bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life cycle assessment of lead‐free potassium sodium niobate versus lead zirconate titanate: Energy and environmental impacts
Authors: Wu Yanqi , Soon Pak‐Sheng , Lu Jing‐Tong , Zhou Jinling , Liu Yi‐Xuan , Guo Zhaohui , Wang Ke , Gong Wen
Published: April 2024

Over the years, lead‐based piezoelectric ceramics found extensive use in vital fields such as sensors and actuators. Despite their exceptional electromechanical properties, lead‐containing materials pose severe environmental risks and foster a new era of lead‐free piezoelectric materials after decades of research. However, recent comparative assessments of potassium sodium niobate (KNN) versus lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric materials proposed that the environmental damage already presented before use due to raw material extraction and processing, invoking concerns on the true greenness of the lead‐free alternatives. Nevertheless, many other factors deserve further consideration, for example, reference geometry and life cycle stage. Herein, the comprehensive life cycle assessment is undertaken on PZT and KNN‐based ceramics with a unit volume of 0.001 m3 from cradle to gate. Results show that PZT exhibits higher negative impacts than KNN‐based counterparts, attributed to lead extraction, processing, and associated environmental emissions. Across primary quantitative impact indicators from toxicity, environmental, and resource aspects, KNN‐based ceramics impose fewer risks on the environment and human health, with the overall impact being only 28% of PZT ceramics. Still, more efficient methods are required for KNN‐based ceramics to reduce the high energy consumption and emission during extraction and purification of raw material Nb2O5. This work not only offers critical insights for material development but also serves as a multifaceted reference for advanced fabrication technologies.

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Ecological Risk Assessment of Three Pesticide Additives in Soil and Application to the Remediation of Contaminated Soil
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Jing , Wang Wenqiang , Lu Yongze , Sun Liwei , Zhang Yimin
Published: April 2024

Pesticide additives (PAs) are auxiliary ingredients added to the pesticide manufacturing and use processes, constituting 1% to 99% of the pesticide and often composed of benzene and chlorinated hydrocarbons. We selected three typical PAs, toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene, to evaluate their retention function toxicity and ecological risk in soil. Soil immobilization techniques and aquatic model organisms were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the immobilized soil method to determine the ecological risk of chemicals. The 48-h median lethal concentrations of toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene alone in spiked soil on Daphnia magna were 10.5, 2.3, and 1.1 mg/L (medium, high, and high toxicity, respectively). The toxicity of the three-PA mixtures showed an antagonistic effect. The risk levels of toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene in the soil were evaluated as moderate to high, low to high, and high risk, respectively. The toxicity of two pesticide-contaminated sites in the Yangtze River Delta before and after remediation was successfully evaluated by immobilized soil technology. The toxicity of two soil sampling points was reduced from medium toxic to low toxic and no toxic, respectively, after remediation. The results of our study give a rationale for and prove the validity of the aquatic model organisms and soil immobilization techniques in assessing the soil retention functions toxicity of PAs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1677–1689. © 2024 SETAC
Evaluating the impact of the degree of extranodal extension on outcomes in locally advanced oral cavity cancer
Authors: Yalamanchali Anirudh , Griffith Christopher , Reddy Chandana A. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Woody Neil M. , Campbell Shauna R. , Silver Natalie , Scharpf Joseph , Lorenz Robert R. , Prendes Brandon , Ku Jamie A. , Lamarre Eric , Geiger Jessica L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Evaluate whether extranodal extension (ENE) extent impacts outcomes in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).

Methods

From an institutional database, patients with OCSCC and pathologic ENE who received adjuvant treatment were included. Surgical slides were reviewed to confirm ENE extent.

Multivariable Cox regression was used to relate patient/treatment characteristics with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). ENE was analyzed as both a dichotomous and continuous variable.

Results

A total of 113 patients were identified. Between major (>2 mm) versus minor ENE (≤2 mm), there was no significant difference in DFS (HR 1.18, 95%CI 0.72–1.92, p = 0.51) or OS (HR 1.17, 95%CI 0.70–1.96, p = 0.55). There was no significant association between ENE as a continuous variable and DFS (HR 0.97 per mm, 95%CI 0.87–1.4, p = 0.96) or OS (HR 0.96 per mm, 95%CI 0.83–1.11, p = 0.58).

Conclusion

No significant relationship was seen between ENE extent and DFS or OS in individuals with OCSCC.
Dare to thrive! How and when do development idiosyncratic deals promote individual thriving at work?
Authors: Xu Angela J. , Jiang Zhou , Zhou Qin , Wu Chia‐Huei
Published: April 2024

Despite the importance of a thriving workforce in sustaining organizational success, prior research pays little attention to how individualized human resource (HR) practices can help individual employees to thrive at work. Drawing on the theoretical underpinnings of conservation of resources theory, we investigate whether, how, and when development idiosyncratic deals (i‐deals) can contribute to individual thriving. We contend that possessing development i‐deals will motivate individuals to engage in approach job crafting, which in turn promotes their experience of thriving at work. We further contend that high‐quality leader–member exchange will enhance the function of development i‐deals in triggering approach job crafting and subsequent thriving experiences. Results from a two‐wave survey involving 278 managers in a pharmaceutical firm in China and a three‐wave survey among 178 managers working in various organizations in the UK support our hypotheses. Our findings provide new insights for practitioners seeking to design customized HR practices to support a thriving workforce.
Lightweight facial expression estimation for mobile computing in portable device
Authors: Liu Jinming
Published: April 2024

Facial expression recognition has been studied for many years, especially with the development of deep learning. However, the existing researches still have the following two issues. Firstly, the intensity of facial expression is neglected. Secondly, the deep learning based approaches cannot be directly deployed in the devices with limited resources. In order to tackle these two issues, this paper proposes a lightweight facial expression estimation method using a shallow ordinal regression algorithm, which is deployed in a portable smart device for mobile computing in IoTs. Compared with classification based facial expression recognition methods, ordinal regression considers the intensity of facial expression to achieve better mean absolute error (MAE), which is validated by experiments on several public facial expression datasets. The simulation in portable device also demonstrates its effectiveness for mobile computing.
Improving the reliability of machine learned potentials for modeling inhomogeneous liquids
Authors: Fazel Kamron , Karimitari Nima , Shah Tanooj , Sutton Christopher , Sundararaman Ravishankar
Published: April 2024

The atomic‐scale response of inhomogeneous fluids at interfaces and surrounding solute particles plays a critical role in governing chemical, electrochemical, and biological processes. Classical molecular dynamics simulations have been applied extensively to simulate the response of fluids to inhomogeneities directly, but are limited by the accuracy of the underlying interatomic potentials. Here, we use neural network potentials (NNPs) trained to ab initio simulations to accurately predict the inhomogeneous responses of two distinct fluids: liquid water and molten NaCl. Although NNPs can be readily trained to model complex bulk systems across a range of state points, we show that to appropriately model a fluid's response at an interface, relevant inhomogeneous configurations must be included in the training data. In order to sufficiently sample appropriate configurations of such inhomogeneous fluids, we develop protocols based on molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of external potentials. We demonstrate that NNPs trained on inhomogeneous fluid configurations can more accurately predict several key properties of fluids—including the density response, surface tension and size‐dependent cavitation free energies—for liquid water and molten NaCl, compared to both empirical interatomic potentials and NNPs that are not trained on such inhomogeneous configurations. This work therefore provides a first demonstration and framework to extract the response of inhomogeneous fluids from first principles for classical density‐functional treatment of fluids free from empirical potentials.
Effectiveness of contrast‐enhanced duplex ultrasound for detecting renal artery stenosis: A systematic review
Authors: Shivgulam Madeline E. , Liu Haoxuan , Kivell Matthew J. , MacLeod Jessica R. , O'Brien Myles W.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Contrast‐enhanced duplex ultrasound (CEUS) might be a useful tool to diagnosing renal artery stenosis (RAS). We amalgamated and reviewed the evidence assessing the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS on detecting RAS compared to angiography.

Methods

This preregistered systematic review included studies that compared the presence of RAS via CEUS with angiography. Sources were searched in November 2022 and included Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier (n = 1717). The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies 2 tool assessed study quality. Results are presented narratively.

Results

The studies included (n = 11) had a total of 447 unique participants (193 females) and average age of 56 ± 9 years. Five of eleven studies investigated CEUS using SonoVue contrast agent and reported an average accuracy (91% ± 2%), sensitivity (91% ± 3%), specificity (90% ± 5%), negative predictive value (86% ± 6%), and positive predictive value (94% ± 1%) with all values >80%. The accuracy of CEUS using other types of contrast agent (n = 6), including Levovsit (n = 3/6), Definity (n = 1/6), perfienapent emulsion (n = 1/6), and perfluorocarbon‐exposed sonicated dextrose albumin (n = 1/6) was mixed. These studies detected an average accuracy of 91 ± 11% (n = 2/3% > 80%), sensitivity of 98% ± 4%, (n = 3/3% > 80%), and specificity of 86% ± 10% (n = 2/3% > 80%). Included studies had generally low risk of bias and applicability concerns except for unclear flow and timing (n = 7/11) and applicability of patient selection (n = 4/11).

Conclusion

Despite being limited by the heterogeneity of included studies, our review indicates a high overall diagnostic accuracy for CEUS to detect RAS compared to angiography, with the largest evidence‐base for SonoVue contrast. Radiologists and hospital decision makers should consider CEUS as an acceptable alternative to angiography.
Periodontists and oral surgeons’ peri‐implantitis‐related education, knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior: A national survey
Authors: Polymeri Angeliki , Marti Kyriaki C. , Aronovich Sharon , Inglehart Marita R.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Each year, approximately 5 million dental implants are placed in the United States and one out of three patients is likely to experience peri‐implantitis (PI). The objectives were to compare the PI‐related education, knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior of periodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), and to explore relationships between these constructs of interest.

Methods

A total of 389 periodontists and 161 OMS responded to a web‐based survey. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (independent sample t‐tests, chi‐square tests, and correlational analyses) were conducted.

Results

On average, periodontists reported a higher percentage of time spent in residency on implant surgery (21.02% vs. 7.27%; p < 0.001), better education about PI (5‐point scale with 1 = not at all well: means: 2.86 vs. 2.59; p < 0.001), and better knowledge of risk factors (4.07 vs. 3.86; p < 0.001) than OMS. Periodontists argued that oral hygiene‐related treatment (4.45 vs. 4.22; p = 0.001) and regeneration‐focused treatments such as guided tissue regeneration (3.62 vs. 3.20; p < 0.001) contributed more to successfully treating PI and used these treatments more in their practices (4.86 vs. 4.56; p < 0.001/3.06 vs. 2.68; p < 0.001) than OMS. They also considered PI as a more serious problem than OMS (4.55 vs. 3.80; p < 0.001). The better the respondents’ PI‐related knowledge was, the more they considered PI as a serious problem (r = 0.19; p < 0.001). The more cases they treated per month, the more they considered PI as a serious problem (r = 0.19; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study highlight the lack of standardization in the specialty training of periodontists and OMS. Best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PI are needed to optimize graduate education about this important topic.
Comparison of push‐out bond strength and apical microleakage of different calcium silicate‐based cements after using EDTA, chitosan and phytic acid irrigations
Authors: Koçak Şahin Tutku , Ünal Murat
Published: April 2024

This research was aimed to evaluate push‐out bond strength and apical‐microleakage after application of three different calcium silicate‐based cements with irrigation solutions on simulated immature teeth. 40 maxillary permanent canine teeth were used for push‐out bond strength test, and 120 maxillary permanent incisors were used for microleakage evaluation. 120 root slices were divided into four main groups (EDTA, Chitosan, Phytic acid, and Saline) and immersed these solutiouns according to irrigation procedures. Each irrigation group was divided into 3 subgroups (Biodentine, MTA Repair HP, and NeoPUTTY). The prepared teeth were divided into four groups according to irrigation procedure for microleakage test. EDTA irrigation with Biodentine group showed highest push‐out bond strength value and saline group with Neoputty showed the lowest push‐out bond strength value. The highest microleakage value was seen in saline group with MTA Repair HP, while the lowest microleakage value was observed chitosan with Biodentine group. Chitosan and phytic acid solutions can be recommended as an alternative irrigation solution to 17% EDTA in single‐session apexification treatment, since they are non‐toxic, naturally occurring materials, effectively remove the smear layer, and have a positive effect on bond strength and apical leakage.

Research Highlights

One of the factors affecting the long‐term success of root canal treatment is a hermetic seal. Non‐hermetic or inadequate filling triggers a chronic inflammatory reaction in periapical tissues, causing fluids to enter the spaces and negatively affecting the success of the treatment. Therefore, this study will help clinicians choose the right biomaterial and irrigation solution that will affect the success of root canal treatment.
Cell‐engineered virus‐mimetic nanovesicles for vaccination against enveloped viruses
Authors: Han Chungmin , Kim Suyeon , Seo Youngjoo , Lim Minyeob , Kwon Yongmin , Yi Johan , Oh Seung‐Ik , Kang Minsu , Jeon Seong Gyu , Park Jaesung
Published: April 2024

Enveloped viruses pose a significant threat to human health, as evidenced by the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Although current vaccine strategies have proven effective in preventing viral infections, the development of innovative vaccine technologies is crucial to fortify our defences against future pandemics. In this study, we introduce a novel platform called cell‐engineered virus‐mimetic nanovesicles (VNVs) and demonstrate their potential as a vaccine for targeting enveloped viruses. VNVs are generated by extruding plasma membrane‐derived blebs through nanoscale membrane filters. These VNVs closely resemble enveloped viruses and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in size and morphology, being densely packed with plasma membrane contents and devoid of materials from other membranous organelles. Due to these properties, VNVs express viral membrane antigens more extensively and homogeneously than EVs expressing the same antigen. In this study, we produced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) VNVs expressing the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike glycoprotein (S) on their surfaces and assessed their preclinical efficacy as a COVID‐19 vaccine in experimental animals. The administration of VNVs successfully stimulated the production of S‐specific antibodies both systemically and locally, and immune cells isolated from vaccinated mice displayed cytokine responses to S stimulation.
Synthesis of Deuterated Endochin‐Like Quinolones
Authors: Pou Sovitj , Winter Rolf W. , Liebman Katherine M. , Dodean Rosie A. , Nilsen Aaron , DeBarber Andrea , Doggett J. Stone , Riscoe Michael K.
Published: April 2024

Malaria continues to be a serious and debilitating disease. The emergence and spread of high‐level resistance to multiple antimalarial drugs by Plasmodium falciparum has brought about an urgent need for new treatments that will be active against multidrug resistant malaria infections. One such treatment, ELQ‐331 (MMV‐167), an alkoxy carbonate prodrug of 4(1H)‐quinolone ELQ‐300, is currently in preclinical development with the Medicines for Malaria Venture. Clinical development of ELQ‐331 or similar compounds will require the availability of isotopically labeled analogs. Unfortunately, a suitable method for the deuteration of these important compounds was not found in the literature. Here, we describe a facile and scalable method for the deuteration of 4(1H)‐quinolone ELQ‐300, its alkoxycarbonate prodrug ELQ‐331, and their respective N‐oxides using deuterated acetic acid.
Investigation of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of a peptide aldehyde SJA6017 with identifying its hemiacetal, gem‐diol, and enol ether
Authors: Zou Zhiyang Zack , Han Ming‐jie
Published: April 2024

The quantitative analysis of SJA6017, a peptide aldehyde inhibitor of calpain (Calpain Inhibitor VI), has encountered challenges in preclinical drug studies. The complex reverse‐phase HPLC chromatographic behavior exhibits two peaks, each containing multiple species. An liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) study proposed an explanation for this phenomenon, caused by the amide aldehyde structure of SJA6017. Four chemical species corresponding to the two HPLC peaks have been identified as SJA6017 and its methyl hemiacetal, methyl enol ether, and gem‐diol. In many instances of preclinical studies, methanol is favored as a substitute for DMSO. The hemiacetal is formed when the amide‐activated peptide aldehyde reacts with methanol, which can then be further dehydrated in the mass spectrometer ion source under high temperature to form the methyl enol ether. The hemiacetal and gem‐diol can also be decomposed to SJA6017 in the ion source. Additionally, the amide‐activated peptide aldehyde can easily hydrate to the gem‐diol of SJA6017 during sample incubation or sample preparation. The hemiacetal and gem‐diol of SJA6017 are stable enough to have different retention times in the liquid chromatography, which explains why SJA6017 appears as two peaks, each containing multiple species. An LC–MS/MS tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer quantitative analysis method is proposed, enabling the analysis of these types of samples. This work serves as both an illustrative example and a cautionary note for mass analysis, sample incubations, and sample preparations involving compounds of peptide aldehyde, including similar aldehyde‐containing metabolites, especially when methanol is present. This study provides the information needed to understand peptide aldehyde behavior at various steps of preclinical in vitro studies in the presence of methanol. It has assisted in the development of the SJA6017 bioanalysis method and will also aid in the development of bioanalysis methods for similar peptide aldehydes.
Effects of block and random copolymerization on the properties of fatty alcohol polyoxypropylene‐polyoxyethylene ether sulfates for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Chen Zhao , Lin Xue , Chen Qi , Song Binglei , Pei Xiaomei , Cui Zhenggang
Published: April 2024

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by surfactant flooding has been attractive. Among the surfactants developed alcohol polyoxypropylene (PO)‐polyoxyethylene (EO) ether sulfates (APES), also named extended surfactants, have been proved efficient. However, the arrangement of the PO and EO chains as well as the hydrocarbon structure in the molecules may significantly affect their performances. In this paper three APES, C18−16PO25EO10SO4Na (I), C18−16(PO/EO)25+10SO4Na (II), and C16GA(PO/EO)25+10SO4Na (III) were prepared and investigated, in which APES (I) and APES (II) were designed to have same PO and EO numbers but block and randomly copolymerized respectively with linear C18−16 fatty alcohols as starting agent, whereas the APES (III) was derived from double chain C16 Guerbet alcohol (C16GA) with PO and EO randomly copolymerized. The results show that the block copolymerized APES (I) gives much better brine solubility and counterion tolerance than the randomly copolymerized APES (II) and (III). Although all APES synthesized are highly surface‐active and can reduce Daqing crude oil/simulated brine interfacial tension (IFT) to ultralow by mixing with more hydrophobic surfactants in presence or absence of alkali, the APES (III) gives the lowest IFT due to with double hydrocarbon chains. In addition, it is found that for APES (I) gelation occurs in neutralization process and the corresponding nonionic intermediate is highly viscous, whereas the randomly copolymerized two intermediates are liquid‐like with low viscosity, which may be feasible to apply SO3/air falling film sulfation. This study provided useful information for arrangement of embedded nonionic moiety and hydrocarbon structure in designing extended surfactants for EOR.
Surface miscibility of Gemini surfactants and DOPE in binary mixed monolayers
Authors: Gillis Scott C. , Lall Gurmeet K. , Lu Han‐Jin Philip , Qiu Yilin , Wettig Shawn D.
Published: April 2024

Surface pressure (π)–molecular area (A) isotherms were gathered to characterize the packing of binary mixed Langmuir monolayers of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and one of two Gemini surfactants (GS), N,N‐bis(dimethyloctadecyl)‐1,7‐nonanediammonium dibromide (18‐7‐18) or 1,9‐bis(octadecyl)‐1,1,9,9‐tetramethyl‐5‐amino‐1,9‐nonanediammonium dibromide (18‐7NH‐18) of varying molar fractions. Information about miscibility behavior was derived from the π–A curves by examining the excess free energy of mixing (ΔGexc) that was calculated through the surface area additivity rule. Surface compressibility modulus (Cs−1) was also used to characterize intermolecular interactions. Mutual interactions between GS and DOPE were analyzed in terms of excess Gibbs energy of mixing and the value of this parameter depended strongly on the composition of the mixed film. GS and DOPE are generally miscible as DOPE reduces intermolecular repulsion between highly charged GS molecules leading to the formation of more densely packed mixed monolayers. However, GS and DOPE are immiscible in equimolar mixtures due to tail group packing mismatch between saturated and unsaturated alkyl chains. The prevalence of attractive synergistic interactions in the monolayers studied differs from a previous finding of antagonistic mixing behavior in GS/DOPE micelles. These results contribute to the understanding of GS‐lipid interactions and packing that are critical to the in vitro and in vivo stability of liposomes composed of these molecules used for non‐viral gene therapy applications.
Wild birds and the ecology of antimicrobial resistance: an approach to monitoring
Authors: Guardia Tullia , Varriale Lorena , Minichino Adriano , Balestrieri Rosario , Mastronardi Danila , Russo Tamara Pasqualina , Dipineto Ludovico , Fioretti Alessandro , Borrelli Luca
Published: April 2024

Tackling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires joint efforts according to the principles of the One Health approach. In this context, wildlife, and especially wild birds, are recognized as an important bridge between environment, humans and livestock in perpetuating AMR. Over the last decades, important progress has been made in understanding the role of wild birds as carriers of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and their genes (ARGs) within ecosystems; however, there are still many knowledge gaps regarding transmission sources and routes. This commentary summarizes studies from recent years focusing on AMR in wild birds, highlighting the most frequently found zoonotic bacteria harboring ARGs and the possible exchange scenarios between humans, livestock, and wild birds. We emphasize the need to standardize and optimize a wild bird monitoring approach for AMR surveillance that includes non‐invasive sampling methods, culture‐independent techniques for identification of ARGs, database integration and implementation, and machine learning technology. This multidisciplinary perspective, which could involve veterinarians, biologists, ornithologists, conservationists, and managers, may represent part of the solution, not only for wildlife conservation but also for global health, considering that the goal is to reverse the route of AMR.
A simple method for the quantification of amidic bioavailable dissolved organic nitrogen in seawater
Authors: Letscher Robert T. , Aluwihare Lihini I.
Published: April 2024

A targeted method for the quantification of bioavailable amide N found in marine DON (bDON) is presented. The method utilizes mild acid hydrolysis to convert amide N found in proteins and N‐acetyl amino polysaccharides to primary amine containing products that are measured using a highly sensitive (nanomolar range and precision) fluorometric technique with addition of O‐phthaldialdehyde. We find amidic bDON concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 1.82 μM N within waters from the upper 300 m in the southern California Current, Southern California Bight, and subtropical North Pacific representing 15–33% of bulk DON concentrations. Bioassay experiments from the North Pacific revealed consumption of ~20% of the in situ bDON within 5 days. The method represents a simple and rapid tool for the quantification of bioavailable DON concentrations in seawater with improved analytical precision over traditional estimates of bulk DON concentrations.
Impacts of aerosol meteorological feedback on China's yield potential of soybean
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Zhu Linxiao , Hao Yueting , Wang Zilin , Xue Lian , Ding Ke , Huang Xin
Published: April 2024

China's severe particle pollution could affect the regional climate and weather conditions that consequently threaten local to global food security. Yet, the underlying mechanisms and quantitative assessment of aerosols on crop yields remain unknown. Here, by integrating a meteorology–chemistry model and a crop model, we show the impacts of atmospheric aerosols on China's meteorology and soybean yields. We find that the potential yields of soybean would decrease in most parts of China due to direct aerosol radiation effects, while showing diverse responses in parts of the Northeast and North China Plain. Moreover, because of the high sensitivity of soybean growth to water, potential yield fluctuations are closely related to aerosol‐induced precipitation changes in most soybean‐growing regions of China. In particular, aerosols play the most important role during soybean's pod‐filling stage, in which the influence of both precipitation perturbations and negative solar radiative forcing is about 5–10 times that of air temperature on crop yield. Our study thereby identifies aerosol mitigation can bring a notable increase in crop yields, highlighting the potential for important co‐benefits in food security across polluting developing countries.
A fractional Darcian model‐based analytical solution for non‐Darcian flow toward a fully penetrating well in a confined aquifer
Authors: Tu Kun , Wu Qiang , Zhang Hongwei , Li Xiang
Published: April 2024

The Forchheimer and Izbash equations have been long employed to investigate the behavior of non‐Darcian flow toward a well in various aquifer systems, but both two equations inevitably introduce problems such as more or less empirical nature, and dimensional unbalance. Therefore, this work makes the attempt to introduce the fractional Darcian model for characterizing the non‐Darcian behavior flow toward a fully penetrating well in a confined aquifer instead of the Forchheimer and Izbash equations. In this study, a fractional Darcian model‐based analytical solution in the time domain is obtained by means of Laplace transform and linearization approximation. The proposed analytical solution of this study can be readily reduced to the classical Theis solution for Darcian flow. Meanwhile, the late‐times and steady‐state analytical solutions for non‐Darcian flow described using the fractional Darcian model are also developed. Moreover, a comparison with previous analytical solutions shows that the newly derived analytical solution in this study is sufficiently accurate at later times. The influences of different parameters on transient drawdown are investigated. The results indicate that the fractional derivative order and hydraulic conductivity have a large influence on drawdown compared with other parameters. The introduction of fractional Darcian model in this study could also provide potential application for further investigations of non‐Darian flow behavior toward fully or partially penetrating wells in different aquifer systems, which can be very beneficial for hydrology and other related fields.
Midwives' approach to the prevention and repair of obstetric perineal trauma in Spain
Authors: Laderas Díaz Estíbaliz , Rodríguez‐Almagro Julián , Picón Rodríguez Rafael , Martínez Galiano Juan Miguel , Martínez Rodríguez Sandra , Hernández‐Martínez Antonio
Published: April 2024

Aim

Different clinical practice guidelines include recommendations on how to prevent and repair obstetric perineal trauma, as well as the use of episiotomy. To evaluate the variability in midwives' professional practices for preventing and repairing perineal trauma, as well as the professional factors that may be associated with the restrictive use of episiotomy.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Three hundred five midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors and distributed across various midwifery scientific societies. The main outcomes measured were the frequencies of adopting specific practices related to perineal injury prevention and repair, episiotomy technique and restrictive episiotomy use (<10%). Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

Results

Intrapartum perineal massage was not normally used by 253 (83%) of midwives, and 186 (61%) applied compresses soaked in warm water to the perineum. Regarding episiotomy, there was a great deal of variability, noting that 129 (42.3%) adopted a restrictive use of this procedure, 125 (41%) performed it between 10% and 20%, while 51 midwives (16.7%) performed it in more than 20% of cases. In addition, 165 (54.1%) midwives followed an incision angle of 60º. Concerning tears, 155 (50.8%) usually sutured first‐degree tears and 273 (89.5%) always sutured second‐degree tears. Midwives attending home births (aOR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.69–15.69), working at a teaching hospital (aOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.39–9.84), and the ones who recently completed their professional training (aOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.46–8.79) were significantly more likely to adopt a restrictive use of episiotomy.

Conclusions

There is a significant variability in Spanish midwives' practices for preventing and repairing perineal tears. Moreover, the restrictive use of episiotomy is associated with midwives attending home births, working in teaching hospitals and having recent professional training.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Effect of mental arithmetic stress on periodontal sensation in the upper molar and tactile sensation in the cheek
Authors: Somoto Michitaka , Oki Kazuhiro , Matsuda Yuhei , Matsunaga Tadashi , Minagi Shogo , Kanno Takahiro
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study examined the absolute threshold of periodontal sensation (ATPS) in the upper molars and the difference threshold of tactile sensation (DTTS) in the cheek skin before and after mental arithmetic stress.

Methods

Twenty participants (10 men and 10 women; median age: 24.5 years) and 13 healthy individuals (eight men and five women; median age: 24.0 years) underwent ATPS measurement using the staircase method and DTTS using the method of limits. These tests were conducted before and after 10 min of mental arithmetic task. Psychological state was evaluated by comparing heart rate and blood pressure. Induction of mental stress was confirmed by significant activation of the cardiovascular system after the mental arithmetic task.

Result

Although ATPS showed a statistically significant increase after mental stress (P = 0.01), DTTS showed no significant change (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study revealed that the influence of psychological state tended to appear in the perception of force exerted on the teeth. Therefore, periodontal sensation may be blunted by mental stress, even in healthy individuals. Patients may be exposed to mental stress during dental and oral maxillofacial treatment, and the occlusal sensory threshold may be altered; therefore, caution is essential during prosthetic and other occlusion‐related treatments.
The influence of GNP on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy adhesive: Pearson correlation matrix and heatmap application in data interpretation
Authors: Khalil Nur Zalikha , Kong Nurziana , Fricke Holger
Published: April 2024

This article explores the impact of Graphene Nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforcement on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy adhesive. The impact of GNPs on the structural adhesive largely depends on factors like dispersion stability and GNP concentration. Given the complexity of these interactions, it is imperative to obtain indicators for the degree of each interaction. In this study, Pearson correlation matrix and heatmaps analysis were used to analyze the relationship between various variables and the strength of the connection. The addition of GNP at various concentrations to the epoxy adhesive led to a reduction in storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature, attributed to the agglomeration of GNP. In bulk specimens, the incorporation of GNP, regardless of its content, has decreased tensile stress up to 70.7% while increasing its fracture elongation up to 396.3%. Within joining specimens with GNP, specimens with 1.5 wt% GNP content showed the highest cohesive fracture mode and largest shear strength. Pearson correlation matrix and heatmaps have demonstrated very good accuracy in reflecting the experimental data. They offer a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between various variables while indicating the degree of influence each variable has on the properties of the adhesive and joining specimens.

Highlights

GNP effects in adhesive can be accurately analyzed with Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps.

Connections strength for various variables can be shown by Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps.

Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps assess variable relationships comprehensively.
Versatile biochar for wood‐plastic composites: Improving mechanical properties, dimensional and thermal stability
Authors: Hoang Phuocthoi , Zhang Zhenxin , Ren Jinyuan , Peng Yao , Cao Jinzhen
Published: April 2024

In this study, three types of biochar including wood biochar (WB), rice husk biochar (RHB), and bamboo biochar (BB) were used as fillers to mix with wood flour (WF), polypropylene (PP), and maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) to prepare wood polymer biochar composites (WPBC). The influences of biochar types and addition amounts (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, and 40 wt%) on the mechanical properties, dimension stability, and thermal stability of WPBC were investigated. The results showed that the water absorption rate and thickness swelling rate of WPBC were lower than control group due to the hydrophobic nature of the biochar. Additionally, the presence of biochar was beneficial to the interfacial bonding and stress transmission in composites, resulting in better mechanical properties. Composites containing 20 wt% RHB showed the highest flexural modulus among all, which increased by 11.27% compared to control group. Adding WB also enhanced the tensile and impact strength of composites at a loading level of 10 wt%, with the value of 39.10 MPa and 15.55 KJ/m2, respectively. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of WPBC was improved due to the presence of SiO2 in biochar, which could hinder heat transmission and thermal degradation during combustion process. Concurrently, the rate of heat release and smoke generation in WPBC also decreased significantly. The oxygen limiting index (LOI) of composites with 20 wt% RHB was as high as 26.64%, increasing by 30.14% compared to control group. The results suggested that biochar was a promising alternative to commercial additives for the cost‐effective production of composites.

Highlights

Effects of biochar loading level and type were compared.

Enhanced the mechanical properties by optimizing interfacial bonding.

Biochar improved the dimensional and thermal stability.

Biochar is a versatile and cost‐effective additive.
Effect of alumina fillers on physical and mechanical properties of luffa/groundnut shell natural fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Senthil Kumar Maruthamuthu Shanmugam , Sivakumar Muthusamy , Senthil Sathyamangalam Munusamy , Rajeshkumar Lakshminarasimhan
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid luffa waste and groundnut shell waste natural fibers and to evaluate the effect of different filler loadings of alumina on the mechanical behavior of the hybrid composites. The luffa fibers were made to undergo mercerization in 10% NaOH solution. All the treated fibers and the alumina fillers were characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The study used three different filler loadings of alumina (Al2O3) (5%, 10%, and 15% by volume) and three different fractions of treated luffa‐waste groundnut shell hybrid fibers (10%, 30%, and 50% by volume). The composites were fabricated using the hand layup technique, and the prepared test specimens were subjected to mechanical and physical properties testing as per ASTM standards. The experimental findings indicated that the inclusion of Al2O3 filler improved the physical and mechanical characteristics of the natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites. The results showed that the composites with 30 vol. % fibers (1:1 luffa fiber: groundnut shell fiber) and 10 vol. % Al2O3 content showed enhanced tensile, flexural, shear, and impact strength and hardness. Besides, a good synergy between the alumina fillers, natural fibers, and the polymer matrix was observed in the surface morphology of the composite specimen. The developed composites can be used in low and medium‐load‐bearing structural and non‐structural applications.

Highlights

Development of hybrid polymer composites with luffa and novel groundnut shell fibers

Hybridization of alumina ceramic particles with natural fiber hybrid composites

Assessment of physical and mechanical properties of the polymer composites
Quantitative analysis of six sesquiterpene glycosides from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. under different growth conditions by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry in MRM mode
Authors: Gao Chunxue , Wu Xingdong , Yang Zhou , Qin Lin , Wu Di , Fan Qingjie , Zhao Yongxia , Tan Daopeng , Li Jiaying , Zhang Jianyong , He Yuqi
Published: April 2024

The contents of sesquiterpene glycosides (SGs) from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. were greatly influenced by different growth conditions. A quantitative method based on HPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS in MRM mode was developed for simultaneous analysis of six SGs. The results were further analyzed by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed the SG contents were relatively high in 3‐year‐old D. nobile grown at an altitude of approximately 500 m on Danxia rocks in Chishui, Guizhou.
Weighting estimation in the cause‐specific Cox regression with partially missing causes of failure
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Ogino Shuji , Wang Molin
Published: April 2024

Complex diseases are often analyzed using disease subtypes classified by multiple biomarkers to study pathogenic heterogeneity. In such molecular pathological epidemiology research, we consider a weighted Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the effect of exposures on various disease subtypes under competing‐risk settings in the presence of partially or completely missing biomarkers. The asymptotic properties of the inverse and augmented inverse probability‐weighted estimating equation methods are studied with a general pattern of missing data. Simulation studies have been conducted to demonstrate the double robustness of the estimators. For illustration, we applied this method to examine the association between pack‐years of smoking before the age of 30 and the incidence of colorectal cancer subtypes defined by a combination of four tumor molecular biomarkers (statuses of microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, BRAF mutation, and KRAS mutation) in the Nurses' Health Study cohort.
Cheminformatics and QSAR‐Based Identification of Natural Bioactive Compounds as Potent Inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐7 Methyltransferases
Authors: Thomas Jobin , Satija Jitendra
Published: April 2024

Ever since the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, to date, no specific and efficient therapeutic cure is available for the SARS‐CoV‐2 viral infection. Few reports have been observed with the late cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with altered immunity. The nsp14 protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 is a key target for antiviral drug development as it controls replication of virus and evasion of host immune system. In this study, a consensus of cheminformatics approaches involving virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET profiling, molecular dynamics simulations, free‐energy landscape, MM‐GBSA, DFT and 2D‐QSAR analysis is employed to discover the inhibitor of nsp14 protein. Our investigation reveals four natural bioactive compounds, i. e. ZINC2132169, ZINC8791872, ZINC8952607 and ZINC6624334 that possess enhanced binding affinity towards nsp14 protein with no predicted toxicity. Molecular docking, MD simulations and MM‐GBSA analysis established that all hit compounds strongly bind at the same pocket through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. DFT analysis revealed greater reactivity of hit compounds and their stable complex formation with nsp14 protein, while the 2D‐QSAR (R2=0.92) predicted their pIC50 value in the range of 5.30–6.71 nM. These findings imply that hit compounds would be potent drug candidates in controlling the SARS‐CoV‐2 by inhibiting nsp14 protein.
Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles for Efficient Cr(VI) Removal and Antioxidant/Microbial Properties
Authors: Naaz Romana , Fakhar Nida , Siddiqui Vasi Uddin , Siddiqi Weqar Ahmad , Mohsin Mohd
Published: April 2024

The study focuses on fabrication of a cost‐effective Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) adsorbent using Syngonium podophyllum leaves extract to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from synthetically prepared wastewater. Various spectroscopic techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to characterize the ZnONPs. Fourier infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) detected that various organic compounds like flavonoids, terpenoids, and carboxylic acids acts as stabilizing and capping agent. The batch adsorption study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cr6+ adsorption time, pH, adsorbent concentration, and initial adsorbate concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity was 267.068 mg/g at 313 K. The Freundlich isotherm model was most suitable, indicating multilayer confiscation of Cr6+ on the heterogeneous surface. Chemisorption was identified as the mechanism of sequestration. Thermodynamic studies revealed that Cr6+ removal was spontaneous and feasible, with ΔG° values suggesting predominantly physisorption. Additionally, ZnONPs displayed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus bacteria, making them a potential alternative to antibiotics. ZnONPs exhibited impressive antioxidant activity. Overall, ZnONPs synthesized through biosynthesis proved to be excellent nano‐sorbents, antioxidants, and biocompatible materials with promising applications in water remediation and healthcare.
Controlled Growth of Silver Nanoparticles on Cotton Substrate for Enhanced SERS, Catalytic, and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Batool Unsia , Khan Ghazanfar Ali , Shafique Saima , Shahbaz Rabia , Imran Muhammad , Hussain Shafqat , Ahmed Waqqar
Published: April 2024

In this study, we report the growth of surfactant‐free silver nanoparticles (NPs) on cotton through a facile chemical reduction method, iteratively applied to gradually increase and control the concentration of silver NPs. Our substrates showed enhanced performance in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), catalytic, and antibacterial properties, all attributable to the high concentration of NPs on the cotton and their surfactant‐free nature. While the antibacterial properties improve with increasing growth cycles, SERS and catalytic properties first increase from the first to fourth growth cycles and then decrease for the fifth growth cycle. For substrate with optimum deposition for SERS, rhodamine 6G (R6G) analyte down to nanomolar concentrations were detectable, with a linear correlation of intensity versus concentration and exhibit excellent uniformity in the SERS signal. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of our substrates against the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was impressive with a rate constant of 0.0866 min−1 for the first growth cycle, which increased by ~3.4‐fold to 0.2979 min−1 for the fourth growth cycle. Finally, the substrates showed excellent antibacterial activity towards both Gram‐negative (E. coli) and Gram‐positive (S. aureus) bacteria. For both bacteria, the zone of inhibition increased with increasing growth cycles.