bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing Aid Use Trends Among Older Adults by Income and Metropolitan vs Nonmetropolitan Residence
Authors: Bessen Sarah Y. , Zhang Wuyang , Garcia-Morales Emmanuel , Deal Jennifer A. , Reed Nicholas S.
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of hearing aid use among older US adults with hearing loss and stratifies the findings by income and metropolitan vs nonmetropolitan residence.
Infrared Reflection–Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Hollins Peter , de los Arcos Teresa
Published: September 2024

Infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy is an optical technique used to study thin (often submonolayer) films adsorbed on reflective substrates. Experimentally, it involves measuring the change in the reflectance spectrum of the substrate that accompanies adsorption. On metal surfaces, the reflection is usually performed at grazing incidence in order to maximize sensitivity, and the process is subject to an overriding selection rule which states that only those vibrational modes that have a component of their dipole change perpendicular to the surface can be detected. On semiconductors, or dielectric substrates, selection rules depend strongly on the optical characteristics of the surface: vibrational modes with components vibrating in both the perpendicular and the parallel direction to the substrate can be detected, leading to absorption bands whose shape depends strongly on the experimental parameters (incidence angle, light polarization state, angle of the vibration‐induced dipole, and the nature of the substrate). Application of these surface‐induced selection rules often yields important information about adsorption geometry. Other advantages of the technique include its high sensitivity, down to the monolayer, its ability to operate at high ambient pressures or even in liquids, and the ease with which its results can be correlated with those from other vibrational spectroscopies, both surface and bulk sensitive.
Microwave‐Assisted Sample Preparation for Spectrochemical Analysis
Authors: Nóbrega Joaquim A. , Donati George L.
Published: September 2024

Microwave‐assisted sample preparation has represented a major developmental step in combining the overall quality and speed of spectrochemical analysis with the initial analytical step of converting solid samples into representative solutions. Instrumentation and applications involving samples with organic and inorganic matrices are discussed in detail after briefly addressing the fundamentals of the method. The feasibility of using diluted acid solutions and pressurized oxygen vessels for sample digestion is rationalized and clearly related to advances in reaction vessel materials and the interaction between matter and microwave radiation. Applications based on microwave‐induced combustion (MIC) and procedures developed for chemical speciation are also highlighted. A list of ideal attributes for microwave‐assisted sample preparation is proposed and evaluated considering the state of the art. Major needs, mainly related to the capacity of digesting large sample masses and improvements in sample throughput, are also highlighted.
Upcycling the Spent Graphite Anode Into the Prelithiation Catalyst: A Separator Strategy Toward Anode‐Free Cell Prototyping
Authors: Yao Ning , Liu Fu , Shao Ahu , Xue Rongrong , Jia Qiurong , Liu Yuyao , Wang Helin , Wang Xin , Zhang Yaxin , Zhang Min , Wang Zhiqiao , Li Yunsong , Tang Jiawen , Tang Xiaoyu , Ma Yue
Published: September 2024

The substantial manufacturing of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) requires sustainable, circular, and decarbonized recycling strategies. While efforts are concentrated on extracting valuable metals from cathodes using intricate chemical process, the direct, efficient cathode regeneration remains a technological challenge. More urgently, the battery supply chain also requires the value‐added exploitation of retired anodes. Here, a “closed‐loop” approach is proposed to upcycle spent graphite into the prelithiation catalyst, namely the fewer‐layer graphene flakes (FGF), upon the exquisite tuning of interlayer spacing and defect concentration. Since the catalytic FGF mitigates the delithiation energy barrier from calcinated Li5FeO4 nanocrystalline, the composite layer of which cast on the polyolefin substrate thus enables a customized prelithiation capability (98% Li+ utilization) for the retired LiFePO4 recovery. Furthermore, the hydrophobic polymeric modification guarantees the moisture tolerance of Li5FeO4 agents, aligning with commercial battery manufacturing standards. The separator strategy well regulates the interfacial chemistry in the anode‐free pouch cell (LiFePO4||Cu), the prototype of which balances the robust cyclability, energy density up to 386.6 Wh kg−1 as well as the extreme power output of 1159.8 W kg−1. This study not only fulfills the sustainable supply chain with graphite upcycling, but also establishes a generic, viable protocol for the anode‐free cell prototyping.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Ortho‐Halogen‐Substituted Aryl(Alkynyl)Phosphinates Via Aryne‐Phosphite‐Haloalkyne Coupling
Authors: Choi Eun Gyeong , Ji Suhyun , Lee Duck‐Hyung , Han Seo‐Jung
Published: September 2024

The one‐pot formation of two C−P bonds and one C−halogen bond was achieved through a mild three‐component coupling reaction utilizing arynes, phosphites, and haloalkynes. In this reaction, the aryl anion, generated from the nucleophilic addition of phosphite to aryne, directly attacked the halogen of the haloalkyne. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. This operationally simple method enables direct access to ortho‐halogen‐substituted aryl(alkynyl)phosphinates. The synthetic utility of ortho‐halogen‐substituted aryl(alkynyl)phosphinates with prospective applications in natural product synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials chemistry has also been demonstrated.
Wireless Light‐Emitting Diode‐Driven Functional Microneedle Devices for Skin Cancer Therapy
Authors: Oungeun Miranda , Wanichwecharungruang Supason , Miyako Eijiro
Published: September 2024

Photodynamic therapy, a noninvasive cancer treatment strategy, is a promising remedy for malignant skin cancers. However, treatment of skin cancer with this method requires sufficient photosensitizer molecules to permeate into cancer cells before illumination for effective activation to induce potent reactive oxygen species for eliminating cancer cells. However, transdermal drug delivery using conventional photosensitizers faces major challenges due to skin barriers, diminishing the effectiveness of drug penetration and therapeutic efficacies. To overcome these limitations, biocompatible, physiologically dissolvable, and optically activatable functional microneedle devices are applied for effective percutaneous penetration of drug molecules into solid tumors in a murine model. The proposed wireless light‐emitting diode light‐driven functional microneedle device that effectively induces apoptosis of cancer cells and disruption of the tumor area and can enhance in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo drug‐delivery effectiveness for treating skin cancer. The design and strategy of the present functional microneedle devices can help shed light on future advanced cancer therapy.
Regulation of Side‐Chain Symmetry for Delaying Triplet Formation and Suppressing Non‐Radiative Loss in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Huanhuan , Li Qian , Fan Baobing , Bi Zhaozhao , Jiang Wenlin , Zhang Sen , Fan Qunping , Chen Tianqi , Lin Francis R. , Kan Bin , Lei Dangyuan , Ma Wei , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: September 2024

The structural revolutions of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have driven continuous efficiency breakthroughs in organic solar cells (OSCs). Rational regulation of NFA structures toward efficient exciton dissociation and mitigated non‐radiative recombination is pivotal for OSCs. The incorporation of asymmetric side chains on NFAs can often achieve these goals by inducing a desirable aggregate state. However, it lacks the studies to directly correlate the side‐chain symmetry of NFAs with the exciton delocalization and triplet dynamics in OSCs. Herein, The influence of structural symmetry on the aggregate properties is systematically investigated and exciton/charge dynamics based on two developed biaxial‐conjugated NFAs with varied side‐chain symmetry. The symmetric NFA having diverse molecular packing orientations can form multiple charge transfer channels in its blend with polymer donor, which cannot be found in that comprising the asymmetric ones. Moreover, a slower rate and lower ratio of the spin‐triplet state are formed in the blend of symmetric NFA, resulting in a much lower non‐radiative voltage loss in corresponding OSCs. This study reveals the distinct advantages of symmetric NFAs in both aggregate properties and exciton/charge dynamics over those of asymmetric ones, paving the way for developing high‐performance OSCs using easier‐to‐prepare, low‐cost symmetric materials.
Responses of Showy Leopard Frog Larvae (Lithobates spectabilis) to the Presence of Introduced Rainbow Trout in Mexico
Authors: Flores Carlos A. , Crossland Michael R. , Arreortúa Medardo , González‐Bernal Edna
Published: September 2024

The introduction of invasive fish for aquaculture can significantly impact native aquatic fauna, especially in regions where native amphibians have a biphasic life cycle. We conducted three laboratory experiments to assess the effects of introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture on the native showy leopard frog (Lithobates spectabilis) in Mexico. We aimed to understand the effects of trout visual and chemical cues on tadpole behaviour, and the long‐term effects of chemical cues (in interaction with tadpole density) on tadpole growth, development and survival. In Experiment 1, we exposed groups of tadpoles to the visual cue of a trout, comparing their refuge use and position within the tank to a control group. In Experiment 2,we exposed groups of tadpoles to trout chemical cues contrasting their refuge use to a control group. In Experiment 3, we exposed tadpoles at different densities to trout chemical cues for a prolonged period, recording their growth, development and survival. Results showed that tadpoles did not alter refuge use in response to trout visual cues but positioned themselves farther from these cues compared to controls. Tadpoles increased refuge use in response to chemical cues. Long‐term exposure to chemical cues did not affect tadpole growth, development or survival, but higher densities led to lower survival rates. Our findings suggest that trout farming, through fish escapement or untreated farm water discharge containing trout chemical cues, could trigger behavioural responses in L. spectabilis larvae, increasing refuge use and local tadpole densities, ultimately compromising their survival and, potentially, species persistence.
Blockchain‐based transparent and certificateless data integrity auditing for cloud storage
Authors: Miao Yapeng , Miao Ying , Miao Xuexue
Published: September 2024

Cloud storage provides a convenient way of collaboration and sharing. An increasing number of users are becoming more open to sharing their data with others. Consequently, the integrity of shared data has started to draw significant attention due to the loss control of it. Remote data integrity techniques can solve this problem. To resist the collusion between the third party auditor and the cloud server, existing integrity auditing schemes utilize blockchain to replace the third party auditor to do some work. However, these schemes still involve collusion between the third party auditor and the miners and cannot guarantee the third party auditor to execute the auditing process honestly. Considering this, we propose a blockchain‐based transparent and certificateless data integrity auditing scheme. Specifically, we design the smart contract combining the commitment technology to generate the challenge information and record the auditing information. Besides, we combine certificateless cryptography and the blind technology to achieve the privacy‐preserving. The proposed scheme can resist collusion, improve the transparency of the auditing process, protect the data privacy and reduce the overhead of certificate management and key management. The security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate the security and efficiency of the scheme.
Unveiling the Effect of Myo‐inositol on Primitive Cell Models Derived from Fatty Acid
Authors: Ghosh Meghna , Nandi Pratyush Kiran , Bera Nanigopal , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: September 2024

Early forms of life on Earth were most likely not complex. Simple non‐living molecules may have formed aggregates, orunderwent spontaneous complex organic reactions resulting in build‐up of molecular complexity leading to origin of life. Protocell (hypothetical first live cell) models based on fatty acid self‐assemblies have been used in many experiments. Sugars, amino acids and nucleic acids are the backbone of any living creature. Myo‐inositol (InOH), is structurally similar to pyranose form of d‐glucose. InOH not only has higher stability than simple sugars, but also not easily degraded under extreme conditions. Therefore, InOH would have persisted in the hostile environment of early Earth. Here, our objective is to study the effect of varying concentrations of InOH, a prebiotic sugar‐like biomolecule, on the self‐assemblies derived from oleic acid using solvation dynamics as a major experimental tool. We have demonstrated that InOH does indeed perturb the membrane of oleic acid/oleate vesicles, which is characterized by more negative zeta potential of vesicles, and faster solvation dynamics of the solvation probe C153. Overall, our results provide significant insight towards understanding the role of carbohydrate osmolytes in relation to protocell models.
A Novel Step‐Up Dosage Regimen for Enhancing the Benefit‐to‐Risk Ratio of Mosunetuzumab in Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Li Chi‐Chung , Bender Brendan , Wilkins Justin , Li Feifei , Turner David C. , Wang Bei , Deng Rong , Vadhavkar Shweta , Li Zao , Kwan Antonia , Huang Huang , Peng Kun , Penuel Elicia , Huw Ling‐Yuh , Chanu Pascal , Li Chunze , Yin Shen , Wei Michael C.
Published: September 2024

Mosunetuzumab, a T‐cell engaging bispecific antibody targeting CD20xCD3, is approved for treating relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. This research supports the approved intravenous clinical dose regimen, summarizing the exposure–response relationships for clinical safety and efficacy. A population pharmacokinetic model and Emax logistic regression exposure–response models for safety and efficacy were developed using data from 439 patients with relapsed/refractory non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and 159 patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, respectively, from a Phase I/II study (NCT02500407). Data from 0.2 to 60 mg across fixed dosing (Cohort A) and Cycle 1 step‐up dosing (Cohort B) were used. Exposure–response models, using two‐cycle area‐under‐the‐concentration curve (AUC0–42) as the primary exposure endpoint, accurately depicted the complete response and objective response rate data across a 600‐fold AUC0–42 range. The approved clinical dose regimen of 1/2/60/30 mg achieved near‐maximal efficacy, with model‐estimated CR and ORR (90% confidence interval) of 63.1% (49.7–75.0) and 79.1% (69.1–87.7), respectively. The exposure–response analysis for Grade ≥ 2 cytokine release syndrome identified receptor occupancy (%) within the first two cycles as a driver, with CRS dissipating beyond the first dosing cycle. No exposure‐dependent increases were observed for other serious adverse events, including neutropenia and infections. The approved intravenous step‐up dose regimen (i.e., step doses of 1 and 2 mg on Day 1 and 8, respectively) mitigated severe CRS risk, allowing safe administration of loading (60 mg) and target doses (30 mg every 3 weeks) to achieve a favorable benefit–risk profile.
Using animal–vehicle collision data for wildlife population monitoring
Authors: Lind Hansen Jonathan , Sunde Peter , Skovbjerg Balsby Thorsten Johannes , Mayer Martin
Published: September 2024

Globally, collisions with vehicles result in millions of animal deaths every year, representing a major issue for wildlife conservation and management. Consequently, and importantly, much research has focused on understanding patterns of animal–vehicle collisions with the aim to reduce roadkill of wildlife. However, existing data on animal–vehicle collisions might also represent a novel opportunity to monitor wildlife populations. For this purpose, we compared data of >1.2 million hunter‐shot deer and >40,000 deer–vehicle collisions collected over 11 years in Denmark. We show that deer–vehicle collision data can be useful for population monitoring of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Roe deer was the most numerous species, representing 90% of observations based both on deer–vehicle collisions and on hunting bag statistics. After accounting for factors related to road infrastructure (road length and density, traffic volume), local (municipality) deer–vehicle collisions were highly correlated with hunting bag data for roe and red deer (Pearson's r > 0.7) but not fallow deer, likely due to biases in hunting bags. Moreover, we used deer–vehicle collision data to map spatiotemporal changes in the distribution of fallow and red deer, and demographic changes in all species. Combined, our results suggest that animal–vehicle collision data can be a useful tool to supplement existing methods for monitoring wildlife populations, which will be relevant for the management of these populations. We point to important shortcomings in both animal–vehicle collision and hunting bag data and provide recommendations on how to improve their accuracy in the future, to be applicable for a broader range of species.
Ruthenium Catalyzed Formation of Fused Pyridine Derivatives or Substituted Indoles from Hydrazine‐Derived Enamines and Propargyl Alcohols
Authors: Skowaisa Steffen , Haak Edgar
Published: September 2024

New ruthenium‐catalyzed transformations of secondary propargyl alcohols with hydrazine‐derived enamines are presented, affording fused pyridines or substituted indoles depending on the hydrazine derivative used. The cascade reactions are catalyzed by an air‐ and moisture‐stable bifunctional ruthenium complex and proceed via redox‐isomerization of the propargyl alcohol, subsequent Michael addition and cyclocondensation. In case of phenylhydrazine a Fischer indole synthesis also takes place, prior to the final release of the products. The produced heterocyclic motifs are important scaffolds in medicinal and agricultural chemistry.
Teacher educational qualifications and the quality of teacher–student interactions in senior high school classrooms in Ghana: Could teacher self‐efficacy bridge the qualifications gap?
Authors: Ntarmah Albert Henry , Yaro Kwesi
Published: September 2024

Teacher qualifications, self‐efficacy, and quality of teacher–student interactions (QTSIs) are critical factors in educational discourse. While research shows varied results for each variable, studies have yet to examine all three variables simultaneously. To what extent does teacher self‐efficacy contribute to bridging the qualifications gap toward QTSIs? This study investigates the relationship between teacher educational qualifications and QTSIs and the potential role of teacher self‐efficacy in addressing the qualifications gap. An empirical analysis of 419 valid responses from senior high school (SHS) teachers in Ghana utilizing the t‐test and ordinary least squares estimators uncovered noteworthy findings. The study revealed a positive influence of teacher educational qualifications on QTSIs, with higher qualifications (master's degree) significantly enhancing QTSIs compared to lower qualifications (bachelor's degree). Teacher self‐efficacy positively moderated the impact of teacher educational qualifications on QTSIs. The study also revealed that while higher teacher self‐efficacy was beneficial in bridging the educational qualifications gap between bachelor's and master's degrees on QTSIs, it only partially bridged the gap. This study's findings invite policymakers, teacher educators, and school authorities to employ a balanced approach to improving QTSIs in SHS classrooms in Ghana by encouraging teachers to advance their qualifications and creating an enabling environment to develop their self‐efficacy.
The role of moral disengagement in youth bullying behaviour
Authors: Bussey Kay , Luo Aileen , Jackson Emma
Published: September 2024

Moral disengagement, a term coined by Bandura, explains how people can hurt others and behave immorally, contradicting their beliefs and values and yet live peaceably with themselves. He developed a conceptual model of moral disengagement based on the Social Cognitive Theory of moral agency. By activating moral disengagement mechanisms, people can disregard their moral standards and behave immorally without any self‐censure. This paper synthesises the extensive research on moral disengagement in a youth bullying context to demonstrate the conceptual strength of moral disengagement theory for research and interventions on bullying. It advances the understanding of the contextual basis of moral disengagement by examining its diverse role in bullying episodes that includes bullying perpetration, bullying victimisation and bullying bystanders. The analysis of the different components of moral disengagement representing the loci of the disengagement mechanisms sheds light on how the disengagement processes function in the youth bullying context. Its role as both a moderator and mediator further advances its divergent functioning in the youth bullying context. Finally, implications of the review for advancing knowledge on the moral basis of youth bullying are discussed with suggestions for the development of interventions to attenuate the use of moral disengagement.
Online active learning in undergraduate dental education: A scoping review
Authors: Apel Zuzanna , Sharmin Nazlee , Stefani Cristine Miron , Lima Adriano de Almeida de , Hussain Ahmed , Tjosvold Lisa , Perez Arnaldo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Research on online active learning (OAL) in dental education has increased in recent years; however, this literature has yet to be comprehensively summarized to document the available evidence and identify research gaps. This scoping review aimed to comprehensively map the extent and depth of the research activity on OAL in undergraduate dental education.

Methods

The review adhered to Arksey & O'Malley's multi‐step framework and followed the PRISMA Extension Scoping Reviews guidelines. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and ERIC databases for peer‐reviewed primary research articles in English published between December 2013 and 2023. Four trained researchers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full‐text articles for eligibility and extracted relevant data. All activities and information were cross‐checked by the same researchers. A tested, methodologically‐informed form was used for data extraction. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to summarize the extracted data.

Results

Thirty‐five articles were included in the review. Most studies focused on dental students exclusively, with only two studies involving students and faculty. All studies performed outcome evaluations at reaction and/or learning levels. Problem‐based learning, case‐based learning, small group discussion, flipped learning, and blended learning were the most common active learning strategies employed. Dental students were satisfied with OAL and perceived it as beneficial for knowledge acquisition and skill development. Test results confirmed the improvement of knowledge through OAL.

Conclusion

OAL has shown to improve learning outcomes in dental education; however, robust research designs are needed to further demonstrate its effectiveness in this educational context.
Implementation of machine learning models as a quantitative evaluation tool for preclinical studies in dental education
Authors: Oguzhan Aybeniz , Peskersoy Cem , Devrimci Elif Ercan , Kemaloglu Hande , Onder Tolga Kagan
Published: September 2024

Purpose and objective

Objective, valid, and reliable evaluations are needed in order to develop haptic skills in dental education. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the machine learning method in evaluating the haptic skills of dentistry students.

Materials and methods

One‐hundred fifty 6th semester dental students have performed Class II amalgam (C2A) and composite resin restorations (C2CR), in which all stages were evaluated with Direct Observation Practical Skills forms. The final phase was graded by three trainers and supervisors separately. Standard photographs of the restorations in the final stage were taken from different angles in a special setup and transferred to the Python program which utilized the Structural Similarity algorithm to calculate both the quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (visual) differences of each restoration. The validity and reliability analyses of inter‐examiner evaluation were tested by Cronbach's Alpha and Kappa statistics (p = 0.05).

Results

The intra‐examiner reliability between Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and examiners was found highly reliable in both C2A (α = 0.961) and C2CR (α = 0.856). The compatibility of final grades given by SSIM (53.07) and examiners (56.85) was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the examiners and SSIM when grading the occlusal surfaces in C2A and on the palatal surfaces of C2CR (p < 0.05). The concordance of observer assessments was found almost perfect in C2A (κ = 0.806), and acceptable in C2CR (κ = 0.769).

Conclusion

Although deep machine learning is a promising tool in the evaluation of haptic skills, further improvement and alignments are required for fully objective and reliable validation in all cases of dental training in restorative dentistry.
Validation of a novel effort‐discounting assessment and evaluation of the effort‐delay confound on effort discounting
Authors: Peck Sara , Madden Gregory J.
Published: September 2024

A vast literature highlights the prevalence of impulsive decision making in maladaptive outcomes. Most research has focused on one form—delay discounting. Less research has focused on effort discounting, possibly because of a lack of a standardized task for assessment. In published effort‐discounting tasks, effort is conceptualized in many ways, making it difficult to compare findings across studies. Additionally, most effort‐discounting tasks do not control for the time inherent in completing the effortful task, which makes it difficult to disentangle effort discounting from delay discounting. The current study evaluated the validity of a novel hypothetical effort‐discounting task. The novel task was used to evaluate the influence of the effort‐delay confound on rates of effort discounting in humans. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a confounded or a controlled version of the novel effort‐discounting task. The effort‐discounting data were well described by hyperbolic and exponential functions. When effort and delay were confounded, effort‐discounting rates were significantly higher than when effort alone influenced discounting. The results suggest that data that are produced by effort‐discounting tasks that do not control the effort‐delay confound should be interpreted cautiously because they are also influenced by delay discounting. Task limitations and future directions are discussed.
Microplastics in Urban Soils From Different Land Use Activities of Cyberjaya (Malaysia): Exploring Occurrence, Relationships, Sources and Pollution Level
Authors: Praveena Sarva Mangala , Zaidi Nik Munirah Nik Mohd , Nafisyah Ayu Lana , Lingaraju H. G.
Published: September 2024

As human activities continue to increase, the production and utilisation of plastics have become pervasive, leading to a surplus of plastic waste in the environment. This has turned the terrestrial ecosystem, encompassing soil, into a significant receptacle for the growing accumulation and discharge of plastic waste. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence, relationships, sources and pollution levels of microplastics in urban soils from different land use activities in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Surface soil samples were collected from land uses (i.e., vacant areas, residential areas, commercial areas, construction areas and roadways). These surface soil samples were analysed for microplastic occurrence using density separation, microscopy and spectroscopy methods. The microplastics particles were analysed for size, colour and shape. Selected microplastics particles were also analysed for its plastics polymers using Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Microplastics occurrence ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 particle/kg, with the highest average occurrence in the construction area (0.69 particle/kg) and lowest in the vacant area (0.33 particle/kg). Microplastics particle size was shortest in commercial areas (586.08 μm) and longest in vacant areas (793.78 μm). There were no similarities between microplastics occurrence and particle size across these different land use activities, suggesting that the microplastics occurrence in urban soils depends on external disturbances during each land use activity. Significant correlation between microplastic particle size and temperature (r
2 = 0.517) showed that each land use activity is influenced by external disturbances. The I
geo values showed that the microplastics pollution level in urban soils is classified as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Microplastic particles in urban soils were found in various shapes (i.e., fragments, films and fibres) and colours (i.e., transparent, grey, blue, red, green, purple, black, white and yellow) along with plastic polymer types (i.e., ABS, PET, PP, PE and PS) due to traffic volume, tyre wear, mismanaged plastic waste and degradation rate. This study highlights the need for pollution management and waste disposal to avoid urban environmental problems and adverse health effects.
Positivity of periodic solutions for neutral‐type impulsive neural networks with distributed delays and two parameters
Authors: Benhadri Mimia , Caraballo Tomás
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the existence of positive periodic solutions of impulsive neutral‐type neural networks with distributed delays and two parameters is discussed by applying the cone‐theoretic fixed point theorem. Some sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the existence of multiple and single positive periodic solutions for the considered system. Several existence results are established. Finally, we exhibit an example to illustrate the applicability of the established results.
Chondroitin Sulfate from Halaelurus burgeri Skin Inhibits Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammation, and Regulates Gut Microbiota
Authors: Ren Zhaocai , Gao Shang , Hu Shiwei , Chen Sichun , Jiang Wei , Ge Yaming
Published: September 2024

Scope

Previous study has demonstrated the chemical structure of chondroitin sulfate (CHS) from Halaelurus burgeri skin and its effects on insulin resistance. However, the precise impact of this phenomenon on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation, which contribute to insulin resistance, remains unclear. This study is to investigate the impact of CHS on ER stress, inflammatory response and signaling, and gut microbiota in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice.

Methods and results

HFD‐fed C57BL/6J mice receive dietary gavage intervention of CHS for 18 weeks. Blood, liver tissue, and feces are harvested for further investigation. Results show that CHS inhibits ER stress, accompanied by lowered blood glucose, nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen (ROS), and free fatty acids (FFA) levels, and increases hepatic glycogen accumulation. Moreover, hepatic inflammation is improved by CHS treatment via inactivation of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and its downstream c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathways. Additionally, CHS regulates gut microbiota, particularly the decline in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. CHS also lowers fecal lipopolysaccharide and elevates several fecal short chain fatty acids.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CHS from H. burgeri skin may be an alternative functional food supplement for anti‐ER stress, anti‐inflammtion, and regulation of gut microbiota.
Analytical Solution for 2D Electro‐Osmotic Consolidation of Unsaturated Soil With Non‐linear Voltage Distribution
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Min Jie , Ding Shaolin , Liu Yang , Liao Jiaxin , Zhang Shuai
Published: September 2024

Existing solutions for electro‐osmotic consolidation assume a linear voltage distribution, which is inconsistent with the experimental findings. The present study introduces a novel two‐dimensional electro‐osmotic consolidation model for unsaturated soils, which considers the influence of non‐linear voltage distribution. The closed‐form solution is derived by employing the eigenfunction expansion method and the Laplace transform technique. The accuracy of the analytical solutions is validated through the implementation of finite element simulations. The findings from the parametric studies indicate that the excess pore water pressure (EPWP) observed in electro‐osmotic consolidation is influenced by the distribution of voltage. The dissipation rate of EPWP is observed to be higher when subjected to non‐linear voltage conditions compared to linear voltage conditions. Moreover, the impact of non‐linear voltage distribution becomes more pronounced in unsaturated soil characterised by higher electro‐osmosis conductivity and a lower ratio of kx/ky. In contrast, the excess pore air pressure (EPAP) remains unaffected by the voltage distribution.
Bacillus siamensis orchestrates plant gene reprogramming and rhizosphere microbiome reshaping to bolster maize crop performance
Authors: Sun Bin , Sun Chenyu , Fu Wenjiang , Fu Huijing , Shu Xiaolong , Wu Mengfan , Guo Qiao , Lai Hangxian
Published: September 2024

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (e.g., Bacillus) confer health benefits to the host. Bacillus siamensis has been used to control plant disease in fruits and vegetables, but its potential effects on crop performance remain unclear. This study investigated changes in the growth, root transcriptomic profile, and rhizosp here microbiome of maize plants (Zea may L.) following inoculation with B. siamensis 33. All inoculated plants grew better than non‐inoculated controls in pots, as exemplified by 24.0% and 6.8% increase in plant height and stem diameter, respectively (p < 0.01). Shoot dry weight also increased by 20.6% upon inoculation, accompanied by 46.9% increase in root dry weight (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that inoculation induced (2.16‐ to 5.53‐fold) upregulated expression of genes related to auxin signal transduction in maize. The expression of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and plant defense‐related signal (e.g., jasmonic acid and salicylic acid) transduction was (2.06‐ to 11.30‐fold) upregulated in inoculated plants. Upon inoculation, bacterial α‐diversity trended higher and potentially beneficial taxa (e.g., Sphingobium, Flavihumibacter, and Parasegetibacter) were enriched in the rhizosphere, likely a result of enhanced root exudation of specific metabolites (e.g., flavonoids) and subsequent recruitment of beneficial microbial taxa. Potential microbial functions associated with nitrogen cycling and pollutant degradation were stimulated by inoculation. These findings indicate that B. siamensis 33 mediates the reprogramming of plant gene expression and reshaping of rhizosphere microbiome structure to bolster maize crop performance.
Isomerization of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficiently Activating Molecular Oxygen and Promoting Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis
Authors: Wang Wenjiao , Zhang Rui , Chu Hongqi , Zhan Zhen , Huang Qi , Li Zhenzi , Wang Xuepeng , Bai Fuquan , Zhou Wei
Published: September 2024

Constitutional‐isomerized covalent organic frameworks (COFs), constructed by swapping monomers around imine bonds, have attracted attention for their distinct optoelectronic properties, which significantly impact photocatalytic performance. However, limited research has delved into the inherent relationship between isomerization and the enhancement of H2O2 photosynthesis. Herein, a pair of isomeric COFs linked by imine bonds (PB‐PT‐COF and PT‐PB‐COF) is synthesized, and it is proved that isomeric COFs exhibit different rate‐determining steps in the generation process of H2O2, resulting in a twofold increase in photocatalytic efficiency. Specifically, PT‐PB‐COF demonstrates effective adsorption and activation of molecular oxygen (O2 + e− → •O2− + e− → H2O2), leading to a significant improvement in H2O2 photocatalytic efficiency. In contrast, PB‐PT‐COF exhibits robust interaction with H2O, enabling direct oxidation of H2O (H2O + h+ → H2O2). This study provides a thorough understanding of the intrinsic mechanism underlying the constitutional‐isomerized COFs in the photocatalytic H2O2 generation, offering insights for further optimizing building units.
Impact of magnetic field on tangent hyperbolic liquid flow through a permeable channel with heat transfer: Application to dialyzer
Authors: Khan A. A. , Fatima A. , Zaman Akbar
Published: September 2024

The creeping flow of a tangent hyperbolic liquid via a channel of porous walls is discussed in this article. For the formulation of problem, the laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy are used. A description of fluid leakage through channel walls is provided by Darcy's law. An analytical solution to the equations of motion is determined with appropriate physical approximations by applying the perturbation technique. Expressions for the hydrostatic pressure, velocity field, and temperature are found. The flow characteristics of tangent hyperbolic fluid are affected by the filtration coefficient and inlet pressure, which are also discussed. Graphs are used to discuss the effects of the inlet pressure, the Wiessenberg number, the magnetic field, the law index, the Brickman number, and the wall filtration parameter on the flow characteristics. The mean pressure difference is shown to be increased by the magnetic field. The derived data are used in a flat plate hemodialyzer to investigate the filtrate flow. The theoretical values for the hemodialyzer's mean pressure difference and filtration rate are computed using the derived solutions. A reasonable agreement is established between the calculated results and the experimental data. It is determined that the fluid flow in a flat plate hemodialyzer can be studied hydrodynamically using the model that is presented. A flat plate hemodialyzer's filtrate flow is examined by using the results that were obtained.
Der pädiatrische Schlaganfall: Time is brain
Authors: Margreitter Julian , Mitterer W. , Janjic T. , Streif W. , Müller T. , Heinz-Erian E. , Krösslhuber J. , Baumann M. , Brunner J.
Published: September 2024

Wir berichten über den Fall eines 10-jährigen Patienten mit einer plötzlich aufgetretenen Hemiparese und Fazialisparese der rechten Körperhälfte. Als Ursache dieses kindlichen Schlaganfalls fand sich eine Angiographie-positive, nichtprogrediente Großgefäßvaskulitis als Subtyp einer cPACNS. Eine unmittelbare Diagnostik und Therapie der geschilderten Notfallsituation führte zu einer annähernden Restitutio ad integrum. Die cPACNS ist eine relevante Differenzialdiagnose eines kindlichen Schlaganfalls.
Health Care Utilisation in a Cohort of Patients with Primary and Secondary Antibody Deficiency in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dimbleby Benjamin , Greenway Will , Burns Siobhan O. , Richter Alex G. , Shields Adrian M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the frequency of hospital attendances, emergency care attendances and geographical influences on service interaction in cohorts of patients with primary and secondary antibody deficiency, to inform future service planning and delivery.

Methods

The COVID-19 in Antibody Deficiency (COV-AD) study was a United Kingdom study that enrolled 525 participants between April 2021 and September 2022. Data on health care utilisation was extracted from a screening cohort of participants at one participating site (Birmingham, UK). Hospital attendance (i.e. all outpatient and inpatient care episodes, including hospital-based IVIG treatment) and emergency care attendance patterns were analysed. Geographical differences in travel times to hospitals and associated costs were considered for all participants at all recruiting sites.

Results

Individuals with antibody deficiency had a median of 7 hospital attendances per year. A diagnosis of secondary antibody deficiency, and antibody deficiency severe enough to require treatment with immunoglobulin replacement were associated with an increased frequency of hospital attendance. 12.7% of the cohort attended the Emergency Department at least once in the preceding twelve months. Individuals with secondary antibody deficiency were at greater risk of requiring emergency care over the preceding one-year and five-year periods. Individuals receiving subcutaneous immunoglobulin lived further from their local immunology centre and were more likely to engage with the COV-AD research study remotely, via dried blood spots sampling.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utilisation of emergency and secondary care usage amongst patient with immunodeficiency and may inform service adaptation and development to better accommodate patient needs and circumstances.
Structural, optical, and dielectric properties of sol-gel derived perovskite ZnSnO3 nanomaterials
Authors: Ibrahim D. M. , Gaber A. A. , Reda A. E. , Abdel Aziz D. A. , Ajiba N. A.
Published: September 2024

Zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) ceramic nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel polymeric technique utilizing polyacrylic acid as a template polymer. The effect of pH during the synthesis process was investigated by preparing the ZnSnO3 nanoparticles at pH 3 and 8. The structural, molecular, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of the synthesized ZnSnO3 nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM, with optical and dielectric measurements. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the phase purity of the synthesized ZnSnO3 nanoparticles, which exhibited an orthorhombic perovskite crystal structure. As observed in the SEM and TEM images, the ZnSnO3 nanoparticles prepared at pH 8 displayed a more defined cubic crystalline morphology, with an average particle size of 128 nm. The optical properties of the ZnSnO3 nanoparticles showed a high absorption edge in the UV region for both pH conditions. The calculated bandgap energies were 3.67 eV for pH 3 and 3.57 eV for pH 8. The dielectric properties at pH 3 and 8 exhibited a low dielectric constant (ε′ = 4 and 5, respectively) and very low dielectric loss (tan δ = 0.1 and 0.06, respectively) at 1 MHz. These exceptional optical and dielectric properties make the prepared ZnSnO3 nanoparticles a promising material for various applications.

Graphical Abstract
Identification of genomic regions associated with Ug99 adult plant resistance on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Vikram Prashant , Lopez-Vera Eric E. , Bhavani Sridhar , Thiyagarajan Karthikeyan , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: September 2024

Ug99 is a highly destructive race of stem rust fungus known as Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn. (Pgt). To address this problem, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico (CIMMYT) has extensively employed adult plant resistance (APR), which combines multiple genes that provide slow rusting resistance. CIMMYT’s advanced germplasm, “Diniza,” has proven to possess a good level of APR for the Ug99 race group. This study identified the genomic regions responsible for providing APR in the PBW343/Diniza RIL population. Study identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that provide slow rusting APR on chromosomes 2B (QSr.cimm-2B), 3BS (QSr.cimm-3BP1 and QSr.cimm-3BP2), and 7DS (QSr.cimm-7D). These QTLs explained phenotypic variances of 17.0, 18, 8.9, and 11.6%, respectively. Three QTLs, QSr.cimm-2B, QSr.cimm-3BP2, and QSr.cimm-7D, were derived from APR parent ‘Diniza’, while QSr.cimm-3BP1 was derived from ‘PBW343’. Further, QTL class analysis revealed the additive and epistatic interaction results of the identified QTL(s), suggesting that combinations of several QTLs can effectively reduce disease severity. Unlike, QSr.cimm-2B, QTLs QSr.cimm-3BP1 and QSr.cimm-7D co-localized with the previously identified stem rust resistance genes. The identified QTL can be combined to enhance stem rust resistance in breeding materials.
Effect of nanoparticle reinforcement and cryogenic treatment on aluminum alloys for enhancement of mechanical and microstructural characteristics-a review
Authors: Venkateswarlu Kavati , Varma K. P. V. Krishna , Nutakki Uday Kumar
Published: September 2024

Owing to the superior mechanical properties, higher specific strength, higher electrical and thermal conductivities, better corrosion and oxidation resistances, aluminum alloys (Al-alloys) are being utilized in multiple applications like automobiles, aviation structures, and marine constructions. However, their use is constrained by their low ductility, low wear resistance and poor tribological properties. While several approaches have been in use to address these issues, nano-treating and cryogenic treatment (CT) appear to be more promising amongst. This work systematically reviews two of the aforementioned approaches for enhancing the mechanical, microstructural, and wear resistance properties of Al-alloys. It elaborates the discussion on various nanoparticles reinforced with Al-alloys to address the issues such as corrosion; and hot cracking which is prevalent when Al-alloys undergo fusion welding and stir-casting processes. A comparison of deep and shallow cryogenic treatments is done to highlight their pros and cons in terms of properties enhancement and ease of application. A critical review of the contributions made by various researchers existing in the literature with the identification of gaps in current knowledge and recommendations being made for future scope of research is presented to provide meaningful insights for researchers and technologists working on Al-alloys.
“Zero-Strain” NiNb2O6 Fibers for All-Climate Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yuan Qiang , Yang Liting , Liang Guisheng , Cheng Yifeng , Wu Limin , Lin Chunfu , Che Renchao
Published: September 2024

Niobates are promising all-climate Li+-storage anode material due to their fast charge transport, large specific capacities, and resistance to electrolyte reaction. However, their moderate unit-cell-volume expansion (generally 5%–10%) during Li+ storage causes unsatisfactory long-term cyclability. Here, “zero-strain” NiNb2O6 fibers are explored as a new anode material with comprehensively good electrochemical properties. During Li+ storage, the expansion of electrochemical inactive NiO6 octahedra almost fully offsets the shrinkage of active NbO6 octahedra through reversible O movement. Such superior volume-accommodation capability of the NiO6 layers guarantees the “zero-strain” behavior of NiNb2O6 in a broad temperature range (0.53%//0.51%//0.74% at 25// − 10//60 °C), leading to the excellent cyclability of the NiNb2O6 fibers (92.8%//99.2% // 91.1% capacity retention after 1000//2000//1000 cycles at 10C and 25// − 10//60 °C). This NiNb2O6 material further exhibits a large reversible capacity (300//184//318 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 25// − 10//60 °C) and outstanding rate performance (10 to 0.5C capacity percentage of 64.3%//50.0%//65.4% at 25// − 10//60 °C). Therefore, the NiNb2O6 fibers are especially suitable for large-capacity, fast-charging, long-life, and all-climate lithium-ion batteries.