bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Salinity on the Partitioning Behavior of Six Commonly Used Pesticides in Fish Eggs
Authors: St. Romain Scott J. , Basirico Laura M. , Hutton Sara , Brander Susanne , Armbrust Kevin L.
Published: November 2023

Salinity has been reported to impact the octanol–water partition coefficient of organic contaminants entering aquatic ecosystems. However, limited data are available on the impacts of salinity on their partitioning from the aqueous phase to adjacent organic compartments. The pesticides bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, dicloran, myclobutanil, penconazole, and triadimefon were used to investigate the effects of salinity on their partitioning to capelin (Mallotus villosus) eggs in 5 practical salinity units (PSU) versus 25 PSU artificial seawater (ASW). The partitioning coefficient was significantly higher in 25 versus 5 PSU ASW for bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, dicloran, penconazole, and triadimefon by 31%, 28%, 35%, 28%, and 20%, respectively, while for myclobutanil there was no significant difference. Moreover, pesticide partitioning to store-bought capelin eggs was consistent with the partitioning observed for the standard assay species, inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) eggs, after partitioning between the eggs and exposure solution had reached a state of equilibrium. The present study illustrates the importance of considering the influence of salinity on the environmental partitioning and fate of hydrophobic organic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:299–306. © 2023 SETAC.
Using AI to disrupt business as usual in small evaluation firms
Authors: Sabarre Nina R. , Beckmann Blake , Bhaskara Sahiti , Doll Kathleen
Published: November 2023

While many knowledge workers may fear that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will threaten their jobs, this article argues that small evaluation businesses should embrace AI tools to increase their value in the marketplace and remain relevant. In this article, consultants from a research, evaluation, and strategy firm, Intention 2 Impact, Inc., make a case for using AI tools to disrupt business as usual in evaluation from theoretical and practical perspectives. Theoretically, AI may be another example of technology that was initially feared but is now ubiquitous in society. Using concrete examples, the authors describe how businesses and evaluators have evolved to keep up with changes in supply and demand. Lastly, it is posited that embracing AI will save time for those working in small businesses, which can ultimately increase added value and profitability.
Exergoeconomic and Thermodynamic Analyses of Solar Power Tower Based Novel Combined Helium Brayton Cycle‐Transcritical CO2 Cycle for Carbon Free Power Generation
Authors: Khan Yunis , Singh Deepak , Caliskan Hakan , Hong Hiki
Published: November 2023

In the present study, a novel combined power cycle for solar power tower (SPT) system consisting of helium Brayton cycle (HBC) and transcritical CO2 (TCO2) for waste heat recovery is being studied for carbon‐free generation. The performance of the proposed SPT based combined cycle (SPT‐HBC‐TCO2 cycle) is compared with SPT based basic cycle (SPT‐HBC) based on exergoeconomic and thermodynamic analyses. It is concluded that the SPT‐based combined cycle (SPT‐HBC‐TCO2 cycle) produces a thermal efficiency of 32.39% and exergy efficiency of 34.68% with an electricity cost of 1.613 UScent kWh−1. The exergy and thermal efficiency of the SPT‐based combined cycle are enhanced by 13.18% and 13.21% respectively, while electricity cost is reduced by around 2% as compared to the SPT‐based basic cycle (SPT‐HBC) configuration at base conditions. A notable finding is that, despite the additional expenditures related to the bottoming cycle, the cost of electricity is lesser for the proposed combined cycle. Additionally, a comparison with the related prior published research exhibits that the performance of the current novel system is superior to that of the systems based on steam rankine cycle and supercritical CO2 cycles.
Tectonic–thermal evolution since the Mesozoic in the Suhongtu Depression, Yingen–Ejina Basin: Constraints from Apatite fission track and vitrinite reflectance
Authors: Han Wei , Ren Zhanli , Niu Yazhuo , Chen Zhijun , Zhou Junlin
Published: November 2023

The Yingen–Ejina Basin (YEB) located in the western part of the North China Plate is a significant area for petroleum exploration. During the Early Cretaceous, the YEB witnessed the extensive development of source rocks. However, the subsequent tectonic evolution and multi‐stage thermal history of these source rocks have posed challenges to oil and gas exploration in the basin. This study focuses on the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the YEB, utilizing Apatite fission track (AFT) and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) data of samples from Well BC‐1 in the Suhongtu Depression, northern YEB. The central ages of six AFT samples ranged from 28 ± 2 to 49 ± 3 Ma with corresponding track lengths between 10.8 ± 1.9 and 12.3 ± 1.5 μm. Combining with the study of Ro and thermal history simulation, the thermal history of the YEB is summarized as follows: In the late Early Cretaceous, the study area experienced tectonic elevation, as evidenced by the discontinuous change in Ro values along the vertical column. Towards the end of the Late Cretaceous, there was a subsidence in the study area. The Ro data indicate that the Early Cretaceous source rocks, although experiencing several tectonic uplifts, had remained within the hydrocarbon generation temperature range, and reached the maximum thermal uplifts before the end of the Late Cretaceous. Therefore, hydrocarbon generation from early Cretaceous source rocks is an important exploration target in the study area and will be the focus of oil and gas exploration in the future.
Attracting institutional investments to emerging markets: The case of Turkiye
Authors: Avci S. Burcu
Published: November 2023

Understanding institutional investors' investment criteria in emerging markets is essential because they typically make large investments without control rights or protection of the rule of law. This study undertakes an investment criteria investigation of institutional investors in Turkiye. The sample covers real and financial sector companies to investigate sectoral differences in Borsa Istanbul‐listed firms for 2010–2021. Using a panel data approach, we show that the presence of growth options, generous payout policy, attractive firm valuation, and quality of the external governance mechanisms are important factors in attracting institutional investors by real sector firms. Only a large firm size and the quality of the external governance mechanisms arise as important factors for financial sector firms. Moreover, institutional holdings positively impact the percentage shares of institutional investors during crisis periods among real sector firms, whereas they do not affect financial sector firms. Real‐sector and financial‐sector firms can use our findings to increase institutional ownership. Our results have important implications for institutional investors, individual investors, and market regulators to demand critical corporate governance practices.
Menstrual health: Inequities in a cohort of menstruating people in the Brazilian southeastern region
Authors: Camas‐Castillo Miriam A. , Gallardo‐Alvarado Negli , Yánez‐Sánchez Paula , Makuch María Y. , Osis María J. D. , Bahamondes Luis
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and period poverty in a group of low‐ and medium‐income menstruating people.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Campinas, Brazil, from January to June 2022 with 535 participants aged 18–49. For data collection, we used the abbreviated version of the WHO Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) and a pre‐tested questionnaire with items regarding MHM and period poverty.

Results

We found an inverse relationship between the risk of no access to supplies to perform menstrual hygiene, which increased by 2.5% and each point less in the environmental domain of quality of life (QoL), and this risk increased by up to 3.1 times among participants who reported difficulty making ends meet. The risk of not having adequate conditions to perform menstrual hygiene at home increased by up to 2.6% for every one‐point drop in the environmental domain of QoL. The risk of not having adequate conditions to perform menstrual hygiene outside the home increased by up to 1.3% for less points in the psychological domain of QoL, and 44.4% of those who indicated inadequate conditions for menstrual hygiene reported two or more childbirths.

Conclusions

Menstruating people who have an increased risk of lacking menstrual supplies and have an increased risk of inadequate conditions for MHM at home and outside the home, as well as those who have two or more deliveries and those having difficulties making ends meet, scored low on the QoL, especially in the environmental and psychological dimensions.
SVTNet: Automatic bone age assessment network based onTW3method and vision transformer
Authors: Wu Jindong , Mi Qunzheng , Zhang Yi , Wu Tongning
Published: November 2023

This study aims to develop a proficient and clinically applicable algorithm that can accurately assess bone age. This algorithm is based on the principles of the Tanner‐Whitehouse 3 (TW3) integral approach, and aims to achieve efficiency, scalability, and interpretability. We developed a model for bone age prediction in children. The model was tested on a pediatric dataset from a tertiary care hospital consisting of left‐hand radiographs of children between the age of 0 and 18. Our model consists of removing the arm portion using a pre‐trained YOLO network, localizing 37 key points in the hand bone portion using a spatial configuration network, and segmenting the original image through 20 of these points to obtain 20 fixed‐size patches. Finally, each of the 20 bone images is classified by training a visual transformer (ViT) model. In this study, a hybrid network, SVTNet, was developed that incorporates visual transformers to obtain estimates of bone age in the carpal (C series) and metacarpal (RUS series) bones. The sum of the clinical TW3 scoring region scores and bone maturity scores were utilized to determine the bone age for each corresponding region. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated in terms of both training and testing by evaluating 3871 left hand X‐ray micrographs obtained from a tertiary hospital in China. The results showed that the average absolute error of bone age estimation was 0.50 years for the RUS series of bones and 0.47 years for the C series of bones. The main contribution of this study is to propose, for the first time, a ViT‐based bone age assessment method that automates the entire process of the TW3 algorithm and is clinically interpretable, with predictive accuracy comparable to that of an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Comparison of anti‐nucleocapsid antibody assays for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron vaccine breakthroughs after various intervals since the infection
Authors: Springer David Niklas , Reuberger Elisabeth , Borsodi Christian , Puchhammer‐Stöckl Elisabeth , Weseslindtner Lukas
Published: November 2023

Antibody assays with the nucleocapsid (NC) protein as the target antigen can identify severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections when polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses are unavailable. Regarding the kinetics of NC‐specific antibodies, vaccine breakthroughs with Omicron subvariants may differ from infections with the ancestral wild‐type virus. Therefore, we evaluated which assays have the highest sensitivity for detecting NC‐specific antibodies after various intervals since breakthrough infections with an Omicron subvariant. The study included 279 samples from vaccinated subjects who experienced PCR‐confirmed Omicron breakthrough infections between 21 and 266 days before sampling. The samples were comparatively assessed with the Elecsys® Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 N (Roche), the Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐NCP‐ELISA (Euroimmun), the recomLine SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG (Mikrogen), and the SARS‐CoV‐2 ViraChip IgG assays (Viramed). In the whole cohort, the Elecsys® Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 N assay displayed the highest sensitivity (93%, p < 0.0001), followed by the recomLine SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG assay (70%), the SARS‐CoV‐2 ViraChip IgG assay (41%) and the Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐NCP‐ELISA (35%). Although measured antibody levels and time‐dependent sensitivities differed, the extent of the antibody decrease was similar among all assays. As demonstrated by this study, manufacturer‐dependent differences in the sensitivities of NC‐specific antibody assays should be considered when serology is applied to link previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infections with potential post‐COVID sequelae.
Perceptions of parenthood and child development among parents who experienced child maltreatment
Authors: Wamser Rachel A. , Sager Julia C.
Published: November 2023

Maltreatment survivors may be at risk for parenting challenges, although the previous literature is inconsistent, has focused on individual maltreatment forms, and has overlooked posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and other trauma exposure. The current study, thus, aimed to expand this research in four key ways by (a) examining all five maltreatment forms; (b) controlling for other nonmaltreatment trauma exposure to better isolate the role of maltreatment; (c) investigating maltreatment types and PTSS simultaneously; and (d) exploring novel parenting factors, specifically four types of parenting beliefs and developmental knowledge. Trauma‐exposed parents (N = 301; Mage = 26.49 years, SD = 8.34, range: 18–69 years; 66.8% female; 59.8% White) participated in the study. A path analytic model indicated that, surprisingly, none of the maltreatment types nor cumulative trauma exposure corresponded with parental beliefs related to one's child, self, partner, or social relationships. PTSS, however, were tied to all four parenting belief types as well as developmental knowledge, βs = −.05—.40. Physical and emotional abuse were linked to less accurate developmental knowledge, β = .02, and maladaptive parenting practices, β = .03. Sexual abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence were not associated with any of the parenting factors. Thus, current trauma symptoms are likely a more critical intervention focus than maltreatment experiences, although physical and emotional abuse may also play a role in parenting knowledge and behaviors. These findings also signal the importance of including all five maltreatment forms and PTSS when conducting research on the interaction between trauma and parenting.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of duck harvest distributions in the Central and Mississippi flyways, 1960–2019
Authors: Verheijen Bram H. F. , Webb Elisabeth B. , Brasher Michael G. , Hagy Heath M.
Published: November 2023

Geographical distributions of waterfowl exhibit annual variation in response to spatiotemporal variation in weather conditions, habitat availability, and other factors. Continuing changes in climate and land use could lead to persistent shifts of waterfowl distributions, potentially causing a mismatch with habitat conservation planning, wetland restoration efforts, and harvest management decisions informed by historical distributions. We used band recoveries and harvest records (i.e., hunter‐harvested wings) from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey as indices of duck distribution in autumn and winter, and quantified intra‐annual, interannual, and interspecific variation in their geographic distributions across 6 decades (1960–2019) for 15 duck species in the Central and Mississippi flyways in North America. Specifically, we tested for annual and decadal shifts in mean latitude and longitude of recoveries for each month (Oct–Jan) by species and taxonomic guild (i.e., dabbling, diving ducks). Overall, species varied in the extent, timing, and sometimes direction, of distributional change in recoveries. From 1960–2019, mean recovery locations for dabbling ducks shifted south 105–296 km in October and 27 km in November (wings only), whereas mean latitudes shifted north 144–234 km in December and 186–301 km in January. Mean recovery locations for diving ducks shifted north 162 km in October (wings only), 84–173 km in December, and 66–120 km in January, but shifted 99–512 km south in November. Shifts in longitude were less consistent between guilds and data types. Finally, distributional change rarely accelerated during recent decades, except for southward shifts of band recoveries of diving ducks in November and northward shifts of band and wing recoveries of dabbling ducks in January. Although anecdotal accounts of large‐scale northward shifts in duck distributions are prolific in the land management and hunting communities, our data demonstrate more subtle shifts that vary considerably by species and month. Observed changes in recovery distributions could necessitate changes in timing of habitat management practices throughout the Central and Mississippi flyways and may result in fewer hunting and recreational opportunities for some species in southern states. Quantifying patterns of historical change is a necessary first step to understanding temporal and interspecific variation in waterfowl distributions, which will help with landscape‐scale conservation and management efforts in the future and enable effective communication to core constituencies regarding ongoing changes and their implications for recreational engagement.
Global Otitis Media Incidence Changes During the COVID Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Warner Brendon K. , Durrant Frederick G. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim was to analyze the global impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and national lockdowns on the incidence of otitis media (OM), a common otolaryngologic disease.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

Review Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed using PRISMA reporting guidelines. OM incidence (measured as newly diagnosed OM cases over total patients seen over a time period), OM antibiotic prescriptions (OM cases for which antibiotics were prescribed over total OM cases), and tympanostomy tube surgeries (all tympanostomy tube surgeries over total surgical cases) were extracted. Meta‐analysis of proportions and comparison of proportions were performed.

Results

Of 1004 studies screened, 26 studies in 11 countries met inclusion criteria. The percentages of OM cases pre‐ and during‐lockdown were 6.67%, 95% CI [4.68%, 8.99%], and 2.63% [2.02%, 3.31%], respectively, with an OR of 0.31 favoring during‐lockdown [0.25, 0.39] (p < 0.00001). Antibiotic prescriptions per all OM episodes pre‐ and during‐lockdown were 1.61% [0.17%, 8.46%] and 0.62% [0.07%, 3.32%], with an OR of 0.37 favoring during‐lockdown ([0.35, 0.40], p < 0.00001). Tympanostomy tube surgery proportions pre‐ and during‐lockdown were 31.64% [6.85%, 64.26%] and 29.99% [4.14%, 66.55%], with an OR of 0.94 favoring neither during‐ nor pre‐lockdown [0.45, 2.00] (p = 0.88).

Conclusion

The incidence of OM decreased significantly following international lockdowns due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, with antibiotic prescriptions for OM episodes showing a corresponding decrease. Despite these reductions, numbers of tympanostomy tube procedures did not change significantly. These reductions are likely due to social distancing, decreased exposure through high transmission facilities such as day cares, decreased health care utilization, and even possibly decreased air pollution. Laryngoscope, 134:2028–2037, 2024
Optimization strategies of ecological security patterns through importance of ecosystem services and ecological sensitivity—A case study in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Wei Wei , Liu Congying , Ma Libang , Xie Binbin , Zhou Junju , Nan Shengxiang
Published: November 2023

With the aggravation of environmental conflicts, exploring the green development path is an inevitable choice to alleviate land tension, guarantee the harmony of human–land relations, and promote coordinated regional development. The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is an important national ecological barrier area, but the impact of its environmental problems can no longer be ignored. Ecological security patterns (ESPs) provide remarkable means for the identification, configuration, and optimization of ecological spaces, which can help people identify the most central zone that needs to be protected. In this paper, we proposed environmental optimization strategies applicable to YRB as a case area. Firstly, the basic framework of ESPs was constructed based on the “three‐step” method, where ecological sources were delineated by importance/sensitivity, resistance surfaces were created by entropy weight method, and the distribution ranges of ecological corridors, nodes, and barriers were confirmed by circuit theory. Meanwhile, stepping stones were introduced to optimize the ESPs, which were obtained through hotspot analysis and buffer analysis. The results displayed that (1) ecological sources covered an area of 166,699.32 km2, occupying 21% of the basin area. They were widely distributed in the upper and middle junctions, southeast and east of the basin, and of the land types that make up them, cropland, woodland, and grassland account for 97.6%. (2) The spatial distribution of resistance values varied considerably with low values predominantly found along water systems and high values predominantly found in densely populated urban areas. (3) Through the Linkage Mapper tool, 344 ecological corridors were acquired, with dense and short corridors in the southeast and sparse and long corridors in the northwest; 146 ecological nodes were acquired, which were the priority areas for ecological protection; and 154 barriers were acquired, the improvement or removal of which can enhance the connectivity between sources. In addition, the application of stepping stones further enhanced the connectivity between landscapes. The ESPs assessment framework constructed in this paper can provide strong support for relevant departments to carry out ecological monitoring and formulate environmental protection strategies.
Behavioral biases in short selling—An experimental study
Authors: Eskinazi Naveh , Shavit Tal , Rosenboim Mosi , Malul Miki
Published: November 2023

Short selling is a common practice in financial markets. Although there is extensive research concerning short selling and short sellers, in the behavioral and experimental economics literature, there are only a few studies that examine it. This paper investigates the pricing of two forms of short selling both theoretically and experimentally—selling a lottery short and paying to close the short position. The theoretical framework presents and analyzes the two positions and the influence of the anchoring and uncertainty effects on the pricing. To test the theoretical framework, we asked participants in an experiment about the price they were willing to accept for the obligation to pay the lottery's outcome and the price they were willing to pay to close the obligation to pay the lottery's outcome they held. Moreover, we used a simple lottery with different framings, each one with a different anchor. Our results suggest that in the short‐selling position, behavioral biases, such as anchoring and uncertainty, impact the decision‐makers' bid prices.
First‐principles investigations of the Dion‐Jacobson PLS CsLaNb2O7: An outstanding multifunctional material for green technology
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Hossain A. K. M. Akther
Published: November 2023

This investigation emphasizes the study of the structural, mechanical, thermophysical, thermodynamical, and optoelectronic properties of a Dion‐Jacobson Perovskite‐like Layered Structured (PLS) CsLaNb2O7 using the first‐principles. The former experimental investigation accepts the estimated lattice parameters and unit cell volume at the ground state. The material is mechanically stable, ductile, and anisotropic in nature. The phonon dispersion characteristics, phonon density of states, zero‐point energy and temperature‐dependent‐ enthalpy, entropy, and Debye temperature have been studied for the first time. The band gap is found to be direct. Different orbital contributions in electronic bonding have been visualized in the PDOS diagram. Optical anisotropic properties have also been investigated along the [100] and [001] polarizing directions. This material shows promising properties in the fabrication of multifunctional materials.
Nitrogen fixation as NOx using air plasma coupled with heterogeneous catalysis at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Pei Xuekai , Li Yiheng , Luo Yi , Man Chenxi , Zhang Yumin , Lu Xinpei , Graves David B.
Published: November 2023

This study presents insights into the use of activated catalysts to improve the energy efficiency of production in atmospheric pressure air plasma. The introduction of catalysts in the direct current glow discharge system reduces the energy cost of production by up to 45% at low gas flow rates. Notably, even when positioned away from the plasma zone, the catalyst enhanced production, suggesting a significant role for the catalytic activation of downstream neutral species. The study also introduced a novel approach involving an air plasma jet infused with floating catalyst powder. This method significantly increased energy efficiency at higher discharge currents, with an associated energy cost of 2.9 MJ/mol for production.
The 1.7 Å crystal structure of the C5a peptidase from Streptococcus agalactiae (ScpB) reveals an active site competent for catalysis
Authors: Cullen Ruth , Teçza Malgorzata , Miclot Tom , Behan Senan , Jain Monica , Avink Marjet Klein , Cooney Jakki C. , Kagawa Todd F.
Published: November 2023

A 1.7 Å structure is presented for an active form of the virulence factor ScpB, the C5a peptidase from Streptococcus agalactiae. The previously reported structure of the ScpB active site mutant exhibited a large separation (~20 Å) between the catalytic His and Ser residues. Significant differences are observed in the catalytic domain between the current and mutant ScpB structures resulting with a high RMSDCα (4.6 Å). The fold of the active form of ScpB is nearly identical to ScpA (RMSDCα 0.2 Å), the C5a‐peptidase from Streptococcus pyogenes. Both ScpA and ScpB have comparable activity against human C5a, indicating neither enzyme require host proteins for C5a‐ase activity. These studies are a first step in resolving reported differences in the specificities of these enzymes.
Fabrication of AgGaTe2Solar Cells Using GaTe Powder to Suppress Mo–Te Compounds Formation near the Electrode Layer
Authors: Park Gunwook , Kobayashi Masakazu
Published: November 2023

AgGaTe2is an attractive material for the light‐absorbing layer in solar cells and has been deposited by close‐spaced sublimation using Ga2Te3powder source. However, the samples exhibit an excess of Te, as well as undesired Mo–Te compounds, when AgGaTe2is deposited on Mo/glass substrates. Therefore, the AgGaTe2light‐absorbing layer is deposited using an Ag2Te and GaTe mixed powder source and examined herein. By replacing the Ga2Te3source with GaTe, the Te content confirmed by the X‐ray fluorescent has significantly decreased. Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy observation indicates that the formation of Mo–Te compounds is suppressed. This is because Ga2Te3produces additional Te gas in the initial decomposition reaction during deposition, and GaTe does not. In addition, theJ–Vcurves show an improved conversion efficiency for solar cells fabricated using GaTe.
Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on the liver enzymes, lipid profiles, glycemic index, and anthropometric indices in non‐alcoholic fatty liver patients: An umbrella meta‐analysis
Authors: Molani‐Gol Roghayeh , Dehghani Azadeh , Rafraf Maryam
Published: November 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The evidence for curcumin's effects on patients with NAFLD is accumulating; however, meta‐analyses have reported mixed results. The current umbrella meta‐analysis aimed to assess the present evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of curcumin/turmeric on NAFLD patients. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched till March 2023 using MeSH terms and related keywords based on the PICO criteria. Meta‐analysis studies evaluating the effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on NAFLD patients that reported the effect sizes (ES) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) were eligible for inclusion in this study. All articles were screened by considering the eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers and required data were extracted from the included meta‐analyses. The meta‐analysis was performed utilizing a random‐effects model by STATA software. Findings of 11 meta‐analyses of 99 randomized controlled trials comprising 5546 participants revealed that curcumin/turmeric supplementation reduced AST (ES = −1.072, 95% CI (−1.656, −0.488), p = 0.000), ALT (ES = −0.625, 95% CI (−1.170, −0.134), p = 0.014), and TG (ES = −0.469, 95% CI (−1.057, 0.119), p = 0.128) levels, and HOMA‐IR (ES = −0.291, 95% CI (−0.368, −0.214), p = 0.000), BMI (ES = −0.205, 95% CI (−0.304, −0.107), p = 0.000), and WC (ES = −1.290, 95% CI (−2.038, −0.541), p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group. However, the effects of curcumin on GGT, ALP, TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, FBS, and HbA1C levels and body weight were not significant. The findings suggest the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in patients with NAFLD, such as improving liver function, decreasing serum TG levels, ameliorating insulin resistance, and reducing general and central obesity. Nevertheless, high‐quality research is further required to prove these achievements.
Essential oils and their nanoformulations for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Thalappil Muhammed Ashiq , Singh Priya , Carcereri de Prati Alessandra , Sahoo Sanjeeb Kumar , Mariotto Sofia , Butturini Elena
Published: November 2023

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Current treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy but often are associated with high toxicity to normal tissues, chemoresistance, and relapse. Thus, developing novel therapies which could combat these limitations is essential for effective treatment. In this context, phytochemicals are increasingly getting popular due to their safety profile, ability to efficiently target tumors, and circumvent limitations of existing treatments. Essential Oils (EOs) are mixtures of various phytochemicals which have shown potential anticancer activity in preclinical BC models. However, their clinical translation is limited by factors such as high volatility, low stability, and poor solubility. Nanotechnology has facilitated their encapsulation in a variety of nanostructures and proven to overcome these limitations. In this review, we have efficiently summarized the current knowledge on the anticancer effect of EOs and constituents in both in in vitro and in in vivo BC models. Further, we also provide a descriptive account on the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing the anti‐BC activity of EOs and their constituents. The papers discussed in this review were selected using the keywords “antiproliferative Essential Oils in breast cancer,” “anticancer activity of Essential Oil in breast cancer,” and “cytotoxicity of Essential Oils in breast cancer” performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases.
Observer‐based non‐fragile event‐triggered control of extra‐corporeal blood circulation process in finite‐time interval
Authors: Arunkumar A. , Wu Jenq‐Lang
Published: November 2023

An observer‐based event‐triggered non‐fragile control problem for regulating the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide (O and CO) in patients blood during the extra‐corporeal blood circulation (ECC) process with random communication packet losses is explored in this work. The main intention of this work is to design an observer‐based event‐triggered and non‐fragile controller for ensuring the finite‐time boundedness criterion for the resulting system with mixed and passivity performance index over a finite interval of time. In addition to the limited bandwidth of the channels, such random packet losses might occur simultaneously between the sensors and the controllers, and between the controllers and the actuators. Unlike most studies in the literature, we have found that, since the controller‐actuator link has packet dropouts, the observer's control input differs from that of the plant. The sufficient conditions derived are presented in a linear matrix inequalities frame work. Finally, simulation results are used to validate the efficacy of the proposed control method. The results show that the proposed observer‐based event‐triggered non‐fragile controller keeps the blood gases within physiological limits during a stable ECC process.
A frequentist design for basket trials using adaptive lasso
Authors: Kanapka Lauren , Ivanova Anastasia
Published: November 2023

A basket trial aims to expedite the drug development process by evaluating a new therapy in multiple populations within the same clinical trial. Each population, referred to as a “basket”, can be defined by disease type, biomarkers, or other patient characteristics. The objective of a basket trial is to identify the subset of baskets for which the new therapy shows promise. The conventional approach would be to analyze each of the baskets independently. Alternatively, several Bayesian dynamic borrowing methods have been proposed that share data across baskets when responses appear similar. These methods can achieve higher power than independent testing in exchange for a risk of some inflation in the type 1 error rate. In this paper we propose a frequentist approach to dynamic borrowing for basket trials using adaptive lasso. Through simulation studies we demonstrate adaptive lasso can achieve similar power and type 1 error to the existing Bayesian methods. The proposed approach has the benefit of being easier to implement and faster than existing methods. In addition, the adaptive lasso approach is very flexible: it can be extended to basket trials with any number of treatment arms and any type of endpoint.
A Ferric Tannate and Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Composite Aerogel for Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Liu Shuai , Wang Shun , Ji Xiang , Zheng Fengang , Weng Yuyan
Published: November 2023

Solar steam generation (SSG) is an extremely promising desalination technology that meets the global demand for clean water. Herein, we report a facile and effective method that utilizes absorbed heat to evaporate limited water while minimize heat loss. The top layer is a hydrophilic photothermal layer that allows for uniform distribution of water on the photothermal layer, whereas the bottom layer is a hydrophobic insulating layer that provides excellent insulation and heat preservation. Water is supplied by dripping from the top to thoroughly avoid heat loss caused by contact between the photothermal layer and water body. We achieve a high evaporation rate of 1.622 kg/m2h and energy conversion efficiency of 90.8 % under 1 sun irradiation.
Bifunctional NiCoP/NiCo Electrocatalysts on Nickel Foam for Overall Water Spillting
Authors: Zhang Bao , Zhou Siyu , Yao Yi‐fan , Jiang Heteng , Sui Juping , Zou Benxue
Published: November 2023

NiCoP/NiCo composite electrocatalysis electrodes were successfully prepared using co‐electro‐deposition method followed by low temperature phosphorization process. The combination of the two transition metals and their phosphides is expected to provide more heterogeneous structures and hierarchical interfaces for the catalyst, promoting the synergistic effect in the electrocatalysis process. The influences of the transition NiCo alloy on the morphology and catalysis performance of the composite were studied. In comparison to single component films, a considerably higher electrochemical response was observed in hierarchically porous NiCoP. The composite NiCoP/NiCo/NF electrode exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity toward HER (with overpotential of 18 and 76 mV) and OER (with overpotential of 220 and 323 mV) in alkaline electrolyte, reaching current density of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The NiCoP/NiCo/NF electrode can be used as the cathode or anode electrode for the electrolysis cells and endow them with high electrocatalytic performance and long term stability for water splitting.
Development of a New and Highly Sensitive Method for Arsenic Determination in Drinking Water Samples Using Au‐Coated W‐Coil Atom Trap Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Atasoy Muhammet
Published: November 2023

A novel ultra‐sensitive gold‐coated tungsten‐coil atom trap coupled with HGAAS was developed for the first time for the determination of arsenic. The analytical methodology was based on transporting and in‐situ trapping of arsine produced by the hydride generation system onto a gold‐coated W‐coil trap for preconcentration via Ar and H2 gases. The trap surface was examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. SEM images revealed that the surface is covered with hexagonal and pentagonal structures on a micro scale with gold. The experimental parameters were optimized for both trap and non‐trap method. The enhancement factor for the characteristic concentration (C0) was determined to be 15.3 when compared with the non‐trap methods. For the trapping time of 120 s using the developed method, the limit of detection (LOD) and the precision were determined as 4.8 ng L−1 and 3.6 %, respectively. The interference effects of various hydride‐forming ions were examined in detail. The accuracy of this ultrasensitive methodology was successfully verified by analysis of certified reference materials and some drinking water samples.. t‐test was implemented to the water samples, the added and measured concentrations exhibited no statistically meaningful distinction at the 95 % confidence level.
Fabrication of Oriented MOF‐Based Mixed Matrix Membrane via Ion‐Induced Synchronous Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Bing , Dai Xueya , Wei Nini , Cui Xingchen , Fan Fuqiang , Zhang Jidong , Zhang Daliang , Meng Fanbao , Qi Wei , Fu Yu
Published: November 2023

Developing a facile strategy for constructing oriented mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with uniformly dispersed and high‐loading metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a crucial scientific challenge in probing the enhanced capability and potential applications of MOF‐polymer MMMs. Herein, a novel synchronous synthetic method for constructing oriented CuBDC/poly(m‐phenylenediamine) (CuBDC/PmPD) MMM with uniform MOF dispersion at high loading at the air–solution interface via the dual function of metal ions is reported. The resulting MMM exhibits excellent separation performance in ion sieving and seawater desalination due to the structural integrity of the proposed membrane and the highly interconnected channels created through the oriented distribution of MOF in a polymer matrix. Such a cutting‐edge approach may provide promising insights into the development of advanced MMMs with optimized structure and superior performances.
Propelling Multi‐Modal Therapeutics of PEEK Implants through the Power of NO evolving Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs)
Authors: Huang Leizhen , Du Meixuan , Sun Dan , He Miaomiao , Liu Zheng , Wu Ruibang , Jiang Yulin , Qi Lin , Wang Jing , Zhu Ce , Li Yubao , Liu Limin , Feng Ganjun , Zhang Li
Published: November 2023

The design and fabrication of NO‐evolving core‐shell nanoparticles (denoted as NC@Fe), comprised of BNN6‐laden COF@Fe3O4 nanoparticles, are reported. This innovation extends to the modification of 3D printed polyetheretherketone scaffolds with NC@Fe, establishing a pioneering approach to multi‐modal bone therapy tailored to address complications such as device‐associated infections and osteomyelitis. This work stands out prominently from previous research, particularly those relying on the use of antibiotics, by introducing a bone implant capable of simultaneous NO gas therapy and photothermal therapy (PPT). Under NIR laser irradiation, the Fe3O4 NP core (photothermal conversion agent) within NC@Fe absorbs photoenergy and initiates electron transfer to the loaded NO donor (BNN6), resulting in controlled NO release. The additional heat generated through photothermal conversion further propels the NC@Fe nanoparticles, amplifying the therapeutic reach. The combined effect of NO release and PPT enhances the efficacy in eradicating bacteria over a more extensive area around the implant, presenting a distinctive solution to conventional challenges. Thorough in vitro and in vivo investigations validate the robust potential of the scaffold in infection control, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis, emphasizing the timeliness of this unique solution in managing complicated bone related infectious diseases.
Boron Quantum Dots Pillared Ti3C2Tx Membrane Electrode with High Rate Performance for Supercapacitor
Authors: Xu Wenpu , Zhao Anran , He Hexia , Liu Zong‐Huai
Published: November 2023

A sonication‐assisted liquid‐phase preparation technique is developed to prepare boron quantum dots (BQDs) with a lateral size of 3 nm in a solution of NMP and NBA; it shows a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of 3 eV and a specific capacitance of 41 F g−1. A BQDs(10)‐Ti3C2Tx membrane electrode with excellent capacitance and high flexibility is prepared by using Ti3C2Tx nanosheets (NSs) as assembled units and BQDs as pillar; it gives a specific capacitance of 524 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 6 m H2SO4 electrolyte, a high capacity retention of 75%, and a minimum relaxation time of 0.51 s. An all‐solid‐state BQDs(10)‐Ti3C2Tx flexibility supercapacitor is assembled by using a BQDs(10)‐Ti3C2Tx membrane as electrodes and PVA/H2SO4 hydrogel as electrolyte; it not only shows an area specific capacitance of 552 mF cm−2 at 1.25 mA cm−2, a retention rate of 75%, a capacity retention of 93% after 5000 cycles, and an energy density of 40.4 Wh cm−3 at a volume power density of 416 W cm−3, but also provides superior flexibility and can be bent to different degrees, showing that the assembled BQDs(10)‐Ti3C2Tx membrane electrode and BQDs(10)‐Ti3C2Tx flexible supercapacitor display broad application prospects in field of portable/wearable electronic devices.
Solid‐State Monolithic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Exceeding 10% Efficiency Using a Copper‐Complex Hole Transport Material and a Carbon Counter‐Electrode
Authors: Santos Fátima , Ivanou Dzmitry , Mendes Adélio
Published: November 2023

The continuous growth of the Internet of Things devices operating indoor triggers the development of indoor photovoltaic (iPV) technologies to power them. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Cu‐based complexes as hole transport material (HTM) and organic sensitizers are among the most efficient, safe, and sustainable options for iPVs. The typical copper‐mediated DSSCs are assembled in the conventional configuration using PEDOT:PSS counter‐electrodes. Herein, a highly efficient solid‐state monolithic DSSCs with a copper‐complex HTM and a carbon counter‐electrode are developed. The monolithic structure allows a low‐cost and direct design for producing in‐series modules, which is very attractive for the market‐scale production of iPVs. Typical devices display average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of ≈9.5%–10% under 1‐sun simulated solar light provided by a Class ABA light‐emitting diode Solar Simulator. The best energy performing device renders a stable PCE of 10.4% under 1‐sun and PCEs of 26.1% and 28.5% under 600 lx and 1000 lx indoor light, respectively. The performance of a typical device is independently confirmed at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Research, with a certified PCE of 8.7% using a Class AAA Xenon Solar Simulator (AM1.5 G, 25 °C).
Bacterial Nanocellulose‐Based Composite Biocatalysts for Starch‐to‐Bioethanol Valorization under Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation
Authors: Drosos Athanasios , Dima Agapi , Kandylis Panagiotis , Petsi Theano , Nigam Poonam S. , Koutinas Athanasios A. , Kanellaki Maria
Published: November 2023

Composite biocatalysts (CB) consisting of amylases and Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized separately on bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) are used for the process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of starch (5%, w/v) for bioethanol production. Parameters such as: i) addition of phosphates and/or divalent metal‐ions salts during the co‐immobilization process of the amylases, ii) required co‐immobilization time, iii) fermentation temperature and initial pH of starch, and iv) CB as single or double freeze‐dried are studied. The utilization of double freeze‐dried CB exhibits fermentation efficiency 89.9% and ethanol yield 0.51 g ethanol g−1 starch while the single freeze‐dried CB 81.1% and 0.46 g ethanol g−1 starch, respectively. In the case of double freeze‐dried CB, the fermentation efficiency decreases by only 27.1% in two‐recycling batches, while in the single freeze‐dried one decreases by 51.3%. The application of double freeze‐dried CB can be used for: i) the eco‐friendly biosynthesis of value‐added bioproducts; ii) the promising option for fuel‐grade bioethanol through starchy wastes or foodstuff starchy residues treatment, and iii) the implementation of industrialization. Finally, to simulate an industrial process of one‐step SSF of starch by applying a CB model, a technoeconomic analysis is evaluated, where using BNCs makes the bioprocess cost‐effective and environmentally favorable, simultaneously.
Government‐enterprise collusion and public oversight in the green transformation of resource‐based enterprises: A principal‐agent perspective
Authors: Li Cunfang , Gu Xinyi , Li Zhan , Lai Yongzeng
Published: November 2023

In this work, by constructing a principal‐agent model, we analyze the intrinsic causes of collusion between the government and enterprises, particularly through the central and local governments and resource‐based enterprises. The analysis has been conducted by introducing the public as a third‐party monitoring body to explore the positive role of public participation in preventing collusion between the government and enterprises, and henceforth entailing model analysis and validation with certain examples. The green transformation of resource‐based enterprises is an effective way for their sustainable development, besides being an inevitable requirement for China's high‐quality economic development and ecological civilization construction in the new era. In this perspective, our study reveals that: (1) Government‐enterprise collusion is motivated by the central government's improper assessment and incentive mechanism, besides the information deficit between the central government and the colluding parties. (2) The conditions for government‐enterprise collusion in development remain on the resource‐based enterprises and local governments that face fewer expected penalties than expected benefits, thus resulting in lower collusion risks. (3) Public participation in monitoring can effectively combat the willingness of the local governments and resource‐based enterprises to collude and significantly increase the level of effort of both parties in the green transition. (4) Public monitoring increases the probability of collusion detection, and prompt detection improves the timeliness and effectiveness of punishment. The findings from this study can provide a scientific basis for improving the regulatory system, thus improving public participation and strengthening the penal system.