bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo de caso na indústria automotiva: as estruturas organizacionais como um diferencial no gerenciamento de projetos
Authors: Oliveira Antonio Carlos de Lemos , Vetter Narã Vieira , Da Conceição Dalton Angelo
Published: December 2023

O ambiente de negócio automotivo está cada vez mais complexo, caracterizado por orçamentos limitados, prazos restritos, equipes pulverizadas e a demanda crescente dos produtos diversificados. Um dos maiores desafios desse segmento de indústria é assegurar a competitividade diante de um número alto de novos projetos, no qual a complexidade do gerenciamento dos mesmos é aumentada pela busca incisiva de padrões de produtividade, qualidade e eficiência. Segundo Santos (2014), essas características têm definido a indústria automotiva brasileira nos últimos anos. O atual cenário competitivo tem obrigado as empresas repensarem suas estruturas de organização para realização de projetos. Em um processo de transformações na estrutura organizacional, justamente alavancado por pressões competitivas, se encontra o objeto de estudo desse trabalho, uma empresa do ramo automobilístico. No intuito de identificar pontos fortes e fracos de questões relacionadas à organização e gerenciamento de projetos, o resultado de uma consulta de opinião aos profissionais dessa empresa será apresentado nesse trabalho.
Young people in politics: participation, protagonism and experiences
Authors: Maluf Raiane Cristina Araújo , De Souza Francimeire Sales , De Oliveira Hudson do Vale , De Oliveira Joelma Fernandes , Da Silva Mariana Lima
Published: December 2023

A participação política da população é um elemento que não raramente é alvo de estudos, com diferentes focos como, por exemplo, buscar compreender as diferentes dinâmicas dessa participação. O público jovem também tem sido alvo desses estudos, sobretudo porque, em linhas gerais, pode-se imaginar que tal público não apresenta interesse por política. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é trazer reflexões acerca da promoção de diálogos com os jovens sobre política para que estes se reconheçam como seres políticos por meio de suas ideias e ações sociais. Para isso, realizou-se duas rodas de conversas com abordagens específicas atreladas ao tema central “Jovens na Política”. Ambas foram abertas ao público e realizadas via canal do Youtube, oportunizando a interação dos participantes via chat, onde apresentaram perguntas e comentários promovendo o diálogo proposto. Após a realização das rodas de conversa, como reflexões gerais, acreditamos que aproximar os jovens das discussões políticas oportuniza o exercício de uma cidadania crítica, do voto consciente e ético e especialmente possibilita o protagonismo juvenil na atuação e/ou representação política.
PESSOAS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA NOS DISCURSOS FÍLMICOS
Authors: Pieczkowski Tania Mara Zancanaro
Published: December 2023

A temática Transtorno do Espectro Autista - TEA e as pessoas com tais características têm recebido crescente visibilidade nos últimos anos em distintos contextos, dentre eles, nas áreas da educação e da saúde, no campo jurídico, no cinema e noutras mídias. Este artigo elege as representações fílmicas, mais especificamente o filme Loucos de amor, como contexto para abordar o tema e objetiva evidenciar os efeitos de verdade difundidos pelo cinema acerca de pessoas com TEA. Busca analisar discursos fílmicos por meio da Etnografia de Tela e da análise do discurso com inspiração foucaultiana. O estudo aponta que a mídia fílmica é um potente canal de criação de efeitos de verdade que subjetivam as populações para determinadas compreensões acerca da temática
CIRCULAÇÃO DO CONCEITO DE AUTISMO NO BRASIL
Authors: Araújo Pereira Borges Adriana , Amaral Luciana Pereira Braga
Published: December 2023

Considerado um transtorno do neurodesenvolvimento, o autismo é um quadro em que a criança apresenta dificuldades na área da linguagem e na interação social, com comportamentos restritivos e estereotipados. Com o objetivo de analisar a circulação do conceito de autismo no Brasil, foram analisados prontuários de duas escolas especiais de Belo Horizonte, uma estadual e uma municipal. Os resultados indicam que o diagnóstico de autismo foi realizado por profissionais na localidade pesquisada, algum tempo depois da descrição do quadro realizada pelo psiquiatra Léo Kanner em 1943. Foram encontrados poucos prontuários com o diagnóstico nas escolas e os resultados demonstraram que prevalecia a confusão diagnóstica entre autismo, deficiência intelectual e psicose infantil.
Movement of Water on The Soil: Teaching by the Use of Physical Models
Authors: Aguiar Maisa Comar Pinhotti
Published: December 2023

Dams, embankments, roads, and other structures are subject to stress changes due to pore pressure, which can lead to instability and even failure. Considering the need to understand the processes that act on these structures and the difficulty often encountered by students in visualizing the action of water and its movement in the soil, this paper aims to present the practical activities developed in the Soil Mechanics Department of the Civil Engineering Course of the State University of Minas Gerais - João Monlevade, Brazil, which dealt with the movement of water in soil structures and discussed the design and stability aspects of these. One of objectives was to develop the student's protagonism through direct involvement in the design and execution of the physical  model of earth and tailing dams. This topic is crucial for geotechnical engineering and even more so for the region where João Monlevade is located, as several iron mining companies use tailings dams and earth structures. The execution of the model by the students was preceded by theoretical discussions on aspects such as the Darcy´s law, hydraulic head, the types and characterization of soil and tailings, pore pressure and your influence of the safety factor. These activities were developed in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. As a result, a learning gain was achieved because the models were developed on a small scale by the students, who personally checked the variation of the parameters of the materials and water in the experiments.
Characterizing the Effectiveness of Video Recordings in Mathematics Instruction within Higher Education: Minimizing Direct Teacher-Student Interaction through Technological Modalities
Authors: Ndungo Issa , Nazziwa Cissy
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to characterize the effectiveness of employing video recordings as a teaching tool in mathematics in higher education, with a bid to minimize direct teacher-student interactions. The research employed an experimental design, utilizing pre-tests and post-tests with a sample of 45 randomly selected first- and second-year mathematics students at Mountains of the Moon University. Video recordings were compared with alternative approaches, including online (Zoom) classes and self-study materials/handouts, to gauge their effectiveness in the absence of physical teacher-student interactions. Three experimental units were established, each undergoing learning of sequences via video recordings, online (Zoom) classes, or self-study printable materials/handouts. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS including percentages, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent sample t-tests. Results revealed the relevance of both tools in mathematics learning, with video recordings proving to be more effective and superior in enhancing understanding of the learned concepts compared to the alternative tools. The study recommends the incorporation of video recordings in mathematics teaching, particularly in situations where physical meetings between teachers and students are impractical.
Examining the Integration of Model Concept Literacy in Mathematics Instruction for Junior High School Students
Authors: Liu Siyu , Yang Zezhong
Published: December 2023

Compulsory Education Mathematics Curriculum Standards [1]  emphasizes the core literacy of model concept, and there are many current studies around model concept, but there are few analyses aimed at the implementation of the model concept literacy of the junior high school mathematics curriculum standard in the junior high school mathematics classroom teaching, so this paper analyzes the feasibility of and strategies for the implementation of the model concept based on the connotation of the model concept and the current status quo of junior high school mathematics teaching. Teachers can take the form of collective lesson planning to strengthen the understanding of the connotation of the model concept; introduce the materials related to mathematical learning that occurs in real life into the classroom promptly, and show them to students in the classroom in a contextual way; explain the process of mathematical modeling, knowledge points, analytical ideas, and other basic knowledge, and use a variety of teaching methods such as inspirational, discursive, exploratory, and practical, to create a relaxed and free learning atmosphere; promote students' mastery of equations, inequalities, functions, and other knowledge, creating opportunities to cultivate model concept literacy, consciously carrying out practical teaching activities, improving the ability to use mathematical models to solve problems, etc., to be able to truly implement the model concept in the classroom.
Yield Stability Analysis of Some Promising Barley Genotypes under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: El-Azeem Ashgan M. Abd , Ahmed A. H. , El-Wakeel Sally E. , El-Shawy E. E.
Published: December 2023

To mitigate the impact of climate change on barley production, adaptation strategies are crucial including developing and promoting drought-tolerant barley genotypes that can withstand higher temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate twenty different barley genotypes under different conditions, specifically normal, heat stress, and rain-fed conditions during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 growing seasons. This study was conducted as part of breeding programs aimed at developing agricultural genotypes that can adapt to changing environments. The experiment involved evaluating the performance of the twenty barley genotypes at three different locations: Sakha for the normal condition, New Valley Station for the heat stress condition, and Marsa Matruh for the rain-fed condition. The analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in grain yield among the different genotypes and locations, as well as the interaction between genotypes and locations. This indicates that the genotypes responded differently to the different locations, and further analysis is needed to determine their stability. The average grain yield ranged from 9.9 to 16.0 arddab fad-1 (Faddan=4200m2) for Giza 135 and Line 5, respectively, across all three locations in both seasons, this shows that there is variation among the genotypes. Considering GGE biplot and stability analyses, Giza 126, Giza 2000, Giza 134, Giza 137, Giza 138, Line1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4 and Line 5 showed the best performances, suggesting their adaptation to a wide range of environments. This suggests that these genotypes perform well in relation to the linear component of the genotype-by-environment interaction. Overall, this information can be used by plant breeders to select genotypes that are not only high-yielding but also stable across different environments.
Trend of Female Enrolment in STEM at Higher Education Level in India
Authors: Nandi Ankur , Bala Arabinda , Halder Tarini , Das Tapash
Published: December 2023

Participation of women in science, technology, and engineering is not only an important aspect in the social and economic development of the nation; it is a critical constituent in the process of improving the quality of life of women themselves. In science, technology, and engineering education only the participation of men is not enough, women's participation is equally important because in India women constitute half of mankind (47.5 %).  Women play a very important role in the progress of a family, society, and country and contribute their bit to the national economy.  Through science, technology, and engineering education, women contribute to the empowerment of themselves. This study aims to examine the position of women in science, technology, and engineering education programs at higher education in India through the Annual Report of the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, from 2013-14 to 2019-2020. This was a qualitative and documentary research. The study found that enrolment trend of female students among Others Backward Classes (OBC) in STEM comparatively higher than General SC, ST female students in six years. Enrolment in engineering and technology is not hopeful, the enrolment growth rate is very little and discontinuous, gender gap exists.  The study concludes that the enrolment growth rate of female students in STEM in six years gradually increasing. The study suggests remedial measures to overcome constraints faced by females in pursuing science, engineering, and technology education.
Velocity/Speed of Urbanization in India: An Introspective Study
Authors: Mandal Ram Krishna , Lonchung Kiron
Published: December 2023

Towns/Cities become more concentrated centres of economic activity and innovation serving as hubs for trade, transportation, and information flow, on account of which more and more people tend to live in urban areas migrating from rural areas. Urbanization is continuously growing and expanding. It is a common way to express the degree or level of urbanization.

Objective: The objective of this study is to find out the speed or velocity at which the urbanization is going on.

Methodology: This study is descriptive type by nature and based on secondary sources. The data are collected from various census reports, books, articles, websites and web-based journals published at different times.

Results and Discussion: The census data for 110 years with effect from 1901 to 2011 is used to calculate the speed/velocity and trend of urbanization in India.

Findings: Through different ways of presentations, mathematically and diagrammatically, it is found that urbanization in India has been expanding from the very beginning, 1901 census to the 2011 census but at different velocities at different census years. There is a shifting of the rural population towards urban areas. 

Conclusion: The velocity of urbanization, which includes both direction and speed, can be used to estimate the rate of growth and the geographic expansion of urban areas in India. The ensuing change in land cover can be further enhanced by combining the geographic pattern of velocity of urbanization, which reveals radically outward expansions of high-density urban population.
Comparative Study of Soil Properties and Organic Matter Fractions in Organic and Conventional Farms of Kerala, India
Authors: Nayana M. V.  , Gladis R.  , Joseph Biju , Omji Nath M. S.
Published: December 2023

Aims: Assessing various soil properties as influenced by organic farming in the selected certified organic and conventional farms of Kerala.

Study Design: Ten pairs of certified organic farms and nearby conventional farms were identified from different agroecological zones of Kerala and were analysed for physical, chemical and biological properties.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at College of Agriculture Vellayani, between December 2020 – June 2021.

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from these farms and analyzed for soil physical, chemical and biological properties, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C: N ratio and organic matter fractions.

Results: Organic farms exhibited lower bulk density (1.15 Mg m-3) and higher values in porosity (41.32%), water holding capacity (52.68%), mean weight diameter (1.87%), and water stable aggregates (73.59%) compared to conventional farms. Additionally, organic farms were found to be higher in electrical conductivity (0.09 dS m-1), cation exchange capacity (5.98 C mol(p+) kg-1), total organic carbon (7.59%), total nitrogen (0.46%), and C:N ratio (16.14) in comparison to conventional farms. The concentrations of fulvic acid, humic acid, and humin are also greater in organic farms, with mean values of 5.45%, 3.56%, and 0.47%, respectively.

Conclusion: Organic farming has a significant role in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and also total carbon, total nitrogen and the organic matter fractions.
Performance of Different F1 Hybrids of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) on Growth, Yield and Quality
Authors: Kumari Kajal , Topno Samir E.
Published: December 2023

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season 2022-2023 with a view to check performance of different Hybrids of cucumber under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions and to estimate economics of different hybrids of cucumber. Hybrids comprised of V1 (J K Manali), V2 (Malini), V3 (NBH-Manvi plus), V4 (USM- Rani (01), V5 (Nazia F1), V6 (KSP 1665 Power), V7 (Shagun), V8 (Super green) and V9 (NBH-842). Among different hybrids of cucumber hybrid super green performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length, number of branches, flowering parameters like earliness in flowering and maturity, male female ratio and yield parameters like fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit yield per vine. The hybrid super green also had high TSS and Vitamin C content. Maximum BC ratio was obtained in hybrid super green with value of 2.96.
Consumptive Behavior: Are Financial Literacy, Electronic Money, Lifestyle, and Self-Control Necessary?
Authors: Alfinna Ferninda Cahya , Purwidianti Wida , Handayani Erna , Endratno Hermin
Published: December 2023

Aims: Consumptive behavior has become familiar to students because of the support of an increasingly modern era and the ease of buying needs or wants.   This study aims to determine whether financial Literacy, electronic Money, Lifestyle, and self-control significantly affect consumer behavior, especially among students.
Study Design:  Active FEB students in DKI Jakarta Province, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta
Place and Duration of Study: at Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Universitas Wijayakusuma Purwokerto, Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas Tidar, Universitas Gajah Mada and Universitas UPN Yogyakarta, which have a total of 18.255 students. The sample for this study is 160 respondents that was determined using the Slovin technique.
Methodology: In this research, the methods used to analyze data are using a Partial Least Square (PLS) based structural equation model (SEM). By using SmartPLS 3.0, each hypothesis will be tested to understand the relationships between variables.   To test Validity and reliability, the research uses an outer model. Hypothesis testing was done using inner models.
Results: Financial Literacy had no significant effect on consumptive behavior. Electronic 0money has no significant impact on consumptive behavior. Lifestyle significantly affects consumptive behavior with Original Sample 0,449. Self-control significantly affects consumptive behavior with Original  Sample 0,187.
Conclusion: Financial Literacy and electronic Money do not ultimately influence students' consumptive behavior; this could happen because students do not use their financial understanding in everyday life, and the ease of electronic money does not affect students' consumptive behavior. At the same time, Lifestyle and self-control influence student consumption behavior. Uncontrolled Lifestyle and self-control make students consumptive in everyday life.
Pregnancy Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Xu Huiling , Holowko Natalie , Näslund Ingmar , Ottosson Johan , Arkema Elizabeth V. , Neovius Martin , Stephansson Olof , Johansson Kari
Published: December 2023

Importance

Pregnancy weight gain may affect the association of bariatric surgery with postsurgery pregnancy outcomes. However, the association of pregnancy weight gain with bariatric surgery is unclear.

Objective

To compare pregnancy weight gain among women with a history of bariatric surgery vs those without and to investigate whether pregnancy weight gain differs by surgical procedure, surgery-to-conception interval, and/or surgery-to-conception weight loss.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide, population-based matched cohort study was conducted in Sweden from 2014 to 2021. Singleton pregnancies with a history of bariatric surgery were propensity score matched (1:1) to pregnancies without such a history according to early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), prepregnancy diabetes, prepregnancy hypertension, maternal age, smoking status, education level, height, country of birth, and delivery year. In addition, post–gastric bypass pregnancies were matched to post–sleeve gastrectomy pregnancies using the same matching strategy. Data analysis was performed from November 2022 to May 2023.

Exposure

History of bariatric surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pregnancy weight gain was standardized by gestational age into early-pregnancy BMI-specific z scores.

Results

This study included 12 776 pregnancies, of which 6388 had a history of bariatric surgery and 6388 were matched controls. The mean (SD) age was 31.6 (4.9) years for the surgery group and 31.4 (5.2) for the matched controls, with an early-pregnancy mean (SD) BMI of 29.4 (5.2) in both groups. Across all early-pregnancy BMI strata, women with a history of bariatric surgery had lower pregnancy weight gain than matched controls. The differences in pregnancy weight gain z score values between the 2 groups were −0.33 (95% CI, −0.43 to −0.23) for normal weight, −0.33 (95% CI, −0.40 to −0.27) for overweight, −0.21 (95% CI, −0.29 to −0.13) for obese class I, −0.16 (95% CI, −0.29 to −0.03) for obese class II, and −0.08 (95% CI, −0.28 to 0.13) for obese class III. Pregnancy weight gain did not differ by surgical procedure. A shorter surgery-to-conception interval (particularly within 1 year) or lower surgery-to-conception weight loss was associated with lower pregnancy weight gain.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide matched cohort study, women with a history of bariatric surgery had lower pregnancy weight gain than matched controls with similar early-pregnancy characteristics. Pregnancy weight gain was lower in those with a shorter surgery-to-conception interval or lower surgery-to-conception weight loss, but did not differ by surgical procedure.
Four Methods for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A Virus Activity in Schools
Authors: Temte Jonathan , Goss Maureen , Barlow Shari , O’Connor David H. , O’Connor Shelby L. , Ramuta Mitchell D. , Uzicanin Amra
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study describes 4 parallel approaches used simultaneously to monitor influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 activity within a Wisconsin school district during the Fall 2022 semester and briefly following winter break.
An open chat with… Josep Rizo
Authors: Tsagakis Ioannis , Rizo Josep
Published: December 2023

Josep Rizo is a Professor of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Pharmacology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he is Virginia Lazenby O'Hara Chair in Biochemistry. He is particularly interested in the study of the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and intracellular membrane fusion using structural biology, a variety of biophysical techniques and reconstitution approaches. Jose has been a part of the FEBS Open Bio Editorial Board since 2021. In this interview, he shares his insights into developments in the field of neurotransmitter release, describes his move from Spain to the United States, and discusses how sometimes you need to use both logic and scientific hunches.
Soft Carbon‐Thiourea with Fast Bulk Diffusion Kinetics for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhixuan , Mu Zhenliang , Ma Tenghuan , Yan Wenlin , Wu Dengxu , Yang Ming , Peng Jian , Xia Yu , Shi Shaochen , Chen Liquan , Li Hong , Wu Fan
Published: December 2023

The development of all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (ASSLMBs) is impeded by low coulomb efficiency, short lifetime, poor rate performance, and other problems caused by the rapid growth of lithium (Li) dendrites. Herein, a multiple‐diffusion‐channel N,S‐doped soft carbon with expanded layer spacing is designed/developed by thiourea calcination for dendrite‐free anodes. Since the enlarged layer spacing can improve Li+ transportation rate within the layers and N,S‐doping can facilitate Li+ transport between the layers, the bulk phase diffusion (not just surface diffusion) kinetics can be improved, which in turn reduces the local current density, inhibits the growth of Li dendrites, and improves the rate performance. The resulting ASSLMB achieves record‐high current density (15 mA cm−2), areal capacity (20 mAh cm−2), energy density (403 Wh kg−1), and ultra‐long cycle life (13 000 cycles). >305 Wh kg−1 pouch cells are realized, representing one of the most critical breakthroughs for real‐world application of ASSLMBs.
Catalytic Activity of Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized on Pristine and Two‐Photon Oxidized Graphene
Authors: Schirmer Johanna , Iatta Ester , Emelianov Aleksei V. , Nissinen Maija , Pettersson Mika
Published: December 2023

Biosensors based on graphene and bio‐graphene interfaces have gained momentum in recent years due to graphene's outstanding electronic and mechanical properties. By introducing the patterning of a single‐layer graphene surface by two‐photon oxidation (2PO), the surface hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and doping can be varied at the nanoscale while preserving the carbon network, thus opening possibilities to design new devices. In this study, the effect of 2PO on the catalytic activity of the noncovalently immobilized enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on single‐layer graphene‐coated Si/SiO2 chips is presented. To monitor the activity continuously, a simple well‐plate setup is introduced. Upon controllable 1–2‐layer immobilization, the catalytic activity decreases to a maximum value of 7.5% of the free enzyme. Interestingly, the activity decreases with increasing 2PO area on the samples. Hence, the HRP catalytic activity on the graphene surface is locally controlled. This approach can enable the development of graphene‐bio interfaces with locally varying enzyme activity.
An Organocatalytic Route to endo‐Vinylene Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide‐Based exo‐Vinylene Carbonates
Authors: Qiao Chang , Engel Philipp D. , Ziegenhagen Levi A. , Rominger Frank , Schäfer Ansgar , Deglmann Peter , Rudolf Peter , Comba Peter , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Schaub Thomas
Published: December 2023

An organocatalytic route has been developed for the isomerization of exo‐vinylene carbonates (exo‐VCs) to endo‐vinylene carbonates (endo‐VCs). The exo‐VC starting material can easily be obtained from propargylic alcohols via cyclization with carbon dioxide. In this study, these exo‐VCs are shown to isomerize to the thermodynamically more stable endo‐VCs in the presence of an N‐heterocyclic base and phenol. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were conducted to elucidate the mechanism, tackling difficulties of the description of charge separation steps. This isomerization process delivers an ample diversity of endo‐VCs in good to excellent yields and chemoselectivities under mild reaction conditions.
Association of pica with cortisol and inflammation among Latina pregnant women
Authors: Kwon Dayoon , Knorr Delaney A. , Wiley Kyle S. , Young Sera L. , Fox Molly M.
Published: December 2023

Pica, the urge to consume items generally not considered food, such as dirt, raw starch, and ice, are particularly common among pregnant women. However, the biology of pica in pregnancy is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how pica relates to endocrine stress and immune biomarkers in a cohort of pregnant Latina women in Southern California. Thirty‐four women completed a structured pica questionnaire. Maternal urinary cortisol and plasma cytokine levels were measured between 21 and 31 weeks' gestation. Associations between pica during pregnancy and biomarkers were assessed using linear regression models adjusting for gestational age. Twelve (35.3%) of the pregnant women reported pica (geophagy and amylophagy) during pregnancy. In multivariate models, those who engaged in pica had higher levels of cortisol (β: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.073) and lower levels of IL‐1β (β: −0.06, 95% CI: −0.11, −0.02), IL‐8 (β: −0.30, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.05), IL‐21 (β: −0.35, 95% CI: −0.63, −0.08), and type‐1 inflammation composite (β: −0.29, 95% CI: −0.44, −0.14) than women who did not engage in pica. These results suggest that biological stress and immune response differ for women with pica compared to those without. This study suggests novel physiological covariates of pica during pregnancy. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms and temporality underlying the observed associations between pica and endocrine and immune biomarkers.
Primates and disability: Behavioral flexibility and implications for resilience to environmental change
Authors: Stewart Brogan M. , Joyce Megan M. , Creeggan Jack , Eccles Stephanie , Gerwing Mikaela G. , Turner Sarah E.
Published: December 2023

Congenital malformations, conditions, injuries, and illness can lead to long‐term physical impairment and disability in nonhuman primates. How individual primates change their behaviors flexibly to compensate for their disabilities can inform our understanding of their resilience and ability to adjust to environmental change. Here, we synthesize the literature on nonhuman primates and disability, addressing the questions: how does disability influence behavior in primates? What insights can we take from the literature to better understand and predict the capacity of primates to modify their behaviors in the face of human‐induced environmental change? We conducted a systematic review of the literature on spontaneous physical impairment and disability in captive, free‐ranging, and wild primates. We surveyed 2807 articles on Web of Science and Scopus and identified 114 studies that fit our predetermined inclusion criteria. Behavioral plasticity, maternal and conspecific care, and the potential for innovation of novel behaviors allow many primates with disabilities to compensate when faced with challenges that are outside the scope of usual circumstances. We also found that 60% of the publications connected primate physical impairment and disability to human activities, suggesting an entangled relationship among humans, the environment, and primate disability. Disability and physical impairments provide an opportunity to examine how primates modify their behavior when presented with challenging conditions, and their potential resilience to a changing environment.
Linear Polarization Conversion Based on Symmetry‐Breaking in an Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Structure
Authors: Di Cheng‐Zhe , Fang Jiu‐Kai , Lin Yu‐Wen , Sun Kai‐Xiang , Liu Yue‐Yang , Zhang Shan , Shi Sheng‐Nan , Shi Yan‐Peng
Published: December 2023

Traditional polarization converters suffer from drawbacks such as significant thickness and high losses, which limit their practical applications. This study introduces a novel metamaterial structure that combines electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) with linear polarization conversion to overcome these limitations. By harnessing the properties of EIT, this structure achieves low‐loss polarization conversion. The mechanism behind this is the generation of an EIT effect through the coupling of the light and dark modes. Additionally, this study focuses on introducing a slight vertical polarization symmetry disruption and inducing the excitation of small components within the dipole of the EIT structure to achieve close‐to‐complete cross‐polarization conversion. The effect of asymmetry on the polarization conversion rate is also explored. This study offers an innovative approach to designing low‐loss polarization converters utilizing EIT technology.
A molecular dynamics study of 3C‐SiC/epoxy nanocomposite as a metal‐free friction material
Authors: Zhang Yizhan , Yi Yun‐Bo
Published: December 2023

The tribological, mechanical, and thermal properties of an epoxy crosslinking network incorporated with 3C‐SiC nanoparticles, serving as a metal‐free friction material were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The considered models encompass pure epoxy materials with 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80% crosslinking degrees, as well as 3C‐SiC/epoxy composite materials at the same crosslinking levels. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of the eight models was analyzed, and the result shows augmenting crosslinking density and addition of 3C‐SiC nanofillers improve Tg of all models. Fractional free volume of each model was quantified to reflect the features of epoxy materials and influence the properties at the atomic scale. Frictional force, normal force, and coefficient of friction (COF) were calculated to elucidate the tribological performance of the epoxy‐based materials. The introduction of 3C‐SiC nanofillers reduces COF. With nanofillers, higher crosslinking degree brings lower COF except 80% crosslinking degree, while without nanofillers, higher COFs are obtained with 35% and 80% crosslinking degrees. 3C‐SiC/epoxy composite with heightened crosslinking degree demonstrates superior Young's modulus, elevated tensile stress, and relatively smaller strain. Thermal conductivity analysis highlights the positive impact of both increased crosslinking density and incorporation of 3C‐SiC nanofillers on heat transfer. Temperature elevation further enhances thermal conductivity.
Event‐triggered sampled‐data synchronization of complex networks with uncertain inner coupling and time‐varying delays
Authors: Yan Yuying , Zhao Feng , Liu Huawei , Chen Xiangyong , Qiu Jianlong
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on event‐triggered sampled‐data synchronization of uncertain complex networks with time‐varying coupled delays. First of all, a discrete event‐triggered sampled‐data control scheme is adopted, which not only makes the state of the system be monitored in discrete time, but also the sampling information is effectively transmitted. The proposed event‐triggered mechanism effectively prevents Zeno behavior. In addition, we also use some novel piecewise time‐dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii and Wirtinger inequality to handle the time‐varying delays and parameter uncertainties of complex networks. Then, synchronization criteria are given for uncertain complex networks. Finally, the simulation results show that the control scheme can significantly reduce the number of transmitted signals while maintaining the uncertain complex networks synchronization.
All‐gel Proton‐conducting Batteries with BiOCl and VOSO4 as Active Materials
Authors: Iyapazham Vaigunda Suba Prathap , Shoaib Muhammad , Hoang Nguyen Oanh , Karan Kunal , Larter Stephen R. , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: December 2023

Flexible, scalable, and low‐cost energy storage solutions are required for the widespread use of renewable energy and the mitigation of climate change. State‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries provide high specific energy density; however, designing a safe and cost‐effective grid‐scale lithium‐ion battery is still a major challenge. Redox flow batteries are scalable due to their ability to decouple power and energy; however, the commercial applications of these batteries are limited because of expensive ion‐selective membranes. In this paper, we report a modified battery design approach in which Bi/BiOCl and V4+/V5+ reaction‐based redox couples are utilized while employing a gel‐based architecture. We show, for the first time, that Bi/BiOCl conversion reaction based redox couple can reversibly work against traditional vanadium‐based redox pair in an aqueous electrolyte. Redox active materials in this cell design are in the gel form, and a traditional membrane or a separator is not required. This proof‐of‐concept battery delivers 0.9 V with a volumetric energy density of 22.14 Wh/L.
Effectiveness of the T‐Control catheter: A study protocol
Authors: Ramallo‐Fariña Yolanda , Chávarri Ana Toledo , Robayna Adrián Amador , Vidal Max Mòdol , Valcárcel‐Nazco Cristina , Armas Moreno Clara , Perestelo‐Pérez Lilisbeth , Serrano Muñoz Marta , Luque González Manuel , García‐Pérez Lidia , García‐Bello Miguel Ángel , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro , Castellano Santana Pedro Raúl , Vera Álamo Laura
Published: December 2023

Background

Foley catheters have been subject to limited development in the last few decades. They fulfil their basic function of draining urine from the bladder but cause other associated problems. T‐Control is a new silicone Foley catheter with an integrated fluid control valve whose design aims to reduce the risks associated with bladder catheterisation by a multifactorial approach. The general purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of the T‐Control catheter versus the Foley‐type catheter in patients with Acute Urine Retention (AUR).

Study design

This is a pragmatic, open, multicentre, controlled clinical trial with random allocation to the T‐Control catheter or a conventional Foley‐type catheter in patients with AUR.

Endpoints

The magnitude of infections will be analysed as a primary endpoint. While as secondary endpoint, the following will be analysed: rate of symptomatic and asymptomatic infections; days free of infection; quality of life‐related to self‐perceived health; indication of associated antibiotic treatments; determination of biofilm; number of catheter‐related adverse events; use of each type of catheterisation's healthcare resources; level of satisfaction and workload of health professionals and acceptability of the T‐Control device as well as the patient experience.

Patients and methods

Eligible patients are male adults aged ≥50 years, with AUR and with an indication of bladder catheterisation for at least 2 weeks. The estimated sample size is 50 patients. Patient follow‐up includes both the time of catheter insertion and its removal or change 2 weeks later, plus 2 weeks after this time when the patient will be called for an in‐depth interview.
Integrated nucleic acid purification technology based on amino‐modified centrifugal microfluidic chip
Authors: Dong Yongkang , Chen Bailiang , Cai Gangpei , Xu Fei , Li Linzhi , Cheng Xiaoqi , Shi Xiaolu , Peng Bo , Mi Shengli
Published: December 2023

Nucleic acid detection is an important tool for clinical diagnosis. The purification of the sample is the most time‐consuming step in the nucleic acid testing process and will affect the results of the assay. Here, we developed a surface modification‐based nucleic acid purification method and designed an accompanying set of centrifugation equipment and chips to integrate the steps of nucleic acid purification on a single platform. The results of experiments with HeLa cells and HPV type 16 as samples showed that the mentioned method had good nucleic acid purification capability and the accompanying equipment greatly simplified the operation of the experimenters in the whole process. Overall, our equipment can improve the efficiency of nucleic acid purification and is suitable for application in larger‐scale clinical assays.
Investigating the impact of supply chain management practices on customer satisfaction through flexibility and technology adoption: Empirical evidence
Authors: Saad Nourhan Ahmed , Elgazzar Sara , Kac Sonja Mlaker
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research is to empirically investigate the influence of supply chain management practices (SCMPs) on customer satisfaction through the mediating roles of flexibility and technology adoption. A questionnaire was used to collect data from organizational consumers in the Egyptian context, in which hypotheses were analyzed through covariance‐based structural equation modeling for 1009 usable questionnaires. The findings revealed the positive relationship between SCMPs and flexibility, technology adoption, and customer satisfaction. Moreover, it revealed the positive relationship between technology adoption and customer satisfaction, however, the direct impact of flexibility on customer satisfaction is not significant. Empirical evidence also illustrated that technology adoption can significantly mediate the relationship between SCMPs and customer satisfaction.
Indolyl‐4H‐Chromene Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents: Synthesis, in Vitro and in Silico Studies
Authors: Anaikutti Parthiban , Adhikari Priyanka , Baskaran Sambath , Selvaraj Mangalaraj , Afzal Mohd , Makam Parameshwar
Published: December 2023

In this study, indolyl‐4H‐chromene derivatives are designed and synthesised using an eco‐friendly multicomponent one‐pot synthesis using benzaldehydes, nitroketene N, S‐acetals, and indoles combine with InCl3, a Lewis acid catalyst, and ethanol, an environmentally acceptable solvent. Due to antibiotic resistance, assessed these Indolyl‐4H‐chromene derivatives for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium pyrogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using the agar well diffusion method and Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) assay. Three compounds, 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐6‐methoxy‐N‐methyl‐3‐nitro‐4H‐chromen‐2‐amine, 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐nitro‐N‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐2‐amine and 4‐(6‐Fluoro‐1H‐Indol‐3‐yl)‐N‐methyl‐3‐nitro‐4H‐chromen‐2‐amine showed better zone of inhibition (mm) and Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) values of 10 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL against all bacterial types. The Ki values of 278.60 nM and 2.21 nM for compound 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐nitro‐N‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐2‐amine showed improved interactions with DNA gyrase B and topoIV ParE′s ATP binding sites in in silico studies.
Four Steroidal Saponins from the Trunks of Dracaena cambodiana with Inhibition of NO Production in LPS Activated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Huy , Yen Pham Hai , Trang Do Thi , Dung Duong Thi , Cuc Nguyen Thi , Bang Ngo Anh , Trang Bui Thi Nha , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Tai Bui Huu , Kiem Phan Van
Published: December 2023

Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagnep. is well known as a medicinal plant and widely distributed in Vietnam. Phytochemical investigation on the trunks of D. cambodiana lead to the isolation of four undescribed compounds (1–4) together with seven known ones (5–11). Their structures were determined to be pennogenin‐24‐yl‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1), 17α‐hydroxycambodianoside C (2), (25R)‐27‐hydroxypenogenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), (3β,25R)‐17α,22α‐dihydroxy‐furost‐5‐en‐3‐yl‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4), dracagenin A (5), 1‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐allylbenzene (6), 1‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2‐hydroxy‐allylbenzene (7), 2‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐1‐hydroxy‐allylbenzene (8), cinnamrutinoside A (9), icariside D1 (10), and seco‐isolariciresinol 9‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside (11) by extensive spectroscopic investigation, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The anti‐inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated on macrophages. Compounds 1–6 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, compound 1 showed the best inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 8.90±0.56 μM.
Review on Performance and Preparation of Catalysts for Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes or Alcohols to Esters
Authors: Zheng Yanxia , Huang Chuxin , Li Yuchao , Yang Yubo , Xu Rui
Published: December 2023

Ester plays a crucial role as a intermediate. Acids or acid derivatives are synthesized through the oxidation of aldehydes or alcohols, followed by esterification reactions to obtain esters. However, the traditional process is intricate and demands high energy consumption. To address these concerns, the one‐step oxidative esterification of aldehydes and alcohols into esters has emerged as a simple, co‐friendly and efficient green synthesis method, opening new avenues for cost‐effective ester production. In this rapidly advancing and promising field, utilizing the latest research findings on innovative catalysts is highly desirable. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidative esterification of aldehydes or alcohols. The focus is on both noble and non‐precious metal catalysts, along with their respective reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, we present novel catalytic strategies for future applications, highlighting the advantages offered by single‐atom catalysts, hydrophobic catalysts, magnetic catalysts, and ionic liquid catalysts. Additionally, we shed light on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in this field.
Maximizing Efficiency and Affordability with Ceramic Membranes for Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Ranganathan Padmashree , Raja Vinoth Kumar
Published: December 2023

Low‐cost ceramic microfiltration membranes were explored for immobilizing lipases. Expensive commercial ceramics (e.g., alumina, zirconia) have advantages like chemical robustness, but high sintering temperatures limit their usability. To overcome this, researchers used Fuller's earth clay with rice husk ash to create cost‐effective membranes. However, fewer reactive sites on ceramic surfaces hinder enzyme immobilization. To address this, 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde activated the membrane for covalent lipase binding. The immobilized membrane retained activity for over five 1‐h reaction cycles with a minimal performance decline of around 60 %. After five cycles, it retained over 40 % of the initial activity. These results show promise for using low‐cost ceramic membranes in various industries, such as in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production.
Hybrid Metal‐Ion Capacitors Based on Carbon Nanospheres
Authors: Díez Noel , Sevilla Marta
Published: December 2023

Hybrid metal‐ion capacitors, merging the merits of batteries and supercapacitors, are considered as a promising energy storage technology able to satisfy the rising energy requirements of modern powered devices. Regrettably, their development is currently hampered by the diffusion‐controlled storage mechanism taking place at the battery‐type, negative electrode material. Herein we highlight and review the promising role of carbon nanospheres ‐that combine a dense morphology with short solid‐state diffusion pathways‐ in minimizing the kinetic restrictions in the battery‐type electrode. Besides, carbon nanospheres presenting a highly developed pore structure and readily available micropores fully satisfy the requirements for the supercapacitor‐type electrode. The recent findings collected in this concept paper support the suitability of carbon nanospheres for the production of negative and positive electrode materials for these hybrid systems.
Juggling Optoelectronics and Catalysis: The Dual Talents of Bench Stable 1,4‐Azaborinines
Authors: van Beek Chloe M. , Swarbrook Amelia M. , Creissen Charles E. , Hawes Chris S. , Gazis Theodore A. , Matthews Peter D.
Published: December 2023

Boron‐ and nitrogen‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (B‐PAHs) have established a strong foothold in the realm of organic electronics. However, their catalytic potential remains largely untapped. In this study, we synthesise and characterise two bench stable B,N‐doped PAH derivatives based on a 1,4‐azaborinine motif. Most importantly, the anthracene derived structure is an efficient catalyst in the reduction of various carbonyls and imines. These results underscore the potential of B,N‐PAHs in catalytic transformations, setting the stage for deeper exploration in this chemical space.