bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluoride Distribution in Aquatic Environment in Vicinity of Aluminum Industry and Its Correlation with Rainwater Chemistry and Weather Parameter: A Case Study of Renukoot, District Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Shishu Pal , Singh Shivraj , Kumar Rajesh
Published: August 2019

Fluorine is a highly reactive element and readily hydrolyzes to form hydrogen fluoride and oxygen. Hydrogen fluoride reacts with many materials both in the vapor phase and in aerosols. Fluorides are naturally-occurring components of rocks and soil and are also found in air, water, plants, and animals. Fluorine gas pollutes the atmospheric environment originating from aluminium smelting plant operating at Renukoot, district Shonbhadra. Volcanic emissions also emit hydrogen fluoride.  A detailed investigation undertaken during 2008-2012 to objective fluoride Distribution in Aquatic Environment in Vicinity of Aluminum Industry and its Correlation with Rainwater Chemistry and Weather Parameter. For this investigation Collect 57 rainwater samples in rainy season in pre-cleaned and sterilized polyethylene bottles of two litre capacities from roof of the local society of Hindustan Aluminum Company Renukoot, district Sonbhadra. The collected samples were analyzed for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Chlorine, Sulphate, Fluoride, Residual Sodium Carbonates, and Sodium Adsorption Ratio with standard procedures.
Standardization and Evaluation of Cauliflower Stalks Incorporated Phulkas
Authors: Rafiuddin Md. , Swathi Y. , Prakash M. Sai , Suneetha W. Jessie , Kumari B. Anila
Published: August 2019

Lot of attention is focused on the development of value-added foods that promote wellbeing and improve health due to increased awareness among consumers, rapid urbanization and globalization. Many by-products may be useful as source of nutrients and potential functional ingredients to obtain added value products for combating hidden hunger.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) has highest waste index with maximum ratio of non-edible to edible portion after harvesting. Unfortunately, cauliflower waste in developing countries like India does not find any significant use despite containing appreciable amounts of proteins, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre and natural antioxidants like carotenoids, phenolic compounds, glycosylates and flavonoids. Thus, it can be a novel ingredient for production of value-added foods.

The cauliflower stalks powder was incorporated to phulkas at 5, 10 and 15% respectively and evaluated by semi trained panellists using 5-point hedonic scale for colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. The phulkas with 10% incorporation was most accepted one. The most accepted phulkas was screened for phytochemical constituents and analysed for physical parameters. The results showed that the cauliflower stalks incorporated phulkas contained phytochemicals like carbohydrates, alkaloids, protein, flavonoids, phenols, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, saponins and tannins. The physical parameters included foaming properties, swelling capacity, gelatinization temperature which were higher for cauliflower stalks incorporated phulkas whereas water uptake analysis, cooking time, retrogradation was lower in comparison to control phulkas.
Comparative Analysis of Phytochemicals Screening, Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Anacardium occidentale L. Nuts and Carica papaya Seeds
Authors: Hayatuddeen Abubakar , Chiroma Timothy Musa , Umar Barambu Nafiu , Bashir Mohammed
Published: August 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was comparative analysis of phytochemicals screening, proximate and elemental analysis of Anacardium occidentale L nut and Carica papaya seeds extracts.

Study Design: The samples were cleaned, washed with water, dried, and grinded with a laboratory mortar and pestle, packed in an air tight container and stored ready for further analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Chevron Biotechnology Centre, Modibbo Adamawa University of Yola, Nigeria which lasted for about three months.

Methodology: The nuts were manually separated from fruit pulp, cleaned, washed with water, dried, roasted and grinded with a laboratory mortar and pestle, packed in an air tight container and stored ready for further analysis.

Results: The result of Anacardium occidentale L nut phytochemicals screening showed that with Glycosides (-), Tannins (+), flavonoids(+++), Alkaloids(++), Saponins(-) and the proximate composition (%) were as follows: moisture content (9.7 ± 0.2), ash content (3.46±0.3), crude fat (26.79± 0.5), crude protein (14.26 ± 0.01) carbohydrate (by difference) (45.78± 0.01) Calorific (Energy) value 482.00 Kcal. The mineral analysis (mg/100g) revealed that magnesium (3.50 ± 0.01), Manganese (2.00 ± 0.01), Nickel (3.22 ± 0.01) and Cobalt (0.13 ±0.01) while the phytochemical screening for Carica papaya seeds extracts also showed Glycosides (+), Tannins (++), flavonoids(++), Alkaloids(++), Saponins(-)   for the moisture content (8.59 ± 0.3), ash content (4.09±0.16), crude fat (15.60± 0.2), crude protein (15.84 ± 0.01) carbohydrate (by difference) (41.63) Calorific (Energy) value 1549.25 Kcal. The mineral analysis (mg/100g) revealed that magnesium (3.02 ± 0.02), Manganese (0.22 ± 0.01), Nickel (3.41 ± 0.01) and Cobalt (0.18 ± 0.01).

Conclusion: The study therefore indicates that the Anacardium occidentale L nut and Carica may not provide all the nutrients required by human in the right proportion though it contains an appreciable quantity of some essential nutrients like Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrate and some minerals.
Construction and Determination of Irreducible Polynomials in Galois elds, GF(2m)
Authors: Aidoo Abraham , Gyam Kwasi Baah , Yang Fengfan
Published: August 2019

This work is about Construction of Irreducible Polynomials in Finite fields. We defined some terms in the Galois field that led us to the construction of the polynomials in the GF(2m). We discussed the following in the text; irreducible polynomials, monic polynomial, primitive polynomials, eld, Galois eld or nite elds, and the order of a finite field. We found all the polynomials in $$F_2[x]$$ that is, $$P(x) =\sum_{i=1}^m a_ix^i : a_i \in F_2$$ with $$a_m \neq 0$$ for some degree $m$ whichled us to determine the number of irreducible polynomials generally at any degree in $$F_2[x]$$.
Estimation of Drug Pharmacokinetics from Breast Feeding: A Simple Method Based on Meta-analysis
Authors: Alassane Oumar Aboubacar , Carlos De Pablos-Martinez , Mamoudou Maiga , Sounkalo Dao , Etienne Chatelut , Peggy Gandia
Published: August 2019

Background: In resource-limited settings, breastfeeding is the healthiest source of nutrition for newborns. For economic/cultural reasons, breastfeeding is the preferred option for the majority of mothers, including HIV-positive mothers.

Objective: The objective of this review is to document parameters characterizing antiretroviral therapy (ARV) diffusion into breast milk associated with the estimated ARV amount ingested by breastfed infant and clinical/biological abnormalities.

Data Source and Eligibility Criteria: Twenty seven (27) published articles on the aspects of Pharmacokinetic parameters on ARV diffusion into breast milk have shown a large variability without clear interpretation on drugs diffusion. Using PubMed and Embase, we conducted a search to identify all published studies at 2015 that characterized antiretroviral drug diffusion from mother to infant via breast milk. We identified 27 published studies that characterized antiretroviral drug passage from mother to infant (drug concentrations in mother’s milk and breastfed plasma). Information was sufficiently complete for inclusion in the present analysis for only six antiretroviral drugs.

Results: Finally, only data for nevirapine and efavirenz were exploitable because some of the studies found null or non-detectable levels, which were not suitable for simulations. Median (IQR) nevirapine CL/F were 0.022 (0.013-0.038) for newborns, 0.121 (0.116-0.125) for children and 0.056 (0.045-0.070) for mothers, all in L/h/kg. Efavirenz CL/F were 0.025 (0.016-0.039) for newborns, 0.273 (0.261-0.285) for children and 0.160 (0.153-0.167) for mothers, also in L/h/kg.

Conclusion: Pharmacokinetics parameters of efavirenz and nevirapine are important to be determined in breastfed newborns.
Stigmasterol and β-sitosterol from the Root of Mangifera indica and Their Biological Activities against Some Pathogens
Authors: Nna Prince Joe , Tor-Anyiin Terrumun Amom , Muluh Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Aim: Mangifera indica is a plant with several phytoconstituents which accounts for its trado-pharmacological uses such as treatment of syphilis, anemia, diabetes, diarrhea, mouth wound, ulcer, leucorrhea, fever, liver diseases, urinary tract infection, asthma, rheumatism, cough, colon cancer and dysentery. The present study was aimed at identifying and characterizing some of the active principles from root of the plant.

Places and Duration of Study: The isolation and characterization of the compounds was carried out at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom between October, 2018 to February, 2019 while the bioassay analysis was done at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Methodology: The root powder was subjected to Soxhlet extraction with ethyl acetate to obtain the crude extract, which was fractionated on column using hexane, and ethyl acetate in increasing ratios. The isolated components were tested for their antimicrobial activities against some plants and animal pathogens at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Results: White crystals were obtained which on spectra analysis (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D-NMR) were identified as mixture of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The isolated compounds exhibited appreciable antimicrobial activities against some microbes, thus confirming the many ethnomedical uses of the plant.

Conclusion: The compounds isolated were identified as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The pathogens showed moderate sensitivity towards the isolated compounds in the study.
Obstructive Sialadenitis of Submandibular Gland Due to a Nail-like Fish Bone Foreign Body: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Tabatabaee Rosa Mostafavi , Sanatkhani Majid
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Foreign body-associated sialadenitis of submandibular gland is not often and scarce within the literature. In this study, a report of a piece of Nail-like fish bone foreign body entering the Wharton’s duct causing an acute sialadenitis is presented.

Foreign bodies must be explored and all suspected areas must be examined carefully for avoiding secondary problems and surgeries in the future.

Foreign bodies in the oral and maxillofacial region are often experienced after trauma and dental treatment.

Case Report : We describe a case of obstructive sialadenitis in the submandibular gland caused by penetration of a fish bone in a 68-year-old man. He had swelling and spontaneous pain in the left submandibular region. The radiographic examination didn't show foreign body in the submandibular gland. Initially, we diagnosed obstructive sialadenitis in the left submandibular gland and the study suspect that salivary stone might be the cause of this swelling so compressing and milking of Wharton duct. The foreign body measured 1.3 cm *3 mm*2 mm and was a nail-like object. On pathological examination, the foreign body was found to be a fish bone (cartilage-like organic material).

Conclusion: This case demonstrated that precise and proper inspection and examination, milking and then paying attention to the secretion of salivary gland lead to proper diagnosis and after that suitable treatment, so this could reduce costly assessment and treatment, also lessen bewilderment of the patient.
Redesigning the Hospital Environment to Improve Restfulness
Authors: Catley Caellagh D. , Paynter Kayla , Jackson Kendall , Huggins Ashley , Ji Jenny , Sanka Sai Anusha , Simkins Michelle , Maddox Thomas M. , Lyons Patrick G.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Hospital wards are often not conducive to patient sleep, negatively affecting patient health and experience.

Objectives

To assess determinants of in-hospital restfulness and to design and test rest-promoting interventions on the wards in partnership with clinicians, staff, and patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This rapid-sequential mixed-methods quality improvement study was performed at a large urban academic hospital in St Louis, Missouri, from May 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, with follow-up through hospitalization. Mixed-methods activities involved purposively selected hospitalized adults on the wards, nurses, hospitalists, and hospital staff. Interventions included all adult hospitalizations on the study wards.

Interventions

Sequential stacked bundles of multimodal rest-promoting interventions (general education, focused education on light or noise, safely reducing overnight monitoring or testing, and environmental personalization).

Main Outcomes and Measurements

Pre-post comparisons of perceived nighttime quietness (via surveys) and sleep opportunity (coprimary outcomes) as well as clinical interruptions overnight, environmental noise, and adoption and satisfaction.

Results

Nine patients (4 female) and 14 staff members (10 female; 3 nurse managers or administrators, 10 nurses, and 1 physician) were interviewed, 38 surveys were collected, and more than 100 hours of observation were performed. Interventions were evaluated for 671 patients (mean [SD] age, 60 [16] years; 336 [50%] female). Determinants of in-hospital rest included infrastructure, staff attitudes, priorities, culture, and patient experiences of anxiety, uncertainty, and loss of control. Informed by these determinants, codesign workshops yielded 39 potential interventions, from which 9 were selected for testing. Related interventions were organized into bundles, which were tested in sequential 2-week sprints. Perceived nighttime quietness improved nonsignificantly during the project (wards “always” quiet at night: 51% preintervention vs 86% postintervention; P = .09), with excessive noise events decreasing from 0.65 (95% CI, 0.53-0.77) to 0 per 100 patient-nights before the intervention (P = .02). Sleep opportunity improved significantly (mean, 4.94 [95% CI, 4.82-5.06] hours per patient-night before the intervention vs 5.10 [95% CI, 5.00-5.20] hours per patient-night after the intervention; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this quality improvement study, a set of feasible, acceptable, and beneficial rest-promoting interventions were developed. After implementation of these interventions on the wards, a significant improvement in nighttime quietness and sleep opportunity was observed. These results demonstrate how human-centered design methods can generate practical and effective strategies for improving an important patient-related outcome and a core element of patient experience.
Design, Fabrication, and Wearable Medical Application of a High‐Resolution Flexible Capacitive Temperature Sensor Based on the Thermotropic Phase Transition Composites of PEO/PVDF‐HFP/H3PO4
Authors: Hu Ruohai , Liu Ping , Zhu Wei , Guo Xu , Liu Zhi , Jin Zixiang , Yang Runhuai , Han Jingwen , Tian Helei , Ma Yuanming , Liu Caixia , Song Aiguo , Xia Yanxi , Nie Sheng , Yang Xiaoming , Huang Ying
Published: December 2024

Phase transition materials have the potential to be utilized as high‐resolution temperature‐sensitive materials. However, it is a challenge to develop them into temperature sensors with good stability and repeatability. In this work, inspired by phase transition theory and the electrical double‐layer capacitance principle, a novel high‐resolution flexible capacitive temperature sensor based on Polyethylene oxide(PEO)/Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)/H3PO4 is proposed for the first time. By blending high and low molecular weight PEO and adding ionic solution, the proposed sensor exhibits high resolution (0.05 °C) and response speed (<12 s) within 35–43 °C. The novel introduction of a mesh structure aids the material in achieving microdomain control of PEO crystallization and improves the repeatability (Ex < 2.2%) of the sensor. The sensor is used for monitoring human body temperature and diabetic foot ulcers, and the results show that the sensor can achieve continuous and comfortable body temperature monitoring and early‐stage diabetic foot ulcer diagnosis, offering broad applications in health monitoring and rehabilitation medicine.
Flexible Pressure Sensor Arrays with High Sensitivity and High Density Based on Spinous Microstructures for Carved Patterns Recognition
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Li Kun , Li Zonglin , Wang Weiwei , Yu Xiaofeng , Zhang Tong , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: December 2024

Owing to the superior stimulus perception, tactile function of skin is always the desire of flexible pressure sensor array (FPSA). However, achieving sensor arrays with high sensitivity and high resolution for tactile recognition like skin still remains a challenge. In this paper, an FPSA with high sensitivity (10.50 kPa−1), high density (1134.63 cm−2), and sufficient sensing units (4096 units) is developed, which is one of the best results up to now. The spinous microstructures, transferring from the abrasive papers, endow the sensor array with high sensitivity. Additionally, the high density array with adequate sensing units contributes to achieving high spatial resolution for identifying various surface features. This high‐performance FPSA can obtain detailed pressure distribution for complex carved patterns. With the assistance of machine learning, the FPSA can realize precise tactile recognition, 98.48% accuracy for 12 types of mahjong tiles, indicating a promising potential in an intelligent recognition system. It is worth noting that the relationship between surface microstructures and consistency is systematically investigated for the first time, which offers valuable insights for the preparation of high‐performance sensor arrays.
Bonding Optimization Strategies for Flexibly Preparing Multi‐Component Piezoelectric Crystals
Authors: Bai Yuan , Tang Gang , Xie Lei , Lian He , Wang Shihao , Liu Chaopeng , Yu Qiao , Ji Jianying , Ren Kailiang , Cao Xiaodan , Li Cong , Zhou Lili , Shan Yizhu , Meng Hongyu , Li Zhou
Published: December 2024

Flexible films with optimal piezoelectric performance and water‐triggered dissolution behavior are fabricated using the co‐dissolution–evaporation method by mixing trimethylchloromethyl ammonium chloride (TMCM‐Cl), CdCl2, and polyethylene oxide (PEO, a water‐soluble polymer). The resultant TMCM trichlorocadmium (TMCM‐CdCl3) crystal/PEO film exhibited the highest piezoelectric coefficient (d33) compared to the films employing other polymers because PEO lacks electrophilic or nucleophilic side‐chain groups and therefore exhibits relatively weaker and fewer bonding interactions with the crystal components. Furthermore, upon slightly increasing the amount of one precursor of TMCM‐CdCl3 during co‐dissolution, this component gained an advantage in the competition against PEO for bonding with the other precursor. This in turn improved the co‐crystallization yield of TMCM‐CdCl3 and further enhanced d33 to ≈71 pC/N, exceeding that of polyvinylidene fluoride (a commercial flexible piezoelectric) and most other molecular ferroelectric crystal‐based flexible films. This study presents an important innovation and progress in the methodology and theory for maintaining a high piezoelectric performance during the preparation of flexible multi‐component piezoelectric crystal films.
Geometrical Anatomy for Oxygen Vacancies in Epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Films Grown via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: An Chihwan , Cho Jung Woo , Lee Tae Yoon , Song Myeong Seop , Kang Baekjune , Kim Hongju , Lee Jun Hee , Sohn Changhee , Chae Seung Chul
Published: December 2024

The selective influence of elastic strain on the formation of oxygen deficiencies in (001)‐, (110)‐, and (111)‐ epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films grown by using atomic layer deposition is reported. Optical spectroscopy, conducted using UV–vis spectroscopic ellipsometry on these Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films grown on yttria‐stabilized zirconia substrates, revealed a dominant shallow trap level in the (111)‐oriented Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 film. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy demonstrated that the strong oxygen deficiency is preferred in the (111)‐oriented Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 film. Density functional theory calculations of oxygen vacancy formation energy also showed a pronounced preference for oxygen deficiencies in the (111) orientation. This selective formation of oxygen vacancies in the (111)‐oriented Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 film suggests that the latent phenomena associated with oxygen defects in functional Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films are partly attributed to the directional strain in the (111) orientation.
Efficient Charge‐to‐Orbit Current Conversion for Orbital Torque Based Artificial Neurons and Synapses
Authors: Zhao Qian , Luo Xuming , Wu Huiliang , He Bin , Wang Quwen , Zhang Tengfei , Li Zimu , Liu Pan , Zhao Chenbo , Wang Jianbo , Liu Qingfang , Yu Guoqiang , Wei Jinwu
Published: December 2024

Orbital Hall effect (OHE) in light metal materials has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in innovative orbitronic devices. Here, the OHE in titanium film is investigated and the orbital torque efficiency in Pt/[Co/Ni]3/Ti multilayers is characterized. A notable effective field per unit current density of orbital torque is achieved, nearing 560 Oe per 107 A cm−2 in a sample featuring 25 nm Ti layer. The corresponding orbital torque efficiency is ≈0.25. The resulting orbital torque effectively switches the perpendicularly magnetized moments in Co/Ni multilayers. In contrast, a reference sample of Pt/[Co/Ni]3/Pt demonstrates significantly lower switching efficiency. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the multi‐states switching driven by orbital torque in Pt/[Co/Ni]3/Ti structure can mimic the behaviors of artificial neurons and synapses. This work not only enhances the understanding of the orbital torque but also offers the development of novel orbitronic devices based on OHE.
Multistep Fabrication of OECTs via Direct Ink Writing, With Performance Analysis Based on a Novel Measurement Protocol
Authors: Ghafari Amir Mohammad , Backman Oskar , Rosqvist Emil , Xu Chunlin , Torsi Luisa , Macchia Eleonora , Österbacka Ronald
Published: December 2024

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have been proven beneficial for bioelectronic applications. However, the demand for reliable and fast fabrication methods has not yet been fully met. In this work, OECTs are fabricated using direct ink writing (DIW). This method is cleanroom‐free and can be done without using lithography techniques. These devices are characterized and benchmarked against devices fabricated using spin‐coating and drop‐casting deposition approaches. Response time as well as the product of carrier charge mobility and volumetric capacitance are found to be higher using the DIW fabrication approach compared to standard deposition techniques. In addition, a testing process is designed to systematically evaluate the operational degradation of the semiconductor channel. This test enables identical conditions for all tested devices while providing comparable output. Thicker channels show better stability, while thinner channels are proved to be better transistors. Finally, the degradation issues and instability of these devices are discussed.
Quantifying Heterogeneous Degradation Pathways and Deformation Fields in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Hu Ji , Young Robert Scott , Lukic Bratislav , Broche Ludovic , Jervis Rhodri , Shearing Paul R. , Di Michiel Marco , Withers Philip J. , Rettie Alexander , Paul Partha P.
Published: December 2024

Solid‐state batteries are compelling candidates for next‐generation energy storage devices, promising both high energy density and improved safety, by utilizing metallic Li as the negative electrode. However, they suffer from poor cyclability and rate capability, which limits their wide application. Degradation in these devices occurs through complex mechanical, chemical and electrochemical pathways, all of which produce heterogeneous deformation fields. Therefore, isolating solid‐state degradation mechanisms, and explicitly linking them to the associated deformation fields requires a multimodal characterization strategy. Here, a novel 3‐D, in situ methodology for linking degradation to deformation in solid‐state cells is presented. X‐ray imaging is used to measure the morphological degradation, and combined with X‐ray diffraction to quantify (electro)chemical aspects. Finally, the heterogeneous stress fields from these various pathways are mapped in situ. This heterogeneity is shown globally, from the interface to the bulk electrolyte, as well as locally, around features such as cracks and voids. Through these analyses, it is possible to delineate the effects of solid electrolyte processing, cell assembly, and cycling on the end‐of‐life state of the cell. Moreover, the importance of stress mitigation in these cells is highlighted, with mean stresses around the interface and some cracks comfortably exceeding the elastic limit of Li.
Critical Human and Organizational Factors for Structural Safety in the Dutch Construction Industry
Authors: Ren Xin , Terwel Karel C. , Yang Ming , van Gelder Pieter H. A. J. M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Human errors are widely acknowledged as the primary cause of structural failures in the construction industry. Research has found that such errors arise from the situation created by human factors and organizational factors embedded in the task context. However, these contextual factors have not been adequately addressed in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to identify the critical Human and Organizational Factors (HOFs) that influence structural safety in frequently performed tasks in structural design and construction.

Methods

Through a comprehensive literature review, a framework consisting of potential critical factors called the HOPE framework, is presented. To identify the most critical HOFs that contribute to human error occurrences, a questionnaire survey to experts in the Dutch construction industry was conducted. Finally, the resulting framework was compared with three actual structural failures for validation.

Results

This study shows that the HOFs should be extended with project‐related factors (P) and working environment‐related factors (E) due to the fact that these task contextual conditions play a significant role in shaping professionals' on‐the‐job performance. Furthermore, a survey identified 14 HOFs as critical in contributing to an error‐prone situation in the structural design and construction tasks.

Conclusion

The presented HOPE framework and the identified critical HOFs for structural safety can assist engineers with better hazard identification and quality assurance in practice.
Solvent, Concentration and Temperature Effects in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐Li3PO4 Coating Processes
Authors: Mereacre Valeriu , Stüble Pirmin , Binder Joachim R.
Published: December 2024

The spinel material LiNi0.5‐xMn1.5+xO4 (LNMO) represents a very promising cathode candidate due to its high operating voltage and high specific capacity. Unfortunately, this material is suffering from capacity degradation and a low degree of cyclability at normal and elevated temperatures. Herein, using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an activating reagent, an improvement of the spinel electrochemical properties is achieved by coating the spinel with Li3PO4. The coating method is simple, has a low cost, it could be done in both organic or water solutions, and results in homogeneously coated particles. The structure and the electrochemical properties of the prepared cathodes were probed using XRD, SEM, EDS and electrochemical studies. It was established that the coating has a positive effect on the stability and performance of LNMO. As result, a long cycling stability and very good rate performance (~99 % capacity retention over 300 cycles at 1 C) was achieved.
Identification and Validation of Serum Biomarkers to Improve Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Minha Lea , Chun Hyelim , Lee HyunJu , Seo WooJeong , Lee Jung Young , Yoon Jung Hwan
Published: December 2024

Background

The pressing need for reliable biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and prognosis is a major global health concern. Current diagnostic methods rely heavily on invasive procedures like colonoscopy, and existing biomarkers such as Carbohydrate Antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) exhibit limitations in accuracy and specificity.

Aims

This study aims to identify and validate novel biomarkers that can enhance the early detection and diagnostic precision of CRC while overcoming the shortcomings of conventional biomarkers.

Materials and Methods

Leveraging advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies, gene expression datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conducted further analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Protein‐Protein Interaction (PPI) network construction. Five promising biomarkers—INHBA, MMP7, PSAT1, SLC7A5, and TGFBI—were selected based on their robust performance in Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Serum concentrations of these biomarkers were measured in 200 CRC patients and 100 healthy controls.

Results

The study revealed significantly elevated expression levels of the selected biomarkers in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Additionally, serum concentrations of INHBA, MMP7, PSAT1, SLC7A5, and TGFBI were notably higher in CRC patients than in healthy individuals, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.8361 to 0.9869 indicating high diagnostic accuracy. Optimal cutoff values for diagnosis ranged from 38.9 pg/mL to 280.7 pg/mL, yielding sensitivity and specificity values between 74.5% and 92.9%.

Discussion

The findings underscore the potential of INHBA, MMP7, PSAT1, SLC7A5, and TGFBI as effective non‐invasive biomarkers for CRC detection. Their elevated serum concentrations and robust discriminatory abilities highlight their promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes compared to traditional biomarkers.

Conclusion

The identification and validation of these novel biomarkers represent a significant advancement in CRC diagnosis and management. Further studies are required to validate their clinical applicability in larger cohorts and to elucidate their functional roles in CRC pathogenesis, ultimately enhancing diagnostic strategies and personalized treatment approaches.
Importance of Successful Revascularization in Acute Limb Ischemia: Sub‐Analysis From the RESCUE ALI Trial
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tan Michinao , Uchida Daiki , Dannoura Yutaka , Shibata Tsuyoshi , Iwata Shuko , Azuma Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the 1‐year clinical outcomes and predictors of technical success in acute limb ischemia (ALI) treatment.

Methods

A sub‐analysis of the REtroSpective multiCenter study of endovascUlar or surgical intErvention for ALI (RESCUE ALI) study involved 185 patients with ALI and technical success (n = 131) or failure (n = 54) treated via surgical, endovascular, or hybrid revascularization between January 2015 and August 2021. The primary endpoint was 1‐year amputation‐free survival (AFS), and the secondary endpoints included preoperative complications and 1‐year reintervention.

Results

The technical success group had a significantly higher 1‐year AFS rate than the technical failure group (79% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). Perioperative complications rate showed no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of reintervention was lower in the technical success group (17% vs. 30%, p = 0.049). Age ≥ 80 years, time from onset ≥ 24 h, no below‐the‐knee artery runoff, and preoperative c‐reactive protein ≥ 5 mg/dL were negatively associated with technical success across all procedures. In surgical revascularization, no below‐the‐knee artery runoff was negatively associated with technical success. For endovascular revascularization, onset‐to‐treatment time ≥ 48 h was negatively related and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation was positively related to technical success. In hybrid revascularization, supra‐ to infrapopliteal lesions were negatively associated with technical success.

Conclusions

Technical success in ALI treatment significantly enhances 1‐year AFS rates. Thus, choosing the appropriate revascularization procedure based on predictors of technical success is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Pt Nanocatalysts Modified with Carbon Dots as Nonmetallic Promoters for Enhanced Selective Hydrogenation Performance
Authors: Zhang Tao , Luo Jing , Jiang Qian , Liang Shudong , Zhang Shaocheng , Zhao Kaili , Wang Xiaohan , Hu Shengliang , Qin Yong , Gao Zhe
Published: December 2024

Constructing nonmetal promoter‐decorated Pt‐based catalysts is a promising strategy for enhancing selective hydrogenation performance. In this study, a set of carbon dots (CDs)‐modified Pt/SBA‐15 nanocatalysts were synthesized using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and impregnation techniques. The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including TEM, ICP‐MS, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, XRD, XPS, H2−TPD, H–D exchange, CO‐DRIFTS, and so forth. The catalytic performance of the CDs‐Pt/SBA‐15 catalysts was evaluated by the selective hydrogenation reaction of cinnamaldehyde (CAL) to cinnamyl alcohol (COL). The results indicate that there is electron transfer between the CDs and Pt, and the addition of CDs can improve the hydrogen spillover effect, both of which significantly influence the selective catalytic hydrogenation performance of the CDs‐Pt/SBA‐15 catalysts. Among the tested catalysts, 0.44CDs‐Pt/SBA‐15 demonstrated the highest catalytic performance, with conversion and selectivity 2.8 times and 2.2 times higher, respectively, than Pt/SBA‐15. This study provides a new perspective on designing and preparing highly efficient nonmetallic promoter‐modified Pt‐based nanocatalysts and has significant implications for their application in catalytic reactions.
How startups create new knowledge that spark disruptive innovations
Authors: Zahra Shaker A.
Published: December 2024

Startups play a crucial role in driving disruptive innovation by creating and introducing radically new knowledge that challenges established incumbents and reshapes industries. This article examines the key factors that influence startups' radical knowledge creation, focusing on underlying mechanisms that provide a strategic advantage. By integrating multiple frameworks—creative destruction, disruptive innovation, Blue Ocean, human capital, social networks, and entrepreneurial cognition—the article contributes to the knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm. It offers insights into the dynamic interplay between market and firm‐related forces that promote radical knowledge creation, fueling discovery and disruptive innovation. The findings enhance our understanding of how startups leverage both internal and external resources to generate groundbreaking ideas and transform industries.
Through the eyes of the Andean bear: Camera collar insights into the life of a threatened South American Ursid
Authors: Pillco Huarcaya Ruthmery , Whitworth Andrew , Mamani Norma , Thomas Mark , Condori Elias
Published: December 2024

Due to Andean bears' propensity for inhabiting challenging environments and terrain, their wild ecology remains poorly understood, especially when compared to other members of the Ursidae family. In one of the steepest, wettest regions of the Andes, the Kosñipata Valley of southeastern Peru, we attached and retrieved camera‐borne collars on three wild free‐ranging Andean bears. From just one longer term camera collar deployed on a single individual over a period of 4 months, we observed a variety of rare or previously undocumented natural history observations. These include courtship and mating behaviors, social interactions with conspecifics, novel dietary items of previously unrecorded fruit consumption, cannibalism, potential infanticide, the sole documented case of primate consumption, and evidence of geophagy. The wealth of novel natural history insights gained from just 4 months of camera collar data of this poorly studied species has elucidated numerous avenues warranting further investigation.
Stochastic population models to identify optimal and cost‐effective harvest strategies for feral pig eradication
Authors: Hamnett Peter W. , Saltré Frédérik , Page Brad , Tarran Myall , Korcz Matt , Fielder Kate , Andrews Lindell , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: December 2024

Eradicating feral pigs from island ecosystems can assist in restoring damaged biodiversity values and protect commercial industries such as agriculture. Although many feral pig eradications have been attempted, management decisions are often led by practitioner experience rather than empirical evidence. Few interventions have been guided by population models to identify harvest intensity necessary to achieve eradication within a specified time frame, nor have they applied data on control effort and costs to evaluate the relative cost‐effectiveness of proposed control strategies. We used effort and cost data from a feral pig‐control program on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, over 17 months to derive functional‐response relationships between control effort (in hours per pig) and pig abundance for four control methods: (1) ground‐based shooting, (2) trapping with remote triggers, (3) poison baiting, and (4) thermal‐assisted aerial culling. We developed a stochastic Leslie matrix with compensatory density feedback on survival to project population trajectories from an initial population (N0) of 250 female pigs with an estimated island‐wide carrying capacity (K) of 2500 over 3 and 10 years for populations subjected to an annual harvest of 35%–95%. We built functional‐response models to calculate annual effort and cost for six cull scenarios across all harvest rates. We derived total cost and effort over 3‐ and 10‐year projections from the sum of annual cost and effort within the projection intervals. Pig populations were reduced to <10% N0 based on harvest rates >80% and 60% for culls of 3‐ and 10‐year durations, respectively. In all scenarios above, the minimum required harvest rate and the total cost to reduce population to ≤10% of N0 decreased with increasing harvest proportion, with lower total costs incurred over 3 years compared to 10 years. The simulations suggest that the most cost‐effective approach for most scenarios is to maximize annual harvest and complete eradication effort over the shortest periods.
The dynamics of sea otter prey selection under population growth and expansion
Authors: Leach Clinton B. , Weitzman Benjamin P. , Bodkin James L. , Esler Daniel , Esslinger George G. , Kloecker Kimberly A. , Monson Daniel H. , Womble Jamie N. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: December 2024

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were extirpated from much of their range in the North Pacific by the early 1900s but have made a remarkable recovery in Southeast Alaska. Sea otter populations have been particularly successful in Glacier Bay, Alaska, a protected tidewater glacier fjord with a diverse and productive nearshore habitat. Collection of sea otter foraging observations in Glacier Bay began in 1993, along with high‐resolution aerial surveys that provide estimates of sea otter abundance and distribution. We integrated these two data sources to investigate how sea otter diet changed in space and time as sea otters established and spread across Glacier Bay. Specifically, we developed a multilevel Bayesian model to capture how sea otter diet at a location (the number, type, and size of prey collected) changed as a function of local cumulative otter abundance and the year in which the location was first occupied. This framework enabled us to estimate the sequence of sea otter prey selection and switching as prey populations responded to sea otter foraging pressure. We found that local sea otter diet changed substantially as the population established, shifting away from large urchins, crabs, and clams to Modiolus mussels and small urchins, and lastly to small clams and Mytilus mussels. We also found that sea otter diet at newly occupied sites changed as otters spread over the main channel and into the arms of Glacier Bay. Further, by 2019, sea otters across the bay were primarily foraging on small prey, regardless of the local occupancy history. The absence of a spatial gradient in the size of prey captured late in the study suggests that feedbacks between the top‐down effects of sea otter foraging, sea otter dispersal processes, and local variation in habitat productivity may have homogenized the size structure of available prey across Glacier Bay.
Molecular Alloying of Three Different Organic Ligands within a Spin‐Transitional and SHG‐Active FeII‐WIV(CN)8 3‐D Coordination Framework
Authors: Kobayashi Daiki , Nagashima Shuntaro , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi , Wang Junhao , Tokoro Hiroko
Published: December 2024

The effect of ligand‐based molecular alloying on spin crossover (SCO) materials has been studied using various polydentate organic ligands; however, this effect using small monodentate ligands has not been explored. To design a proper structure that can accommodate a variety of small ligands, we employed the structural matrix of a three‐dimensional cyanido‐bridged coordination framework, [FeII(Lmix)4]2[WIV(CN)8] (FeW; Lmix=a mixture of different ligands). We found that three different ligands of 4‐chloropyridine (4‐Clpy), 4‐iodopyridine (4‐Ipy), and pyrazole (pz) were able to be alloyed at the Lmix site of the FeII ion. Our obtained FeW framework had a 4‐Clpy:4‐Ipy:pz alloying ratio of 1.32 : 1.56 : 1.12 per FeII ion, and it demonstrated a gradual SCO phenomenon in response to temperature change. Furthermore, the chiral structure of FeW allows the observation of second‐harmonic generation (SHG) signal; however, the SHG signal was quite weak owing to the racemic twinning of the mirrored enantiomers. This work demonstrates that the FeII–WIV(CN)8 structural matrix provides a viable approach to investigating the molecular alloying effect of various types of small organic ligands on magneto‐optical properties.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of La1.98Sr0.02Cu0.94Co0.06O4 by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Addition
Authors: Saif Mohd , Tripathi D.
Published: December 2024

Effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) addition on thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline LSCCO (La1.98Sr0.02Cu0.94Co0.06O4) has been examined. The samples have been synthesized via the solid‐state reaction technique. Micro‐structural and surface morphology of the synthesized pellets have been investigated using X‐ray diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, respectively. The electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of investigated pellets have been measured using a custom‐built apparatus between 300 and 450 K. Nevertheless, the transient heat transfer technique has been adopted for thermal conductivity measurement. The addition of MWCNTs significantly enhances the electrical conductivity and reduces the thermal conductivity of LSCCO. This results in a remarkable improvement in the figure of merit in spite of the reduction in Seebeck coefficient with MWCNTs addition. The maximum ZT value ~0.07 is achieved at 323 K for 0.05 wt% MWCNTs‐loaded LSCCO, which is ~28 times that of pristine LSCCO. The enhanced thermoelectric performance is attributed to the increased carrier concentration, reduced grain size, and improved interface phonon scattering due to MWCNTs addition. Our results demonstrate the potential of MWCNTs as an effective additive to enhance the thermoelectric properties of LSCCO‐based materials.
Analytical methods for starch retrogradation assessment
Authors: Chen Weiming , Xu Weibing , Junejo Shahid Ahmed , Feng Yinong , Gao Tong , Huang Qing , Jiang Yi , Zhang Bin , Jia Xiangze , Huang Qiang
Published: December 2024

Starch retrogradation plays a critical role in determing the quality of starch‐based foods. Its accurate assessment vital for optimizing food formulations and processing techniques to maintain desired food quality. To better understand the complex processes and influencing factors of starch retrogradation, various analytical methods have been employed, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological methods, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), and Raman spectroscopy. Each method has distinct working principles and operating conditions, which creates challenges in using a single technique to fully evaluate starch retrogradation. A combination of these methods has proven beneficial in providing a more comprehensive understanding. Although knowledge of starch retrogradation has expanded with these advancements, current reviews on analytical techniques remain incomplete. This review aims to systematically analyze these methods and provide valuable insights into the selection of appropriate evaluation techniques and exploring the potential for combining multiple methods to enhance starch retrogradation assessment. Additionally, the future integration of these methods with arrificial intelligence is discussed to highlight the new possibilities for improving starch retrogradation analysis.
Supporting New Ways of Working for Social Workers Through High Performance Work Practices: Sustaining Professional Identity
Authors: Currie Graeme , Bharatan Ila , Mahesh Sharanya , Miller Robin
Published: December 2024

In our study, we examine implementation of strength‐based practice (SBP) that invokes a new way of working for social workers in England. We note two antecedent conditions to support new ways of working. First, hybrid managers, who combine professional and organizational perspectives, act as a conduit for implementation of new ways of working through supporting implementation of high performance work practices (HPWPs). Second, the financial context faced by social care providers influences whether new ways of working, and HPWPs associated with this, aim to improve productivity, or enhance capability and commitment of social workers. We identify three HPWPs that support the new way of working because they align with professional identity of social workers. First, hybrid manager jobs were designed to afford opportunity for recruitment of appropriately able social workers to enact strategic influence over SBP implementation. Second, intervention to support peer‐to‐peer learning enhanced the ability of social workers to deliver SBP, and also motivated social workers toward SBP implementation because they retained professional autonomy in developing their practice. Third, performance management intervention was developmental rather than judgmental, designed to enhance ability of social workers to deliver SBP. Similar to the peer learning intervention, it remained within control of social workers, hence motivated them to engage with SBP.