Showing papers by "Southern Illinois University Carbondale published in 2021"

Alloying-realloying enabled high durability for Pt-Pd-3d-transition metal nanoparticle fuel cell catalysts.

Abstract: Alloying noble metals with non-noble metals enables high activity while reducing the cost of electrocatalysts in fuel cells. However, under fuel cell operating conditions, state-of-the-art oxygen reduction reaction alloy catalysts either feature high atomic percentages of noble metals (>70%) with limited durability or show poor durability when lower percentages of noble metals (<50%) are used. Here, we demonstrate a highly-durable alloy catalyst derived by alloying PtPd (<50%) with 3d-transition metals (Cu, Ni or Co) in ternary compositions. The origin of the high durability is probed by in-situ/operando high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with pair distribution function analysis of atomic phase structures and strains, revealing an important role of realloying in the compressively-strained single-phase alloy state despite the occurrence of dealloying. The implication of the finding, a striking departure from previous perceptions of phase-segregated noble metal skin or complete dealloying of non-noble metals, is the fulfilling of the promise of alloy catalysts for mass commercialization of fuel cells.

Plastic pollution during COVID-19: Plastic waste directives and its long-term impact on the environment.

Abstract: Majority of the million tons of plastic produced each year is being disposed after single-use. Plastic bottle, bags, food containers, gloves, and cup that end up in landfills and environment could linger for hundreds to thousands of years. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), will also exacerbate the global plastic pollution as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE i.e., gloves, masks) became mandatory to prevent the spread of the virus. Plastic eventually breaking down in micro & nanoscopic bits due to physical or chemical or biological actions in the environment, can enter animal and human food web. So, plastic management programs need to be more robust with a focus on the prevention of the micro and nanoplastics entrance into the environment and food web. In the present pandemic situation, it is even more necessary to know about how much plastic waste is being generated and how different countries are coping up with their plastic waste management. In this review, we have elucidated how global plastic production rise during COVID-19 and how it would contribute to short and long-term impacts on the environment. Plastic pollution during the pandemic will increase the GHS emissions in the incineration facilities. Improper disposal of plastics into the oceans and lands would endanger the marine species and subsequently human lives. We have also assessed how the increased plastic pollution will aggravate the micro and nanoscale plastic problem, which have now become an emerging concern. This review will be helpful for people to understand the plastic usage and its subsequent consequences in the environment in a pandemic like COVID-19.

To which world regions does the valence–dominance model of social perception apply?

Abstract: Over the past 10 years, Oosterhof and Todorov’s valence–dominance model has emerged as the most prominent account of how people evaluate faces on social dimensions. In this model, two dimensions (valence and dominance) underpin social judgements of faces. Because this model has primarily been developed and tested in Western regions, it is unclear whether these findings apply to other regions. We addressed this question by replicating Oosterhof and Todorov’s methodology across 11 world regions, 41 countries and 11,570 participants. When we used Oosterhof and Todorov’s original analysis strategy, the valence–dominance model generalized across regions. When we used an alternative methodology to allow for correlated dimensions, we observed much less generalization. Collectively, these results suggest that, while the valence–dominance model generalizes very well across regions when dimensions are forced to be orthogonal, regional differences are revealed when we use different extraction methods and correlate and rotate the dimension reduction solution.

COVID-19 During the Opioid Epidemic - Exacerbation of Stigma and Vulnerabilities.

Abstract: 1. Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 2. Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 3. Department of Public Health and Recreations, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 4. Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 5. The Community Action Place, Murphysboro, Illinois 6. Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York 7. Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 8. Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 9. Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 10. Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Medical Sciences, Chicago, Illinois 11. School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

A multi-country test of brief reappraisal interventions on emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions globally. Left unchecked, these emotional changes might have a wide array of adverse impacts. To reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions, we tested the effectiveness of reappraisal, an emotion-regulation strategy that modifies how one thinks about a situation. Participants from 87 countries and regions (n = 21,644) were randomly assigned to one of two brief reappraisal interventions (reconstrual or repurposing) or one of two control conditions (active or passive). Results revealed that both reappraisal interventions (vesus both control conditions) consistently reduced negative emotions and increased positive emotions across different measures. Reconstrual and repurposing interventions had similar effects. Importantly, planned exploratory analyses indicated that reappraisal interventions did not reduce intentions to practice preventive health behaviours. The findings demonstrate the viability of creating scalable, low-cost interventions for use around the world.

The Hornworts: Morphology, evolution and development

Abstract: Extant land plants consist of two deeply divergent groups, tracheophytes and bryophytes, which shared a common ancestor some 500 million years ago. While information about vascular plants and the two of the three lineages of bryophytes, the mosses and liverworts, is steadily accumulating, the biology of hornworts remains poorly explored. Yet, as the sister group to liverworts and mosses, hornworts are critical in understanding the evolution of key land plant traits. Until recently, there was no hornwort model species amenable to systematic experimental investigation, which hampered detailed insight into the molecular biology and genetics of this unique group of land plants. The emerging hornwort model species, Anthoceros agrestis, is instrumental in our efforts to better understand not only hornwort biology but also fundamental questions of land plant evolution. To this end, here we provide an overview of hornwort biology and current research on the model plant A. agrestis to highlight its potential in answering key questions of land plant biology and evolution.

Anthracene-Triphenylamine-Based Platinum(II) Metallacages as Synthetic Light-Harvesting Assembly.

Abstract: Two trigonal prismatic metallacages 1 and 2 bearing triphenylamine and anthracene moieties are designed and synthesized to fabricate artificial light-harvesting systems (LHSs). These two cages are prepared via the coordination-driven self-assembly of two anthracene-triphenylamine-based tripyridyl ligand 3, three dicarboxylates, and six 90° Pt(II) acceptors. The design of the anthracene-triphenylamine chromophore makes possible the tunable excited-state property (like the emissive transition energy and lifetime) as a function of the solvent polarity, temperature, and concentration. The synergistic photophysical footprint of these metallacages, defined by their high absorptivity and emission quantum yield (QY) relative to the free ligand 3, signifies them as a superior light sensitizer component in an LHS. In the presence of the fluorescent dye Nile Red (NR) as an energy acceptor, the metallacages display efficient (>93%) excited energy transfer to NR through an apparent static quenching mechanism in viscous dimethyl sulfoxide solvent.

The naked truth: a comprehensive clarification and classification of current ‘myths’ in naked mole-rat biology

Abstract: The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has fascinated zoologists for at least half a century. It has also generated considerable biomedical interest not only because of its extraordinary longevity, but also because of unusual protective features (e.g. its tolerance of variable oxygen availability), which may be pertinent to several human disease states, including ischemia/reperfusion injury and neurodegeneration. A recent article entitled 'Surprisingly long survival of premature conclusions about naked mole-rat biology' described 28 'myths' which, those authors claimed, are a 'perpetuation of beautiful, but falsified, hypotheses' and impede our understanding of this enigmatic mammal. Here, we re-examine each of these 'myths' based on evidence published in the scientific literature. Following Braude et al., we argue that these 'myths' fall into four main categories: (i) 'myths' that would be better described as oversimplifications, some of which persist solely in the popular press; (ii) 'myths' that are based on incomplete understanding, where more evidence is clearly needed; (iii) 'myths' where the accumulation of evidence over the years has led to a revision in interpretation, but where there is no significant disagreement among scientists currently working in the field; (iv) 'myths' where there is a genuine difference in opinion among active researchers, based on alternative interpretations of the available evidence. The term 'myth' is particularly inappropriate when applied to competing, evidence-based hypotheses, which form part of the normal evolution of scientific knowledge. Here, we provide a comprehensive critical review of naked mole-rat biology and attempt to clarify some of these misconceptions.

Mental Health during the COVID-19 Crisis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: We aim to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms among major African populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We include articles from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and medRxiv between 1 February 2020 and 6 February 2021, and pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses. We identify 28 studies and 32 independent samples from 12 African countries with a total of 15,071 participants. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 37% in 27 studies, of depression was 45% in 24 studies, and of insomnia was 28% in 9 studies. The pooled prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in North Africa (44%, 55%, and 31%, respectively) are higher than those in Sub-Saharan Africa (31%, 30%, and 24%, respectively). We find (a) a scarcity of studies in several African countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases; (b) high heterogeneity among the studies; (c) the extent and pattern of prevalence of mental health symptoms in Africa is high and differs from elsewhere-more African adults suffer from depression rather than anxiety and insomnia during COVID 19 compared to adult populations in other countries/regions. Hence, our findings carry crucial implications and impact future research to enable evidence-based medicine in Africa.

Diversified Crop Rotation: An Approach for Sustainable Agriculture Production

Abstract: Diversified crop rotation (DCR) improves the efficiency of farming systems all over the world. It has the potentiality to improve soil condition and boost system productivity. Improved soil attributes such as increased soil water uptake and storage, and a greater number of beneficial soil organisms, may improve yield tolerance to drought and other hard growing conditions in a variety of crop rotations. Crop rotations with a variety of crops benefit the farmers,reduce production risk and uncertainty, and enhance soil and ecological sustainability. Farmers may be able to diversify their sources of income by adopting diversified crop rotations. Furthermore, because of the distinct structure, function, and relationship of plant community with soil in DCR, it contributes to the long-term development of soil health by decreasing insect, weed, and disease incidence and increasing the physical and chemical structure of the soil. DCR is becoming more popular approach for maintaining sustainable crop production. This review provides the evidence of the significance of DCR, challenges to adapt it, and possible way out to overcome the challenges.

Quantum amplification of boson-mediated interactions

Abstract: Strong and precisely controlled interactions between quantum objects are essential for quantum information processing1,2, simulation3 and sensing4,5, and for the formation of exotic quantum matter6. A well-established paradigm for coupling otherwise weakly interacting quantum objects is to use auxiliary bosonic quantum excitations to mediate the interactions. Important examples include photon-mediated interactions between atoms7, superconducting qubits8, and colour centres in diamond9, and phonon-mediated interactions between trapped ions10–12 and between optical and microwave photons13. Boson-mediated interactions can, in principle, be amplified through parametric driving of the boson channel; the drive need not couple directly to the interacting quantum objects. This technique has been proposed for a variety of quantum platforms14–24, but has not, so far, been realized in the laboratory. Here we experimentally demonstrate the amplification of a boson-mediated interaction between two trapped-ion qubits by parametric modulation of the trapping potential21. The amplification provides up to a 3.25-fold increase in the interaction strength, validated by measuring the speed-up of two-qubit entangling gates. This amplification technique can be used in any quantum platform where parametric modulation of the boson channel is possible, enabling exploration of new parameter regimes and enhanced quantum information processing. Many applications of quantum systems require them to be joined by strong, controllable interactions. Exploiting the physics of quantum squeezing can amplify the strength of boson-mediated interactions, yielding higher performance.

Improving the Generalization Ability of Deep Neural Networks for Cross-Domain Visual Recognition

Abstract: Feature learning with deep neural networks (DNNs) has made remarkable progress in recent years. However, its data-driven nature makes the collection of labeled training data expensive or impossible when the testing domain changes. Here, we propose a method of transferable feature learning and instance-level adaptation to improve the generalization ability of DNNs so as to mitigate the domain shift challenge for cross-domain visual recognition. When less labeled information is available, our proposed method shows attractive results in the new target domain and outperforms the typical fine-tuning method. Two DNNs are chosen as the representatives working with our proposed method, to do a comprehensive study about the generalization ability on the tasks of image-to-image transfer, image-to-video transfer, multidomain image classification, and weakly supervised detection. The experimental results show that our proposed method is superior to other existing works in the literature. In addition, a large scale of cross-domain database is merged from three different domains, providing a quantitative platform to evaluate different approaches in the field of cross-domain object detection.

Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Storage Framework to Cope With Fluctuating Power of Hybrid Renewable Energy-Based Systems

Abstract: The technology of supercapacitor is vastly examined by researchers to cope with a lower power density of battery. It is validated that a hybrid battery-supercapacitor storage (HBSS) framework can improve the overall efficiency due to taking advantage of battery's higher energy density and supercapacitor's higher power density. Despite the extensive investigations on this hybrid storage scheme in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, its experimental implementation in the power grid to cope with non-dispatchable nature of wind and solar energy is still in its initial stages. As a result, this paper concentrates on analysis of its experimental implementation on a lab-scale hybrid microgrid located at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA containing two wind turbines and two photovoltaic (PV) modules. The objective of this work is to promote the utilization of the experimentally validated lab-scale HBSS in power industry.

A Review of Rare-Earth Elements Extraction with Emphasis on Non-conventional Sources: Coal and Coal Byproducts, Iron Ore Tailings, Apatite, and Phosphate Byproducts

Abstract: Primary economical deposits of rare-earth elements (REEs) are exhausting all over the world, and it has become necessary to find new sources and methods for their extraction. In addition, increasing the application of REEs in modern technological society has increased its demand globally. One of the important movements to compensate for the future shortages of critical metals is the recovery of REEs from recyclable materials. This paper presents a review of the classification and extraction methods, as well as general applications of REEs with emphasis on secondary sources such as coal and coal byproducts, iron ore tailings, apatite, and phosphate byproducts. An overview of the current state of knowledge on the various methods of REE beneficiation and extraction is covered. These methods include physical separation, as well as hydrometallurgical and bio-hydrometallurgical techniques. The application of these REE extraction techniques for enhanced recovery has been driven primarily by the unique industrial application of these important elements. This paper further explores the existing and potential environmental challenges associated with REE extraction. The authors have presented a wide array of literature, in-depth discussion of the subject, and a succinct summary of processes and relevant case studies.

Special Education Policy Prospects: Lessons from Social Policies Past.

Abstract: Social policies can be well-intentioned but ineffective in achieving what is intended. They can be undermined or destroyed by their exaggerated or oversimplified caricatures with a single, narrow f...

Antarctic ecosystem responses following ice-shelf collapse and iceberg calving: Science review and future research

Abstract: The calving of A‐68, the 5,800‐km², 1‐trillion‐ton iceberg shed from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017, is one of over 10 significant ice‐shelf loss events in the past few decades resulting from rapid warming around the Antarctic Peninsula. The rapid thinning, retreat, and collapse of ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula are harbingers of warming effects around the entire continent. Ice shelves cover more than 1.5 million km² and fringe 75% of Antarctica's coastline, delineating the primary connections between the Antarctic continent, the continental ice, and the Southern Ocean. Changes in Antarctic ice shelves bring dramatic and large‐scale modifications to Southern Ocean ecosystems and continental ice movements, with global‐scale implications. The thinning and rate of future ice‐shelf demise is notoriously unpredictable, but models suggest increased shelf‐melt and calving will become more common. To date, little is known about sub‐ice‐shelf ecosystems, and our understanding of ecosystem change following collapse and calving is predominantly based on responsive science once collapses have occurred. In this review, we outline what is known about (a) ice‐shelf melt, volume loss, retreat, and calving, (b) ice‐shelf‐associated ecosystems through sub‐ice, sediment‐core, and pre‐collapse and post‐collapse studies, and (c) ecological responses in pelagic, sympagic, and benthic ecosystems. We then discuss major knowledge gaps and how science might address these gaps.

Adapting to Remote Library Services during COVID-19.

Abstract: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Stay At Home order, the Southern Illinois University Medical Library utilized new technologies and implemented new virtual service models in order to improve internal communication, and to continue providing services and resources to patrons remotely. The changes happened quickly, and the librarians faced several challenges during this time, but things went smoothly overall and there were some considerable silver linings. Several of the newly adopted technologies, service models, and virtual resource offerings proved to be extremely effective and their use will continue beyond the duration of the pandemic.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of ABA Content on IQ Gains in Children with Autism

Abstract: The present study examined the content of applied behavior analytic therapy (ABA therapy) on skill acquisition and intelligence test scores of twenty-eight children with autism and related disabilities. Using a randomized controlled trial, we compared (a) traditional ABA consisting of verbal behavior techniques developed by Skinner (Verbal behavior, Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1957), (b) comprehensive ABA which added techniques post-Skinner’s theory of language, and (c) waitlist control. Results obtained indicated that even though skill acquisition improved equally across both intervention groups compared to the control, highest intelligence score changes were shown for participants in the comprehensive ABA group (F: 2, 24 = 9.198, p = 0.001). With increasing emphasis on client outcomes, the present data suggest that when hours of intervention are kept constant, ABA service providers may be at an advantage by incorporating techniques that are typically considered beyond the traditional ABA ideas of Skinner’s account of language development.

Emergence and Evolution of a Prevalent New SARS-CoV-2 Variant in the United States

Abstract: Genomic virus surveillance can lead to early identification of new variants and inform proper response during a pandemic. Using this approach, we have identified a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in the United States (U.S.) early in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and has become one of the most prevalent U.S variants. This new variant within the B.1.2 lineage referred to here as 20C-US, has not yet spread widely to other countries. The earliest 20C-US genomes can be traced to the southern U.S. in late May of 2020. A major early event was the rapid acquisition of five non-synonymous mutations. The changes carried by 20C-US include mutations to genes involved in virus particle maturation and release, processing of viral proteins, and RNA genome integrity and translation genes, all important for efficient and accurate virus production. In addition, 20C-US has since acquired two new non-synonymous mutations that highlight its ongoing evolution, one of which is a Q677H mutation in the spike protein adjacent to the furin cleavage site. We predict that 20C-US may already be the most dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S. The ongoing evolution of 20C-US, as well as other dominant region-specific variants emerging around the world, should continue to be monitored with genomic, epidemiologic, and experimental studies to understand viral evolution and predict future outcomes of the pandemic.

High-Efficiency Conversion of Ionic Liquid-Pretreated Woody Biomass to Ethanol at the Pilot Scale

Abstract: With a diverse and widely distributed global resource base, woody biomass is a compelling organic feedstock for conversion to renewable liquid fuels. In California, woody biomass comprises the largest fraction of underutilized biomass available for biofuel production, but conversion to fuels is challenged both by recalcitrance to deconstruction and by toxicity toward downstream saccharification and fermentation due to organic acids and phenolic compounds generated during pretreatment. In this study, we optimize pretreatment and scale-up of an integrated one-pot process for deconstruction of California woody biomass using the ionic liquid (IL) cholinium lysinate [Ch][Lys] as a pretreatment solvent. By evaluating the impact of solid loading, solid removal, yeast acclimatization, fermentation temperature, fermentation pH, and nutrient supplementation on final ethanol yields and titers, we achieve nearly full conversion of both glucose and xylose to ethanol with commercial C5-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We then demonstrate process scalability in 680 L pilot-scale fermentation, achieving >80% deconstruction efficiency, >90% fermentation efficiency, 27.7 g/L ethanol titer, and >80% ethanol distillation efficiency from the IL-containing hydrolysate post fermentation. This fully integrated process requires no intermediate separations and no intermediate detoxification of the hydrolysate. Using an integrated biorefinery model, current performance results in a minimum ethanol selling price of $8.8/gge. Reducing enzyme loading along with other minor process improvements can reduce the ethanol selling price to $3/gge. This study is the largest scale demonstration of IL pretreatment and biofuel conversion known to date, and the overall biomass-to-ethanol efficiencies are the highest reported to date for any IL-based biomass-to-biofuel conversion.

Light-Harvesting “Antenna” Behavior in NU-1000

Abstract: Structural or conceptual synthetic analogues of natural photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes hold promise as entities capable of both efficient collection of visible-region solar photons and r