bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicating the microfoundations of operational excellence in services: A capabilities perspective
Authors: Sunder M Vijaya , Linderman Kevin
Published: July 2024

The operations management community has recognized operational excellence as a contemporary arena comprising a full spectrum of research paradigms. However, there is a dearth of theoretical development aimed at understanding and unpacking operational excellence and its strategic implications for competitiveness. Much of the existing research focuses on siloed operational improvement practices rather than on inherent capabilities. In this paper, we conceptualize operational excellence from a capabilities perspective. We derive our findings from within‐ and cross‐case analyses based on data gathered from four global banks with varying competitive positions. We posit the microfoundations of operational excellence in services by demonstrating how the cumulative aggregation of constituent capabilities leads to higher competitiveness in firms. We enhance the external validity of the emergent theory by showing its applicability in another service setting (healthcare). Our study demonstrates the importance of shifting managerial thinking from individual operational improvement practices to long‐term capability building through the microfoundations of operational excellence.
Automated design of bone‐preserving, insertable, and shape‐matching patient‐specific acetabular components
Authors: Garner Eric , Meynen Alexander , Scheys Lennart , Wu Jun , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: July 2024

Effective treatment of large acetabular defects remains among the most challenging aspects of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), due to the deficiency of healthy bone stock and degradation of the support columns. Generic uncemented components, which are favored in primary THA, are often unsuitable in revision cases, where the bone‐implant contact may be insufficient for fixation, without significant reaming of the limited residual bone. This study presents a computational design strategy for automatically generating patient‐specific implants that simultaneously maximize the bone‐implant contact area, and minimize bone reaming while ensuring insertability. These components can be manufactured using the same additive manufacturing methods as porous components and may reduce cost and operating‐time, compared to existing patient‐specific systems. This study compares the performance of implants generated via the proposed method to optimally fitted hemispherical implants, in terms of the achievable bone‐implant contact surface, and the volume of reamed bone. Computer‐simulated results based on the reconstruction of a set of 15 severe pelvic defects (Paprosky 2A‐3B) suggest that the patient‐specific components increase bone‐implant contact by 63% (median: 63%; SD: 44%; 95% CI: 52.3%–74.0%; RMSD: 42%), and reduce the volume of reamed bone stock by 97% (median: 98%; SD: 4%; 95% CI: 95.9%–97.4%; RMSD: 3.7%).
Refermentation with yeast and lactic acid bacteria isolates: a strategy to improve the flavor of green coffee beans
Authors: Zhao Na , Kokawa Mito , Suzuki Taroh , Khan Amini Rasool , Dong Weixue , Nguyen Minh‐Quan , Kitamura Yutaka
Published: July 2024

Background

Yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an important part in the post‐harvest fermentation of coffee. This study applied lab‐scale fermentation to commercial green coffee beans using dry coffee pulp as the substrate, with the aim of modifying coffee‐bean flavor. In addition to spontaneous fermentation, yeast and LAB isolated from coffee beans and dried coffee pulp were added during fermentation.

Results

Co‐inoculation of yeast and LAB showed a significant effect on the chlorogenic acid content after between 24 and 72 h of fermentation. Acetic, citric, malic, lactic, and quinic acids were shown to be affected significantly (P < 0.05) by fermentation and inoculation. Gas chromatography detected that esters, alcohols, aldehydes, furans, and pyrazines were the primary compounds in the coffee beans. Certain volatile groups were present in greater concentrations and broader varieties within the inoculated beans. The highest cupping scores were given to beans that had been co‐inoculated with yeast and LAB.

Conclusion

Overall, the use of yeasts and LAB starters showed potential to create coffee beverages with desirable characteristics by standardized fermentation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Total triterpenoids from apple peels exert pronounced anti‐breast‐cancer activity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Yan Wanyu , Chen Cong , Zheng Yuanru , Xu Jingwen , Wang Yihai , He Xiangjiu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Apples are among the most nutritionally valuable fruits and have a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Triterpenoids, the primary bioactive compounds found in apples, demonstrate significant antitumor activity.

RESULTS

Following enrichment and optimization, the total content of major triterpenoids in total triterpenoids from apple peels (ATT) reached 5.76 g kg−1. The growth of MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft tumors was significantly inhibited after treatment with ATT. Network pharmacology analysis conclusively identified a close association between the antitumor effect of ATT and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt) signaling pathway. Experimental validation using MDA‐MB‐231 cells and a xenograft nude mouse model confirmed that ATT suppressed tumor cell proliferation effectively by modulating the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, which was consistent with the findings from network pharmacology. The total triterpenoids from apple peels also induced cell apoptosis by mediating the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The total triterpenoids from apple peels can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis effectively through the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, suggesting that ATT holds promise as a prospective therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Signet ring cells and conditional survival after trimodality therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mitchell Kyle G. , Feldman Hope , Milton Denái R. , Antonoff Mara B. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Rice David C. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Lin Ruitao , Thall Peter F. , Rajaram Ravi ,   and other members of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Study Group
Published: July 2024

Background and Methods

Although signet ring cell (SRC) histology is associated with resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and worse overall survival (OS) in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), its prognostic relationship among patients who survive the early period following resection is unknown. EAC patients who underwent trimodality therapy at a single institution (2006–2018) were identified. Bayesian multivariable regression (BMR) analyses of OS and additional OS from a 3‐year landmark were performed.

Results

Of 631 patients, SRCs were present in 16.0% (N = 101). SRC was associated with shorter median OS (45.8 [95% confidence interval: 31.0–96.7] vs. 79.8 [63.0–107.2] months; p = 0.014). In BMR analysis, the absence of an SRC component was moderately associated with improved OS (probability of beneficial effect, PBE = 0.879). Three‐year conditional BMR analysis of additional OS (N = 357) showed that SRC status no longer had a prognostic effect (PBE = 0.546); higher pathological stage was strongly associated with worse additional OS (PBE < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of SRC portends worse OS following trimodality therapy for EAC. However, this prognostic impact is dynamic and abates by 3 years postoperatively. In contrast, a higher pathological stage is strongly associated with poor overall and 3‐year conditional survival.

Discussion

These findings may inform postoperative patient counseling and surveillance protocols.
Deep Learning‐Enhanced Fiber‐Coupled Laser Diode‐Based Photoacoustic Microscopy for High‐Resolution Microvasculature Imaging
Authors: Huang Bingxin , Chan Simon C. K. , Li Xiufeng , Tsang Victor T. C. , Wong Terence T. W.
Published: July 2024

Blood vessel imaging provides crucial information for physiological monitoring and disease diagnosis. Optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is gaining intense attention in high‐resolution in vivo imaging of blood vessels. However, its applicability in clinical settings is hindered by the requirement of bulky and costly pulsed lasers as well as complex alignment procedures. Here, as a novel approach to high‐quality and cost‐effective microvasculature imaging, a dual‐wavelength fiber‐coupled laser diode‐based PAM (FC‐LD‐PAM) system is demonstrated on the mouse ear and brain in vivo. Furthermore, assisted with a deep learning method, the proposed technique effectively combines the advantages when using both small and large core‐size multimode fibers—successfully enhances the resolution of blurry mouse microvascular images obtained using a large core‐size fiber, revealing fine details that are comparable to those achieved using a small core‐size fiber; significantly reduces the overall time for data acquisition up to fourfold, improving the efficiency significantly in the imaging process. In addition, the proposed approach can achieve accurate and high‐resolution mapping of oxygen saturation in vivo, providing functional insight on living tissue. Therefore, the FC‐LD‐PAM can serve as a translational tool for high‐resolution imaging with enhanced accessibility and versatility in the biomedical field.
Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers for Malaria Control: Advances in Slow‐Release Mosquito Repellent Technology
Authors: Mapossa António Benjamim , da Silva Júnior Afonso Henrique , Mhike Washington , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Silva de Oliveira Carlos Rafael
Published: July 2024

The textile industry comprises technologies that transform synthetic or natural fibers into yarn, cloth, and felt for manufacturing clothing, upholstery, and household linens. The major public health threat in tropical and subtropical countries is mosquito‐borne malaria. Nowadays, the demand for insect repellent‐based textiles is continuously rising, as they are used for protection against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. The present work reviews studies on the fabrication of insect repellent containing electrospun polymeric nanofibers as principal tools for protecting people against mosquito bites. Electrospinning technology is a remarkably facile technique for fabricating polymeric nanofiber devices. The technique is outlined and elucidated. The performance of insect repellent‐based polymeric nanofibers against mosquitoes is carefully reported and comprehensively reviewed in‐depth. Furthermore, the progress made on the mathematical modeling of the release rate of repellents through polymeric nanofiber devices is reviewed. The reviewed studies demonstrate that repellents can be released slowly from electrospun nanofibers, increasing the product's protection period against insects. The reviewed works suggest that electrospinning technology has led to an effective and facile methodology for fabricating functional nanofiber textiles with insect repellent. The reviewed studies showed that product‐based repellents can be effective not only against malaria but also against other mosquito‐borne diseases.
Effect of Fluorine and Copper Ions on Liquid‐Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Salman Mohamed , Sorokin Vladislav , Li Zifan , Zhu Yuting , Gan Wee Chen , Aw Kean
Published: July 2024

Liquid‐solid triboelectric nanogenerator (LS‐TENG) harvests energy efficiently while eliminating wear issues associated with solid‐solid TENG. However, the effect of ions or charges in the liquid on output performance needs further examination. In this work, the impact of fluorine and copper ions introduced through deionized water with sodium fluoride (DI‐NaF) and deionized water with copper sulfate (DI‐CuSO4) solution on the output voltage, charge and current of a tubular LS‐TENG with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Nylon as solid materials is examined. The results indicate that fluorine and copper ions have opposite effects on PTFE and Nylon LS‐TENG's output. The fluorine (F−) ions enhance the triboelectric effect and charge transfer in Nylon LS‐TENG, increasing output, while they hinder the charge transfer process in PTFE LS‐TENG, consequently decreasing its output. Conversely, the copper (Cu2+) ions have a positive effect on the output of PTFE LS‐TENG and a detrimental effect on Nylon LS‐TENG's output. Moreover, the results indicate that LS TENG's output performance depends on the charges of solid and liquid triboelectric materials. Thus, this study provides insights into material‐ion interaction in LS‐TENG and underscores the importance of triboelectric material selection for optimizing output performance.
Synthesis and Flame Retardant Behavior of Phosphorous‐ and Nitrogen‐Containing Copolymer and Its Application in Polypropylene
Authors: Xu Tianhao , Gao Dali , Yin Hua , Yang Qingquan , Zhao Jiawei , Wang Xingguo , Niu Hui
Published: July 2024

In this study, a 4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane 1‐oxide (PEPA)‐functionalized acrylate monomer, PEPAA, is designed and utilized for the synthesis of macromolecular flame retardants poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) with varying PEPAA/AM ratio through copolymerization with acrylamide (AM). The poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) is then incorporated into polypropylene (PP) to prepare PP/poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) composites. The flame retardant effect of poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) on PP is investigated using cone calorimetric test (CCT), and compared with that of PEPAA homopolymer (P‐PEPAA), AM homopolymer (PAM), and blends of P‐PEPAA/PAM. The results demonstrate that, in comparison with P‐PEPAA, PAM, and blends of P‐PEPAA/PAM, the incorporation of poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) significantly enhances the flame retardancy of PP. Notably, the best flame retardancy is achieved when the ratio of PEPAA/AM copolymerization in poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) is 2/8. The morphology and composition of residual chars from combustion are analyzed using SEM‐EDS while the residual graphitization degree is examined through Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, TG‐FTIR‐MS is utilized to investigate the pyrolysis products in gas phase during thermal decomposition of poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM). Based on these experimental results, a flame retardant mechanism for poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) is proposed. The PP/poly(PEPAA‐co‐AM) composites not only retain the excellent processing properties of pure PP but also exhibit enhanced mechanical properties.
Applications of Functional Polymeric Eutectogels
Authors: Nicolau Alma , Mutch Alexandra L. , Thickett Stuart C.
Published: July 2024

Over the past two decades, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have captured significant attention as an emergent class of solvents that have unique properties and applications in differing fields of chemistry. One area where DES systems find utility is the design of polymeric gels, often referred to as “eutectogels,” which can be prepared either using a DES to replace a traditional solvent, or where monomers form part of the DES themselves. Due to the extensive network of intramolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding) and ionic species that exist in DES systems, polymeric eutectogels often possess appealing material properties—high adhesive strength, tuneable viscosity, rapid polymerization kinetics, good conductivity, as well as high strength and flexibility. In addition, non‐covalent crosslinking approaches are possible due to the inherent interactions that exist in these materials. This review considers several key applications of polymeric eutectogels, including organic electronics, wearable sensor technologies, 3D printing resins, adhesives, and a range of various biomedical applications. The design, synthesis, and properties of these eutectogels are discussed, in addition to the advantages of this synthetic approach in comparison to traditional gel design. Perspectives on the future directions of this field are also highlighted.
Pilot Study of Acute Behavioral Effects of Pallidal Burst Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kariv Saar , Choi Jeong Woo , Mirpour Koorosh , Gordon Ann M. , Alijanpourotaghsara Amirreza , Benam Mohsen , Abdalla Ruwayd , Chilukuri Sahil , Gu Jianwen W. , Bokil Hemant , Nanivadekar Shruti , Gittis Aryn H. , Pouratian Nader
Published: July 2024

Background

Burst‐patterned pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) yields significantly prolonged therapeutic benefit compared to conventional continuous DBS, but its value in patients remains unclear.

Objectives

The aims were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of acute (<2 hours) burst DBS in PD patients and to evaluate preliminary clinical effectiveness relative to conventional DBS.

Methods

Six PD patients were studied with DBS OFF, conventional DBS, and burst DBS. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS‐III) and proactive inhibition (using stop‐signal task) were evaluated for each condition.

Results

Burst and conventional DBS were equally tolerated without significant adverse events. Both stimulation patterns provided equivalent significant UPDRS‐III reduction and increased proactive inhibition relative to DBS OFF.

Conclusions

This pilot study supports the safety and tolerability of burst DBS, with acute effects similar to conventional DBS. Further larger‐scale studies are warranted given the potential benefits of burst DBS due to decreased total energy delivery. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Approximation of discontinuous signals by exponential‐type generalized sampling Kantorovich series
Authors: Kursun Sadettin , Acar Tuncer
Published: July 2024

In the present paper, we analyze the behavior of the exponential‐type generalized sampling Kantorovich operators
when discontinuous signals are considered. We present a proposition for the series
, and we prove using this proposition certain approximation theorems for discontinuous functions. Furthermore, we give several examples of kernels satisfying the assumptions of the present theory. Finally, some numerical computations are performed to verify the approximation of discontinuous functions
by
.
Existence of stable standing waves for the critical fractional Schrödinger equation with an inhomogeneous combined nonlinearity
Authors: Peng Congming , Wang Kai , Ma Caochuan
Published: July 2024

We study the orbitally stability of standing waves for the
‐critical inhomogeneous combined source term fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation:

where
and
. We prove that when
or
, there exist the standing waves that are orbitally stable by the profile decomposition and concentration compactness principle in
.
Optimizing pseudo‐spiral sampling for abdominal DCE MRI using a digital anthropomorphic phantom
Authors: Wassenaar Nienke P. M. , Gurney‐Champion Oliver J. , van Schelt Anne‐Sophie , Bruijnen Tom , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Stoker Jaap , Nederveen Aart J. , Runge Jurgen H. , Schrauben Eric M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

For reliable DCE MRI parameter estimation, k‐space undersampling is essential to meet resolution, coverage, and signal‐to‐noise requirements. Pseudo‐spiral (PS) sampling achieves this by sampling k‐space on a Cartesian grid following a spiral trajectory. The goal was to optimize PS k‐space sampling patterns for abdomin al DCE MRI.

Methods

The optimal PS k‐space sampling pattern was determined using an anthropomorphic digital phantom. Contrast agent inflow was simulated in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A total of 704 variable sampling and reconstruction approaches were created using three algorithms using different parametrizations to control sampling density, halfscan and compressed sensing regularization. The sampling patterns were evaluated based on image quality scores and the accuracy and precision of the DCE pharmacokinetic parameters. The best and worst strategies were assessed in vivo in five healthy volunteers without contrast agent administration. The best strategy was tested in a DCE scan of a PDAC patient.

Results

The best PS reconstruction was found to be PS‐diffuse based, with quadratic distribution of readouts on a spiral, without random shuffling, halfscan factor of 0.8, and total variation regularization of 0.05 in the spatial and temporal domains. The best scoring strategy showed sharper images with less prominent artifacts in healthy volunteers compared to the worst strategy. Our suggested DCE sampling strategy also showed high quality DCE images in the PDAC patient.

Conclusion

Using an anthropomorphic digital phantom, we identified an optimal PS sampling strategy for abdominal DCE MRI, and demonstrated feasibility in a PDAC patient.
Validation of the Chinese version of the ‘caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)’ in family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer: A study protocol
Authors: Zhuang Dongmei , Wang Yan , Chen Qin , Wang Ting , Zhou Peng , Zhu Furong , Hu Shaohua
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aims to translate the English version of the ‘caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)’ into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties in the family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer.

Design

A methodological study.

Methods

Based on the Brislin translation model, the original scale will be translated and back‐translated, the Delphi expert consultation method will be adopted for cross‐cultural adaptation, and the pilot will be carried out in 20–30 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer. Then, a dual‐centre prospective study will be conducted by recruiting 371–542 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer to validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CAFCPCS.

Results

The scale's content validity will be evaluated using the Delphi expert inquiry method, and the face validity will be evaluated using a pre‐experiment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) will be used to assess structural validity, while internal consistency reliability and split‐half reliability will be used to assess reliability.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public involvement is of great significance for this study. Participants will be used in a pre‐test to give feedback on whether the contents of the clinical pilot version of CAFCPCS after expert consultation can reflect real problems and whether the sentences can be well understood. Based on their opinions, the research group will further refine the scale.
Itaconic anhydride functionalized cyanoethyl cellulose with crosslinked structure enabled improved dielectric properties
Authors: Cheng Sen , Wang Xinyu , Yang Rui , Wang Jiabao , Lu Chunhua , Guo Kai , Zhu Ning , Hu Xin
Published: July 2024

As a type of cellulose ether, cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC) is considered to be a promising candidate for polymer dielectrics due to its sustainable nature and high dielectric constant induced by the cyano groups. However, the relatively high conduction loss of CEC arising from the charge motion across the polymer degrades its dielectric properties. In this work, we designed and synthesized an all‐organic polymer composite of CEC/itaconic anhydride (ITA) to improve dielectric properties. The CEC matrix was graft functionalized by ITA via an esterification reaction between the anhydride groups of ITA and hydroxyl groups of CEC. Meanwhile, crosslinking structure was also established in the composite by the generation of diester. Significantly improved dielectric constant (εr), elevated breakdown strength (Eb), restrained dielectric loss (tan δ) and decreased conductivity (σ) were observed in the composites compared with unmodified CEC. The εr increased from 17 for pure CEC to 32 for CEC/ITA at 1 kHz, and Eb also soared from 145 MV m−1 for CEC to 226 MV m−1 for the composite. The tan δ reduced from 0.24 for pure CEC to about 0.05 for the composite at 100 Hz. This should be attributed to the molecule trapping centers arising from the high electron affinity ITA and the formation of crosslinked networks as well as hydrogen bonding, which impeded the electric conduction. It also provided additional advantages of better dielectric properties for the CEC/ITA composites than pure CEC at high temperatures, which may offer inspiration for the design and preparation of bio‐based dielectrics for high temperatures. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prevention and Management of Multimorbidity in Southeast Asia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Feng Xiyu , Sarma Haribondhu , Kelly Matthew
Published: July 2024

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions, presents a growing global challenge, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as Southeast Asia. This trend necessitates the development of sustainable integrated care models to prevent and manage multimorbidity effectively. However, progress in this area has been hampered, especially in underdeveloped regions, by various barriers, including the epidemiology of multimorbidity, how to get different specialists and doctors to work together most availably and manage the multiple medication issues and how to develop cost‐effective approaches to reduce the health burden of multimorbidity. Preventive measures in Southeast Asia, which could tackle multiple components which commonly comprise multimorbidity, include enhancing health literacy and health promotion through school‐ and community‐based educational activities, primary healthcare and related policies on employing taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages. The social determinants of health‐encompassing poverty and low education may also influence research on multimorbidity. Moreover, stakeholder engagements involving national governments, World Health Organization (WHO) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are crucial. Management strategies focus on integrated care models, including patient‐centred primary healthcare, digital healthcare technologies, and medication management to control polypharmacy. Although research on multimorbidity in Southeast Asia is increasing, translating findings into practical measures was limited. Future efforts should prioritize evidence‐based approaches to prevent and manage multimorbidity effectively, addressing challenges like health system focusing on single chronic disease treatment independently, resource limitations, healthcare provider shortages and individual adherence issues. These ways promise to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes in this region.
A stepwise surface ionization method for ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Lin Jianhua , Gao Xiaoguang , Jia Jian , He Xiuli
Published: July 2024

Rationale

The detection of organic nitrogen compounds in exhaled breath is expected to provide an early warning of diseases such as kidney disease. Detecting these trace disease markers in exhaled breath with complex composition and high moisture content is a challenge. Surface ionization (SI) shows a highly selective ionization of organic nitrogen compounds, and it is a good candidate for breath analysis combined with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS).

Methods

A stepwise SI method of low‐temperature adsorption/high‐temperature ionization was proposed, and trimethylamine (TMA) was detected when combined with an ion mobility spectrometer. TMA at different concentrations and humidity levels and spiked in human breath was detected to evaluate the method's properties.

Results

TMA with concentrations from 2 to 200 ppb was detected. The peak intensity of the TMA characteristic ions was linearly related to the “e” exponent of the concentration with a curve fit of 0.996. A standard deviation of less than 0.306% was obtained with 10 replicate analyses of 10 ppb TMA. The signal intensity difference between dry and wet (relative humidity > 93%) TMA samples is only 2.7%, and the recovery rate of the sample was 106.819%.

Conclusions

SI‐IMS based on the stepwise SI method has the advantages of low ionization temperature, high detection sensitivity, strong resistance to humidity interference, and good repeatability. It is a promising method for detecting organic nitrogen compounds in exhaled breath.
The application of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Ruccia Francesca , Mavilakandy Akash , Imtiaz Hassan , Erskine John , Liew Yong Yie , Ali Meyada , Khajuria Ankur
Published: July 2024

Background

Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) has seen significant advancement in many surgical specialties, although the application of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be widely established. This systematic review aims to assess the role of RAS in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Methods

The review protocol was published and registered a priori as CRD42024507420. A comprehensive electronic search for relevant studies was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Google scholar databases.

Results

Overall, 132 studies were initially identified, of which, 44 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria with a cumulative total of 239 patients. RAS demonstrated a high degree of procedural success and anastomotic patency in microvascular procedures. There was no significant difference in periprocedural adverse events between robotic and manual procedures.

Conclusion

RAS can be feasibly implemented in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a good efficacy and safety profile, particularly for microsurgical anastomosis and trans‐oral surgery.
Simulating blood accumulation with improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics in surgical simulation system
Authors: Sun Pengyu , Liu Peter Xiaoping
Published: July 2024

Background

Blood accumulation often occurs during bleeding in surgery. Simulating the blood accumulation in surgical simulation system not only enhances the realism and immersion of surgical training, but also helps researchers better understand the physical properties of blood flow.

Methods

To realistically simulate the blood accumulation during the bleeding, this paper proposes a novel kernel function with non‐negative second derivatives to improve the SPH method. Meanwhile, a simple form of boundary force equation is constructed to impose the solid boundary condition.

Results

We simulate the blood accumulation during liver bleeding and vessel bleeding respectively in the surgical simulation system. The simulation results show that there is no occurrence of blood physically penetrating the boundary.

Conclusions

Applying the solid boundary condition to the blood by using the method proposed in this paper is not only convenient but can also eliminate compression instability in the blood accumulation simulation.
Influence of child marriage on nutritional status among their under‐five children in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2011, 2014 and 2017–18
Authors: Khan Murad Alam , Haque Md Ahshanul , Tariqujjaman Md. , Sarmin Monira , Ahmed Tahmeed , Mahfuz Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Objective

Child marriage remains a significant concern in Bangladesh, where 38 million girls are married before reaching the age of 18. Child marriage contributes adversely to the health and nutritional status of their offspring. The current analysis investigated the association between maternal child marriage and nutritional outcomes including stunting, wasting and underweight of their under‐five children.

Method

This study analyzed data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) conducted in 2011, 2014 and 2017–2018. The researchers used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses, controlling for potential socioeconomic and demographic variables, and adjusted the sample weight in all analyses using Stata.

Result

The analyses included pooled data of 25 323 ever‐married women and their under‐five children. Results showed that 73% of women were married before the age of 18. Children born to mothers married as children themselves were 19% more likely to be stunted and 13% was underweight but wasting wasn't directly linked to maternal child marriage. Adjusted analysis showed that child marriage was significantly associated with stunting [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.33], underweight (aOR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.26), wasting (aOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.13).

Conclusion

This study observed a high prevalence of child marriage. Maternal child marriage was significantly associated with stunting, and underweight of their under‐five children. Mechanisms underlying these associations need to be explored to develop effective interventions to address these issues.
Where to invest? Effects of technological capabilities on corporate venture capital investments
Authors: Ryu Wonsang , Bae Joonhyung , Brush Thomas H.
Published: July 2024

Research Summary

We investigate why a corporate investor makes more corporate venture capital (CVC) investments in certain areas than in others. Focusing on firms' different technological capabilities across distinct technology domains, we argue that a corporate investor's technological capabilities in a given domain affect its likelihood of investing in (1) ventures within the domain in an inverted U‐shaped manner and (2) ventures operating in other technologically complementary domains in a positive manner. We further claim that these two suggested relationships between technological capabilities and the likelihood of CVC investments are shaped by the technology growth rate of the focal domain. We test these arguments in the US medical sector, where incumbent firms are active in CVC investments as a means to acquire external knowledge.

Managerial Summary

We argue that firms exhibit different patterns in their choice of CVC investment areas based on their technological capabilities within a given technology domain. Our findings in the US medical sector indicate that firms are most likely to invest in ventures within domains where their technological capabilities are moderate—neither too weak nor too strong. This suggests that CVC investments serve gap‐filling purposes for technology intermediates. Moreover, corporate investors tend to invest in ventures within domains that are technologically complementary to their areas of strength. However, when a given domain experiences rapid growth, technology leaders in that domain shift their CVC investment focus from complementary areas to that domain to maintain their leading position.
Laser‐Induced Synthesis of Tin Sulfides
Authors: Averchenko Aleksandr V. , Abbas Omar A. , Salimon Igor A. , Zharkova Ekaterina V. , Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Lipovskikh Svetlana , McNaughter Paul , Lewis David , Hallam Toby , Lagoudakis Pavlos G. , Mailis Sakellaris
Published: July 2024

Various polytypes of van der Waals (vdW) materials can be formed by sulfur and tin, which exhibit distinctive and complementary electronic properties. Hence, these materials are attractive candidates for the design of multifunctional devices. This work demonstrates direct selective growth of tin sulfides by laser irradiation. A 532 nm continuous wave laser is used to synthesize centimeter‐scale tin sulfide tracks from single source precursor tin(II) o‐ethylxanthate under ambient conditions. Modulation of laser irradiation conditions enables tuning of the dominant phase of tin sulfide as well as SnS2/SnS heterostructures formation. An in‐depth investigation of the morphological, structural, and compositional characteristics of the laser‐synthesized tin sulfide microstructures is reported. Furthermore, laser‐synthesized tin sulfides photodetectors show broad spectral response with relatively high photoresponsivity up to 4 AW−1 and fast switching time (τ rise = 1.8 ms and τ fall = 16 ms). This approach is versatile and can be exploited in various fields such as energy conversion and storage, catalysis, chemical sensors, and optoelectronics.
Influence of Oxygen Vacancies Introduced via Acceptor (Gadolinium) Doping to the Pseudocapacitive Properties of Nano‐Sized Cerium Oxide
Authors: Park Chanwon , Rhyu Hye Jin , Lee Jaekeun , Kim Jiyun , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Seong K. , Myung Sung
Published: July 2024

The voluntary introduction of defects can be considered an effective strategy for enhancing the electrochemical properties of metal oxide electrodes. In this study, the enhanced pseudocapacitive properties of an acceptor (Gd) doped cerium oxide nanoparticle—a sustainable metal oxide with low environmental and human toxicity—are investigated in depth using ex situ X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Interestingly, with 15 at% Gd doping (15GDC), the specific capacitance of the nanoparticles measured at 1 A g−1 enhanced to 547.8 F g−1, which is fivefold higher than undoped CeO2 (98.7 F g−1 at 1 A g−1). The rate‐dependent capacitance is also improved for 15GDC, which showed a 31.0% decrease in the specific capacitance upon a tenfold increase in the current density, while CeO2 showed a 49.9% decrease. The enhanced electrochemical properties are studied in depth via ex situ XPS and EIS analysis, which revealed that the oxygen vacancies at the surface of the nanoparticles played important roles in enhancing both the specific capacitance and the high‐rate performance of 15GDC by acting as the active site for pseudocapacitive redox reaction and allowing fast diffusion of oxygen ions at the surface of 15GDC nanoparticles.
Transfer of High‐Temperature‐Sputtered BiFeO3 Thin Films onto Flexible Substrates Using α‐MoO3 Layers
Authors: Ko Dohyun , Kim Sanghun , Yoon Yeomin , Ma Kihyun , Seo Intae , Kim Dong Hun
Published: July 2024

Inducing external strains on highly oriented thin films transferred onto mechanically deformable substrates enables a drastic enhancement of their ferroelectric, magnetic, and electronic performances, which cannot be achieved in films on rigid single crystals. Herein, the growth and diffusion behaviors of BiFeO3 thin films grown at various temperatures is reported on α‐MoO3 layers of different thicknesses using sputtering. When the BiFeO3 thin films are deposited at a high temperature, significant diffusion of Fe into α‐MoO3 occurs, producing the Fe1.89Mo4.11O7 phase and suppressing the maintenance of the 2D structure of the α‐MoO3 layers. Although lowering the deposition temperature alleviates the diffusion yielding the survival of the α‐MoO3 layer, enabling exfoliation, the BiFeO3 is amorphous and the formation of the Fe1.89Mo4.11O7 phase cannot be suppressed at the crystallization temperature. High‐temperature‐grown BiFeO3 thin films are successfully transferred onto flexible substrates via mechanical exfoliation by introducing a blocking layer of Au and measured the ferroelectric properties of the transferred films.
Cryptographic methods for secured communication in SDN‐based VANETs: A performance analysis
Authors: El‐Dalahmeh Adi , El‐Dalahmeh Moawiah , Razzaque Mohammad Abdur , Li Jie
Published: July 2024

Vehicular ad‐hoc networks (VANETs) support features like comfort, safety, and infotainment, enhancing traffic efficiency. However, traditional VANETs struggle with dynamic and large‐scale networks due to fixed policies and complex architectures, such as constantly changing vehicle positions. Software‐defined networks (SDN) can address these challenges by offering centralized, logical control, making VANETs more flexible and programmable. While SDNs improve VANET efficiency and add security benefits, they also introduce new security risks by incorporating novel technologies and architectural elements. Since VANET services rely heavily on data communication, compromised data (e.g., modified, falsified) could significantly impact driver and vehicle safety, making secure communication vital. Security threats specific to SDNs, like vulnerabilities in centralized control or flow‐based threats exploiting dynamic routing, necessitate robust cryptographic solutions to secure vehicle communications and data exchange. Various cryptographic algorithms, differing in performance, speed, memory requirements, and key sizes, pose challenges in selecting the optimal one for SDN‐based VANETs. This study evaluated seven cryptographic algorithms, including Blowfish, data encryption standard, triple data encryption standard, Rivest–Shamir–Adleman, advanced encryption standard (AES), advanced encryption standard with elliptic curve cryptography (AES‐ECC), and advanced encryption standard with elliptic curve Diffie‐Hellman (AES‐ECDH), in a simulated SDN‐based VANET. The findings show AES‐ECDH as the most effective overall, though the best choice depends on specific deployment scenarios and application needs.
Shear mechanism of UHPC epoxied‐keyed joints in PSUBs: Experimental and numerical investigations
Authors: Wu Fangwen , Cao Jincheng , Zhao Bitong , Lei Haipeng , Li Zirun , Chen Ao
Published: July 2024

Precast segmental ultra‐high‐performance concrete bridge presents broad application prospects. UHPC keyed joints play significant roles in the structural performance of such bridges, which require systematic investigation to comprehend their shear behavior and mechanism thoroughly. This study aimed to explore the shear mechanism of UHPC epoxied‐keyed joints. Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to investigate the influence of key size, key number, key angle, and reinforcement form on the shear performance. The test results showed that the failure mode was primarily affected by the key number and reinforcement form, which can be divided into three categories: direct shear, segmental shear, and stepwise shear failure. The large‐keyed joints exhibited superior shear performance compared to the three‐keyed joints. The initial shear stiffness, ultimate bearing capacity, and normalized shear stress were 15%, 5.3%, and 5.6% higher, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of the two reinforcement forms was clarified. The key rebars mainly improve the ductility of the specimens, while the dowel action of the embedded rebars can enhance the shear efficiency and synergistic force ability of the joints. The numerical simulation results indicated that 2.7% was the best ratio of key rebar, and embedded rebars with larger diameters can strengthen the shear capacity and post‐peak performance of the joints.
Lithium and water: Hydrosocial impacts across the life cycle of energy storage
Authors: Blair James J. A. , Vineyard Noel , Mulvaney Dustin , Cantor Alida , Sharbat Ali , Berry Kate , Bartholomew Elizabeth , Ornelas Ariana Firebaugh
Published: July 2024

As a key ingredient of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), lithium plays a significant role in climate change mitigation, but lithium has considerable impacts on water and society across its life cycle. Upstream extraction methods—including open‐pit mining, brine evaporation, and novel direct lithium extraction (DLE)—and downstream processes present different impacts on both the quantity and quality of water resources, leading to water depletion and contamination. Regarding upstream extraction, it is critical for a comprehensive assessment of lithium's life cycle to include cumulative impacts related not only to freshwater, but also mineralized or saline groundwater, also known as brine. Legal frameworks have obscured social and ecological impacts by treating brine as a mineral rather than water in regulation of lithium extraction through brine evaporation. Analysis of cumulative impacts across the lifespan of lithium reveals not only water impacts in conventional open‐pit mining and brine evaporation, but also significant freshwater needs for DLE technologies, as well as burdens on fenceline communities related to wastewater in processing, chemical contaminants in battery manufacturing, water use for cooling in energy storage, and water quality hazards in recycling. Water analysis in lithium life cycle assessments (LCAs) tends to exclude brine and lack hydrosocial context on the environmental justice implications of water use by life cycle stage. New research directions might benefit from taking a more community‐engaged and cradle‐to‐cradle approach to lithium LCAs, including regionalized impact analysis of freshwater use in DLE, as well as wastewater pollution, cooling water, and recycling hazards from downstream processes.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Human Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Three Metal Organic Frameworks of Cd(II) with Tri (4‐Carboxybenzyl) Amine and their Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Dong Shuang , Jiang Jie , He Xiang
Published: July 2024

Utilizing the flexible carboxylic acid ligand, tri (4‐carboxybenzyl) amine (H3L), three new metal organic frameworks Na[Cd(L)]n ⋅ 3nH2O (1), [Cd(HL)(4,4’‐bipy)0.5(H2O)]n (2) (4,4’‐bipy=4,4’‐bipyridine) and [Cd(HL)(2,2’‐bipy)]n (3) (2,2’‐bipy=2,2’‐bipyridine) have been successfully synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 are 2D structures with (3,6) 2‐nodal as kgd topology, while compound 3 is a 1D chain structure. The powder X‐ray diffraction and thermal stability of 1–3 were studied. In addition, the solid‐state luminescence properties of compounds 1–3 at room temperature were also tested, indicating their application prospects in fluorescent materials.
Is the Increasing Trend in the Environmental Upper-Ocean Heat Content in the Northwest Pacific Strengthening Tropical Cyclone Intensity?
Authors: Wada Akiyoshi , Yanase Wataru
Published: July 2024

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) indicates that the global proportion of Category 3–5 tropical cyclones (TCs) has increased over the past four decades. One of the possible reasons is an increase in the upper-ocean heat content (UOHC). However, it is questionable to explain the long-term trend only based on the upper-ocean warming because Category 3–5 TCs enhance the ocean response in the form of sea surface cooling. Here we calculated a new heat content metric by using 2-m air and dew-point temperatures from 2000 to 2021 with oceanic reanalysis data under the consideration of atmospheric baroclinicity. Since 2000, the new heat content from July to December has not significantly increased in the tropical and subtropical Northwest Pacific (NWP). Although the median for conventional UOHC calculated based on the 26 °C-isotherm depth has increased significantly, the trends in the median and extreme values of TC central pressures obtained from multiple best track datasets were consistent with the trends of the new heat content metric. The results suggest that upper ocean warming alone cannot explain an increase in extremely intense TCs, while new heat content has a potentially closer relationship with TC activity than conventional UOHC.
Superior Parallel Big Data Clustering Through Competitive Stochastic Sample Size Optimization in Big-Means
Authors: Mussabayev Rustam , Mussabayev Ravil
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a novel K-means clustering algorithm, an advancement on the conventional Big-means methodology. The proposed method efficiently integrates parallel processing, stochastic sampling, and competitive optimization to create a scalable variant designed for big data applications. It addresses scalability and computation time challenges typically faced with traditional techniques. The algorithm adjusts sample sizes dynamically for each worker during execution, optimizing performance. Data from these sample sizes are continually analyzed, facilitating the identification of the most efficient configuration. By incorporating a competitive element among workers using different sample sizes, efficiency within the Big-means algorithm is further stimulated. In essence, the algorithm balances computational time and clustering quality by employing a stochastic, competitive sampling strategy in a parallel computing setting.