bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Textured insoles may improve some gross motor balance measures but not endurance measures in children with motor coordination issues. A randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Banwell Helen A. , Tsiros Margarita , Coventry Jessica , Ryan Narelle , Williams Cylie M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Motor coordination concerns are estimated to affect 5%–6% of school‐aged children. Motor coordination concerns have variable impact on children's lives, with gait and balance often affected. Textured insoles have demonstrated positive impact on balance and gait in adults with motor coordination disorders related to disease or the ageing process. The efficacy of textured insoles in children is unknown. Our primary aim was to identify the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial involving children with motor control issues. The secondary aim was to identify the limited efficacy of textured insoles on gross motor assessment balance domains and endurance in children with movement difficulties.

Methods

An assessor‐blinded, randomised feasibility study. We advertised for children between the ages of 5–12 years, with an existing diagnosis or developmental coordination disorder or gross motor skill levels assessed as 15th percentile or below on a norm‐referenced, reliable and validated scale across two cities within Australia. We randomly allocated children to shoes only or shoes and textured insoles. We collected data across six feasibility domains; demand (recruitment), acceptability (via interview) implementation (adherence), practicality (via interview and adverse events), adaptation (via interview) and limited efficacy testing (6‐min walk test and balance domain of Movement ABC‐2 at baseline and 4 weeks).

Results

There were 15 children randomised into two groups (eight received shoes alone, seven received shoes and textured insoles). We experienced moderate demand, with 46 potential participants. The insoles were acceptable, however, some parents reported footwear fixture issues requiring modification. The 6‐min walk test was described as problematic for children, despite all but one child completing. Social factors impacted adherence and footwear wear time in both groups. Families reported appointment locations and parking impacting practicality. Underpowered, non‐significant small to moderate effect sizes were observed for different outcome measures. Improvement in balance measures favoured the shoe and insole group, while gait velocity increase favoured the shoe only group.

Conclusion

Our research indicates that this trial design is feasible with modifications such as recruiting with a larger multi‐disciplinary organisation, providing velcro shoe fixtures and using a shorter timed walk test. Furthermore, progressing to a larger well‐powered randomised control trial is justified considering our preliminary, albeit underpowered, efficacy findings.

Trial Registration

This trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12624000160538.
バイケイソウ誤食により徐脈と低血圧，低体温を来した1例(A case of bradycardia, hypotension, and hypothermia caused by Veratrum album poisoning)
Authors: 亜紗美 大山 , 沙由里 後藤 , 光子 鈴木 , 吏栄 全田 , 剛 鈴木 , 誠 小野寺 , 憲 伊関
Published: July 2024

バイケイソウはべラトルムアルカロイドを含む有毒植物の一つであり，春の関東～東北地方で食中毒例が多い。今回，オオバギボウシ（ウルイ）との誤食により重篤な徐脈，低血圧，低体温を来した症例を経験したので報告する。症例：63歳の男性，渓流釣り後に自宅で飲酒していたところ，嘔吐と脱力感が出現した。血圧が測定できず体温が32℃台であったため，救急要請された。病着時の意識は清明で，バイタルサインは体温35.7℃，呼吸数15/分，脈拍数30/分，血圧70/37mmHg，SpO2 92%（酸素6L/分投与）だった。心電図は洞性徐脈で，対症療法としてアトロピン0.5mgやエフェドリン40mg投与を行ったが効果は一時的だった。ドパミン持続投与を開始したところ，循環動態は安定した。問診で「自生していたウルイを調理して摂取した」と発言があり，食した山菜を確認するとバイケイソウを誤食したことが判明し，食中毒による循環不全の診断となった。摂取翌日にドパミンは終了し，第3病日に退院となった。考察：バイケイソウの中毒症状は嘔吐と血圧低下が特徴的で，アトロピンやカテコラミンの投与をはじめとした全身管理が必要になる。低体温を来した症例は過去に類を見なかった。適切な対応がなされた場合の死亡例はなく，的確な診断と早期治療が求められる。誤食を疑うエピソードを聴取しない限り診断に近づくことは難しいため，正確な問診が鍵となる。
Tentative identification of phytochelatins, their derivatives, and Cd‐phytochelatin complexes in Ocimum basilicum L. roots by Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Teles Vânia de Lourdes das G. , de Sousa Giselle V. , Augusti Rodinei , Costa Letícia M.
Published: July 2024

An unprecedented and direct PS‐MS (paper spray ionization mass spectrometry) method was proposed for the detection of native peptides, that is, glutathiones (GSHs), homoglutathiones (hGSHs), and phytochelatins (PCs), in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) roots before and after cadmium exposure. The roots were submitted to cold maceration followed by sonication with formic acid as the extractor solvent for sample preparation. PS‐MS was used to analyze such extracts in the positive mode, and the results allowed for the detection of several GSHs, hGSHs, and PCs. Some of these PCs were not distinguished in the control samples, that is, basil roots not exposed to cadmium. Other PCs were noticed in both types of roots, uncontaminated and cadmium‐contaminated, but the intensities were higher in the former samples. Moreover, long‐time exposure to cadmium stimulated the formation of some of these PCs and their cadmium complexes. The results, therefore, provided some crucial insights into the defense mechanism of plants against an external stress condition due to exposure to a toxic heavy metal. The present study represents a promising alternative to investigate other crucial physiological processes in plants submitted to assorted stress conditions.
Characterization of CRESS‐DNA viruses in human vaginal secretions: An exploratory metagenomic investigation
Authors: Ramos Endrya do Socorro Foro , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tania Regina , Bortoletto Pietro , Ferreira Noely Evangelista , Honorato Layla , Barbosa Erick Matheus Garcia , Luchs Adriana , Linhares Iara M. , Spandorfer Steven D. , Leal Elcio , da Costa Antonio Charlys , Witkin Steven S. , Mendes‐Correa Maria Cassia
Published: July 2024

The Phylum Cressdnaviricota consists of a large number of circular Rep‐encoding single‐stranded (CRESS)‐DNA viruses. Recently, metagenomic analyzes revealed their ubiquitous distribution in a diverse range of eukaryotes. Data relating to CRESS‐DNA viruses in humans remains scarce. Our study investigated the presence and genetic diversity of CRESS‐DNA viruses in human vaginal secretions. Vaginal swabs were collected from 28 women between 29 and 43 years old attending a fertility clinic in New York City. An exploratory metagenomic analysis was performed and detection of CRESS‐DNA viruses was confirmed through analysis of near full‐length sequences of the viral isolates. A phylogenetic tree was based on the REP open reading frame sequences of the CRESS‐DNA virus genome. Eleven nearly complete CRESS‐DNA viral genomes were identified in 16 (57.1%) women. There were no associations between the presence of these viruses and any demographic or clinical parameters. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that one of the sequences belonged to the genus Gemycircularvirus within the Genomoviridae family, while ten sequences represented previously unclassified species of CRESS‐DNA viruses.

Novel species of CRESS‐DNA viruses are present in the vaginal tract of adult women. Although they be transient commensal agents, the potential clinical implications for their presence at this site cannot be dismissed.
Reconstruction of the historic time course of blood‐borne virus contamination of clotting factor concentrates, 1974–1992
Authors: McClure C. Patrick , Kean Kai , Reid Kaitlin , Mayne Richard , Fu Michael X. , Rajendra Piya , Gates Shannah , Breuer Judy , Harvala Heli , Golubchik Tanya , Tarr Alexander W. , Irving William L. , Makris Michael , Simmonds Peter
Published: July 2024

Factor VIII and IX clotting factor concentrates manufactured from pooled plasma have been identified as potent sources of virus infection in persons with hemophilia (PWHs) in the 1970s and 1980s. To investigate the range and diversity of viruses over this period, we analysed 24 clotting factor concentrates for several blood‐borne viruses. Nucleic acid was extracted from 14 commercially produced clotting factors and 10 from nonremunerated donors, preserved in lyophilized form (expiry dates: 1974–1992). Clotting factors were tested by commercial and in‐house quantitative PCRs for blood‐borne viruses hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV), HIV‐ types 1/2, parvoviruses B19V and PARV4, and human pegiviruses types 1 and 2 (HPgV‐1,‐2). HCV and HPgV‐1 were the most frequently detected viruses (both 14/24 tested) primarily in commercial clotting factors, with frequently extremely high viral loads in the late 1970s–1985 and a diverse range of HCV genotypes. Detection frequencies sharply declined following introduction of virus inactivation. HIV‐1, HBV, and HAV were less frequently detected (3/24, 1/24, and 1/24 respectively); none were positive for HEV. Contrastingly, B19V and PARV4 were detected throughout the study period, even after introduction of dry heat treatment, consistent with ongoing documented transmission to PWHs into the early 1990s. While hemophilia treatment is now largely based on recombinant factor VIII/IX in the UK and elsewhere, the comprehensive screen of historical plasma‐derived clotting factors reveals extensive exposure of PWHs to blood‐borne viruses throughout 1970s‐early 1990s, and the epidemiological and manufacturing parameters that influenced clotting factor contamination.
Applications of culinary medicine in the pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition field
Authors: Weston Sharon , Weisbrod Vanessa , Duro Debora
Published: July 2024

Key points

Culinary medicine can enhance a provider's ability to counsel patients using “food as medicine” to treat disease‐specific areas.

Applying culinary medicine in pediatric gastroenterology is a practical way to empower patients to better manage their condition, minimize gastrointestinal symptoms, and promote a healthier relationship with food.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of Cis‐(dicyanomethylene) squarate ion on a silver substrate
Authors: Marques Flávia C. , Milán‐Garcés Erix A. , de Oliveira Vanessa E. , Georgopoulos Stéfanos L. , Andrade Gustavo F. S. , de Oliveira Luiz Fernando C.
Published: July 2024

There has been increasing interest in the use of squaraines with different physicochemical properties. However, their applications in nanoplasmonics are limited. For that, detailed information on the interactions of squaraines with plasmonic nanostructures is required. In this work, we have studied the adsorption of the squaraine cis‐dicyanomethylene squarate (CDSQ) on the surface of Ag nanoparticles (AgNP). We have combined normal Raman, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and DFT calculations to get insights into the configuration of its adsorption. DFT calculations have been carried out using simplified models of different adsorption geometries for comparison with the results of the SERS experiments. A comparison between the relative intensities of the normal Raman and SERS spectra indicates that CDSQ is adsorbed perpendicular to the AgNP surface. The predicted spectra suggest that CDSQ is chemically adsorbed on the silver surface through one of its N atoms.
Tuber crops could be a potential food component for lowering starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index in rice
Authors: Kumar Awadhesh , Mahapatra Soumya , Nayak Lopamudra , Biswal Monalisha , Sahoo Upasana , Lal Milan Kumar , Nayak Amaresh Kumar , Pati Kalidas
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Rice is considered a high estimated glycemic index (eGI) food because of its higher starch digestibility, which leads to type II diabetes and obesity as a result of a sedentary life style. Furthermore, the incresaing diabetes cases in rice‐consuming populations worldwide need alternative methods to reduce the glycemic impact of rice, with dietary prescriptions based on the eGI value of food being an attractive and practical concept. Rice is often paired with vegetables, pulses, tubers and roots, a staple food group in Africa, Latin America and Asia, which are rich in fibre and health‐promoting compounds.

RESULTS

Rice from four categories (high protein, scented, general and pigmented) was analyzed for eGI and resistant starch (RS) content. Among the genotypes, Improved Lalat had the lowest eGI (53.12) with a relatively higher RS content (2.17%), whereas Hue showed the lowest RS (0.19%) with the highest eGI (76.3) value. The addition of tuber crops to rice caused a significant lowering of eGI where the maximum beneficial effect was shown by elephant foot yam (49.37) followed by yam bean (53.07) and taro (54.43).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that combining rice with suitable tuber crops can significantly reduce its eGI value, potentially reducing the burden of diet‐associated lifestyle diseases particularly diabetics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Oleuropein mitigates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and modulates liver metabolites in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice via activating PPARα
Authors: Zhou Wei , Du Zheng
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein (OLE) ameliorates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a low‐fat diet (LFD), a high‐fat diet (HFD), or a HFD supplemented with 0.03% (w/w) OLE for 16 weeks. OLE supplementation decreased body weight and liver weight, improved serum lipid profiles, and ameliorated HFD‐induced hepatic dysfunction. Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that OLE increased the levels of nicotinamide, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and docosahexaenoic acid, which were beneficial for lipid homeostasis and inflammation regulation. OLE exerted its protective effects by activating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a key transcription factor that regulates fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression and modulates lipid oxidation, lipogenesis and inflammation pathways. Importantly, OLE supplementation did not significantly affect body weight or liver weight in PPARα knockout (PPARα KO) mice, indicating that PPARα is essential for OLE‐mediated NAFLD prevention.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that OLE alleviates NAFLD in mice by activating PPARα and modulating liver metabolites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A generalisation of Läuchli's lemma
Authors: Sonpanow Nattapon , Vejjajiva Pimpen
Published: July 2024

Läuchli showed in the absence of the Axiom of Choice () that and, consequently, for all infinite cardinals , where and are the cardinalities of the set of finite subsets and the power set, respectively, of a set which is of cardinality . In this article, we give a generalisation of a simple form of Läuchli's lemma from which several results can be obtained. That is, in the latter equation can be replaced by other cardinals which are equal to in but not in , for example, and , the cardinalities of the set of permutations and the set of partitions, respectively, of a set which is of cardinality .
Synthesizing of cobalt oxide nanofibers and investigation of changes in synthesizing parameters on the final product
Authors: Alizadeh A. , Parhoodeh S.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the best conditions for synthesizing the cobalt oxide nanofibers using the electrospinning method was investigated. For this purpose, the effect of various factors such as solvent, calcination temperature, and polymer concentration on the crystal structure, morphology, and size of the synthesized samples was evaluated. An extensive characterization of the products was performed using x‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. X‐ray diffractometry results of fabricated samples at different temperatures confirm cobalt oxide synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the best fibers are synthesized from a polymer solution prepared at room temperature with a dual solvent of deionized water and ethanol under a calcination temperature of 600 °C. Also, some shifts were observed by examining the optical properties using ultraviolet‐visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. These results show that the proper selection of reaction conditions in the electrospinning method can be very effective for the synthesis of cobalt oxide fibers with morphology in nanometer sizes.
Analysis of the glass fibre/chicken feathers reinforced hybrid composite
Authors: Mishra R. K. , Singh G.
Published: July 2024

In this paper glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was prepared in the laboratory at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. Tensile properties, flexural properties, shore hardness and impact strength of the glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was studied experimentally and compared at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. The composite will be used in humid and corrosive environment; therefore, water absorption and acid corrosion test were performed. To understand the degradation behaviour of the composite, soil test was performed. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was carried out to find the fracture and interfacial characteristics of the composites after tensile test. This hybrid composite can be used in automobile, structural and defense sector.
Electrochemical hydrogen permeation measurement during cyclic stress testing of a ferritic chromium steel
Authors: Vatter J. M. , Jung B. , Oechsner M.
Published: July 2024

In the present work, the hydrogen diffusion during cyclic stress testing in the ferritic chromium steel 1.4521 (X2CrMoTi18‐2) is investigated. Therefore, electrochemical hydrogen permeation measurements are carried out on a hollow cylinder geometry. Simultaneously an alternating stress is applied using a stress ratio of R=‐1. At low stress amplitudes, no influence on the diffusion behaviour of hydrogen is found. At a higher stress amplitude, close to the macroscopic yield strength, a delayed hydrogen permeation by a factor of two is observed. It is postulated that this observation is a result of the nucleation of new hydrogen traps during the measurement. Hydrogen content measurements using carrier gas hot extraction support this hypothesis.
Micro‐alloying effects of lanthanum in thermo‐mechanical control process of manganese‐chromium‐molybdenum bainite rail steel
Authors: Wang X. , Ma H. , Bao X. , Cen Y. , Wang B.
Published: July 2024

Micro‐alloying effects of lanthanum in thermo‐mechanical control process of manganese‐chromium‐molybdenum bainite rail steel are investigated through experimental simulation and microstructural characterization. The results show that the deformation strengthening effect is fully exerted by thermo‐mechanical control process in steel containing 0.015 % lanthanum. Finally a kind of multi‐layer bainite ferrite microstructure featured by 3.5 μm blocks, 0.41 μm plates and 108 nm sub‐plates with ultrafine sub‐subunits and 55 nm θ‐M3C inside is achieved, which enhances the strength and toughness synergistically. And the nanoscale refinement mechanism of bainite ferrite plates lies in the formation of massive ultrafine sub‐subunits with the average size of 20 nm ×32 nm. Besides, a large number of twinning martensite with the size of 2 nm to 20 nm and high‐density entangled dislocations can be found on the boundaries of ultrafine sub‐subunits. Further, the density of dislocation is increased by 2.92×1014 cm−2 and its contribution to the strength is calculated to be 18 MPa. Moreover, micro‐alloying effects of lanthanum in thermo‐mechanical control process are explored to be that lanthanum enhances the interaction between bainite ferrite plates and dislocations, strengthens the entanglement of carbon and θ‐M3C with dislocations, and promotes the pinning effect of θ‐M3C on ultrafine subunits.
Properties of polyamide epichlorohydrin resin‐modified wood fibers/soybean straw powder copolymerization enhanced soy protein biomass composites
Authors: Feng L. , Hou C. , Wang J. X. , Liu Y.
Published: July 2024

The biomass composites were prepared by hot molding with a pressure of 10 MPa, a temperature of 125 °C, a time of 15 minutes using soybean straw powder, poplar wood fibers, and soy protein as raw materials. The effects of different straw species, the ratio of soybean straw powder to poplar wood fibers, the particle size of soybean straw powder, and the theoretical density on the performance of biomass composites were investigated. The experimental results show that under the condition that the ratio of soybean straw powder and poplar wood fibers is 1 : 1, 20 mesh to 40 mesh soybean straw powder and 20 mesh to 60 mesh wood fibers are selected to copolymerize and strengthen the soy protein biomass composites when the theoretical density is 0.80 g/cm3, the actual density of the biomass composites is 0.90 g/cm3, the tensile strength was up to 22.04 MPa, and the bending strength was up to 44.92 MPa. Biomass composites have good water resistance while obtaining excellent mechanical properties. The above figures not only meet the relevant technical requirements of automotive interior parts but also enable the lightweight design of automobiles and the sustainable development concept of green, low carbon, and environmental protection.
Anisotropic hardening of MS1180 steel plate: Experimental and analytical modeling
Authors: Tang Y. , Zhou C. , Wu P. , Fang X. , Wang Y. , Lou Y. , Pan T. , Wang J.
Published: July 2024

This work is carried out to investigate the anisotropic hardening behavior of MS1180 steel through experiment and analytical modeling. Dogbone and hydraulic bulging specimens were machined to test the mechanical behavior of MS1180 steel plate under different loading directions and stress states. The loading process was recorded by the three‐dimensional digital image correction system. The result uncovers that the strength under equi‐biaxial tension is larger than that under uniaxial tension. Mechanical behavior under different loading directions presents the obvious difference related to the plastic strain. Hardening behavior under uniaxial tension and equi‐biaxial tension is characterized by the Swift‐Voce and polynomial equations, respectively. Three yield functions are adopted to describe the anisotropic behavior, including Yld2000‐2d, S‐Y2009, and CQN‐Chen. A convexity analysis method based on geometric definition is used to determine the convex region of the CQN‐Chen yield surface under large strain. By comparing the yield surfaces of the three yield functions under different plastic strain, the CQN‐Chen yield function possesses a more flexible and reasonable characterization ability than the Yld2000‐2d and S‐Y2009 yield functions. The anisotropic hardening behavior of MS1180 steel plate is modeled with an error of less than 0.03 by the CQN‐Chen yield function, showing high prediction accuracy.
Development of a robust welding process for electron beam welding of thick plates for construction of offshore wind turbines
Authors: Reisgen U. , Olschok S. , Evers T.
Published: July 2024

Due to its high energy intensity and the associated high welding depth, electron beam welding is particularly suitable for welding steel plates with high wall thicknesses. These are used, for example, in offshore wind power systems. However, due to the cooling conditions, the required cold toughness for offshore applications is often not achieved. The aim is to develop S355 ML steels – within the EN10025 4 standard – for welding monopiles for wind turbines. For this purpose, three parameters with different energy input are developed on three steels. The tests are carried out on plates with a wall thickness of 80 mm, whereby a full penetration weld must be achieved. The resulting top and bottom bead of the welds meet the standard DIN EN ISO 13919‐1. The parameters have an energy per unit length of 9.5 kJ mm−1 to 15.5 kJ mm−1. The resulting weld seams have an average width of 5.5 mm to 7.5 mm, and burn‐off of the manganese alloy element is observed, particularly on the top side of the seam. In addition, T8/5 times close to the weld seam of 11 s to 27 s are estimated using a simulation.
Research on gear life reliability analysis based on accelerated life test
Authors: He X. , Yang S. , Zhou R. , Chen K. , Liu Z. , Yue Z.
Published: July 2024

As one of the key components of marine reducer, the life reliability of gear is of great significance to the safe operation of the reducer and even the whole transmission system. However, due to economic and testing constraints, executing extensive fatigue life tests on complex and costly gears presents a formidable challenge, resulting in inadequate reliability assessments. In this paper, the gear life reliability analysis method based on the accelerated life test is proposed. By conducting the gear bending fatigue accelerated life test, the life distribution and failure mechanism are determined based on the accelerated life data. Furthermore, the gear life distribution parameters and acceleration model are solved by least squared method. This allows us to derive a reliability index specific to the service conditions, facilitating the evaluation of gear life reliability. The method proposed in this paper provides data and theoretical support for the accelerated life tests, lays a foundation for the gear reliability evaluation under small samples, and improves the efficiency of the gear fatigue life evaluation. It has significant engineering significance in saving test costs, reducing test times and shortening development cycle.
Characterization and optimisation of physical/mechanical properties of aluminium/alumina/sugarcane‐bagasse‐powder composites using Taguchi technique
Authors: Choudhury A. , Nanda J. , Das S. N.
Published: July 2024

Burnt sugarcane bagasse powder (SCBP), with its low density, accessibility, and renewal, is an economically reinforcing material. This study fabricated composites, i. e., aluminium/alumina/burnt sugarcane bagasse powder, through the powder metallurgy route. The physical, mechanical, microscopic, and chemical characterization of the composites, such as relative density, microhardness, uniaxial compression, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray diffraction, has been conducted. There is a gain in relative density, microhardness and ultimate compression strength of about 2.25 %, 48.07 % and 33.34 % respectively, compared to the base composite (aluminium/4 wt.‐% alumina) at 3 wt.‐% burnt sugarcane bagasse powder. The Taguchi methodology is used as a statistical tool to optimise the response variables. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to find the contribution of input parameters to response variables, and the regression models have been developed. The contribution of factors ‘burnt sugarcane bagasse powder wt.‐%’ and ‘time’ on relative density is 81.65 % and 13.64 %, respectively, while the contribution of the same factors on microhardness is 95.98 % and 3.377 %, respectively. The results of the Taguchi method reveal that the optimised conditions for the highest relative density and microhardness are 3 wt.‐% burnt sugarcane bagasse powder and 2.5 h, which have confirmed the experimental results.
Powder coating waste filler in high‐density polyethylene – Variations in morphology, mechanical and thermal performance
Authors: Kısmet Y.
Published: July 2024

In the present study, electrostatic powder coating waste was recycled and employed to reinforce high‐density polyethylene. The hydrolysis method was preferred to modify the powder coating waste of various systems, and they were mixed with high‐density polyethylene at various weight ratios. The mixtures were prepared in a mechanical mixer and then in an extruder to obtain a homogeneous mixture. This homogeneous structure was pressed into molds with a plastic injection device to obtain standard tensile samples. Mechanical and thermal tests were conducted on the samples. It was determined that the tensile stress of the sample decreased with the increase in filler content. The changes in sample tensile strength were investigated after the samples were aged. Three‐point bending strength of the samples was also investigated and it was observed that they became more resistant to vertical loads as the filler content increased. The Izod impact strength of the samples differed based on the filler type and weight ratio. Furthermore, mass loss in the produced mixtures was determined with thermogravimetric analysis. The matrix and filler bonding mechanisms were observed under an electron microscope.
Heterogeneous effect of economic policy uncertainty and firm financial performance: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Chakradhar Jadhav , Gupta Ritika
Published: July 2024

Globally, high levels of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) have revamped the debate about its impact on different economic parameters of firms. In this regard, the literature exhibits three gaps. First, the effect of EPU on firm financial performance in an emerging economy context. Second, whether the influence of EPU on firm performance is asymmetric? Lastly, the moderating role of leverage in the relationship between EPU and firm performance. This paper fills all three gaps using the real options theory and investment irreversibility theory for India's NIFTY 100 firms over the period 2010–2019. The study applies several panel data econometrics models suitable to obtain comprehensive and robust results. Specifically, findings from the two‐step system GMM confirm that EPU negatively influences financial performance, which is significant for both accounting (return on assets, return on equity, net profit margin) and market (Tobin's Q) based measures. Moreover, the results of panel quantile regression reveal considerable heterogeneity in the EPU‐financial performance relationship. Further, higher levels of EPU appear to have unfavorable effects on excessively indebted firms. Overall, the study recommends that governments need to be alerted to the fact that mitigating EPU is crucial for promoting sustainable firm financial performance.
Derivative free processes of high order for nondifferentiable equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Villalba Eva G. , Argyros Ioannis K. , Hernández‐Verón M. A. , Martínez Eulalia
Published: July 2024

In this article, we consider two parametric classes of derivative free iterative methods of high order of convergence in Banach spaces. We study local and semilocal convergence results in Banach spaces for both families of iterative processes. We carry out a numerical application to solve a nonlinear and nondifferentiable Fredholm integral equation in the Banach space of continuous functions with the maximum norm.
Optimal allocation of solar photovoltaic distributed generation for performance enhancement of electrical distribution networks considering optimal volt‐var regulation under uncertainty and high load variation
Authors: Hareche Mohamed Lokmane , Ladjici Ahmed Amine
Published: July 2024

This article proposes an optimal placement and sizing of photovoltaic (PV) power systems based distributed generation (DG) in radial electrical distribution networks considering the capability of PV inverters to regulate the voltage by optimal injecting and absorbing reactive power at the point of common coupling (PCC) using honey badger algorithm (HBA), as a recent and efficient optimization algorithm to solve the complicated optimal allocation. Several objective functions are achieved for distribution system performance enhancement: minimizing the power loss and the voltage deviation index (VDI) and maximizing the voltage stability index (VSI). Based on historical data and probabilistic models, seasonal hourly solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and load variation curves have been modeled, which simultaneously consider the light, normal, and heavy load demand. The essential components of distribution power systems have been characterized. To investigate the validity of the proposed approach, IEEE 33 and IEEE 69 BUS radial distribution test systems have been considered for power flow (PF) analyses, where Newton's Raphson method has been applied to solve the PF issue. The simulation results of different numerical scenarios have shown the effectiveness and validity of the newly proposed method to solve the optimal allocation problem considering optimal volt‐var regulation control of PV inverters compared to several valid and robust optimization algorithms.
The effects of auditing and reporting standards and country‐level governance on money laundering: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Baccouri Mouna , Talbi Dorra , Hakimi Asma
Published: July 2024

This study explores how strength auditing and reporting standards (SARS) and country‐level governance interplay to reduce money laundering. The empirical study is based on a panel dataset of 109 countries, over the period 2012–2019. To test our hypotheses, relevant statistical techniques are used to enhance the robustness of the models. The empirical results reveal that the interaction between SARS and country‐level governance affect significantly and negatively money laundering. Additionally, through dynamic analysis we found that SARS and country‐level governance affect jointly Money laundering level, which confirm the complementarity between the two mechanisms. Money laundering is a worldwide phenomenon that threatens the stability of economies. Consequently, the regulatory bodies and international organization should improve auditing and reporting standards as well as governance practices at different levels (macro, micro, and mezzo).
Governance characteristics and feelings of safety are associated with attitudinal success in community‐based natural resource management & conservation organizations in northern Kenya
Authors: Walker Lindsay A. , Gohil Deepali , Hedges Joseph , Mulder Monique Borgerhoff , King Juliet , Currie Thomas E.
Published: July 2024

For Community‐based Conservation (CBC) projects to be effective in the long‐term, they need to receive the support of the communities involved. Assessing whether CBC governance systems are working effectively is challenging, and it is important to evaluate both the characteristics of these governance systems, and the perceptions of community members. It is also important to understand how factors other than the governance features of individual CBC organizations may affect feelings of satisfaction.

Using existing data collected by a local NGO in northern Kenya from 2014 to 2017, we investigated whether characteristics indicative of good governance have increased over time in 28 community‐owned natural resource management & conservation organizations (“conservancies”). We also assessed whether the presence of good governance characteristics, and other factors (whether community members feel safe, conservancy population size, and age of conservancy) predict the degree to which community members reported feeling satisfied with their conservancy.

We adapted an existing monitoring dataset that captured governance, management, and administration practices. We created a modified index that focussed on concepts that have been identified in wider literature as being important aspects of the governance of socio‐ecological systems.

Our analyses produced the following main findings:

Characteristics of good governance significantly increased in conservancies over the study period.

Self‐reported satisfaction with a conservancy was most strongly predicted by self‐reported feelings of safety and our measure of good governance.

Livestock raiding and land/boundary conflicts appears to be the security issues most closely associated with community members reporting that they feel unsafe.

Our adapted measure of governance and analyses provide a more robust assessment of the idea that governance characteristics of conservancies improved in meaningful ways during the study period. However, these analyses also point to the ways in which the monitoring of governance of CBC projects could be improved by incorporating or strengthening assessments of concepts that are known to be of importance in governing the use of natural resources.

Our analyses of community members' satisfaction with their conservancies point to the need for CBC projects to consider interactions with other groups in the wider landscape, and to engage with issues of governance at different levels of organization.

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Associations between natural blue and green space and preschool children's movement behaviours
Authors: George Phoebe , Murray Kevin , Trost Stewart G. , Boruff Bryan , Christian Hayley
Published: July 2024

Natural outdoor environments provide important settings for children to engage in physical activity. It is unclear if these relationships also exist in preschool aged children.

We examined associations between amount and type of neighbourhood vegetation and blue space, proximity to the beach and preschooler's device‐measured movement behaviours.

Accelerometer data from 1081 preschool children were processed into physical activity and sedentary behaviours using a machine learned random forest physical activity classification model specifically developed for children under five. High‐resolution aerial imagery data and Geographic Information Systems were used to identify total percentage of neighbourhood vegetation and vegetation components (grass, shrubs and trees) and presence and total percentage of blue space (ocean, riverways and lakes and swamps) for 500, 1600 and 5000 m service areas around children's residences. Distance to the closest beach, patrolled beach, and dog beach were also calculated.

Amount of neighbourhood vegetation was inversely associated with boys sedentary time in the 500 m (β = −0.91 min/day, p = 0.006, 95% CI [−1.55, −0.33]) and 1600 m (β = −1.30 min/day, p = 0.001, 95% CI [−2.08, −0.53]) service area, and positively associated with walking time in the 1600 m (β = 0.12 min/day, p = 0.045, 95% CI [0.02, 0.22]) service area. The presence of local riverways was positively associated with girls walking time in the 1600 m (β = 2.34 min/day, p = 0.009, 95% CI [0.59, 4.09]), and 5000 m (β = 1.67 min/day, p = 0.019, 95% CI [0.27, 3.06]) buffer.

Distance to dog beach was positively associated with boys sedentary behaviours. Presence of lake and swamps were negatively associated with boys walking, and presence of riverways was negatively associated with girls moderate‐to‐vigorous activities and games and boys running in the 5000 m service area.

These findings suggest higher amounts of neighbourhood vegetation and certain types of blue space such as riverways and dog beaches could facilitate positive movement behaviours in young children. Our findings that natural outdoor environments are associated with preschool children's movement behaviours add to evidence which could contribute to policy implications for urban planning and the provision and protection of natural environments within cities.

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On the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling responses of sandwich FG‐GRC toroidal shell segments with corrugated core under axial tension and compression in the thermal environment
Authors: Hoai Nam Vu , Ngoc Ly Le , Thi Kieu My Do , Minh Duc Vu , Thi Phuong Nguyen
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an analytical approach for buckling and postbuckling analysis for functionally graded graphene‐reinforced composite (FG‐GRC) toroidal shell segments with the trapezoidal or round corrugated core under the axial tension and compression. The considered shells are placed in a thermal environment and surrounded by an elastic foundation. Based on the von Kármán‐Donnell shell theory with geometrical nonlinearities, Stein and McElman approximation, and a homogenization technique for corrugated shells, the basic equations of shells are established. The previous homogenization technique is improved by adding the thermal forces in the internal force expressions. The shell‐foundation interaction is expressed using the model of the Pasternak assumption. The Ritz energy method is used to obtain the pre‐buckling and postbuckling behaviors of the shells, from which the critical buckling tensions and compressions can be investigated. The influences of FG‐GRC face sheets, corrugated core, and foundation on the buckling behavior of sandwich shells can be shown in the numerical analysis.

Highlights

Postbuckling of toroidal shell segments with the corrugated core is analyzed.

A homogenization technique is improved for the thermal forces in the core.

The shells are made of functionally graded graphene‐reinforced composite.

The nonlinear Kármán‐Donnell shell theory and Ritz energy method are applied.

Special effects of input parameters on the buckling behavior are investigated.
An improved Trizol method for extracting total RNA from Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim leaves
Authors: Xiao Siqiu , Zhang Ying , Tang Xiaoqing , Yang Jing , Zhong Weixue , Zhang Ye , Liu Ying , Li Dewen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

High‐quality nucleic acids are the basis for molecular biology experiments. Traditional RNA extraction methods are not suitable for Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim.

Objective

To find a suitable method to improve the quality of RNA extracted, we modified the RNA extraction methods of Trizol.

Methodology

Based on the conventional Trizol method, the modified Trizol method 1 and modified Trizol method 2 were used as the control for extraction of RNA from E. senticosus Maxim leaves. The modified Trizol method 1 added β‐mercaptoethanol on the conventional Trizol method. After RNA was dissolved, a mixed solution of phenol, chloroform, and isoamyl alcohol was added to denature protein and inhibit the degradation of RNA. The modified Trizol method 2 adds PVPP to grind on the basis of modified Trizol method 1, so as to better remove phenols from leaves, and eliminates the step of incubation at −20°C to reduce extraction time and RNA degradation. Chloroform, CTAB, and CH3COONa were used instead of a phenol, chloroform, and isoamyl alcohol mixed solution to ensure complete separation of nucleic acid from plant tissues and to obtain high‐purity RNA.

Results

The research results showed that the quality of RNA extracted by conventional Trizol method, modified Trizol method 1, was incomplete, accompanied with different degrees of contamination of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and DNA. The modified Trizol method 2 could better extract RNA from E. senticosus Maxim leaves. The ratio of A260/A280 was in the range of 1.8–2.0, and the yield of RNA was the highest, which was 1.68 and 1.15 times compared with that by conventional Trizol method and modified Trizol method 1 extraction, respectively. The reverse transcription cDNA was further tested through PCR with the specific primers. The amplified fragments are displayed in clear and bright bands in accordance with the expected size.

Conclusion

The modified Trizol method 2 could better extract RNA from E. senticosus Maxim leaves. High‐quality RNA has more advantages in molecular biology study of E. senticosus Maxim.
Wheat NAC transcription factor NAC5‐1 is a positive regulator of senescence
Authors: Evans Catherine , Mogg Sophie Louise , Soraru Charline , Wallington Emma , Coates Juliet , Borrill Philippa
Published: July 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important source of both calories and protein in global diets, but there is a trade‐off between grain yield and protein content. The timing of leaf senescence could mediate this trade‐off as it is associated with both declines in photosynthesis and nitrogen remobilization from leaves to grain. NAC transcription factors play key roles in regulating senescence timing. In rice, OsNAC5 expression is correlated with increased protein content and upregulated in senescing leaves, but the role of the wheat ortholog in senescence had not been characterized. We verified that NAC5‐1 is the ortholog of OsNAC5 and that it is expressed in senescing flag leaves in wheat. To characterize NAC5‐1, we combined missense mutations in NAC5‐A1 and NAC5‐B1 from a TILLING mutant population and overexpressed NAC5‐A1 in wheat. Mutation in NAC5‐1 was associated with delayed onset of flag leaf senescence, while overexpression of NAC5‐A1 was associated with slightly earlier onset of leaf senescence. DAP‐seq was performed to locate transcription factor binding sites of NAC5‐1. Analysis of DAP‐seq and comparison with other studies identified putative downstream target genes of NAC5‐1 which could be associated with senescence. This work showed that NAC5‐1 is a positive transcriptional regulator of leaf senescence in wheat. Further research is needed to test the effect of NAC5‐1 on yield and protein content in field trials, to assess the potential to exploit this senescence regulator to develop high‐yielding wheat while maintaining grain protein content.
Effect of Ultrasound and Freeze‐Drying to Enhance the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds in Dragon Fruit Peels and Apply Them in Edible Starch‐Based Films
Authors: Santos Newton Carlos , Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Albuquerque Juliana Cruz , de Lima Thalis Leandro Bezerra , de Sousa Francisca Moisés , de Alcântara Silva Virgínia Mirtes , Melo Mylena Olga Pessoa , Filho Manoel Tolentino Leite , dos Santos Silva Rosenildo , da Silva Santos Pinheiro Larissa , dos Santos Oliveira Alison , Albuquerque Aline Pacheco , de Sousa Álison Bruno Borges
Published: July 2024

In this study, dragon fruit peels were subjected to different times (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min) of ultrasound pretreatment (4.870 W m−2/25°C) and then freeze‐drying (FD) (−56°C/48 h) to obtain powder particles, which underwent physical–chemical, functional and structural characterisation. Additionally, the extraction of total phenolic compound (TPC) was evaluated through ultrasound‐assisted kinetics and mechanical agitation. Finally, films based on black rice starch were developed with the addition (0.5, 1.5 and 2.5%) of dragon fruit peel powder particles, and their physical, barrier, antioxidant, structural and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results obtained showed that all particles had low water content (4.21%–6.58%) and high solubility (84.62%–88.73%) with a reduction in particle size (23.21–39.32 μm). In the extraction of TPC, the synergistic effect of the tested conditions increased efficiency, reaching 686.66 mg GAE/100 g for pretreated dragon fruit peel powder particles (25 min) in 180 min of extraction. Furthermore, the type ‘A’ crystallinity structure did not change significantly with pretreatment, but there was a reduction in peak area, reflecting on relative crystallinity, with a maximum decrease of 29.04%. The starch‐based films produced with 2.5% dragon fruit peel powder particles showed low solubility (28.72%) and low water vapour permeability (5.03 × 10−8 g mm s−1 m2 Pa), however, they contained higher levels of TPC (31.78 mg GAE/100 g film) and antioxidant activity (8.17 μmol TE/g film) that were easily migrated in aqueous medium. Furthermore, they also presented low values of tensile strength at break (3.41 MPa) and Young's modulus (4.18 MPa), as well as a high value of elongation at break (45.82%). Finally, our results highlight the potential of ultrasound as a pretreatment for FD of dragon fruit peels, paving the way for the development of rice starch‐based food packaging.