Bay Path University

Critical transitions and tipping phenomena between two meta‐stable states in stochastic dynamical systems are a scientific issue. In this work, we expand the methodology of identifying the most probable transition pathway between two meta‐stable states with Onsager–Machlup action functional, to investigate the evolutionary transition dynamics between two meta‐stable invariant sets with Schrödinger bridge. In contrast to existing methodologies such as statistical analysis, bifurcation theory, information theory, statistical physics, topology, and graph theory for early warning indicators, we introduce a novel framework on Early Warning Signals (EWS) within the realm of probability measures that align with the entropy production rate. To validate our framework, we apply it to the Morris–Lecar model and investigate the transition dynamics between a meta‐stable state and a stable invariant set (the limit cycle or homoclinic orbit) under various conditions. Additionally, we analyze real Alzheimer’s data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database to explore EWS indicating the transition from healthy to pre‐AD states. This framework not only expands the transition pathway to encompass measures between two specified densities on invariant sets, but also demonstrates the potential of our early warning indicators for complex diseases.

The inverted cesium/formamidinium (CsFA)‐based methylammonium‐free perovskite solar cells possess great potential in simultaneously realizing high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and excellent stability. However, the uncontrollable crystallization process and poor film quality hinder further enhancement of photovoltaic performance and operational stability. Herein, we propose a synergistic modulation strategy of perovskite crystallization and the defects at grain boundaries (GBs) and interface by using a novel carbonyl functionalized spacer cation. L‐Alanine benzyl ester hydrochloride (L‐ABEHCl) containing carbonyl functionalized ammonium cation is incorporated into perovskite precursor solution, increasing the nucleation rate and reducing the crystal growth rate because of its strong interaction with precursor components, leading to increased grain size and crystallinity. No 2D perovskite is formed for L‐ABEHCl as additive whereas 2D perovskite is formed upon L‐ABEHCl post‐treatment. It is revealed that FA ⁺ and Cs ⁺ in precursor solution suppress the formation of 2D perovskite. As a result, the L‐ABEHCl passivates the defects at GBs in the form of organic salts and passivates interface defects in the form of 2D perovskite. Due to minimized carrier nonradiative recombination losses, the inverted devices using synergistic modulation strategy achieve a maximum PCE of 25.77 % (certified stabilized PCE of 25.59 %), which is one of the highest PCEs ever reported for the devices based on vacuum flash evaporation method. The unencapsulated target device maintains 90.85 % of its initial PCE after 2300 h of continuous maximum power point tracking, among the most excellent stabilities accomplished by inverted devices.

In this systematic review, we examined interventions for increasing prosocial employment skills for adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBDs). Many studies have focused on social skills related to employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. However, there is a paucity of research on employment skills for individuals with EBD. A synthesis of available literature may help inform what is currently known about supporting prosocial employment skills for this group of students. We examined components of strategies that promote successful employment outcomes for individuals with EBD. We identified 12 studies involving 2,095 transition-age students, with 249 students identified with or at risk of EBD. Findings indicate that explicit teaching of prosocial employment skills is an effective strategy for increasing these skills. Included studies were evaluated using the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their tunable bandgap, superior charge carrier properties, and easy fabrication processes, making them highly efficient energy conversion devices. Despite these advantages, nonradiative recombination due to defects in the perovskite layer continues to limit performance. This study addresses this issue by introducing 1‐CarboxyMethyl‐3‐MethylImidazolium chloride (ImAcCl) into precursor solution to enhance film quality and suppress defect‐induced recombination. The carboxylate groups (CO) and hydrogen donors (NH) in ImAcCl form coordination and hydrogen bonds, helping to reduce defect density of the perovskite film. Additive ImAcCl improves crystallinity, reduces surface roughness, and enhances charge carrier transport, leading to higher photovoltaic performance. With the ImAcCl additive, the power conversion efficiency and short‐circuit current of PSCs significantly improve by 23.92% and 25.35 mA cm⁻², with a notable reduction in nonradiative recombination losses. This study highlights the significant potential of ImAcCl as an effective additive for defect passivation in PSCs, offering a promising pathway toward further efficiency improvements in next‐generation solar cells.

Classical results assert that, under appropriate assumptions, solutions near infinity are asymptotic to linear functions for the minimal surface equation and to quadratic polynomials for the Monge–Ampère equation for dimension n ≥ 3 n\geq 3 , with an extra logarithmic term for n = 2 n=2 . Via Kelvin transforms, we characterize remainders in the asymptotic expansions by a single function near the origin. Such a function is smooth in the entire neighborhood of the origin for the minimal surface equation in every dimension and for the Monge–Ampère equation in even dimension, but only C n − 1 , α C^{n-1,\alpha} for the Monge–Ampère equation in odd dimension 𝑛, for any α ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) \alpha\in(0,1) .

Background Lung cancer and tobacco use pose significant global health challenges, necessitating a comprehensive translational roadmap for improved prevention strategies such as cancer screening and tobacco treatment, which are currently under-utilised. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) may further motivate health behaviour change in primary care for lung cancer in diverse populations. In this work, we introduce the GREAT care paradigm, which integrates PRSs within comprehensive patient risk profiles to motivate positive health behaviour changes. Methods We developed PRSs using large-scale multi-ancestry genome-wide association studies and standardised PRS distributions across all ancestries. We validated our PRSs in 561,776 individuals of diverse ancestry from the GISC Trial, UK Biobank (UKBB), and All of Us Research Program (AoU). Findings Significant odds ratios (ORs) for lung cancer and difficulty quitting smoking were observed in both UKBB and AoU. For lung cancer, the ORs for individuals in the highest risk group (top 20% versus bottom 20%) were 1.85 (95% CI: 1.58–2.18) in UKBB and 2.39 (95% CI: 1.93–2.97) in AoU. For difficulty quitting smoking, the ORs (top 33% versus bottom 33%) were 1.36 (95% CI: 1.32–1.41) in UKBB and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.28–1.36) in AoU. Interpretation Our PRS-based intervention model leverages large-scale genetic data for robust risk assessment across populations, which will be evaluated in two cluster-randomised clinical trials. This approach integrates genomic insights into primary care, promising improved outcomes in cancer prevention and tobacco treatment. Funding 10.13039/100000002National Institutes of Health, 10.13039/100030692NIH Intramural Research Program, 10.13039/100000001National Science Foundation.

Although applied behavior analysis (ABA) practice guidelines exist (Behavior Analyst Certification Board® [BACB®], 2020; Council of Autism Service Providers [CASP], 2020), research has shown that barriers to their implementation can be present in everyday clinical practice across a variety of areas (e.g., Blackman et al., 2023; DiGennaro Reed et al., 2015; Oliver et al., 2015; Roscoe et al., 2015; Sellers et al., 2019). To date there are no published studies that have assessed the status of procedural-integrity training, practices, and barriers experienced by Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) providing ABA services. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine the extent to which BCBAs engaged in the procedural-integrity monitoring process and what barriers they encounter in clinical practice. To gather this information, we surveyed BCBA practitioners. The findings reveal that BCBAs often observe providers implementing clinical services and provide feedback; however, they reported that a lack of training, time, and established systems, along with competing contingencies were barriers to engaging in data related procedural-integrity responsibilites (data collection, tracking, and analysis). Based on these findings, implications for BCBA training and support in addition to potential solutions and future research directions are discussed.

Studies have shown that fluoridated reagents for oil and water resistance are harmful to the human bodies and the environment. Consequently, the developments of nontoxic, environmentally friendly, fluorine‐free and degradable materials have received increasing attentions. Here, we introduce a novel method for fabricating a hydrophobic and oleophobic paper‐based packaging material through the application of chitosan/carnauba wax emulsions. These emulsions were prepared via high‐shear homogenization, blending melted carnauba wax with chitosan in acetic acid aqueous solutions. The stable chitosan/carnauba wax emulsion with particle size of 430 nm was prepared at the chitosan concentration of 1.5 wt%, the carnauba wax concentration of 8 wt% and temperature of 85 °C. After 10 g/m ² of chitosan/carnauba wax emulsion was applied to the paper surface, the oil and water resistance of the paper was significantly improved. The experimental results of kit rating value, oil contact angle, Cobb 60 value and water contact angle were 9.5 ± 0.6, 86.6 ± 2.1°, 8.90 ± 1.62 g/m ² and 123.5 ± 2.6°, respectively. The application of chitosan/carnauba wax emulsion coating on papers provided a significantly lower water vapour transmission rate (WVTR, 78.45 ± 18.92 g/m ² ·24 h) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR, 94.26 ± 20.21 g/m ² ·24 h) as compared to the original paper, which met the needs of strawberry packaging.

The design and development of photoinitiating systems applicable to visible light delivered from light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have attracted increasing attention owing to the wide application of photopolymerization. In this study, four aryl glycine derivatives are designed and synthesized, and their applicability as visible light‐sensitive photoinitiators is thoroughly investigated. Specifically, the photoinitiation mechanism of these aryl glycine derivatives, when combined with iodonium salt, is investigated using steady‐state photolysis, fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping techniques. It is revealed that radicals can be generated from aryl glycine derivatives/iodonium salt combinations upon exposure to blue LEDs (410 and 445 nm) to induce free radical photopolymerization (FRP) of (meth)acrylates. Additionally, besides FRP, a photobase generator based on one of the investigated aryl glycine derivatives is synthesized and demonstrates the capability to initiate epoxy‐thiol polymerization under light irradiation. The remarkable photolatent characteristics demonstrate the significant potential in broadening the application of aryl glycine derivatives in controlled photopolymerization processes.

We discuss the use of two empirically validated behavior-change methods-checklists and goal setting-and designed a checklist to assist behavior analysts in improving their behavioral services to be more culturally responsive and trauma informed. We also present pilot data evaluating the use of the checklist and goal setting on the inclusion of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices in behavior support plans designed for students in a public school. The training package was effective for both participants, and the participants' weekly goals corresponded to the observed changes in their behavior plans. Moreover, both participants strongly agreed that the checklist was valuable and easy to use and reported increases in their perceived abilities to implement culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices posttraining.

The synthesis of diverse phthalides containing quaternary carbon centers remains poorly exploited, requiring stepwise reactions with toxic reagents under high temperatures. Herein, we describe a visible‐light promoted, photo‐ and metal‐catalyst‐free protocol for the modular synthesis of 3,3‐disubstituted phthalides with water as the sole by‐product. This process featured an open‐flask operation of a three‐component reaction involving an isocoumarin as the self‐photosensitizer for aerobic ring contracting rearrangements, allowing the convenient preparation of 3‐(1′‐indolyl)‐phthalides in moderate to good yields. The mechanistic investigations suggested that singlet oxygen (¹O2) was generated through an energy‐transfer pathway.

Interprofessional service-learning programs can help to break down the education and training silos between public health and health care in the United States. This paper describes the development and implementation of one such program between the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program, and the Wa-West Health District in Ghana. The program brought together Master of Public Health students and Physician Assistant students to complete an applied practicum and training experience in a low-resource community that faces significant health care and public health delivery challenges. In 2017 and 2018, nine students participated in the two-year pilot program, UMass Amherst Interprofessional Integrated Service Learning and Community-Based Participatory Collaboration. Students completed projects designed by Ghanaian health officials over two summers in direct collaboration with the communities. Findings from the evaluation of the pilot program revealed that though the students faced some challenges with the program, such as language barriers, transportation issues due to poor roads, and difficulty scheduling meetings while completing their projects in Ghana, the majority described their experience as positive and were satisfied. Some expressed the idea that their experiences were something that they could incorporate into their current and future practices. In addition, they reported that interprofessional communications and collaborations were effective. Recommendations are offered to address the program’s challenges for its continuation and formalization.

Halide‐based solid electrolytes are promising candidates for all solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLBs) due to their high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and excellent chemical stability with cathode materials. However, when tested in practice, their intrinsic electrochemical stability windows do not well match the conditions for stable operation of ASSBs. Existing literature reports halide‐based ASSBs that still operate well outside the electrochemical stability window, while ASSBs that do not operate within the window are not well studied or the studies are based on the cathode material interface. In this study, we aim to elucidate the mechanism behind all‐solid‐state battery failure by investigating how the reduction potential of Li3YCl6 solid‐state electrolyte itself changes under overcharging conditions. Our findings demonstrate that in Li‐In|Li3YCl6|Li3YCl6‐C half‐cells during the first state of charge, Cl ions participate in charge compensation, resulting in a depletion of ligands. This phenomenon significantly affects the reduction potential of Y³⁺, causing it to be reduced to Y2Cl3 and ultimately to Y⁰ at conditions far exceeding its actual reduction potential. Furthermore, we analyze the interfacial impedance induced by this process and propose a novel perspective on battery failure.

Importance: There are currently 55 million adults living with declining functional cognition—altered perception, thoughts, mood, or behavior—as the result of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). These changes affect functional performance and meaningful engagement in occupations. Given the growth in demand for services, occupational therapy practitioners benefit from consolidated evidence of effective interventions to support adults living with AD and related NCDs and their care partners. Objective: These Practice Guidelines outline effective occupational therapy interventions for adults living with AD and related NCDs and interventions to support their care partners. Method: We synthesized the clinical recommendations from a review of recent systematic reviews. Results: Twelve systematic reviews published between 2018 and 2021 served as the foundation for the practice recommendations. Conclusion and Recommendations: Reminiscence, exercise, nonpharmacological behavioral interventions, cognitive therapy, sensory interventions, and care partner education and training were found to be most effective to support adults living with AD and related NCDs. Plain-Language Summary: These Practice Guidelines provide strong and moderate evidence for occupational therapy practitioners to support adults living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) and their care partners. They provide specific guidance for addressing the decline in cognition, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and pain experience of adults living with AD and related NCDs. The guidelines also describe interventions to support care partners. With support from the evidence, occupational therapy practitioners are better equipped to address the unique needs of adults living with AD and related NCDs and their care partners.

This chapter addresses the ongoing manifestations of the historically exclusionary institution of higher education and provides suggestions for interrupting these persistent inequities via a case study in online higher education. The various strata of higher education employees, including faculty and staff, as well as senior leaders, middle managers, and individual contributors, are addressed. Furthermore, various institutional organizations pertaining to DEIB are discussed, including grassroots groups, official governing bodies, and more. Potential pitfalls and historical underpinnings informing this case study are reprised throughout.

Moonlighting proteins combine multiple functions in one polypeptide chain. An increasing number of moonlighting proteins are being found in diverse fungal taxa that vary in morphology, life cycle, and ecological niche. In this mini-review we discuss examples of moonlighting proteins in fungi that illustrate their roles in transcription and DNA metabolism, translation and RNA metabolism, protein folding, and regulation of protein function, and their interaction with other cell types and host proteins.

Combining material big data with artificial intelligence constitutes the fourth paradigm of material research. However, the sluggish development of high‐throughput (HT) experimentation has resulted in a lack of experimentally verified and validated material data, which has become the bottleneck of data‐driven material research. Wet‐chemical synthesis has the benefits of low equipment cost and scalability, but traditional wet‐chemical techniques are time‐consuming and ineffective at disclosing the interrelationships between synthesis, compositions, structures, and performance. Constructing a HT workflow in wet‐chemical synthesis is crucial to achieving the preparation of multidimensional materials and establishing the composition–structure–synthesis–performance relationships of functional materials for diverse applications. In this review, the most recent development in HT wet‐chemical synthesis techniques for material research are analyzed in depth. Additionally, the application of HT wet‐chemical synthesis in the fabrication of advanced hydrogels and catalysts is demonstrated through illustrative instances. Finally, this review suggests possible paths for enhancing the efficiency of HT experimentation and data acquisition in order to facilitate more effective material discovery.

Systematic review briefs provide a summary of the findings from systematic reviews evaluated in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Practice Program. Each systematic review brief summarizes the evidence on a theme related to a systematic review topic. This systematic review brief presents findings related to interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to manage pain in individuals with dementia.