bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking about “bioluminescence” and “puppies of the ocean”: An anti‐deficit exploration of how families create and use digital artifacts for informal science learning during and after an aquarium visit
Authors: Kelly Kimberly R. , Maloles Claudine , George Natalie , Mokatish Selah , Neves Savannah
Published: February 2024

Families commonly document their outings by capturing their experiences through digital photographs and videos. However, little is known about the ways in which families engage their personal mobile devices to document educational family outings and how they subsequently talk about the digital artifacts that captured their informal learning experiences. This paper presents new evidence on family digital artifact creation during an informal science institution (ISI) visit, the expected and actual uses of their digital artifacts after the visit, and family conversations reminiscing about the ISI visit with the digital artifacts. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed‐methods design, data on family digital artifact creation during an aquarium visit (N = 204) and digital artifact use after the visit (n = 67) were collected using parent surveys. Audio‐recorded parent‐child conversations with a subset of families (n = 25) document whether and how families use their digital artifacts to reminisce about the aquarium visit. Quantitative findings detail family digital technology practices during informal learning experiences, and qualitative findings suggest evidence of informal science learning in the everyday interactions of the families who elected to continue the study. The study indicates that family storytelling and digital technology practices may help to bridge informal science learning from ISI to home and frames family non‐participation within an anti‐deficit perspective.
Green finance policy instrument mix and firms' environmental innovation: Does firm life‐cycle stage matter?
Authors: Liao Zhongju , Xu Lijun , Zhang Mengnan
Published: February 2024

Many countries around the world have introduced green finance policies to promote environmental innovation activities. Based on institutional theory and life‐cycle theory, this study constructs a model among green finance, life cycle, and firms' environmental innovation. The research sample consists of 558 Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share manufacturing listed firms from 2010 to 2021. Using multiple regression analysis, this study examines the influences of green credit, green bonds, and the mix of the two on firms' environmental innovation and the moderating role of the firm life cycle. The results indicate that green credit, green bonds, and the mix of the two have positive effects on firms' environmental innovation. Green bonds and the mix of green credit and green bonds have stronger positive effects on firms' environmental innovation in the growth stage than in the maturity and recession stages. By introducing firms' life‐cycle theory, this study reveals the mechanism between green financial policy and firms' environmental innovation, and provides a reference for optimizing combinations of green financial policy measures to promote the development of firms' environmental innovation activities.
Preparation of Novel 3,4,5‐Triaryl‐1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Derivatives: Molecular Docking and α‐Glucosidase assessment
Authors: Roustaei Sara , Saeedian Moghadam Ebrahim , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Amini Mohsen
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a growing health problem, across all globe. Many factors have contributed into this issue, among them inappropriate lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and growing spiritual/mental concerns are to be rated higher. Likewise much research needed to be diverted in progress for treatment of DM. Herein, we report synthesis and antidiabetic activity evaluation of ten novel phenolic derivatives of triaryl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole 7 a–j. The compounds have synthesized using multistep reactions in acceptable purity and yields. Final step was done using 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between various Schiff bases and arylnitrile oxides. 7 a–j were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and IR) and their purities were confirmed using elemental analysis. All 7 a–j were evaluated for their α‐Glucosidase inhibitory activity. All compounds showed higher activity in inhibiting the enzyme, in comparison to standard, acarbose. Compounds 7 e and 7 g exerted the best activity with the IC50 value of 193.6 and 222.0 μM respectively. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic study approach was adopted to judge the effect of 7 e on enzyme inhibition. Finally, docking simulations revealed the possible mode of interactions between 7 e and 7 g and enzyme active sites. Final conclusion of results showed that oxadiazole scaffold/s are a potential antidiabetic target.
Overcoming strategic persistence: Effects of multiple scenario analysis on strategic reorientation
Authors: Healey Mark P. , Hodgkinson Gerard P.
Published: February 2024

Research Summary

To thrive in an unpredictable world, managers must adapt their decision‐making to changing events. However, a major impediment to adaptation is strategic persistence, that is, the tendency to stick with previously successful strategies. We examined whether multiple scenario analysis can help to overcome the dysfunctional effects of strategic persistence. In a laboratory study using a multi‐round strategy simulation that required players to change strategies to succeed, we found that multiple scenario analysis alleviated the effects of strategic persistence by stimulating strategic reorientation, that is, adaptive shifts in patterns of strategic choice. Multiple scenario analysis influenced strategic reorientation indirectly, by fostering belief in a new strategy, and its effectiveness depended on prior performance. We discuss implications for research on the cognitive microfoundations of strategic adaptation.

Managerial Summary

What can managers do when their previously successful strategy stops working? We found that using multiple scenario analysis, a common strategic planning technique can help decision makers switch to a new strategy. In our study, using a business simulation game that required players to change strategies to succeed, we found that those players who imagined different industry futures as part of a multiple scenario analysis exercise were more likely to believe in new strategies and as a result more likely to switch to the winning strategy. However, this intervention was less effective for players who had high levels of success with the old strategy. We discuss how scenario‐based intervention techniques can be used to assist managers with reorientating to a new strategy.
Cholesteric Tactoids with Tunable Helical Pitch Assembled by Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Wu Chao , Bagnani Massimo , Jin Tonghui , Yuan Ye , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: February 2024

Amyloid fibrils are biological rod‐like particles showing liquid–liquid crystalline phase separation into cholesteric phases through a complex behavior of nucleation, growth, and order‐order transitions. Yet, controlling the self‐assembly of amyloids into liquid crystals, and particularly the resulting helical periodicity, remains challenging. Here, a novel cholesteric system is introduced and characterized based on hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) amyloid fibrils and the results rationalized via a combination of experiments and theoretical scaling arguments. Specifically, the transition behaviors are elucidated from homogenous nematic, bipolar nematic to cholesteric tactoids following the classic Onsager model and the free energy functional model from Frank–Oseen elasticity theory. Additionally, the critical effects of pH and ionic strength on these order–order‐transitions, as well as on the shape and helical pitch of the cholesteric tactoids are demonstrated. It is found that a small increase in pH from 2.0 to 2.8 results in a 34% decrease in pitch, while, on the contrary, increasing ionic strength from 0 to 10 mm leads to a 39% increase in pitch. The present study provides an approach to obtain controllable chiral nematic structures from HEWL amyloid fibrils, and may contribute further to the application of protein‐based liquid crystals in pitch‐sensitive biosensors or biomimetic architectures.
Doping Ability Modulated by Interlayer Coupling in AA′ and AB Stacked Bilayer V–WS2 Grown with Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Tian Chuang , Sui Yanping , Xiao Runhan , Feng Yuhan , Liu Jiawen , Wang Haomin , Zhao Sunwen , Wang Shuang , Li Pai , Yu Guanghui
Published: February 2024

Doping in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) has received extensive attention for its prospect in the application of photoelectric devices. Currently researchers focus on the doping ability and doping distribution in monolayer TMD and have obtained a series of achievements. Bilayer TMD has more excellent properties compared with monolayer TMD. Moreover, bilayer TMD with different stacking structures presents varying performance due to the difference in interlayer coupling. Herein, this work focuses on doping ability of dopants in different bilayer stacking structures that has not been studied yet. Results of this work show that the doping ability of V atoms in bilayer AA′ and AB stacked WS2 is different, and the doping concentration of V atoms in AB stacked WS2 is higher than in AA′ stacked WS2. Moreover, dopants from top and bottom layer can be distinguished by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation further confirms the doping rule. This study reveals the mechanism of the different doping ability caused by stacking structures in bilayer TMD and lays a foundation for further preparation of controllable‐doping bilayer TMD materials.
Toward a Metal Anode‐Free Zinc‐Air Battery for Next‐Generation Energy Storage
Authors: Deckenbach Daniel , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) promise high energy density and safety. However, the use of conventional zinc anodes affects the energy output from the battery, so that the theoretical energy density is not achievable under operation conditions. A large portion of the zinc is shielded by anode passivation during the discharge process and remains electrochemically unused, making the operation of rechargeable ZABs inefficient up to date. In a metal anode‐free ZAB, there is no unnecessary excess zinc if the zinc reservoir can be precisely adjusted by electrodeposition of zinc from the electrolyte. In this respect, an anode‐free battery uses the electrolyte offering a dual‐mode functionality not only providing ionic conductivity but also being the source of zinc. In addition, it is shown that a defined porous anode architecture is crucial for high rechargeability in this new type of ZAB. 3D‐spatially arranged carbon nanotubes as geometrically defined host structures allow a homogeneous zinc deposition from the electrolyte. Together with carbon nanohorns as an active 2e− catalyst on the cathode side, the rechargeability of this new concept reaches up to 92%.
Thermal‐to‐Electrical Conversion Based on Salinity Gradient Driven by Evaporation
Authors: Hu Lijun , Zheng Haoyang , Yang Shisheng , Liu Xinhong , Du Yi‐Meng , Li Jinao , Wang Hongqing , Sun Kuan
Published: February 2024

Constructing concentration differences between anions and cations at the ends of an ionic conductor is an effective strategy in electricity generation for powering wearable devices. Temperature gradient or salinity gradient is the driving force behind such devices. But their corresponding power generation devices are greatly limited in actual application due to their complex structure and harsh application conditions. In this study, a novel ionic concentration gradient electric generator based on the evaporation difference of the electrolyte is proposed. The device can be constructed without the need for semipermeable membranes, and operation does not need to build a temperature difference. As a demonstration, a PVA–Na ionic hydrogel is prepared as an electrolyte for the device and achieved a thermovoltage of more than 200 mV and an energy density of 77.94 J m−2 at 323 K. Besides, the device exhibits the capability to sustain a continuous voltage output for a duration exceeding 1500 min, as well as enabling charging and discharging cycles for 100 iterations. For practical applications, a module comprising 16 sub‐cells is constructed and successfully utilized to directly power a light‐emitting diode. Wearable devices and their corresponding cell modules are also developed to recycle body heat.
Tuning Hole Transport Properties and Perovskite Crystallization via Pyridine‐Based Molecules for Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chai Yuru , Wu Liyuan , Chen Yu , Zhang Guikai , Guo Xihong , Wang Dan , Dong Jinquan , Huang Huan , Zhao Lina , Sun Baoyun
Published: February 2024

Quasi‐2D perovskites show great potential as photovoltaic devices with superior stability, but the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is limited by poor carrier transport. Here, it is simultaneously affected the hole transport layer (HTL) and the perovskite layer by incorporating pyridine‐based materials into poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to address the key problem above in 2D perovskites. With this approach, the enhanced optoelectronic performance of the novel PEDOT:PSS is due to electron transfer between the additives and PEDOT or PSS, as well as a dissociation between PEDOT and PSS based on experimental and theoretical studies, which facilitates the charge extraction and transfer. Concurrently, in‐situ X‐ray scattering studies reveal that the introduction of pyridine‐based molecules alters the transformation process of the perovskite intermediate phase, which leads to a preferred orientation and ordered distribution caused by the Pb─N chemical bridge, achieving efficient charge transport. As a result, the pyridine‐treated devices achieve an increased short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and PCE of over 17%.
Electron Aggregation and Oxygen Fixation Reinforced Microwave Dynamic and Thermal Therapy for Effective Treatment of MRSA‐Induced Osteomyelitis
Authors: Liao Shasha , Wu Shuilin , Mao Congyang , Wang Chaofeng , Cui Zhenduo , Zheng Yufeng , Li Zhaoyang , Jiang Hui , Zhu Shengli , Liu Xiangmei
Published: February 2024

Antibiotics are frequently used to clinically treat osteomyelitis caused by bacterial infections. However, extended antibiotic use may result in drug resistance, which can be life threatening. Here, a heterojunction comprising Fe2O3/Fe3S4 magnetic composite is constructed to achieve short‐term and efficient treat osteomyelitis caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The Fe2O3/Fe3S4 composite exhibits powerful microwave (MW) absorption properties, thereby effectively converting incident electromagnetic energy into thermal energy. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that Fe2O3/Fe3S4 possesses significant charge accumulation and oxygen‐fixing capacity at the heterogeneous interface, which provides more active sites and oxygen sources for trapping electromagnetic hotspots. The finite element analysis indicates that Fe2O3/Fe3S4 displays a larger electromagnetism field enhancement parameter than Fe2O3 owing to a significant increase in electromagnetic hotspots. These hotspots contribute to charge differential accumulation and depletion motions at the interface, thereby augmenting the release of free electrons that subsequently combine with the oxygen adsorbed by Fe2O3/Fe3S4 to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat. This research, which achieves extraordinary bacterial eradication through the synergistic effect of microwave thermal therapy (MWTT) and microwave dynamic therapy (MDT), presents a novel strategy for treating deep‐tissue bacterial infections.
Can high‐skilled immigrants transfer their human capital to the United States?
Authors: Xie Bin
Published: February 2024

Using the National Survey of College Graduates, this study examines the return to pre‐ and post‐migration human capital of high‐skilled immigrants in the United States to provide an empirical evaluation of their skill transferability. I find that, on average, high‐skilled immigrants exhibit no wage return to foreign work experience, yet they demonstrate a relatively substantial return to foreign education. Delving into the heterogeneity across gender, occupation, and entry visa categories reveals the subsequent insights: female immigrants transfer less foreign experience and education than males; STEM immigrants are more adept at transferring foreign work experience than their non‐STEM counterparts; temporary work visa holders exhibit a heightened ability to transfer work experience, while green card and dependent visa holders have limited transferability of foreign work experience. Lastly, English proficiency is positively associated with the transferability of work experience.
Effect of Microstructure on Mechanical Properties of X65MS Welded Pipe Joint
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wei Hao , Wang Bin , Ye Qibin
Published: February 2024

The mechanical properties of welded joints have a crucial impact on the safety of pipelines. This article focuses on examining the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of welded joints of X65MS pipeline steel for sour service. The results indicate that the welding thermal cycle forms the microstructure consisting of acicular ferrite, granular bainite, and polygonal ferrite. The hardness across the joint ranges from 210 and 270 HV, peaking within the welded zone and decreasing towards the base metal (BM). At −40 °C, the welded zone shows the lowest impact energy of 53 J, while heat‐affected zones exhibit superior impact toughness exceeding 270 J with the highest impact energy of 326 J. This can be attributed to the exceptionally fine‐grained microstructure, a small quantity of small‐sized martensite‐austenite (M/A) constituents in the heat affected zone. As for the low toughness of the weld, the main factors can be attributed to the presence of large‐sized elongated M/A constituents and inclusions.
Inspired by the Seeking Knowledge Strategy for Analects of Confucius to Screen Highly Electrochemically Active Porous Carbon: The Critical Source of Electroactive Sites
Authors: Wang Liangcai , Ma Xinhui , Chen Dengyu , Zhou Jianbin , Qin Hengfei , Ma Huanhuan
Published: February 2024

In this work, the forestry wastes are converted into a series of porous carbons using H3PO4 activation. These porous carbons feature a large specific surface area (1045.20 m2 g−1) and porosity that combines micro‐, meso‐, and macropores in various amounts depending on the fuel properties recorded for precursors used. Importantly, the C content recorded for forestry waste is one of the crucial factors in defining the specific surface area of the derived porous carbons. In addition, the total capacitance of the pine‐sawdust‐based porous carbon (PS‐C) sample is the highest, such as 220.55 F g−1 upon 5 mV s−1. Notably, the electrical double‐layer capacitance recorded for the samples remains essentially constant with increasing scan rates, such as ≈91.50 F g−1 for the olive‐shell‐based porous carbon, ≈123.70 F g−1 for PS‐C, and ≈105.66 F g−1 for the pine‐needle‐based porous carbon. Encouragingly, the pore‐associated sp3 site holds significant roles in the electrochemical application of the porous carbons. More importantly, the O/C value recorded for the precursor can be employed as a universal predictor of electrochemically active sites produced in porous carbons. In the findings, crucial insights are exhibited into the optimized fabrication of porous carbon with target electrochemically active sites for other applications such as catalysis.
Efficient Bifacial Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells Using Down‐Conversion 2D Perovskite Nanoplatelets–Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composite Film
Authors: Yang Yang , Hoang Minh Tam , Chiu Wei‐Hsun , Yu Yongyue , Wang Hongxia
Published: February 2024

Semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs) hold significant appeal for various applications in smart windows, multijunction tandem devices, bifacial and chargeable devices, etc. Unfortunately, to possess high transparency, the perovskite layer in the ST‐PSCs must be kept relatively thin (<400 nm), which in turn causes insufficient light absorption and thus inferior device performance. Herein, a 2D perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite thin layer is applied in the ST‐PSCs to solve these problems. Thanks to its dual function of down‐conversion (DC) effect, converting high‐energy UV photons into low‐energy visible photons to enhance the photocurrent, and interfacial passivation, reducing the nonradiative recombination at the interface, the 2D NPLs–PMMA‐based devices with the different average visible transmittance (AVT) values of perovskite film demonstrate significantly improved power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the pristine devices, and remarkable UV stability, retaining over 77% of initial PCE after aging under continuous UV illumination for 280 h. More importantly, the full bifacial ST‐PSCs using a transparent MoO3/Au/MoO3 rear electrode exhibits a record PCE of 14.26% and 10.65% with a whole device AVT of 19.4% and 26.9%, respectively, which are among the highest performing ST‐PSCs of the kind reported to date.
A confidence machine for sparse high‐order interaction model
Authors: Das Diptesh , Ndiaye Eugene , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: February 2024

In predictive modelling for high‐stake decision‐making, predictors must be not only accurate but also reliable. Conformal prediction (CP) is a promising approach for obtaining the coverage of prediction results with fewer theoretical assumptions. To obtain the prediction set by so‐called full‐CP, we need to refit the predictor for all possible values of prediction results, which is only possible for simple predictors. For complex predictors such as random forests (RFs) or neural networks (NNs), split‐CP is often employed where the data is split into two parts: one part for fitting and another for computing the prediction set. Unfortunately, because of the reduced sample size, split‐CP is inferior to full‐CP both in fitting as well as prediction set computation. In this paper, we develop a full‐CP of sparse high‐order interaction model (SHIM), which is sufficiently flexible as it can take into account high‐order interactions among variables. We resolve the computational challenge for full‐CP of SHIM by introducing a novel approach called homotopy mining. Through numerical experiments, we demonstrate that SHIM is as accurate as complex predictors such as RF and NN and enjoys the superior statistical power of full‐CP.
Exploring the Efficacy of Polysaccharides as Green Corrosion Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: AL Salihi Hind A. , Mahdi Raghad R. , Al‐Amiery Ahmed , Al‐Azzawi Waleed K. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H.
Published: February 2024

Corrosion threatens materials in diverse industries, necessitating sustainable corrosion inhibitors. Polysaccharides, abundant natural polymers, emerge as eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitors. This review explores polysaccharides' efficacy, mechanisms, and applications. It introduces the significance of corrosion and the vital role of inhibitors, positioning polysaccharides as promising green solutions. The exploration covers polysaccharide diversity, sources, and eco‐friendly attributes. Corrosion mechanisms are detailed, setting the stage for understanding inhibition strategies. Polysaccharides, with unique adsorption and film‐forming properties, are effective inhibitors, elucidated through electrochemical studies. Influential factors like pH, temperature, and concentration effects, along with practical applicability considerations, are examined. Real‐world implementations across industries underscore polysaccharides' versatility, often surpassing traditional inhibitors. Despite challenges, this review outlines their promising role, addressing concerns and proposing future directions. Polysaccharides emerge as eco‐friendly alternatives, illuminating inhibitive properties, mechanisms, and practical applications, guiding continued research for sustainable corrosion prevention.
The history and nomenclatural significance of herbarium collections made by Alexander A. Tatarinow in North China and Mongolia in 1841–1850
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: February 2024

Alexander A. Tatarinow (1817?–1886) made an extensive collection of vascular plants and insects in North China and Mongolia while serving as a physician in the 12th Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing during 1841–1850. Tatarinow's plant collection included about 800 species and became the basis for 70 new species, of which 12 were named after him. The collection was split into three large sets, each labelled in its own way and handled in different times by different people at different institutions, thus obscuring its correct attribution; notable misinterpretations include its misattributions to A. von Bunge and P.E. Kirilov who were attached to the 11th Mission and collected plants near Beijing during 1830–1840. In this study, the history of these three sets and their parts is uncovered, and label samples are provided and commented to allow unambiguous recognition of the sets for correct lectotypification of plant species names based on the material collected by the 11th and 12th Missions.
Regiodivergent Synthesis and Biological Activities of Indoloquinoline Based Compounds
Authors: Håheim Katja S. , Sydnes Magne O.
Published: February 2024

Cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, and isocryptolepine have remained popular synthetic targets ever since their isolation from the aqueous extracts of the West African climbing shrub Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. These natural alkaloids were found to contain significant antimalarial, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities, making them ideal starting points for the development of novel drug candidates. As natural product synthesis is often plagued with step‐heavy procedures and poor atom economy, the discovery of synthetic protocols addressing these concerns are sorely needed. In our laboratories, we have devoted our efforts into the development of regiodivergent synthesis whereby two of the indoloquinoline natural products, namely neocryptolepine and 11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines, could be assembled in only a few steps from a common and readily available starting material. Our synthetic endeavors to meet these goals include a cascade palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyuara cross‐coupling and intramolecular C−N bond formation and a photochemical nitrene insertion strategy. Furthermore, our methods also allowed for the construction of several diversely functionalized natural product derivatives which were subjected to biological evaluations.
Mapping the ethic‐theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence research
Authors: White Gareth R. T. , Samuel Anthony , Jones Paul , Madhavan Naveen , Afolayan Ademola , Abdullah Ahmed , Kaushik Tanmay
Published: February 2024

The issue of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics is a prominent research subject. While there is a compendious literature that explores this area, surprisingly little of it makes explicit reference to the ethic‐theoretical foundations upon which it is built. To address this matter, this study makes an examination of the AI ethics literature to identify its ethic‐theoretical foundations. The study identifies the lack of AI ethics literature that draws upon seminal ethics works and the ensuing disconnectedness among the publications on this subject. It also uncovers numerous non‐Western ethic‐theoretical positions that can be adopted and may afford new insight into AI ethics research and practice. Employing these alternative lenses may obviate the tendency for Western worldviews to dominate the academic literature. The study provides some guidance for future AI ethics research which should endeavor to clearly articulate its chosen ethic‐theoretical position, and for practice which could benefit from understanding and articulating the principles upon which AI systems are founded. It also provides some observations of, and guidance for, the utilization of Litmaps software in the conduct of Literature reviews.
Low levels of Cd2+ combined with procymidone may cause ovarian damage in mice via unfolded protein response
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Xuning , Zhang Jiaxin , Nie Hui , He Shiyun , Li Yushan , Xia Ruowen , Zhu Yongfei
Published: February 2024

As no study about the combined effect of low levels of Cd2+ with procymidone (PCM) on organs and organisms, we investigated their actions on mouse‐ovary in vivo and in vitro. Four‐week mice were treated with corn oil for the control group, corn oil + 0.0045 mg/L Cd2+ (CdCl2 was dissolved in ultrapure water and freely consumed by mice) for Cd2+ group, 50 mg/kg/d PCM (suspended in corn oil and administered orally to mice) for PCM group, and 50 mg/kg/d PCM + 0.0015 (0.0045 and 0.0135) mg/L Cd2+ for L+ (M+ and H+) PCM group for 21 days. For in vitro experiment, the cultured ovaries were treated with acetone for the control group, 0.1% acetone + 8.4 μg/L Cd2+ for the Cd2+ group, 0.63 mg/L PCM (dissolved in acetone) for the PCM‐group, and 0.63 mg/L PCM + 2.8 (8.4 and 25.2) μg/L Cd2+ for L+ (M+ and H+) PCM group for 7 days. Mouse body weight in each treatment group, the weight and volume of ovaries in all PCM groups were lower than the control. Both in vivo and in vitro, all‐stage follicle numbers were lower in M+PCM and H+PCM groups, whereas the atretic follicles and CASPASE3/8 were higher; meanwhile, lower estradiol and progesterone and higher unfolded protein response (UPR) members in all PCM groups. L+, M+, and H+PCM groups had further ovarian damage and stronger UPR than PCM groups, as did M+PCM groups over Cd2+ groups. It is hypothesized low‐level PCM and Cd2+ may mutually promote each other's triggered UPR and exacerbate ovarian damage.
Open coal stock pile impact on surface, river, and groundwater: Noapara, Jashore case study
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Hossain SK. Sazzad , Ahmed Mohammad Tofayal , Samad Md. Abdus , Faruque Md. Jamal
Published: February 2024

Energy is the main driving force for a country's development. Every year, Bangladesh imports a huge amount of coal along with local coal to support the country's energy demand, which stock in open areas. The objective of this research is to evaluate the hydrochemical characteristics of surface, river, and groundwater in a well‐known industrial region in Bangladesh where nearby water is polluted by coal from an open coal stock pile. The findings of this research article concerning the environmental effects of open coal stockpiles will be helpful to policymakers, environmentalists, investors, and other stakeholders. Following WHO standards, GIS extrapolation was used to create maps of key ions in solution (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) and negatively charged ions (HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−). The aquifer's hydrogeochemical process was explained using PCA techniques and the hydrogeochemical facies and water types shown by the Piper and Gibbs diagram. The findings show that the groundwater in this research region is mostly salinized (NaCl‐rich). The result confirms that 67% of the location is of good quality and 33% is of permissible water quality for the surface water sample, whereas 48% of the location is of good quality and 52% is of severe water quality for the ground water sample. Advanced technology should be used to stock the coal to reduce the open stockpile's impact on the environment.
Development of a high‐power blue diode laser for precision vaporization of prostate tissue for the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Mu Liyue , Zhu Xiang , Yang Bing , Yang Lin , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhao Yongwei , He Dalin
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the advancement and application of high‐power blue diode lasers in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Addressing the challenges posed by existing techniques, the study focuses on optimizing tissue removal methods. Energy platform for BPH should balance a range of factors, such as operative time, patient conditions, urinary functions, complications, durability, accessibility, and cost, all while prioritizing patient care. Blueray Medical's innovation of high‐power blue diode laser systems for BPH surgery is explored, with emphasis on achieving a balance among these considerations. By illustrating the biomedical effects of lasers and their interaction with soft tissues, particularly emphasizing the role of photon absorption by biomolecules and proteins in tissue behavior, this study outlines the advantages of the high‐power blue diode laser system. The initial laboratory experiments and clinical results consistently align with our theoretical predictions, especially in terms of tissue vaporization efficiency, tissue coagulation, and bleeding control. In conclusion, blue diode lasers hold potential to enhance surgical outcomes for BPH. Their unique properties offer benefits like improved tissue removal rate and reduced thermal damages. Integrating blue laser technology into BPH protocols could lead to shorter hospital stays, cost savings, and expanded patient eligibility, although rigorous clinical studies are needed to fully understand their benefits and limitations.
Readability of postoperative discharge instructions is associated with complication rate in companion animals undergoing sterilisation
Authors: Biancaniello Christopher M. , Rolph Kerry E. , Cavanaugh Sarah M. , Karnik Priti , Peda Andrea , Cavanaugh Ryan P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Readability of client communications is a commonly overlooked topic in veterinary medical education. In human medicine, it has been advised that the readability of patient materials should be at USA schooling sixth‐grade level or below. We hypothesised that student written discharge instructions would be of an inappropriate readability level, and discharges scored with higher reading grade levels would be associated with more complications.

Methods

The cohort comprised 149 dogs and cats presenting for sterilisation. The readability of discharge instructions was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) formulas. Records were examined for evidence of postoperative complications.

Results

The mean FRE score of the discharge instructions was 61.97, with 30.87% being classified as ‘difficult’ or ‘fairly difficult’, 60.4% as ‘standard’ and 8.72% as ‘fairly easy’. The mean FKGL was 8.64, with 98% being above reading level 6. Overall, there was an association between FKGL and complication occurrence (p = 0.005). Stratification by species demonstrated FRE and FKGL to be associated with complication occurrence in dogs (FRE score, p = 0.038; FKGL, p = 0.002), but not cats (FRE score, p = 0.964; FKGL, p = 0.679).

Limitations

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, there were difficulties associated with extracting relevant complication information from the medical records.

Conclusion

Only 2% of owner‐directed discharge instructions were written at readability levels aligning with the recommendations set forth in the human guidelines.
Regeneration of As(V)‐loaded granular activated carbon through electrocoagulation
Authors: Moed Niels Michiel , Ku Young , Hsu Ting‐Hsuan
Published: February 2024

As(V)‐loaded granular activated carbon was regenerated through electrocoagulation assisted by elution with NaCl. Adsorption of As(V) by activated carbon was highest at pH 6, and subsequent desorption in water was highest at pH 11, followed by pH 3. Lower initial pH improved arsenic removal during electrocoagulation, NaCl concentration was insignificant, but removal increased with current density. Adding Fe(II) before electrocoagulation led to an improved removal efficiency up to a concentration of 30 mg/L. Regeneration of As(V)‐loaded activated carbon increased with current density and time up to a maximum of 85%. An increase in NaCl concentration to 6000 mg/L further improved regeneration to 92%. Regeneration at a lower current density only dropped slightly from 54% to 51% when doubling activated carbon concentration, demonstrating excellent scalability. Repeated adsorption–desorption tests were performed, where 81% and 69% regeneration were obtained after four regenerations with NaCl concentrations of 6000 and 750 mg/L, respectively. NaCl concentration in the tested range did not influence electrocoagulation but improved regeneration through elution. The combination of electrocoagulation and elution facilitated a higher regeneration efficiency, meanwhile removing As(V) from the solution through adsorption on iron hydroxide.

Practitioner Points

As(V)‐loaded activated carbon was regenerated by electrocoagulation with elution.

Regeneration increased with regeneration time and current density up to 85%.

Addition of 6000 mg/L NaCl further increased regeneration to 93%.

Regeneration of 82% was achieved after four regenerations.

NaCl did not affect electrocoagulation but improved regeneration through elution.
Historical milestones in the evolution of the procedure of neck dissection
Authors: Devaraja K.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Although neck dissection has evolved to become an integral part of the surgical armamentarium for managing head and neck cancers, the manner in which the procedure has reached its present state is worth revisiting.

Data Sources

Published original articles, reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and consensus statements related to the basis, indication, and classification of the neck dissection.

Methods

This review discusses some of the critical milestones before and after the description of the procedure of neck dissection by George Crile Sr. in 1905, which eventually played a role in the evolution of this commonly performed oncosurgical procedure.

Results

Several large observational studies of the twentieth century and multicentric randomized trials at the turn of the twenty‐first century have shaped neck dissection into a safe and reliable oncosurgical procedure.

Conclusions

From being a radical surgery that was done mostly in large nodal diseases for curative or palliative purposes to becoming a simple procedure that is carried out even in node‐negative cases of head and neck cancers for prognostic purposes, the procedure of neck dissection has come a long way and continues to evolve.
Venous vascular malformation of the parotid gland
Authors: Hakimi Amir A. , Wu Eric L. , Giurintano Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Venous vascular malformations of the parotid gland are very rare vascular tumors, especially among adults. This case report discusses the presentation and challenges of diagnosing a venous vascular malformation of the parotid gland in a patient with previous oncologic history. Our patient is a 45‐year‐old female with a history of breast cancer, meningioma, and secreting pituitary adenoma who presented with a malformation on magnetic resonance imaging, incidentally demonstrating a T2 intense mass in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland. She was otherwise asymptomatic. Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration was nondiagnostic. She underwent a right inferior superficial parotidectomy. Histologic section analysis demonstrated a well‐delineated vascular tumor made of large vascular spaces with thin walls surrounded by a parotid tissue consistent with a venous vascular malformation of the parotid gland. Venous vascular malformations are exceedingly rare, especially among adults. Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration can be of limited value. Parotidectomy may be electively considered for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Conflict of interest disclosure by US cardiothoracic surgeons
Authors: Melo Dyanna L. , Islam Taufiq , Nasser Khadija , Bédard Eric L. R. , Turner Simon R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Surgeon–industry collaboration is a key driver of advancement in surgical technology and practice. Disclosures of financial relationships between investigators and industries are important to ensure transparent and critical evaluation of literature.

Methods

All American cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons who published in three major CT surgery journals in 2019 were identified. Whether these surgeons disclosed any conflicts of interest was recorded and compared to actual payments received within 5 years of publication as reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data.

Results

In the study period, there were 1079 unique manuscripts involving 885 American CT surgeons as authors, which combined for 2719 author instances. Of these, 96.2% of authors (851 of 885) received payments from companies. The authors who received payments produced 2651 author instances (97.4%). Financial disclosure was reported in only 11.4% (301 of 2651) of these instances. In total, 851 surgeons received more than $187 million over 5 years, with the highest‐paid surgeon receiving an average of over $5.9 million per year. The largest individual payments were from “Associated Research Funding,” with over $115 million being paid to 277 surgeons over 5 years. The top paying company issued over $96.5 million to American CT surgeons over 5 years.

Conclusions

Nearly all the reviewed publications in three top CT surgery journals were by surgeons who received payments from companies, but very few of these payments were recorded as potential conflicts of interest. A more consistent and robust policy of COI disclosure is needed to reduce perceptions of bias.
Review of cardiac–coronary interaction and insights from mathematical modeling
Authors: Fan Lei , Wang Haifeng , Kassab Ghassan S. , Lee Lik Chuan
Published: February 2024

Cardiac–coronary interaction is fundamental to the function of the heart. As one of the highest metabolic organs in the body, the cardiac oxygen demand is met by blood perfusion through the coronary vasculature. The coronary vasculature is largely embedded within the myocardial tissue which is continually contracting and hence squeezing the blood vessels. The myocardium–coronary vessel interaction is two‐ways and complex. Here, we review the different types of cardiac–coronary interactions with a focus on insights gained from mathematical models. Specifically, we will consider the following: (1) myocardial–vessel mechanical interaction; (2) metabolic–flow interaction and regulation; (3) perfusion–contraction matching, and (4) chronic interactions between the myocardium and coronary vasculature. We also provide a discussion of the relevant experimental and clinical studies of different types of cardiac–coronary interactions. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps, key challenges, and limitations of existing mathematical models along with future research directions to understand the unique myocardium–coronary coupling in the heart.

This article is categorized under:

Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models

Cardiovascular Diseases > Biomedical Engineering

Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Well‐defined Bis(imino)pyridine‐Manganese(II) Complexes for Oxidation of Benzylic C−H Bonds
Authors: Dey Jyotirmoy , Raj Lakshkar Ritu , Sahil Deepika , Prakash Joshi Om , Yadav Seema , Singh Ajeet , Ray Sriparna , Dash Chandrakanta
Published: February 2024

Two new manganese(II) complexes bearing bis(imino)pyridine pincer ligands have been synthesized. These manganese(II) complexes were characterized by UV, IR, elemental analysis studies, and X‐ray crystallography. The X‐ray crystal data of manganese complexes revealed distorted trigonalbipyramidal geometries around the manganese ion and neutral tridentate N^N^N coordination mode for bis(imino)pyridine (BIP) ligand. The catalytic properties of manganese(II) complexes were explored for the catalytic oxidation of the benzylic C−H bonds using TBHP as an oxidant. The corresponding carbonyl compounds have been produced in moderate to excellent yields.
Correction to: Metacognition in Academic Writing: Learning Dimensions
Authors: Negretti Raffaella
Published: February 2024

Correction to: Chapter 44 in: H. Mohebbi and C. Coombe (eds.), Research Questions in Language Education and Applied Linguistics, Springer Texts in Education,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79143-8_44
A comparative machinability analysis of polyimine vitrimer, epoxy and polycarbonate polymers through orthogonal machining experiments
Authors: Poór Dániel István , Tobey Marina , Taynton Philip , Pomázi Ákos , Toldy Andrea , Geier Norbert
Published: February 2024

End-of-life management of fibre-reinforced thermoset composites is challenging due to the difficult-to-recycle reinforcements and the irreversibly polymerised thermoset matrix; therefore, researchers proposed the vitrimers as a sustainable alternative to thermosetting polymers. Although the early results of the material scientists are promising, the machinability of vitrimers has yet to be explored. Therefore, this paper aims to present a comparative machinability study of polyimine vitrimer, pentaerythritol-based epoxy (PER) and polycarbonate polymers through orthogonal machining experiments. Reflecting on the temperature-dependent properties of vitrimers, the starting temperature of the cutting tool was varied between room temperature and an elevated temperature above 155 °C. The cutting tool was heated by a 2000-W hot air gun until the surface temperature of the cutting tool, monitored by a VariocamHD thermographic IR camera (with Jenoptik IR 1.0/60 LW lens) and checked by a Fluke 51 II thermometer with a type K thermocouple, was permanently above 155 °C for 5 min. The cutting force was measured by a Kistler 9257B dynamometer, and the machined surface was characterised by a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-400 surface roughness tester and Keyence VHX-5000 (with VH-Z20UT VH lens) microscope. The analysis of variances (ANOVA) results show that the sustainable vitrimer polymer is an appropriate substitute for thermosetting epoxy polymers, especially at low cutting temperatures.
In-situ positron annihilation spectroscopy during tensile tests on Al alloys
Authors: Hugenschmidt Christoph , Thalmayr Matthias , Gigl Thomas
Published: February 2024

We present a materials analysis method to enable in-situ Doppler broadening spectroscopy (DBS) of the 511 keV annihilation line in matter during tensile tests. This technique allows the correlation between the formation of lattice defects on an atomic scale and the macroscopic physical materials properties stress and strain. By implanting a monoenergetic positron beam into samples of AlMg3 (3.3535) and AlMgSi (3.3206) the onset of plastic deformation was clearly observed in the recorded annihilation spectra during the measurement of the corresponding stress–strain curves. The changes of the DBS spectra are attributed to positron annihilation in (open-volume) defects—predominantly vacancies elastically bound to dislocation lines—formed during plastic deformation. The elastic strain (Hook’s region), however, does not lead to changes in DBS spectra.