bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gelehrte als Identifikationsfiguren? Vom Umgang mit fachkultureller Erinnerung in medizinischen Fächern
Authors: Krischel Matthis , Nebe Julia , Baumann Timo
Published: April 2024

In this article, the authors examine the circumstances under which scholars can become effective figures of identification in medicine, after whom prizes or institutions are named – and under which circumstances scholars cannot or can no longer fulfill such a role. Trends and changes in professional cultural memory are examined, illustrated by the biographies and receptions of the human geneticist Hans Nachtsheim, the circulatory researcher Rudolf Thauer, the urologist Dora Teleky as well as the dentists Karl Häupl and Elsbeth von Schnizer. This study shows that the evaluation criteria themselves are historically changeable and that gender is an important influencing factor. While formal criteria (e. g., membership in parties and organizations) have traditionally been important evaluation criteria, the authors advocate that actions in research and clinical practice be given even greater attention in the future.
Consanguineous couple with SDHD gene mutations: Diagnosis, treatment, and implications of family genetic testing
Authors: Braegelmann Johanna , Mathew Annie , Führer‐Sakel Dagmar , Lahner Harald
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Messages

The newly published clinical consensus guideline on the management of PGL/PCC is helpful for decision‐making for diagnostics and treatment. Still, the treatment of patients with SDHD gene mutations requires an individual approach and those patients belong to multiprofessional teams. It is often assumed that spouses are genetically unrelated. However, the genetic relationships between spouses should always be examined empathetically and impartially.
Streptococcus gordonii‐associated infective endocarditis: Case series, literature review, and genetic study
Authors: Ali Gawahir A. , Pérez‐López Andrés , Tsui Clement , Shunnar Khalid , Sharma Anju , Ibrahim Emad B. , Tang Patrick , Alsoub Hussam , Goravey Wael
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Streptococcus gordonii‐associated endocarditis is a rare occurrence, raising diagnostic challenges, and is often associated with considerable morbidity. However, vigilance can prevent devastating consequences.

Streptococcus gordonii‐associated endocarditis is rarely reported but often associated with considerable morbidity. We describe three cases of infective endocarditis caused by S. gordonii during a four‐week period in 2023, and the use of whole‐genome sequencing to determine whether these isolates were genetically related. The available literature was reviewed.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Designing Strategies
Authors: Yang Shuai , Li Xuewen , Fei Shiyuan , Xu Qing , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging crystalline polymer that is constructed by the organic blocks through reversible polymerization. In this review, we have summarized the strategies for designing covalent organic frameworks for the oxygen reduction reaction. The discussion involved the new structural design of COFs and modifications fitting to the applications. Active sites manipulated scale from the single atom‘s electron states to the body framework arrangements. This review has anticipated the researchers to enlighten new ORR catalyst designing and optimization.
Career education and development scale for secondary and tertiary students in Vietnam
Authors: McCowan Col , McIlveen Peter , McLennan Brad , Ho Phoenix , Lê Đào Anh Khương , Tran Ngoc Diep
Published: April 2024

This article reports on the measurement properties of the Vietnamese versions of the Career Education and Development Scale‐Senior and the Career Education and Development Scale‐Tertiary. The International Labour Organization Vietnam facilitated collection of data from students in high schools (N = 1463) and universities (N = 645) who completed these new measures along with comparator measures of self‐efficacy and career‐related beliefs, and expectations. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed an eight‐factor model equivalent for high school and university students. Correlations with comparator measures provide evidence of concurrent validity. These new measures of career preparedness support Vietnam's national efforts to advance career development, research, and practice. Future research recommendations focus on testing the measures’ properties across different sociocultural factors and gender.
Activating the Intrinsic Zincophilicity of PAM Hydrogel to Stabilize the Metal‐Electrolyte Dynamic Interface for Stable and Long‐Life Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Qingyuan , Liu Yumeng , Zhang Zidong , Cai Peng , Li Haomiao , Zhou Min , Wang Wei , Wang Kangli , Jiang Kai
Published: April 2024

As a potential material to solve rampant dendrites and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) problem of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMB), hydrogel electrolytes usually require additional additives or multi‐molecular network strategies to solve existing problems of ionic conductivity, mechanical properties and interface stability. However, the intrinsic zincophilic properties of the gel itself are widely neglected leading to the addition of additional molecules and the complexity of the preparation process. In this work, we innovatively utilize the characteristics of acrylamide‘s high zincophilic group density, activating the intrinsic zincophilic properties of PAM gel through a simple concentration control strategy which reconstructs a novel zinc‐electrolyte interface different from conventional PAM electrolyte. The activated novel gel electrolyte with intrinsic zincophilic properties has high ionic conductivity and effectively suppresses water activity, thereby inhibiting HER corrosion. Meanwhile, it induces uniform deposition of (002) crystal planes, leading to excellent deposition kinetics and long cycle life, thereby ensuring high interfacial stability. Compared with conventional PAM gel electrolytes, the activated zincophilic group‐rich hydrogel maintained excellent cycling stability (1 mA/cm2, 1 mAh/cm2) over 2250 hours; The Zn//MnO₂ coin cell using novel zincophilic group ‐rich hydrogel still retains a high specific capacity of more than 170 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g after 1000 cycles.
Effects of an entomopathogenic fungus on the reproductive potential of Drosophila males
Authors: Liao Aijuan , Cavigliasso Fanny , Savary Loriane , Kawecki Tadeusz J.
Published: April 2024

While mortality is often the primary focus of pathogen virulence, non‐lethal consequences, particularly for male reproductive fitness, are less understood; however, they are essential for understanding how sexual selection contributes to promoting resistance. We investigated how the fungal pathogen Metarhizium brunneum affects mating ability, fertility, and seminal fluid protein (SFP) expression of male Drosophila melanogaster paired with highly receptive virgin females in non‐competitive settings. Depending on sex and dose, there was a 3–6‐day incubation period after infection, followed by an abrupt onset of mortality. Meanwhile, the immune response was strongly induced already 38 h after infection and continued to increase as infection progressed. Latency to mate somewhat increased during the incubation period compared to sham‐treated males, but even on Day 5 post infection >90% of infected males mated within 2 h. During the incubation period, M. brunneum infection reduced male reproductive potential (the number of offspring sired without mate limitation) by 11%, with no clear increase over time. Approaching the end of the incubation period, infected males had lower ability to convert number of mating opportunities into number of offspring. After repeated mating, infected males had lower SFP expression than sham controls, more so in males that mated with few mates 24 h earlier. Overall, despite strong activation of the immune response, males' mating ability and fertility remained surprisingly little affected by the fungal infection, even shortly before the onset of mortality. This suggests that the selection for resistance acts mainly through mortality, and the scope for fertility selection to enhance resistance in non‐competing settings is rather limited.
Increased Yangtze finless porpoise presence in urban Wuhan waters of the Yangtze River during fishing closures
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Tao , Duan Peng‐Xiang , Akamatsu Tomonari , Wang Ke‐Xiong , Wang Ding
Published: April 2024

Wuhan, a highly urbanized and rapidly growing region within China's Yangtze Economic Zone, has historically been identified as a gap area for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) based on daytime visual surveys. However, there has been a noticeable increase in porpoise sightings since 2020. This study employed passive acoustic monitoring to investigate porpoise distribution in Wuhan between 2020 and 2022. Generalized linear models were used to explore the relationship between shipping, hydrological patterns, light intensity, and porpoise biosonar activity. Over 603 days of effective monitoring, the daily positive rate for porpoise biosonar detection reached 43%, with feeding‐related buzz signals accounting for 55% of all porpoise biosonar signals. However, the proportion of minutes during which porpoise presence was detected was 0.18%, suggesting that while porpoises may frequent the area, their visits were brief and mainly focused on feeding. A significant temporal trend emerged, showing higher porpoise biosonar detection during winter (especially in February) and 2022. Additionally, periods without boat traffic correlated with increased porpoise activity. Hydrological conditions and light levels exhibited significant negative correlations with porpoise activity. Specifically, porpoise sonar detections were notably higher during the night, twilight, and new moon phases. It is highly conceivable that both fishing bans and COVID‐19 pandemic‐related lockdowns contributed to the heightened presence of porpoises in Wuhan. The rapid development of municipal transportation and shipping in Wuhan and resulting underwater noise pollution have emerged as a significant threat to the local porpoise population. Accordingly, it is imperative for regulatory bodies to effectively address this environmental stressor and formulate targeted protection measures to ensure the conservation of the finless porpoise.
Governing AI, governing climate change?
Authors: Nost Eric
Published: April 2024

Those concerned with climate governance will want to keep watching what is happening in AI governance. Far from unrelated, the two parallel one another in terms of how fractions of capital—whether within fossil fuel or tech sectors—call for legislating in the face of crisis or for voluntary pledges. In truth, both may be said to be forms of self‐governance. Climate and AI intersect firstly in how they are imagined: dominant climate and AI discourses are both symptoms of Anthropocene thinking and ‘capitalist realism’. They also intersect in as much as ‘AI for Good’ initiatives propose that AI is ethical because it can help to address climate change. What seems missing, however, is any consideration of this climate AI as a procedure—is its knowledge valid, what knowledges does it displace or exclude, what biases are reproduced?—and consideration for its consequences, including harms. Does it actually result in climate mitigation and/or adaptation in a given context? What ‘maladaptive’ outcomes might it drive? What alternatives does it foreclose? These sorts of questions are ones where geographers will continue to have a lot to say.
Bank leverage and systemic risk: Impact of bank risk‐taking and inter‐bank business
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Wenzhe , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: April 2024

In order to prevent and resolve systemic risk more effectively through deleveraging policy, this research takes China A‐share listed commercial banks from 2011 to 2021 as samples, calculates the systemic risk spillover through the conditional value at risk model, re‐estimates the leverage ratio with reference to the “Administration Measures for the Leverage Ratio of Commercial Banks (revised)”, and evaluates the influence of the leverage ratio on systemic risk. The results show that a high leverage ratio increases systemic risk spillover, and under this increase state‐owned commercial banks have the greatest contribution. Further research presents that a better leverage ratio enhances the systemic risk spillover by improving bank risk‐taking and encouraging inter‐bank business expansion. In addition, over different periods of economic development the influence of the leverage ratio on systemic risk exudes different characteristics. During an economic upswing, the leverage ratio's impact on systemic risk significantly drops.
Youth involvement in serious physical violence and political violence: Similarities and differences in risk factors
Authors: Khoury‐Kassabri Mona , Hasisi Badi , Itskovich Eran
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Youth involvement in violence and delinquency has received widespread attention in the literature. However, little is known about youth involvement in political violence, especially among youth who live in conflict areas. The current study examined the mechanisms that underlie youth involvement in serious physical and political violence. We explored the similarities and differences in the association between both individual factors (including religiosity and school commitment) and parental factors (including parental control and education), and the two types of violent behaviors.

Method

A large representative sample of 814 Arab male students from neighborhoods located in East Jerusalem, aged 12–18 years, completed a structured, anonymous, self‐report questionnaire. The data was collected between February and May 2019.

Results

Over half of the participants reported that they had been involved in political violence (55.1%) or serious physical violence (58.8%) during the previous year. Youth involvement in serious physical violence was positively associated with involvement in political violence. Furthermore, we found that greater parental control and lower impulsivity are associated with lower levels of political and physical violence. School commitment was associated negatively with serious physical violence but not with involvement in political violence. Youth work was positively correlated with involvement in political violence but not in serious physical violence.

Conclusion

The results of the current study show that Arab youth from East Jerusalem are highly involved in political and serious physical violence. The risk and protective factors identified here should inform the design of specific intervention strategies.
Relationship between precipitation and cloud properties in different regions of Southwest China
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhao Pengguo , Zhao Chuanfeng , Xiao Hui , Mo Shuying , Yuan Liang , Wei Chengqiang , Zhou Yunjun
Published: April 2024

The relationship between precipitation and cloud properties in Southwest China are investigated by using the CLARA‐A2 cloud parameters data and TRMM‐3B43 precipitation data from 1998 to 2015. Ice water path (IWP) and cloud top height (CTH) are significantly and positively correlated with precipitation in all regions, indicating that ice‐phase processes and cloud development processes are the critical processes influencing precipitation. Precipitation is also directly associated with cloud fractional coverage (CFC) due to the significant positive correlation between CFC and precipitation in all regions except the Sichuan Basin (SCB). A positive correlation between liquid water path (LWP) and precipitation is found in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau (ETP) and Yunnan‐Kweichow Plateau (YKP), but not in the Western Tibetan Plateau (WTP) and SCB. Notably, the response of precipitation to LWP is not as good as that to IWP in SCB. Precipitation is significantly negatively correlated with ice effective radius (IREF) in WTP and ETP and positively correlated with liquid effective radius (LREF) in ETP, YKP and SCB. IREF and LREF are closely related to cloud microphysical processes. Specifically, small IREF could accelerate the Bergeron process and thus increase precipitation, while large LREF is closely related to the cloud droplets coalescence process. Results indicate that the difference in precipitation between the cold and warm seasons is related to convective available potential energy (CAPE) and low troposphere relative humidity (RH). High CAPE and RH favour the precipitation occurrence in Southwest China. The influence of CAPE and RH on precipitation is more significant in the ETP than that in the WTP, owing to the orographic lifting and moisture transport from the Indian Ocean. Thermodynamic and humidity conditions have a greater impact on precipitation by influencing LREF, LWP and IWP in YKP. In SCB, precipitation shows a strong dependence on CAPE, IWP and LREF, but not on RH.
Intervertebral disc microbiome in Modic changes: Lack of result replication underscores the need for a consensus in low‐biomass microbiome analysis
Authors: Mengis Tamara , Zajac Natalia , Bernhard Laura , Heggli Irina , Herger Nick , Devan Jan , Marcus Roy , Brunner Florian , Laux Christoph , Farshad Mazda , Distler Oliver , Dudli Stefan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The emerging field of the disc microbiome challenges traditional views of disc sterility, which opens new avenues for novel clinical insights. However, the lack of methodological consensus in disc microbiome studies introduces discrepancies. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the disc microbiome of non‐Modic (nonMC), Modic type 1 change (MC1), and MC2 discs to findings from prior disc microbiome studies, and (2) investigate if discrepancies to prior studies can be explained with bioinformatic variations.

Methods

Sequencing of 16S rRNA in 70 discs (24 nonMC, 25 MC1, and 21 MC2) for microbiome profiling. The experimental setup included buffer contamination controls and was performed under aseptic conditions. Methodology and results were contrasted with previous disc microbiome studies. Critical bioinformatic steps that were different in our best‐practice approach and previous disc microbiome studies (taxonomic lineage assignment, prevalence cut‐off) were varied and their effect on results were compared.

Results

There was limited overlap of results with a previous study on MC disc microbiome. No bacterial genera were shared using the same bioinformatic parameters. Taxonomic lineage assignment using “amplicon sequencing variants” was more sensitive and detected 48 genera compared to 22 with “operational taxonomic units” (previous study). Increasing filter cut‐off from 4% to 50% (previous study) reduced genera from 48 to 4 genera. Despite these differences, both studies observed dysbiosis with an increased abundance of gram‐negative bacteria in MC discs as well as a lower beta‐diversity. Cutibacterium was persistently detected in all groups independent of the bioinformatic approach, emphasizing its prevalence.

Conclusion

There is dysbiosis in MC discs. Bioinformatic parameters impact results yet cannot explain the different findings from this and a previous study. Therefore, discrepancies are likely caused by different sample preparations or true biologic differences. Harmonized protocols are required to advance understanding of the disc microbiome and its clinical implications.
Vegetation diversity and structure influence small‐mammal communities in native and restored northern mixed grasslands
Authors: Minor Ashlee K. , Eichholz Michael W.
Published: April 2024

Current grassland restoration strategies aim to recreate grassland vegetation communities, and often rely on high‐diversity native seeding to promote vegetation diversity. Questions remain concerning the influence of vegetation richness and diversity on grassland fauna. Small‐mammal communities are integral parts of grassland ecosystems, but their responses to restoration are often mixed or overlooked. During July 2014 to 2016, we used Sherman live traps to survey grassland small‐mammal communities of 24 study sites in northeastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota, USA, to better understand their responses to vegetation cover type, diversity, richness, and site‐specific vegetation structure. Sites represented a vegetation species richness gradient and 3 vegetation cover types including low‐diversity restorations planted with dense nesting cover (DNC) seed mix, high‐diversity seeded restorations, and unseeded reference grasslands. Small‐mammal abundance was highest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites and lowest in reference grassland. Small‐mammal diversity was highest at high‐diversity restoration sites and lowest at low‐diversity DNC restoration sites. Models assessing the influence of vegetation structure on the abundance of focal taxa differed. Deer mice (Peromyscus spp.) were negatively influenced by percent native vegetation cover, and voles (Microtus spp.) showed yearly variation and were influenced positively by litter depth and negatively by vegetation richness. Small‐mammal communities of low‐diversity DNC restorations differed from reference sites, but high‐diversity restorations were not different from reference or low‐diversity DNC sites. Thirteen‐lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) abundance was higher at reference and high‐diversity restored sites, while low‐diversity DNC sites had higher deer mice abundance. Results indicate small mammals are unlikely to respond uniformly to vegetation characteristics, and diversity of seed mixes used in grassland restoration is likely to influence grassland small‐mammal communities.
Dual‐Functional Triangular‐Shape Micro‐Size Light‐Emitting and Detecting Diode for On‐Chip Optical Communication in the Deep Ultraviolet Band
Authors: Yu Huabin , Xiao Shudan , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Luo Yuanmin , Wang Rui , Li Dong , Shen Chao , Sun Haiding
Published: April 2024

Light‐emitting diodes and photodiodes, often acting as transmitters and receivers, are two key optical components for constructing an optical communication system. Recently, solar‐blind optical wireless communication (SB‐OWC) has emerged as a promising free‐space communication platform due to its unique advantages, including low background noise, high security, and non‐line‐of‐sight ability. However, the development of deep ultraviolet (DUV) emitters and detectors is still in its early stages with relatively low efficiency and poor detection capability, which hampers the further progress of SB‐OWC. Herein, a triangular‐shaped micro‐sized diode (T‐μ‐diode) is reported that can significantly boost its DUV emission and detection performance compared with a regular circular‐shaped micro‐diode (C‐μ‐diode) due to improved current injection and enhanced light extraction/absorption behavior. Specifically, the T‐μ‐diodes demonstrate superior light output power with a −3 dB modulation bandwidth over 566 MHz operating at an extremely high current density of 2 kA cm−2 while possessing a higher photo‐responsivity of ≈160 mA W−1 with a faster response speed of 5.1 ns, surpassing the traditional C‐μ‐diodes in both light emitting and detecting modes. Importantly, a bidirectional on‐chip data transmission system is realized by simply switching the operation mode of two T‐μ‐diodes monolithically fabricated on the same platform with boosted emission and detection functionalities.
Advertising expenditures and unobserved heterogeneity in bank performance: A conditional nonparametric frontier analysis
Authors: Papadamou Stephanos , Tzeremes Panayiotis G. , Tzeremes Nickolaos G.
Published: April 2024

This study utilizes a probabilistic production analysis framework to explore the relationship between advertising expenditure and operational efficiency in major U.S. banks (2001–2020). Findings reveal a non‐linear, positive correlation between advertising spending and banks' technological innovation capacity. Higher advertising investments enhance banks' competitiveness and drive technological progress. The model considers unobserved heterogeneity, incorporating factors like socio‐economic profiles and past non‐performing loans. Robustness analysis across sub‐periods confirms the enduring positive impact of advertising on bank performance.
Evaluations of brand management strategies for luxury goods with a hybrid fuzzy multicriteria decision making model
Authors: Hsu Tsuen‐Ho , Lin Ling‐Zhong , Chen Chun‐Hsien
Published: April 2024

The previous studies on brand attachment (BA) are relatively limited to exploring the relation between the customer's BA and loyalty from the enterprise's perspective. This study employs a hybrid fuzzy multicriteria decision‐making model with a quality function deployment (QFD) and a fuzzy association matrix is used to explore customer BA and the corresponding BA management strategies for enhancing brand loyalty. Results indicate the integration strategy, which comprises the personality, expertise, and kindness of the brand's salespersons and the development of intelligent automobile technology, is used to signal brand value and thereby stimulate customer resonance with the brand.
The evolution of the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors throughout generations: A family business perspective
Authors: Umans Ine , Corten Maarten , Steijvers Tensie
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the evolving dynamics of the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors across generations in family firms, a crucial, yet underexplored topic in the family firm literature. Anchored in the resource‐based view, family firms leverage external advisors to compensate for internal resource deficits. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, our research unveils the nuanced evolution of trust between the family and these external advisors across generations. The findings reveal a distinctive trust evolution, transitioning from interpersonal trust in the first generation to a more sophisticated reliance on the advisor's competencies and trust in the processes of the advisor's firm in subsequent generations. This transformation in the trust relationship is marked by a shift from emotionally charged relationships to more business‐oriented relationships, openness becoming less self‐evident but more calculated, neutrality assuming importance where it was initially absent, and competence being subjected to critical assessment rather than presumed. With this, our study makes a notable contribution to the family firm literature by providing a dynamic perspective on the trust relationship between the family and its external advisors. It also addresses whether family firm decision makers prioritize interpersonal trust in the advisor over trust in competencies or the system, providing valuable insights for practitioners and scholars alike. Overall, this study enriches our understanding of the sustained and evolving nature of trust as a critical resource for competitive advantage in family firms.
Three‐dimensional stability analysis for a deep‐buried tunnel roof considering soil stratum strength nonlinearity
Authors: Xu Jingshu , Wang Xinrui , Wang Ruotong , Du Xiuli
Published: April 2024

A three‐dimensional (3D) collapse mechanism was employed in this work to investigate the roof stability of deep‐buried cylindrical tunnels in soil considering strength nonlinearity. Based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis, three tunnel roof stability measures, namely, the stability number, the required support pressure, and the factor of safety solutions were derived to provide quantitative indicators for evaluating tunnel roof stability. Optimal upper bound solutions for these measures were obtained through optimization. Subsequently, the effects of soil strength nonlinearity and 3D geometry characteristics on roof stability and the profiles of collapsing blocks were investigated: The increase in the nonlinear coefficient m and the tensile strength σt, as well as the decrease in the initial cohesion c0, will lead to a deterioration in the stability of the tunnel roof, and also result in a larger range of collapse blocks of the tunnel roof. A 3D stability analysis of the tunnel roof can provide more reasonable stability estimates than a 2D stability analysis. When the length‐to‐radius ratio L/R → ∞, the 2D solution results.
Supply chain structure, debt financing and product market competition
Authors: Hu Qiaohai (Joice)
Published: April 2024

This paper studies the interactions of capital structure and product market competition under two supply chain structures: a distribution structure where two competing retailers source from a common supplier and a parallel structure where each retailer sources from a dedicated supplier. The analyses demonstrate that if the retailers have access to external credits, they will borrow more (less), buy more (less), and incur a higher (lower) default probability under a parallel structure than under a distribution structure if the retailers sell substitutes (complements). The retailers' leverage improves the profit of their upstream suppliers and of the channel but improves their own profits only if they sell complements. If they sell substitutes, borrowing makes them worse off, leading to the prisoner's dilemma phenomenon. If only one retailer has access to external credit, then it will enjoy a leadership premium (loss) if the retailers sell substitutes (complements), and this effect trickles up to the upstream supplier of the leveraged retailer under the parallel structure. Thus, the dedicated suppliers will abet the leveraged retailers to compete more aggressively than unleveraged ones. However, the common supplier is independent of their downstream customer's capital structure. These results reveal that the impacts of external credit on the supply chain profitability depend on the stages the supply chain members are in, the degree of product differentiation, the supply chain structure, the uncertainty of demand, and whether the competitor also has access to external credits.
Exploring the efficacy of various essential oils in chitosan‐based composite biopolymer films for food packaging
Authors: Thiyagamoorthy Uma Maheswari , Sadayandi Geethanjali , Jeyaraj Selvi , Thangarasu Sasikumar , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Baabbad Almohannad , Vafaeva Khristina Maksudovna , Packialakshmi Jeyakumar Saranya
Published: April 2024

To ensure food and environmental safety, biodegradable packaging materials from various natural polymers are being used to preserve the high quality of foods and to increase their shelf life in addition to environmental safety in terms of biodegradability. However, these natural polymers have some disadvantages in functionality. There are many ways to improve functionality, one such way is the addition of essential oils. Therefore, this research work was done to investigate the effectiveness of four diverse essential oils (EOs), namely, lemon‐grass oil (LGO), tea‐tree oil (TTO), thyme oil (THO), and basil oil (BO) in chitosan‐based composite films. The chitosan as a biopolymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a compatibilizer, and four different essential oils@0.3% were blended to form composite food packaging films. These nanofilms had better mechanical strength, elasticity, and film thickness. Thermal stability and change in the weight of chitosan alone and composite films were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the change in film surface morphology. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the base polymer exhibits characteristic peaks at 3400 cm−1 indicating the occurrence of hydrogen‐bonded OH groups, and peaks at 1500–1600 cm−1 corresponding to the amide II band and CO stretch of the acetyl group. Whereas TGA results confirmed the thermal stability of PVA and EO blended films compared to chitosan alone films. The biodegradability of antimicrobial chitosan‐based films exhibited around 15%–19% percentage of degradation in PVA blended films whereas chitosan alone degraded up to 32% after 30 days. Water vapor transmission was high in chitosan alone film (1.9%) and 0.25% in PVA/EO blended films displaying enhancement in hydrophobic qualities of the developed films due to change in hydrophobicity by EO addition. The chitosan and PVA alone films were transparent whereas EO blended films exhibited yellow coloration and became less transparent due to the oil droplets dispersion in films. The shelf life of tomato, bread, and paneer was better in lemongrass and tea tree oil‐incorporated films during storage.
Improvement of mechanical properties of highly ZnO‐filled polyethylene composites by dual‐compatibilizer for hydrogen sulfide permeation inhibition
Authors: Shi Xiaogang , Zhu Kongying , Yuan Xiaoyan
Published: April 2024

Transportation of acidic fluids containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by flexible reinforced thermoplastic pipes can cause safety problems due to diffusion of H2S in the pipe. Herein, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites are prepared with a large amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles as absorbent fillers by melt‐mixing via introducing maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MAH) and maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) (POE‐g‐MAH) as dual‐compatibilizer. By controlling the mass ratio of the two compatibilizers, ZnO particles can be encapsulated by PE‐g‐MAH and POE‐g‐MAH so that mechanical properties of the prepared HDPE/ZnO composites are improved owing to enhanced compatibility between the filler and the resin. By adding PE‐g‐MAH and POE‐g‐MAH with total 10 wt% in a mass ratio of 1/3, the HDPE/ZnO composite containing 50 wt% ZnO exhibits 37.3 ± 3.8 MPa of yield strength, 576 ± 16 MPa of flexural modulus, and 84.4 ± 1.4 kJ m−2 of notched Izod impact strength corrected to 311 ± 24.9 kJ m−2. After exposure in H2S at 0.1 MPa for 7 days, the diffusion distance of H2S in the composite is 659 ± 17 μm, demonstrating a high barrier ability on H2S via absorption. This study provides a feasible method for preparation of polymer composites with suitable mechanical properties for inhibiting H2S permeation in reinforced thermoplastic pipes.
Preparation and characterization of carbon fiber spread tow needled preform and its composite based on novel short yarn needling method
Authors: Guo Dongsheng , Chen Xiaoming , Ren Zhipeng , Xin Shiji , Su Xingzhao , Wu Kaijie
Published: April 2024

Due to the high fiber volume fraction of carbon fiber spread tow plain weave fabrics, it is difficult for short fibers to be brought into the thickness direction to form needled fiber bundles during the needling process. The interlaminar performance of the carbon fiber spread tow needled preform is weak, and the in‐plane damage is also severe. Responding to this issue, this article proposed a new method for preparing carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling, which was expected to manufacture high‐performance carbon fiber spread tow needled preform and composite. We conducted experimental research on the preparation and structural characterization of the preform, as well as the Mode I interlaminar mechanical properties and in‐plane tensile properties of composites. The results showed that the fiber volume fraction of the preform significantly increased, reaching to 55.7%–56.1%, which was 25.5%–25.9% higher than that of traditional needled preform. The Mode I interlaminar property of carbon fiber spread tow needled composite reached to 905–4376 J m−2, which was improved by 29.3%–525.1% and 125.8%–1054.6% compared to traditional needled composite and laminated composite, respectively. At the same time, the tensile strength and tensile modulus were also improved by 191.5%–212.2% and 66.2%–78.1% compared to traditional needled composites. The preparation method of carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling has laid the foundation for the 3D printing molding of dry fiber fabrics and is expected to be applied to high‐quality needling of high thickness and large curvature‐shaped fabric preforms.

Highlights

A novel method was proposed for preparing high‐performance carbon fiber spread tow needled preform based on short yarn needling.

The fiber volume fraction of novel carbon fiber spread tow needled preform significantly increased, reaching to 55.7%–56.1%.

The GIc of the novel carbon fiber spread tow needled composite was improved by 29.3%–525.1% compared to the traditional needled composite.

The tensile strength and tensile modulus were also improved by 191.5%–212.2% and 66.2%–78.1%, compared to traditional needled composites.
Prenatal diagnosis (or lack thereof) of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and its impact on the perinatal experience of parents: A retrospective survey
Authors: Lemin Sara , van Bosse Harold J. P. , Hutka Lauren , Soberdash Shea , Patibandla Jay
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine parental experiences during pregnancies affected by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) by identifying commonalities, risk factors, and areas for improvement in detection rates, care protocols, and patient experience.

Study Design

An online survey was distributed via AMC support groups on Facebook. Topics included demographics, risk factors, parental recall of sonographic findings, delivery characteristics and neonatal findings. Responses were divided into antenatally detected cases (ADCs) and postnatally detected cases (PDCs). Quantitative responses were analyzed with the Fisher exact test. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results

The antenatal detection rate of arthrogryposis was 37%. Decreased fetal movement was reported by 53% and early bleeding by 21%. Sonographic findings in ADCs included clubfoot (83%), clenched hand (51%), decreased fetal movement (50%), elbow contracture (51%), and knee contracture (46%). Among ADCs, 29% delivered vaginally and 71% delivered by cesarean versus PDCs (44% vaginal, 56% cesarean). Neonatal intensive care unit admission rate was 63%. Bone fracture occurred in 9%. Detection led to a planned change in delivery mode in 33% and location in 50%. Among ADCs, 17% felt their concerns were not adequately addressed versus 43% of PDCs.

Conclusions

Antenatal detection of arthrogryposis was low. We propose enhanced screening criteria to aid prenatal diagnosis and promote utilization of more robust practice guidelines.
Public sector digitalization, corruption, and sustainability in the developing world: A scoping review
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim , Gatto Andrea
Published: April 2024

E‐government presents one of the utmost opportunities and challenges for development and offers solutions to tackle corruption. Corruption generates even erratic impacts in developing and transition economies. Developing and transition economies can dramatically benefit from related technological innovation uptake that would spur public sector transparency and sustainability. The intersections of these areas have not received full academic consideration and appear to be under‐explored. In addition to a review of the existing literature on these topics, this study applies extensive reliance on existing metrics and indexes, including those developed by the World Bank and Transparency International. By accentuating relevant and recent findings, the results of this study can be used for a better conceptualization of national or regional growth and development strategies based on the nexus between corruption and e‐government advances among developing and transition countries.
Gender economic inclusion, governance institutions and economic complexity in Africa
Authors: Emeka Ekene ThankGod , Asongu Simplice A. , Ngoungou Yolande E.
Published: April 2024

This study examines the effects of gender economic inclusion on economic complexity in Africa, as well as the moderating role of governance institutions on the relationship between gender inclusion and economic complexity. The analysis was based on the pooled OLS and the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques, with data from 34 African economies between 2010 and 2021. The analysis uncovered several important findings. First, from the most robust model (i.e., GMM), positive synergies are apparent because gender economic inclusion promotes economic complexity, and governance dynamics further enhance the positive effect of gender economic inclusion on economic complexity. Second, regardless of the adopted technique, a predominantly positive and statistically significant relationship was identified between gender economic inclusion and economic complexity. Third, it was observed that while governance institutions exhibit a negative relationship with economic complexity, they play a positive role in moderating the relationship between gender inclusion and economic complexity. Fourth, factors such as foreign direct investment inflow, trade openness, and international tourism were identified as potent drivers of economic complexity in Africa, while the impact of human capital appears to be relatively subdued. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need for institutional reforms to improve governance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, alongside advocating for gender‐inclusive policies and increased investment in education.
Colon Targeting pH‐Responsive Coacervate Microdroplets for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tian Yinmei , Hu Qian , Sun Zhengjun , Yu Yulin , Li Xiaonan , Tian Tianyi , Bi Xinying , Li Yang , Niu Boning , Zhang Zhiping
Published: April 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC), an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory disease, drastically impacts patients' quality of life and increases their risk of colorectal cancer worldwide. However, effective oral targeted delivery and retention of drugs in colonic lesions are still great challenges in the treatment of UC. Coacervate microdroplets, formed by liquid–liquid phase separation, are recently explored in drug delivery as the simplicity in fabrication, spontaneous enrichment on small molecules and biological macromolecules, and high drug loading capacity. Herein, in this study, a biocompatible diethylaminoethyl‐dextran hydrochloride/sodium polyphenylene sulfonate coacervates, coated with eudragit S100 to improve the stability and colon targeting ability, named EU‐Coac, is developed. Emodin, an active ingredient in traditional Chinese herbs proven to alleviate UC symptoms, is loaded in EU‐Coac (EMO@EU‐Coac) showing good stability in gastric acid and pepsin and pH‐responsive release behavior. After oral administration, EMO@EU‐Coac can effectively target and retain in the colon, displaying good therapeutic effects on UC treatment through attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress response, repairing colonic epithelia, as well as regulating intestinal flora balance. In short, this study provides a novel and facile coacervate microdroplet delivery system for UC treatment.
Artificial Intelligence‐Enhanced Waveguide “Photonic Nose”‐ Augmented Sensing Platform for VOC Gases in Mid‐Infrared
Authors: Liu Xinmiao , Zhang Zixuan , Zhou Jingkai , Liu Weixin , Zhou Guangya , Lee Chengkuo
Published: April 2024

On‐chip nanophotonic waveguide sensor is a promising solution for miniaturization and label‐free detection of gas mixtures utilizing the absorption fingerprints in the mid‐infrared (MIR) region. However, the quantitative detection and analysis of organic gas mixtures is still challenging and less reported due to the overlapping of the absorption spectrum. Here,an Artificial‐Intelligence (AI) assisted waveguide “Photonic nose” is presented as an augmented sensing platform for gas mixture analysis in MIR. With the subwavelength grating cladding supported waveguide design and the help of machine learning algorithms, the MIR absorption spectrum of the binary organic gas mixture is distinguished from arbitrary mixing ratio and decomposed to the single‐component spectra for concentration prediction. As a result, the classification of 93.57% for 19 mixing ratios is realized. In addition, the gas mixture spectrum decomposition and concentration prediction show an average root‐mean‐square error of 2.44 vol%. The work proves the potential for broader sensing and analytical capabilities of the MIR waveguide platform for multiple organic gas components toward MIR on‐chip spectroscopy.
miR‐29b‐3p targetedly regulates VEGF to inhibit tumor progression and cisplatin resistance through Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sun Zhen , Ren Mingming , Niu Jieting , Tang Guojie , Li Yanguang , Kong Fanyi , Song Xiang
Published: April 2024

Backgrounds

Non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer. Prior investigations have elucidated the pivotal role of miR‐29b‐3p in restraining tumor growth and metastasis. Nonetheless, it remains to be determined whether miR‐29b‐3p can effectively suppress NSCLC progression and enhance the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin. This investigation sought to determine the mechanism by which miR‐29b‐3p inhibited the advancement of NSCLC and mitigated resistance to cisplatin.

Methods

We initially assessed miR‐29b‐3p and VEGF levels in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Next, miR‐29b‐3p expression was elevated in NSCLC cell lines H1975 and A549 by overexpression plasmid transfection. Following this, a sequence of molecular biology experiments was conducted to evaluate the impact of miR‐29b‐3p on the biological behaviors of NSCLC cells and their resistance to cisplatin. Additionally, we predicted VEGF was a target gene of miR‐29b‐3p by bioinformatics analysis. We next employed western blot to evaluate the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 in NSCLC cells. Finally, we elucidated the effects of VEGF and Nrf2/HO‐1pathway on NSCLC progression and cisplatin resistance by in vitro assays.

Results

In comparison to paracancerous tissues and human normal lung epithelial cells, the expression of miR‐29b‐3p was notably reduced and VEGF expression was clearly elevated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Moreover, miR‐29b‐3p upregulated obviously suppressed the biological activities of NSCLC cells and increased their sensitivity to cisplatin. Furthermore, in NSCLC cells, miR‐29b‐3p bound to VEGF and negatively regulate its transcription. Additionally, miR‐29b‐3p overexpression also inhibited the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. Finally, the overexpression of VEGF and the activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway reversed miR‐29b‐3p‐mediated inhibitory effect on biological behaviors of NSCLC cells and increased the cisplatin resistance.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that miR‐29b‐3p impedes NSCLC cells' biological behaviors and augments their sensitivity to cisplatin by targeting VEGF to modulate the Nfr2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.