bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency management capability evaluation of chemical parks based on PFDEMATEL‐G1 and PFTOPSIS
Authors: Zhang Jixin , Lang Xiaosong , You Qiuju , Jing Yilin , Shang Zeyi , Shi Minghao , Kang Jian
Published: July 2023

Conducting an evaluation of the emergency management capacity of the chemical park and implementing targeted improvements based on the assessment results can significantly enhance the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of both the management departments and enterprises. This article proposes an emergency management capability assessment model for chemical parks based on PFDEMATEL (the Pythagorean fuzzy decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory)‐G1 (the ordinal relation method) and PFTOPSIS (the Pythagorean fuzzy set TOPSIS). Firstly, based on the four stages of emergency management of chemical parks, emergency prevention, emergency preparedness, emergency response, and emergency recovery, an index system for evaluating the emergency management capacity of chemical parks was established. Secondly, PFDEMATEL is used to modify the G1 method to determine the index weight, so as to realize the objective rationality of the G1 method empowerment. On this basis, an emergency management capability evaluation model of chemical park to improve PFTOPSIS is proposed. Finally, taking three chemical parks as examples, the applicability of the evaluation model is verified. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for the emergency management decision‐making of governments and enterprises, improve the status quo of emergency management, and improve the prevention and handling capabilities of emergencies.
Host plant recognition by two odorant‐binding proteins in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Huang Ying , Hu Wei , Hou You‐Ming
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, the red palm weevil (RPW), is a key pest that attacks many economically important palm species and that has evolved a sensitive and specific olfactory system to seek palm hosts. Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) not only play crucial roles in its olfactory perception process but are also important molecular targets for the development of new approaches for pest management.

RESULTS

Analysis of the tissue expression profiles of RferOBP8 and RferOBP11 revealed that these two Rhynchophorus ferrugineus odorant binding proteins (RferOBPs) exhibited high expression in the antennae and showed sexual dimorphism. We analyzed the volatiles of seven host plants by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and screened 13 potential ligands by molecular docking. The binding affinity of two recombinant OBPs to aggregation pheromones and 13 palm odorants was tested by fluorescence competitive binding assays. The results revealed that eight tested palm volatiles and ferrugineol have high binding affinities with RferOBP8 or RferOBP11. Behavioral trials showed that these eight odor compounds could elicit an attraction response in adult RPW. RNA interference analysis indicated that the reduction in the expression levels of the two RferOBPs led to a decrease in behavioral responses to these volatiles.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that RferOBP8 and RferOBP11 are involved in mediating the responses of RPW to palm volatiles and to aggregation pheromones and may play important roles in RPW host‐seeking. This study also provides a theoretical foundation for the promising application of novel molecular targets in the development of new behavioral interference strategies for RPW management in the future. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Numerical Study of Silicon and Tungsten Diselenide Nanomaterial‐Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Yadav Annu , Lohia Pooja , Singh Sachin , Yadav Sapana , Mishra Adarsh Chandra , Dwivedi Dilip Kumar
Published: July 2023

A Kretschmann configuration‐based surface plasmon resonance sensor is proposed. The sensor is made up of calcium fluoride prism, silver, silicon, and tungsten di selenide nanolayer. The theoretical and numerical study of surface plasmon resonance sensor is analyzed by angle interrogation method with the help of MATLAB 2017b. The transfer matrix method (TMM) is the foundation for simulation and a monochromatic light of wavelength 633 nm is considered as source. In the proposed device structure, each layer is arranged in vertical format to improve the electrical and optical properties. The refractive index for analyte is considered as 1.330 to 1.335. Silver (Ag) metal is used for the generation of surface plasmons. It has good chemical properties like metallic conductivity, chemical stability, bandgap, small work function, and acts as an adhesive layer between calcium fluoride prism and silicon layer. To improve the molecular contact and absorption, the transition metal dichalcogenide nanofilm tungsten di selenide (WSe2) is applied at the top. The sensitivity of 367.4 deg RIU−1, detection accuracy of 0.4169 deg−1, quality factor of 193.58, and full‐width half maximum of 1.8985 deg are obtained optimized performance parameters of the proposed device structure.
Effects of adjuvant berberine therapy on acute ischemic stroke: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Dan , Yu Baili , Sun Shoukai , Chen Bonan , Harkare Harsh Vivek , Wang Longlong , Pan Jie , Huang Bin , Song Yang , Ma Tianhong , Shi Shihua
Published: July 2023

We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy of berberine (BBR) in treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS), explore its anti‐inflammatory effects, and assess its potential applications for AIS patients. We comprehensively searched nine databases from inception until July 1, 2022, to identify clinical trials investigating the use of BBR in treating AIS. We performed statistical analyses using RevMan5.4 software and focused on primary outcomes such as inflammatory markers as well as secondary outcomes including immune system indicators, relevant biomarkers, carotid artery atherosclerosis, and adverse reactions. Our analysis included data from 17 clinical trials involving 1670 patients with AIS. Our results revealed that BBR in combination with conventional treatment significantly reduced levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), complement C3, hypoxic inducible factor‐1 α (HIF‐1α), cysteine protease‐3 (Caspase‐3), the national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), the number of unstable plaques, and carotid crouse score on ultrasound when compared with conventional treatment alone. Furthermore, combining BBR with conventional treatment may improve the overall effective rate. Therefore, our findings suggest that BBR can be used as an adjuvant therapy for AIS due to its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokine levels, providing a novel therapeutic option for AIS. However, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results.
Progress in release‐activated food packaging films
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Ma Wenya , Hu Wenqing , Liu Zhuolin , Wang Hao , Chen Yunxia , Li Li
Published: July 2023

To solve the problems caused by direct incorporation of preservation agents (PAs) such as antimicrobials and antioxidants into food, development and application of active packaging (AP) are being strongly promoted. According to the way of PAs applied, AP can be divided into immobilisation type and release type. In release AP, a long‐lasting and stable preservation effect can be achieved by adjusting the release rate of PAs. In this review, we focused on the effects of adjusting the multilayers, polymers, and nanocapsule and microcapsule structures of AP on the release mechanisms and applications of PAs. Release mathematical models based on food simulants have limitations in real food applications. Controlled release modifications often affect the properties of AP such as permeability and light transmission; by regulating the interaction between various factors, there is the potential to achieve a synergistic effect between controlled release and other packaging characteristics to maintain food quality.
Joint optimization of condition‐based maintenance and condition‐based reallocation for a system with multiple degrading components
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Yating , Fu Yuqiang
Published: July 2023

Condition‐based maintenance has been studied for managing the degradation of components in a system. However, components in different positions may undergo different workload, leading to imbalanced components degradation. Component reallocation is an effective method to balance the degradation of components in different positions with different degradation rates. Thus, this paper investigates the joint optimization of condition‐based maintenance and condition‐based reallocation for a non‐repairable system with multiple identical and functionally‐exchangeable components that undergo different continuous degradation processes due to different workload. We model this problem through Markov decision process, which is solved by a dynamic programming algorithm, and the objective is to provide the optimal maintenance and reallocation actions exactly for each system state, that is, the joint optimal policy, to minimize the discounted long‐run total cost. Especially, our joint policy is on component‐level and proved to be optimal. Finally, the numerical analysis shows the structural insights and effectiveness of the proposed joint policy, for which the sensitivity analysis on the degradation parameters, setup cost, reallocation cost, and downtime cost is performed. We also propose a new reallocation strategy and show the results and computation time for systems with different scales, which indicates that our model can handle systems with reasonable size.
Integral passivity‐based control of underactuated mechanical systems with actuator dynamics and constant disturbances
Authors: Franco Enrico
Published: July 2023

This work investigates the energy shaping control of a class of underactuated mechanical systems with first‐order actuator dynamics and subject to both matched and unmatched constant additive disturbances. To this end, a new nonlinear control law which includes two independent integral actions is presented. The controller design is outlined for systems with first‐order actuator dynamics, and also for systems with direct actuation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated with numerical simulations on an inertia wheel pendulum and on a ball‐on‐beam system, both actuated by electric DC motors and subject to constant disturbances.
Strengthening the ‘bio’ in biome: Living river biomes as a concept to leverage public engagement for river health
Authors: Hawkins Elizabeth Ruby , Lankford Bruce Alistair
Published: July 2023

This Perspective argues for an expansion of conventional concepts of river biomes to better encapsulate the emerging social understanding of ‘biomes’ as living systems with unique macro‐ and micro‐biotic ecological and biological signatures. We approach this by firstly examining recent interpretations of river biomes that have evolved from original zonal conceptions. We then postulate on the social/public understanding on ‘biomes’ through the popularity of two rich debates: human health via gut microbiomes and soil health via the soil microbiome. With these concepts in mind, we define the river biome as ‘A living flowing aquatic ecosystem, indicative of its environmental context, comprising unique biological, ecological, hydrologic and health characteristics that shape and are shaped by macro‐ and micro‐biotic signatures and functions’. With this definition the term river biome is more aligned with ideas of river health and ecosystem functioning, which we believe may evoke greater public understanding of rivers as complex living systems. Enhanced public understanding of complex natural systems should be encouraged as a means by which to propel policy, funding and research as well as to improve specialist to non‐specialist communication and relations.
Bromophenoxy Substitution Effect on Thermal and Opto‐Electronic Properties of Triphenylamine‐Based Co‐polyimides
Authors: Khalid Naila , Masood Siddiqi Humaira , Park O. OK. , Ahmed Safeer , Serwar Monazza
Published: July 2023

The present study reported the synthesis of a series of 4,4’diamino‐(4’’‐p‐bromophenoxy)triphenylamine diamine 2 based co‐polyimides (Br‐TPA co‐PIs (A−D))obtained via polycondensation of 2 with a series of dianhydrides. The nucleophilic N‐arylation of the 4‐(4‐bromophenoxy)benzenamine followed by catalytic reduction was used to obtain 2. The synthesized Br‐TPA coPIs were characterized by CHN elemental, and FTIR spectral analysis. The optical and redox active properties were examined by the ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) absorption, photoluminescence emission spectral analysis and cyclic voltammetry respectively. From which it is obvious that Br‐TPA coPIs are optical transparent, and deep blue light emissive in the range 465–472 nm with a quantum efficiency of 4.6–7.3 %. The lifetime decay was calculated from the time correlation single photon counting (TCSPC) and found in the range 11.7‐12.9 nS. The evaluation of thermal properties via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed excellent thermal stability of synthesized materials in the range 426–476 °C. The excellent thermal properties, appreciable processability, shallow HOMO levels (−4.70 eV), low onset oxidation (E onset=0.296 V) and long‐lived excited states (12.94 nS decay time) evidently depicted their optoelectronic character, suggesting their use as efficient light emitting layer in light emitting diiodes.
Prospects of Microbial Bio‐surfactants To Endorse Prolonged Conservation in the Pharmaceutical and Agriculture Industries
Authors: Karnwal Arun
Published: July 2023

Chemical surfactants have raised concerns due to their negative impact on ecosystems, prompting the search for eco‐friendly alternatives. Biosurfactants derived from microorganisms offer a promising solution. These biomolecules are less harmful and can replace toxic pesticide surfactants. Biosurfactants have shown potential in agriculture for food digestion, crop protection, soil fertility, disease management, antibacterial properties, and biofilm prevention. They eliminate plant‐pathogens and improve nutrient availability, supporting plant‐growth. Rhamnolipids, produced byPseudomonas, reduce surface tension, are used as wetting agents and emulsifiers in agriculture, and antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory medications. Surfactin, a biosurfactant fromBacillus subtilis, improves plant development, controls plant diseases, and fights pathogens and diseases.Candida bombicolayeast produces sophorolipids, biodegradable surfactants with antibacterial, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory properties.Pseudozymayeast produces mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), which biocontrol fungus and have antibacterial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities. Biosurfactants also hold potential in pharmaceuticals, functioning as antioxidants, exhibiting antibacterial and anticancer activities, and acting as drug‐delivery systems. However, challenges in biosurfactant production include varying research methods, limited production organism sources, and cost implications for large‐scale manufacturing. This mini‐review explores microbiologically produced biosurfactants, their regulatory parameters, their applications in optimizing soil health and controlling plant infections, and their potential roles in the pharmaceutical sector.
Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocyclic Scaffolds as EGFR Inhibitors: Design Approaches, Molecular Docking, and Structure‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Pal Rohit , Teli Ghanshyam , Swamy Purawarga Matada Gurubasavaraja , Sanjay Dhiwar Prasad
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a wide collection of diseases and among the numerous pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis, pathway involving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most prominent. EGFR frequently articulated in a variety of cancer such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck cancer. There are different EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved by FDA for the treatment of cancer. However, none of them evidenced as boon to oncological and medical department. Frequently occurrence of inherent and acquired resistance of TKIs as a result of mutations is the principal cause for the current situation. Therefore, researchers are in the desire of evolving the novel EGFR TKIs. Further, N‐heterocyclic ring system always proved to be the magical weapon in designed and discovery of synthetic molecules as they acquired comprehensive range of pharmacological properties. In recent year (2018–2022) N‐heterocyclic derivatives were uncovered as the potential EGFR TKIs. The present review summarised the research progress of EGFR TKIs to dazed the limitations of currently accessible drugs by consecrating, anatomy, mutation of EGFR, and its role in different types of cancer. The review highlights the medicinal chemistry prospective emphasising about the designing strategies, docking studies, biological evaluation, selectivity and structural activity relationship of N‐heterocyclic compounds. Our review will support the medicinal chemists in direction for the development of novel N‐heterocyclic based EGFR TKIs.
A Trojan‐Horse‐Like Biomimetic Nano‐NK to Elicit an Immunostimulatory Tumor Microenvironment for Enhanced GBM Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Long , Zhang Yining , Wang Xu , Zhou Yi , Qi Ji , Gu Linbo , Zhao Qiu , Yu Rutong , Zhou Xiuping
Published: July 2023

Although the chemo‐ and immuno‐therapies have obtained good responses for several solid tumors, including those with brain metastasis, their clinical efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM) is disappointing. The lack of safe and effective delivery systems across the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) are two main hurdles for GBM therapy. Herein, a Trojan‐horse‐like nanoparticle system is designed, which encapsulates biocompatible PLGA‐coated temozolomide (TMZ) and IL‐15 nanoparticles (NPs) with cRGD‐decorated NK cell membrane (R‐NKm@NP), to elicit the immunostimulatory TME for GBM chemo‐immunotherapy. Taking advantage of the outer NK cell membrane cooperating with cRGD, the R‐NKm@NPs effectively traversed across the BBB and targeted GBM. In addition, the R‐NKm@NPs exhibited good antitumor ability and prolonged the median survival of GBM‐bearing mice. Notably, after R‐NKm@NPs treatment, the locally released TMZ and IL‐15 synergistically stimulated the proliferation and activation of NK cells, leading to the maturation of dendritic cells and infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, eliciting an immunostimulatory TME. Lastly, the R‐NKm@NPs not only effectively prolonged the metabolic cycling time of the drugs in vivo, but also has no noticeable side effects. This study may offer valuable insights for developing biomimetic nanoparticles to potentiate GBM chemo‐ and immuno‐therapies in the future.
Defect‐Mediated Growth of Crystallographic Shear Plane
Authors: Cao Jianyu , Xia Jing , Li Xuanze , Li Yuye , Liu Pei , Tian Lifeng , Qiao Peiyu , Liu Chang , Wang Yifan , Meng Xiangmin
Published: July 2023

As representative extended planar defects, crystallographic shear (CS) planes, namely Wadsley defects, play an important role in modifying the physical and chemical properties of metal oxides. Although these special structures have been intensively investigated for high‐rate anode materials and catalysts, it is still experimentally unclear how the CS planes form and propagate at the atomic scale. Here, the CS plane evolution in monoclinic WO3 is directly imaged via in situ scanning transmission electron microscope. It is found that the CS planes nucleate preferentially at the edge step defects and proceed by the cooperative migration of WO6 octahedrons along particular crystallographic orientations, passing through a series of intermediate states. The local reconstruction of atomic columns tends to form (102) CS planes featured with four edge‐sharing octahedrons in preference to the (103) planes, which matches well with the theoretical calculations. Associated with the structure evolution, the sample undergoes a semiconductor‐to‐metal transition. In addition, the controlled growth of CS planes and V‐shaped CS structures can be achieved by artificial defects for the first time. These findings enable an atomic‐scale understanding of CS structure evolution dynamics.
Thermal Management Enables Stable Perovskite Nanocrystal Light‐Emitting Diodes with Novel Hole Transport Material
Authors: Shen Xinyu , Kwak Seon Lee , Jeong Woo Hyeon , Jang Ji Won , Yu Zhongkai , Ahn Hyungju , Park Hea Jung , Choi Hyosung , Park Sung Heum , Snaith Henry J. , Hwang Do‐Hoon , Lee Bo Ram
Published: July 2023

The severely insufficient operational lifetime of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) is incompatible with the rapidly increasing external quantum efficiency, even as it approaches the theoretical limit, thereby significantly impeding the commercialization of perovskite LEDs. In addition, Joule heating induces ion migration and surface defects, degrades the photoluminescence quantum yield and other optoelectronic properties of perovskite films, and induces the crystallization of charge transport layers with low glass transition temperatures, resulting in LED degradation under continuous operation. Here, a novel thermally crosslinked hole transport material, poly(FCA60‐co‐BFCA20‐co‐VFCA20) (poly‐FBV), with temperature‐dependent hole mobility is designed, which is advantageous for balancing the charge injection of the LEDs and limiting the generation of Joule heating. The optimised CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystal LEDs with poly‐FBV realise approximately a 2‐fold external quantum efficiency increase over the LED with commercial hole transport layer poly(4‐butyl‐phenyl‐diphenyl‐amine) (poly‐TPD), owing to the balanced carrier injection and suppressed exciton quenching. Moreover, because of the Joule heating control provided by the novel crosslinked hole transport material, the LED utilising crosslinked poly‐FBV has a 150‐fold longer operating lifetime (490 min) than that utilizing poly‐TPD (3.3 min). The study opens a new avenue for the use of PNC LEDs in commercial semiconductor optoelectronic devices.
Multi‐Modular Design of Stable Pore‐Space‐Partitioned Metal–Organic Frameworks for Gas Separation Applications
Authors: Chen Yichong , Yang Huajun , Wang Wei , Li Xiangxiang , Wang Yanxiang , Hong Anh N. , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: July 2023

Pore space partition (PSP) is an effective materials design method for developing high‐performance small‐pore materials for storage and separation of gas molecules. The continued success of PSP depends on broad availability and judicious choice of pore‐partition ligands and better understanding of each structural module on stability and sorption properties. Here, by using substructural bioisosteric strategy (sub‐BIS), a dramatic expansion of pore‐partitioned materials is targeted by using ditopic dipyridyl ligands with non‐aromatic cores or extenders, as well as by expanding heterometallic clusters to uncommon nickel–vanadium and nickel–indium clusters rarely known before in porous materials. The dual‐module iterative refinement of pore‐partition ligands and trimers leads to remarkable enhancement of chemical stability and porosity. Here a family of 23 pore‐partitioned materials synthesized from five pore‐partition ligands and seven types of trimeric clusters is reported. New materials with such compositionally and structurally diverse framework modules reveal key factors that dictate stability, porosity, and gas separation properties. Among these, materials based on heterometallic vanadium–nickel trimeric clusters give rise to the highest long‐term hydrolytic stability and remarkable uptake capacity for CO2, C2H2/C2H4/C2H6, and C3H6/C3H8 hydrocarbon gases. The breakthrough experiment shows the potential application of new materials for separating gas mixtures such as C2H2/CO2.
In situ Growth Transition Towards Helical Crystals of Achiral Molecules
Authors: Yoon Youngkwan , Koo Jin Young , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of chiral crystals such as helical crystals is important due to their chirality‐dependent applications in various fields. Since chiral crystals of achiral molecules are getting more attention, it is important to establish synthetic strategies for helical crystals of achiral molecules. Quite surprisingly, there are numerous examples of helical crystals of achiral molecules, although they are mostly obtained without specific synthetic strategies. Herein, it is proposed that Eshelby twist can be applied to noncovalent molecular crystals by introducing screw dislocations and demonstrates a successful synthesis of helical tube crystals of achiral titanyl phthalocyanine by vapor‐phase crystal growth. The dislocations form where interfaces are created via growth transition from wire growth to tube growth upon growth temperature change. The screw dislocation is confirmed by Burgers vector analysis using transmission electron microscopy. The screw dislocation induces crystal twisting along the growth direction to dissipate the strain applied around the dislocation. The diffraction peak broadening of the (200) and (002) planes confirms the nonuniform strain, i.e., twisting force. This work offers a new approach for the synthesis of helical crystals from achiral molecules.
Effectiveness of conceptual change strategies in science education: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pacaci Cagatay , Ustun Ulas , Ozdemir Omer Faruk
Published: July 2023

There is extensive literature focusing on students' misconceptions in various subject domains. Several conceptual change approaches have been trying to understand how conceptual change occurs to help learners handle these misconceptions. This meta‐analysis aims to integrate studies investigating the effectiveness of three types of conceptual change strategy: cognitive conflict, cognitive bridging, and ontological category shift in science learning. We conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis to calculate an overall effect size in Hedges' g with a sample of 218 primary studies, including 18,051 students. Our analyses resulted in a large overall effect size (g = 1.10, 95% CI [1.01, 1.19], k = 218, p < 0.001). We also performed a robust Bayesian meta‐analysis to calculate an adjusted effect size, which specified a large effect (adjusted g = 0.93, 95% CI [0.68, 1.07], k = 218). Results are also consistent across the conceptual change strategies of cognitive conflict (g = 1.10, 95% CI [0.99, 1.21], k = 150, p < 0.001), cognitive bridging (g = 1.06, 95% CI [0.84, 1.28], k = 30, p < 0.001), and ontological category shift (g = 0.88, 95% CI [0.50, 1.26], k = 9, p < 0.001). However, a wide‐ranging prediction interval [0.19, 2.38] points out a high level of heterogeneity in the distribution of effect sizes. Thus, we investigated the moderating effects of several variables using simple and multiple meta‐regression. The final meta‐regression model we created explained 35% of overall heterogeneity. This meta‐analysis provides robust evidence that conceptual change strategies significantly enhance students' learning in science.
Development of fluorescent epoxy composite with carbon‐based nanomaterial additives derived from agricultural waste
Authors: Tewari Chetna , Kim Yebom , Kim Young Nam , Ryu Sooyeon , Jeong Hyun Sung , Jung Yong Chae
Published: July 2023

Fluorescent polymers have exciting applications in sensing, imaging, and probes. Agricultural waste is increasingly being used to develop fluorescent nanomaterials due to technology, cost, and waste management advantages. This study developed fluorescent carbon‐based nanomaterials, that is, potassium doped graphene oxide (K‐GO) from Quercus ilex waste and used them to optimize fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites showed significant enhancement in tensile strength with only 0.05 wt% of the renewable nanomaterial. The developed fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites have enhanced thermal and mechanical properties and can be used in sensing, imaging, and other applications.

Highlights

A greener and easier approach to synthesizing K‐GO from Quercus ilex seeds.

Development of fluorescent epoxy composites with K‐GO.

Tensile strength is enhanced by adding only 0.05 wt% K‐GO.

Thermal stability was improved by adding K‐GO.

Developed composites can be applied to sensing and UV‐shielding in the future.
Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/secondary collagen fiber gel membrane with excellent mechanical property
Authors: Wang Yunjia , Chen Qifeng
Published: July 2023

The reuse of leather waste is a global challenge because of the increase of leather products. In this paper, collagen fiber (CF) was extracted from leather waste and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel membranes containing CF with high mechanical property are fabricated by freeze–thaw method. Results shows that the composite gel membrane maintains the helical structure of CF. The tensile strength of the PVA/3CF‐FW increases to 58.5 MPa, while its elongation at break increases to 365%. The swelling ratio increases with the addition of CF, and the PVA/7CF composite gel membrane has the highest swelling ratio, which is 11.65. However, the crystallinity reduced with the addition of CF. Compared to the pure 24PVA gel membrane and the PVA/GA gel membrane, the PVA/CF composite gel membrane prepared by freeze–thaw method has a better mechanical property.

Highlights

Taking leather waste as raw material to extract collagen fiber.

The gel membranes containing collagen fiber have hardly been reported.

The gel membranes show good swelling ratio and mechanical properties.
A survey on artificial intelligence in pulmonary imaging
Authors: Saha Punam K. , Nadeem Syed Ahmed , Comellas Alejandro P.
Published: July 2023

Over the last decade, deep learning (DL) has contributed to a paradigm shift in computer vision and image recognition creating widespread opportunities of using artificial intelligence in research as well as industrial applications. DL has been extensively studied in medical imaging applications, including those related to pulmonary diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, and, more recently, COVID‐19 are common lung diseases affecting nearly 7.4% of world population. Pulmonary imaging has been widely investigated toward improving our understanding of disease etiologies and early diagnosis and assessment of disease progression and clinical outcomes. DL has been broadly applied to solve various pulmonary image processing challenges including classification, recognition, registration, and segmentation. This article presents a survey of pulmonary diseases, roles of imaging in translational and clinical pulmonary research, and applications of different DL architectures and methods in pulmonary imaging with emphasis on DL‐based segmentation of major pulmonary anatomies such as lung volumes, lung lobes, pulmonary vessels, and airways as well as thoracic musculoskeletal anatomies related to pulmonary diseases.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care

Technologies > Artificial Intelligence

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Application Areas > Science and Technology
Getting Started
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter outlines guiding principles and a framework to support the success of people analytics projects. In addition, analytics tooling and data sets utilized in this book are discussed.
Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter covers dimension reduction techniques that have utility in exploring and confirming the factor structure of psychological instrumentation; techniques include exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and principal components analysis (PCA). K-means and hierarchical clustering methods are examined for surfacing patterns and insights in unsupervised settings in which there is no outcome variable.
Data Visualization
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter provides best practices for visualizing data and discusses common types of data visualizations and their respective applications in people analytics contexts. Types of data visualizations include tables, heatmaps, scatterplots, line graphs, slopegraphs, bar charts, combination charts, waterfall charts, waffle charts, Sankey diagrams, and pie charts.
Data Storytelling
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter provides best practices for effectively communicating to stakeholders with data. Topics include knowing the audience, implementing a status taxonomy for analysis documents, and various structural elements of analysis presentations (e.g., TL;DR, purpose, methodology, results, limitations, next steps, appendix).
Descriptive Statistics
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter reviews types of univariate analyses (e.g., measures of central tendency and spread) and bivariate analyses (e.g., covariance and correlation).
Statistical Inference
Authors: Starbuck Craig
Published: July 2023

This chapter covers the fundamentals of statistical inference. Topics include discrete and continuous probability distributions, conditional probability, Central Limit Theorem (CLT), confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, multiple testing, and statistical power.
Responsives Schulleitungshandeln in sich wandelnden institutionellen Umwelten
Authors: Jesacher-Rößler Livia
Published: July 2023

Wie kommen institutionelle Vorstellungen in die Schule, wie reagieren Schulleiter/-innen auf Ansprüche und wie vollzieht sich dadurch in weitestem Sinne organisationaler Wandel? Diese Fragen sind zentrale Themen des dritten Kapitels. Um sie im Detail zu behandeln, knüpfen die Ausführungen an die bereits in Kapitel 2 diskutierten Theorienansätze an. Im Kapitel werden Konzepte zu institutionellem Wandel und die Verarbeitung von institutionellen Vorstellungen in konkrete Handlungen diskutiert.
Fazit und Ausblick
Authors: Luig Christina
Published: July 2023

Zentrales Anliegen der Arbeit war es, die schulinspektionsbezogene Handlungskoordination der Akteure Schulleitung, Qualitätsanalyse, Schulaufsicht und staatlicher Schulentwicklungsberatung bei der Qualitätsanalyse an Grundschulen in Nordrhein-Westfalen empirisch zu untersuchen. Die Studie wurde dabei von drei Forschungsfragen geleitet, die sich a) auf die Ausgestaltung des Zusammenwirkens bei der Qualitätsanalyse, b) die subjektiven Vorstellungen der Akteure, die diesem Handeln zugrunde liegen, und c) auf Vorschläge für eine Weiterentwicklung des Verfahrens bezogen. Zentrale Ergebnisse werden nun zusammengefasst und anschließend unter Rückgriff auf die in Kapitel 8 herausgearbeiteten Interpretationlinien und die diskutierten weiterführenden Überlegungen problematisiert.
Theoretisch-konzeptionelle Grundlagen und Forschungsansatz
Authors: Luig Christina
Published: July 2023

In diesem Kapitel werden zentrale Aspekte Neuer Schulsystemsteuerung und ihre Folgen für Schule und Schulaufsicht in Deutschland erläutert. Hieran anknüpfend wird die Educational Governance als Forschungsperspektive expliziert. Anschließend rückt dann die Schulinspektion in den Fokus der Betrachtung, indem die Programmatik und Anlage beschrieben wird und eine aktuelle Bestandsaufnahme zu den Inspektionsverfahren der deutschen Bundesländer erfolgt.
Methodisches Vorgehen
Authors: Luig Christina
Published: July 2023

In diesem Kapitel werden unter Rekurs auf die Forschungsfragen und das Forschungsinteresse die Datenerhebung und -analyse vorgestellt, begründet und reflektiert. Ausgehend von der hier eingenommenen analytischen Governanceperspektive und der angestrebten mehrperspektivischen Untersuchung werden methodische Zugriffsweisen eruiert, um sodann die Entscheidung für ein qualitatives Vorgehen mittels Interviews zu begründen. Anschließend wird herausgearbeitet, welchen Beitrag die leitfadengestützten Experteninterviews zur Beantwortung der Forschungsfragen leisten.
Diskussion und Interpretation der Ergebnisse
Authors: Luig Christina
Published: July 2023

In diesem Kapitel werden die Ergebnisse dieser Studie unter Rückgriff auf theoretische Grundlagen in eine Interpretationslinie gebracht und vor dem Hintergrund bisheriger Forschung diskutiert.  Auf Basis des analysierten Materials wird zunächst Grundsätzliches zur Konstitution der Akteurskonstellation herausgestellt bevor zwei wesentliche Leitfiguren aufgeschlüsselt werden, welche die Handlungslogik der Akteure leiten. Daraufhin werden einzelne Handlungspraktiken verdichtet beschrieben und diskutiert, wie sie sich in die basalen Formen der Handlungskoordination einfügen und anhand herausgearbeiteter Handlungslogiken oder Rollenkonflikte plausibiliseren lassen. Aufbauend auf den dargelegten Vorschlägen der Akteure werden abschließend weiterführende Überlegungen zur Weiterentwicklung der Qualitätsanalyse angestellt.
Reflexion des methodischen Vorgehens
Authors: Luig Christina
Published: July 2023

Die Reflexion des methodischen Vorgehens erfolgt dreigeteilt. Zunächst wird die Erhebungsmethode, insbesondere in Bezug auf die Datengewinnung kritisch beleuchtet und anschließend die angewandte Auswertungsmethodik reflektiert. Sodann wird das Vorgehen zusammenfassend und in Bezug auf Qualitätskriterien qualitativer Sozialforschung betrachtet, wobei auch auf die Aussagekraft und Reichweite der Ergebnisse dieser Studie eingegangen wird.
Holographic complexity of Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity from Karch-Randall braneworld
Authors: Bhattacharya Aranya , Bhattacharyya Arpan , Patra Ayan K.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Recently, it has been argued in [1] that Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity can be naturally realized in the Karch-Randall braneworld in (2 + 1) dimensions. Using the ‘complexity=volume’ proposal, we studied this model and computed the holographic complexity of the JT gravity from the bulk perspective. We find that the complexity grows linearly with boundary time at late times, and the leading order contribution is proportional to the φ0, similar to the answer found in [2]. However, in addition, we find subleading corrections to the complexity solely arising from the fluctuations of these Karch-Randall branes.
Ehlers, Carroll, charges and dual charges
Authors: Mittal Nehal , Petropoulos P. Marios , Rivera-Betancour David , Vilatte Matthieu
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We unravel the boundary manifestation of Ehlers’ hidden Möbius symmetry present in four-dimensional Ricci-flat spacetimes that enjoy a time-like isometry and are Petrov-algebraic. This is achieved in a designated gauge, shaped in the spirit of flat holography, where the Carrollian three-dimensional nature of the null conformal boundary is manifest and covariantly implemented. The action of the Möbius group is local on the space of Carrollian boundary data, among which the Carrollian Cotton tensor plays a predominent role. The Carrollian and Weyl geometric tools introduced for shaping an appropriate gauge, as well as the boundary conformal group, which is BMS4, allow to define electric/magnetic, leading/subleading towers of charges directly from the boundary Carrollian dynamics and explore their behaviour under the action of the Möbius duality group.
A system of superlinear elliptic equations in a cylinder
Authors: Guo Yanyan , Ruf Bernhard
Published: July 2023

The article is concerned with the existence of positive solutions of a semi-linear elliptic system defined in a cylinder $$\Omega =\Omega '\times (0,a)\subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
=

Ω
′

×

(
0
,
a
)

⊂

R

n

, where $$\Omega '\subset {\mathbb {R}}^{n-1}$$

Ω
′

⊂

R

n
-
1

is a bounded and smooth domain. The system couples a superlinear equation defined in the whole cylinder $$\Omega $$
Ω
with another superlinear (or linear) equation defined at the bottom of the cylinder $$\Omega '\times \{0\}$$

Ω
′

×

{
0
}

. Possible applications for such systems are interacting substances (gas in the cylinder and fluid at the bottom) or competing species in a cylindrical habitat (insects in the air and plants on the ground). We provide a priori $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

bounds for all positive solutions of the system when the nonlinear terms satisfy certain growth conditions. It is interesting that due to the structure of the system our growth restrictions are weaker than those of the pioneering result by Brezis–Turner for a single equation. Using the a priori bounds and topological arguments, we prove the existence of positive solutions for these particular semi-linear elliptic systems.
Incretin hormones and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Müller Timo D.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Incretin hormones (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP] and glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1]) play a role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Along with their derivatives they have shown therapeutic success in type 2 diabetes, with the potential for further improvements in glycaemic, cardiorenal and body weight-related outcomes. In type 2 diabetes, the incretin effect (greater insulin secretory response after oral glucose than with ‘isoglycaemic’ i.v. glucose, i.e. with an identical glycaemic stimulus) is markedly reduced or absent. This appears to be because of a reduced ability of GIP to stimulate insulin secretion, related either to an overall impairment of beta cell function or to specific defects in the GIP signalling pathway. It is likely that a reduced incretin effect impacts on postprandial glycaemic excursions and, thus, may play a role in the deterioration of glycaemic control. In contrast, the insulinotropic potency of GLP-1 appears to be much less impaired, such that exogenous GLP-1 can stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion and reduce plasma glucose concentrations in the fasting and postprandial states. This has led to the development of incretin-based glucose-lowering medications (selective GLP-1 receptor agonists or, more recently, co-agonists, e.g. that stimulate GIP and GLP-1 receptors). Tirzepatide (a GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist), for example, reduces HbA1c and body weight in individuals with type 2 diabetes more effectively than selective GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide). The mechanisms by which GIP receptor agonism may contribute to better glycaemic control and weight loss after long-term exposure to tirzepatide are a matter of active research and may change the pessimistic view that developed after the disappointing lack of insulinotropic activity in people with type 2 diabetes when exposed to GIP in short-term experiments. Future medications that stimulate incretin hormone and other receptors simultaneously may have the potential to further increase the ability to control plasma glucose concentrations and induce weight loss.

Graphical Abstract
The role of alcohol use in pesticide suicide and self-harm: a scoping review
Authors: Schölin Lisa , Lee K. S. Kylie , London Leslie , Pearson Melissa , Otieno Fredrick , Weerasinghe Manjula , Konradsen Flemming , Eddleston Michael , Sørensen Jane Brandt
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Suicide and self-harm by pesticide self-poisoning is common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Alcohol is an important risk factor for self-harm; however, little is known about its role in pesticide self-poisoning. This scoping review explores the role that alcohol plays in pesticide self-harm and suicide.

Methods

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidance. Searches were undertaken in 14 databases, Google Scholar, and relevant websites. Articles were included if they focussed on pesticide self-harm and/or suicide and involvement of alcohol.

Results

Following screening of 1281 articles, 52 were included. Almost half were case reports (n = 24) and 16 focussed on Sri Lanka. Just over half described the acute impact of alcohol (n = 286), followed by acute and chronic alcohol use (n = 9), chronic use, (n = 4,) and only two articles addressed harm to others. One systematic review/meta-analysis showed increased risk of intubation and death in patients with co-ingested alcohol and pesticides. Most individuals who consumed alcohol before self-harming with pesticides were men, but alcohol use among this group also led to pesticide self-harm among family members. Individual interventions were recognised as reducing or moderating alcohol use, but no study discussed population-level alcohol interventions as a strategy for pesticide suicide and self-harm prevention.

Conclusion

Research on alcohol’s role in pesticide self-harm and suicide is limited. Future studies are needed to: further assess the toxicological effects of combined alcohol and pesticide ingestion, explore harm to others from alcohol including pesticide self-harm, and to integrate efforts to prevent harmful alcohol use and self-harm.
Urinary excretion kinetics of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617
Authors: de Bakker Maarten , Dominicus Noa , Meeuwis Antoi , Janssen Marcel , Konijnenberg Mark W. , Nagarajah James , Peters Steffie M. B.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

For the implementation of suitable radiation safety measures in [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy, additional insight into excretion kinetics is important. This study evaluates this kinetics in prostate cancer patients via direct urine measurements.

Methods

Both the short-term (up to 24 h, n = 28 cycles) and long-term kinetics (up to 7 weeks, n = 35 samples) were evaluated by collection of urine samples. Samples were measured on a scintillation counter to determine excretion kinetics.

Results

The mean excretion half-time during the first 20 h was 4.9 h. Kinetics was significantly different for patients with kidney function below or above eGFR 65 ml/min. Calculated skin equivalent dose in case of urinary contamination was between 50 and 145 mSv when it was caused between 0 and 8 h p.i.. Measurable amounts of 177Lu were found in urine samples up to 18 days p.i..

Conclusion

Excretion kinetics of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is especially relevant during the first 24 h, when accurate radiation safety measures are important to prevent skin contamination. Measures for accurate waste management are relevant up to 18 days.
Novel, static, permanent spacers to treat chronic knee periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Li Shuailei , Meng Yanyan , Pan Jiankang , Sun Yongqiang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To discuss a static and permanent spacer in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic knee infection. Methods

In this study, patients who were diagonised with chronic periprosthetic knee infection and not appropriate to undergo revision operations were included and were treated with static and permanent spacers. Infection recurrence rate was recorded, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Knee Society Score (KSS) were used to record patients’ pain and knee function before the operation and at the final follow-up (minimum 24 months).

Results

Fifteen patients were identified for this study. Pain and function were significantly improved at the latest follow-up evaluation. One patient had a recurrent infection and underwent amputation. No patients had signs of residual instability at the final follow-up evaluation, and no breakage or subsidence of the antibiotic spacer were identified at the final radiographic follow-up evaluation.

Conclusion

Our study provided evidence that the static and permanent spacer was a reliable salvage procedure to treat periprosthetic knee infection in compromised patients.