). Our approach involves deploying a system on standard IoT devices and labeled IoMT devices for training purposes and attribute extraction. Through this process, we extract and map the interconnected attributes from a global federated cum aggression server. The aim of this terminology is to extract interdependent devices via federated learning, ensuring data privacy and adherence to operational policies. Consequently, a global training dataset repository is coordinated to establish a centralized indexing and synchronization knowledge repository. The categorization process employs generic labels for devices transmitting medical data through regular communication channels. We evaluate our proposed methodology across a variety of IoT, IoMT, and AIoMT devices, demonstrating effective classification and labeling. Our technique yields a reliable categorization index for facilitating efficient access and optimization of medical devices within global servers.

Covalent Organic Framework Enhanced Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries.

High ionic conductivity, outstanding mechanical stability, and a wide electrochemical window are the keys to the application of solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Due to their regular channels for ion transport and tailored functional groups, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been applied to solid electrolytes to improve their performance. Herein, we report a flexible polyethylene oxide-COF-LZU1 (abbreviated as PEO-COF) electrolyte membrane with a high lithium ion transference number and satisfactory mechanical strength, allowing for dendrite-free and long-time cycling for LMBs. Benefiting from the interaction between bis(triflfluoromethanesulonyl)imide anions (TFSI-) and aldehyde groups in COF-LZU1, the Li+ transference number of the PEO-5% COF-LZU1 electrolyte reached up to 0.43, much higher than that of neat PEO electrolyte (0.18). Orderly channels are conducive to the homogenous Li-+ deposition, thereby inhibiting the lithium dendrites. The assembled LiFePO4|PEO-5% COF-LZU1/Li cells delivered a discharge specific capacity of 146 mAh g-1 and displayed a capacity retention of 80% after 200 cycles at 0.1 C (60 °C). The Li/Li symmetrical cells of the PEO-5% COF-LZU1 electrolyte presented a longer working stability at different current densities compared to that of the PEO electrolyte. Therefore, the enhanced comprehensive performance of the solid electrolyte shows potential application prospects for use in LMBs.

Hybrid Multi Kernel Polar Code Construction and Optimized Decoding Algorithm for 5G Mobile Communications

5G mobile communications faces difficulty in channel coding to satisfy user requirements. This paper evaluates flexibility, reliability and complexity for different channel coding schemes(Turbo codes, Low Density Parity check codes, mother polar codes, Multi Kernel-polar codes) on regular channel AWGN with BPSK modulation of code rate R=1/2. The proposed hybrid Multi Kernel-polar codes will have greater flexibility and reliability for short and large code words. The optimized decoding of Multi Kernel polar codes reduces the number of computations by using repeated LLR’s of sub-kernel matrices.

Intentions and abilities to migrate from Africa to Europe

AbstractWhile migration from Africa to Europe is increasing, aspiring migrants from Africa are still less likely than those from other continents to migrate to their preferred destinations. An analysis of the reasons for this is needed. This paper investigates how individual‐level traits and country income levels influence intentions and abilities to migrate from Africa to Europe, while also exploring regional differences. It does so through an approach investigating the influence of both micro‐level factors and macro‐level factors, as well as their interactions. It first analyses migration intentions in 47 African countries in the Years 2010–2015, by investigating plans to migrate to Europe. It then analyses abilities to migrate from these countries to Europe in the Years 2011–2016, by exploring the proxy of the conversion of migration plans into flows. The analysis is based on Gallup World Poll, Eurostat, Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, Frontex, and World Bank data and estimates. The paper finds that 1.4% of individuals in the African countries considered were planning to migrate to Europe in the Years 2010–2015, and an estimated 5.8% of these was able to migrate in 2011–2016. Migration intentions and abilities are shaped by a complex interplay of micro‐ and macro‐level factors. While some individual‐level traits have similar effects on migration intentions across country income levels, others increase the likelihood of planning to migrate to a stronger extent in countries of origin with higher income levels. Abilities to convert migration plans into actual migration, and to do so through regular channels, increase with higher country income levels. The influence of individual‐level traits and country income levels on migration intentions and abilities appears to vary across regions. Findings confirm the relevance of approaches investigating migration intentions and abilities by assessing both micro‐ and macro‐level factors, as well as their interactions. A more nuanced understanding of these interactions is crucial to inform migration policies that recognise the different needs and realities of aspiring migrants.

Amorphous K-Co-Mo-Sx Chalcogel: A Synergy of Surface Sorption and Ion-Exchange.

Chalcogel represents a unique class of meso- to macroporous nanomaterials that offer applications in energy and environmental pursuits. Here, the synthesis of an ion-exchangeable amorphous chalcogel using a nominal composition of K2CoMo2S10 (KCMS) at room temperature is reported. Synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function (PDF), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)reveal a plausible local structure of KCMS gel consisting of Mo5+ 2 and Mo4+ 3 clusters in the vicinity of di/polysulfides which are covalently linked by Co2+ ions. The ionically bound K+ ions remain in the percolating pores of the Co-Mo-S covalent network. XANES of Co K-edge shows multiple electronic transitions, including quadrupole (1s→3d), shakedown (1s→4p + MLCT), and dipole allowed 1s→4p transitions. Remarkably, despite a lack of regular channels as in some crystalline solids, the amorphous KCMS gel shows ion-exchange properties with UO2 2+ ions. Additionally, it also presents surface sorption via [S∙∙∙∙UO2 2+] covalent interactions. Overall, this study underscores the synthesis of quaternary chalcogels incorporating alkali metals and their potential to advance separation science for cations and oxo-cationic species by integrating a synergy of surface sorption and ion-exchange.

A Gender-Aware Analysis on the Feminization of Entertainment Industry in Japan

This manuscript reexamines the institutionalization of the feminization of migration industry in the Philippine-Japan migration stream through a gender-aware approach. It interrogates on the reasons why Filipina migrants made their way out of the Philippines, through regular and illicit channels, to a host country like Japan despite its restrictive immigration policies. The study unpacks on the common notion that along with active state facilitation, Filipino women migrants’ mobility or those who are engaged in “nightwork” is basically mediated through the entertainment industry. This research is a product of long engagements with the respondents and various key-informants of NGOs and club owners from 2010 to 2015. The findings reveal that women migrants are able to exploit the migration industry as their personal network in alleviating their precarious status. The researcher agrees that the institutionalization of the migration through the entertainment industry from the Philippines to Japan perpetuates an exploitative woman-dominated migration stream. However, in most instances, Filipina migrants capably exploit their personal or community network formation which could also be found in the nightwork industry.

TS-1@MCM-48 Core-Shell Catalysts for Efficient Oxidation of p-Diethylbenzene to High Value-Added Derivatives.

To expand the market capacity of p-diethylbenzene (PDEB), core-shell zeolite (TS-1@MCM-48) is designed as a catalyst for PDEB oxidation. TS-1@MCM-48 catalyst is synthesized by in-situ crystallization method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption-desorption, in-situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS-NMR). Oxidation of PDEB by H2O2 was investigated systematically in liquid phase. The conversion of PDEB over TS-1@MCM-48 was 28.1 % and the total selectivity was 72.6 %, where the selectivity of EAP (p-ethylacetophenone) and EPEA (4-ethyl-α-methylbenzyl alcohol) was 28.6 % and 44.0 %, respectively. Compared with TS-1 and MCM-48 zeolite, the conversion rate of reactants and the selectivity of products have been significantly improved. The catalytic performance of TS-1@MCM-48 is derived from its well-crystallized microporous core and mesoporous shell with regular channels, which make active sites of TS-1 zeolite in the catalyst be fully utilized and mass transfer resistance be largely reduced. Further through theoretical calculation, we propose that the oxidation of PDEB is the result of the combination and mutual transformation of free radical process and carbocation process. Core-shell structure ensures the conversion rate of raw materials and improves the selectivity of products.