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Enhancing Stability and Emissions in Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals Through Mn\u3csup\u3e2+\u3c/sup\u3e Doping
Metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals (NCs) offer great potential for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices; however, they suffer from structural softness and chemical instability. Doping MHP NCs can overcome this issue. In this work, we synthesize Mn-doped methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) NCs using the ligand-assisted reprecipitation method and investigate their structural and optical stability. X-ray diffraction confirms Mn2+ substitution at Pb2+ sites and lattice contraction. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show a blue shift, significant PL quantum yield enhancement, reaching 72% at 17% Mn2+ doping, and a 34% increase compared to undoped samples, attributed to effective defect passivation and reduced non-radiative recombination, supported by time-resolved PL data. Mn2+ doping also improves long-term stability under ambient conditions. Low-temperature PL reveals the crystal-phase transitions of perovskite NCs and Mn-doped NCs to be somewhat different than those of pure MAPbBr3. Mn2+ incorporation into perovskite promotes self-assembly into superlattices with larger crystal sizes, better structural order, and stronger inter-NC coupling. These results demonstrate that Mn2+ doping enhances both optical performance and structural robustness, advancing the potential of MAPbBr3 NCs for stable optoelectronic applications
Pressure Recovery Analysis Downstream of Valves and Meters: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation
In pressurized water systems, flow control devices such as valves and meters cause pressure losses that can affect energy efficiency and measurement accuracy. Industry standards assume that all devices recover within the same distance downstream, but this may not be true for all device types. In this study we used laboratory testing and computer modeling to determine how far downstream pressure stabilizes after flowing through various valves and meters. Devices like Venturi meters recovered pressure quickly, while orifice plates required longer distances and resulted in greater permanent energy loss. In most cases, pressure recovered within four to six pipe diameters. The results improved understanding of how pressure behaves after flow restrictions and helped identify more accurate locations for pressure sensors in pipelines. The findings generally supported existing engineering guidelines but also indicated that adjustments may be necessary depending on the device. These insights can reduce system costs, improve flow measurement accuracy, and support the design of more reliable water and industrial fluid systems
Exploring Methods for Quantifying Uncertainty in Neural Network-Based Turbulence Closures
Machine Learning (ML) is a very promising field for data-driven modeling of different phenomena. In the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ML is an enticing alternative to traditional methods to improve the accuracy and computational efficiency of simulations. However, many ML models, like Neural Networks, don’t quantify their uncertainty or indicate their confidence in a prediction to those who wish to use them. This is especially important because the use of inaccurate ML predictions in a CFD simulation can greatly impact the validity of a simulation. However, with uncertainty quantification, an ML model can indicate to a modeler the confidence in its prediction, which allows the modeler to revert to more principled methods when the ML model has low confidence. The uncertainty of an ML model can be broken into Epistemic (model) and Aleatoric (data) uncertainty. Or uncertainty that stems from using an ML model to approximate a phenomena (Epistemic) and the uncertainty in the measurements that help train the ML model (Aleatoric). This study explores three UQ methods that apply to Neural Networks and one traditional method that gives more mathematically guaranteed UQ. For the Neural Networks, the UQ is done using Bayesian Inference, of which this study explores Deep Ensembles (DE), Monte-Carlo Dropout (MC-Dropout), and Stochastic Variational Inference (SVI). For the traditional methods, this study employs an exact and approximate Gaussian Process. Each of these UQ methods is then applied to synthetic turbulence closure data from [1] in order to compare their prediction and UQ accuracy
Teaming Up for Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach to Older Adult Oral Care
Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses\u27 knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health education is critical. The attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards older adult oral health care significantly impact the quality of care, highlighting the need for education and training. Interprofessional education and collaboration are essential for creating educational interventions and innovative approaches to enhance students\u27 preventive oral care skills and knowledge. This research emphasizes a multifaceted approach to improving oral health care for the elderly, including clinical, educational, and technological interventions, and calls for ongoing research to develop effective strategies for enhancing oral health care and education
Bridging Research, Outreach, and Care: Advancing Community-Driven Cancer Solutions
This panel will provide an overview of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s (HCI) collaborative efforts to enhance cancer care through innovative community outreach and local treatment programs, with a specific focus on rural outreach and care. Panelists will discuss HCI’s approach to fostering partnerships with community champions, integrating regional outreach through initiatives like the Mountain West Cancer Collaborative (MWCC), and expanding local treatment options to increase accessibility and equity in care, especially in rural areas. By highlighting how these initiatives align with HCI’s mission to reduce cancer disparities, the panel will emphasize strategies for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in underserved and rural communities across the Mountain West
Dynamic Microbiome Responses to Structurally Diverse Anthocyanin-Rich Foods in a Western Diet Context
Background/Objectives: Anthocyanin (ACN)-rich foods are known to influence the gut microbiota composition, but the temporal dynamics and structural specificity of these effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated how distinct ACN-rich fruit supplements impact the gut microbiome over time in the context of a Western-style diet. We hypothesized that ACN-induced microbial shifts would occur rapidly, differ by ACN source, and require continued intake to persist. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed the total Western diet (TWD) supplemented with freeze-dried powders from bilberry (BB), tart cherry (TC), chokeberry (CB), elderberry (EB), black currant (BC), or black raspberry (BRB) for 0, 1, 3, or 7 days. Cocoa polyphenols (CPs) were included as a comparator with a distinct polyphenol profile. Fecal microbiota were collected at 0, 1, 3, and 7 days post exposure and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: ACN-rich supplements induced rapid microbial shifts detectable within one day of exposure. However, most changes reverted toward the baseline within days of supplement withdrawal, indicating limited persistence. Among the ACNs, BRB produced the most sustained microbiome alterations. Microbial responses varied by ACN source, suggesting that differences in glycoside and aglycone structures influence the community composition. Conclusions: ACN-rich foods can induce rapid but largely transient alterations in the gut microbiome, with variability linked to the polyphenol structure. These findings highlight the ecological sensitivity of the microbiome to specific dietary components and underscore the importance of sustained intake for maintaining microbial shifts
Exploring the Potential of Exit Tickets as Formative Assessments of Student Affect
This study investigates the use of exit tickets as formative assessments in math-integrated computer science (CS) lessons for grade 5 students. Exit tickets are brief surveys administered immediately after instructional activities. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we analysed data from 1,067 students to examine the reliability and validity of exit tickets in predicting summative pre/post survey results. The study found that the exit ticket responses consistently assessed student affect at two administration points, meeting strict measurement invariance criteria (χ2(21) = 1.34, p = 1.00). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that exit tickets predicted student self-efficacy and interest in CS, which are key educational outcomes. These findings suggest that exit tickets can be valuable tools for enhancing instructional practices and supporting student learning and engagement in CS education. The study concludes with recommendations for effectively implementing exit tickets in educational settings
Psychosocial and Audiological Characteristics in Misophonia: An Interdisciplinary Comparison Study of Adults With Misophonia to Healthy Controls
Despite the increasing investigation into misophonia, its classification remains debated due to symptom overlap with audiological and psychological conditions, as well as methodological limitations in existing studies. In the present study, we compared a clinical sample of adults seeking treatment for misophonia with a non-treatment-seeking sample of age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In these two samples, we examined the psychological and audiological features of misophonia by assessing key psychological processes (anger, disgust, OCD symptoms, anxiety, depression, stress, wellbeing, and psychological inflexibility) and audiological features (hearing, hyperacusis, and tinnitus). We found that individuals with misophonia exhibit higher levels of psychological inflexibility and stress compared to healthy controls. Audiological comparisons indicated that hyperacusis is more prevalent in the misophonia group, with significantly more impairment in social and occupational functioning. There were no differences between groups on an objective assessment of hearing, although self-report measures indicated that individuals with misophonia may have greater difficulty with auditory processing. These findings suggest that misophonia is a complex disorder marked by transdiagnostic psychological characteristics and sound sensitivities. Our results underscore the need for interdisciplinary assessment and treatment approaches that incorporate psychosocial and audiological perspectives
Drawing on the Past: Understanding Japanese American Internment Through Camp Newspaper Comics
When studying the past, what artifacts are left behind for us to study? In understanding Japanese American internment in the United States during WWII, camp newspapers help give a look at the reality of camp life, which included the ongoing issues of a lack of supplies,, the generational divide between older and younger Japanese Americans, and even the racist leanings of some members of the camp. With a balance of humor and seriousness, as well as reality and the abstract, three artists - Roy Kawamoto, Harry Kuwada, and Michiko Rosie Arima - who were interred in Camp Jerome (located near Denson, Arkansas) drew comics for the camp newspaper, the Denson Tribune.
These visual memories not only give more insight into the lives of Japanese Americans who lived in these camps, but they also act as a living reminder of those who lived in Japanese American internment camps through the experiences of the characters in the comics and the actions each theme takes. The characters demonstrate the realities and shortcomings of living within the camps.
For instance, Roy Kawamoto\u27s characters explore issues ranging from a lack of supplies to the ever-changing weather but also note the special peculiarities of Japanese American culture not seen in other groups throughout the United States. Harry Kuwada\u27s strip Pete \u27n Zeke shows that racial hierarchies operated even within the camps themselves and could be contested and called out by other camp inmates. Finally, Michiko Rosie Arima contributes to our understanding of camp life with an exploration of the understanding of pop culture as seen through the eyes of a young Japanese American artist.
Accompanying this paper is a website, providing images and additional interpretation: https://sites.google.com/view/roryolsenmastersproject?usp=sharin
Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of Uroleucon Aphids
The aphid genus Uroleucon (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) is a diverse group of about 230 species found globally in most temperate regions, principally in the northern hemisphere. Only 23 species are described from the southern hemisphere, in South American temperate regions such as Chile, Argentina, and Peru. However, the origins of the South American species are unknown, as are the relationships of these taxa to northern hemisphere Uroleucon species. This study seeks to establish the relationships between Uroleucon aphids native to South America and their North American and Eurasian counterparts using genetic data. We use phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and 2 mitochondrial genes as well as the elongation factor-1α nuclear gene to reconstruct the relationships of all sampled species. We use the phylogeny to statistically date the divergence of the South American Uroleucon from the northern species, and to hypothesize the intercontinental movements that may have founded the ancestors of the South American lineages