bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long or complicated mpox in patients with uncontrolled HIV infection
Authors: Corma‐Gómez Anaïs , Cabello Alfonso , Orviz Eva , Morante‐Ruiz Miguel , Ayerdi Oskar , Al‐Hayani Aws , Muñoz‐Gómez Ana , Santos Ignacio De Los , Gómez‐Ayerbe Cristina , Rodrigo David , Riestra Sandra De la Rosa , Reus‐Bañuls Sergio , Silva‐Klug Ana , Galindo María José , Santos Marta , Serrano‐Fuentes Miriam , Faro‐Míguez Naya , Pérez‐Camacho Inés , Corona‐Mata Diana , Morano Luis , López‐Ruz Miguel Ángel , Montero Marta , Anaya‐Baz Blanca , Merino Dolores , Castillo‐Navarro Antonia , Pineda Juan A. , Macías Juan
Published: March 2024

To date, former research about the impact of HIV infection on mpox poor outcomes is still limited and controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of HIV on the clinical course of mpox, in a large population of patients from Spain. Nationwide case‐series study. Patients from 18 Spanish hospitals, with PCR‐confirmed mpox from April 27, 2022 to June 30, 2023 were included in this study. The main outcome was the development of long or complicated (LC) mpox, defined as: (i) duration of the clinical course ≥ 28 days, or; (ii) disseminated disease, or: (iii) emergence of severe complications. One thousand eight hundred twenty‐three individuals were included. Seven hundred eighty‐six (43%) were people living with HIV (PLWH), of whom 11 (1%) had a CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 and 33 (3%) <350 cells/mm3. HIV viral load ≥ 1000 cp/mL was found in 27 (3%) PLWH, none of them were on effective ART. Fifteen (60%) PLWH with HIV‐RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL showed LC versus 182 (29%) PLWH with plasma HIV‐RNA load < 1000 copies/mL and 192 (24%) individuals without HIV infection (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, adjusted by age, sex, CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load at the time of mpox, only plasma HIV‐RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL was associated with a greater risk of developing LC mpox [adjusted OR = 4.06 (95% confidence interval 1.57−10.51), p = 0.004]. PLWH with uncontrolled HIV infection, due to lack of ART, are at a greater risk of developing LC mpox. Efforts should be made to ensure HIV testing is carried out in patients with mpox and to start ART without delay in those tested positive.
Interaction Between Microbubbles and Microwave Ablation
Authors: Zhong Xinyu , Zhang Xinghao , Cao Yuting , Zhou Ping
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the interactions between microbubbles and microwave ablation (MWA).

Methods

The study employed custom‐made phantoms (in vitro) and white New Zealand rabbits (in vivo). MWA was performed with or without microbubbles in the phantoms (2 × 105 particles mL−1) and rabbit livers (intravenous injection of 0.05 mL/kg SonoVue). During the MWA, K‐type thermocouple probes were used to monitor the MWA‐induced temperature increase. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) was used to monitor and analyze the microbubbles signal intensity. After MWA, the ablation‐zone volumes were evaluated and compared between the groups with and without microbubbles.

Results

In both the phantom models and rabbits, microbubbles showed no significant influence on MWA, including the ablation range and MWA‐induced temperature increase. In phantoms and rabbit livers filled with microbubbles, MWA caused the formation of a gradually expanding microbubble‐defect region over the ablation time. An increase in the temperature caused microbubble destruction.

Conclusions

Microbubbles had no significant influence on MWA. However, MWA induced the destruction of microbubbles in a temperature‐dependent manner. Thus, the poor thermotolerance of microbubbles is a non‐negligible barrier when using CEUS to monitor the ablation range during MWA in real‐time.
Which is better? Early versus delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Authors: Yoo Seung Jin , Kang Hyunseong , Kim Byungsuk , Lee Chae Hyun , Song Jungkook , Choi Sungwook
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the 5‐year clinical and functional outcomes, including repaired tendon healing status, between early and delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Methods

A total of 75 patients with rotator cuff tears (less than 5 cm) underwent arthroscopic repairs over a 60‐month period. Participants were randomly assigned to early and delayed postoperative rehabilitation groups with distinct protocols. Clinical and functional outcome measures included Constant score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, visual analogue scale for pain and isokinetic dynamometer test for muscle strength recovery. Clinical and functional scores were compared between baseline and 5 years postoperatively. Radiologic assessment via magnetic resonance imaging was performed at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively for evaluations of tendon integrity and recurrent tears.

Results

Baseline characteristics showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Both groups demonstrated equivalent improvement in range of motion and pain scores with no statistical differences. Clinical scores improved significantly in both groups by postoperative 12 months and plateaued. At the postoperative 5‐year mark, the early group showed better improvement in the visual analogue scale and UCLA score, while the delayed group had superior Constant scores. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed six recurrent tears, two in the early group and four in the delayed group, with no statistical differences. Muscle strength recovery showed no differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both the early and the delayed rehabilitation groups showed similar outcomes in postoperative range of motion, functional scores, muscle strength recovery and tendon healing in the short‐ and mid‐term follow‐ups.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
The interlinkage between land resources, food, water, income, and sustainable environment: Evidence from China's economy with COP27 perspective
Authors: Tian Jun , Wang Weizheng , Wang Zhen , Fan Wei
Published: March 2024

China, the most populous country across the globe, has emerged as one of the biggest economies; however, regarding food production, water, uplifting the income level, and attaining environmental sustainability, the policymakers are still concerned. China's government has worked immensely on eradicating poverty through increasing food production, ensuring access to clean water, and using land resources. Similar steps are taken about environmental protection. In this regard, China needs more empirical evidence to tackle such an environmentally destructive issue and sustainable natural resource use. The present study investigates the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) while considering the importance of natural resources, food production and export, and water productivity in environmental quality. This research also explores the impact of tourism, energy use, and renewable energy output on carbon emissions in China during 1990–2021. This research authenticates the variables' stationarity and the long‐term equilibrium relationship between the study factors using the pre‐estimation diagnostic approaches. This study employed several parametric approaches and revealed that the EKC paradox is invalid in the case of China and vice versa in the presence of natural resources and food and water variables. Natural resources are the key hazard in attaining a sustainable regional environment and development. By contrast, increased economic growth and energy consumption also enhance the country's pollution level. In distinction, renewable electricity output, tourism industry, food production, and food export are the substantial drivers of attaining COP27 targets. Based on the study findings, this research recommends enhancement in sustainable food production and water management, improved production and consumption of renewables, reduced consumption of outdated energy, sustainable use of non‐renewable resources, and facilitated tourism across the country.
Nonlocal Metasurfaces‐Enabled Analog Light Localization for Imaging and Lithography
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Dasol , Kim Jaekyung , Rho Junsuk
Published: March 2024

Localization of light spots in a given image is a common task in digital processing but is challenging in analog. Herein, a periodic nonlocal metasurface that has an optical transfer function defined in reciprocal space is proposed to resolve this issue. Assuming an ideal optical transfer function that encodes that of a local lens, the selective spot size reduction of incident Gaussian beams and sharpening of a patterned incidence with a Gaussian line shape are demonstrated. A realistic nonlocal metasurface comprising a trilayer structure with air grating on top that operates as a 2D analog light localizer under unpolarized incidence is presented. Nonlocal metasurfaces, combined with conventional optics, are expected to improve the resolution by sharpening the spatial features and find applications in diverse scientific fields such as medical, materials, and life science.
Technology affordances and social withdrawal: The rise of hikikomori
Authors: Park Ha Eun (Grace) , Yap Sheau‐Fen (Crystal)
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of social withdrawal behaviors has been a growing concern in recent years. The concept of hikikomori, a severe social withdrawal condition, has gained increasing attention in high‐income societies and developed economies. The term applies to both the condition and the person experiencing it. Technology has been blamed for exacerbating the isolation of hikikomoris. Paradoxically, anecdotal evidence suggests that technology can help mitigate their social withdrawal. Drawing on affordance theory, this study explores the potential of technology as an intermediate intervention to help hikikomoris reintegrate into society by addressing the research question—“How are the affordances of technology leveraged to contribute to the gradual reintegration of hikikomoris into society?” This netnographic study is based on over 2‐year naturalistic observations of the Hikikomori Escape online community. Our findings identified seven types of affordances that facilitate Hikikomoris' social reintegration journey: anonymous storytelling, meta connectivity, information access for skill growth, peer networking and community building, online coaching, virtual‐to‐real connectivity, and tech‐enabled skill development. We discuss how three levels of technology affordances shape hihikomoris' self‐motivation to connect socially at the individual and community levels, facilitating their gradual reintegration into society. This research contributes by developing an empirically grounded framework of how technology can contribute to addressing social withdrawal among hikikomoris. Such knowledge is crucial for scholars, policymakers, and health professionals seeking to tackle this pressing societal challenge.
Visible Light‐Regulated Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactones by Employing Indigo as a Photoacid Catalyst
Authors: Sun Pan , Li Zixuan , Zhang Xun , Liao Yun , Liao Saihu
Published: March 2024

The development of visible light‐regulated polymerizations for precision synthesis of polymers has drawn considerable attention in the past years. In this study, an ancient dye, indigo, is successfully identified as a new and efficient photoacid catalyst, which can readily promote the ring‐opening polymerization of lactones under visible light irradiation in a well‐controlled manner, affording the desired polyester products with predictable molecular weights and narrow dispersity. The enhanced acidity of indigos by excitation is crucial to the H‐bonding activation of the lactone monomers. Chain extension and block copolymer synthesis are also demonstrated with this method.
Magnetic Resonance–Guided Focused Ultrasound for Treatment of Essential Tremor: Ventral Intermediate Nucleus Ablation Alone or Additional Posterior Subthalamic Area Lesioning?
Authors: Kyle Kain , Peters James , Jonker Benjamin , Barnett Yael , Maamary Joel , Barnett Michael , Maller Jerome , Wang Chenyu , Tisch Stephen
Published: March 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for treatment of essential tremor (ET) traditionally targets the ventral intermediate (Vim) nucleus. Recent strategies include a secondary lesion to the posterior subthalamic area (PSA).

Objective

The aim was to compare lesion characteristics, tremor improvement, and adverse events (AE) between patients in whom satisfactory tremor suppression was achieved with lesioning of the Vim alone and patients who required additional lesioning of the PSA.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data collected from ET patients treated with MRgFUS at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney was performed. Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST), hand tremor score (HTS), and Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST) were collected pre‐ and posttreatment in addition to the prevalence of AEs. The lesion coordinates and overlap with the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Twenty‐one patients were treated in Vim only, and 14 were treated with dual Vim–PSA lesions. Clinical data were available for 29 of the 35 patients (19 single target and 10 dual target). At follow‐up (mean: 18.80 months) HTS, CRST, and QUEST in single‐target patients improved by 57.97% (P < 0.001), 36.71% (P < 0.001), and 58.26% (P < 0.001), whereas dual‐target patients improved by 68.34% (P < 0.001), 35.37% (P < 0.003), and 46.97% (P < 0.005), respectively. The Vim lesion of dual‐target patients was further anterior relative to the posterior commissure (PC) (7.84 mm), compared with single‐target patients (6.92 mm), with less DRTT involvement (14.85% vs. 23.21%). Dual‐target patients exhibited a greater proportion of patients with acute motor AEs (100% vs. 58%); however, motor AE prevalence was similar in both groups at long‐term follow‐up (33% vs. 38%).

Conclusion

Posterior placement of lesions targeting the Vim may confer greater tremor suppression. The addition of a PSA lesion, in patients with inadequate tremor control despite Vim lesioning, had a trend toward better long‐term tremor suppression; however, this approach was associated with greater prevalence of gait disturbance in the short term.
Advanced microstructural path modeling of primary recrystallization in aluminum alloys AA5182 and AA5657
Authors: Vandermeer R. A. , Lei X. C. , Knipschildt‐Okkels E. F. F. , Lin F. , Sanders R. E. , Juul Jensen D.
Published: March 2024

When analyzing recrystallization kinetics data, it is extremely important to use a model, which has appropriate assumptions for nucleation and growth, including spatial distribution of nuclei, nucleation rate, growth rate, and directionality. In the present work, we reveal how advanced microstructural path modeling (MPM) can successfully fit kinetics data for the complex recrystallization of two different industrial aluminum alloys. Simpler models have failed to fit the data over the entire recrystallization period. The new model allows for spatially clustered nucleation and for different growth rates in different sample directions, whereby the grains evolve with an aspect ratio different from 1. Based on the MPM analysis, the specific nucleation and growth parameters as well as the recrystallized grain sizes are deduced, and the recrystallization characteristics of the two alloys are compared. The work demonstrates the power of quantitative metallography and the wealth of recrystallization information that may be obtained from MPM modeling of such stereological data.
Measuring CSF shunt flow with MRI using flow enhancement of signal intensity (FENSI)
Authors: Zhang Mingxiao , Olivero William C. , Huston Jason M. , Pappu Suguna , Arnold Paul M. , Biswas Arundhati , Anderson Aaron T. , Sutton Bradley P.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To develop and validate a noninvasive imaging technique for accurately assessing very slow CSF flow within shunt tubes in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus, aiming to identify obstructions that might impede CSF drainage.

Theory and Methods

A simulation of shunt flow enhancement of signal intensity (shunt‐FENSI) signal is used to establish the relationship between signal change and flow rate. The quantification of flow enhancement of signal intensity data involves normalization, curve fitting, and calibration to match simulated data. Additionally, a phase sweep method is introduced to accommodate the impact of magnetic field inhomogeneity on the flow measurement. The method is tested in flow phantoms, healthy adults, intensive care unit patients with external ventricular drains (EVD), and shunt patients. EVDs enable shunt‐flow measurements to be acquired with a ground truth measure of CSF drainage.

Results

The flow‐rate‐to‐signal simulation establishes signal–flow relationships and takes into account the T1 of draining fluid. The phase sweep method accurately accounts for phase accumulation due to frequency offsets at the shunt. Results in phantom and healthy human participants reveal reliable quantification of flow rates using controlled flows and agreement with the flow simulation. EVD patients display reliable measures of flow rates. Shunt patient results demonstrate feasibility of the method and consistent flow rates for functional shunts.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the technique's applicability, accuracy, and potential for diagnosing and noninvasively monitoring hydrocephalus. Limitations of the current approach include a high sensitivity to motion and strict requirement of imaging slice prescription.
Bidirectional energy‐controlled piezoelectric shunt damping technology and its vibration attenuation performance
Authors: Wu Yipeng , Yuan Quan , Ren Kaibin , Shen Xin , Shen Hui , Badel Adrien , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao
Published: March 2024

Piezoelectric material‐based semi‐active vibration control systems may effectively suppress vibration amplitude without any external power supply, or even harvest electrical energy. This bidirectional electrical energy control phenomenon is theoretically introduced and validated in this paper. A flyback transformer‐based switching piezoelectric shunt circuit that can extract energy from or inject energy into piezoelectric elements is proposed. The analytical expressions of the controlled energy and the corresponding vibration attenuation are therefore derived for a classical electromechanical cantilever beam. Theoretical predictions validated by the experimental results show that the structure vibration attenuation can be tuned from −5 to −25 dB under the given electrical quality factor of the circuit and figure of merit of the electromechanical structure, and the consumed power is in the range of −13 to 25 mW, which is a good theoretical basis for the development of self‐sensing, self‐adapting, and self‐powered piezoelectric vibration control systems.
Comparison of the 12‐item and 36‐item versions of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 using longitudinal data from community mental health outreach service users
Authors: Iwanaga Mai , Yamaguchi Sosei , Sato Sayaka , Usui Kaori , Nakanishi Kiyoaki , Nishiuchi Erisa , Shimodaira Michiyo , So Yugan , Fujii Chiyo
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to compare the 12‐item and 36‐item versions of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 using longitudinal data from community mental health outreach service users.

Methods

Using data from Tokorozawa City mental health outreach service users in Japan, total and domain WHODAS‐12 and WHODAS‐36 scores were compared. First, we examined score‐change differences by domain at the start of outreach services (T1) and 1 year later (T2) for each version. Next, we compared differences between the two versions using Pearson's correlation, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Among 20 participants, total scores and scores of some domains (i.e., cognition, getting along, life activities, and participation) were significantly lower at T2 than at T1 on both versions (p < 0.010). WHODAS‐36 scores were significantly lower at T2 than at T1 for the self‐care domain (p = 0.018). Except for self‐care, strong correlations were found between scores from the two versions (p < 0.001). In the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Bland–Altman analysis, we found significant differences between the scores of the two versions in the mobility, self‐care, and participation domains. There were no significant differences in the distribution or systematic errors between the two versions in scores for the other domains or total score.

Conclusion

We found strong positive correlations between WHODAS‐12 and WHODAS‐36 total scores with no statistical differences between them. For some domains, differences in distribution and systematic errors were found.
Discrimination, cognitive styles, and their associations with adolescents' mental and physical health
Authors: Biesecker Catherine L. , Pössel Patrick , Fernandez‐Botran Rafael
Published: March 2024

This study is based on the hopelessness theory of depression and previous research on perceived everyday discrimination (PED) and both depressive symptoms and Interleukin‐6 (an inflammatory cytokine; IL‐6) in adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine the negative attribution, self, and consequence cognitive styles (CSs) proposed in the hopelessness theory as a possible mechanism underlying the association between PED and inflammation in adolescents and expand our understanding of the comorbidities between depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation (IL‐6). This cross‐sectional study featured a sample of 102 adolescents aged 13–16 (M = 14.10, SD = 0.52) who identified as White (47.5%), Black (41.4%), Mixed Race (7.1%), Latino (2%), and other (2%). Data analysis was conducted using PROCESS to compute regressions and effects between PED, negative CSs, depressive symptoms, and Interleukin‐6. Results showed that negative attribution CS is the only negative CS associated with PED, depressive symptoms, and IL‐6. Negative attribution CS is also the only negative CS of the three negative CSs that mediates both the association between PED and depressive symptoms and PED and IL‐6 in our adolescent sample. Overall, these results indicate that individual negative CSs proposed in the hopelessness theory impact adolescents' physical and mental outcomes differently, which can inform targeted treatments. Nurses should provide cognitive‐based interventions and promote societal‐level change to reduce the experience and impact of PED on the mental and physical health of their adolescent patients.
Enhancing the mechanical properties of basalt fiber/nylon 6 composites by surface roughening and hydrogen bonding interaction
Authors: Li Guang‐Zhao , Zhang Shuai , Yu Hao , Liu Gen , Wang Wenyan , Chen Gang , Wang Jie , Wan Weicai , Lu Qian , Chen Honglin , Han Rui
Published: March 2024

Inspired by the strong adhesion of mussels, basalt fibers (BFs) were modified with polydopamine and then composited with nylon 6. The effect of polydopamine content on the interfacial interactions and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. In addition, silica nanoparticles were grown on the surface of polydopamine‐modified BFs to investigate the synergistic effect. The study revealed that the mechanical properties of the composites based on polydopamine‐modified BF were gradually enhanced with the increase of the dopamine coverage concentration, and gradually decreased after reaching the peak. 0.5 g/L concentration of dopamine solution modified BFs showed the best enhancement effect on nylon 6, and its tensile strength could reach 133.1 MPa, which was 28.5% higher than that of the unmodified composites. The tensile strength of the composites modified with both dopamine and silica nanoparticles reached 157 MPa, which was 51.7% higher than that of the unmodified composites. In addition, scanning electron microscope images of fracture sections confirmed the strong interfacial interaction between BF and PA6.

Highlights

The surface roughness of BF was increased by nano‐SiO2.

Hydrogen bonding was formed between PDA and PA6.

Physical interlock was formed between nano‐SiO2 and PA6.

Tensile strength increased by 51.7% with both nano‐SiO2 and PDA.

Stronger interfacial interaction leads to higher thermal stability.
Spray‐induced and nanocarrier‐delivered gene silencing system targeting juvenile hormone receptor components: potential application as fertility inhibitors for Adelphocoris suturalis management
Authors: Zheng Wanying , Xu Xiaona , Huang Xingxing , Peng Jie , Ma Weihua , Hull J Joe , Hua Hongxia , Chen Lizhen
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Adelphocoris suturalis is a destructive pest that attacks > 270 plants, including cotton, maize, soybean, and fruit trees. Adelphocoris suturalis can cause tremendous crop losses when the density exceeds economic thresholds, but because it can be both phytophagous and zoophytophagous it can serve as a natural enemy of other pests when the density is below the economic threshold. Effective control of its population is beneficial for maximizing yield and profits. RNA interference (RNAi) has potential to be a viable alternative to conventional pesticide‐based pest management, but the lack of efficient double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems and candidate genes are currently limiting factors for field applications.

RESULTS

In this study, RNAi of juvenile hormone (JH) receptor components methoprene‐tolerant (Met)/Taiman (Tai) in Adelphocoris suturalis reduced fertility. Based on this reproductive role, we targeted Adelphocoris suturalis Met and Tai for knockdown by coupling nanomaterial‐dsRNA complexes with a transdermal spray delivery system. Within 12 h of adult emergence, females were sprayed with star polycation (SPc)–dsRNA formulations and the RNAi effects were assessed over time. RNAi knockdown efficiencies of 39–58% were observed at 5 days post‐treatment and abnormal ovarian development was apparent by 10 days post‐treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that spray‐induced and nanocarrier‐delivered gene silencing (SI‐NDGS) system targeting JH signal genes effectively impaired oviposition, thus developing a novel RNA fertility inhibitor to control Adelphocoris suturalis populations. These results give new perspective on pest management and suggest broad prospects for field applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Realization of High‐Resistive Ni‐Doped GaN Crystal by Hydride Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Odani Takafumi , Iso Kenji , Oshima Yuichi , Ikeda Hirotaka , Mochizuki Tae , Izumisawa Satoru
Published: March 2024

Herein, high‐resistivity GaN is studied for use as an epitaxial substrate in lateral power devices. Fe‐, C‐, Mn‐, and Zn‐doped GaN monocrystals have high resistivity at a doping concentration of ≈1 × 1018 cm−3. However, a low doping concentration is preferred for growing GaN monocrystals; therefore, other dopants for GaN that yield high resistivity at a doping concentration less than 1 × 1018 cm−3 must be identified. Herein, NiCl2 is used as a precursor to grow Ni‐doped GaN monocrystals on GaN substrates via hydride vapor‐phase epitaxy. Two Ni‐doped GaN substrates with Ni concentrations corresponding to 2.7 × 1017 and 2.9 × 1018 cm−3 are obtained by varying the partial pressure of NiCl2. The resistivity of Ni‐doped GaN monocrystals is measured as a function of temperature using Hall effect measurements. The GaN monocrystals doped with 2.7 × 1017 cm−3 of Ni have a higher resistivity than those doped with 2.9 × 1018 cm−3 of Ni at 600–900 K. Charge‐neutrality calculations have shown that the depth of the Ni acceptor level in GaN is 1.4–1.5 eV, indicating that Ni‐doped GaN monocrystals have high resistivity owing to the deep acceptor level of Ni.
Prescribed performance adaptive fault‐tolerant control for nonlinear systems with actuator faults and input dead‐zone
Authors: Yang Dong , Yang Yueyue , Zong Guangdeng , Sun Haibin
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the prescribed performance adaptive fault‐tolerant control problem for nonlinear systems with actuator faults and input dead‐zone (IDZ). The partial loss of effectiveness fault and bias fault are considered. First, the asymmetric nonlinear IDZ is transformed into an affine function in the backstepping process. Second, the radial basis function neural network technique is applied to deal with the unknown uncertainty of the studied system. The state observer is designed to estimate the unmeasurable states in the nonlinear systems. Third, a fault‐tolerant controller is developed such that all signals are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded for the closed‐loop system, and the tracking error remains within the specified performance requirements even though the actuator faults and IDZ occur. Finally, an electromechanical system example is provided to exhibit the utilizability of the obtained control technique.
Business cycle synchronization and sustainable trade development in Africa: The role of capital mobility
Authors: Abendin Simon , Naatu Felicia , Khan Salim , Nkukpornu Etse , Yuan Hongping
Published: March 2024

The literature has overlooked the significance of business cycle synchronization in sustainable trade development, particularly with regard to trade‐adjusted carbon emissions. Further, how capital mobility affect the nexus between business cycle synchronization and sustainable trade development is an area that is yet to be explored. This paper examines the role of capital mobility in the nexus between business cycle synchronization and sustainable trade development using the panel corrected standard errors model in 30 African economies for the period 2006–2020, thus addressing the gaps in the previous studies. We concluded that: First, the direct effects of business cycle synchronization worsen sustainable trade development in Africa. Second, capital mobility promotes sustainable trade development in Africa. Third, capital mobility may be a viable instrument to mitigating the detrimental effects of synchronized business cycles on the sustainable trade development in Africa. Fourth, our research contributes to the extant literature by determining the threshold at which capital mobility can affect the association between synchronized business cycles and sustainable trade growth. Fifth, our study revealed that business cycle synchronization and capital mobility have a causal relationship with sustainable trade development in Africa. The concluding remarks section includes policy implications.
Phase‐Tunable Molybdenum Boride Ceramics as an Emerging Sensitive and Reliable SERS Platform in Harsh Environments
Authors: Hu Mengen , Li Ke , Dang Xian , Yang Chengwan , Li Xinyang , Wang Zhen , Li Kewei , Cao Liang , Hu Xiaoye , Li Yue , Wu Nianqiang , Huang Zhulin , Meng Guowen
Published: March 2024

Traditional surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors rely heavily on the use of plasmonic noble metals, which have limitations due to their high cost and lack of physical and chemical stability. Hence, it is imperative to explore new materials as SERS platforms that can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions. In this study, the SERS effect of molybdenum boride ceramic powders is presented with an enhancement factor of 5 orders, which is comparable to conventional noble metal substrates. The molybdenum boride powders synthesized through liquid‐phase precursor and carbothermal reduction have β‐MoB, MoB2, and Mo2B5 phases. Among these phases, β‐MoB demonstrates the most significant SERS activity, with a detection limit for rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules of 10−9 m. The impressive SERS enhancement can be attributed to strong molecule interactions and prominent charge interactions between R6G and the various phases of molybdenum boride, as supported by theoretical calculations. Additionally, Raman measurements show that the SERS activity remains intact after exposure to high temperature, strong acids, and alkalis. This research introduces a novel molybdenum boride all‐ceramic SERS platform capable of functioning in harsh conditions, thereby showing the promising of boride ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics for detection applications in extreme environments.
Uniting Synergistic Effect of Single‐Ni Site and Electric Field of B‐ Bridged‐N for Boosted Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Ajmal Saira , Kumar Anuj , Mushtaq Muhammad Asim , Tabish Mohammad , Zhao Yulin , Zhang Wenbin , Khan Abdul Sammed , Saad Ali , Yasin Ghulam , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2024

Electrochemical conversion of nitrate, a prevalent water pollutant, to ammonia (NH3) is a delocalized and green path for NH3 production. Despite the existence of different nitrate reduction pathways, selectively directing the reaction pathway on the road to NH3 is now hindered by the absence of efficient catalysts. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are extensively investigated in a wide range of catalytic processes. However, their application in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) to NH3 is infrequent, mostly due to their pronounced inclination toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, Ni single atoms on the electrochemically active carrier boron, nitrogen doped‐graphene (BNG) matrix to modulate the atomic coordination structure through a boron‐spanning strategy to enhance the performance of NO3−RR is designed. Density functional theory (DFT) study proposes that BNG supports with ionic characteristics, offer a surplus electric field effect as compared to N‐doped graphene, which can ease the nitrate adsorption. Consistent with the theoretical studies, the as‐obtained NiSA@BNG shows higher catalytic activity with a maximal NH3 yield rate of 168 µg h−1 cm−2 along with Faradaic efficiency of 95% and promising electrochemical stability. This study reveals novel ways to rationally fabricate SACs' atomic coordination structure with tunable electronic properties to enhance electrocatalytic performance.
ReInstancer: An automatic refactoring approach for Instanceof pattern matching
Authors: Zhang Yang , Hong Shuai
Published: March 2024

The instanceof pattern matching can improve the code quality and readability by removing the redundant typecasting and simplifying the design in different scenarios. However, existing works do not provide sufficient support for refactoring instanceof pattern matching. This paper first identifies several cases that cannot be well handled by existing IDEs. Based on these observations, we propose a novel approach called ReInstancer to refactor instanceof pattern matching automatically. ReInstancer conducts program analysis for multi‐branch statements to obtain pattern variables. After analyzing these patterns, the multi‐branch statements are optimized and finally refactored into switch statements or expressions. ReInstancer is evaluated by 20 real‐world projects with more than 7,700 instanceof pattern matching. The experimental results demonstrate that a total of 3,558 instanceof expressions and 228 multi‐branch statements are refactored within 10.8 s on average for each project. ReInstancer improves the code quality by reducing redundant typecasting, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Nozzle‐Free Printing of CNT Electronics Using Laser‐Generated Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Seva Sarah , Rorem Benjamin , Chinnathambi Karthik , Estrada David , Guo L. Jay , Subbaraman Harish
Published: March 2024

Printed electronics have made remarkable progress in recent years and inkjet printing (IJP) has emerged as one of the leading methods for fabricating printed electronic devices. However, challenges such as nozzle clogging, and strict ink formulation constraints have limited their widespread use. To address this issue, a novel nozzle‐free printing technology is explored, which is enabled by laser‐generated focused ultrasound, as a potential alternative printing modality called Shock‐wave Jet Printing (SJP). Specifically, the performance of SJP‐printed and IJP‐printed bottom‐gated carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film transistors (TFTs) is compared. While IJP required ten print passes to achieve fully functional devices with channel dimensions ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers, SJP achieved comparable performance with just a single pass. For optimized devices, SJP demonstrated six times higher maximum mobility than IJP‐printed devices. Furthermore, the advantages of nozzle‐free printing are evident, as SJP successfully printed stored and unsonicated inks, delivering moderate electrical performance, whereas IJP suffered from nozzle clogging due to CNT agglomeration. Moreover, SJP can print significantly longer CNTs, spanning the entire range of tube lengths of commercially available CNT ink. The findings from this study contribute to the advancement of nanomaterial printing, ink formulation, and the development of cost‐effective printable electronics.
Advances in Injectable Hydrogels Based on Diverse Gelation Methods for Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Mo Chunxiang , Zhang Weiyao , Zhu Kang , Du Yang , Huang Wei , Wu Ying , Song Jibin
Published: March 2024

The injectable hydrogels can deliver the loads directly to the predetermined sites and form reservoirs to increase the enrichment and retention of the loads in the target areas. The preparation and injection of injectable hydrogels involve the sol–gel transformation of hydrogels, which is affected by factors such as temperature, ions, enzymes, light, mechanics (self‐healing property), and pH. However, tracing the injection, degradation, and drug release from hydrogels based on different ways of gelation is a major concern. To solve this problem, contrast agents are introduced into injectable hydrogels, enabling the hydrogels to be imaged under techniques such as fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide imaging. This review details methods for causing the gelation of imageable hydrogels; discusses the application of injectable hydrogels containing contrast agents in various imaging techniques, and finally explores the potential and challenges of imageable hydrogels based on different modes of gelation.
Visualisation and outlier detection for probability density function ensembles
Authors: Murph Alexander C. , Strait Justin D. , Moran Kelly R. , Hyman Jeffrey D. , Stauffer Philip H.
Published: March 2024

Exploratory data analysis (EDA) for functional data—data objects where observations are entire functions—is a difficult problem that has seen significant attention in recent literature. This surge in interest is motivated by the ubiquitous nature of functional data, which are prevalent in applications across fields such as meteorology, biology, medicine and engineering. Empirical probability density functions (PDFs) can be viewed as constrained functional data objects that must integrate to one and be nonnegative. They show up in contexts such as yearly income distributions, zooplankton size structure in oceanography and in connectivity patterns in the brain, among others. While PDF data are certainly common in modern research, little attention has been given to EDA specifically for PDFs. In this paper, we extend several methods for EDA on functional data for PDFs and compare them on simulated data that exhibit different types of variation, designed to mimic that seen in real‐world applications. We then use our new methods to perform EDA on the breakthrough curves observed in gas transport simulations for underground fracture networks.
Cycloartane triterpenoids and biological activities from the propolis of the stingless bee Lisotrigona furva
Authors: Thanh Le Nguyen , Thoa Ha Thi , Oanh Nguyen Thi Tu , Giap Tran Huu , Quyen Vu Thi , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Phuong Diep Thi Lan , Lien Nguyen Thi Phuong , Hang Nguyen Thi Minh
Published: March 2024

Chromatographic separation of ethyl acetate extract of the stingless bee Lisotrigona furva propolis, that collected in Khanh Hoa province, led to isolation of five cycloartane‐type triterpenes including cycloartenone (1), cycloartenol (2), (24E)‐3β‐hydroxycycloart‐24‐en‐26‐al (3), mangiferonic acid (4) and mangiferolic acid (5). Mango plant (Mangifera indica) was suggested to be a resin source of the propolis. The propolis EtOH extract showed good antimicrobial activity on Gram (+) strain E. feacalis and fungus C. albicans. Among the isolated compounds, compound 3 displayed selective activity against three Gram (+) strains and C. albicans over Gram (‐) strains with all MIC values of 64 μg/mL. However, the propolis EtOH extract was not active against LU‐1 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines. Only compound 5 exhibited moderate activity on LU‐1 cancer cell line with IC50 of 13.33 μg/mL.
Study of copper releasing rate from vinyl copolymer/Cu2O/Seanine 211‐based anti‐fouling paint coating
Authors: Thanh Do Minh , Hiep Nguyen Anh , Sang Vu Dinh
Published: March 2024

The effects of Seanine 211 content rate on Cu releasing as well as coating properties were investigated. The process of releasing Cu has been studied in dynamic conditions with Seanine content of 0, 3, 5, 10 % and static conditions using Seanine content of 5 % (in weight). Under dynamic conditions, the Cu shall release at high speed in the first 2 days of the test, then remain stable and proportional to the time according to the linear‐line equation, maintained at ≈ 3.5 μg/cm2/day. Under static conditions, the process of Cu releasing is studied through the reduction of coating thickness, the results show that the coating abrasion rate is also proportional to the time and according to linear‐line equation. With the content of 20 % Cu2O (in proportion) and 5 % Seanine (in proportion), the coat has the following properties: relative hardness 0.5; impact resistance 65 Kg.cm; flexural strength 1 mm; adhesion cross cut at 1.
Electrochemical deposition of gold nanoparticles‐based plasmonic catalyst for glucose oxidation
Authors: Van Quynh Nguyen , Minh Nguyen Binh , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai , Lam Nguyen Luong , Anh Nguyen Tien
Published: March 2024

This work describes an effective electrodeposition method for generating gold plasmonic electrodes which are further used for detecting glucose in solution without the presence of any enzymes (i.e Gox). Under light irradiation, the electro‐catalytic oxidation of glucose on the electrodeposited gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surfaces has been investigated. The wavelength‐dependent electrochemical oxidative current intensity implies that the hot carriers transferred from the excited plasmonic AuNPs to the absorbed molecules are responsible for enhancing electro‐catalysis performance. Hot holes can particularly contribute to the oxidation reaction of glucose on the plasmonic surfaces without the presence of any enzymes in solution. Furthermore, the presence of nano‐sized gold particles exhibits a larger active surface area, which leads to a significant improvement in recorded oxidative current for the oxidation of glucose. These results reveal a promising manner for generating non‐enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor upon plasmonic excitation.
Recent progress in the development of new artificial metalloenzymes as biocatalysts for selective oxidations and Diels‐Alder reaction ‐ Mini‐Review
Authors: Avenier Fréderic , Ghattas Wadih , Ricoux Rémy , Mahy Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2024

Our recent research is turning towards the elaboration of artificial metalloenzymes that catalyze reactions of interest for organic chemistry under eco‐compatible conditions. First, totally artificial metalloenzymes that catalyze selective oxidations in water are described following three main lines: (i) Insertion of microperoxidase 8 into Metal Organic Frameworks leading to artificial metalloenzymes as new biocatalysts for the selective sulfoxydation of sulfides and oxidation of dyes and by H2O2; (ii) Design of a new polyimine polymer‐based artificial reductase that allows the reductive activation of dioxygen and its use as an oxygen atom source for selective oxidations catalyzed by metal complexes including metalloporphyrins, copper complexes or Polyoxometalates and, (iii) Design of new artificial metalloenzymes that catalyze the photoreduction of H2O in the presence of photoactivable ruthenium complexes and the concommitant oxidation of sulfides. Second, the synthesis of new stereoselective Diels‐Alderases is described following three strategies: (i) Covalent insertion of metal complexes into thermostable artificial proteins issued from a new family of alpha‐helical repeated motifs (αReps), (ii) Substitution of the native Fe ion of a cupin‐like protein, ACCO oxidase, by a copper(II) ion and (iii) Insertion of a copper(II) complex‐antagonist conjugate into an adenosine receptor located at the surface of living HEK cells.
Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) for quantification of piroxicam in tablet dosage from as a green analytical method
Authors: Thang Nguyen Quoc , Tho Nguyen Thi Mai , Nga Ho Ngoc , Phuong Nguyen Thi Kim
Published: March 2024

A simple, rapid, precise, accurate, reproducible, economic and eco‐friendly analytical method for the quantification of piroxicam in tablet dosage form, using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), has been developed. The measurements were based on the ATR technique, wherein there is no sample preparation, except for pulverizing the tablet, thereby eliminating the use of toxic chemicals or solvents. The calibration curve of piroxicam was obtained by performing a linear regression analysis, using data from the direct ATR‐FTIR measurement of percentage transmittance (%T), corresponding to the secondary peak at 1526.38 cm‐1 in the concentration (C) range of 25.18‐93.63 mg/g. The linear regression equation obtained from the present data was represented by %T = ‐0.2178 C + 99.208 and was associated with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.998. The proposed method was validated for piroxicam in tablet form. The relative standard deviation percentage (%RSD) was found to be less than five, with a recovery percentage in the range of 96.0‐99.3 %.
Physico‐chemical characterization of forest and agricultural residues for energy conversion processes
Authors: Nam Nguyen Hong , Linh Vu Ngoc , Dung Le Duc , Ha Vu Thi Thu
Published: March 2024

Agricultural and forest residues could become potential sources of energy in various countries. However, incomplete understanding regarding physico‐chemical properties of these residues presents the main challenges for energy conversion processes. This study presented a complete and comprehensive database of characteristics and compositions of a wide range of agricultural and forest residues. Physical characteristics (moisture, bulk density, calorific value, volatile matter, fixed‐carbon content, and ash content), elemental compositions (C, H, N, O, and S), as well as lignocellulosic compositions (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) of ten biomass residues were analyzed. The major impacts of the variability in biomass compositions to biochemical and thermochemical processes were also discussed.
Characteristics of hydroxyapatite coating on Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate fabricated via sequent H2O2‐oxidizing and RF‐sputtering processes
Authors: Linh Nguyen Thi Truc , Tuan Phan Dinh
Published: March 2024

In this study, we created a hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating layer on top of the Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate via sequent H2O2‐oxidizing and RF‐sputtering processes and determining the effect of H2O2‐oxidizing state to the adhesion between HAp coating layer and Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate. The results showed that the H2O2‐oxidized Ti‐6Al‐4V surface is rough and porous, which increases the adhesion strength of the HAp coating layer on the alloy substrate. The shear strength value of the HAp/H2O2‐oxidized Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate was 69.3 MPa, significantly higher than that of the HAp/original Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate (12.9 MPa). The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) proved the denser HAp coating layer covered the TiO2/Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate, consequently effectively prevented releasing of the unwanted toxic elements from the metallic implant.