bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Here You Are at Last, in a Ruined and Drowning World”: The Dishonored Series as Environmental and Social Commentary
Authors: Green Amy
Published: April 2024

“‘Here You Are at Last, in a Ruined and Drowning World‘”: The Dishonored Series as Environmental and Social Commentary“ explores at depth the intersection of environmental destruction, social stratification, and the exploitation of the poor. What emerges from the narrative is a compelling ecological warning, as the player embodying Corvo first witnesses the ruined city of Dunwall and the casual slaughter of whales, then becomes a subject of The Outsider's interest. This warning carries through Dishonored 2 and Dishonored: The Death of The Outsider as these sequels continue to explore the exploitation and oppression of the poor and to follow The Outsider, who is at once a ringmaster, observer of what those who bear his mark enact on the world, and beleaguered victim, enduring fetishization by those who worship him as well as his own history as the subject of terrible violence. The narrative that emerges across all three games provides a stark warning about the consequences of those with power and wealth ravaging the environment and the vulnerable.
Written Text to Oral Presentation
Authors: Guglieimi Luc
Published: April 2024

In Belgium, as it is the case in other parts of the world, people have always told stories. However, since 1975, in the French part of Belgium, a resurgence of oral storytellers, telling legends in a variety of environments, from the jail to boy scout meetings, has occurred. The oral tradition is no longer limited to the family circle and has been freed from spontaneity. Instead, these events are planned and, for a fee, anyone can come and listen to the storytellers, sometimes professionals, sometimes amateurs. This article will examine the classifications of these stories being told as well as the various functions these stories have in the French speaking part of Belgium.
Gains from trade: Demand, supply, and idiosyncratic shocks
Authors: Dewitte Ruben , Merlevede Bruno , Rayp Glenn
Published: April 2024

Firm‐level sales are often used as a proxy for productivity to quantify welfare gains from trade (GFT) using firm‐level data. This approach ignores the fact that heterogeneity in firm‐level sales is driven by factors other than productivity. Our theoretical and empirical analysis reveals that using sales as a proxy conflates persistent productivity with transitory demand and supply shocks, resulting in an over‐dispersed productivity distribution. Assigning this shock‐inflated productivity to a modeled economy's supply‐side results in overestimated GFT. We show how to obtain unbiased productivity estimates, aggregate trade elasticities, and GFT estimates by exploiting the revenue production function from a single‐source country.
Short‐term outcomes after liver resection with vascular reconstruction: Results from a study with the National Clinical Database of Japan
Authors: Soyama Akihiko , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Eguchi Susumu , Nanashima Atsushi , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kitagawa Yuko , Nakamura Masafumi , Endo Itaru
Published: April 2024

Background

Although curative resection with vascular reconstruction improves the prognosis of blood‐invading locally advanced hepatobiliary tumors, the mortality and morbidity of the procedure remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing liver resection with vascular reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 1215 patients undergoing hepatectomy of more than one section with vascular reconstruction, except for left lateral sectionectomy registered in the National Clinical Database (NCD) between 2015 and 2019. The rates of surgical mortality and relevant clinical factors were evaluated.

Results

Among the four types of vascular reconstruction, portal venous reconstruction was frequently performed in 724 patients (59.6% of the enrolled patients). Surgical mortality was 8.1%. Patients with hepatic artery reconstruction had the highest surgical mortality rate of 15.8%. In other types of reconstruction, surgical mortality was 9.1% in the portal vein, 5.2% in inferior vena cava, and 4.9% in hepatic vein. Factors significantly associated with surgical mortality include age, sex (male), preoperative comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade >3, respiratory distress, diabetes, preoperative pneumonia, weight loss, and obstructive jaundice), poorer liver functional reserve (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio >1.1) and accompanying biliary reconstruction.

Conclusions

The NCD revealed the detailed status of liver resection combined with vascular reconstruction in Japan. Based on the results of this analysis, understanding the factors that influence the outcome and postoperative course of each procedure will provide patients with accurate information and opportunities to improve future outcomes.
Elevated homocysteine is negatively correlated with plasma cystathionine β‐synthase activity in givosiran‐treated patients
Authors: Keibler Mark A. , Sridharan Gautham V. , Sweetser Marianne T. , Ticau Simina
Published: April 2024

Givosiran is a subcutaneously administered, liver‐targeted RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic that has been approved for treating acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). Elevation in plasma homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) has been reported in AHP patients, and treatment with givosiran has been reported to further increase homocysteine levels in some patients. The mechanism of homocysteine elevation during givosiran treatment is unknown, but has been hypothesized to be mediated by a reduction in activity of cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), which uses homocysteine as a substrate. A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based assay was adapted to measure circulating CBS activity. Using plasma collected from the Phase III ENVISION study, CBS activity was measured to directly evaluate whether it is associated with elevated homocysteine levels in givosiran‐treated patients. CBS activity was reduced following givosiran treatment and both homocysteine and methionine levels were inversely correlated with CBS activity. Following administration of a supplement containing vitamin B6, a cofactor for CBS, in four patients during the trial, plasma CBS activity was found to increase, mirroring a corresponding decrease in homocysteine levels. These results support the hypothesis that elevated homocysteine levels following givosiran treatment result from a reduction of CBS activity and that vitamin B6 supplementation lowers homocysteine levels by increasing CBS activity.
White Matter Alterations of Visual Pathway in Thyroid Eye Disease: A Fixel‐Based Analysis
Authors: Jiang Mengda , Zhang Haiyang , Liu Yuting , Song Xuefei , Song Yang , Sun Jing , Tang Yan , Zhu Ling , Zhou Huifang , Li Yinwei , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Thyroid eye disease (TED), particularly its sight‐threatening complication, dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), profoundly impacts patients' visual health. The pathological changes in the white matter (WM) fibers within the intracranial visual pathway in TED have been infrequently studied. Understanding these changes holds crucial importance for exploring the pathogenesis and prognosis of TED.

Purpose

To utilize fixel‐based analysis (FBA) to clarify the type of microstructural damage occurring in the visual pathway in TED.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

28 TED with DON patients (11 males and 17 females), 28 TED without DON (non‐DON) patients (12 males and 16 females), and 28 healthy controls (HCs) (12 males and 16 females).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; multishell diffusion MRI using echo planar imaging.

Assessment

Fiber density (FD) and fiber‐bundle cross‐section (FC) were calculated to characterize WM microstructural alteration in TED visual pathway. The correlations between FBA metrics and visual field index and mean deviation were examined.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U, Chi‐square, and Pearson correlation, were conducted with false discovery rate and family wise error corrections. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Both DON and non‐DON groups showed significant FD loss in the right optic tract compared with HCs, with DON patients experiencing more severe FD loss. Only DON patients had FD loss in the right optic radiation (OR) compared with the non‐DON patients and HCs, with no FC difference across groups. FD in DON patients' ORs significantly correlated with visual field index (r = 0.857) and mean deviation (r = 0.751).

Data Conclusion

Both DON and non‐DON affect the WM microstructure of the visual pathway to varying extents. Visual field metrics can reflect the severity of FD damage to the OR in the visual pathway of DON patients.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Biodegradable maleic–itaconic polymer‐coated phosphatic fertilizer improved phosphorous recovery in calcareous soil
Authors: Khalid Mairaj , Niazi Muhammad Bilal Khan , Haider Ghulam , Jahan Zaib , Zia Munir , Ahmad Rafiq , Hayat Asim , Shah Tariq
Published: April 2024

Background

The poor nutrient recovery of phosphatic (P) fertilizers in calcareous soils is a serious worldwide problem resulting in sub‐optimal P use efficiency. This is mainly attributed to P fixation with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions in the soil solution. As a result, most of the applied P (in the form of fertilizer) becomes insoluble or immobilized in soil due to complex edaphic processes, making it unavailable to plants. Polymer‐coated fertilizers are relatively new approaches to minimizing P‐fixation. However, concerns have been recently raised on the environmental effects of synthetic polymers and microplastic loads in agroecosystems.

Aim

Here we developed and investigated the effectiveness of biodegradable polymer‐coating on commercial diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer to improve P availability in the soil, hence making P more accessible for plant uptake.

Methods

The polymers were coated on DAP fertilizer granules, and two products based on increasing polymer concentration (namely, C‐1 and C‐2, respectively) were achieved. The coated and uncoated DAP granules were characterized for surface properties to confirm the appropriate coating of polymers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and crushing strength by a universal telson machine. The biodegradable polymer‐coated C‐1 and C‐2 fertilizers were tested for P availability compared to commercial DAP using spinach as a test plant.

Results

The SEM micrographs indicated a uniform coating of biodegradable polymers on DAP granules. Application of C‐1 increased the plant's fresh and dry biomass (+10.71% and +18.09%) over commercial DAP, respectively. The C‐1 application increased the N, P, and K uptake by +24.9%, +66.7%, and +11% over commercial DAP. In contrast, C‐2 produced less biomass than C‐1 due to relatively less nutrient uptake and different concentrations of ingredients in C‐2.

Conclusion

Together, our results showed that the novel biodegradable polymer approach has demonstrated the potential to improve P recovery and agronomic yield in alkaline soils.
Gender does not influence outcomes and complications in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Royon Thibaut , Foissey Constant , Fontalis Andreas , Planchet Fréderic , Servien Elvire , Batailler Cécile , Lustig Sébastien
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The impact of gender on the outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains a topic of active discussion with limited exploration thus far. The study aims to elucidate the gender effect on clinical outcomes, complications, pre‐ and postoperative radiological outcomes following the implantation of a medial UKA at mid‐term follow‐up in a large section of patients.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, retrospective cohort study encompassing patients undergoing medial UKA between 2011 and 2019. The International Knee Society (IKS) Knee and Function score, patient satisfaction, complications, revisions, pre‐ and postoperative radiological outcomes (coronal plane alignment, femoral and tibial component positioning, posterior tibial slope) were evaluated. Survival rate at the time of the last follow‐up was also recorded.

Results

Of the 366 knees that met the inclusion criteria, 10 were lost to follow‐up, accounting for a 2.7% loss. Mean follow‐up was 5.2 ± 2 years [2.1–11.3]. Out of the total population, 205 patients were females (57.6%, 205/356) and 151 were males (42.4%, 151/356). Men exhibited superior pre‐ and postoperative IKS function scores (p = 0.017). However, no significant differences were observed between women and men regarding improvements of IKS Knee and Function scores, radiographic outcomes and implant survivorship.

Conclusion

At a mean follow‐up of 5 years, this study revealed no significant impact of gender on clinical outcomes and complications in patients undergoing medial UKA. Furthermore, no significant differences were evident in radiographic outcomes, implant positioning and knee phenotype.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Arthroscopic repair of the tibiotalar fascicle of deltoid ligament is feasible through anterior ankle arthroscopy
Authors: Guelfi Matteo , Vega Jordi , Malagelada Francesc , Dalmau‐Pastor Miki
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although arthroscopic repair of the deltoid ligament is becoming a popular procedure, no studies have assessed which bundles of the deltoid ligament can be reached by anterior ankle arthroscopy. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the arthroscopic repair of the deep layer of the deltoid ligament. In addition, it aimed to correlate which fascicle of the superficial layer of the deltoid ligament corresponds to the deep fascicle visualised by arthroscopy.

Methods

Arthroscopy was performed in 12 fresh frozen ankles by two foot and ankle surgeons. With the arthroscope introduced through the anterolateral portal, the medial compartment and the deltoid ligament were explored in ankle dorsiflexion without distraction. Using a suture passer introduced percutaneously, the most posterior fibres of the deep deltoid ligament visualised by anterior arthroscopy were tagged. Then, the ankles were dissected to identify the deep and superficial bundles of the deltoid ligament tagged with a suture.

Results

In all specimens (100%), the intermediate part of the tibiotalar fascicle, corresponding to the fibres originating from the anterior colliculus, was tagged with a suture. The posterior part of the tibiotalar fascicle was never tagged with a suture. In all specimens, the intermediate part of the tibiotalar fascicle grasped by the suture correlated with the tibiospring fascicle of the superficial layer.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the feasibility of the arthroscopic repair of the deep fascicle of the deltoid ligament. By performing anterior arthroscopy, it is possible to visualise and repair the intermediate part of the tibiotalar fascicle (deep layer of the deltoid ligament). These fibres correspond to the tibiospring fascicle of the superficial layer. The clinical relevance of the current study is that the arthroscopic repair of the deep layer of the deltoid ligament is feasible through anterior ankle arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Smartphone‐Based Molecularly Imprinted Photonic Crystal Hydrogel Sensor for the Label‐Free Detection of Bisphenol A
Authors: Sree Sanker S. S. , Thomas Subin , Nalini Savitha , Jacob Dhanya P. , Suniya Vathiyedath Sulaiman , Madhusoodanan Kottarathil Naduvil
Published: April 2024

Here, the implementation of a smartphone‐based portable molecularly imprinted photonic crystal hydrogel (MIPCH) colorimetric sensor for the visual and label‐free detection of bisphenol A (BPA) in water samples is reported. The sensor is prepared by photopolymerizing BPA‐added hydrogel precursor solution within the voids of a photonic crystal opal film, followed by the extraction of BPA molecules. Rebinding of the BPA analyte to the MIPCH causes the hydrogel to swell, leading to a significant redshift in the diffracting spectrum. The MIPCH sensor exhibits a low limit of detection of 0.96  ×  10−15m. The sensor also shows linear response in the femtomolar range, rapid responsiveness (≤6 min), selective detection of BPA in complex matrices, long‐term stability, and reproducibility. Images of the sensor responses are used to train a deep‐learning‐based regression model on a smartphone to predict the BPA concentration quantitatively. Integration of the regression model with the developed sensor provides an accurate and portable smart sensor platform well‐suited for real‐time and on‐field monitoring of BPA.
Temperature‐Adaptative Self‐Oscillating Gels: Toward Autonomous Biomimetic Soft Actuators with Broad Operating Temperature Region
Authors: Lee Won Seok , Enomoto Takafumi , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Yoshida Ryo
Published: April 2024

Self‐oscillating gel systems exhibiting an expanded operating temperature and accompanying functional adaptability are showcased. The developed system contains nonthermoresponsive main‐monomers, such as N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) or 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) or acrylamide (AAm) or 3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC). The gels volumetrically self‐oscillate within the range of the conventional (20.0 °C) and extended (27.0 and 36.5 °C) temperatures. Moreover, the gels successfully adapt to the environmental changes; they beat faster and smaller as the temperature increases. The period and amplitude are also controlled by tuning the amount of main‐monomers and N‐(3‐aminopropyl) acrylamide. Furthermore, the record amplitude in the bulk gel system consisting of polymer strand and cross‐linker at 36.5 °C is achieved (≈10.8%). The study shows new self‐oscillation systems composed of unprecedented combinations of materials, giving the community a robust material‐based insight for developing more life‐like autonomous biomimetic soft robots with various operating temperatures and beyond.
Preparation of Temperature‐Responsive Films Based on PNVCL Microgel with Varying Sizes and Cross‐Linking Degrees for Cell Harvesting
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Chang , Li Yu , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping
Published: April 2024

This work reports preparing thermal responsive poly (N‐isovinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) microgel based films for cell growth and detachment. PNVCL microgels of hydrated size ranging from 386 to 815 nm (25 °C) and different crosslinking degree are prepared. The PNVCL microgels can be rapidly and massively deposited on glass by spin coating method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle (WCA) are used to study the influence of crosslinking degree and particle size on the surface morphology, stability, and hydrophilicity of PNVCL microgel film. The cell activity of the desorbed cells is quantitatively characterized employing human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B). The results show that BEAS‐2B cells can be desorbed quickly from the film in 30 min, and the optical density (OD) value of desorbed cells incubated after 3 d increases by approximately 52% compared to the control group. This study broadens the selection of temperature‐sensitive film for cell harvesting, and provides a new tool for the quantitative characterization of desorbed cells.
Regulating the Chiroptical Expression of Aggregated Solvophobic Core by Solvophilic Segments
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Guo Jiaying , He Zixiang , Zhou Zhenyang , Shi Shengyu , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

The investigation of chiral supramolecular stacking is of essential significance for the understanding of the origin of homochirality in nature. Unlike structurally well‐defined amphiphilic liposomes, it remains unclear whether the solvophilic segments of the amphiphilic block copolymer play a decisive role in the construction of asymmetric superstructures. Herein, insights are presented into the stacking patterns and morphological regulation in azobenzene‐containing block copolymer assemblies solely by modulating the solvophilic chain length. The solvophilic poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) segments of different molecular weights could cause multi‐mode chirality inversions involving stacking transitions between intra‐chain π–π stacking, inter‐chain H‐ and J‐aggregation. Furthermore, the length of the solvophilic PMAA also affects the morphology of the chiral supramolecular assemblies; rice grain‐like micelles, worms, nanofibers, floccules, and lamellae can be prepared at different solvophilic–solvophobic balance. The comprehensive mechanism is collectively revealed by utilizing various measurement methods, such as including circular dichroism (CD), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). This study highlights the critical importance of fully dissolved solvophilic segments for the chiroptical regulation of the aggregated core, providing new insights into the arrangement of chiral supramolecular structures in polymer systems.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of the Nonisothermal Double Quench Phase Separation Process for the Production of Polymeric Membranes Using Polystyrene‐Cyclohexanol Polymer Solution
Authors: Ranjbarrad Samira , Chan Philip K.
Published: April 2024

The double quench phase separation is a simplified type of continuous cooling process that is widely seen in industrial processes for polymeric membrane formation. Uncommon quenching conditions can lead to the creation of novel membrane microstructures. This study aims to theoretically investigate the impact of nonisothermality on the morphology formation during the double‐quench thermally‐induced phase separation process. First, quench is employed during different stages of phase separation to observe the possibility of secondary morphology formation. Next, two initial quench temperatures are selected, one shallow and the other deep. The initial solution temperature and the secondary quench temperature are kept constant to inspect the impact of the initial quench temperature on the structure formation. Lastly, the results of the secondary quench are compared with and without employing the enthalpy of demixing. Results verified that the stage of phase separation, the initial and secondary quench temperatures, cooling rate, and the secondary quench composition are the most important parameters in the the nonisothermal double quench phase separation process. The morphology should be well‐developed in order for the secondary structure formation. In addition, it is shown that heat generation during demixing in the primary and secondary quenches significantly influences the secondary morphology formation.
Dietary Intake of Yeast‐Derived β‐Glucan and Rice‐Derived Arabinoxylan Induces Dose‐Dependent Innate Immune Priming in Mice
Authors: Moerings Bart G. J. , Mes Jurriaan J. , van Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen , Govers Coen , van Dijk Miriam , Witkamp Renger F. , van Norren Klaske , Abbring Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Beta‐glucans and arabinoxylans are known for their immunostimulatory properties. However, in vivo these have been documented almost exclusively following parenteral administration, underemphasizing oral intake.

C57BL/6 mice are fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with yeast‐derived whole β‐glucan particle (yWGP) or with rice‐derived arabinoxylan (rice bran‐1) at a concentration of 1%, 2.5%, or 5% weight/weight (w/w) for 2 weeks. Thereafter, cells from blood, bone marrow, and spleen are collected for ex vivo stimulation with various microbial stimuli. Dietary intake of yWGP for 2 weeks at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% w/w increases ex vivo cytokine production in mouse blood and bone marrow, whereas 5% w/w yWGP shows no effect. In the spleen, cytokine production remains unaffected by yWGP. At a concentration of 1% w/w, rice bran‐1 increases ex vivo cytokine production by whole blood, but 2.5% and 5% w/w cause inhibitory effects in bone marrow and spleen.

This study demonstrates that dietary yWGP and rice bran‐1 induce immune priming in mouse blood and bone marrow, with the strongest effects observed at 1% w/w. Future human trials should substantiate the efficacy of dietary β‐glucans and arabinoxylans to bolster host immunity, focusing on dose optimization.
Design and Synthesis of Polyheterocyclic Compounds Containing Pyrazolopyridopyrimidine Nucleus with Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: El‐Essawy Farag A. , Odah Mohammad Ahmad Ahmad
Published: April 2024

This study reports the design, synthesis, and antibacterial evaluation of a library of novel polyheterocyclic derivatives featuring a unique fused pyrimidopyridopyrazole moiety. A cyclocondensation reaction between an amino−pyrazolopyridopyrimidine precursor and malonates afforded a series of pyrimidopyridopyrazolopyrimidine derivatives. Further diversification was achieved through nucleophilic cyclocondensation, yielding a collection of complex polyheterocyclic systems encompassing various ring structures. All synthesized compounds were rigorously characterized using spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. The antibacterial activity of the newly synthesized compounds was assessed against a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Notably, several compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activity, highlighting their potential as leads for the development of novel antibiotics.
Synthesis of aminopyrazine‐based fire resistant additive and its application in epoxy resin
Authors: Ma Menghua , Yang Qixiang , Meng Tiantian , Wei Yuxin , Pan Yi , Chen Rui
Published: April 2024

A new fire retardency APD was synthesized successfully by the condensation between 2‐aminopyrazine and DOPO, and target product APD was characterized by NMR. Absorption peak at 12.6 ppm in 31P NMR verified complete consumption of the reactant DOPO and further confirmed the structure of APD. The safety of epoxy resin (EP) in fire disaster was dramatically improved by introduction of APD. Epoxy resin modified with 8% APD succeeded in vertical burning (UL‐94) test with V‐0 rating and limited oxygen index (LOI) of EP/8% APD was also improved to 33.9%. Cone calorimeter (CC) test further exhibited fire resistant effect of APD on EP in detail. 11.0 g APD reduced total heat release of 100 g EP to 35.1% and reduced total smoke product of 100 g EP to 19.9%. Char residue from CC test of EP/8% APD was analyzed by Raman, XPS, SEM, and FTIR tests. The results of these tests indicated that compact morphology of char residue from EP/8% APD possessed a positive effect in blocking fire spread.

Highlights

APD was synthesized and fire resistant EP was made.

EP/APD acquired outstanding fire resistance and moderate mechanical properties.

APD played fire resistant role in gas phase and condensed phase.
Toward recycling polyolefin wastes via single‐step solid‐state friction extrusion
Authors: Ni Yelin , Li Xiao , Wang Tianhao , Meyer Pimphan , Ramos Jose , Simmons Kevin
Published: April 2024

Plastic recycling facilities deal with single‐ and mixed‐stream plastic waste. Clean single‐stream waste is sold as clean flake, or the flake is converted to pellets for material handling. The flake conversion process uses a conventional melt‐phase extruder to convert extruded filaments that are cooled and then pelletized. Friction extrusion (FE), a solid phase processing technique that has successfully extruded metal and metal matrix composites with desired properties, has never been utilized to address its ability to process plastic wastes. In this study, FE was performed on single‐stream low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and single‐stream polypropylene (PP). Consolidated filaments of 2.5 mm diameter were extruded from different polymers. The energy efficiency of FE was estimated based on extrusion rates. A potentially 50%–80% reduction in energy cost was calculated for FE compared to the conventional melt extrusion process. Thermal properties of pellets and extruded filaments were measured to evaluate the effects of FE process on the molecular and morphological structures of LDPE and PP. The thermal properties of PP before and after FE were not significantly changed. For LDPE, the melting and crystallization temperatures increased by 3 and 7°C while the degree of crystallinity decreased by 3%, probably associated with side chain realignment under shearing.

Highlights

Direct extruded polyolefin into filaments without melting via friction extrusion.

Estimated over 50% energy reduction compared melt extrusion process.

This novel mechanical process does not degrade polyolefin material.
Towards a cutting‐edge metallization process for silicon heterojunction solar cells with very low silver laydown
Authors: Lorenz Andreas , Wenzel Timo , Pingel Sebastian , Sabet Milad Salimi , Retzlaff Marc , Clement Florian
Published: April 2024

Within this work, we investigate the potential to optimize the screen‐printed front side metallization of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. Three iterative experiments are conducted to evaluate the impact of the utilized fine mesh screen configurations and grid layout adaption (finger pitch) for the front side metallization on silver laydown and electrical performance of the solar cells. With respect to the screen configuration, we compare the performance of a fine‐mesh knotless screen to a conventionally angled screen demonstrating an additional gain of Δη = +0.1%abs due to reduced shading losses. Additionally, a grid layout is improved by increasing the number of contact fingers from 120 to 156. Furthermore, the current possibility to push the fine‐line printing process for low‐temperature pastes to the limit is investigated by reducing the nominal finger width wn to 20, 18, and 15 μm. It is shown that even the smallest nominal width of wn = 15 μm can be printed with high quality, leading to an additional efficiency gain of Δη = +0.15%abs as well as a reduction of silver paste laydown by −5 mg. Finally, a batch of champion cells is fabricated by applying the findings of the previous experiments, which results in a maximum efficiency of ηmax = 23.2%. Compared to the reference group without optimization, this corresponds to a gain of Δη = +0.17%abs, which comes along with an additional decrease of the silver paste laydown by approximately −2 mg. This emphasizes the significance of consistent optimization of the screen‐printing process in terms of cell performance and resource utilization for SHJ solar cells.
Analysis of time‐dependent mechanical behavior of polyethylene
Authors: Jar P.‐Y. Ben
Published: April 2024

New data analysis based on a spring‐dashpot model is developed to provide very close simulation of stress variation in polyethylene (PE) when subjected to a multi‐relaxation (MR) test. The model consists of a quasi‐static branch and two (long‐ and short‐term) viscous branches. The study shows that viscous stresses applied to the two dashpots and the model parameters can be quantified as functions of displacement (stroke) by simulating closely the stress variation in relaxation. Using these parameters, influences of stress triaxiality and material grade on PE's stress response at relaxation stages are examined, and along with experimental data at the loading stages, spring constants in the two viscous branches are determined. The results indicate that among three PE grades, spring constants and their trend of variation are similar in the long‐term viscous branch, but not in the short‐term counterpart. The results also show that by decreasing specimen gauge length 10 times to increase stress triaxiality, spring constants in the two viscous branches become closer to each other. The work concludes that the new data analysis can determine all parameters in the model, which can then be considered to quantify the role of the viscous stress response for PE's load‐carrying performance.

Highlights

Use a simple model to simulate complex, multiple relaxation behaviors of PE.

Determine all model parameter values to characterize PE's relaxation behavior.

Illustrate the effect of stress triaxiality on PE's viscous stress response.

Show the similarity and difference of the viscous stress response among 3 PEs.
From flesh to bones: Multi‐omics approaches in forensic science
Authors: Procopio Noemi , Bonicelli Andrea
Published: April 2024

Recent advancements in omics techniques have revolutionised the study of biological systems, enabling the generation of high‐throughput biomolecular data. These innovations have found diverse applications, ranging from personalised medicine to forensic sciences. While the investigation of multiple aspects of cells, tissues or entire organisms through the integration of various omics approaches (such as genomics, epigenomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) has already been established in fields like biomedicine and cancer biology, its full potential in forensic sciences remains only partially explored. In this review, we have presented a comprehensive overview of state‐of‐the‐art analytical platforms employed in omics research, with specific emphasis on their application in the forensic field for the identification of the cadaver and the cause of death. Moreover, we have conducted a critical analysis of the computational integration of omics approaches, and highlighted the latest advancements in employing multi‐omics techniques for forensic investigations.
Introduction and Quantification of Sulfide Ion Defects in Highly Crystalline CdS for Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Nagakawa Haruki
Published: April 2024

To evaluate and diversify, control methods for surface defects in photocatalysts have surged because of their significant effect on carrier dynamics and reactivity. Sulfide photocatalysts, wherein anion defects act as electron traps, are not as extensively researched as oxide photocatalysts, and therefore, the knowledge of defects remains incomplete. Herein, simple treatments such as grinding, alkali immersion, and annealing are used to introduce surface defects into CdS, which is a representative sulfide photocatalyst. Moreover, Pt‐loaded CdS is prepared by reducing Pt ions using electrons trapped in the defects. The amount of defects on the CdS surface is successfully estimated by quantifying the amount of unreacted Pt ions through the absorbance of the reaction solution. The results indicate that the defect density can be increased using any of these employed methods. The surface state varies with the introduction method, leading to significant changes in photocatalytic activity. Grinding induces particle refinement and amorphization, alkali immersion induces oxidation and hydroxylation, and annealing enables the formation of a sulfurized surface. These surface conditions degrade the photocatalytic activity, and therefore, introduction of defects under relatively mild conditions is preferred. Herein, the sample calcined at 473 K shows the highest photocatalytic activity.
Rapid discrimination of geographical origin of garlic (Allium sativum L.): A metabolomic approach applied to paper spray mass spectrometry data
Authors: Leite Victor dos Santos Azevedo , Ikehara Brena Rodrigues Mota , Almeida Natália Reis de , Augusti Rodinei , Pinto Frederico Garcia
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Distinguishing and categorizing the origin of garlic are highly significant, considering its widespread use as a flavoring agent. With billions of dollars annually in global trade, garlic is frequently susceptible to fraudulent practices.

Methodology

Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS‐MS) was employed to quickly analyze garlic samples from distinct geographic origins: China and Brazil. The so‐generated PS‐MS data were treated with metabolomic multivariate approaches, and the garlic samples from these different geographic regions were easily discriminated.

Results

Brazilian garlic was characterized to contain higher levels of amino acids, such as arginine, proline, and valine, and organosulfur compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and l‐γ‐glutamil‐S‐allyl‐l‐cysteine, compared to Chinese garlic. The PS‐MS data were treated employing multivariate approaches, typically used in the metabolomics field, and this protocol was promptly able to discern among both types of samples.

Conclusion

Hence, this combined strategy holds promise not only as an effective tool for the authentication of the geographical origin of garlic but also as a powerful means for biomarker discovery.
The enhanced tribological performance of fabric‐reinforced resin composites by biomimetic surface modification of fillers
Authors: Cao Fengxiang , Fang Zhen , Qiao Zhuhui
Published: April 2024

The poor dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and weak interfacial adhesion of fabric and resin matrix seriously affect the tribological performance of fabric‐reinforcement resin composites. Tannic acid (TA), a plant‐derived compound, which is similar to mussel‐inspired polydopamine, can adhere to various substrates under a weak basic buffer solution. Therefore, in this work, TA‐modified MWCNTs were incorporated into TA functionalized fabric composite to improve the tribological performance of the fabric composite. The results indicate that the MWCNTs and fabric were successfully modified with TA. The wear tests revealed that the TA‐MWCNTs reinforcement TA‐fabric resin composites exhibited the best tribological performance, in which the friction coefficient and volume wear rate decreased by 16.9% and 40%, respectively, compared with pristine fabric composite. The favorable interfacial bonding between fabric and resin is beneficial to the friction force transfer to the load‐bearing fabric, decreasing the stress focus and thus reducing the damage to composite materials. Meanwhile, the good dispersion of MWCNTs contributes to the excellent lubrication performance. This simple and eco‐friendly method of treating fillers with TA provides a new approach to achieve high‐performance tribological materials.
Machine Learning Discrimination and Ultrasensitive Detection of Fentanyl Using Gold Nanoparticle‐Decorated Carbon Nanotube‐Based Field‐Effect Transistor Sensors
Authors: Shao Wenting , Sorescu Dan C. , Liu Zhengru , Star Alexander
Published: April 2024

The opioid overdose crisis is a global health challenge. Fentanyl, an exceedingly potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a leading contributor to the surge in opioid‐related overdose deaths. The surge in overdose fatalities, particularly due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its contamination of street drugs, emphasizes the urgency for drug‐testing technologies that can quickly and accurately identify fentanyl from other drugs and quantify trace amounts of fentanyl. In this paper, gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐decorated single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) are utilized for machine learning‐assisted identification of fentanyl from codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine. The unique sensing performance of fentanyl led to use machine learning approaches for accurate identification of fentanyl. Employing linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation approach, a validation accuracy of 91.2% is achieved. Meanwhile, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the factors that contributed to the enhanced sensitivity of the Au‐SWCNT FET sensor toward fentanyl as well as the underlying sensing mechanism. Finally, fentanyl antibodies are introduced to the Au‐SWCNT FET sensor as specific receptors, expanding the linear range of the sensor in the lower concentration range, and enabling ultrasensitive detection of fentanyl with a limit of detection at 10.8 fg mL−1.
A novel defect prediction method based on semantic feature enhancement
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Xiaoli , Chen Jinfu , Cai Saihua , Nii Ayitey Sosu Rexford
Published: April 2024

Although cross‐project defect prediction (CPDP) techniques that use traditional manual features to build defect prediction model have been well‐developed, they usually ignore the semantic and structural information inside the program and fail to capture the hidden features that are critical for program category prediction, resulting in poor defect prediction results. Researchers have proposed using deep learning to automatically extract the semantic features of programs and fuse them with traditional features as training data. However, in practice, it is important to explore the effective representation of the semantic features in the programs and how the fusion of a reasonable ratio between the two types of features can maximize the effectiveness of the model. In this paper, we propose a semantic feature enhancement‐based defect prediction framework (SFE‐DP), which augments the semantic feature set extracted from the program code with data. We also introduce a layer of self‐attentive mechanism and a matching layer to filter low‐efficiency and non‐critical semantic features in the model structure. Finally, we combine the idea of hybrid loss function to iteratively optimize the model parameters. Extensive experiments validate that SFE‐DP can outperform the baseline approaches on 90 pairs of CPDP tasks formed by 10 open‐source projects.
Blast Furnace Slag Formation Prediction Model Using Classical Thermodynamics
Authors: Kumar Bhupendra , Hazra Sujan , Sahoo Manisha , Pal Padma , Paliwal Manas , Nag Samik
Published: April 2024

Blast furnace (BF) ironmaking is the most widely used technology for hot metal production. In steelmaking industry, 80% of the steel in the world is produced in the BF‐basic oxygen furnace route. It is well known that poor quality of the raw material i.e., high gangue content in the iron ore affects the BF process performance and the cohesive zone formation, which is the most critical zone in the BF operations. Increased gangue content in the iron ore causes variation in the slag formation and slag volume thus affecting the fuel rate and BF performance. Therefore, in this study, the slag formation is studied to understand the slag properties at different locations inside the BF. The model is based on classical thermodynamics and is implemented using ChemApp linked with FactSage databases. The model aids in understanding the slag formation in the BF for various burden chemistry, fuel, and flux inputs. The final hot metal and slag composition along with the exit gas volume and composition predicted from this model are compared with industrial BF plant data operating across different conditions.
Cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRAVERSE trial)
Authors: Hackett Geoff , Kirby Mike
Published: April 2024

Despite some confusing conclusions among recent findings from the TRAVERSE trial, the results should provide physicians with reassuring evidence to enable them to manage men with symptomatic testosterone deficiency with greater confidence.
Narratives of Ukraine on the Information Battlefields of Global Media
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Zhabotynska Svitlana
Published: April 2024

Contributing to the debate of how narratives organize and serve information to exert influence beyond national borders, we answer an urgent call for comparative narrative analysis in International Relations (IR). To explore the changing global narratives of Ukraine, we engage with commentators who argue a certain unity in sensemaking about Ukraine in the West (including the EU) vis-à-vis the non-Western world, and we also examine how Western narratives on Ukraine/war against Ukraine are divided. Empirically, we engage with the media narratives framing Ukraine in 2022–2023 in the selected countries of Europe, Global South and in China. These narratives are compared to the results of the representative public surveys in the respective locations and the overview of the knowledge-producing outputs (think tanks and academia) in the selected countries. We engage with the concept of “antagonistic narrative strategies” and dissect pro-Kremlin narratives directed towards diverse receivers around the world in general, and the EU in particular. Finally, we highlight six “takeaways” for the EU facing an uncertain world at this time of war against Ukraine. Building on our previous work, we argue the impact of the constructed image in the narrative can be reinforced by the interplay of two projection properties: (1) content accentuation and priming, through iterations and content contextualization and (2) historical and cultural resonance with the receivers.
Introduction
Authors: Moreno-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2024

This chapter contextualizes the book in terms of aims, methods, contents, and audience. It first discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of society, and the crucial role that social networks played as a means to disseminate information and share feelings and ideas between users. Finally, a comprehensive summary of the most outstanding research related to this book is offered, focusing on those works that employ similar techniques to the ones used here.
Managing Large Twitter Datasets
Authors: Moreno-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides a thorough discussion of Twitter/X corpora in terms of compilation and management. Twitter corpora differ from other types of corpora in many aspects, as they are composed of a very large number of very small documents (tweets), each with a slew of metadata, that can be downloaded through scripts that make use of available APIs, which calls for certain tools and techniques. The type of language used in social media is also very different from other, more standard genres, both in form and content. When this is coupled with large-size corpora, effective sampling techniques are necessary, which are discussed at length in this chapter. Finally, a description is given of using geotagged data and subcorpora creation and management.
Once-weekly insulins: a promising approach to reduce the treatment burden in people with diabetes
Authors: Trevisan Roberto , Conti Matteo , Ciardullo Stefano
Published: April 2024

Despite the availability of new classes of glucose-lowering drugs that improve glycaemic levels and minimise long-term complications, at least 20–25% of people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy. Moreover, a substantial proportion of these individuals do not achieve adequate metabolic control following insulin initiation. This is due to several factors: therapeutic inertia, fear of hypoglycaemia and/or weight gain, poor communication, complexity of insulin titration, and the number of injections needed, with the associated reduced adherence to insulin therapy. Once-weekly insulins provide a unique opportunity to simplify basal insulin therapy and to allow good glycaemic control with a low risk of hypoglycaemia. Several approaches to developing a stable and effective once-weekly insulin have been proposed, but, to date, insulin icodec and basal insulin Fc (insulin efsitora alfa) are the only two formulations for which clinical studies have been reported. The results of Phase I and II studies emphasise both efficacy (in term of glucose levels) and potential risks and adverse events. Phase III studies involving insulin icodec are reassuring regarding the risk of hypoglycaemia compared with daily basal insulin analogues. Despite some concerns raised in ongoing clinical trials, the available data suggest that weekly insulins may also be an option for individuals with type 1 diabetes, especially when adherence is suboptimal. For the first time there is an opportunity to make an important breakthrough in basal insulin therapy, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes, and to improve not only the quality of life of people with diabetes, but also the practice of diabetologists.

Graphical Abstract