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Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of carbon quantum dots produced from folic acid
Abstract The rising interest in carbon dots (c-dots) is driven by their remarkable potential in the field of biomedical applications. This is due to their distinctive and adjustable photoluminescence characteristics, outstanding physicochemical properties, excellent photostability, and biocompatibility. Herein, carbon dots were successfully produced via the heat synthesis method and characterization for physical and chemical properties…
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Experimental investigation and modelling of the mechanical properties of palm oil fuel ash concrete using Scheffe’s method
Abstract This study explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in concrete blended with palm oil fuel ash (POFA) through Scheffe’s optimization. The utilization of POFA as supplementary cementitious material in concrete has gained attention for its potential environmental benefits. Utilizing a (5,2) simplex-lattice design, a systematic approach is employed for optimizing mixture proportions based on…
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Conceptualizing the construct of ocean identity
The construct of ocean identity provides a valuable lens that can unpack the multiple dimensions of human connections with ocean spaces, and crucially places importance on the integration of cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. The construct of ocean identity is applicable in academic and professional contexts, and is largely unexplored from both qualitative and quantitative…
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Consciousness: what it is, where it comes from — and whether machines can have it
What does it mean to have a sense of self — and which creatures have it?Credit: Genna Martin/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty I’ve Been Thinking Daniel C. Dennett W. W. Norton / Allen Lane (2023) Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will Kevin J. Mitchell Princeton Univ. Press (2023) The Four Realms of Existence:…
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How to switch research fields successfully
Changing disciplines is like jumping in at the deep end, but there are strategies for achieving a positive outcome.Credit: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Interdisciplinary training and research are increasingly valued for their contributions to solving complex problems that a single discipline cannot overcome. One 2021 study that tracked more than 44,000 grants awarded in the United Kingdom…
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Higher abundance of Campylobacter in the oral microbiome of Japanese patients with moyamoya disease
Abstract Genetic factors alone cannot explain the pathophysiology of moyamoya disease (MMD), and environmental factors such as an immune response are thought to be involved. Oral and gut microbiomes have attracted attention as environmental factors in the pathophysiology of some vascular and autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between MMD and these microbiomes is yet to…
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How to instill a love of nature in kids?
When I was a kid my family used to downhill ski pretty often. We would be on the mountain for most of the day, shivering on the way up, speeding down, slurping cocoa for lunch, and generally having a ball. It was great exercise and great fun. But despite all that time outdoors, I don’t…
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Comparative performance of humans versus GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in the self-assessment program of American Academy of Ophthalmology
Abstract To compare the performance of humans, GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5 in answering multiple-choice questions from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) self-assessment program, available at https://www.aao.org/education/self-assessments. In June 2023, text-based multiple-choice questions were submitted to GPT-4.0 and GPT-3.5. The AAO provides the percentage of humans who selected the correct…
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Leaves of many colors, the science behind their autumn shades
Leaves changing color in autumn are a captivating natural phenomenon that signifies the change from summer to winter. This transformation is attributed to the intricate interplay of environmental factors and physiological processes within trees. What You Need To Know Leaves change color when daylight is diminished and temperatures are cooler Carotenoids in leaves creates the…
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Imagining the future of optical microscopy: everything, everywhere, all at once
Abstract The optical microscope has revolutionized biology since at least the 17th Century. Since then, it has progressed from a largely observational tool to a powerful bioanalytical platform. However, realizing its full potential to study live specimens is hindered by a daunting array of technical challenges. Here, we delve into the current state of live…
