bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile synthesis of in situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres as high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Lingling , Wang Pengfei , Bao Chen , Li Yanyan , Fan Bo , Li Gaofeng , Ruan Dianbo
Published: November 2024

In situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres were successfully prepared by sulfuric calcination using the solvothermal method with glycerol as the carbon source without introducing extraneous carbon.
P-type doping in edge-enriched MoS2−x nanostructures via RF-generated nitrogen plasma
Authors: Singh Khomdram Bijoykumar , Bora Jyotisman , Basumatary Bablu , Bora Shakyadeep , Pal Arup Ratan
Published: November 2024

Use of plasma-based magnetron sputtering for the synthesis of vertically aligned edge-enriched 2D MoS2 nanostructures and the conversion of n-type to p-type 2D MoS2 by the modulation of Fermi level using RF-generated N2 plasma.
Holey etching strategy of siloxene nanosheets to improve the rate performance of photo-assisted Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Xu Wenpu , Fu Zitai , Shi Huanbao , Li Qi , He Xuexia , Sun Jie , Jiang Ruibin , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zong-Huai
Published: November 2024

P-siloxene nanosheets used as cathode catalysts for photo-assisted Li–O2 batteries significantly improve the electrochemical performance of the devices.
Enantiomorphic single component conducting nickel(ii) and platinum(ii) bis(diethyl-dddt) crystalline complexes
Authors: Abhervé Alexandre , Mroweh Nabil , Cui HengBo , Kato Reizo , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Alemany Pere , Canadell Enric , Avarvari Narcis
Published: November 2024

Enantiopure and racemic neutral Ni(ii) and Pt(ii) bis(dithiolene) complexes, based on the de-dddt ligand and prepared by electrocrystallization of the anionic precursors, crystallize in enantiomorphic space groups and are band gap semiconductors.
Expeditious and environmentally benign synthesis of imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolines via sequential Povarov reaction/reductive cyclization
Authors: Heredia-Parra Laura A. , Ávila-Murillo Mónica C. , Ochoa-Puentes Cristian
Published: November 2024

A versatile two-step environmentally friendly synthesis of imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolines is described.
From industrial by-products to high-value materials: synthesizing sulfur-rich polymers for lithium–sulfur battery cathodes from the C5 fraction and sulfur
Authors: Xun Xingwei , Jia Jinhong , Wang Xi-Cun , Wu Xiaofeng , Quan Zheng-Jun
Published: November 2024

Sulfur-rich polymers synthesized from the C5 fraction via inverse vulcanization exhibit strong thermal stability and electrochemical performance, making them promising candidates for cost-effective lithium–sulfur battery cathodes.
Design, CTAB-catalyzed ultrasound-assisted synthesis and tyrosinase inhibition potential of naphthofuran-triazole conjugates
Authors: Mushtaq Aqsa , Ahmad Mirza Nadeem , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Kamal Shagufta , Ali Kulsoom Ghulam , Javid Jamila , Parveen Bushra , Nazeer Usman , Bhat Mashooq Ahmad
Published: November 2024

A novel series of naphthofuran-triazole conjugates has been synthesized to assess their potential against bacterial tyrosinase enzyme via in vitro and in silico studies.
Efficient photocatalytic performance of hydrogen bonding between P25 and microcrystalline cellulose aerogel
Authors: Zen Junhao , Zhang Di , Dou Guoliang , Zeng Qingming , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2024

A series of MC/P25 composite aerogels (MCAPs) were newly designed by the sol–gel method and CO2 supercritical drying technology.
Assessment of fine-tuned large language models for real-world chemistry and material science applications
Authors: Van Herck Joren , Gil María Victoria , Jablonka Kevin Maik , Abrudan Alex , Anker Andy S. , Asgari Mehrdad , Blaiszik Ben , Buffo Antonio , Choudhury Leander , Corminboeuf Clemence , Daglar Hilal , Elahi Amir Mohammad , Foster Ian T. , Garcia Susana , Garvin Matthew , Godin Guillaume , Good Lydia L. , Gu Jianan , Xiao Hu Noémie , Jin Xin , Junkers Tanja , Keskin Seda , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Laplaza Ruben , Lessona Michele , Majumdar Sauradeep , Mashhadimoslem Hossein , McIntosh Ruaraidh D. , Moosavi Seyed Mohamad , Mouriño Beatriz , Nerli Francesca , Pevida Covadonga , Poudineh Neda , Rajabi-Kochi Mahyar , Saar Kadi L. , Hooriabad Saboor Fahimeh , Sagharichiha Morteza , Schmidt K. J. , Shi Jiale , Simone Elena , Svatunek Dennis , Taddei Marco , Tetko Igor , Tolnai Domonkos , Vahdatifar Sahar , Whitmer Jonathan , Wieland D. C. Florian , Willumeit-Römer Regine , Züttel Andreas , Smit Berend
Published: November 2024

We studied the performance of fine-tuning open-source LLMs for a range of different chemical questions. We benchmark their performances against “traditional” machine learning models and find that, in most cases, the fine-tuning approach is superior.
Remote C–H bond cooperation strategy enabled silver catalyzed borrowing hydrogen reactions
Authors: Chen Zhe , Ouyang Laofeng , Wang Ning , Li Weikang , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: November 2024

Metal–ligand cooperation (MLC) is an essential strategy in transition metal catalysis. Herein, we demonstrate a remote C–H bond cooperation strategy that enables the unprecedented homogeneous Ag(i)-catalyzed BH/HA reaction.
Dengue-virosensor: advancement of dengue virus-based biosensors
Authors: Hasan Mohd. Rahil , Sharma Pradakshina , Khan Sameer , Mushtaq Naikoo Ubaid , Bhalla Kapil , Abdin M. Z. , Malhotra Nitesh , Aminabhavi Tejraj M. , Shetti Nagraj P. , Narang Jagriti
Published: November 2024

Novel literature covering advancements in the field of dengue diagnostics.
Self-assembled molecules for hole extraction in efficient inverted PbS quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Dantas Campos Raquel , Singh Shivam , Heffner Herman , Löffler Markus , Paulus Fabian , Vaynzof Yana
Published: November 2024

The use of self-assembled molecules as a hole extraction layer in inverted p–i–n architecture PbS quantum dot solar cells is reported for the first time, enabling devices with a power conversion efficiency of 6.3%.
Unlocking advanced CO2 separation via a scalable and nitrogen-rich MOF-cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane hollow fiber hybrid membrane
Authors: Nandha Nayan , Mondal Partha Pratim , Thummar Utpal , Goswami Ranadip , Kumar Pranay , Neogi Subhadip , Singh Puyam S.
Published: November 2024

A hollow-fiber hybrid membrane of a nitrogen-rich MOF and PDMS demonstrates CO2 flux values ranging from 50 to 240 GPU under gauge pressures of 10–100 kPa, and revealed remarkable CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity at a minimal pressure of 10 kPa.
High-temperature oxidation behavior of transition metal complex concentrated alloys (TM-CCAs): a comprehensive review
Authors: Sun Haofei , Seto Emily , Li Meifeng , Liu Jing
Published: November 2024

Commonly used elements of CCAs and the interplay of thermodynamics and kinetics under high temperatures.
Light-induced degradation of methylammonium tin iodide absorber layers
Authors: Machado Joana Ferreira , Hieulle Jeremy , Vanderhaegen Aline , Redinger Alex
Published: November 2024

An Sn-based perovskite was synthesized with no detectable Sn(+4). Upon illumination in vacuum for 61 h, it was shown that SnI2 is formed at the surface of the absorber with traces of Sn(0) and no Sn(+4).
Advancing high capacity 3D VO2(B) cathodes for improved zinc-ion battery performance
Authors: Pinnock Iman P. , Fan Yujia , Zhu Yijia , Narayan Bastola , Wang Tianlei , Parkin Ivan P. , Deka Boruah Buddha
Published: November 2024

This study explores 3D electrodes of VO2(B) materials in Zn-ion batteries, employing refined synthesis approaches and diverse electrode processing methods to achieve enhanced capacities and stable capacity retention.
High-voltage symmetric supercapacitors developed by engineering DyFeO3 electrodes and aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Tarek Mohasin , Yasmeen Ferdous , Basith M. A.
Published: November 2024

An aqueous symmetric supercapacitor featuring porous DyFeO3 electrodes and a Na2SO4 (water-acetonitrile) electrolyte, achieving a 3.1 V potential window, 84.43 W h kg−1 energy density, and 90% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles.
Bioactive hydrogels based on lysine dendrigrafts as crosslinkers: tailoring elastic properties to influence hMSC osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Valeo Michele , Marie Sébastien , Rémy Murielle , Menguy Tiphaine , Le Coz Cédric , Molinari Michael , Feuillie Cécile , Granier Fabien , Durrieu Marie-Christine
Published: November 2024

Optimizing hydrogels for tissue engineering with multivalent crosslinking lysine dendrigrafts.
Microgel-encapsulated tetrandrine nanoparticles promote spinal cord repair by sustaining neuroinflammation inhibition
Authors: Xu Chongxi , Jiang Xuebing , Yin Wumeng , Lyu Liang , Tan Huixin , He Wenbo , Wang Wangyang , Zhou Zhengyu , Zhou Hongyu , Xu Bin , Yu Yang , Wang Yuelong , Zhou Peizhi , Liu Yi , Xu Jianguo , Gou Maling , Hu Yu
Published: November 2024

By embedding Tet nanoparticles in microgels, we developed a dual-drug system for controlled drug delivery to restrain neuroinflammation in SCI.
A phage amplification-assisted SEA-CRISPR/Cas12a system for viable bacteria detection
Authors: Xiao Xiangyang , Zhang Chenlu , Zhang Li , Zuo Chen , Wu Wei , Cheng Fumei , Wu Di , Xie Guoming , Mao Xiang , Yang Yujun
Published: November 2024

A novel phage amplification-assisted SEA-Cas12a system is developed for the rapid and accurate detection of viable bacteria.
Enhancing energy storage density in lead-free BiFeO3-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics through multiple optimization designs
Authors: Zhao Hengtong , Han Pei , Zhang Tiantian , Li Hao , Wu Jianhua , Zhang Liwen , Du Jinhua , Zhang Junyan , Zhao Ye , Liu Yunying , Li Yong
Published: November 2024

This study implements a multiple optimization strategy, enhancing the breakdown strength of BF-BT-based ceramics through improving the material's microstructure and the adjustment of its electronic structure, achieving an ultrahigh energy density.
The structure transition and luminescence performance of a high moisture resistant KNaNbOF5:Mn4+ red phosphor
Authors: Ma Daoyuan , Liu Yunzheng , Fang Wenfa , Huang Jinliang , Xia Libin
Published: November 2024

A pair of novel KNaNbOF5:Mn4+ red phosphors (α- and β-type) was successfully prepared. The structure differences led to a variation in luminous properties and excellent moisture resistance (90.6% for 24 h immersion).
Parent Teaching Using the Enhanced Moved by Reading to Accelerate Comprehension in English Intelligent Tutoring System to Teach Question-Asking During Shared Book Reading in Latino Families
Authors: Chennupati Sindhu , Restrepo Maria Adelaida , Glenberg Arthur , Walker Erin , Blais Chris , Franco Ligia Gómez
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

The Parent–Enhanced Moved by Reading to Accelerate Comprehension in English (Parent EMBRACE) program offers a bilingual parent-training literacy intervention for Latino families. Within the context of shared book reading, the application leverages both the home language and technology to increase parent question-asking during shared reading. Research goals were to (a) examine the potential of the Parent EMBRACE tutoring system at teaching parents to increase the quantity and variety of their question-asking during shared book reading, (b) examine changes to parents' reading attitudes or motivation, and (c) examine whether children's reading attitude is correlated with parent interactions.

Method:

Twenty-one participants were randomized into three conditions: a digital storybook (DS) group (
n
= 7), an interactive storybook (EMBRACE) group (
n
= 6), and a parent-teaching interactive storybook (Parent EMBRACE) group (
n
= 8). Participants received iPads with digital storybooks for use during the intervention (in which the parent-teaching group received prompts from the app to ask questions while reading). Shared book reading assessments before and after the intervention involved hard-copy books, and behaviors were analyzed using video-recorded reading sessions before and after the intervention. Group differences were explored using descriptive analysis. Reading attitude and motivation were measured through pre- and post-intervention surveys. The relationship between parent interactions and reading attitudes was explored through regression.

Results:

Results indicate that after the intervention, four out of seven parents in the parent-teaching interactive storybook group asked more questions to their children. Parents' reading attitudes and motivations did not significantly change. There was a nonlinear relationship with parent interactions and children's reading attitude.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Parent EMBRACE tool shows feasibility and warrants further study on its efficacy as a linguistically responsive literacy-based language intervention for Latino parents to develop shared book reading strategies.
A multiple‐attention refinement network for RGB‐D salient object detection
Authors: Jiang Zijian , Yu Ling , Li Junru , Niu Fanglin
Published: November 2024

Most existing RGB‐D salient object detection (SOD) algorithms, when using depth information for cross‐modal fusion, result in significant information redundancy due to issues with low‐quality depth information, ambiguity, and difficulty in discriminating complex scenes, ultimately leading to poor‐quality saliency maps. This article proposes a Multiple‐Attention Refinement Network (MARNet) to address the issues of insufficient cross‐modal fusion and poor quality of depth images in RGB‐D salient object detection. MARNet adopts an end‐to‐end structure and enables the fusion of cross‐modal features through multiple‐attention refinement and cross‐attention fusion with each other. This article, in particular, designs an Attention Interaction Module (AIM), which uses multiple‐attention and cross‐attention to refine and fuse the two modalities, reducing the information redundancy generated during cross‐modal interactions and background noise interference. This article designs a Multi‐Scale Compensation Module (MSCM) to guide the multi‐scale feature fusion step‐by‐step, enabling the fusion of local and global contexts of multi‐scale features. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the MARNet in this article has significant advantages over 16 state‐of‐the‐art RGB‐D methods on five publicly available datasets. The codes can be found at https://github.com/wzxxmj/MARNet.
Guest Editorial: Electronic attack and protection for modern radar systems and radar networks
Authors: Balleri Alessio , Matthes Dietmar , Lo Monte Lorenzo , Kulpa Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

It is our great pleasure to present you with this IET Radar, Sonar and Navigation special issue on “Electronic Attack and Protection for Modern Radar Systems and Radar Networks”. The recent development of fast digital to analogue converters (DACs) and analogue to digital converters (ADCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and parallel computing has contributed to the development of modern radars that, at the same time, can also be more easily attacked using digital radio frequency memories (DRFMs). The development of passive and netted multiband, multistatic, multichannel radars has also changed the EW scenario significantly. Classical EA can be less effective against passive, multistatic and multichannel radars and, as a result, new methods and new technologies have to be developed for effective countermeasures. Multichannel and multistatic jammers have also started to play a role in the EW scene. The aim of this special issue was to gather some of the most recent work in this area. The result is a collection of 12 interesting and timely papers aiming to address current technical challenges in electronic warfare. The papers included in this collection covers areas around the more general electronic warfare context as well as address specific challenges of electronic attack and electronic protection as summarised below.
Investigating changing-look active galactic nuclei with long-term optical and X-ray observations
Authors: Jana A. , Ricci C. , Temple M. J. , Chang H.-K. , Shablovinskaya E. , Trakhtenbrot B. , Diaz Y. , Ilic D. , Nandi P. , Koss M.
Published: November 2024

Context. Broad emission lines in the UV/optical spectra of changing-look active galactic nuclei (CLAGNs) appear and disappear on timescales of months to decades.

Aims. We investigate how changing-look (CL) transitions depend on several active galactic nucleus (AGN) parameters, such as the accretion rate, obscuration properties, and black hole mass.

Methods. We studied a sample of 20 nearby optically identified CLAGNs from the BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS) using quasi-simultaneous optical and X-ray observations taken in the last ∼40 years.

Results. We find that for all CLAGNs, the transition is accompanied by a change in the Eddington ratio. The CL transitions are not associated with changes in the obscuration properties of the AGNs. CLAGNs are found to have a median Eddington ratio lower than that of the AGNs in the BASS sample in which CL transitions were not detected. The median transition Eddington ratio (the Eddington ratio at which an AGN changes its state) is found to be ∼0.01 for type 1 ↔ 1.8, 1.9, and 2 transitions, which is consistent with the hard ↔ soft state transition in black hole X-ray binaries. Most CL events are constrained to have occurred within 3–4 years, which is considerably shorter than the expected viscous timescale in AGN accretion disks.

Conclusions. The transitions of the optical CLAGNs studied here are likely associated with state changes in the accretion flow, possibly driven by disk instability.
Revisiting the conundrum of the sub-Jovian and Neptune desert
Authors: Magliano C. , Covone G. , Corsaro E. , Inno L. , Cacciapuoti L. , Fiscale S. , Pagano I. , Saggese V.
Published: November 2024

Context. The search for exoplanets has led to the identification of intriguing patterns in their distributions, one of which is the so-called sub-Jovian and Neptune desert. The occurrence rate of Neptunian exoplanets with an orbital period P ≲ 4 days sharply decreases in this region in period-radius and period-mass space.

Aims. We present a novel approach to delineating the sub-Jovian and Neptune desert by considering the incident stellar flux F on the planetary surface as a key parameter instead of the traditional orbital period of the planets. Through this change of perspective, we demonstrate that the incident flux still exhibits a paucity of highly irradiated Neptunes, but also captures the proximity to the host star and the intensity of stellar radiation.

Methods. Leveraging a dataset of confirmed exoplanets, we performed a systematic analysis to map the boundaries of the sub-Jovian and Neptune desert in the (F, Rp) and (F, Mp) diagrams, with Rp and Mp corresponding to the planetary radius and mass, respectively. By using statistical techniques and fitting procedures, we derived analytical expressions for these boundaries that offer valuable insights into the underlying physical mechanisms governing the dearth of Neptunian planets in close proximity to their host stars.

Results. We find that the upper and lower bounds of the desert are well described by a power-law model in the (F, Rp) and (F, Mp) planes. We also obtain the planetary mass-radius relations for each boundary by combining the retrieved analytic expressions in the two planes. This work contributes to advancing our knowledge of exoplanet demographics and to refining theoretical models of planetary formation and evolution within the context of the sub-Jovian and Neptune desert.
Searching for HI around MHONGOOSE galaxies via spectral stacking
Authors: Veronese S. , de Blok W. J. G. , Healy J. , Kleiner D. , Marasco A. , Maccagni F. M. , Kamphuis P. , Brinks E. , Holwerda B. W. , Zabel N. , Chemin L. , Adams E. A. K. , Kurapati S. , Sorgho A. , Spekkens K. , Combes F. , Pisano D. J. , Walter F. , Amram P. , Bigiel F. , Wong O. I. , Athanassoula E.
Published: November 2024

The observed star formation rates of galaxies in the Local Universe suggests that they are replenishing their gas reservoir across cosmic time. Cosmological simulations predict that this accretion of fresh gas can occur in a hot or a cold mode, yet the existence of low column density (∼1017 cm−2) neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) tracing the cold mode has not been unambiguously confirmed by observations. We present the application of unconstrained spectral stacking to attempt to detect the emission from this HI in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and intergalactic medium (IGM) of six nearby star-forming galaxies from the MHONGOOSE sample for which full-depth observations are available. Our stacking procedure consists of a standard spectral stacking algorithm coupled with a one-dimensional spectral line finder designed to extract a reliable signal close to the noise level. In agreement with previous studies, we find that the amount of signal detected outside the HI disk is much smaller than implied by simulations. Furthermore, the column density limit that we achieve via stacking (∼1017 cm−2) suggests that direct detection of the neutral CGM and IGM component might be challenging in the future, even with the next generation of radio telescopes.
The evolutionary state of the red giant star L2 Puppis
Authors: Uttenthaler S.
Published: November 2024

Context. L2 Puppis (L2 Pup) is a nearby red giant star and an important object in late-type star research because it has a dust disc and potentially a companion.

Aims. L2 Pup is often called the second-closest asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star to the sun, second only to R Doradus. However, whether the star is indeed on the AGB or the red giant branch (RGB) is questionable. We review its evolutionary state.

Methods. We analysed high-resolution optical archive spectra to search for absorption lines of the third dredge-up indicator technetium (Tc) in L2 Pup. We also compared the star to a sample of well-known AGB stars in terms of luminosity and pulsation properties and placed it in a Gaia-2MASS diagram.

Results. L2 Pup is found to be Tc-poor. Thus, it is not undergoing third dredge-up events. The star is fainter than the RGB tip and fainter than all Tc-rich stars in the comparison sample. L2 Pup pulsates in the fundamental mode, similar to Mira variables, but its pulsation properties do not allow us to distinguish between the RGB and AGB stages.

Conclusions. In conclusion, L2 Pup could be an RGB or early AGB star, but it is more likely to be an RGB than an AGB star. Our findings are important for a better understanding of the L2 Pup system and its past and future evolution.
Null controllability for one-dimensional stochastic heat equations with mixed Dirichlet-dynamic boundary conditions
Authors: Baroun Mahmoud , Boulite Said , Elgrou Abdellatif , Maniar Lahcen
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the null controllability of one-dimensional forward and backward linear stochastic heat equations with mixed Dirichlet-dynamic boundary conditions. Our equations incorporate noise not only within the domain but also at the boundary, represented by a two-dimensional Brownian motion. The primary tool will be global Carleman estimates, which yield the appropriate observability inequalities for the related adjoint systems. Hence, by classical duality arguments, we establish the corresponding null controllability results. Specifically, we first establish a Carleman estimate for a general adjoint backward stochastic heat equation using a weighted identity method. This approach combines two weighted identities: one for a stochastic parabolic operator and the other for a stochastic transport operator. Subsequently, we derive a Carleman estimate for a general adjoint forward stochastic heat equation by employing a duality method.
Legal Protection for Victims of Environmental Damage Due to Coal Mining in Bengkulu
Authors: Widowaty Yeni , Achmad Yulianto , Ambarini Nur Sulistyo Budi , Bidul Sayang , Dawaki Farouk Aisha
Published: November 2024

Until now, environmental damage due to coal mining in Bengkulu Province, especially in Central Bengkulu and North Bengkulu Regencies, is still occurring. The objectives of this study are 1) to examine legal protection for communities as victims of environmental damage due to coal mining;2) to develop an ideal concept of legal protection for communities as victims of environmental damage due to coal mining in the future. The type of research used is socio-legal which consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained by interviewing respondents and secondary data was taken from documents from the Energy and Mineral Resources Service (ESDM) and the Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK) of Bengkulu. The results of the study indicate that so far there has been no concrete legal protection given to communities who are victims of environmental damage due to mining. The construction of a new road by the Company is not compensation, it was done because the company dug up a provincial road containing coal. The ideal concept of victim protection in the future is carried out by comparing it with the regulations of the States of Bhutan and the Netherlands. Both countries impose high sanctions on perpetrators and provide restitution to victims.
Advanced Oxidation Processes: An Effective Solution for Treating Emerging Pollutants from Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Mamilla
Published: November 2024

The rapid increase in population poses a grave threat to environmental sustainability and water availability. India's pharma industry holds the 3rd position globally in pharmaceutical production by volume. However, the industry's wastewater contains harmful substances such as high concentrations of organic matter, microbial toxicity, salts, and non-biodegradable compounds, posing a significant danger to human health and the ecosystem. Regularly assessing wastewater discharge against regulatory standards is vital to ensure water safety. The presence of emerging contaminants in natural and drinking water directly jeopardises water quality and the survival of aquatic life. Advanced treatment methods are imperative, as trace amounts of solids and organic matter can persist even after secondary treatment. Treating pharmaceutical wastewater is particularly challenging due to the wide variety of products produced in the industry. The Advanced Oxidation Process is a highly effective technology for removing pollutants from wastewater. It is crucial to implement safe and effective treatment methods to mitigate the impact of pharmaceutical wastewater. This paper critically evaluates AOPs and their ability to treat pharmaceutical wastewater, providing valuable insights into pharmaceutical industry wastewater, the significance and characteristics of pharmaceutical wastewater, their impact on human health and the ecosystem, various treatment methods, and different AOPs employed for treating pharmaceutical wastewater in detail.
Falling magnetizable bead in a Newtonian fluid
Authors: De Andrade Paschoal Mateus Faria , Dufour Stéphane , Vinsard Gérard , Métivier Christel
Published: November 2024

The use of magnetic fields allows to modify the trajectory of magnetizable particles in a fluid. If a ring magnet is centered on the cylinder containing the fluid, it enhances the dynamics of a falling ball, and an equilibrium position is found. To compute the particle dynamics, the magnetic force should be found accurately: a method based on virtual works allows to obtain the force as well as the stiffness matrix, to gain accuracy. The computed trajectories are compared to the experimental ones for Newtonian fluids at first, and extended to viscoplastic fluids.
Rearing of Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies for the sterile insect technique: evaluating the impact of irradiation and transportation during early and late-stage pupal development on the quality of emerging adults
Authors: Mirieri Caroline K. , Uzel Güler Demirbas , Parker Andrew G. , Bouyer Jérémy , De Vooght Linda , Ros Vera I.D. , van Oers Monique M. , Abd-Alla Adly M.M.
Published: November 2024

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) are devastating diseases spread by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), affecting humans and livestock, respectively. Current efforts to manage these diseases by eliminating the vector through the sterile insect technique (SIT) require transportation of irradiated late-stage tsetse pupae under chilling, which has been reported to reduce the biological quality of emerged flies. We therefore evaluated the impact of irradiation and transportation (including vibration and shock) on pupae at early-stage development (22 days of age) under ambient temperature and compared it to that on pupae at the late-stage development (29 days of age) under chilling, the current practice for tsetse in SIT programs. The quality of flies emerging from these transported pupae was assessed by their emergence rates, flight propensity, mating ability, insemination rates and survival rates (over ca. 100 days, and after specified shorter periods). Generally, flies emerging from the 22-day-old pupae had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for the tested quality parameters, as compared to those emerging from 29-day-old pupae. Irradiation, transportation and the combination thereof significantly (p < 0.05) reduced all the tested quality parameters as compared with the untreated control within the 22-day-old pupae group. Further, vibration had a significant negative effect on the quality of flies, notwithstanding the age of the pupae. Irradiation and transportation of pupae at 22 days of age resulted in a higher proportion of flies of good biological quality as compared to those of 29 days of age, and hence may be considered for future SIT programs.
Geplante ventrale Hernie nach Abdomen apertum: Daten zur Versorgung einer komplexen Entität und Literaturüberblick
Authors: Klein Angelina , Willms Arnulf , Güsgen Christoph , Schwab Robert , Schaaf Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Eine geplante ventrale Hernie nach einer offenen Bauchbehandlung ist eine seltene Hernienentität, da aufgrund bereits etablierter Konzepte zur offenen Bauchbehandlung die Faszienverschlussrate gesteigert werden konnte. Nichtsdestotrotz gelingt ein Faszienverschluss nicht immer und eine geplante ventrale Hernie muss zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt operativ versorgt werden. Die Bauchdeckenrekonstruktion ist anspruchsvoll und bedarf der sorgfältigen präoperativen Vorbereitung.

In einer monozentrischen retrospektiven Analyse wurden alle Narbenhernien von 2013 bis 2023 (n = 632) identifiziert. Komplexe Narbenhernien im Sinne geplanter ventraler Hernien nach einem Laparostoma (n = 11) wurden selektiert. Die präoperative Diagnostik und OP-Planung wurden den Patientenakten entnommen; OP-Techniken anhand der Operationsberichte analysiert. Die Literaturrecherche erfolgte auf PubMed (Medline).

Präoperativ wurden in allen Fällen neben einer körperlichen Untersuchung eine Abdomensonografie, ein CT-Abdomen und eine Koloskopie durchgeführt. Indikationen für ein Laparostoma waren vor allem Darmperforationen mit Peritonitis, ein abdominelles Kompartment, postoperative Fasziendehiszenzen („Platzbauch“) sowie Folge eines stumpfen oder penetrierenden Traumas. Die Größe der Bauchwanddefekte betrug im Median horizontal 13 cm (6–35 cm) und vertikal 18 cm (10–28 cm). Seit 2018 wurde (6/11) präoperativ nach standardisiertem Schema Botulinumtoxin A injiziert. Bei allen Patienten gelang intraoperativ der mediane Faszienverschluss. Die Operationstechniken umfassten Sublay-, IPOM- und Sandwich-Repair sowie intraoperative Faszientraktion und Komponentenseparation.

Eine geplante ventrale Hernie nach einer offenen Bauchbehandlung ist eine komplexe Hernie, für die ein breites hernienchirurgisches Armamentarium benötigt wird. Die umfassende präoperative Optimierung inkl. Botulinumtoxin-Infiltration sollte bei derart anspruchsvollen Hernien unbedingt erwogen werden, um die anatomiegerechte Rekonstruktion durch einen Mittellinienverschluss mit Netzaugmentation zu erreichen.
Perioperatives Management in der Hernienchirurgie
Authors: Overhaus Marcus
Published: November 2024

Die Hernienchirurgie hat sich in den letzten Jahren durch die Implementierung neuerer
minimalinvasiver und robotischer Operationstechniken weiterentwickelt, die
Bauchdeckenrekonstruktion bei Bauchdeckenhernien hat durch eine peri- und intraoperative
Strategieerweiterung an Komplexität zugenommen. Das perioperative Management wird auch
in diesem Bereich bestimmt durch ERAS-Pfade (ERAS: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) zur
Verbesserung des peri- und postoperativen Outcomes nach Hernienchirurgie. In dieser
Arbeit soll der Einfluss einzelner Faktoren im multimodalen ERAS-Konzept auf die
ambulante und stationäre Hernienreparation und Bauchdeckenrekonstruktion mithilfe
aktueller Studien beurteilt werden.
Endoscopic and clinical characteristics of autoimmune atrophic gastritis: Retrospective study
Authors: Khalaf Kareem , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Bechara Robert
Published: November 2024

Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AIG) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease characterized by gastric mucosa inflammation and atrophy. Limited clinical data exist about AIG, especially in western populations. In addition, there are no western series on the magnifying endoscopic features in AIG. This study presents a cohort of 63 patients with AIG, reporting their clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic findings.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with AIG at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Canada, between January 2016 and December 2023. Data collected from medical records included age, sex, presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, endoscopic features, histopathology reports, and concomitant autoimmune diseases.

The study included 63 patients with autoimmune gastritis. Positive anti-parietal cell antibodies were found in the majority of patients (84.13%), whereas positive anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were less prevalent (25.40%). Deficiencies in vitamin B12 (49.21%) and iron (76.19%) were observed, along with a high prevalence of anemia (71.43%) and concomitant autoimmune diseases (58.73%). The dominant magnification pattern of atrophy in the body was oval/slit in 57.14% of patients (n=36), followed by tubular in 30.16% (n=19) and foveolar in 12.70% (n=8). Prevalence of neoplasia in our study was 42.86% (n=27).

This study offers insights into the clinical, laboratory, and magnifying endoscopic features of patients with AIG. It demonstrates the three main magnifying endoscopic appearances of AIG and highlights the significant prevalence of gastric neoplasia, even in the low-risk Western population. These findings emphasize the importance of the endoscopic exam in identifying AIG and notably present the key magnifying endoscopy findings in a Western setting for the first time.
The Mechanism and Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Diabetes: A
Review
Authors: Hou Yangbo , Chen Zhen , Cheng Jiwei , Li Guoyi , Yin Lu , Gao Jie
Published: November 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the fastest growing diseases in terms of global
incidence and seriously affects cognitive function. The incidence rate of
cognitive dysfunction is up to 13% in diabetes patients aged 65–74 years and
reaches 24% in those aged >75 years. The mechanisms and treatments of
cognitive dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus are complicated and
varied. Previous studies suggest that hyperglycemia mainly contributes to
cognitive dysfunction through mechanisms involving inflammation, autophagy, the
microbial-gut-brain axis, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and insulin
resistance. Antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, liraglutide, and empagliflozin
and other drugs such as fingolimod and melatonin can alleviate diabetes-induced
cognitive dysfunction. Self-management, intermittent fasting, and repetitive
transverse magnetic stimulation can also ameliorate cognitive impairment. In
this review, we discuss the mechanisms linking diabetes mellitus with cognitive
dysfunction and propose a potential treatment for cognitive decline associated
with diabetes mellitus.
Color Stability of Microhybrid Composite Resins Depending on the Immersion Medium
Authors: Jaâfoura Sabra , Kikly Amira , Fejjeri Meriem , Nasri Sarra , Brini Mariem , Kammoun Dorra
Published: November 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the color stability of two microhybrid composite resins after immersion in different coloring solutions for 4 weeks.

Materials and Methods Sixty disc-shaped samples (2 mm in thickness and 10 mm in diameter) were prepared according to ISO standard 4049. Two composite resins were used: Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) and Harvard Restore (Harvard Dental International GmbH). After initial color measurements, five samples of each resin were immersed in artificial saliva, Turkish coffee, lemonade, black tea, Coca-Cola 0%, and green tea for 4 weeks. The spectrophotometric measurements were carried out after 24 hours of immersion in the various solutions and then weekly, using a VITA Easyshade Advance 4.0 spectrophotometer (CIE L*a*b* system). Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 25.0 software.

Results The two composite resins tested revealed discoloration after immersion in all the drinks at a variable immersion period showing different color behaviors. The one-way analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the values of brightness (L), in chromaticity from green to red (a), in chromaticity from blue to yellow (b), and in the color (ΔE) of the two materials at different time intervals. The greatest color change in all the groups was caused by coffee followed by lemonade and black tea followed by green tea, Coca-Cola 0%, and artificial saliva.

Clinical Significance The importance of color stability of dental restorations is crucial for dental professionals and patients. Indeed, the quality of a restoration is considered from both a functional and esthetic points of view. The information obtained from this study should prove useful for clinicians to make informed decisions in selecting the best materials for their patients' esthetic restorations.

Conclusion The Harvard Restore showed a better colorimetric behavior compared with the Filtek Z350. Coffee, black tea, and green tea had the most marked effects on the discoloration of composites, especially on Filtek Z350. Coca-Cola 0% showed a similar behavior to artificial saliva.
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Single-Session Endoscopic Removal of Multiple Glass Vials in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Using a Novel Approach
Authors: Bassi Raghav , Silva Gabriel S. , Brar Tony S. , Perbtani Yaseen
Published: November 2024

Foreign body ingestion is a commonly encountered problem clinically with management targeted at early radiological imaging to identify high-risk features that can increase the risk of perforation. We present a 23-year-old patient with no known medical or psychiatric history who presented with epigastric tenderness after ingesting multiple glass vials. The initial workup consisted of a thorough physical examination and an abdominal X-ray which revealed multiple radiopaque densities in the stomach, with some extending to the duodenum and distal colon. She underwent an emergent upper endoscopy to retrieve those glass vials given the high risk of perforation and obstruction. During the procedure, various endoscopic retrieval devices were used, however, they were unsuccessful. A novel approach was then utilized by dilating a 15-mm extraction balloon inside the lumen of the glass vials and using a snare to pull the vials out individually. Twenty-seven 6 cm × 1 cm glass vials were safely removed in a single session. The patient tolerated the procedure well and reported a complete resolution of her symptoms the next day. This case highlights the importance of obtaining prompt imaging when managing foreign body ingestion and highlights a novel endoscopic approach in safely extracting multiple glass vials that were refractory to conventional endoscopic techniques.
An Unusual Duodenal Subepithelial Lesion: A Challenging Case
Authors: Lucidi Cristina , Conti Laura , Biancaniello Francesca , Lisi Daniele , Vignone Anthony , D'Ovidio Valeria
Published: November 2024

The diagnostic journey in gastrointestinal lesions, particularly when presenting with atypical features, often poses formidable challenges in clinical practice. This challenge is vividly illustrated in the case of an 88-year-old man with severe acute-on-chronic gangrenous cholecystitis. Imaging studies prior to surgery unveiled an unexpected 30 × 26 mm nodular formation nestled between the pancreas and duodenum suspected for neoplasia. Endoscopic ultrasound allows obtaining an atypical benign diagnosis of a benign subepithelial lesion. This intriguing case highlights the intricate nature of differential diagnosis in such lesions, especially when they attain substantial dimensions. The nuanced imaging features and integration of advanced techniques like endoscopic ultrasound with DWI and elastography emerge as pivotal tools in achieving precise diagnosis and guiding tailored treatment strategies.
Marginal Accuracy of Ceramic Veneer Alloy Related to Different Alloy Fabrication Techniques, Ceramic Veneering Methods, Stages, and Sites of Fabrication
Authors: Sripairojn Sanephume , Juntavee Niwut , Juntavee Apa
Published: November 2024

Objectives Fabrication processes affect accuracy of restoration. This study compared marginal accuracy of ceramic veneer metal upon different metal substructure fabrication techniques, ceramic veneering methods, stages, and sites of restoration.

Material and Methods A prepared premolar metal abutment was used to fabricate 96 metal substructures from 4 techniques: cast metal with traditionally impressed tooth (CmTt), cast metal with digitally milled wax (CmDw), sintered metal with digitally impressed tooth (SmDt), and sintered metal with digitally impressed stone model (SmDm). As-cast (A) substructures were degassed (D), opaqued (O), and contoured (C) with porcelain layering (Pl) or press-on (Pp) methods and glazed (G). Marginal fit was measured at A, D, O, C, and G stages, on buccal (Bu), lingual (Li), mesial (Me), and distal (Di) sites using silicone replica.

Statistical Analysis Analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were analyzed for significant differences of marginal fit upon different factors (α = 0.05).

Results Significantly different accuracy was found upon metal substructures fabrication technique, veneering methods, stages, and sites of restoration (p < 0.05). SmDt and SmDm revealed significantly better accuracy than CmTt and CmDw (p < 0.05). Pp generated significantly better accuracy than Pl (p < 0.05). Significant increasing inaccuracy was found at D stage (p < 0.05). Me and Di sites exhibited larger inaccuracy than Bu and Li sites (p < 0.05). However, marginal inaccuracy for all groups was under clinically acceptable marginal fit.

Conclusions Increasing marginal inaccuracies upon stages of fabrication were noticed, with highly observed at the proximal site. Sintered metal provided better accuracy than cast metal, while press-on veneering generated better accuracy than the layering method. Porcelain press-on sintered metal was suggested for fabrication restoration.
Should Not Children with Ventriculoatrial Shunts Be Taking Aspirin? An Update: 0% Distal Malfunction
Authors: Udayakumaran Suhas , Kumar Shine
Published: November 2024

Background Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts have the potential to preserve life in the event of failure of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. Contrary to VP shunts, they are susceptible to consequences, particularly cardiac problems. There are no established guidelines for screening patients following VA shunt placement regarding prevention, anticoagulant treatment, or risk factor screening.

Objective We aim to investigate aspirin's potential function and effectiveness in enhancing shunt survival and preventing secondary morbidity from distal thrombosis in children with VA shunts.

Materials and Methods The study's design is prospective and observational. It began in 2011 and is ongoing. Before inclusion in the study, we obtained clearance from the hospital ethics board and consent from the family. All patients with VA shunts were given a once-a-day antiplatelet dose of 5 mg/kg of aspirin from the first postoperative day. The study's primary end points include: (1) Major distal end malfunction documented on echocardiography or (2) any cardiac complications directly associated with the VA shunt.

Results Since March 2011, 13 patients have been followed up. So far, no cardiac complications have been ascribed to VA shunts in any of the patients. The current follow-up period is 28 to 170 months. Patient follow-up is continuing.

Conclusion Our observations regarding the efficacy and safety of aspirin in VA shunts are encouraging. However, sufficient time would be needed to establish its effectiveness in chronic sequelae such as pulmonary hypertension.
Tibial Torsion Malalignment in Small Dogs with Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: Isono Arata , Harada Yasuji , Kanno Nobuo , Hara Yasushi
Published: November 2024

Objective Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is prevalent in small dogs; however, the causes vary, and few studies have reported tibial deformities. We aimed to conduct a detailed morphological investigation of internal tibial torsion and internal foot rotation and compare the results between MPL grades to better understand the pathogenesis of MPL.

Study Design We performed a morphological study of the tibia and comparison with MPL grade, and established a new parameter, metatarsal orientation relative to the orientation of the tibial tuberosity, the proximal tibia metatarsal angle (PTMTA). The distal tibia metatarsal angle was also established, and tibial torsion angle (TTA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, medial distance of the tibial tuberosity/proximal tibial width, and crural rotation angle were compared among the grades of MPL.

Results The PTMTA was significantly higher in grades 3 and 4 than in the normal group. TTA, medial distance of the tibial tuberosity/proximal tibial width, and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle were significantly higher in grade 4 than in the other grades, which is consistent with previous reports. A correlation was also observed between the PTMTA and the TTA.

Conclusion The PTMTA functioned as a parameter that included elements of the distal tibia metatarsal angle, TTA, and medial distance of the tibial tuberosity/proximal tibial width, and is considered clinically useful because it can be visually ascertained during palpation. Our results may play a major role in surgical decision-making in the treatment of MPL.
Affordances and constraints of a blended learning course: experience of pre-service teachers in an African context
Authors: Zakariya Yusuf Feyisara , Danlami Kazaik Benjamin , Shogbesan Yusuf Olayinka
Published: November 2024

This article reports our deliberate effort to redesign a traditionally taught course for pre-service teachers to suit a blended learning approach. We designed the course following the resource-activity-support-evaluation pedagogical model. Then, we investigated pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the course using a qualitative method of generation and analysis at a university in Sub-Saharan Africa. We generated the data using semi-structured interviews of pre-service teachers who gave voluntary consent and followed the blended learning course for a semester. We analysed the generated data using thematic analysis to uncover the underlying meanings across the transcribed responses. The findings showed that pre-service teachers positively perceived the blended learning course. The course provided exposure to diverse digital resources and enhanced the development of conceptual knowledge. Results indicated improved motivation, attitudes, and interest in the learning content. The course enhanced personalised learning, collaboration and flexibility through recorded videos, group projects, and electronic materials. However, our findings also revealed some constraints that prevented actualising these affordances. These include internet instability, computer proficiency gaps, online interaction issues, power supply concerns, and limited computer access. We argued that the affordances of the blended learning course overshadowed its constraints, and we explained a framework for actualising these affordances.