bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social innovation for developing sustainable solutions in a fisheries sector
Authors: Akinsete Ebun , Vassilopoulos Achilleas , Secco Laura , Pisani Elena , Nijnik Maria , Marini‐Govigli Valentino , Koundouri Phoebe , Kafetzis Alkis
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we explore how social innovation can provide a range of ecosystem services to local people while supporting public policies and private sector initiatives in delivering successful and innovative food distribution channels. In the Mediterranean basin, the status of commercial fish stocks is critical. In this sense, small‐scale, low‐impact fishing is a way to sustainably utilise socially innovative practices in the use of natural assets and to provide support to rural livelihoods while having minimal impacts on the marine environment. We use an innovative evaluation method, based on the integration of qualitative information with quantitative indicators, to assess social innovation initiatives and their impacts. The use of the methodology is demonstrated on the example of the project A Box of Sea, Greece. The results obtained show that this social initiative provides a novel food consumption and distribution model aiming at making low impact fishing more economically viable, and therefore achieving a triple sustainability for the sector (environmental, social, and economic). We identify third sector social innovation schemes as key tools to develop novel distribution systems supporting local communities (providing employment, fostering new networks and collaborations across fishers), while improving governance practices of the current fishing sector by creating a fairer market that protects the marine environment. Our findings provide a foundation upon which future evaluations of similar projects can build and compare. Such comparisons are crucial in determining patterns related to the innovation transfer processes.
Chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty: The potential contributions of synovitis, pain sensitization and pain catastrophizing—An explorative study
Authors: Kurien Thomas , Kerslake Robert W. , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Auer Dorothee P. , Edwards Kimberley , Scammell Brigitte E. , Petersen Kristian Kjær‐Staal
Published: August 2022

Background

A subset of osteoarthritis patients will experience chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the source of pain is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess patients with and without postoperative pain after TKA using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quantitative sensory testing (QST), clinical assessment of pain and assessments of catastrophizing thoughts.

Methods

Forty‐six patients completed the 6‐month postoperative assessment. MRI findings were scored according to the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score recommendation for Hoffa synovitis, effusion size and bone marrow lesions. QST included assessment of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Clinical pain assessment was conducted using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10 cm), and groups of moderate‐to‐severe (VAS > 3) and none‐to‐mild postoperative pain (VAS ≤ 3) were identified.

Results

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe postoperative pain (N = 15) demonstrated higher grades of Hoffa synovitis (p < 0.001) and effusion size (p < 0.001), lower PPTs (p = 0.039), higher TSP (p = 0.001) and lower CPM (p = 0.014) when compared with patients with none‐to‐mild postoperative pain (N = 31). No significant difference was found in PCS scores between the two groups. Multiple linear regression models found synovitis (p = 0.036), effusion size (p = 0.003), TSP (p = 0.013) and PCS (p < 0.001) as independent parameters contributing to the postoperative pain intensity.

Conclusion

These exploratory findings could indicate that chronic postoperative pain after TKA is a combination of joint‐related synovitis and effusion, sensitization of central pain mechanisms and potentially pain catastrophizing thoughts, but larger studies are needed to confirm this.

Significance

The end‐stage treatment of knee osteoarthritis is total knee arthroplasty. Some patients experience chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty, but the mechanism for chronic postoperative pain is widely unknown. The current study indicates that higher levels postoperative of synovitis and effusion, higher temporal summation of pain and higher pain catastrophizing scores could be associated with higher chronic postoperative pain.
Photovoltaic power intra‐ and day‐ahead predictions with differential learning producing PDE‐modular models based on the node L‐transform derivatives
Authors: Zjavka Ladislav
Published: August 2022

Predictions of photovoltaic (PV) energy supply, based on data statistics of weather and PV records, are required in short‐intra and day‐ahead planning of PV plant operations. Numerical weather prediction (NWP), based on physical consideration, can simulate the progress of local cloudiness, although their prognoses are usually delayed by a few hours and are not provided with the quality desired by PV operators. Differential polynomial neural network (D‐PNN) is an unconventional hybrid regression technique, based on a novel learning strategy and able to resolve some problems in modeling patterns in high‐dynamical and chaotic non‐deterministic systems. D‐PNN splits the general partial differential equation (PDE) of the kth order into a summation form of two‐variable PDEs of a predetermined low order. PDE derivatives are transformed and separated into the Laplace counterparts, from which the unknown node originals are restored using the inverse L‐operation. D‐PNN searches for the best 2‐input couples, inserting node by node into its changeable tree structure, to expand the modular sum model by usable PDE components. The PDE‐modularization enhances the D‐PNN capability in modeling high uncertainty in weather patterns in the ground‐layer atmosphere, analogous to NWP. The designed PV intra‐ and day‐ahead prediction schemes, using hourly increasing and fixed‐time prediction horizons, were compared with different computing approaches based on differential, probabilistic and statistical learning. Machine learning (ML) models calculate the output PV power in each single hour separately or in an all‐day processing series with trained input delay. The results are analyzed and interpreted for each day and prediction hour. The quantitative results for both prediction procedures are comparable, showing the average intraday 11.6% and all‐day 9.6% (or rather 12.3% respectively) inaccuracy with respect to the daily peak power. Training data samples with spatial overlap in the regional scope and ML initialized similarity intervals are related to the fixed‐day or hourly increased input–output delay. This approach can compensate for unpredictable midterm variances in local weather patterns (caused by terrain or convection anomalies) and possible errors in model initialization. PV power was converted to and restored from the clear sky index in the modeling input/output, which represents its relative values, disregarding the actual solar cycle time.
Quantifying relative contributions of source waters from a subalpine wetland to downstream water bodies
Authors: Hathaway Julia M. , Westbrook Cherie J. , Rooney Rebecca C. , Petrone Richard M. , Langs Lindsey E.
Published: August 2022

Subalpine regions of the Canadian Rocky Mountains are expected to experience continued changes in hydrometeorological processes due to anthropogenically mediated climate warming. As a result, fresh water supplies are at risk as snowmelt periods occur earlier in the year, and glaciers contribute less annual meltwater, resulting in longer growing seasons and greater reliance on rainfall to generate runoff. In such environments, wetlands are potentially important components that control runoff processes, but due to their location and harsh climates their hydrology is not well studied. We used stable water isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δ2H and δ18O), coupled with MixSIAR, a Bayesian mixing model, to understand relative source water contributions and mixing within Burstall Wetland, a subalpine wetland (1900 m a.s.l.), and the larger Burstall Valley. These results were combined with climate data from the Burstall Valley to understand hydrometeorological controls on Burstall Wetland source water dynamics over spatiotemporal timescales. Our results show that the seasonal isotopic patterns within Burstall Wetland reflect greater reliance on snowmelt in spring and rainfall in the peak and post‐growing season periods. We found a substantial degree of mixing between precipitation (rain and snow) and stored waters in the landscape, especially during the pre‐growing season. These findings suggest that longer growing seasons in subalpine snow‐dominated landscapes put wetlands at risk of significant water loss and increased evaporation rates potentially leading to periods of reduced runoff during the peak‐ growing season and in extreme cases, wetland dry out.
Cyclic freeze–thaw grinding to decellularize meniscus for fabricating porous, elastic scaffolds
Authors: Ding Yangfan , Zhang Weixing , Sun Binbin , Mo Xiumei , Wu Jinglei
Published: August 2022

Decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix (dmECM)‐based biological scaffolds in the forms of sponge, hydrogel, nanofiber, and composite have gained increasing interest in meniscus tissue engineering and regeneration. A common shortcoming of those scaffolds is insufficient mechanical strength and poor elasticity. Herein, we report a practicable protocol for milder meniscus decellularization to prepare elastic, porous dmECM scaffolds. Porcine meniscus was pulverized by cyclic freeze–thaw grinding and then treated with DNase to obtain fine dmECM particles. Individual dmECM particles were condensed to bulk preparation by centrifuge, followed by lyophilization to form blocks, and finally crosslinked by dehydrothermal treatment to obtain porous dmECM scaffolds. Our results show that the freeze–thaw grinding method was effective in removing cellular DNA with good retention of meniscus‐derived bioactive components. The dmECM scaffold had porous structure with interconnected mesopores and good mechanical properties. Primary articular chondrocytes proliferated robustly and maintained chondrogenic characteristics and produce abundant collagen on dmECM scaffolds. Evaluation of biocompatibility in a rat model shows that the dmECM scaffold elicited minor foreign body reactions, indicating effective antigen removal from dmECM. This study provides an alternative for preparing dmECM and fabricating porous scaffolds for meniscus repair and regeneration.
Bis(pyridyl)carbodicarbene supported ruthenium complexes and their catalytic application in hydrogen‐transfer reaction
Authors: Wang Ting‐Hsuan , Leung Tsz‐Fai , Liang Yu‐Fu , Wang Chung‐Yu , Ong Tiow‐Gan
Published: August 2022

We report the preparation and structural characterization of the first known pincer carbodicarbene (CDC) supported ruthenium complexes. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiment indicated that tridentate bis(pyridyl)‐CDC free ligand is coordinated to the six‐coordinated ruthenium (II) in meridional conformation with each of two chlorides trans to the carbone carbon and phosphine. The pincer effect of new ligand bis(pyridyl)‐CDC has shortened the Ru‐carbodicarbene bond length in comparison to monodentate CDC. The catalytic activity of the new CDC complexes was tested in hydrogen transfer reaction, revealing the efficient activity of CDC‐supported Ru complexes in catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ketone using 2‐propanol as hydrogen source.
Utilization of coal gangue for preparing high‐silica porous materials with excellent ad/desorption performance on VOCs
Authors: Jiang Xueying , Zhao Cheng , Hu Xiaomei , Tong Zhangfa , Yun Junge , Wei Ninghan , Wang Keju , Liu Chengxian , Zou Yun , Chen Zhihang
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Coal gangue causes a series of environmental problems due to its low utilization rate and high amount of hoarding. However, the preparation of porous materials with coal gangue is an effective method of resource utilization. Mesoporous silica and meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 were prepared with alkali melting activation‐acid leaching and hydrothermal synthesis, respectively. The orthogonal experiment was used to explore the optimal preparation conditions for mesoporous silica. Meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 were characterized with instruments. The adsorption and desorption performance of the porous material was explored by dynamic adsorption/desorption on volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

RESULTS

The optimal preparation conditions for mesoporous silica are a roasting temperature of 800 °C, mass ratio of coal gangue to sodium carbonate of 1:0.6, and sulfuric acid leaching of 4 mol L−1. The characterization results show that the molecular sieve has a superior specific surface and a certain amount of mesoporous pores due to the addition of the appropriate mesoporous template. The results of toluene dynamic adsorption experiments show that the meso‐microporous ZSM‐5 (ZSM‐5‐0.025PAC) has excellent adsorption and desorption performance (the adsorption capacity is up to 47.02 mg g−1), water resistance (the adsorption capacity decreased only 4.64%), and renewability (the adsorption and desorption efficiency is up to 95% and 97%).

CONCLUSION

The porous materials prepared presented excellent VOCs ad/desorption performance, which has good industrial application prospects. The research provides a novel approach for the utilization of coal gangue. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Total synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of xylapeptide A
Authors: Muchlis Handi Nugraha , Kurnia Dessy Yulyani , Maharani Rani , Zainuddin Achmad , Harneti Desi , Nurlelasari  , Mayanti Tri , Farabi Kindi , Hidayat Ace Tatang , Supratman Unang
Published: August 2022

Xylapeptide A is a cyclopentapeptide, [cyclo‐D‐Ala‐L‐Val‐N‐Me‐L‐Phe‐L‐Pip‐L‐Leu], first isolated from Xylaria sp. × Sophora tonkinensis, together with its analogue, xylapeptide B, which differ by only one residue, proline in xylapeptide B is replaced by pipecolinic acid (Pip) in xylapeptide A. Both xylapeptides A and B possess antimicrobial properties against several bacteria and fungi. Herein, we describe the first total synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of xylapeptide A containing two non‐proteinogenic residues, N‐Me‐phenylalanine and pipecolinic acid. The synthesis of xylapeptide A was achieved by a combination of solid‐ and solution‐phase methods that were applied for the synthesis of xylapeptide B. Interestingly, the cyclization of linear xylapeptide A was more straightforward yielding 22% compared to 8.9% for xylapeptide B, suggesting that the presence of pipecolinic acid in the linear precursor affected the cyclization process. NMR analysis of synthetic xylapeptide A revealed that the chemical shifts of all protons and carbons of xylapeptide A are highly similar to the natural product. The synthetic xylapeptide A, together with xylapeptide B, were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties, showing that synthetic xylapeptide A has moderate antimicrobial activity and better antimicrobial properties compared to synthetic xylapeptide B. The presence of pipecolinic acid in xylapeptide A is an important requirement for antimicrobial activity.
Responses and feedbacks of vegetation dynamics to precipitation anomaly over the semiarid area of north China: Evidences from simulations of the WRF‐Noah model
Authors: Zhang Xuezhen , Liu Xinrui , Chen Jiazhe , Tang Qiuhong , Wang Yilong
Published: August 2022

Knowledge of the responses and feedbacks of vegetation dynamics to interannual climate anomalies in the semiarid area of north China is lacking. This study addresses this issue through climate modelling for 1991–2006 with the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, into which a locally empirical vegetation dynamic (VED) scheme was implemented. The VED scheme was built on the basis of regression models of the leaf area index (LAI), green vegetation fraction (GVF), and surface albedo (ALB) with ambient temperature and humidity as independent variables. Using the update WRF model, the climate simulations were carried out with turning on and off VED, respectively. By comparing the simulations outputs with each other, we find that the interannual variability of precipitation from simulations with turning on VED is larger than that from simulations with turning off VED. The larger interannual variability of precipitation could be explained by VED feedback. Vegetation growth would be more vigorous, as a response, under the more precipitation, because which brings more available water. In turn, vigorous vegetation leads to more evapotranspiration and, hence, precipitable water; as a result, there would be more precipitation. It is reversed for the years with less precipitation. Such interactions between vegetation and precipitation could be summarized as positive feedback loops. This study suggests that the interannual precipitation variability can be enlarged by VED through positive evapotranspiration–precipitation feedback. It is therefore necessary to consider the vegetation dynamics for future downscaled regional climate predictions to pursue more reliable interannual climate variability.
The effect of bone particle size on the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes following lateral ridge augmentation procedures: A randomized double‐blinded controlled trial
Authors: Basma Hussein S. , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Geurs Nico C. , Li Peng , Ravidà Andrea , Wang Hom‐Lay , Abou‐Arraj Ramzi V.
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to clinically and histologically compare the amount and quality of bone gained after lateral ridge augmentation (LRA) procedures performed using small‐particle (SP)‐size (250–1000 μm) versus large‐particle (LP)‐size (1000–2000 μm) size corticocancellous bone allografts at 6 months following surgical intervention.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients, each presenting with ridge width <5 mm were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to SP‐ and LP‐size graft. The gain in ridge width at the level of the crest and 4 mm apical to the crest was assessed via a standardized procedure before grafting and at time of implant placement, using a surgical caliper and a novel digital technique using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Six months following the procedure, trephine bone cores were taken from 19 augmented sites of 17 patients (14/19 sites were in the posterior mandible) who completed the study for clinical, histologic, and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

Seventeen patients (19 sites) completed the study. An LP‐size graft resulted in greater ridge width gain at the level of the crest (LP 5.1 ± 1.7; SP 3.7 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.0642) and 4 mm apical to the crest (LP 5.9 ± 2.2; SP 5.1 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.4480) compared with the SP. No statistical significance for the bone density at the time of implant placement (p = 1.00) was found. Vital bone formation was more extensive in the SP compared with the LP (41.0 ± 10.1% vs. 31.4 ± 14.8%, respectively; p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study show a trend of higher ridge gain using LP during the bone augmentation procedure. Future research with bigger sample size should confirm the results of the present research.
Contactless Glucose Sensing at Sub‐Micromole Level Using a Deep‐Subwavelength Decimeter‐Wave Plasmonic Resonator
Authors: Zhang Xuanru , Cui Tie Jun
Published: August 2022

Microwave resonance sensing has found a wide variety of applications and exhibits promising potentials in compact integrated sensors. However, its distinguishing ability to trace‐amount targets remains challenging, which can be characterized by the effective wavelength and the quality factor (Q‐factor). Here, a contactless sensing scheme for detecting sub‐micromole glucose using a deep‐subwavelength spoof localized surface plasmon (SLSP) resonator working at the decimeter‐wave band is proposed. The SLSP resonator sustains a mixed‐mode of an electric monopole and a magnetic dipole, compressing the electromagnetic mode into a diameter smaller than λ0/41 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength) and achieving a measured Q‐factor of 187. In experiments, contactless sensing has been realized using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel, which separates the resonator and the solution. The solution sample under test features an ultra‐compact volume of 3.7 × 10–8 λ03, and a detection limit of 0.45 µmol glucose is demonstrated. This work envisions the applications of spoof localized surface plasmons in the contactless and trace‐amount biomedical sensing.
Electrospinning of 1D Fiber‐Like Block Copolymer Micelles with a Crystalline Core
Authors: Ellis Charlotte E. , Hils Christian , Oliver Alex M. , Greiner Andreas , Schmalz Holger , Manners Ian
Published: August 2022

Electrospinning is a simple, low‐cost, and high throughput technique that allows for the processing of polymers into fibers. The process can be controlled to allow access for well‐defined continuous fibers that are of interest for a wide range of applications including as tissue scaffolds, as nanowires in optoelectronic devices, and in catalysis. Conventional electrospinning processes use polymer solutions with high molecular weights. Here, the electrospinning of 1D fiber‐like block copolymer micelles containing a crystalline core is reported. The successfully accessed core‐shell microfibers in which 1D micelles containing a crystalline poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFS) core are immobilized on a polystyrene microfiber via coaxial electrospinning. Furthermore, efforts to extend this approach to the use of 1D micelles comprising of a crystalline, π‐conjugated poly(di‐n‐hexylfluorene) (PDHF) core are described. Electrospinning is also successfully used to prepare microfibers consisting solely of 1D micelles with a PFS crystalline core, the first examples where a template material is not required.
Effects of polyamide 12 and chain extender on the properties of microcrystalline cellulose reinforced polyamide 11 composites
Authors: Xu Shihua , Yi Shunmin , Fang Yiqun , Yi Xin , Xu Peng
Published: August 2022

In the present study, polyamide 12 (PA12) and 2,2′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (PBO) were used to modify polyamide 11 (PA11), and then microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced PA11 composites was prepared via hot pressing. The results showed that the thermoplastic elastomer PA12 was in favor of the toughness of the composites, 12% PA12 increased the impact strength by 53%. The molecular chains of PA11/PA12 blends were extended by PBO, and then had positive effects on the mechanical properties, as evidenced by the fact that the flexural strength and the impact strength of the composites with 0.3% PBO were increased by 13% and 14%, respectively. In addition, morphology analysis indicated PBO was in favor of the interfacial bonding of the composites. MCC significantly increased the flexural strength and modulus by 68% and 283%, respectively.
Epoxy chain extender grafted pyrophyllite/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites with enhanced crystallinity and mechanical properties
Authors: Li Juan , Li Bo , Huang Shaowen , Luo Shanshan , He Shengbao , Gao Chengtao , Liu Shan
Published: August 2022

The surface‐grafting modification of nano clay has become increasingly important for improving the practical application of clays. In this study, an epoxy chain extender ADR‐4468 was used to modify the surface of pyrophyllite (Prl), and the effect of ADR‐4468‐modified pyrophyllite (A‐Prl) on the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET/poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐1,3/1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PETG) composites was investigated. The modified composites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and TG, which proved that the A‐Prl was successfully synthesized, and the addition of ADR‐4468 did not change the crystal structure of pyrophyllite. The grafted ADR‐4468 improved the agglomeration of Prl, and some A‐Prl reached nano‐scale dispersion in PET and PET/PETG composites. The rheological properties, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PET and PET/PETG nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results showed that A‐Prl was an effective nucleating agent for PET, which significantly improved the crystallization properties of PET composites. The A‐Prl also improved the comprehensive mechanical properties of PET and PET/PETG nanocomposites. In particular, the impact toughness of A‐Prl/PET/PETG composite with 1.5 wt % A‐Prl was increased by 120% compared with that of pure PET. The functional additive is expected to be used in the preparation of high‐performance and recyclable PET composites.
Biomass formation and sugar release efficiency of Populus modified by altered expression of a NAC transcription factor
Authors: Payyavula Raja S. , Badmi Raghuram , Jawdy Sara S. , Rodriguez Miguel , Gunter Lee , Sykes Robert W. , Winkeler Kimberly A. , Collins Cassandra M. , Rottmann William H. , Chen Jin‐Gui , Yang Xiaohan , Tuskan Gerald A , Kalluri Udaya C.
Published: August 2022

Woody biomass is an important feedstock for biofuel production. Manipulation of wood properties that enable efficient conversion of biomass to biofuel reduces cost of biofuel production. Wood cell wall composition is regulated at several levels that involve expression of transcription factors such as wood‐/secondary cell wall‐associated NAC domains (WND or SND). In Arabidopsis thaliana, SND1 regulates cell wall composition through activation of its down‐stream targets such as MYBs. The functional aspects of SND1 homologs in the woody Populus have been studied through transgenic manipulation. In this study, we investigated the role of PdWND1B, Populus SND1 sequence ortholog, in wood formation using transgenic manipulation through over‐expression or silencing under the control of a vascular‐specific 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase (4CL) promoter. As compared with control plants, PdWND1B‐RNAi plants were shorter in height, with significantly reduced stem diameter and dry biomass, whereas there were no significant differences in growth and productivity of PdWND1B over‐expression plants. Conversely, PdWND1B over‐expression lines showed a significant reduction in cellulose and increase in lignin content, whereas there was no significant impact on lignin content of downregulated lines. Stem carbohydrate composition analysis revealed a decrease in glucose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose, but an increase in xylose in the over‐expression lines. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of several downstream transcription factors and secondary cell wall related structural genes in the PdWND1B over‐expression lines, partly explaining the observed phenotypic changes in cell wall chemistry. Relative to the control, glucose release efficiency and ethanol production from stem biomass was significantly reduced in over‐expression lines. Our results show that PdWND1B is an important factor determining biomass productivity, cell wall chemistry and its conversion to biofuels in Populus.
Developing new derivatives of 3‐X‐4‐hydroxy‐2(1H)‐quinolone as quinoline‐based chemosensors for detecting fluoride: Theoretical study on nucleophilicity and hydrogen‐bonding via various analyses
Authors: Mohebi Nazanin
Published: August 2022

Thermodynamic and electronic features of new derivatives of 3‐X‐4‐hydroxy‐2(1H)‐quinolone (X = H, OH, OMe, NH2, NMe2, Me, NHMe, F, Cl, CN, CF3, NO2, CCl3, and COH; 1–14) are investigated, at the B3LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. Structures with electron‐donating groups (EDGs) show higher values of nucleophilicity (N) than those of electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs), which are proved via Fukui functions. To determine the sensing ability of 1–14, fluoride (F) as an important industrial, chemical, and biological anion is complexed to the 1–14. All 1–14 establish the strong hydrogen bonding with F, which is verified by various analyses including natural bond orbital (NBO), atoms in molecules (AIM), atomic dipole moment corrected Hirshfeld charges (ADCH), and non‐covalent interaction (NCI). The excitation state study provides the noteworthy results of the charge transfer (CT), natural transition orbital (NTO), and the UV‐Vis spectrum. The obtained outcomes promise new series of quinoline‐based chemosensors (QBCs) to detect F.
Endobronchial tuberculosis in children: Defining the role of interventional bronchoscopy
Authors: García‐Martínez Laura , Laín Fernández Ana , Iglesias‐Serrano Ignacio , Giné Prades Carles , Soriano‐Arandes Antoni , López Manuel
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) can lead to bronchopulmonary complications when diagnosis is delayed. Bronchoscopic treatment in children can be challenging due to small airway size. We report our experience treating children with EBTB.

Methods

Retrospective study (2014−2020) of patients diagnosed with EBTB. Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) was performed in patients with previous diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), after respiratory/radiological worsening was observed in spite of medical treatment. Treatment consisted in oral corticotherapy in all patients, and interventional bronchoscopy in selected cases. Our aim is to describe the endoscopic findings, interventional bronchoscopy alternatives, and outcome.

Results

Of 45 patients with PTB, 13 (28.9%, 7 M/6 F) were diagnosed with EBTB, with a mean age of 3.9 years (0.4−12.8). Four bronchoscopic patterns were observed. Endobronchial granuloma (N:9; 69.2%): Excision with rigid bronchoscopy was achieved in five (1−5 procedures per patient), while corticotherapy alone was preferred in the remaining four due to small size/distal location of the granuloma. Caseum obstruction (2; 15.4%): dense mucous molds were removed with flexible/rigid bronchoscopy (6 and 8 procedures, respectively). Bronchial stenosis (1; 7.7%): two balloon dilatations with mitomycin‐C application were performed. Extrinsic compression (1; 7.7%): oral corticotherapy alone was initiated. One patient developed bronchoscopy‐related complications (pneumothorax requiring thoracic tube 48 h). With a medium follow‐up of 4.6 years (1.8−7.6), three patients developed bronchiectasis while the remaining 10 improved clinically and radiologically.

Conclusion

Bronchoscopic findings in EBTB include granuloma, stenosis, caseum obstruction and external compression. In selected cases, interventional bronchoscopy can minimize long‐term bronchopulmonary complications.
International graduates on temporary post‐graduation visas in Australia: Employment experiences and outcomes
Authors: Tran Ly Thi , Tan George , Bui Huyen , Rahimi Mark
Published: August 2022

While a growing body of literature focuses on international students, their post‐study experiences and employment outcomes when they are on temporary graduate visas in the host country are under‐researched. The article addresses this critical gap by investigating international graduates' employment experiences and outcomes. It is derived from a study that includes 50 in‐depth interviews with employers, graduates and related stakeholders, and a survey with 1156 international graduates from 35 Australian universities . The study widens the lens of the discourse around international student graduates operating in a labour market which is overgeneralised by high‐skilled and low/unskilled segments. It shows that international graduates engage with a complex labour market which can see them work in or out of their professional disciplines in multiple forms of full‐time, part‐time, and casual jobs. In particular, the findings indicate that international graduates on post‐graduation visas who studied Information and Technology are more likely to secure employment in their field of study and spend less time to gain the first job in their area of expertise than those in Business and Engineering. This finding underscores the various effects of the structural conditions in different industries on international graduates' employability. The study also provides substantial insights into the increased vulnerability, deskilling, and precarity experienced by international graduates as migrant workers on temporary visas in the host country. It highlights a concern not only for the students, who place a premium on the acquisition of work experience, but also for host institutions and key destination countries and their delivery on promise in such a competitive international education market.
Involuntary resettlement outcomes following the regeneration of informal communities: The case of Baishizhou urbanizing village in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Dai Yueer , Tong De , Chu Jun
Published: August 2022

In recent decades developing nations have witnessed rapid urbanization with a massive inflow of rural migrants into their cities, creating large areas of informal settlements. However, city administrators have begun the regeneration of informal settlements resulting in gentrification and the involuntary resettlement of the informal settlement residents. Although a great deal of research has been conducted on regeneration projects, little is known about the resettlement outcomes of those removed. Therefore, it is essential to explore the spatial effect of urban regeneration and the relocation pathways of the forcibly removed tenants. This study examined the heterogeneity of residential relocation brought about by urban regeneration. With a support vector machine model applied under the proposed classification framework, six relocation patterns were identified in Baishizhou urban regeneration area, in Shenzhen, China. By analysing the variations in changes in housing security, neighbourhood and accessibility, the heterogeneity of relocation pathways revealed the relocation preference of different groups and the vulnerability of the residents. While the urban landscape's aesthetic quality may benefit from regeneration, the quality of life of many of those removed was shown to decrease. The results call for more social inclusion and sustainable urban regeneration, with efficient and targeted policy needing to be designed to protect the housing wellbeing of this vulnerable group.
Stay or leave: How migrants respond to dispersal policies in Beijing
Authors: Liu Tao , Peng Rongxi , Cao Guangzhong
Published: August 2022

Rapid population influx has caused various urban problems in megacities of the global South, which has encouraged some governments to take measures for controlling population growth. As one of the most populous cities and the capital of China, Beijing has recently proposed a series of policy instruments to disperse migrants and prevent population congestion. This study examines the effectiveness of these dispersal policies by answering two specific questions: who left Beijing as a response to what policies, and how policy effects interact with personal willingness. A national survey in 2017 and its follow‐up in 2018 are used for empirical analysis. Results indicate that compared with educational and housing policies, industrial relocation guidelines have more direct effects on impelling migrants to leave Beijing. Those employed in sectors deviating from core functions of the capital are particularly vulnerable to policy shocks. Moreover, a substantial mismatch is observed between the intention and action of migrants to stay in the city, indicating a degree of forced migration in the policy implementation that the policymakers not originally intended. This mismatch and its potential damage to free migration call for more people‐oriented and provulnerable approaches in future urban governance in China and other rapidly urbanizing societies.
Use of MaxDiff method in selecting green packaging attributes that influence purchase decisions in online shops
Authors: Jakomin Eva , Novak Iris , Štefanič Jasmina , Toroš Jani , Elesini Urška Stanković
Published: August 2022

The aim of this research was to investigate how retailers advertise the green packaging of green products offered in online shops and which packaging attributes should be given more attention when advertising products in online shops. For this purpose, we first conducted a preliminary analysis of 31 green products sold in Slovenian online shops. We found that green packaging is generally poorly advertised in online shops, although it could be a competitive advantage for retailers. To prove that there are attributes of green packaging in relation to other attributes when purchasing green products, we conducted a questionnaire using the included MaxDiff method. The questionnaire was answered by 134 Slovenian respondents. Based on the results, we found that less than one‐third of the respondents trust the manufacturer's information about green products, two‐thirds of the respondents are willing to pay more for green products as they believe that the quality of these products is higher than of comparable non‐green products, and that our respondents have trust in the labels “Made in Slovenia” and “Locally grown,” although more than one‐third of the respondents buy green products regardless of the country of origin. The results of the MaxDiff analysis showed that three attributes associated with green packaging are more important when buying green products and should be highlighted in the description of a product also in online shops, that is, the material of the packaging, the possibility of its reuse, and ecolabels.
Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with removal of lymphatic vessel using indocyanine green: A new method
Authors: Tanaka Tomohito , Nishie Ruri , Ueda Shoko , Hashida Sousuke , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Terada Shinichi , Kogata Yuhei , Taniguchi Kohei , Komura Kazumasa , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: August 2022

Background

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures using indocyanine green (ICG) have recently been performed worldwide. The aim of this study was to emphasise the safety of robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy (RAMRH) with removal of the lymphatic vessels (RLV) using ICG in endometrial cancer according to a single surgeon's experience.

Methods

Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with RLV using ICG was performed in patients with endometrial cancer. We compared 34 cases of RAMRH with RLV, with 54 patients without RLV.

Results

The median (interquartile range) time for the procedure did not differ between the RAMRH with and without RLV groups (88 [80–114] vs. 88 [79–104] min, p = 0.7). The success rate of RLV was 100% when SLNs were detected.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with RLV using ICG can completely dissect tissue from the uterus, including lymphatic vessels. This procedure using a robotic system with ICG, is simple and does not require additional time.
Adaptive fixed‐time dynamic surface fault‐tolerant control of nonlinear systems with sensor faults
Authors: Li Yingsen , Chen Ming , Peng Kaixiang
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the problem of adaptive fixed‐time dynamic surface fault‐tolerant control for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems subject to sensor faults. The sensor faults include bias, drift, loss of accuracy and loss of effectiveness. Our control objective is to construct an adaptive fixed‐time fault‐tolerant controller to ensure that the system output tracks a desired trajectory within fixed time and the tracking error converges to a small area of zero whether the sensor faults occur or what kind of sensor faults take place. One of the characteristics of our proposed scheme is that its tracking time has no connection with the initial conditions of the system. Furthermore, as for unknown nonlinear functions, fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate them. And the complex calculation problem, which exists in the traditional backstepping method, has been dealt with by using the dynamic surface control technique. The proposed controller takes into account the reliability, rapidity, robustness and anti‐interference of the system simultaneously, and the singularity problem in controller design is solved. In the end, the simulation results illustrate that the presented strategy is feasible and effective.
Selective‐Epitaxial Hybrid of Tripartite Semiconducting Sulfides for Enhanced Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Conversion
Authors: Ou‐Yang He , Xu Hou‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Liu Yu‐Qing , He Yu‐Qing , Shi Lei , Gu Chao , Han Shi‐Kui
Published: August 2022

The design and synthesis of advanced semiconductors is crucial for the full utilization of solar energy. Herein, colloidal selective‐epitaxial hybrid of tripartite semiconducting sulfides CuInS2Cd(In)SMoS2 heteronanostructures (HNs) via lateral‐ and vertical‐epitaxial growths, followed by cation exchange reactions, are reported. The lateral‐epitaxial CuInS2 and Cd(In)S enable effective visible to near‐infrared (NIR) solar spectrum absorption, and the vertical‐epitaxial ultrathin MoS2 offer sufficient edge sulfur sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Furthermore, the integrated structures exhibit unique epitaxial‐staggered type II band alignments for continuous charge separation. They achieve the H2 evolution rate up to 8 mmol h−1 g−1, which is ≈35 times higher than bare CdS and show no deactivation after long‐term cycling, representing one of the most efficient and robust noble‐metal‐free photocatalysts. This design principle and transformation protocol open a new way for creating all‐in‐one multifunctional catalysts in a predictable manner.
Patterned Growth of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers and Multilayers for Electronic and Optoelectronic Device Applications
Authors: Gan Ziyang , Najafidehaghani Emad , Han Seung Heon , Shradha Sai , Abtahi Fatemeh , Neumann Christof , Picker Julian , Vogl Tobias , Hübner Uwe , Eilenberger Falk , George Antony , Turchanin Andrey
Published: August 2022

A simple, large area, and cost‐effective soft lithographic method is presented for the patterned growth of high‐quality 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Initially, a liquid precursor (Na2MoO4 in an aqueous solution) is patterned on the growth substrate using the micromolding in capillaries technique. Subsequently, a chemical vapor deposition step is employed to convert the precursor patterns to monolayer, few layers, or bulk TMDs, depending on the precursor concentration. The grown patterns are characterized using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy to reveal their morphological, chemical, and optical characteristics. Additionally, electronic and optoelectronic devices are realized using the patterned TMDs and tested for their applicability in field effect transistors and photodetectors. The photodetectors made of MoS2 line patterns show a very high responsivity of 7674 A W−1 and external quantum efficiency of 1.49 × 106%. Furthermore, the multiple grain boundaries present in patterned TMDs enable the fabrication of memtransistor devices. The patterning technique presented here may be applied to many other TMDs and related heterostructures, potentially advancing the fabrication of TMDs‐based device arrays.
The Characteristics and Industrial Applications of Natural and Hydrophobic Modified Starch
Authors: Lermen Fernando Henrique , de Souza Matias Gustavo , Bissaro Camila Andressa , Ribeiro José Luis Duarte , Gonçalves Karoline Yoshiko , Matos Camila , Filho Nabi Assad , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mário , Coelho Tânia Maria
Published: August 2022

This study presents a product based on natural cassava starch with hydrophobic characteristics, which has been developed to replace the natural starch used in different industries. The natural and hydrophobic starch results describe their characteristics, validate the hydrophobicity through mathematical modeling, and present case studies from the paper and fruit processing industries that will be compared. The hydrophobicity and low viscosity of the modified Starch studied in this paper result from the reaction between hydrophobic radicals and the starch chain obtained from applying alkyl ketene dimer. A test for viscosity versus pH is also used to compare results for natural and modified starch, a kinetic model for water absorption is fitted to the hydration of samples of natural and modified starch, and the ability of a biofilm of modified starch to preserve fruit is also assessed. The degree of preservation of the fruit could be seen in the pictures that show that the fruit covered in the modified starch film has fewer alterations to its appearance after 64 days of observation. Moreover, the hydrophobic starch demonstrates superior results from the quality assessment when applied practically with paper and fruit, demonstrating their industrial potential.
Tensile and flexural tests on ultrahigh performance concrete grouted sleeve connection
Authors: Qiu Minghong , Shao Xudong , Zhu Yanping , Hussein Husam H. , Liu Yeping
Published: August 2022

Connections in the assembled precast elements become essential locations for creating structural continuity. However, the construction challenges of conventional steel sleeve connections, such as rebar embedment length, rebar congestion, and formed grout defects (i.e., voids), are still a concern area for researchers and engineers. In this study, a proposed ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) grouted sleeve connection was presented for assembled precast elements, which might reduce defects, enhance durability, and accelerate structure construction. The tensile test of grouted sleeve connection with different grouting materials, rebar diameters, and anchoring lengths was conducted to determine an optimal anchoring length used in the flexural design. The precast specimens with the UHPC grouted sleeve connection were tested under flexural load. Also, strain changes in concrete, sleeve, and rebar were reported in tensile and flexural tests. The tensile test results showed two types of failure modes, the rebar rupture and bond failure between rebar and grouting. The recommended rebar anchoring length in the flexural design was six times the rebar diameter. The flexural test results showed that the precast specimen with or without the shear key has a similar failure mode as compared to the cast‐in‐place specimen, while their average cracking load, yield load, and ultimate load were 27.9%, 11.0%, and 7.4%, respectively, which is less than those of the cast‐in‐place specimen. Also, the flexural cracking resistance was the highest in the sleeve segment, followed by the joint region and the rebar segment. This study provides a reference for the design of the UHPC grouted sleeve connection for assembled precast elements.