bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Z‐Selective Alkene Formation from Reductive Aldehyde Homo‐Couplings
Authors: Mai Juri , Arkhypchuk Anna I. , Wagner Sebastian , Orthaber Andreas , Ott Sascha
Published: April 2022

Current methodologies for the direct reductive coupling of two aldehydes to alkenes afford almost exclusively the thermodynamically favouredE‐isomer. Recent efforts to find phosphorus‐based reagents as replacements for the low‐valent Ti species in McMurry couplings present opportunities to change this shortcoming, and to design new reagents that allow for the formation of high proportions ofZ‐alkenes under kinetic control. Here, we report the first example of such a reagent, a phosphanyl phosphonate MesFP(H)P(O)(OEt)2,6, with an electron‐deficient MesF=2,4,6‐(CF3)3Ph substituent that promotes the reductive homo‐coupling of (hetero)aromatic aldehydes to alkenes with highZ‐selectivity. Computational results indicate that the selectivity stems from the electron deficient MesF, which results in lowered activation barriers for the collapse of a cis‐oxaphosphetane intermediate. In the absence of MesF, theE‐isomer is exclusively observed experimentally. Directing the isomeric outcome of alkene formation by introducing electron withdrawing P‐substituents bears resemblance to the Still‐Gennari modification of the Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons reaction where perfluorinated ethoxy substituents in the former also lead to high proportions of theZ‐isomer.
Evaluating the impact of aggregation and RTS/CTS schemes on IEEE 802.11 based Linear Wireless Ad‐Hoc Networks
Authors: Guo Yunhai , Li Zhengxiang , Lv Rui , Yang Zhanxin
Published: April 2022

The Linear Wireless Ad‐Hoc Network (Linear WANET), as a branch of the Ad‐Hoc network, refers to a self‐organizing multi‐hop wireless network in which nodes are arranged linearly. Frame aggregation and RTS/CTS schemes are introduced in IEEE 802.11 aims to improve network transmission performance. However, the traditional mechanisms may not have good adaptability in linear multi‐hop networks. Thus, we defined a Linear WANET simulation model based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol. We established this model on the NS‐3 network simulator to perform A‐MSDU, A‐MPDU, and two‐level frame aggregation simulation and analyzed the aggregation performance under different channel environments. Meanwhile, the RTS/CTS and TXOP mechanisms were also simulated in this article. We analyzed the performance of each mechanism in a Linear WANET under saturated and unsaturated environments. We found that the linear multi‐hop characteristic has a significant impact on the performance of the frame aggregation mechanism. In the Linear WANET, the A‐MSDU mechanism can improve system performance to a limited extent, but at the same time, it will increase the packet loss rate and delay. So, the two‐level aggregation can improve the maximum throughput of the system with better channel conditions. In the case of single A‐MPDU aggregation, there has a lowest data delivery interval that the Linear WANET system can withstand. The A‐MPDU mechanism is a better choice for the poor channel conditions with unsaturated system throughput. Meanwhile, we also found that the native TXOP mechanism cannot effectively improve the system efficiency of Linear WANET. The RTS/CTS mechanism can enhance system throughput performance in most cases, especially in a saturated throughput environment.
Optimization of channel and rib dimension in serpentine flow field for vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Agarwal Varsha , Barnwal Vivek Kumar , Sahu Shubham , Singh Arvind
Published: April 2022

In redox flow battery, uniform electrolyte circulation is essential in the electrochemical reaction zone to achieve high current density. Flow field helps with the uniform distribution of electrolytes in reaction zone. In this article, the effect of different dimension of flow channels in a serpentine flow field on hydrodynamic aspects was studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Cells with active area of 927 cm2having various combinations of flow channels width (1, 2, and 3 mm) and rib width (1, 2, and 3 mm) were employed for optimization of uniform electrolyte distribution in the reaction zone to achieve high power density. The electrode intrusion into flow channels were of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm and an electrode of 2.5 mm thickness were used to observe the pressure drop and electrolyte circulation effects for simulation studies. Those simulation results showed that with an increase in channel dimension, electrolyte circulation increases along with pressure drop, and with an increase in intrusion depth pressure drop also increases, therefore overall electrochemical performances will increase. This study will assist in the stack level design of the vanadium redox flow battery.
Addressing Anti‐Black Racism in Bioethics: Responding to the Call
Authors: Fletcher Faith E. , Ray Keisha S. , Brown Virginia A. , Smith Patrick T.
Published: April 2022

As a field concerned with ethical issues in health and health care, particularly how structures, policies, and practices unfairly advantage some and disadvantage others, bioethics has a moral obligation to address the long‐standing challenges that racism has posed to the overall health and well‐being of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people and other people of color. Arguably, the premature death and disease disproportionately affecting Black Americans and the well‐documented association of such death and illness with racism are issues that have not gained due attention in bioethics. This multiauthored report highlights the intergenerational work of mostly Black scholars and aims to create an agenda for bioethics that addresses anti‐Black racism and the ways in which this form of racism threatens the actualization of justice in health and health care, not only for Black people and other minoritized groups but also for all people.

This special report contains five major sections representing different approaches to scholarship, including theoretical, empirical, and narrative forms. The first section features two target articles focused on anti‐Black racism and health care settings, with each article accompanied by two commentaries. The second section includes four essays thematically centered around anti‐Black racism and health equity research and practice. Section three features four essays that explore anti‐Black racism and bioethics. The next section consists of four essays framing a braver, bolder, and broader bioethics. We conclude with a powerful tribute to the late Marian Gray Secundy, a bioethics luminary, friend, colleague, role model, and mentor, and a tie that binds together many bioethics scholars who prioritize social justice in their scholarship and praxis.
Black Feminist Bioethics: Centering Community to Ask Better Questions
Authors: James Jennifer Elyse
Published: April 2022

This commentary builds off the article “Is Trust Enough? Anti‐Black Racism and the Perception of Black Vaccine ‘Hesitancy,’” by Yolonda Wilson, and her assertion that the question, “Why don't Black people trust … ?” is insufficient. The commentary describes ways in which a Black feminist approach to knowledge production can facilitate centering community and can lead researchers, health care providers, and bioethicists to ask better questions. Instead of demanding that Black patients change to fit within biomedicine, people in these fields must radically reimagine biomedicine to better meet the needs of Black patients. For this to become a reality, bioethicists must work toward eliminating racism, and the field of bioethics should embrace Black feminist bioethics to work toward this goal.
Womanist Ethics as a Contribution to Bioethics
Authors: Mack April
Published: April 2022

This essay argues that womanism, a social theory focused on the embodied lives of Black women, can be useful to bioethicists as they consider health care ethics during a pandemic—and beyond. A general social justice‐oriented ethical framework is helpful to begin a conversation on pandemic ethics, but it does not directly lead to the kind of on‐the‐margins‐of‐society framework that is necessary to increase health equity and justice. With particular concern for poor Black women, I discuss three main reasons that such an ethics framework needs to incorporate womanist ethics: the feminization of poverty, lack of access to high‐quality health care, and rape and other historical violence against Black women. I conclude by proposing that an understanding of womanism as a correlative to the Black Lives Matter clarion call can create an ethical narrative in bioethics that can exist beyond times of pandemic.
On the Shoulders of Giants: A Reckoning with Social Justice
Authors: Bogdan‐Lovis Elizabeth , Kelly‐Blake Karen , Jiang Wendy
Published: April 2022

As a field, bioethics has failed to adequately change in a direction that pursues and addresses continually shifting contemporary social problems, in particular, anti‐Black racism. In this essay, we draw from interviews with four senior Black scholars—Anita L. Allen, Claretta Y. Dupree, Patricia A. King, and Lawrence J. Prograis, Jr.—to learn from their experiences in this field dominated by White‐majority thought and to consider thematically how best to recalibrate bioethics to imagine a braver, broader, and better bioethics, one that centers social justice and is equipped to work against anti‐Black racism.
Herstory as an Important Force in Bioethics
Authors: Sodeke Stephen , Fletcher Faith E. , Brown Virginia A. , Stone John R. , Wilson Cynthia B. , Franklin Tené Hamilton , Royal Charmaine D. M. , Bonham Vence L.
Published: April 2022

This tribute celebrates the life and work of Marian Gray Secundy (1938–2002), who was the first director of the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, a passionate advocate for health equity, a visionary scholar, and a skilled editor and collaborator. Within the tribute are several short remembrances in which individuals describe their association with Secundy to honor her as a leader, friend, scholar, advocate, and teacher in bioethics.
Drug absorption in bariatric surgery patients: A narrative review
Authors: Alalwan Abdullah Abdulaziz , Friedman Jeffrey , Alfayez Osamah , Hartzema Abraham
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the increase in the number of bariatric surgeries performed, little is known about the impact of the surgery on drug absorption. Unpredictability is assumed with drugs, given the anatomical changes after surgery.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on drug absorption based on the type of procedure performed.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature review searching PubMed/Medline for published studies (from inception to December 2017) that evaluate the use of drugs and the assessment of drug absorption after bariatric surgery. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, case reports, and observational studies were included in our review.

Results

We found 60 studies addressing drug use after bariatric surgery. Twenty‐eight studies reported a decrease in drug absorption after bariatric surgery while only four studies showed an increase in drug absorption. Unchanged absorption of drugs was seen in 23 studies after the surgery.

Conclusion

The available information shows variations in drug absorption after bariatric surgery. The unpredictability may result from factors related to the patient, drug, and/or type of surgery. Therefore, pharmacists' involvement and close monitoring of patients after bariatric surgery could be effective to avoid sub‐/supratherapeutic responses.
l‐Arginine prevents 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal accumulation and depresses inflammation via inhibiting NF‐κB activation
Authors: Liang Mingcai , Wang Zhengxuan , Li Hui , Liu Bingxiao , Yang Lin
Published: April 2022

4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) is an inducer of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elicit the link between the inhibition of HNE accumulation and the depression of inflammation whether dependent onl‐arginine availability in growing rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with different levels of
l‐arginine at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The control group was fed with commercial pellets. After 14 days of oral administration,
l‐arginine significantly reduced hepatic accumulation of HNE and depressed inflammation in rats as compared with the control group. Compared to the control group, the anti‐inflammatory action of
l‐arginine is reflected by upregulation of hepatic interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and the suppression of hepatic cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor necrotic factor α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 expressions in growing rats. With
l‐arginine administration, the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) was efficaciously inhibited through the upregulation of inhibitory κBα, and the depression of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that
l‐arginine could reduce hepatic HNE levels and depress inflammation in growing rats, revealing a link between the inhibition of HNE accumulation with the depression of inflammation, which was attributed to the availability of
l‐arginine. A significant finding of this study was that the anti‐inflammatory mechanism exerted by
l‐arginine was to inhibit NF‐κB activation via downregulating PI3K/Akt.
What is at stake in a war? A prospective evaluation of the Ukraine and Russia conflict for business and society
Authors: Lim Weng Marc , Chin Markson Wee Chien , Ee Yaw Seng , Fung Chorng Yuan , Giang Carolina Sandra , Heng Kiat Sing , Kong Melinda Lian Fah , Lim Agnes Siang Siew , Lim Bibiana Chiu Yiong , Lim Rodney Thiam Hock , Lim Tze Yin , Ling Chui Ching , Mandrinos Symeon , Nwobodo Stanley , Phang Cynthia Su Chen , She Long , Sim Chia Hua , Su Sueh Ing , Wee Gabriel Wei En , Weissmann Marc Arul
Published: April 2022

War produces devastating impacts on humankind, especially in terms of lives and livelihoods. While war is a widely studied topic in history, it remains relatively understudied in business. To address this gap, this article explores the impact of war for business and society. To do so, this article undertakes a prospective evaluation of the Ukraine and Russia conflict as a recent case of war. In doing so, this article reveals that a war can impact society within (e.g., limit access to basic necessities and monetary resources, increase unemployment and reduce purchasing power, and increase asylum seekers and refugees) and outside (e.g., supply shortage and inflation and threat of false information) as well as business within (e.g., threat of cyberattacks, threat to digital and sustainable growth, and short‐term and long‐term sanctions and support) and outside (e.g., test of business ethics and moral obligations and test of brand management) war‐torn countries. The article concludes with an agenda for future research involving war, business, and society.
Citationchaser: A tool for transparent and efficient forward and backward citation chasing in systematic searching
Authors: Haddaway Neal R. , Grainger Matthew J. , Gray Charles T.
Published: April 2022

Systematic searching aims to find all possibly relevant research from multiple sources, the basis for an unbiased and comprehensive evidence base. Along with bibliographic databases, systematic reviewers use a variety of additional methods to minimise procedural bias. Citation chasing exploits connections between research articles to identify relevant records for a review by making use of explicit mentions of one article within another. Citation chasing is a popular supplementary search method because it helps to build on the work of primary research and review authors. It does so by identifying potentially relevant studies that might otherwise not be retrieved by other search methods; for example, because they did not use the review authors' search terms in the specified combinations in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. Here, we briefly provide an overview of citation chasing as a method for systematic reviews. Furthermore, given the challenges and high resource requirements associated with citation chasing, the limited application of citation chasing in otherwise rigorous systematic reviews, and the potential benefit of identifying terminologically disconnected but semantically linked research studies, we have developed and describe a free and open source tool that allows for rapid forward and backward citation chasing. We introducecitationchaser, an R package and Shiny app for conducting forward and backward citation chasing from a starting set of articles. We describe the sources of data, the backend code functionality, and the user interface provided in the Shiny app.
Variables related to microwave heating‐toasting time and water migration assessment with kernel size approaches of specialty maize types
Authors: Lara Nelly , Osorio Fernando , Ruales Jenny
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Three main maize types with specialty kernels are used to make ready‐to‐eat maize by traditional toasting, and microwave toasting may be an innovative application. However, little is known of the toasting process of these Andean maize types. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the behavior of a broad scope of variables in these maize types. The kernels were packed in sealed paper envelopes and subjected to six microwave heating‐toasting times from 0 to 390 s. Subsequently, with actual kernel size approaches, water content (WC), water ratio (WR), and water loss (WL) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In addition to WC, WR, and WL, the surface area (S), volume (V), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) behaved like time‐related variables with a high correlation depending on the maize types and kernel dimensions. Thus, the WC, WR, and WL third‐order polynomial regression curves computed with the spatial (S/V)2 and distance (GMD/2)2 approaches indicated the water variation at each microwave heating‐toasting time with a clear difference among maize types a0, a1, and a2. Regarding their exchange profiles without and with the spatial (S/V)2 approach, the maximum rates showed significant differences between maize types and WC and WL. Likewise, the maximum rates displayed significant differences between the spatial (S/V)2 and distance (GMD/2)2 approaches, revealing a notable lack of consistency with the distance (GMD/2)2 approach.

CONCLUSION

The kernel size approaches revealed that water migration rates depended on differences in maize types. Such basic information represents the first insight into more physical‐based models of water diffusion during raw microwave maize heating‐toasting. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Psychological comorbidity: Predictors of residential treatment response among U.S. service members with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Walter Kristen H. , McCabe Cameron T. , Watrous Jessica R. , Kohen Casey B. , Beltran Jessica L. , Kirk Alex , Campbell Justin S.
Published: April 2022

Residential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research in military samples generally shows that in aggregate, PTSD symptoms significantly improve over the course of treatment but can remain at elevated levels following treatment. Identifying individuals who respond to residential treatment versus those who do not, including those who worsen, is critical given the extensive resources required for such programs. This study examined predictors of treatment response among 282 male service members who received treatment in a U.S. Department of Defense residential PTSD program. Using established criteria, service members were classified as improved, indeterminate (referent), or worsened in terms of self‐reported PTSD symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that for PTSD symptoms, higher levels of pretreatment PTSD symptom severity were associated with significantly lower odds of being in the improved group, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.955, p = .018. In addition, service members who completed treatment were significantly more likely to be in the improved group, aOR = 2.488, p = .048. Longer average pretreatment nightly sleep duration, aOR = 1.157, p = .035, and more severe pretreatment depressive symptoms, aOR = 1.109, p = .014, were associated with significantly higher odds of being in the improved group. These findings reveal clinical characteristics better suited for residential PTSD treatment and highlight implications for comorbid conditions.
Designing Double‐Layer Multimaterial Composite Patch Scaffold with Adhesion Resistance for Hernia Repair
Authors: Hu Qingxi , Wu Junjie , Zhang Haiguang , Dong Wenpei , Gu Yan , Liu Suihong
Published: April 2022

Hernia repair mesh is associated with a number of complications, including adhesions and limited mobility, due to insufficient mechanical strength and nonresorbability. Among them, visceral adhesions are one of the most serious complications of patch repair. In this study, a degradable patch with an antiadhesive layer is prepared for hernia repair by 3D printing and electrospinning techniques using polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol, and soybean peptide (SP). The study into the physicochemical properties of the patch is found that it has adequate mechanical strength requirements (16 N cm−1) and large elongation at break, which are superior than commercial polypropylene patches. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that human umbilical vein endothelial cells proliferated well on composite patches, and showed excellent biocompatibility with the host and little adhesion through a rat abdominal wall defect model. In conclusion, the results of this study show that composite patch can effectively reduce the occurrence of adhesions, while the addition of SP in the patch further enhances its biocompatibility. It is believed that a regenerative biological patch with great potential in hernia repair provides a new strategy for the development of new biomimetic biodegradable patches.
Combined inhibition of BET bromodomain and mTORC1/2 provides therapeutic advantage for rhabdomyosarcoma by switching cell death mechanism
Authors: Srivastava Ritesh K. , Guroji Purushotham , Jin Lin , Mukhtar M. Shahid , Athar Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Aberrant activation of multiple complex signaling pathways underlies the pathogenesis of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), which remains a cause of mortality in approximately 30% of children with RMS. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) domain chromatin remodeling regulates several of these pathways. Here, we targeted bromodomain 4 (BRD4) in combination with another molecular metabolic tumor driver, the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, to provide a highly effective treatment for this neoplasm. We demonstrated that a nexus of these two molecular pathways underlies RMS pathogenesis. Our data show that the combined inhibition of the BET bromodomain and mTORC1/2 signaling abrogates aggressive RMS growth. Thus, the bromodomain inhibitor RVX‐208 significantly augmented the therapeutic effects of the dual mTORC1/2 inhibitors, OSI‐027 and PP242, both in vitro and in a human xenograft murine model. Drug‐treated residual tumors showed a decrease in the activation of underlying signaling mechanisms characterized by a reduction in the expression of p‐AKT, p‐mTOR, p‐p70S6K, cyclin D1, and proliferation. Our ChIP‐seq data demonstrated that RVX‐208 effectively blocked BRD4 occupancy on its target promoters. ChIP‐qPCR assays further confirmed that RVX‐208 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in H3K27ac and H4K8ac signals at their target loci. While single RVX‐208 treatment induces apoptosis and a single mTORC1/2 inhibitor induces macropinocytosis, their combined treatment led to necroptosis‐mediated cell death. These data suggest that combined treatment with drugs targeting BRD4 and mTORC1/2 may be an effective therapeutic intervention for drug‐resistant RMS.
Early metabolic impairment as a contributor to neurodegenerative disease: Mechanisms and potential pharmacological intervention
Authors: Fakih Walaa , Zeitoun Ralph , AlZaim Ibrahim , Eid Ali H. , Kobeissy Firas , Abd‐Elrahman Khaled S. , El‐Yazbi Ahmed F.
Published: April 2022

The metabolic syndrome comprises a family of clinical and laboratory findings, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and hypertension, in addition to central obesity. The syndrome confers a high risk of cardiovascular mortality. Indeed, metabolic dysfunction has been shown to cause a direct insult to smooth muscle and endothelial components of the vasculature, which leads to vascular dysfunction and hyperreactivity. This, in turn, causes cerebral vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion, eventually contributing to cognitive deficits. Moreover, the metabolic syndrome disrupts key homeostatic processes in the brain, including apoptosis, autophagy, and neurogenesis. Impairment of such processes in the context of metabolic dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases.

The aim of this review is to elucidate the role that the metabolic syndrome plays in the pathogenesis of the latter disorders, with a focus on the role of perivascular adipose inflammation in the peripheral‐to‐central transduction of the inflammatory insult. This review delineates common signaling pathways that contribute to these pathologies. Moreover, the role of therapeutic agents aimed at treating the metabolic syndrome, as well as their risk factors that interfere with the aforementioned pathways, are discussed as potential interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Impact of weight loss with diet or diet plus physical activity on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiovascular disease risk factors: Heart Health Study randomized trial
Authors: Jakicic John M. , Rogers Renee J. , Lang Wei , Gibbs Bethany B. , Yuan Nalingna , Fridman Yaron , Schelbert Erik B.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to examine the change in left ventricular mass (LVM) in adults with overweight or obesity in response to a behavioral weight‐loss intervention, with variable physical activity (PA) prescriptions.

Methods

A total of 383 adults were randomized to a 12‐month intervention of diet modification (DIET), DIET plus 150 min/wk of PA (DIET+MODPA), or DIET plus prescription of 250 min/wk of PA (DIET+HIGHPA). LVM was measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Twelve‐month weight loss was −10.2% (95% CI: −11.7% to −8.8%) in the DIET group, −11.0% (95% CI: −12.4% to −9.5%) in the DIET+MODPA group, and −10.3% (95% CI: −11.8% to −8.9%) in the DIET+HIGHPA group. LVM decreased at 12 months in the DIET group (−2.9 g [95% CI: −5.2 to −0.7]; p = 0.0114), with no change observed in the DIET+MODPA group (−0.8 g [95% CI: −3.0 to 1.5]; p = 0.4979) or the DIET+HIGHPA group (−1.1 g [95% CI: −3.3 to 1.1]; p = 0.3299).

Conclusions

Weight loss through dietary modification resulted in reduced LVM, whereas, when combined with at least 150 min/wk of prescribed moderate‐to‐vigorous PA, LVM was preserved. These may both be favorable adaptations to weight loss and PA in adults with overweight or obesity that warrant further investigation to understand the clinical implications of these changes on cardiovascular disease risk.
Racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity: The role of school segregation
Authors: Mahmood Nuha , Sanchez‐Vaznaugh Emma V. , Matsuzaki Mika , Sánchez Brisa N.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Recent studies have observed that racial or ethnic adult health disparities revealed in national data dissipate in racially integrated communities, supporting the theory that “place, not race” shapes the nature and magnitude of racial/ethnic health disparities. This study tested this theory among children.

Methods

In 2020, the racial/ethnic childhood obesity disparities within integrated schools and between segregated schools were estimated using statewide cross‐sectional data collected in 2019 on fifth, seventh, and ninth grade students from California public schools.

Results

School segregation accounted for a large part of the obesity disparities between White children and children of color (Latino, Black, and Filipino children). In racially integrated schools, obesity disparities were much smaller than those in statewide data, whereas racial or ethnic childhood obesity disparities were larger when comparing children in majority‐White schools with those attending schools with a majority enrollment of children of color, except for Asian children, who generally had lower obesity rates than their White peers.

Conclusions

School‐level racial segregation is a salient contributor to racial/ethnic childhood obesity disparities. Reducing obesity disparities may be particularly effective if place‐level interventions target socioeconomically disadvantaged integrated schools and segregated schools attended primarily by children of color.
Robust fusion filter for multisensor descriptor system with uncertain‐variance noises and packet dropout
Authors: Liu Wentao , Zheng Jiayi , Dou Yinfeng , Ran Chenjian
Published: April 2022

For the multisensor linear stochastic descriptor system with uncertain‐variance noises and packet dropout, the standard state space model of the new reduced‐order augmented state is obtained based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) approach and augmented state approach. By applying the min‐max robust estimation principle and Kalman filtering theory, the local robust time‐varying Kalman filters of the reduced‐order augmented state and fictitious process noise are proposed. Then, the local robust time‐varying filters of the original descriptor system are presented according to the relation of the reduced‐order augmented state and the original state. And the distributed and covariance intersection (CI) fusion robust time‐varying filters are presented, and the actual and conservative filtering error variances are obtained. Further, the robustness of the local and fused robust filters are proved by applying Lyapunov equation approach, and the accuracy relation between them is analyzed. A simulation example applied to a circuit system shows its effectiveness and applicability.
Comparative evaluation of areca/carbon/basalt fiber reinforced epoxy/bio epoxy based hybrid composites
Authors: Yashas Gowda T. G. , Madhu P. , Kushvaha Vinod , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart
Published: April 2022

The use of renewable resources to reduce environmental effects can provide a long‐term platform. The natural fiber is an excellent renewable resource for developing lightweight composite materials. The present work is the development of hybrid areca/carbon/basalt reinforced epoxy/bio epoxy composites and the investigation of their mechanical, thermal, and water absorption behavior. Four layered areca–carbon, areca–basalt, and areca fiber reinforced epoxy/bio epoxy composites were fabricated with three different varying stacking sequences with epoxy and bio epoxy composites with a hand layup method. The Mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, and impact behavior were evaluated and compared between the synthetic and bio epoxy resin. Also, the thermal, water absorption, and morphological studies of all composites were studied, and results showed that out of all the composites the carbon—areca fiber reinforced composites showed better mechanical properties and SEM analysis exemplified the better bonding between areca, carbon, and basalt fabrics. The prepared laminates can be used for developing some commercial medium‐load structural applications.
Untreated and chemically treated Pennisetum orientale grass fiber filled vinyl ester composites: Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties analysis
Authors: Nayak Subhakanta
Published: April 2022

The utilization of natural fibers rather than engineered filaments has turned into a subject of conversation in the composite industries. In this research, one of the natural fibers was synthesized from Pennisetum orientale grass and the surfaces were modified using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) chemically. Then they were used as reinforcement in vinyl ester polymer by different weight percentage (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt%) for fabrication of composites. At different filler loading various mechanical properties were evaluated and discussed. The mechanical properties of the composites were observed to increase at beginning phase with increase in filler content till optimum (25 wt%) fiber loading and from there on declines. The composite at optimum fiber loading were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and compared with untreated composites. The findings give manufactures and engineer a general idea to use this composite for weight reduction especially in automotive applications.
Green engineered rubber process oil for passenger tire tread component and its effect on mechanical and rheological characteristics
Authors: Kumarasamy Ariyanayagam , Narayanasamy Babu , Arumugam Elango
Published: April 2022

The rich flavonoid glycosides present in the peel of lemon has the property of anticarcinogen the need of hour. This experimental study open up way for exploring the possibilities of providing an optimal alternative in search of conventional high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon rubber process oils. The preliminary elastomer science test (tensile, hardness, and rheometry) conducted provided scope for replacement. The tensile test showed higher strength at minimal loading (10 phr) in comparison with controlling component aromatic oil. The hardness test exposed a gradual 3% increase for increase in loading. The elongation at break was found higher for L ‐ trials (L1‐Lemon peel oil 5 phr, L2–10, L3–15 and L4–20 phr) than A‐ trials (Controlling component aromatic oil) indicates greater resistance to change in geometric property without any crack formation attributed to uniform dispersion of N330. Around 2% of mass loss (mg) and 6% of volumetric loss were prevented with the usage of trial ‐L process oil in place of trial A process oil. The uniformity in dispersion was evident from SEM images prove to be an optimal alternative to high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon rubber process oil a major carcinogenic threat to environment and living creatures.
Power conversion efficiency of 25.26% for silicon heterojunction solar cell with transition metal element doped indium oxide transparent conductive film as front electrode
Authors: Dong Gangqiang , Sang Jiacheng , Peng Chen‐Wei , Liu Fengzhen , Zhou Yurong , Yu Cao
Published: April 2022

In this paper, to improve the power conversion efficiency (Eff) of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, we developed the indium oxide doped with transition metal elements (IMO) as front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer combined with microcrystalline silicon (μ‐Si:H(n+)) for SHJ solar cell. The optical and electrical properties as well as structures of hydrogenated IMO (IMO:H) films were studied and compared to conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) film. Such IMO:H films have high carrier mobility over 70 cm2/V·s, high transmittance, and low free carrier absorption, which leads to a high short circuit current density exceeding 40 mA/cm2. In addition, the low sheet resistance and contact resistivity of the IMO:H films contribute to the high fill factor of the solar cell. The average Eff of solar cells with IMO:H + μ‐Si:H(n+) is improved by 0.4% compared with that of the solar cells with ITO + a‐Si:H(n+). Finally, a certified efficiency up to 25.26% (total area, 274.5 cm2) was achieved.
The efficacy of exergaming in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mete Emel , Sari Zübeyir
Published: April 2022

Background

Exergaming, one of the most recognized virtual rehabilitation tools, has been shown to be useful for promoting physical activity and enhancing postural stability for neurologic conditions. However, studies with exergaming programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are limited.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the effects of exergaming given by visual and auditory stimulated assisted joint training device in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), functional status, kinesiophobia, proprioceptive acuity, muscle strength, and postural stability in patients with knee OA.

Study Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Sixty patients (47 female, 13 male) with knee osteoarhritis aged 40–65 years (57.36 ± 7.26) who were at stage of two to three according to the Kellegren Lawrence radiological evaluation were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as study group (conventional physiotherapy + exergaming) and control group (conventional physiotherapy). Electrotherapy and exercise program were applied to both of the groups along 5 days a week for 6 weeks but exergaming only applied to study group. ROM, pain intensity, proprioceptive acuity, kinesiophobia, muscle strength, and postural stability of the patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment.

Results

In the intra‐group analyses of all the assessments of the patients, there was a significant difference in the positive direction in both groups, except for the postural stability values. In the intra‐group analyses of postural stability, there was a significant increase only in the study group. In comparison between the groups, proprioceptive acuity, ROM, functional status, and postural stability scores were significantly increased in the study group according to the control group; pain and kinesiophobia decreased significantly.

Conclusion

In this study, the exergaming accompanied with conventional physiotherapy programs resulted more positive improvements on pain, ROM, postural stability, kinesiophobia, proprioceptive acuity, and functional status in patients with knee OA compared to the conventional physiotherapy program alone.
Activation energies of the InSi‐Siidefect transitions obtained by carrier lifetime measurements
Authors: Lauer Kevin , Möller Christian , Teßmann Christopher , Schulze Dirk , Abrosimov Nikolay V.
Published: April 2022

Light‐induced degradation (LID) is investigated in indium doped silicon by time and temperature dependent carrier lifetime measurements. Different transitions rates and activation energies were measured and interpreted within theASi‐Siidefect model. The case of indium acceptors is compared to the case of boron. Results are discussed within the frame of a comparison betweenASi‐SiiandASi‐Feidefects. It was found that reported dependencies of the transitions rates of theASi‐Siidefect on the hole density support defect models which are based on defect configuration changes. An in‐depth explanation of theASi‐Siidefect model is given and possible errors related to the measurement of transition rates are discussed.
Plasma‐assisted self‐formation of nanotip arrays on the surface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films
Authors: Zimin Sergey P. , Gorlachev Egor S. , Gremenok Valery F. , Bente Klaus , Mokrov Dmitry A. , Amirov Ildar I. , Naumov Viktor V. , Kim Woo Y.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we report on the phenomenon of nanostructure self‐formation on the surface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films during inductively coupled argon plasma treatment with its duration varied from 10 to 120 s. The initial films were grown on glass substrates using the selenization technique. During the CIGS film surface treatment in the high‐density low‐pressure radio‐frequency inductively coupled argon plasma there took place a formation of arrays of uniform vertical nanostructures, which shape with increasing processing duration changed from nanocones to nanorods and back to nanocones. A model of the nanotip plasma‐assisted self‐formation associated with the implementation of micromasking and vapor–liquid–solid mechanisms involving metallic In‐Ga (In‐Ga‐Cu) liquid alloy droplets is proposed.
Annealing behaviour of photoluminescence spectra on Cu2ZnSnS4 single crystals
Authors: Seto Satoru , Araki Hideaki
Published: April 2022

We have measured photoluminescence (PL) spectra at 10 K for Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) single crystals grown by the iodine transport method and explored the anneal changes of PL spectra under a Zn and S‐saturation. All the crystals showed S‐ and Zn‐poor composition, and nearly stoichiometric composition of Cu/(Zn + Sn). The observed PL spectra are divided into two groups; one is PL band with a peak at ∼1.3 eV (1.3‐eV band), and another is PL band with a peak at ∼1.35 eV (1.35‐eV band). It was found from SEM observations that the 1.35‐eV band was observed in crystals with a mirror‐like facet and, on the other hand, the 1.3‐eV band was seen in the crystals with some small dark areas where the composition is Cu‐poor. The Zn‐saturated annealing at 600 °C caused the PL peak shift of ∼0.1 eV, from 1.295 to 1.185 eV. The S‐saturated annealing at 550 °C caused a disappearance of PL emission. The implications of these annealing behaviour are discussed.
Annealing effects on Ga‐doped ZnO thin films grown by atmospheric spray pyrolysis using diethylzinc solution
Authors: Yoshino Kenji , Tominaga Himeka , Ide Akiko , Nishioka Kensuke , Naka Toshio
Published: April 2022

Polycrystalline a‐axis oriented Ga‐doped ZnO thin film could be grown on glass substrate by a conventional atmospheric spray pyrolysis at 150 °C using diethylzinc‐based solution. The n‐type Ga‐doped ZnO thin film had a resistivity of 1.5 × 10−3 Ω cm, a carrier concentration of 2.0 × 1020 cm−3 and a mobility of 20.0 cm2 (Vs)−1 at an optimal Ga content of 2 wt.% upon hydrogen annealing at 450 °C. It was assumed that an increase of the n‐type carrier concentration is due to increase oxygen vacancies by reacting hydrogen and oxygen in ZnO from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Synthesis and characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 bulk polycrystalline
Authors: Takeuchi Akiko , Oishi Koichiro , Aoyagi Naritoshi , Nishida Genki , Shimizu Wataru , Nakagawa Masato , Yamazaki Makoto , Katagiri Hironori
Published: April 2022

Cu2ZnSnS4 bulk polycrystalline were synthesized by pressureless sintering (PLS) method in vacuum and spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. It was confirmed that there were no the secondary phases in a sample sintered by SPS method at 750 °C from the results of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Rietveld refinement. The Raman spectrum of the sample showed the strongest peak at 338 cm−1 with a shoulder at 350–370 cm−1, and the weaker peaks at about 255 and 289 cm−1, which originated from Cu2ZnSnS4. The FWHM of the strongest peak of 7.4 cm−1 was narrower than other samples. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum measured at 15 K were observed a broad emission band with the maximum at 1.26 eV. Also, the measured photoluminescence excitation (PLE) for the band‐edge emission was originated the energy transfer from the band‐to‐band excitation.The obtained activation energy was 62 ± 9 meV.
Growth and annealing effect of SrTiO3 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition using fourth harmonic Nd:YAG pulsed laser
Authors: Takamura Koji , Fujiwara Takumi , Yokota Akinobu , Nakamura Motonori , Yoshimoto Ken'ichi
Published: April 2022

SrTiO3 homoepitaxial films were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using a fourth harmonic Nd:YAG pulsed laser. The substrate temperature was kept constant at 600, 700, or 800 °C. The laser energy was set at 9–25 mJ on the polycrystal SrTiO3 target. Post‐procedure annealing was performed in the air for 24 h. The X‐ray diffraction measurement results showed that the lattice constant of the film was only 0.010 Å larger than that of the substrate and was not dependent on the annealing temperature. We demonstrated the possibility of growing near‐stoichiometric SrTiO3 film by PLD using an Nd:YAG laser.
Synthesis and characterization of Cu2Sn1−xGexS3
Authors: Araki Hideaki , Yamano Masaki , Nishida Genki , Takeuchi Akiko , Aihara Naoya , Tanaka Kunihiko
Published: April 2022

Cu2SnS3 (CTS) is a promising compound for use as an absorber layer in thin‐film solar cells because it is made up of low‐cost and abundant elements. However, the band gap energy of 0.94 eV for monoclinic Cu2SnS3 is less than the optimal value for absorber layers in single‐junction solar cells. On the other hand, the band gap energy of Cu2GeS3 (CGS) is approximately 1.5–1.6 eV. Therefore, in this study, we carried out the synthesis of Cu2Sn1−xGexS3, which is a solid solution of Cu2SnS3 and Cu2GeS3. The structure of the prepared samples was investigated using X‐ray diffraction and Raman analyses. Diffuse reflectance spectra were obtained using a UV–Vis–NIR spectrometer and used to estimate the band gap energy. In X‐ray diffraction patterns from the synthesized compounds, the diffraction peaks were found to shift to higher 2θ values with increasing x, indicating a decrease in the lattice constants. In addition, the estimated band gap energy increased from 0.86 to 1.53 eV with increasing x. Cu2Sn1 − xGexS3 is, therefore, a potential candidate for use as the absorber layer in thin film solar cells because its band gap energy can be adjusted simply by varying its composition.
Composition‐ratio control of CuInS2 films using PLD
Authors: Wakita Kazuki , Po‐Han Tseng , Yoshida Ryo , Kyan Issei , Shim Yong‐Gu
Published: April 2022

A sulfur‐annealing treatment was investigated to control the sulfur content of epitaxial CuInS2 films grown on GaAs substrate by PLD. The sulfur‐annealing treatment improved the surface roughness and film crystallinity. Photoluminescence measurements obtained using the confocal microspectroscopy demonstrated that the annealed films show band‐edge emissions over a very large area. Electron‐probe microanalysis measurements indicated that the sulfur content of the annealed films was about 50 at.%, and the content of the emission area was more than 50 at.%. Therefore, the sulfur content of epitaxial CuInS2 films was successfully controlled by the sulfur‐annealing treatment.
Magnetoelectric effect in two‐layered self‐biased composites Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68/epoxy − PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3
Authors: Kalgin A.V. , Gridnev S.A. , Popov I.I.
Published: April 2022

Direct magnetoelectric (ME) effect in two‐layered Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68/Epoxy − PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 composites containing magnetostrictive layers of the epoxy with distributed in it Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68 granules and piezoelectric layers of the PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 ceramics was studied. It was found, that the gradient distribution of Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68 granules in magnetostrictive layers induces the internal (self‐biased) magnetic field. This field leads to the increase in ME responses in composites with the gradient distribution of Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68 granules in magnetostrictive layers as compared with ME responses in composites with the random distribution of Tb0.12Dy0.2Fe0.68 granules in magnetostrictive layers, which does not induce the internal magnetic field. We revealed the possibility of controlling and determining values of the internal magnetic field in composites and conditions for obtaining optimal ME responses.
Tactics of particle size for enhanced multiferroic properties in nanoscale Ca‐doped BiFeO3
Authors: Dhir Gitanjali , Uniyal Poonam , Verma Narendra Kumar
Published: April 2022

The undoped and Ca‐doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles of different particle size were synthesised using sol‐gel. Ca‐doping induced structural transformation from rhombohedral to orthorhombic phase along with reduced crystallite size due to its smaller ionic radii. Morphological analysis showed increase in particle size from 11 to 50 nm on increasing calcination temperature from 450 to 650 °C. Magnetic and electrical studies revealed enhancement in magnetism as well as dielectric constant and polarisation values with Ca‐doping. When the particle size of Ca‐doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles was further reduced, these values registered remarkable enhancement. Thermal analysis revealed charge compensation mechanism to occur via formation of oxygen vacancies on doping of Ca2+ ions in BiFeO3 lattice. The decreasing dielectric constant values indicating increasing oxygen vacancies content with particle size also point towards the similar charge compensation mechanism in the particle size varied Ca‐doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles.