bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights Into Retinal Pathologies in Neurological Disorders: A Focus on Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Akyuz Enes , Aslan Feyza Sule , Hekimoglu Abdulhekim , Yilmaz Beyza Nur
Published: December 2024

Neurological diseases are central nervous system (CNS) disorders affecting the whole body. Early diagnosis of the diseases is difficult due to the lack of disease‐specific tests. Adding new biomarkers external to the CNS facilitates the diagnosis of neurological diseases. In this respect, the retina has a common embryologic origin with the CNS. Retinal imaging technologies including optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used in the understanding and processual monitoring of neurological diseases. Retinal imaging has been recently recognized as a potential source of biomarkers for neurological diseases, increasing the number of studies in this direction. In this review, the association of retinal abnormalities with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is explained. Structural and functional abnormalities in retina as a predictive marker may facilitate early diagnosis of diseases. Although not all retinal abnormalities are predictive of neurologic diseases, changes in the retinal layers including retinal pigment epithelium and plexiform layers should suggest the risk of PD, MS, ALS, and AD.
D1 Receptor Functional Asymmetry at Striatonigral Neurons: A Neurochemical and Behavioral Study in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Pérez Ihosvany Rodríguez , Avalos‐Fuentes José Arturo , Paz‐Bermúdez Francisco , Cortes Hernan , Medina Gisela Tovar , Jijón‐Lorenzo Rafael , Florán Benjamín
Published: December 2024

Lateralization of motor behavior, a common phenomenon in humans and several species, is modulated by the basal ganglia, a site pointed out for the interhemispheric differences related to lateralization. Our study aims to shed light on the potential role of the striatonigral D1 receptor in functional asymmetry in normal conditions through neurochemical and behavioral means. We found that D1 receptor activation and D1/D3 receptor coactivation in striatonigral neurons leads to more cAMP production by adenylyl cyclase in the striatum and GABA release in their terminals in the right hemisphere compared to the left. These differences are linked to a higher receptor sensitivity and potentially a better coupling of Golf proteins. When we assessed motor behavior through intranigral injection of the D1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 in the left or right substantia nigra, we found higher contralateral circling when injected on the right side. Thus, differences in motor activity correlate with neurochemical data, indicating that D1 receptor signaling plays a significant role in motor asymmetry.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Talent Acquisition: The Case of Greek Luxury Hotels
Authors: Marinakou Evangelia , Giousmpasoglou Charalampos , Papavasileiou Emmanouil F.
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a framework for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven technology to talent acquisition processes in luxury hotels. This qualitative study employed 23 semi‐structured interviews to explore the perceptions of professionals on AI in luxury hotels in Greece. The findings highlight the benefits of AI‐enabled technologies in talent acquisition, including speed, reliability and enhanced candidate communication, however, human interaction remains pivotal at critical stages. The model proposed includes six stages in the AI‐Talent Acquisition process, serving as a practical guide for practitioners and researchers. This study contributes to the AI‐HRM strategic change field by offering theoretical and practical insights. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it represents one of the initial empirical attempts to develop a comprehensive AI‐Talent Acquisition framework, providing valuable implications for ongoing research and implementation in this domain.
Improving the Evaluation of Aesthetic Outcomes in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Validation of the Aesthetic Grading Tool
Authors: Stern Carrie S. , Shammas Ronnie L. , Montes Elizabeth Smith , Boe Lillian A. , Wang Jen , White Donovan , Graziano Francis D. , Mehrara Babak J. , Allen Robert J. , Nelson Jonas A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to develop and validate an aesthetic grading tool (AGT) for bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and investigate the correlation of BREAST‐Q scores with perceived aesthetic outcomes.

Methods

The AGT utilized a Likert scale to rate aesthetic outcomes based on photographs of post‐reconstruction breasts. The validation involved iterative testing with healthcare providers and patients. A two‐way mixed effects model estimated the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to assess intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability. Pearson Correlation Coefficients explored the relationship between aesthetic ratings and BREAST‐Q Satisfaction with Breasts scores.

Results

The AGT demonstrated substantial intra‐rater reliability (ICC = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64–0.79) and moderate to very strong inter‐rater reliability across respondents after iterative revisions (ICC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.91). Pearson Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between AGT scores and BREAST‐Q scores when surveying healthcare providers (mean = 0.145, 95% CI: [−0.35, 0.32], p = 0.94) (median = 0.06, 95% CI: [−0.28, 0.87], p = 0.73) or patients (mean = 0.15, 95% CI: [−0.19, 0.46], p = 0.41) (median = 0.17, 95% CI: [−0.17, 0.48], p = 0.32).

Conclusion

The AGT provides a validated, reliable measure for assessing aesthetic outcomes in bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction. The lack of correlation with BREAST‐Q scores indicates that BREAST‐Q may not be a reliable proxy for assessing aesthetic outcomes.
Development and Validation of a Stability‐Indicating High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Method Coupled With a Diode Array Detector for Quantifying Haloperidol in Oral Solution Using the Analytical Quality‐by‐Design Approach
Authors: Junkert Allan Michael , Mieres Naomi Gerzvolf , Domingues Karime Zeraik Abdalla , Ferreira Luana Mota , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: December 2024

This study developed a stability‐indicating HPLC‐DAD method for quantifying haloperidol in oral solution using analytical quality‐by‐design principles. Haloperidol stability was tested under acidic, alkaline, oxidative, and photolytic stress conditions. The analytical quality‐by‐design approach began by defining the analytical target profile and identifying critical material attributes and critical method parameters via risk analysis. Factorial and Box–Behnken designs, conducted in Design Expert 13, were used to select critical method parameters and determine the method operable design region. The oral solution degraded significantly under acidic and alkaline conditions. Continuous critical method parameters such as mobile phase flow rate, gradient slope, column temperature, and pH were optimized. A quadratic Box–Behnken design with critical method attributes was applied and validated, resulting in robust regression models with significant p‐values (> 0.05), absence of lack‐of‐fit (p‐values < 0.05), and R2‐adjusted > 0.85. The method proved selective, accurate, and precise within the method operable design range. Normal operating conditions (NOCs) were established using a Waters Symmetry C18 column with a 100‐mM formate buffer (pH 3.8) and acetonitrile, with a gradient profile and detection at 246 nm. The operational region included flow rates between 1.2 and 1.35 mL/min (NOC = 1.3 mL/min), temperatures of 8°C–20°C (NOC = 15°C), and mobile phase pH variations from 3.3 to 4.3 (NOC = 3.8). The analytical quality‐by‐design–based method was robust and effective for stability monitoring, reducing subjectivity while maximizing reliability.
A Noninvasive Method of Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels by Using Triple‐Band Monopole Antenna
Authors: Sharaf Faten , Elsheakh Dalia N. , Eldamak Angie R.
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to present a novel methodology for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring. This method is based on monitoring the reflection coefficient of the proposed antenna‐based sensor at three different bands simultaneously. This includes recording changes in the resonant frequency, magnitude, and phase. The above‐mentioned parameters vary according to changes in blood conductivity and permittivity and consequently to blood glucose levels. A commercial FR4 substrate with compact dimensions of 30 × 40 × 1.6 mm3 is used to construct the proposed antenna, and all the simulations are conducted using 3D electromagnetic software. The proposed monopole is circular‐shaped with an etched split ring resonator (SRR) to create multiband resonant frequencies. The proposed antenna measured the concentration of glucose level by using multiband resonant frequencies at 2.9, 4.3, and 6.5 GHz. The impedance bandwidth ≤ −10 dB is 1.038, 1.4, 2.02 GHz, respectively at each resonant frequency. To validate the operation of the proposed sensor, a container filled with samples representing different glucose concentrations is placed above the proposed sensor. To measure the blood glucose levels, a human finger phantom model is used with dimensions 15 × 12 × 10 mm3 in simulations. Moreover, glucose levels for four volunteers are compared in this paper before and after fasting using proposed sensors and a commercial glucometer. The proposed reflection‐based microwave glucose sensing method exhibits an impressive sensitivity of 19.43 MHz/mg/dL.
WALINET: A water and lipid identification convolutional neural network for nuisance signal removal in  1H$$ {}^1\mathrm{H} $$ MR spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Weiser Paul J. , Langs Georg , Motyka Stanislav , Bogner Wolfgang , Courvoisier Sébastien , Hoffmann Malte , Klauser Antoine , Andronesi Ovidiu C.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (‐MRSI) provides noninvasive spectral‐spatial mapping of metabolism. However, long‐standing problems in whole‐brain ‐MRSI are spectral overlap of metabolite peaks with large lipid signal from scalp, and overwhelming water signal that distorts spectra. Fast and effective methods are needed for high‐resolution ‐MRSI to accurately remove lipid and water signals while preserving the metabolite signal. The potential of supervised neural networks for this task remains unexplored, despite their success for other MRSI processing.

Methods

We introduce a deep learning method based on a modified Y‐NET network for water and lipid removal in whole‐brain ‐MRSI. The WALINET (WAter and LIpid neural NETwork) was compared with conventional methods such as the state‐of‐the‐art lipid L2 regularization and Hankel–Lanczos singular value decomposition (HLSVD) water suppression. Methods were evaluated on simulated models and in vivo whole‐brain MRSI using NMRSE, SNR, CRLB, and FWHM metrics.

Results

WALINET is significantly faster and needs 8s for high‐resolution whole‐brain MRSI, compared with 42min for conventional HLSVD+L2. WALINET suppresses lipid and water in the brain by 25–45 and 34–53‐fold, respectively. WALINET has better performance than HLSVD+L2, providing: (1) more lipid removal with 41% lower NRMSE; (2) better metabolite signal preservation with 71% lower NRMSE in simulated data; 155% higher SNR and 50% lower CRLB in in vivo data. Metabolic maps obtained by WALINET in healthy subjects and patients show better gray‐/white‐matter contrast with more visible structural details.

Conclusions

WALINET has superior performance for nuisance signal removal and metabolite quantification on whole‐brain ‐MRSI compared with conventional state‐of‐the‐art techniques. This represents a new application of deep learning for MRSI processing, with potential for automated high‐throughput workflow.
Pain Catastrophizing Is Associated With Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Tanaka Shigeharu , Shinonaga Atsushi , Tsuru Takashi , Sato Yuya , Taguchi Masahiro , Igarashi Masashi , Takane Ryosuke , Robbins Shawn M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between pain catastrophizing (PC) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), while accounting for pain intensity and other factors in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This multicenter, cross‐sectional study included a total of 160 participants and was conducted at five hospitals in Japan. The primary outcome was the HRQoL status, which was assessed using the Japanese version of the 12‐item Short Form. Physical (PCS‐12) and mental (MCS‐12) component summary scores were used as dependent variables. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), affected side, hip OA severity, bilateral range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain intensity, and PC scale scores were measured as independent variables. After screening, multiple regression analysis was performed for each outcome.

Results

Higher BMI (β = −0.17, p < 0.05), higher hip flexion ROM on the unaffected side (β = −0.26, p < 0.05), lower hip flexion ROM on the affected side (β = 0.22, p < 0.05) and higher PC scale score (β = −0.28, p < 0.05) were associated with worse PCS‐12. In addition, higher BMI (β = −0.18, p < 0.05) and higher PC scale scores (β = −0.29, p < 0.05) were associated with worse MCS‐12 after accounting for confounding factors.

Conclusion

This study suggested that PC is an issue in patients with hip OA and is a potential target for interventions aimed at improving HRQoL.
Knee‐Related Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Young Adults: A Scoping Meta‐Review
Authors: Bausch Nicole , Eyre Emma , Pearce Gemma , Palmer Shea
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a lack of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) research on young adults and knee disorders. This scoping meta‐review examined a young adult population and aimed to (1) provide an overview of knee‐related PROMs research and (2) evaluate the measurement properties of the five most evaluated knee‐related PROMs relevant for individual care and group‐level analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed and COSMIN databases was conducted on 18 September 2023 and updated on 25 November 2024 to identify systematic reviews of knee‐related PROMs in young adults. Data relevant to individual care and group‐level analysis of the five most evaluated PROMs were extracted based on the PROM‐cycle and analysed guided by COSMIN recommendations.

Results

Fifteen systematic reviews were included, evaluating 80 knee‐related PROMs. Ten of the 15 systematic reviews did not use a tool to synthesise multiple studies or a PROM evaluation tool. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) had the strongest evidence to be an appropriate PROM for individual care and the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS‐ADLS) for group‐level analysis in a young adult population. However, none of the five PROMs demonstrated sufficient high‐quality evidence across all identified measurement properties.

Conclusion

The scoping meta‐review highlights that systemic reviews of measurement properties were reported inconsistently, making it challenging to detangle the extracted data. Therefore, advances in PROMs‐specific methods and reporting recommendations should enhance the quality of PROM evidence, allowing readers to appraise relevant evidence and select the most appropriate PROMs for their intended purpose.
Phase‐Field Modeling of Fracture Under Compression and Confinement in Anisotropic Geomaterials
Authors: Hakimzadeh Maryam , Mora‐Corral Carlos , Walkington Noel , Buscarnera Giuseppe , Dayal Kaushik
Published: December 2024

Strongly anisotropic geomaterials, such as layered shales, have been observed to undergo fracture under compressive loading. This paper applies a phase‐field fracture model to study this fracture process. While phase‐field fracture models have several advantages—primarily that the fracture path is not predetermined but arises naturally from the evolution of a smooth non‐singular damage field—they provide unphysical predictions when the stress state is complex and includes compression that can cause crack faces to contact.

Building on a recently developed phase‐field model that accounts for compressive traction across the crack face, this paper extends the model to the setting of anisotropic fracture. The key features of the model include the following: (1) a homogenized anisotropic elastic response and strongly anisotropic model for the work to fracture; (2) an effective damage response that accounts consistently for compressive traction across the crack face, that is derived from the anisotropic elastic response; (3) a regularized crack normal field that overcomes the shortcomings of the isotropic setting, and enables the correct crack response, both across and transverse to the crack face.

To test the model, we first compare the predictions to phase‐field fracture evolution calculations in a fully resolved layered specimen with spatial inhomogeneity, and show that it captures the overall patterns of crack growth. We then apply the model to previously reported experimental observations of fracture evolution in laboratory specimens of shales under compression with confinement, and find that it predicts well the observed crack patterns in a broad range of loading conditions. We further apply the model to predict the growth of wing cracks under compression and confinement. Prior approaches to simulate wing cracks have treated the initial cracks as an external boundary, which makes them difficult to apply to general settings. Here, the effective crack response model enables us to treat the initial crack simply as a nonsingular damaged zone within the computational domain, thereby allowing for easy and general computations.
A Thermo‐Flow‐Mechanics‐Fracture Model Coupling a Phase‐Field Interface Approach and Thermo‐Fluid‐Structure Interaction
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , von Wahl Henry , Wick Thomas
Published: December 2024

This work proposes a novel approach for coupling non‐isothermal fluid dynamics with fracture mechanics to capture thermal effects within fluid‐filled fractures accurately. This method addresses critical aspects of calculating fracture width in enhanced geothermal systems, where the temperature effects of fractures are crucial. The proposed algorithm features an iterative coupling between an interface‐capturing phase‐field fracture method and interface‐tracking thermo‐fluid‐structure interaction using arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian coordinates. We use a phase‐field approach to represent fractures and reconstruct the geometry to frame a thermo‐fluid‐structure interaction problem, resulting in pressure and temperature fields that drive fracture propagation. We developed a novel phase‐field interface model accounting for thermal effects, enabling the coupling of quantities specific to the fluid‐filled fracture with the phase‐field model through the interface between the fracture and the intact solid domain. We provide several numerical examples to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed algorithm. In particular, we analyze mesh convergence of our phase‐field interface model, investigate the effects of temperature on crack width and volume in a static regime, and highlight the method's potential for modeling slowly propagating fractures.
Construction of an Index System of the Biosafety Incident Response Capability for Nursing Staff: A Delphi Study
Authors: Wu Chao , Hu Mengyi , Zhang Xinyan , Fu Mimi , Li Lu , Xu Qiang , Guo Xiaolan , Lang Hongjuan
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study was to establish a scientific and sensitive index system of the biosafety incident response competence for clinical nursing staff to provide a reference for the evaluation of nurses' biosafety incident response competence.

Design

A modified recommendation for the conducting and reporting of Delphi studies was used to guide this study.

Methods

According to the literature review, preliminary biosafety incident response competence indicators for nursing staff were established, and an expert survey questionnaire was designed. The evaluation system for clinical nurses' biosafety incident response competence indicators was determined using the Delphi method.

Results

After two‐round Delphi survey, 28 nursing specialists from six provinces and cities around China, with expertise in three prevention research, epidemiology, military health service and biosafety incident rescue, established the index system of the biosafety incident response competence for nursing staff from April to May 2023. The final index system of the biosafety incident response competence was composed of four primary indicators, namely, biosafety incident preparedness, monitoring competence, protection ability and nursing disposal abilities; 10 secondary indicators and 49 tertiary indicators. The effective recovery rates of the two rounds of expert survey questionnaires were 93.33% and 100%, respectively. The authority coefficient, judgement coefficient and familiarity degree of Delphi experts were 0.877, 0.911 and 0.843, respectively. The Kendall's harmony coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation were 0.301–0.384 and 0.401–0.424, respectively, with statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The index system of the biosafety incident response competence for nursing staff is scientific and reliable. The authors have provided a more reliable and comprehensive basis for evaluating nurses' biosafety incident response competence in the future.

Conclusion and Implications for Nursing

It is helpful for nursing staff to perform better in biosafety incident by clarifying the specific items of biosafety response competence. Nursing staff can use the index system as the evaluation tool and training references to enhance their biosafety incident response competence.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Characteristics of Patients With Community‐Acquired Pressure Injuries
Authors: Nagano Midori , Kubo Yoshiko , Egawa Akiko , Kobayashi Masayo , Sato Masami
Published: December 2024

Aim

(1) To classify patients with community‐acquired pressure injury (CAPI) according to the risk factors of PI and to assess validity of the classified groups. (2) To clarify characteristics of each group for CAPI prevention and care.

Design

This study is designed to classify CAPI patients into clusters based on a retrospective study of medical records, followed by cluster analysis and description of each cluster's characteristics.

Methods

Risk factors and status of CAPI, as well as discharge destination, were investigated based on 1 year's worth of medical records of patients with CAPI on hospital admission during 2018–2019. After calculating descriptive statistics, cluster analysis was conducted by Ward's method of Euclidean distance referring to risk factors of PI. Lastly, each of the defined clusters underwent multiple comparisons.

Results

From 324 patients with CAPI, 272 patients were selected as the study subjects, due to availability of sufficient information regarding risk factors of PI. After classification into three groups, data were interpreted by Euclidean distance and comparison between ‘attribute and risk factors of PI’ and ‘PI and destinations after discharge’.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with CAPI were classified into three clusters and validity of the classification was assessed. Patients who had ‘maintained ADL’, as well as cognitive status, were expected to be capable of self‐care and self‐management. Patients with ‘low ADL’ were characterised by insufficient self‐care or home care resulting in having CAPI and would require aged care service. Patients who were at ‘very high risk’ of having PI were characterised by incurring significant burden on caregivers and need of medical services that prospects terminal care.
Pediatric Acute Otitis Media Clinical Trials: An Analysis of Diversity
Authors: Iqbal Iman S. , Puyo Elizabeth M. , Carnino Jonathan M. , Tiwana Hardeep , Levi Jessica R.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the diversity and equity of pediatric acute otitis media (AOM) trials using ClinicalTrials.gov, focusing on participant demographics and representation to identify gaps in inclusivity and inform strategies for promoting diversity in future pediatric AOM studies.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on completed clinical trials enrolling pediatric patients with AOM, registered to ClinicalTrials.gov. Only trials that reported results were included. There were 48 trials, excluding duplicates, that matched these criteria. These trials were analyzed for data including study demographics (age, sex, race, ethnicity) and trial characteristics (location, sponsor/funder).

Results

The analysis revealed that of the 48 trials, a significant portion underreported race and ethnicity, with 43.7% of trials reporting race and 25% reporting ethnicity. A majority of the participants identified as white (69.9%), showcasing notable disparities in representation. Domestic trials were more likely to report on race (50%) and ethnicity (30%) compared to international trials (22.3% and 0%, respectively). Privately funded trials reported at higher rates (53.3%) compared to publicly funded ones (38.9%), while the reporting of ethnicity was comparably low between both (20% and 33.3%, respectively).

Conclusion

The study highlights the urgent need for more inclusive representation in pediatric clinical research, particularly in AOM trials. Despite guidelines aimed at improving demographic reporting, significant gaps remain. Future research efforts must prioritize the inclusion of diverse populations to ensure clinical trials are generalizable and equitable, thereby advancing toward developing more effective and universally applicable health care solutions for pediatric AOM.
Thermographic Evaluation of Skin Reaction in a Maxillary Gingival Cancer Patient Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Kameta Ayako , Sasaki Yoshihiko , Ogura Ichiro
Published: December 2024

Background

Skin reactions are one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy. We report a case of maxillary gingival cancer in which skin reactions during radiotherapy were evaluated using thermography and compared with subjective skin symptoms.

Case Presentation

A 68‐year‐old woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary gingiva underwent chemoradiotherapy. Thermography was taken throughout the radiotherapy session. The temperature difference between the irradiated and control area (ΔT) increased during radiotherapy and was associated with severity of subjective symptoms.

Conclusion

Thermography seems to be useful to evaluate and predict skin reactions in oral cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
One threshold doesn't fit all: Tailoring machine learning predictions of consumer default for lower‐income areas
Authors: Meursault Vitaly , Moulton Daniel , Santucci Larry , Schor Nathan
Published: December 2024

Improving fairness across policy domains often comes at a cost. However, as machine learning (ML) advances lead to more accurate predictive models in fields like lending, education, healthcare, and criminal justice, policymakers may find themselves better positioned to implement effective fairness measures. Using credit bureau data and ML, we show that setting different lending thresholds for low‐ and moderate‐income (LMI) neighborhoods relative to non‐LMI neighborhoods can equalize the rate at which equally creditworthy borrowers receive credit. ML models alone better identify creditworthy individuals in all groups but remain more accurate for the majority group. A policy that equalizes access via separate thresholds imposes a cost on lenders, but this cost is outweighed by the substantial gains from ML. This approach aligns with the motivation behind existing laws such as the Community Reinvestment Act, which encourages lenders to meet the credit needs of underserved communities. Targeted Special Purpose Credit Programs could provide the opportunity to prototype and test these ideas in the field.
A Uniaxial Hysteretic Superelastic Constitutive Model Applied to Additive Manufactured Lattices
Authors: Schasching Marius M. , Červinek Ondrej , Koutný Daniel , Pettermann Heinz E. , Todt Melanie
Published: December 2024

Lattice materials with superelastic properties offer great potential for engineering applications, as they are able to undergo large deformations while ensuring the reversibility of the deformations due to stress‐induced phase transformation. Adequate prediction of the mechanical response of lattice materials requires models that properly capture the deformation mechanisms of the internal architecture and the material response of the parent material. To analyze large‐scale lattices by means of the finite element method, numerical efficiency becomes crucial. For this purpose, we propose a simple approach relying on beam‐based modeling in combination with a uniaxial superelastic constitutive material model. The latter is based on polynomial functions, which make it easy to take customer‐based material data into account being especially important for additive manufactured materials. To verify our constitutive model, a comparison with a well‐established standard model is performed. The capabilities of the beam‐based model to predict the mechanical response of lattice materials are evaluated by the comparison to high‐fidelity models using continuum elements. We show that beam‐based modeling is able to capture the governing deformation mechanisms of the investigated lattices and that our constitutive model is able to capture the smooth stress–strain response of the experimental data that are not available to the standard model.
Mapping Shear Transformation Zones in Silica Network Glass
Authors: Alshabab Somar Shekh , Wu Zhao , Markert Bernd , Bamer Franz
Published: December 2024

Understanding nanoscale behavior in glasses is challenging due to their inherent long‐range disorder and the absence of clearly defined defect regions. However, shear transformation zone theory suggests that certain “soft spots,” which are prone to plastic rearrangements, can be identified even in stress‐free configurations. Various predictive methods, such as energy approximations and local structural indicators, have been proposed with varying success. The local yield stress (LYS) method, however, has demonstrated strong potential by identifying these soft spots based on local mechanical properties. In this study, we use the LYS method to analyze the distribution of soft spots in 2D silica network glass, where the local critical stresses are probed using mechanical simulations. Samples with different heterogeneities are generated through a Monte Carlo bond‐switching algorithm and subjected to shear via an athermal quasistatic (AQS) deformation protocol. Our results reveal a high correlation between regions with low critical stresses and the locations of rearrangement events, especially for events that happen early in the shear simulations, though this correlation decreases as the system approaches failure. These findings highlight the method's effectiveness in predicting plastic activity in structural glasses, and confirming that soft spots can be identified from the initial configuration. Additionally, we optimized the probing length scale for different levels of heterogeneity and analyzed the resulting statistical distributions of the local critical stresses, which are essential for accurate macroscopic modeling of silica glass.
Biodegradable composites filled with agro‐industrial waste and fertilizers for filament production and application in active manufacturing
Authors: de Farias Braz Cristiano José , de Oliveira Dias Alisson Rodrigues , Figueiredo Samuel Nogueira , dos Santos Rosa Ana Carolina Ferreira , de Sousa Barros Iagho , Alves Albaniza Tavares , de Lima Silva Suédina Maria , de Carvalho Laura Hecker , Barbosa Renata , Alves Tatianny Soares
Published: December 2024

One of the challenges to prioritizing a circular economy is the development of composites made with renewable polymer matrices and using agro‐industrial residues such as plant fibers. Aiming to follow the paths of a circular economy, this research aims to develop composites based on a blend of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and polylactic acid filled with three plant residues: peanut shell, soybean shell, corn husk, and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizer. For this, filaments of systems containing vegetable fiber (5 wt%) and fertilizer (3 wt%) were processed in a single‐screw extruder. The filaments were characterized by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, surface morphological analysis, and mechanical behavior. The FTIR indicated changes in the blend's characteristic bands, suggesting an interaction between the polymer matrix and the fillers. The fertilizer altered the systems' thermal properties and thermal stability. The fertilizer significantly affected (p < 0.05) the mechanical properties in a particular way in each system. Finally, the presence of surface agglomerates were confirmed in the morphological analysis. Additionally, these composites can be applied as raw materials to produce filaments for active manufacturing in the agricultural sector, adding value to the available natural residues while adhering to a circular economy.

Highlights

Poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites filaments were produced using agro‐industrial waste;

Mineral compound fertilizer was incorporated into PBAT/PLA composites;

Agro‐industrial waste in composites adds value to filler and promotes the circular economy.
Enhanced durability of Viton seals: Carbon nanotube‐rubber co‐interlinked network improves thermal conductivity
Authors: Cheng Wenjia , Zhang Ming , Ma Zenghua , Meng Lingkun , Zhang Qinglong
Published: December 2024

The thermal conductivity of fluoroelastomer is a critical factor influencing the stability and lifespan of Viton seals utilized in harsh environments characterized by high temperatures and pressures. While the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into fluoroelastomers presents a promising solution, their tendency to agglomerate has hindered enhancements in thermal conductivity. To address this issue, a uniform thermal conductivity network was developed by incorporating modified carbon nanotubes into the Viton matrix. This innovation facilitated rapid heat transfer within Viton products, preventing potential failures caused by uneven internal heat distribution. After modification, carbon nanotubes with amino functional groups were uniformly dispersed within the fluorine rubber, overcoming agglomeration. They were also involved in crosslinking with the rubber, resulting in a network that improved the composite material's thermal conductivity efficiency by 42% and mechanical strength by 14%. Viton seals, designed with modified carbon nanotubes incorporated as a network, exhibited good thermal conductivity, offering a viable solution for extending the lifetime of Viton seals under harsh conditions.

Highlights

Hybridization modification of carbon nanotubes.

Amino‐functionalized modification of CNTs.

Establishment of CNTs‐fluoroelastomer co‐crosslinked networks.

Excellent thermal conductivity of Viton seals.

Long service life of Viton seals.
Personal portable self‐powered drinking water treatment device
Authors: Maghami Saeid , Tavakol Moslem
Published: December 2024

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms and excessive amounts of magnesium, nitrate and nitrite ions and also heavy metals in surface and underground water sources such as rivers and wells affect human health when used as drinking water. In this research, by combining membrane and adsorption processes, a personal drinking water treatment system was designed and built without the need for electrical energy. The performance of the designed system was evaluated with different samples of surface and underground water. The results showed that the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the purified water by polypropylene hollow fiber membranes with pore sizes of 30–200 nm is zero. Moreover, the physical properties of the water, such as pH, total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), as well as the concentration of nitrate, nitrite and sulfate ions are compatible with national and World Health Organization (WHO) standards after passing through an adsorbent bed of ion‐exchange resins regenerated with NaCl and NH4HCO3. The results revealed that the designed system can treat water up to 100 times the volume of the resin used, in accordance with the national standards 1053, 1011, and WHO.

Highlights

A personal self‐powered drinking water treatment device was fabricated.

The E. coli count in the treated water is zero.

The physical properties of the treated water are compatible with WHO.

The device can treat water up to 100 times the volume of the resin used.
Six Versus Three Doses of Intrapleural Streptokinase in Childhood Empyema: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thakur Chirag , Mathew Joseph L. , Saxena Akshay K. , Angrup Archana , Samujh Ram
Published: December 2024

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of administering six doses of intrapleural streptokinase (SK) versus the conventional three doses, in children with empyema.

Study Design

In this open label, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial, we enrolled 53 children with empyema, who received three doses of intrapleural SK. Thereafter, those without clinical improvement (n = 34) and those showing clinical improvement but having persistent pleural fluid width > 10 mm on chest ultrasonography (n = 13), were randomized to receive three additional doses of SK, or three doses of placebo (normal saline). The remaining 6 children improved clinically and radiologically, hence were not randomized. The outcomes recorded were cumulative volume of pleural fluid drained, total duration of intercostal drainage, time taken for clinical improvement, duration of hospitalization, proportion of children with treatment failure requiring surgery, and adverse events. Spirometry, 6‐min walk test, chest X‐ray and ultrasonography were done 3 months following discharge. We analyzed by intention‐to‐treat.

Results

The baseline characteristics of children who received six versus three doses SK were comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative volume of fluid drained; median (IQR): 810.0 (330.0, 1630.0) [95% CI: 505, 1463] mL versus 530.0 (255.2, 1325.0) [95% CI: 325, 1131] mL, p 0.46. There were no significant inter‐group differences in the total duration of intercostal drainage, time taken for clinical improvement, duration of hospitalization, treatment failure, surgical decortication and adverse events.

Conclusion

In children with empyema, intrapleural therapy with six doses of SK is not superior to three doses, although it is safe.
Frequency‐Dependent Squeezing via Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen Entanglement Based on Silicon Nitride Microring Resonators
Authors: Xu Haodong , Shu Zijun , Li Nianqin , Shen Yang , Ji Bo , Yang Yongjun , Wu Tengfei , Long Mingliang , He Guangqiang
Published: December 2024

Considerable efforts have been devoted to augmenting the performance of displacement sensors constrained by quantum noise, particularly within high‐precision applications such as gravitational wave detection. Frequency‐dependent squeezing methodologies have adeptly exceeded the standard quantum limit in optomechanical force measurements, catalyzing profound advancements in the field. Concurrently, notable strides in integrated photonics have paved the way for the realization of integrated Kerr quantum frequency combs (QFCs). In this work, a sophisticated platform designed for the creation of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR)‐entangled QFCs utilizing on‐chip silicon nitride microring resonators is presented. This platform facilitates an exhaustive analysis and optimization of entanglement performance, establishing a robust framework for noise mitigation. By incorporating the quantum dynamics of Kerr nonlinear microresonators, the system accommodates at least 12 continuous‐variable quantum modes, including 6 pairs of concurrently EPR‐entangled states. Moreover, through precise tuning of the detection angle of the idler mode, the signal mode transitions into a single‐mode squeezed state. Harnessing the frequency‐dependent nature of this detection angle enables the achievement of frequency‐dependent squeezing. A comparative analysis under different dispersion conditions is also presented.
Could Metamaterials be the Next Frontier of Catalysis?
Authors: Loh Joel Y. Y.
Published: December 2024

Plasmonic catalysis, whereby either an optically resonating metal couples to a catalytic material or a catalytic metal particle achieves optical resonance, has been a mainstay of photo‐catalysis research for the past few decades. However, a new field of metal‐dielectric metamaterials, including plasmonic metamaterials, is emerging as the next frontier in catalysis research. With new optical behaviors that can be achieved by sub‐wavelength structures, in either periodic or semi‐periodic arrangements, metamaterials can overcome some of the limitations of conventional plasmonic catalysis. This review lays out the results of various metamaterial catalysis demonstrations associated with broadband optical absorption, thermal engineering, anapole resonances and bound in continuum states. This work also discusses emerging metamaterial technologies that can be incorporated into catalysis, such as magnetic concentrators, 2D material‐integrated metamaterial hybrids and colloidal metamaterials. In order for metamaterials to be economically viable, some of the methods to fabricate metamaterial structures on planar surfaces are also discussed. With these unique unnatural advantages and an on‐going drive to lower fabrication costs, electro‐magnetically driven metamaterials can be a promising approach to enabling efficient catalysis toward green fuel production.
Temperature‐Robust Broadband Metamaterial Absorber via Semiconductor MOFs/Paraffin Hybridization
Authors: Qu Ning , Yu Zhen , Zhang Jiamin , Han Huichun , Xing Ruizhe , Geng Li , Kong Jie
Published: December 2024

The demand for temperature‐robust electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials is escalating due to the varying operational temperatures of electronic devices, which can easily soar up to 100 °C, significantly affecting EMW interference management. Traditional absorbers face performance degradation across broad temperature ranges due to alterations in electronic mobility and material impedance. This study presented a novel approach by integrating semiconductor metal–organic frameworks (SC‐MOFs) with paraffin wax (PW), leveraging the precise control of interlayer spacing in SC‐MOFs for electron mobility regulation and the introduction of paraffin wax for temperature‐inert electromagnetic properties. This synergistic strategy enhanced dielectric properties and impedance matching across temperature ranges from ambient to 100 °C. A metamaterial shell layer, designed through finite element simulation and fabricated by 3D printing, encapsulated the composite, resulting in a broadband metamaterial absorber with an 11.81 GHz effective absorption bandwidth and a nearly unchanged absorption peak position across 25–100 °C. This temperature‐robust metamaterial absorber paves the way for advanced EMW management materials capable of operating reliably in extreme temperature environments.
Multi‐Functional Semiconductor Polymer Doped Wide Bandgap Layer for All‐Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency and Long Durability
Authors: Xie Ziang , Chen Sen , Zhang Shiping , Pei Yili , Li Li , Wu Ping
Published: December 2024

The study presents a multi‐functional and semiconductor polymer poly[bis(3‐hexylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione] (PBDTTPD) doping strategy that significantly enhanced the performance of the two‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem perovskite solar cells (T‐PSCs). An optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.87% has been achieved. The incorporation of PBDTTPD into the wide bandgap (WBG) perovskite layer evidently improved its crystallinity and enhanced the top‐cell's PCE to 18.49%. After 2880 h dark storage in nitrogen, the TPSC retained 87.4% of initial PCE, which demonstrates the device's stability. On flexible polyethylene‐naphthalate (PEN) substrate, the TPSC achieved an enhanced champion PCE of 22.96%, and significantly advanced anti‐bending ability. The TPSC's enhanced performance is ascribed to the strong coordinate‐bonding between the S/N/O passivation sites in PBDTTPD, and the Pb2+ defects in the WBG perovskite layer's grain boundaries. Optoelectronic simulations demonstrated a 23%‐24% theoretical PCE limit for the WBG single‐junction PSCs with ≈1.8 eV bandgap. To boost the PCE of next‐generation TPSCs, it is crucial to further mitigate both the bulk and the surface recombination.
Water‐Enabled Electricity Generation by a Smooth Liquid‐Like Semiconductor Coating Surface
Authors: Zhai Huajun , Zhao Shuaiheng , Liu Na , Tian Ye , Liu Yue , Cao Wenqing , Yen Wei , Feng Lin
Published: December 2024

Water energy‐converting techniques that focus on interfacial charge separation and transfer have aroused significant attention. However, the water‐repelling nature leads to a less dense liquid layer and a sharp gradient of liquid velocity, which limits its output performance. Here, a water sliding generator (WSG) based on a smooth liquid‐like/semiconductor surface (SLSS) is developed that harnesses the full advantage of liquid sliding friction. The prepared SLSS not only retained the slippery surface's close contact with liquid droplets and the characteristic of sliding without residue but also exhibited an enhanced friction effect on the low‐friction surface. The smooth liquid‐like/semiconductor surface water sliding generator (SLSS‐WSG) exerts outstanding liquid sliding friction energy harvesting with high output (≈16 V and ≈60 µA) demonstrated, capability in series connection, dual operation of power generation and self‐cleaning effect, and high physical and chemical stability (continuous current scour and sun exposure). The prepared surface can be integrated with photovoltaic panels, enabling them to generate electricity from water‐sliding energy during rainy days, compensating for the reduced output of photovoltaic panels during overcast and rainy weather. Furthermore, it allows for energy collection even during rainy nights. The prepared surface can be potentially applied in various fields, showing great potential for the development of water‐based clean energy.