bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: Integrating Multi‐Objective Optimization Into a Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making Framework
Authors: Mathaba Tebello Ntsiki Don , Abo‐Al‐Ez Khaled
Published: December 2024

Research into hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) fulfills the need for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy systems to supply house‐holds. The design of HRESs is a challenging endeavor requiring the optimization of multiple objectives considered over multiple criteria. This paper presents a new multi‐criteria decision‐making framework (MCDM) to automate the design. The proposed framework initially uses a metaheuristic multi‐objective (MO) optimization algorithm to generate optimal candidate configurations and then objectively evaluates candidates to select the best configuration. A combination of the MO particle swarm optimization and a newly developed MO leaders‐and‐follower algorithms (MO‐LaF/PSO) is used to generate optimal configurations based on minimal levelized cost of energy (LCOE), renewable energy (RE) power abandonment, and CO2 emissions, while maintaining an acceptable level of reliability. The evaluation phase applies the VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) ranking method that uses objective criteria weights calculated using MEREC (MEthod based on the Removal Effects of Criteria). This method is applied to a case‐study of an off‐grid Wind/PV/Diesel/Battery HRES. The results reveal that this newly proposed framework generates a unique top‐ranking configuration with an LCOE of 0.199 $/kWh, 0% wastage of RE, and 982 tons of CO2.
Unlocking the Potential: How Flavonoids Affect Angiogenesis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Proliferation, Invasion, and Alter Receptor Interactions in Endometriosis
Authors: Goleij Pouya , Khandan Mohanna , Khazeei Tabari Mohammad Amin , Sanaye Pantea Majma , Alijanzadeh Dorsa , Soltani Afsaneh , Hosseini Zahra , Larsen Danaé S. , Khan Haroon , Kumar Alan Prem , Daglia Maria
Published: December 2024

Endometriosis, though not classified as a carcinogenic condition, shares features such as oxidative stress, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation with tumor cells. This study aims to review the effects of flavonoids on these processes and their molecular mechanisms in preventing and treating endometriosis. A comprehensive review was conducted, involving a literature search in online databases using keywords like “endometriosis,” “endometrioma,” and “flavonoid.” Two authors screened the literature based on predefined criteria, and the selected studies were summarized in a structured data extraction table. Studies reviewed showed that various flavonoids impact key processes in endometriosis, including angiogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and invasiveness. Flavonoids such as 2′,7'‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF‐DA), naringenin, apigenin, myricetin, 5,7‐dimethoxyflavone (DMF), chrysin, and 6,8‐diprenylorobol were found to induce oxidative stress. Xanthohumol, isoliquiritigenin, and luteolin demonstrated effects on angiogenesis. Apigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and luteolin exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties. Additionally, 3,6‐dihydroxyflavone, isoliquiritigenin, and naringenin displayed anti‐invasive activities. Flavonoid–receptor interactions further enhance their therapeutic potential in endometriosis management. Flavonoids such as nobiletin, chrysin, and daidzein modulate PPARγ and PPARα, reducing inflammation, promoting apoptosis, and improving lipid metabolism. These interactions regulate critical pathways in angiogenesis and immune responses. Additionally, flavonoids impact the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), with compounds like resveratrol inhibiting cell proliferation and cholesterol biosynthesis, further suppressing lesion growth. The ability of flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol to antagonize NR4A1 leads to reduced cell proliferation and oxidative stress in endometriotic tissues. These findings offer insights into the mechanisms through which specific flavonoids modulate angiogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and invasiveness in endometriosis. By targeting receptors such as PPARs, AhR, and NR4A1, flavonoids demonstrate the capacity to modulate both metabolic and inflammatory pathways, offering a multifaceted approach to managing endometriosis. Flavonoids can selectively target pathophysiologic molecules and pathways implicated in the condition. Consequently, leveraging the therapeutic attributes of flavonoids could lead to novel strategies for managing endometriosis.
Factors That Affect the Adoption of Fertilizer Among Cocoa Farmers in Developing Countries: A Review
Authors: Wokibula Rebecca Alice , Dentzman Katherine , Akitwine Francis , Mtama Johnson Godlove , Mbeiza Moureen , Burras C. Lee
Published: December 2024

Sub‐Saharan Africa's adoption of inorganic fertilizer lags behind other developing nations, creating limitations for small‐holder cocoa producers. Using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, articles assessing inorganic fertilizer (non)adoption by cocoa producers in Sub‐Saharan Africa are reviewed. Factors influencing adoption fell into two major categories: socioeconomic characteristics of the potential adopter and characteristics of the innovation itself. Farm income, access to credit, labor requirements, and fertilizer price/availability are especially influential. Future studies and outreach efforts to consider the interplay of many personal, agronomic, and technological factors when promoting fertilizer adoption in cocoa farming are encouraged.
Using Routinely Collected Health Data to Estimate the Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease and Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors in Colombia
Authors: Salazar‐Londoño Salomón , Silva‐Buriticá Cristina , Herrera‐Velez Laura , Rosselli Diego
Published: December 2024

Objective

With an increasing prevalence, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. However, a percentage of potentially modifiable cases have been reported. This article describes the prevalence of four of these potentially modifiable risk factors: hearing loss, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and hypertension.

Methods

Descriptive cross‐sectional study with data from 2018 to 2022, using the Colombian health system database SISPRO. The population of this study consisted of all people within the age range 50–100 with a main diagnosis of AD according to the ICD‐10 codes. Subjects were divided by decades, and the prevalence ratio (PR) for the outcome of AD and each of its potentially modifiable risk factors was then calculated and adjusted by age using the Mantel‐Haenszel formula.

Results

167,556 cases of AD were identified, with 66.4% being females. Peak age was in octogenarians, and the five‐years period prevalence for people older than 50 was 12.6 cases/1000 people. The PRs showed a positive association for all risk factors, except obesity. Following age correction, obesity's PR value shifted to positive in males and overall population but remained negative for females. The highest post‐correction PR in the overall population was hypertension (1.44), followed by DM (1.34), hearing loss (1.31) and obesity (1.12). Notably, PRs had a greater magnitude in younger and male age groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study are consistent with the fact that the prevalence of potentially modifiable risk factors is higher within the group of people with AD as their main diagnosis.
Common mycorrhizal networks enhance defense responses against pathogens in neighboring plants
Authors: Li Yingde , Wei Yong , Shen Youlei , Zheng Rongchun , Wang Yajie , Duan Tingyu , Nan Zhibiao
Published: December 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can establish common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) and assemble their own phyllosphere microbiome. Although the roles of the AM fungi in soil microbiomes have been extensively studied, little is known about the role of CMNs in collective community−level changes of the phyllosphere microbiome in response to infection by pathogens. Here, we explored the impact of CMNs that linked the donor white clover (Trifolium repens L.) plants infected with the pathogen Stemphylium sarciniforme on changes in defense compounds and the phyllosphere microbiome in receiver perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). This included examining plant defense enzymes, phytohormones, phyllosphere microbiome diversity, community structure, and network complexity. The donor clover infected with the pathogen and its linked receiver ryegrass through the CMNs had a higher activity of catalase along with higher levels of abundance‐based coverage estimato (ACE), genera, and species richness in the receiver ryegrass. The pathogen infection of the donor clover altered the community structure of the phyllosphere microbiome in the receiver ryegrass, and the fungal network was significantly more complex. The activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase exhibited a positive correlation with the alpha−diversity of the ryegrass phyllosphere fungi and also showed a significant positive relationship with the relative abundance of microbes associated with resistance to disease. In summary, this study revealed differences in the phyllosphere microbiomes of receiver ryegrass linked through CMNs to pathogen−infected and uninfected donor clovers. These changes in the phyllosphere microbiomes correlated with elevated levels of defense enzymes in the receiver ryegrass linked by white clover infected with pathogens, thus, potentially playing a role in plant defense against pathogens. These findings provide novel insights into the role of CMNs in reshaping phyllosphere microbiomes at the plant community levels under pathogen invasion.
Effect of biological additives to a putting green with low plant‐available phosphorus
Authors: Bero Nicholas J. , Soldat Douglas J.
Published: December 2024

The use of phosphorus fertilizers on managed turf has become discouraged, if not restricted, in many places because of the risk of pollution of surface waters posed by excessive phosphorus application. Therefore, nontraditional options to increase phosphorus availability to turf are worthy of investigation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of additions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and an N‐fixing bacterium, Methylobacterium symbioticum, on the nutritional status of a mature bentgrass putting green on a sand root zone with low plant‐available phosphorus status. The biological amendments were added at various intervals after aerification, and turfgrass responses were recorded over two field seasons. Mycorrhizae did not result in increased turfgrass visual quality, clipping yield, or clipping P content. Additions of the N‐fixing bacterium resulted in increased mid‐season clipping N content and increased visual turfgrass quality, but the overall effect was relatively small. It appears that applications of M. symbioticum to turfgrass hold promise for improving nutrient use efficiency and visual turfgrass quality and deserve future exploration.
Cross‐resistance of Clarireedia jacksonii to demethylation‐inhibiting fungicides
Authors: Rether A. , Yu K. , Hsiang T.
Published: December 2024

Dollar spot, caused by Clarireedia jacksonii Salgado, is the most common turf disease in Eastern North America. It is often managed by repeat applications of demethylation‐inhibiting (DMI) fungicides, and decreased sensitivity to the DMI, propiconazole, has been reported. Cross‐resistance, where an organism shows resistance to multiple pesticides, was evaluated in lab studies for C. jacksonii starting almost 30 years ago with four DMI fungicides available at that time. The purpose of this study was to compare sensitivity among 20 isolates of C. jacksonii (low‐to‐high resistance) to 12 DMI fungicides. EC50 values (effective concentration for 50% inhibition of hyphal growth) were generated for each fungicide by isolate combination, and log10 transformations of these values were subjected to pairwise correlation analysis, giving R‐values ranging from 0.60 to 0.99 (all p ≤ 0.05). This suggested that there is significant cross‐resistance in C. jacksonii among the 12 DMI fungicides tested, ranging from partial (mefentrifluconazole and epoxiconazole) to almost complete.
Theoretical investigation of structure and electronic properties in Cisplatin‐citrate complexes
Authors: Oopkaew Lipika , Injongkol Yuwanda , Kungwan Nawee , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada
Published: December 2024

Cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective Platinum (Pt) based anticancer drug used in chemotherapy. However, its effectiveness is limited due to its instability in solvents, along with the side effects it causes due to DNA damage. Nanoparticles (NPs) were developed in vitro to address these issues by loading CDDP into various types of NPs, including metal, lipid, and biological NPs. Citrate was employed as a biocompatible compound in nanomedicine to reduce cytotoxicity and enhance stability. In our study, the physicochemical and electronic properties of CDDP and citrate have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT), with a comparison of their behavior in water and DMSO. Additionally, TD‐DFT was applied to analyze the UV–Vis spectra results. Six complexes have been proposed to better understand the interaction between citrate and CDDP. The results demonstrated that the CDDP could form stable complexes with citrate in both water and DMSO, and the considered complexes exhibited UV–Vis spectra within the experiment range. The frontier orbitals, electron densities mapping, and electrostatic potential analysis revealed that complex 5, where citrate di‐substituted on two chlorides, is the most likely and effective complex. In summary, our investigation sheds light on the potential of CDDP‐citrate complexes to address the limitations of CDDP, offering insights into their stability and interaction in solvents and highlighting the promising efficacy of specific complex formations for future therapeutic applications.
SeqDPI: A 1D‐CNN approach for predicting binding affinity of kinase inhibitors
Authors: Mishra Vinay Priy , Singh Yogendra Narain , Khan Feroz , Dutta Malay Kishore
Published: December 2024

Predicting drug target binding affinity has huge relevance in Modern drug discovery and drug repositioning processes which assist doctors to come up with new drugs or even use the existing drugs for new target proteins. In silico models, using advanced deep learning techniques could further assist these prediction tasks by providing most prominent drug target pairs. Considering these factors, a deep learning based algorithmic framework is developed in this study to support drug target interaction prediction. The proposed SeqDPI model extract the relevant drug and protein features from the one dimensional Sequential representation of the dataset considered using optimized CNN networks that deploy convolutions on varying length of amino acid subsequence's to capture hidden pattern, the convolved drug‐ protein features obtained are then used as an input to L2 penalized feed forward neural network which matches the local residue patterns in protein classes with molecular fingerprints of drugs to predict the binding strength for all drug target pairs. The proposed model reduces the convolution strain typically encountered in existing in silico models that utilize complex 3D structures of drug protein datasets. The result shows that the SeqDPI model achieves a mean square error MSE of (0.167) across cross validation folds, outperforming baseline models such as KronRLS (0.406), Simboost (0.226), and DeepPS (0.214). Additionally, SeqDPI attains a high CI score of 0.9114 on the benchmark KIBA dataset, demonstrating its statistical significance and computational efficiency compared to existing methods. This gives the relevance and effectiveness of SeqDPI model in accurately predicting binding affinities while working with simpler one‐dimensional data, making it a robust and computationally cost‐effective solution for drug‐target interaction prediction.
Anti‐fouling loose polyamide nanofiltration membrane preparation by biodegradable sophorolipids for precise separation of simulated dyeing wastewater
Authors: Ding Xin‐Xi , Jiang Cheng , Li Mingguang , Li Xianghong , Shao Dan‐Dan
Published: December 2024

Background

Strengthening the recycling and utilization of resources is deeply significant in achieving carbon neutrality. The nanofiltration membranes possess separation ability within the nanoscale by utilizing special pore size ranges and surface charge properties, showing great application prospects in resource recycling. The commercial nanofiltration membranes are mainly prepared by interfacial polymerization with fast reaction speed and easy scaling‐up advantages. However, the obtained polyamide nanofiltration membranes possess dense selective layers with low permeance and separation efficiency to the molecules. Herein, the biodegradable surfactant sophorolipid was added to the aqueous solution to improve the performance of the polyamide nanofiltration membranes.

Results

Compared with the traditional nanofiltration membranes, the permeance of the sophorolipid‐modified nanofiltration membrane was improved from 3 to 18 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1. The modified membrane showed high rejection of the dyes with large molecular structures and low rejection of those with small molecular structures.

Conclusion

The modified membrane may separate the mixed dye solution of congo red (molecular weight 696.66 g/mol) and indigo carmine (molecular weight 407.98 g/mol) and the mixed congo red/NaCl solution precisely. Besides, the modified membrane showed good anti‐fouling properties in the long‐term stability test. This study may offer research significance for the resource treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characteristics of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas Based on Circumferential Localization
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Osawa Satoshi , Sugiura Kiichi , Takebe Tomohiro , Takahashi Kenichi , Asai Yusuke , Tamura Satoshi , Matsuura Tomoharu , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Yamada Takanori , Sugimoto Ken
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

In terms of their longitudinal positioning, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) commonly arises in the middle segment of the esophagus. However, limited attention has been given to the circumferential aspect. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ESCC lesions resected via endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), taking into consideration both longitudinal and circumferential positions.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 193 ESD‐resected ESCC lesions and compared the occurrence rate of ESCC development and the degree of histopathological invasion across various circumferential and longitudinal positions. We scrutinized lesion characteristics by location, with a particular focus on the proportion of early‐stage small lesions in each site.

Results

Regarding lesion location, 27 were situated on the anterior wall, 62 on the left, 66 on the posterior, and 38 on the right. Among the four circumferential positions, the anterior wall group had the smallest median tumor size. Additionally, the anterior wall group had the highest proportions of lesions with invasion depths limited to the epithelial layer and sizes < 10 mm, at 44.4% and 25.9%, respectively. Furthermore, a significant difference was noted among the four circumferential positions with respect to the proportion of ESCC lesions satisfying both criteria, with the highest proportion observed in the anterior wall group (p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that while ESCC occurrence on the anterior wall is less frequent, these lesions may present as small lesions with superficial invasion depths.
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning System to Differentiate HER2‐Zero, HER2‐Low, and HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer Based on Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI
Authors: Dai Yi , Lian Chun , Zhang Zhuo , Gao Jing , Lin Fan , Li Ziyin , Wang Qi , Chu Tongpeng , Aishanjiang Dilinuer , Chen Meiying , Wang Ximing , Cheng Guanxun , Huang Rong , Dong Jianjun , Zhang Haicheng , Mao Ning
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies explored MRI‐based radiomic features for differentiating between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐zero, HER2‐low, and HER2‐positive breast cancer, but deep learning's effectiveness is uncertain.

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a deep learning system using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) for automated tumor segmentation and classification of HER2‐zero, HER2‐low, and HER2‐positive statuses.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One thousand two hundred ninety‐four breast cancer patients from three centers who underwent DCE‐MRI before surgery were included in the study (52 ± 11 years, 811/204/279 for training/internal testing/external testing).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T scanners, using T1‐weighted 3D fast spoiled gradient‐echo sequence, T1‐weighted 3D enhanced fast gradient‐echo sequence and T1‐weighted turbo field echo sequence.

Assessment

An automated model segmented tumors utilizing DCE‐MRI data, followed by a deep learning models (ResNetGN) trained to classify HER2 statuses. Three models were developed to distinguish HER2‐zero, HER2‐low, and HER2‐positive from their respective non‐HER2 categories.

Statistical Tests

Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to evaluate the segmentation performance of the model. Evaluation of the model performances for HER2 statuses involved receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The P‐values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The automatic segmentation network achieved DSC values of 0.85 to 0.90 compared to the manual segmentation across different sets. The deep learning models using ResNetGN achieved AUCs of 0.782, 0.776, and 0.768 in differentiating HER2‐zero from others in the training, internal test, and external test sets, respectively. Similarly, AUCs of 0.820, 0.813, and 0.787 were achieved for HER2‐low vs. others, and 0.792, 0.745, and 0.781 for HER2‐positive vs. others, respectively.

Data Conclusion

The proposed DCE‐MRI‐based deep learning system may have the potential to preoperatively distinct HER2 expressions of breast cancers with therapeutic implications.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Assessment of Age‐Related Microstructure Changes in Thigh Skeletal Muscle Based on Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging
Authors: Wang Yiou , Yang Yiqiong , Qiu Ziru , Chen Yanjun , Zhang Xinru , Qiu Qianyi , Yang Yi , Xie Qinglin , Zhang Xinyuan , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

Background

Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) could offer information about the morphological properties of tissue. Diffusion microstructure imaging has been widely used, but the applicability of NODDI in skeletal muscle imaging remains to be explored.

Purpose

To evaluate microstructure parameters variations in skeletal muscle as indicators of age‐related changes.

Study Type

Prospective, cross‐sectional.

Population

A total of 108 asymptomatic volunteers, divided into three age groups: 20–39 years (N = 34), 40–59 years (N = 40), and over 60 years (N = 34).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

T1‐weighted imaging, T2‐weighted imaging with spectral adiabatic inversion recovery, and NODDI were used to image the thigh skeletal muscles. Four thigh skeletal muscle groups were analyzed, including bilateral thigh quadriceps femoris and hamstrings. The microstructure parameters included orientation dispersion index (ODI), intra‐myofibrillar water volume fraction (V‐intra), free‐water fraction (V‐csf), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD). These parameters were quantified using NODDI images and compared among different age, body mass index (BMI), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) subgroups.

Statistical Tests

Segmentation measurement reliability was assessed using a two‐way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Shapiro–Wilk tests were used to assess data distribution. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare ODI, V‐intra, V‐csf, FA, and MD values among different age, BMI, and SMI subgroups. The Spearman correlation coefficient was utilized to assess the strength of the correlation between the age and microstructure parameters, as well as between age and SMI. Additionally, Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted on microstructure parameters that exhibited significant differences across various age groups. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Significant differences in ODI, V‐csf, FA, and MD values were observed among age, BMI, and SMI subgroups.

Data Conclusion

NODDI may be used to reveal information about microstructure integrity and local physiological changes of thigh skeletal muscle fibers in relation to age.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Comparison of the efficiency of improved and traditional fish smoking kilns and their effects on smoked fish quality in Ghana
Authors: Asamoah Eunice Konadu , Nunoo Francis Kofi Ewusie , Addo Samuel , Nyarko Josephine Owusuwaa , Adjei Maame Yaakwaah Blay , Kunadu Angela Parry‐Hanson , Hyldig Grethe
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Fish smoking is a traditional fish preservation method that is affordable, and hence employed by most artisanal fish processors in Ghana. Traditional kilns are used but are less fuel efficient and the end‐product has lower quality. This study therefore sought to test and compare the efficiency and quality of smoked fish for two improved kilns, the Cabin and Abuesi gas fish smoker (AGFS), against the traditional Chorkor smoker.

RESULTS

The results showed that the AGFS and Cabin had specific fuel consumption of 0.31 ± 0.02 and 0.67 ± 0.01 g kg−1 of smoked fish, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of the Chorkor (6 ± 0.12 g kg−1 smoked fish). Again, the AGFS and Cabin had significantly higher processing rates (251.18 ± 10.65 and 156.80 ± 8.30 g min−1, respectively) compared to the Chorkor (135.20 ± 5.60 g min−1). Smoking improved the nutritional, microbiological and sensory quality of mackerel, with only the sensory quality being statistically different between the products from the AGFS and Cabin. The Cabin‐smoked products had more traditional smoked fish attributes while the gas‐smoked products had a pronounced fried appearance and taste.

CONCLUSION

The AGFS and Cabin were more efficient than the Chorkor. There were no significant differences in the nutritional and microbial quality between the AGFS and the Cabin. Cabin‐smoked products, however, had the more traditional qualities of smoked fish (appearance and flavor) that the gas‐smoked products lacked. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Vegetation Cover Changes and Environmental Drivers in Typical Desert Fringe Areas of Northern China
Authors: Zhao Yachao , Pei Hongze , Zhang Tinglong , Bu Chongfeng , Zhang Qingfeng
Published: December 2024

China is among the nations experiencing severe desertification, and several policies have been enacted to mitigate this issue. A thorough understanding of how natural processes and socioeconomic factors interact to shape the distribution of local vegetation is crucial to effectively address the widespread problem of desertification. This study investigates the dynamics of vegetation and environmental influences at the margins of deserts by utilizing MODIS data products. Through the application of the maximum synthesis method, trend analysis, and the geodetector method, this study offers a comprehensive exploration of vegetation changes and the underlying environmental factors shaping these changes. These findings indicate a discernible trend of increasing vegetation cover and notable spatiotemporal heterogeneity in desertification management in the study areas over the last 21 years. The Ta region (desert fringe of the Taklamakan Desert) presented the lowest vegetation growth rate (0.294%), followed by the Te region (desert fringe of the Tengger Desert) (0.505%), whereas the Mu region (desert fringe of the Mu Us sandy land) presented the highest growth rate (1.055%), indicating a gradient of recovery from west to east. The findings of this research indicate that the spatial pattern of vegetation distribution is determined by natural factors. However, socioeconomic factors have greater explanatory power than natural factors in explaining the local vegetation distribution. Additionally, the study underscores that the interaction between socioeconomic and natural factors holds greater significance than the influence of any single factor. These results offer valuable insights with practical implications for addressing desertification in China.
Ultrathin, Wavelength‐Multiplexed and Integrated Holograms and Optical Neural Networks Based on 2D Perovskite Nanofilms
Authors: Hu Jinming , Zhu Shengting , Lv Ying , Guo Ronghui , Gu Min , Zhang Yinan
Published: December 2024

Holography, as a technique for coherent wavefront reconstruction, is extensively used in numerous optical applications such as optical imaging, 3D display, photolithography, and optical artificial intelligence. In order to achieve highly compact and functional integration with optoelectronic devices, the hologram needs to possess ultrathin thickness as well as multicolor functionality. However, its thickness is typically limited to optical wavelength ranges due to the requirement for pronounced amplitude or phase modulation, and it generally operates at a single wavelength band without wavelength‐multiplexed channels. Here, the hologram is decreased thickness to sub‐ten nanometers by exploiting the large refractive index and strong exciton absorption of 2D perovskites. Ultrathin perovskite holograms and holographic neural networks with high stability are successfully developed by using femtosecond laser direct writing, and their operation wavelength can be rationally tuned from 400–515 nm through halide anion engineering. Consequently, the wavelength can be multiplexed with low cross‐talks by stacked perovskite nanolayers for applications of holographic display and neural networks without the usages of complex optical structures or filters. This work provides a feasible and promising technical route for integrating ultrathin, high pixel density, and multiplexed holographic structures with flat optoelectronic devices for next‐generation integrated optical systems.
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Dennettia tripetala Extracts: Optimization, Characterization, and Biological Activity Evaluation
Authors: Oluwaniyi Omolara Olusola , Oyewo Blessing Tarhe
Published: December 2024

This study examined the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with ethanolic extract from leaf and fruit of Dennettia tripetala (Class: Annonaceae) and the assessment of their biological activities. Mixing of Zn (C2H3O2)2.2H2O solution and the ethanolic extracts resulted in color change, indicating the formation of ZnONPs. pH, temperature, and concentration of metal ions were varied to optimize the amount of nanoparticles formed. Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy gave a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 356 nm (DTL‐ZnONPs) and 367 nm (DTF‐ZnONPs), confirming the presence of the synthesized ZnONPs. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows aggregation of spherical and rod‐like shaped nanoparticles. x‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is crystalline in nature with an average crystallite size of 17.17 ((DTL‐ZnONPs) and 12.90 (DTF‐ZnONPs) nm. FT‐IR analysis showed O─H, C═O, N─H, and C─C stretching and aliphatic vibrations of hydrocarbon chains of the synthesized ZnONPs. The ZnONPs gave the maximum zone of inhibition of 18.07 (DTL‐ZnONP) and 17.14 mm (DTF‐ZnONP). Antioxidant activity carried out using DPPH radical scavenging gave an IC50 value of 227.18 (DTL‐ZnONP) and 201.21 (DTF‐ZnONP) µg/mL. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect of ZnONPs is in a concentration‐dependent manner. Therefore, this work showed that ZnONPs are good potential therapeutic agents for treating microbial infection, oxidative stress, and other pertinent disease.
Sustained Leadership Practices and Behaviours Following Postgraduate Leadership Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Middleton Rebekkah , Murray Suzanne , Peters Sally , Montgomery Amy , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Aim

To explore how postgraduate leadership education is translated into practice and how leadership practices and behaviours are sustained following completion of a leadership program.

Design

A qualitative exploratory study using an appreciative inquiry approach.

Methods

A single Health District, partnered with a regional university, offering a 12‐month leadership program, the Effective Leadership in Health Program.

Four semi‐structured group interviews were undertaken with 11 registered nurses (RNs) and allied health professionals. Data were audio‐recorded and transcribed before being analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were revealed relating to how the learning was translated and sustained in clinical practice, namely, within (1) self, (2) others, (3) relationships and (4) sustained leadership. All participants agreed that their participation in the leadership program impacted on their subsequent approach to leadership in multiple contexts, relationships and interactions.
Validation of Spanish Version of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS‐Sp) in Nursing Professionals
Authors: Fernández‐Pascual M. D. , Reig‐Ferrer A. , Martínez‐Rodríguez L. , Quesada‐Rico J. A. , McSherry W. , Riquelme‐Ros L.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To examine the reliability and construct validity of the Spanish adaptation of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) within the nursing professionals' context.

Design

Observational and descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The sample consisted of N = 325 nursing professionals from various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and community healthcare centres. Following translation and cultural adaption of the SSCRS, the scale underwent psychometric assessment of its construct validity through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency analysis was also performed using a McDonald's omega. The reporting in this investigation adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a two‐factor structure, with one factor closely aligning with one religiosity dimension and the other factor combining the spirituality, spiritual care and personalised care dimensions. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis did not provide an adequate fit to the data for both the two‐factor solution found in the EFA and the four‐factor solution proposed by McSherry, Draper, and Kendrick (2002). Even though the four‐factor solution showed a slightly better fit than the two‐factor solution, neither model achieved a satisfactory fit. The lack of formal education and confusion between religion and spirituality among healthcare professionals could have influenced the responses and interpretation of the results.

Conclusion

The findings showed that the SSCRS‐Sp demonstrated good internal consistency, indicating that the items in the scale are reliably measuring the targeted constructs. Further refinement and validation of the scale are needed to establish a robust factor structure in the target population.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The SSCRS‐Sp can be used to assess the nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care. The availability of this tool represents a significant step towards greater integration of the spiritual dimension of care within a holistic nursing care framework in Spanish‐speaking countries.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nursing professionals responded to the research scale.
Design of Two Coupled Fuzzy Controllers for a Planar Direct Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhai Tianyu , Bestle Dieter
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a fuzzy‐based control system for the operation of a planar direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (DIR‐SOFC) model is proposed. Two coupled fuzzy controllers are designed to control the inlet fuel and air flowrates in order to satisfy requirements for power demand, cell outlet voltage, and temperature. Suitable membership functions for fuzzification and defuzzification are selected as well as rational base rules defined. For inlet air flowrate control, two different approaches are developed. Each of them works together with the fuel controller. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of both control systems, but a comparison of the results demonstrates that feedback of the change of the cell outlet temperature improves control. Both the dynamic modeling of the planar DIR‐SOFC and the design of the fuzzy control system are realized using the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Hybrid nanoparticle array fabricated using injection‐molded nanostructure
Authors: Oh Hwa Jin , Huang Zheng Min , Kang Chul , Song Young Seok
Published: December 2024

Now that well‐ordered nanoparticles can yield a promising performance in various fields, spatially regular arrangement of particles is a key requirement for nanoparticle‐embedded engineering materials and devices. Here, we demonstrate a feasible, robust method where nanoparticles can be regularly distributed and encapsulated. Polymeric substrates with different sized nanoholes were injection‐molded by controlling mold‐wall temperature in a spatial and temporal manner. A hybrid structure of nanoparticles was constructed by binding quantum dots with metal nanoparticles, and they were filled into the nanoholes using the knife coating process. The morphology of the nanostructure prepared via the molding process and the nanoparticle array was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Fluorescence emission of the hybrid nanostructure was measured. The finding showed that the strategic approach introduced in this study could allow fabrication of hybrid nanoparticle structures with good processability and productivity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding Return to Work After a Cancer‐Related Sickness Absence. Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators Among all Relevant Stakeholders
Authors: Ayala‐García Amaya , Serra Laura , Rodriguez‐Arjona Dolors , Benavides Fernando G. , Utzet Mireia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the themes acting as barriers or facilitators, from diagnosis and sickness absence (SA) to RTW and work retention, after a cancer‐related SA from the perspectives of all stakeholders in the Spanish setting.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative approach with a socio‐constructivist perspective. Theoretical sampling was carried out until saturation. Six discussion groups (4–8 people/group) were conducted: three groups of people with a cancer‐related SA in Catalonia (Spain), one with oncology care professionals, and two with company representatives. An additional individual interview was conducted with a primary care physician. The sessions were held virtually and were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis and mixed coding.

Results

Barriers to RTW and work retention detected by stakeholders included insufficient information and guidance on the impact of cancer on work and SA management, lack of general knowledge and recognition of side effects, lack of consideration of job tasks by medical tribunals, and working in precarious employment. Facilitators included workplace support, psycho‐oncologists, patient associations, and working for a public company.

Conclusions

Both work interruption due to an SA and RTW, are key moments for determining cancer survivors' work retention. We found a general perception of lack of involvement of the social security system, companies, and health professionals in Spain in the impact of cancer on work.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Integrating the work sphere in cancer care from the beginning of cancer treatment, and by all stakeholders, could facilitate successful future RTW.
Physical mechanisms of human brain functions
Authors: Liu Zonghua
Published: December 2024

In recent years, exploring the physical mechanisms of brain functions has been a hot topic in the fields of nonlinear dynamics and complex networks, and many important achievements have been made, mainly based on the characteristic features of time series of human brain. To speed up the further study of this problem, herein we make a brief review on these important achievements, which includes the aspects of explaining: (i) the mechanism of brain rhythms by network synchronization, (ii) the mechanism of unihemispheric sleep by chimera states, (iii) the fundamental difference between the structural and functional brain networks by remote synchronization, (iv) the mechanism of stronger detection ability of human brain to weak signals by remote firing propagation, and (v) the mechanism of dementia patterns by eigen‐microstate analysis. As a brief review, we will mainly focus on the aspects of basic ideas, research histories, and key results but ignore the tedious mathematical derivations. Moreover, some outlooks will be discussed for future studies.
Central sleep apnea as an initial presentation of small cell lung carcinoma with anti‐Hu antibody‐related paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome
Authors: Su Yi‐Tse , Kuo Chin‐Wei , Lee Jen‐Chieh
Published: December 2024

Anti‐Hu antibody‐related paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (PNS), a rare disease primarily associated with small cell lung carcinoma, is characterized by diverse neurologic manifestations. Central sleep apnea, although rare, is specific to anti‐Hu antibody‐related PNS. Herein, we present a case of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest attributed to hypercapnic central sleep apnea and detail the subsequent workup that revealed anti‐Hu brainstem encephalitis. A malignancy survey revealed mediastinal small cell carcinoma. The patient was treated by tumour excision, chemotherapy, plasma exchange, and high‐dose glucocorticoids. Though the neurologic damage caused by anti‐Hu antibody was documented to be relatively irreversible in literatures, such hypercapnic central sleep apnea resolved in our case about 1 month later.
Epigenetic Targeting for Controlling Persistent Neurotropic Infections Caused by Borna Virus and HIV
Authors: Li Yadi , Luo Huating , Pang Hao , Qin Bo
Published: December 2024

Long‐lasting persistence within infected cells is a major challenge for viral pathogens, as it necessitates an exact regulation of viral replication to reduce viral cytopathic effects. This is particularly challenging for viruses that persistently infect cells with limited renewal capabilities, such as neurons. Accordingly, neurotropic viruses have evolved various specific mechanisms to promote a long‐lasting persistent infection in the host cells without inducing an exacerbated cytopathic effect. Borna disease virus (BDV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are two neurotropic RNA viruses that, in contrast to other RNA viruses, can establish long‐lasting intranuclear infections within the nervous system. These viruses interact with different cellular processes such as epigenetic modifications to develop a successful persistence infection. Studies show that cellular epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of BDV and HIV and their neurological disorders. Hence, targeting these mechanisms by epigenetic modulator agents can be regarded as a novel therapeutic strategy to manage BDV‐ and HIV‐associated neurological diseases. This review provides an overview of different epigenetic modulator compounds as a potential therapeutic target for controlling persistent neurotropic intranuclear infections caused by BDV and HIV.
On the Maximum F$$ F $$‐Free Induced Subgraphs in Kt$$ {K}_t $$‐Free Graphs
Authors: Balogh József , Chen Ce , Luo Haoran
Published: December 2024

For graphs and , let be the minimum possible size of a maximum ‐free induced subgraph in an ‐vertex ‐free graph. This notion generalizes the Ramsey function and the Erdős–Rogers function. Establishing a container lemma for the ‐free subgraphs, we give a general upper bound on , assuming the existence of certain locally dense ‐free graphs. In particular, we prove that for every graph with , where , we have For the cases where is a complete multipartite graph, letting , we prove that We also make an observation which improves the bounds of by a polylogarithmic factor.
Study on the activity, phase, thermal decomposition characteristics, microstructure, and chemical element of hardened cement powder under heating temperature of 100°C~1200°C
Authors: Ge Pei , Song Yang , Quan Jiale , Wu Yuxuan , Zhou Junwen
Published: December 2024

The properties of thermoactivated hardened cement powder (HCP) are of great significance for the recycling and utilization of concrete waste. This paper focuses on heating activation of HCP under the temperature between 100 and 1200°C. The activity, phase changes and microstructure of thermoactivated HCP were analyzed. The results showed that HCP with heating temperature between 1000 and 1200°C showed high activity. Under the conditions of heating activation at 1200°C, water–binder ratio of 0.38 and curing time of 30 days, the compressive strength of the specimen made of HCP reached 17.56 MPa. When the heating temperature is between 700 and 1200°C, CSH gel is gradually decomposed into C2S and C3S. The chemical reaction products of cement and thermoactivated HCP are similar, both containing CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, AFt, Hydrotalcite, etc. Compared to the diffraction peaks of hydrated cement, the diffraction peaks of thermoactivated HCP are broadened and dispersed. The high Ca/Si and Al/Si ratios in the chemical reaction products of thermoactivated HCP are important reasons for the decrease in its mechanical properties.