bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modality aware contrastive learning for multimodal human activity recognition
Authors: Dixon Sam , Yao Lina , Davidson Robert
Published: April 2024

Human activity recognition is a well‐established research problem in ubiquitous computing. The increased dependency on various smart devices in our daily lives allows us to investigate the sensor data world produced by multimodal sensors embedded in smart devices. However, the raw sensor data are often unlabeled and annotating this vast amount of data are a costly exercise that can often lead to privacy breaches. Self‐supervised learning‐based approaches are at the forefront of learning semantic representation from unlabeled sensor data, including when applied to human activity recognition tasks. As inferring human activity depends on multimodal sensors, addressing the modality difference and inter‐modality dependencies in a model is an important process. This paper proposes a novel self‐supervised learning approach, modality aware contrastive learning (MACL), for representation learning using multimodal sensor data. The approach uses different sensing modalities to create different views of an input signal. Thus, the model is able to learn the representations by maximizing the similarity among different sensing modalities of the same input signal. Extensive experiments were performed on four publicly available human activity recognition data sets to verify the effectiveness of our proposed MACL method. The experimental evaluation results show that the MACL method attains a comparable performance for human activity recognition to the compared baseline models, directly exceeding the performance of models using standard augmentation transformation strategies.
Unravelling the Competition between Internal Conversion and Intersystem Crossing in Twisted molecule 9‐Phenylacridine by Femtosecond Time‐resolved Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Ke , He Xiaoxiao , Jin PeiPei , Wang Xueli , Pan Haifeng , Chen Jinquan
Published: April 2024

9‐Phenylacridine (9‐PA) is an important acridine‐based medicine that has been proven to possess significant anticancer activity and can be used as a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent. Meanwhile, the possible twisting of the C−C single bond at the C9 position after photo‐excitation makes it a potential probe responsive to changes in the viscosity of living cells. However, the photophysical properties of 9‐PA is poorly understood. In this study, we utilized femtosecond time‐resolved spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculation methods to investigate the excited state dynamics of 9‐PA in solutions with different viscosities. Notably, we demonstrated that the viscosity could strongly influence the deactivation pathway of the initially populated S1 (ππ*) state of 9‐PA. In low‐viscosity solutions, the single bond at the C9 could twist after photo‐excitation, leading to a conformation that shows efficient intersystem crossing. However, such process is suppressed in high‐viscosity solutions, resulting a ~2.5 times higher internal conversion (IC) yield. A full picture of the excited state deactivation mechanism of 9‐PA is proposed.
Loading Determination of DMTr‐substituted Resins for Large‐scale Oligonucleotide Synthesis
Authors: Döring Thomas , Weiland Kevin , Plattner Carolin , Huber Tobias , Bächle Dirk , Samson Daniel
Published: April 2024

The loading (i.e., substitution) of solid supports for oligonucleotide synthesis is an important parameter in large‐scale manufacturing of oligonucleotides. Several key process parameters are dependent on the substitution of the solid support, including the number of phosphoramidite nucleoside equivalents used in the coupling step. For dimethoxytrityl (DMTr)–loaded solid supports, the substitution of the resin is determined by quantitatively cleaving the DMTr protecting group from the resin under acidic conditions and then analyzing the DMTr cation extinction by UV/vis spectroscopy. The spectrometric measurement can be performed at 409 nm or the global extinction maximum of 510 nm. The substitution is then calculated based on the Lambert‐Beer law analogously to the substitution determination of Fmoc‐substituted resins. Below, the determination of the molar extinction coefficient at 510 nm in a solution of 10% dichloroacetic acid in toluene and subsequent determination of the DMTr loading of DMTr‐substituted resins is reported. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Determination of the molar extinction coefficient at 510 nm in DCA Deblock solution

Basic Protocol 2: Substitution determination of DMTr‐substituted resins by cleavage of the DMTr cation
Pilot and data power optimization problems in multiple Aerial Relay Stations cell‐free communication systems
Authors: Duc Bui Anh , Hoang Tran Manh , Phuong Nguyen Thu , Tran Xuan Nam , Hiep Pham Thanh
Published: April 2024

A cell‐free (CF) technology and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) acting as aerial relay stations (ARSs) are gradually viewed as viable technologies for usage in sixth‐generation (6G) wireless networks owing to their outstanding advantages, such as large coverage, uniform service quality, huge connections, flexible deployment in all geographical areas, and high line‐of‐sight (LoS) probability. As a result, the combination of the CF model and UAVs is suitable for densely populated urban areas, shopping malls, festivals, and locations with complex geography. Furthermore, the integration of the CF model and UAV communication can improve system quality and is considered an entirely new research direction as there is no comprehensive investigation of this combined model. In this study, we investigate the quality of the multi‐ARS CF communication system, where ARSs are equipped with multiple antennas and stochastic distribution within a specific region to simultaneously serve numerous ground users. We establish a closed‐form formulation for the uplink and downlink throughput of individual users by using the matched filtering method and conjugate beamforming technology, respectively. Moreover, we propose a novel method to optimize the pilot and data transmission power coefficients for improving channel estimation and increasing throughput per user, thereby ensuring a high quality of service. The power optimization method is executed via the successive convex approximation (SCA) method, second‐order cone program (SOCP), and linear program. We evaluate system performance according to the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of user throughput based on various parameters, such as the number of users, the number of ARSs, and the length of pilot sequences. The analytical findings also reveal that the system with the proposed power optimization method is always superior to the system without the proposed method in both uplink and downlink.
Evaluation of dual p16/Ki‐67 immunostaining on anal cytology specimens
Authors: Smithgall Marie C. , Towne William S. , Gonzalez Abel A. , Cimic Adela
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Dual immunostaining for p16/Ki67 is FDA‐approved for use on liquid‐based cervical cytology specimens; however, the utility of dual staining in anal cytology especially for ASCUS risk stratification is not well established.

Methods

We investigated dual staining performance on anal cytology specimens and correlated with subsequent cytologic interpretation, high‐risk HPV status, and anal biopsy results. Dual staining for p16/Ki‐67 was performed on all liquid‐based anal cytology specimens from December 2021 to June 2022 (n = 43).

Results

Three patients had high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL/AIN2‐3) on biopsy; dual staining was positive in all three cases. All HR‐HPV negative cases were negative for dual staining. Among the 12 ASCUS samples with subsequent anal biopsy results all also had HR‐HPV testing. Due to small sample size of cases with squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) diagnosed on biopsy, the sensitivity and positive predictive value was not calculated. However, the specificity and negative predictive value of p16/Ki‐67 dual staining for SIL of any grade on biopsy were 1 (95% CI: 0.66–1) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.65–0.97) respectively, whereas the specificity and negative predictive value of HR‐HPV testing for SIL of any grade on biopsy were 0.44 (95% CI: 0.14–0.79) and 0.8 (95% CI: 0.41–0.96) respectively.

Conclusion

Dual p16/Ki‐67 staining indicates transforming HPV infection and could help serve as an ancillary test for risk stratification for atypical anal cytology specimens. Among ASCUS samples, dual staining was specific for SIL of any grade with a high negative predictive value and therefore could be useful in clinical practices with limited availability for follow‐up care.
Following the p63/Keratin5 basal cells in the sensory and non‐sensory epithelia of the vomeronasal organ
Authors: LeFever Noah M. , Katreddi Raghu Ram , Dolphin Nikki M. , Mathias Nick A. , Forni Paolo E.
Published: April 2024

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a part of the accessory olfactory system, which detects pheromones and chemical factors that trigger a spectrum of sexual and social behaviors. The vomeronasal epithelium (VNE) shares several features with the epithelium of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE). However, it is a distinct neuroepithelium populated by chemosensory neurons that differ from the olfactory sensory neurons in cellular structure, receptor expression, and connectivity. The vomeronasal organ of rodents comprises a sensory epithelium (SE) and a thin non‐sensory epithelium (NSE) that morphologically resembles the respiratory epithelium. Sox2‐positive cells have been previously identified as the stem cell population that gives rise to neuronal progenitors in MOE and VNE. In addition, the MOE also comprises p63 positive horizontal basal cells, a second pool of quiescent stem cells that become active in response to injury. Immunolabeling against the transcription factor p63, Keratin‐5 (Krt5), Krt14, NrCAM, and Krt5Cre tracing experiments highlighted the existence of horizontal basal cells distributed along the basal lamina of SE of the VNO. Single cell sequencing and genetic lineage tracing suggest that the vomeronasal horizontal basal cells arise from basal progenitors at the boundary between the SE and NSE proximal to the marginal zones. Moreover, our experiments revealed that the NSE of rodents is, like the respiratory epithelium, a stratified epithelium where the p63/Krt5+ basal progenitor cells self‐replicate and give rise to the apical columnar cells facing the lumen of the VNO.
Social–ecological predictors of spotted hyena navigation through a shared landscape
Authors: Wilkinson Christine E. , Xu Wenjing , Luneng Solli Amalie , Brashares Justin S. , Chepkisich Christine , Osuka Gerald , Kelly Maggi
Published: April 2024

Human–wildlife interactions are increasing in severity due to climate change and proliferating urbanization. Regions where human infrastructure and activity are rapidly densifying or newly appearing constitute novel environments in which wildlife must learn to coexist with people, thereby serving as ideal case studies with which to infer future human–wildlife interactions in shared landscapes. As a widely reviled and behaviorally plastic apex predator, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a model species for understanding how large carnivores navigate these human‐caused ‘landscapes of fear’ in a changing world. Using high‐resolution GPS collar data, we applied resource selection functions and step selection functions to assess spotted hyena landscape navigation and fine‐scale movement decisions in relation to social–ecological features in a rapidly developing region comprising two protected areas: Lake Nakuru National Park and Soysambu Conservancy, Kenya. We then used camera trap imagery and Barrier Behavior Analysis (BaBA) to further examine hyena interactions with barriers. Our results show that environmental factors, linear infrastructure, human–carnivore conflict hotspots, and human tolerance were all important predictors for landscape‐scale resource selection by hyenas, while human experience elements were less important for fine‐scale hyena movement decisions. Hyena selection for these characteristics also changed seasonally and across land management types. Camera traps documented an exceptionally high number of individual spotted hyenas (234) approaching the national park fence at 16 sites during the study period, and BaBA results suggested that hyenas perceive protected area boundaries' semi‐permeable electric fences as risky but may cross them out of necessity. Our findings highlight that the ability of carnivores to flexibly respond within human‐caused landscapes of fear may be expressed differently depending on context, scale, and climatic factors. These results also point to the need to incorporate societal factors into multiscale analyses of wildlife movement to effectively plan for human–wildlife coexistence.
Testing sea urchin and green sea turtle consumption of the allelopathic macroalga Galaxaura divaricata
Authors: Nieder Carolin , Heatwole Siobhan Jean , Liao Chen‐Pan , Lee Chen‐Lu , Chen Chaolun Allen , Liu Shao‐Lun
Published: April 2024

Galaxaura divaricata is a partially calcified macroalga that hampers coral recruitment, growth, and recovery via the excretion of allelopathic secondary metabolites. Herbivorous fishes are not major consumers of Galaxaura spp. and there is a need to understand feeding preferences for Galaxaura divaricata in other macroherbivores, like sea urchins and green sea turtles that could act as potential controlling agents. Under certain environmental conditions, G. divaricata can proliferate and overgrow degraded reefs for several years, as documented for several coral patch reefs in the lagoon of Dongsha Atoll, South China Sea. This study aimed to experimentally test the feeding preferences of five species of sea urchin and two individual green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, for G. divaricata. Specifically, we quantified and compared the consumption rates of the allelopathic G. divaricata with Gracilaria edulis, a nonallelopathic, fleshy red alga, known to be highly favored by herbivores. Results showed that the five urchin species fed on both G. edulis and G. divaricata. However, urchins consumed 2–8 times less wet weight of G. divaricata (range 0.3–3.1 g urchin−1 24 h−1) compared to G. edulis (range 0.6–18 g urchin−1 24 h−1), suggesting that urchin grazing may exert some control on G. divaricata abundance but is likely ineffective for a large‐scale removal of the alga. Further, both green sea turtles avoided G. divaricata and selectively fed on G. edulis. More experiments are needed to test the potential role of herbivores in controlling the overgrowth of coral competitive and allelopathic macroalgae, like Galaxaura on coral reefs.
Elastic–plastic criterion solution of deep roadway surrounding rock based on intermediate principal stress and Drucker–Prager criterion
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Wei Youyu , Jiang Tian , Hao Fuxu , Xu Haofu
Published: April 2024

Excavation‐induced rock failure and deformation near an underground opening boundary is closely associated with the intermediate principal stress, strain softening and rock mass dilation. By combining theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to explore the mechanical evolution of the roadway surrounding rock during excavation. The elastic–plastic criterion solutions for surrounding rock stress, displacement, and the plastic zone of a circular roadway were deduced by including the intermediate principal stress, strain softening and rock mass dilation, based on the Drucker–Prager criterion and the nonassociated flow rule. Furthermore, ABAQUS finite element software was utilized for numerical simulations to scrutinize the influence of mechanical parameters on stress redistribution, surface displacement, and plastic range. The results of the numerical simulations verify the reliability of the theoretical analysis and affirm the high consistency of the results with the theoretical solution. The research findings indicate that the strength of surrounding rock is significantly influenced by the intermediate principal stress, and the deformation and failure of rock mass are primarily impacted by rock mass dilation, while strain softening mainly affects the thickness of the fractured zone. Moreover, the study reveals that enhancing the residual strength of the surrounding rock can improve its resistance to deformation and failure. Furthermore, the excavation of the roadway is observed to increase the original rock stress in the surrounding rock, but increasing the ground support strength effectively controls the deformation and failure of surrounding rock. Ultimately, the research outcomes offer valuable references for engineering calculations and ground support design of surrounding rock in deep roadways.
Response stopping under conflict: The integrative role of representational dynamics associated with the insular cortex
Authors: Ghin Filippo , Eggert Elena , Gholamipourbarogh Negin , Talebi Nasibeh , Beste Christian
Published: April 2024

Coping with distracting inputs during goal‐directed behavior is a common challenge, especially when stopping ongoing responses. The neural basis for this remains debated. Our study explores this using a conflict‐modulation Stop Signal task, integrating group independent component analysis (group‐ICA), multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA), and EEG source localization analysis. Consistent with previous findings, we show that stopping performance is better in congruent (nonconflicting) trials than in incongruent (conflicting) trials. Conflict effects in incongruent trials compromise stopping more due to the need for the reconfiguration of stimulus–response (S–R) mappings. These cognitive dynamics are reflected by four independent neural activity patterns (ICA), each coding representational content (MVPA). It is shown that each component was equally important in predicting behavioral outcomes. The data support an emerging idea that perception‐action integration in action‐stopping involves multiple independent neural activity patterns. One pattern relates to the precuneus (BA 7) and is involved in attention and early S–R processes. Of note, three other independent neural activity patterns were associated with the insular cortex (BA13) in distinct time windows. These patterns reflect a role in early attentional selection but also show the reiterated processing of representational content relevant for stopping in different S–R mapping contexts. Moreover, the insular cortex's role in automatic versus complex response selection in relation to stopping processes is shown. Overall, the insular cortex is depicted as a brain hub, crucial for response selection and cancellation across both straightforward (automatic) and complex (conditional) S–R mappings, providing a neural basis for general cognitive accounts on action control.
A comparative analysis of risk factor associations with interval and screen‐detected breast cancers: A large UK prospective study
Authors: Barnes Isobel , Garcia‐Closas Montserrat , Gathani Toral , Sweetland Siân , Floud Sarah , Reeves Gillian K. ,   the Million Women Study Collaborators
Published: April 2024

The associations of certain factors, such as age and menopausal hormone therapy, with breast cancer risk are known to differ for interval and screen‐detected cancers. However, the extent to which associations of other established breast cancer risk factors differ by mode of detection is unclear. We investigated associations of a wide range of risk factors using data from a large UK cohort with linkage to the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme, cancer registration, and other health records. We used Cox regression to estimate adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between risk factors and breast cancer risk. A total of 9421 screen‐detected and 5166 interval cancers were diagnosed in 517,555 women who were followed for an average of 9.72 years. We observed the following differences in risk factor associations by mode of detection: greater body mass index (BMI) was associated with a smaller increased risk of interval (RR per 5 unit increase 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) than screen‐detected cancer (RR 1.27, 1.23–1.30); having a first‐degree family history was associated with a greater increased risk of interval (RR 1.81, 1.68–1.95) than screen‐detected cancer (RR 1.52, 1.43–1.61); and having had previous breast surgery was associated with a greater increased risk of interval (RR 1.85, 1.72–1.99) than screen‐detected cancer (RR 1.34, 1.26–1.42). As these differences in associations were relatively unchanged after adjustment for tumour grade, and are in line with the effects of these factors on mammographic density, they are likely to reflect the effects of these risk factors on screening sensitivity.
Valorization of guabirobeira leaf extracts (Campomanesia xanthocarpa) through pressurized liquid extraction and aqueous infusion: assessment of phytochemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities
Authors: Bagatini Lucíola , Fischer Bruno , Zandoná Giovana Paula , Moroni Liziane Schittler , Junges Alexander , Kempka Aniela Pinto , Rombaldi Cesar Valmor
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The leaves of guabirobeira contain important phenolic and flavonoid compounds, known for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antinociceptive activities. The purpose of this work was to obtain extracts from guabirobeira leaves through aqueous infusion and pressurized liquid extraction with water, ethanol, and a combination of water–ethanol (ratio 1:1, v/v; PLE‐W:E). Subsequently, we used liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify the chemical compounds, and to study the antioxidant activity in rat brain cells; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were also seen.

RESULTS

According to the findings, all four extracts contained a significant amount of phytochemical compounds. Among them, the PLE‐W:E extract showed a higher concentration of flavonoids, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity in in vitro assays of TBARS and ROS in rat brain cells. It also exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Guabirobeira leaf extracts hold promise as a potential source of bioactive compounds. These extracts can be applied across various sectors, including cosmetics and skincare products, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, natural preservatives, and functional materials. By exploring these potential applications, valuable contributions can be made to the field of sustainable chemistry and pharmacy, furthering the utilization of guabirobeira leaf extracts in diverse industries. This approach also aligns with the promotion of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effect of treatment periods on efficacy of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in chronic hepatitis C: A nationwide, prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Morita Atsuhiro , Tamaki Nobuharu , Kobashi Haruhiko , Mori Nami , Tsuji Keiji , Takaki Shintaro , Hasebe Chitomi , Akahane Takehiro , Ochi Hironori , Mashiba Toshie , Urawa Naohito , Fujii Hideki , Mitsuda Akeri , Kondo Masahiko , Ogawa Chikara , Uchida Yasushi , Narita Ryoichi , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Kubotsu Yoshihito , Matsushita Tomomichi , Shigeno Masaya , Yoshida Hideo , Tanaka Katsuaki , Okamoto Eisuke , Kasai Toyotaka , Ishii Toru , Okada Kazuhiko , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, 8 weeks of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) treatment for chronic hepatitis (non‐cirrhosis) and 12 weeks for cirrhosis have been approved in Japan. However, whether 8 weeks of treatment for cirrhosis may reduce treatment efficacy has not been adequately investigated.

Methods

This prospective, nationwide, multicenter cohort study enrolled 1275 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received GLE/PIB therapy. The effect of liver fibrosis and treatment periods on the efficiency of GLE/PIB therapy was investigated. The primary endpoint was the sustained virological response (SVR) rate in patients with chronic hepatitis (non‐cirrhosis) and cirrhosis. The association between treatment periods and liver fibrosis on the SVR after 12 weeks of treatment rate was investigated.

Results

The SVR rates in patients with chronic hepatitis with 8 weeks of treatment, chronic hepatitis with 12 weeks of treatment, cirrhosis with 8 weeks of treatment, and cirrhosis with 12 weeks of treatment were 98.9% (800/809), 100% (87/87), 100% (166/166), and 99.1% (211/213), respectively, and were was not different among these groups (P = 0.4).

Conclusion

GLE/PIB therapy for chronic hepatitis C had high efficacy regardless of liver fibrosis status and treatment periods. Periods of GLE/PIB therapy could be chosen with available modalities, and high SVR rates could be achieved regardless of the decision.
Body weight variability and the risk of liver‐related outcomes in type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease: a cohort study
Authors: Leite Nathalie C. , Cardoso Claudia R. L. , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane A. , Salles Gil F.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of body weight variability (BWV) on the occurrence of adverse liver outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods

A total of 549 patients with T2D and MASLD had BWV parameters assessed during the first 2 years of follow‐up. The associations between increasing BWV and liver outcomes (clinical cirrhosis or a liver stiffness measurement on transient elastography > 15 kPa, performed after a median of 7 years of cohort entry) were examined by multivariable logistic regressions. Interaction/subgroup analyses were performed according to participants' physical activity during the initial 2‐year period.

Results

Individuals were followed up for an additional median 9.7 years, over which 34 liver outcomes occurred (14 with clinical cirrhosis and 20 with liver stiffness measurement > 15 kPa). A 1‐SD increase in weight SD and average real variability was associated with 52% higher (95% CI: 4%–128%) odds of having an adverse liver outcome. Otherwise, in interaction/subgroup analyses, an increased BWV was associated with a higher likelihood of outcomes only in sedentary individuals.

Conclusions

Increased BWV was associated with adverse liver outcomes in individuals with T2D and MASLD; however, in those who were physically active, it was not hazardous.
3D Printing of TPU‐Liquid Metal Composite Inks for the Preparation of Flexible Sensing Electronics
Authors: Liang Shuting , Huang Mengjun , Jiang Dabo , Chen Jianyang , Hu Liang , Chen Jiujia , Wang Zhezi
Published: April 2024

Direct 3D printing of liquid metal is difficult to form and easy to destroy. In this paper, we developed a 3D printed composite material consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix and liquid metal (LM) dispersed droplets, and introduced the method for realizing 3D printed devices with this composite material: First, the LM is added to 10~50wt %TPU at 190~200 °C through ultrasonic blending to prepare blended ink. After solid cooling, the LM‐TPU composite fiber with a diameter of 600 μm was prepared by Wellzoom desktop extruder at 190 °C at an extrusion speed of 400 mm/min. It has excellent elasticity, with a tensile limit of 0.637 N/m2, and the TPU could evenly wrap LM droplets. Finally, the LM‐TPU fiber is 3D printed at 240 °C by using a 3D printer, and 2D/3D flexible electronic devices with heating and conductive functions could be prepared. The microcircuit has good electrical conductivity; after adding voltage, the circuit has heat release; it could be used as heating equipment to keep warm and used in various flexible wearable electronic products.
The effects of weight loss interventions on children and adolescents with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Bagheri Seyedeh Elaheh , Fatahi Somaye , Rohani Pejman
Published: April 2024

Background

Overall, there is conflicting evidence regarding the beneficial effects of optimal lifestyle modification, particularly weight loss interventions, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of weight loss interventions on laboratory and clinical parameters in children and adolescents with NAFLD.

Methods

Original databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase) were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the effects of weight loss interventions among NAFLD children and adolescents. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random‐effects model analysis.

Results

Eighteen eligible clinical trials were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled findings showed that especially more intense weight loss interventions significantly reduced the glucose (p = 0.007), insulin (p = 0.002), homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (p = 0.003), weight (p = 0.025), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.003), BMI z‐score (p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.013), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.001), and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p = 0.027). However, no significant changes were found in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), alanine transaminase (ALT), and hepatic steatosis grades (all p > 0.05) following weight loss interventions.

Conclusions

Weight loss interventions had significant effects on NAFLD‐related parameters including glucose, insulin, HOMA‐IR, weight, BMI, BMI z‐score, WC, TG, and AST.
Simulation of tensile strength for polymer hydroxyapatite nanocomposites by interphase and nanofiller dimensions
Authors: Farajifard Mohadeseh , Yeganeh Jafar Khademzadeh , Zare Yasser , Munir Muhammad Tajammal , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: April 2024

Several models have been used in literature studies to describe the mechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite (HA) polymer nanocomposites. However, previous models have often overlooked the size of HA and the properties of the interphase. In this study, we further develop an equation originally proposed by Kolarik. This advanced equation predicts the tensile strength of polymer/HA nanocomposites by considering the interphase parameter (A), rod‐like HA size, HA concentration, and interphase properties, including depth and strength. We validate our method using experimental data from various examples and through parametric inspections. Both the strength and the depth of the interphase directly affect the ‘A’ value and, consequently, the strength of the nanocomposites. For instance, an HA radius (R) of 6 nm yields the highest ‘A’ value of 4.97, enhancing the nanocomposite strength by up to 250%. In contrast, ‘R’ value of 20 nm fails to reinforce the samples effectively. Additionally, the thickness of the interphase (t) and the concentration of HA directly handle the nanocomposite strength. The strength of the samples significantly improves by 137% and 160% with an interphase thickness of 50 nm and an HA volume fraction of 0.2, respectively. Generally, the length of HA and interphase characteristics (thickness and strength) directly control the strength of samples, but the HA radius has an inverse relationship with nanocomposite strength.

Highlights

Kolarik equation is developed to predict the tensile strength of polymer HA nanocomposites.

Interphase parameter, HA size, HA concentration and interphase properties are considered.

HA radius of 6 nm produces the maximum enhancement of nanocomposite strength by 250%.

Interphase properties and concentration of HA directly control the nanocomposite strength.

All parameters reasonably influence the strength of samples confirming the developed model.
Study on interfacial compatibilizing effect of PB grafts on PB/GNP thermally conductive composites
Authors: Yan Yinan , Wen Bianying
Published: April 2024

Using polymer‐grafts to improve the interfacial compatibilization of composites is by far the most common and effective strategy. However, although polybutene‐1 (PB) resin enjoys the reputation of “gold plastic” in the field of industry, there are few studies on its grafting and functional modification. In this work, PB‐grafts were prepared by melt grafting method with maleic anhydride (MAH) and styrene (St) as the functional monomers. The effect of two PB‐grafts (PB‐g‐MAH and PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St) on the interfacial compatibilization of PB/GNP (Graphene nanosheet) thermally conductive composites was compared and the corresponding compatibilizing mechanism is discussed. Results indicate that PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has better compatibizing effect than that of PB‐g‐MAH because the cooperation of St with MAH enhanced the grafting degree of functional monomers on PB, and increased the surface energy of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St, which reduced the interface energy between PB and GNP and improved its interfacial adhesion. A better compatibilization effect has achieved when the compatibilizer and filler at the mass ratio of 1:4. Under this ratio, when the content of GNP is 30 wt%, the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of PB/GNP/ PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composite achieved 1.82 W·m−1·K−1 and 8.44 × 10−8 S·cm−1, which are 857.89% and 9 orders of magnitude higher than that of neat PB, respectively. Moreover, the composite has good mechanical properties and processability, which is beneficial to industrialization.

Highlights

PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has higher grafting ratio than that of PB‐g‐MAH.

The surface energy of PB/GNP composites is reduced by use of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St.

There is a suitable mass ratio between compatibilizer and filler.

The composite of PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St achieved high thermal conductivity.

The PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composites have good melting processability.
Africa's natural fibres used in polymer composites: A systematic review
Authors: Nwankwo Chinyere O. , Mahachi Jeffrey , Olukanni David O. , Musonda Innocent
Published: April 2024

Environmental concerns and the depletion of petroleum resources have spurred research into natural fibres as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres as the reinforcement phase in polymer composites. Given that the local availability of materials is a crucial component in the sustainability framework, there is a need to map out the fibres used to develop natural fibre composites across geographical regions to optimize local resource utilization. Through a systematic review of publications sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, this study examines the contributions made by Africa to develop green polymer composites. The bibliometric data from both databases were systematically merged, and bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify trends and relevant relationships and provide a more general insight into Africa's progress in the natural fibre polymer composite field. A meta‐analysis was then conducted to identify the natural fibres exclusively sourced from Africa that have been used to develop polymer composites. The study also discussed natural fibre classifications with respect to fibre type and form. Sisal, palm varieties (particularly date palm), alfa, jute and members of the Musaceae family (i.e., banana, plantain and enset) were found to be the most used African‐sourced fibres. This study is a step to creating a more extensive global natural fibre database that seeks to provide more precise knowledge, enhance research efficiency, and ensure the utilization of local materials in creating more sustainable composites.

Highlights

The use of local materials is a key component of sustainable development

A natural fibre database can foster sustainability in the composite industry

Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are leading Africa's composite research

Research prioritizes composite material science over practical applications

Sisal, date palm, alfa and jute are the most used natural fibres in Africa
Investigation of alignment and layup optimization of recycled carbon fiber mats on mechanical and electromagnetic shielding properties of composites
Authors: Cheng Huanbo , Wang Qingze , Guo Lijun , Zhou Jinhu , Tang Mingxi , Zhai He , Wang Huafeng , Qian Zhengchun
Published: April 2024

Excellent recycled carbon fiber (rCF) was obtained using a thermally activated oxide semiconductor process. An alignment device was manufactured based on wet‐laid technology. It was used to investigate the effect of various alignment nozzle parameters on the degree of alignment of rCF mats. The mechanical, electrical conductivity and EMI shielding properties of composites reinforced by rCF mats with different layup structures were analyzed. The results showed that the optimal alignment parameters for rCF aligned mats included a convex nozzle shape, a nozzle diameter of 3 mm, a nozzle channel length of 50 mm, a nozzle up‐and‐down diameter ratio of 7:1, a nozzle departure height of 20 mm. These settings achieved a preferential alignment degree (PAD) of 93.07%. The design of layup structures for rCF mats with optimized fiber alignment fully exploits the material's anisotropic characteristics. The rCF‐0/EP composite material exhibited the highest tensile strength (195.45 MPa), while the rCF‐04/EP composite material not only demonstrated the highest flexural strength (247.95 MPa) but also showed excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance (47.97 dB). The results of the research laid a theoretical foundation and provides scientific guidance for high‐value reuse of rCF.

Highlights

Utilized rCF as a reinforcing material for CFRP composites.

Preparation of rCF aligned mats with high PAD.

Effect of different layup structures on rCF aligned mat reinforced composites.

rCF aligned mats improve mechanical properties and EMI properties of composites.
Interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction solar cells featuring novel MoOx‐based contact stacks
Authors: Kovačević Katarina , Zhao Yifeng , Procel Paul , Cao Liqi , Mazzarella Luana , Isabella Olindo
Published: April 2024

The fabrication process of interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction (IBC‐SHJ) solar cells has been significantly simplified with the development of the so‐called tunnel‐IBC architecture. This architecture utilizes a highly conductive (p)‐type nanocrystalline silicon (nc‐Si:H) layer deposited over the full substrate area comprising pre‐patterned (n)‐type nc‐Si:H fingers. In this context, the (p)‐type nc‐Si:H layer is referred to as blanket layer. As both electrodes are connected to the same blanket layer, the high lateral conductivity of (p)nc‐Si:H layer can potentially lead to relatively low shunt resistance in the device, thus limiting the performance of such solar cells. To overcome such limitation, we introduce a thin (<2 nm) full‐area molybdenum oxide (MoOx) layer as an alternative to the (p)nc‐Si:H blanket layer. We demonstrate that the use of such a thin MoOx minimizes the shunting losses thanks to its low lateral conductivity while preserving the simplified fabrication process. In this process, a novel (n)‐type nc‐Si:H/MoOx electron collection contact stack is implemented within the proposed solar cell architecture. We assess its transport mechanisms via electrical simulations showing that electron transport, unlike in the case of tunnel‐IBC, occurs in the conduction band fully. Moreover, the proposed contact stack is evaluated in terms of contact resistivity and integrated into a proof‐of‐concept front/back‐contacted (FBC) SHJ solar cells. Contact resistivity as low as 100 mΩcm2 is achieved, and fabricated FBC‐SHJ solar cells obtain a fill factor above 81.5% and open‐circuit voltage above 705 mV. Lastly, the IBC‐SHJ solar cells featuring the MoOx blanket layer are fabricated, exhibiting efficiencies up to 21.14% with high shunt resistances above 150 kΩcm2. Further optimizations in terms of layer properties and fabrication process are proposed to improve device performance and realize the efficiency potential of our novel IBC‐SHJ solar cell architecture.
Long‐lasting symptoms in borderline personality disorder: Defining an emergent population with differential clinical and therapeutic features
Authors: Casellas‐Pujol Elisabet , Soler Joaquim , Schmidt Carlos , Soriano Jose , Pascual Juan C.
Published: April 2024

Although the clinical symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) tend to remit over time, a substantial proportion continues to present “long‐lasting symptoms” (LLS). This term refers to individuals who present some degree of clinical improvement, but low mood, feelings of emptiness, and poor psychosocial adjustment typically persist. The aim of this study was to compare the sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables in individuals with BPD with and without LLS. A total of 620 participants with BPD were included and subdivided into two groups: non‐LLS group (n = 549, mean age = 28.02 [6.1] and range, 18–40 years) and LLS group (n = 71, mean age = 44.69 [3.6] and range, 41–56 years). The groups were compared in sociodemographic, clinical, and drug treatment characteristics. We also evaluated the impact of dialectical behavioral therapy‐skills training (DBT‐ST) on polypharmacy. The prevalence of individuals with long‐lasting BPD symptoms increased significantly over a 20‐year period (from <1% to 16%). The LLS group was characterized by less clinical severity, higher comorbidity with affective disorders but lower comorbidity with eating disorders, more disability, and more medication taking. Patients with LLS who received DBT‐ST experienced a significant decrease in the use of benzodiazepines and the number of medications prescribed compared with those who did not receive DBT‐ST. Clinicians should be aware of the specific features of older patients with BPD in order to better identify and address their specific therapeutic needs.
Avoid ED's hefty fines for Clery Act violations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2024

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Education's record‐breaking $14 million fine in March against Liberty University for Clery Act violations certainly has shock factor.
Cryptanalysis with improvement on lattice‐based authenticated key exchange protocol for mobile satellite communication networks
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra , Pursharthi Komal
Published: April 2024

The mobile satellite communication (MSC) system represents a crucial means of communication, facilitating connections between mobile users and network control centres through satellites. Given the wireless nature of satellite communication, ensuring communication security is paramount for maintaining accountability. Key exchange and authentication (KEA) mechanisms are commonly employed to secure data transmitted over insecure or open channels. Developing a lattice‐based KEA protocol for MSC systems is imperative to achieve both quantum security and efficient communication. In this direction, Yadav et al. devised ring learning with an error‐based KEA technique to ensure a quantum‐safe environment. Their scheme is quantum‐safe and satisfies desirable security attributes but has low efficiency in computation. Moreover, we have identified that their scheme is susceptible to denial of service attack and session key established at user and NCC ends is different. To overcome the flaws of Yadav et al., we propose a lattice‐based KEA protocol for the MSC system to improve computation efficiency, and get resistance against key mismatch attack. The security analysis of the proposed scheme is presented in the random oracle model. Comparative study is also presented to observe advantages in computation efficiency.
Simulating and Evaluating the Multiphase Jet Flow Characteristics of a Five‐Hole Oxygen Lance under Nonisothermal Conditions
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Zhu Wanjun , Zhang Hua , Zha Weiyang , Gao Fei , Fang Qing , Ni Hongwei
Published: April 2024

The oxygen lance jet plays a crucial role in the steelmaking process in a converter. The quantitative relationship between the operating parameters of the oxygen lance and the volume of the impact cavity is established for the first time, and the leading factors affecting the volume of the impact cavity are identified through correlation analysis. This article examines the influence of operating pressure and lance position on the impact cavity of a 170 t converter in a nonisothermal environment through numerical analysis. The results show that the ambient temperature in the converter presents a layered phenomenon. The temperature near the free surface ranges from 1550 to 1600 K and then gradually decreases to 900 K at the oxygen lance outlet. When the ratio of the operating pressure to the design working pressure is less than 1.0 or greater than 1.3, the cavity volume is significantly affected by the operating pressure but has less of an impact when the ratio is between 1.0 and 1.3. The cavity volume shows a linear relationship with the oxygen lance position. Moreover, the oxygen lance position has a greater influence on the cavity volume and velocity distribution than do the operating pressure.
Charting the Globe. A Qualitative Longitudinal Analysis of the Englishes in German Curricula and Textbooks
Authors: Nishizaki Mona
Published: April 2024

For decades now, researchers and academics have lamented the mismatch between the representation of English in the classroom and the way the language is used in real‐world contexts. Much of teaching is bound by curricula that determine not only the contents of their teaching but also the materials and assessment methods they use, they are crucial to investigating changes within TESOL, which is especially true for the public school system in Germany. It therefore seems pertinent to turn our attention toward the administrative and prescriptive side of the decision‐making process in public school systems. In other words, to understand the ways in which Global Englishes can be, and have been, represented within classroom teaching contexts, it is necessary to scrutinize language curricula and mandatory textbooks. To appropriately evaluate necessary changes and developments toward GELT, we need to take a longitudinal view and identify changes over time, however small they may be. This study outlines changes in the conceptualization of English language and English communication over the last 5o years in accordance with relevant GELT themes in German secondary school. A selection of TESOL curricula alongside TESOL textbooks were analyzed as representative of changes in teaching practice. Structuring content analysis was used to identify changes in the representation of key themes. The curriculum analysis suggests keen awareness of the role English plays as a global communication tool from the 1990s, while the conceptualization of its speakers, speaking contexts, and relevant skills remain largely unchanged as the content analysis revealed a strong attachment to native speaker and standard English ideology throughout the curricula and textbooks.