bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of COVID‐19 Restrictions on Hospital Admissions of Common Head and Neck Infections
Authors: Urichuk Matthew , Azzi Jason Lee , Leitao Darren J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Following the emergence of COVID‐19, multiple preventative measures were implemented to limit the spread of the disease. This study aims to elucidate the impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on hospital admissions of otolaryngology‐related infections.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to capture all admissions for otolaryngology‐related infections in the 2 years pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These infections included croup, tracheitis, neck abscess, peritonsillar abscess, otitis media, mastoiditis, sinus infection, orbital infection, pharyngotonsillitis, retro/parapharyngeal abscess, and acute epiglottitis. Demographic information and admission details were collected and analyzed to compare pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 admissions. Further analysis was conducted to compare hospital admissions of patients from rural/remote regions.

Results

Between March 2018 and March 2022, 253 pediatric patients and 197 adults were admitted for otolaryngology‐related infections. Total pediatric admissions decreased post‐COVID‐19 (154 pre‐COVID‐19, 99 post‐COVID‐19; p < 0.001) whereas adult admissions remained stable (107 pre‐COVID‐19, 90 post‐COVID‐19; p = 0.25). No significant difference in mean patient age, admission duration, surgical rates or in the proportion of admissions from patients from rural/remote regions was observed in the pediatric or adult cohort when comparing pre‐COVID‐19 data to post‐COVID‐19 data. Diagnosis‐specific changes in admissions were observed in pediatric croup (40 pre‐COVID‐19, 15 post‐COVID‐19; p < 0.001) and in adult orbital infections (30 pre‐COVID‐19, six post‐COVID‐19; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Following the implementation of COVID‐19 restrictions, there was a decrease in admissions due to pediatric croup and adult orbital infections with an overall decrease in pediatric Otolaryngology‐infection related admissions.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3542–3547, 2024
PVD coated dies in action: Exploring finite element analyses for sheet metal forming of high‐strength steel
Authors: Sivarajan S. , Neto Diogo M. , Oliveira Marta C. , Raghupathy Padmanabhan , Menezes Luis F.
Published: February 2024

This research proposes a complete analysis of the use of physical vapour deposition coated dies in the sheet metal forming process for high‐strength‐steel sheets. The goal of the proposed approach is to investigate how PVD coatings affect die performance and how that affects the formability and quality of the high‐strength‐steel‐sheets that are made. The finite element analyses are used to simulate and evaluate the mechanical behaviour and deformation characteristics during the forming process. Studies to enhance the forming characteristics of these materials, typically denoted by limiting draw ratio and maximum punch force are required. A reduction in punch force required and improved limiting draw ratio is observed that is attributed to the enhanced contact with friction‐conditions in the die‐sheet interfaces. The experimental results are compared with simulation results from DD3IMP, a code used for deep drawing simulations, and it is evident that the experimental outcomes are analysed well with the simulation results.
The 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser for treatment of café‐au‐lait macules in all skin types
Authors: Fernandez Joan K. , Guo Emily L. , Richmond Heather , Friedman Paul M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Café‐au‐lait macules (CALM) are benign birthmarks presenting as uniformly pigmented, well demarcated, brown patches that can be distressing to patients, especially when located in cosmetically sensitive areas. As with all pigmentary lesions in skin of color patients, CALMs have been particularly challenging to treat. Here we present the first case series characterizing treatment parameters and clinical outcomes utilizing the 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser for the treatment of CALMs. This device provides an additional safe and effective treatment option for these challenging cases.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients treated at a single institution between April 2021 and December 2023. Clinical photographs were graded by 3 outside board‐certified dermatologists using a 5‐point visual analog scale.

Results

Fourteen patients (age range: 10 months–66 years, mean age: 27.4 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II–VI) were treated for CALM on the face (11) or body (3). On average, patients received 4.3 treatments, with treatment intervals ranging from 4 to 40 weeks. Treatment remains ongoing with the 730‐nm picosecond laser for eight patients. Overall, patients were rated to have a mean improvement of 26%–50%. Two patients (FST III and VI) achieved 100% clearance after 4‐5 treatment sessions. Our study included four patients whose CALM were of the smooth bordered “coast of California” subtype, three of whom had a mean improvement rating of only 1%–25%. The fourth patient had near complete resolution. Follow up for these patients has ranged from 6 weeks to 1.5 years. Of the patients treated, one patient experienced transient post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation and another transient post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation, while a third patient experienced mild persistent guttate hypopigmentation. Three patients experienced partial recurrence indicating that maintenance treatments may be needed in some patients.

Conclusion

The 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a safe and efficacious treatment option, in the right morphologic setting, to improve the cosmetic appearance of CALMs in a wide range of ages and skin types. To our knowledge, this is the first reported treatment of CALMs with picosecond lasers in FST V and VI patients. Our study also supports prior studies which have found that CALM with smooth‐bordered “coast of California” morphology have a poor response to laser therapy as compared to those with jagged or ill‐defined bordered “coast of Maine” morphology.
Matrix projective synchronization and mechanical analysis of unified chaotic system
Authors: Shukla Vijay K. , Joshi Mahesh C. , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Nápoles Valdes Juan E. , Mishra Prashant K.
Published: February 2024

This article explores the mechanical analysis of a unified chaotic system and matrix projective synchronization (MPS). The sufficient conditions to achieve MPS of unified chaotic system have derived. The mechanics of unified chaotic system have been examined in contrast with Kolmogorov system, Euler equation, and Hamiltonian function. The Casimir energy function is also introduced to analyze the system dynamics. The unified chaotic system has been transformed into Kolmogorov type system and decomposed into four types of torques: inertial, internal, dissipation, and external torque. In order to view the mechanics behind the unified chaotic system, different particular cases have been discussed. Five scenarios are examined using combinations of various torques in order to identify the key elements in chaos creation and their physical significance. The bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent and Lyapunov dimension validates the generation of chaos for different particular cases.
Boundedness criteria for the commutators of fractional integral and fractional maximal operators on Morrey spaces generated by the Gegenbauer differential operator
Authors: Ibrahimov Elman J. , Jafarova Saadat A.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we find the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of commutators of fractional integral and fractional maximal operators generated by Gegenbauer differential operator in ‐Morrey spaces. We consider the generalized shift operator, associated with the Gegenbauer differential operator . The commutator of fractional integral and the commutator of fractional maximal operator associated with the generalized shift operator are investigated. At first, we prove that the commutator is bounded from ‐Morrey space to . We prove that the commutator is bounded from the ‐Morrey space to by the conditions , , , and , if and only if . Also, we prove that commutator is bounded from to under the same conditions.
Finite‐time stability of reaction–diffusion genetic regulatory networks with nondifferential time‐varying mixed delays
Authors: She Xinran , Wang Leimin
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the finite‐time stability of reaction–diffusion genetic regulatory networks with time‐varying mixed delays. These delays encompass discrete delays and distributed delays. Unlike many existing studies, this paper assumes that both types of delays are bounded and continuous, without requiring differentiability. Additionally, the analysis combines the inequality approach and comparison method, while neither a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed nor the finite‐time stability theorem is involved. The finite‐time stability of the addressed networks is then ensured by several suitable algebraic criteria. Some extended results are deduced for networks without considering reaction–diffusion and distributed delays effects as special cases. Finally, the validness of the derived results is proved by numerical simulations.
A dual‐band dual‐polarized omnidirectional patch antenna for on‐body application
Authors: Gao Guo‐Ping , Wang Dan , Ma Ge , Wang Shi‐Chen , Dou Zhi‐Heng , Hu Bin
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the 3.5 GHz world interoperability for microwave access band and 5.8 GHz industrial scientific medical band, a dual‐band antenna operating in omnidirectional mode is proposed. The antenna uses a single‐layer dielectric substrate made of FR‐4, which is cheap and easy to process. It uses circular patches and metal branches to generate orthogonal electric fields to achieve circular polarization. At the same time, the upper patch is symmetrically slotted in a T shape, so that the patch produces two resonance frequencies. The measured impedance bandwidth of the antenna in circular polarization on‐body mode and linear polarization on‐body mode is 110 MHz (3.41–3.52 GHz) and 460 MHz (5.42–5.88 GHz), respectively. In addition, the antenna shows good performance under bending conditions and close to human tissue. At the same time, the low specific absorption rate value proves that the antenna is safe to wear on the human body.
Unearthing green potential: Assessing the state of managed urban landscape curricula in Minnesota's higher education institutions
Authors: Barnes Michael R. , Campagna Ileana A. , Haddad Becky , Watkins Eric
Published: February 2024

As urbanization increases, managed urban landscapes are frequently the mode through which people experience nature and where careers in natural resources are increasing. There is a lack of knowledge related to curricula and programs where students are exposed to managed urban landscapes and careers related to them. We aimed to evaluate the current status of managed urban landscape curricula (MULC) in undergraduate programs in Minnesota through a systematic investigation of programs and courses at higher education institutions. All undergraduate courses offered by included higher education institutions were reviewed to determine the presence, absence, or possibility of MULC based on the course's publicly available descriptions and were combined with departmental and institutional characteristics to identify patterns of MULC across the state. Only about 1% of over 50,000 courses reviewed contain MULC. Courses with MULC were concentrated in public doctoral‐level institutions and in departments such as biology and environmental studies, however MULC courses were found at 94% of included institutions and across 60 different departments. While the number of courses with MULC was minimal, courses with the possibility of including MULC show there are ample opportunities for MULC to be added to existing courses, especially core requirements such as introductory biology or a survey of environmental science in the state of Minnesota and more broadly.
Involvement of ferroptosis‐defensive xCT/GPX4 axis in radioresistance and its impacts on prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ishikawa Kohei , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Shinohara Kosuke , Inoue Junki , Yano Hiromu , Eto Takafumi , Yamamoto Tatsuro , Yamana Keisuke , Gohara Shunsuke , Takeshita Hisashi , Hirayama Masatoshi , Kawahara Kenta , Hirosue Akiyuki , Fukugawa Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Ryoji , Komohara Yoshihiro , Nakayama Hideki
Published: February 2024

Aim

Radiotherapy, the mainstay treatment for patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), has low clinical efficacy, resulting in poor prognosis. Radiation induces ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. Since the xCT/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis is predominantly involved in the ferroptosis defense system, targeting this axis may potentiate cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis.

Methods

We examined the expression of xCT and GPX4 in the tumor cells of biopsy specimens using immunohistochemistry and evaluated the radiation‐mediated antitumor effects of the ferroptosis inducers, erastin and RSL3, that act by inhibiting xCT and GPX4, respectively.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that high immunohistochemical expression of xCT was correlated with shorter survival, and high GPX4 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor, indicating that the xCT/GPX4 axis influences the clinical outcome of OSCC. Analyses using two types of OSCC cell lines revealed that the clonogenic survival of irradiated cells was increased by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin‐1 and decreased by erastin and RSL3. The enhanced antitumor effects of erastin and RSL3 were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation, which was suppressed by the iron chelator deferoxamine. Erastin and RSL3 enhance the effects of radiation on OSCC cells in a mouse xenograft model; these effects were associated with increased expression of the lipid peroxidation marker 4‐hydroxynonenal in tumor cells.

Conclusions

xCT/GPX4 axis is involved in the tumor resistance against radiation through the inhibition of ferroptosis in OSCC. Furthermore, radiotherapy combined with ferroptosis induction by targeting the xCT/GPX4 axis may improve patient prognosis in advanced OSCC.
Long lasting marine antifouling polyurethane coating chemically bonded with poly(hexamethylene guanidine)
Authors: Zhao Yufeng , Wei Dafu , Xu Xiang , Guan Yong
Published: February 2024

In order to protect the marine environment, traditional marine antifouling coatings such as tributyltin (TBT)‐based antifouling coatings have been phased out. There is an urgent need to develop environmentally friendly marine antifouling coatings. In this work, the antibacterial poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PHMG) was introduced into polyurethane (PU) through chemical bond to prepare a green environmentally friendly marine antifouling coating (PU‐PHMG). The morphology, antimicrobial properties, mechanical properties and thermostability of the PU‐PHMG films were investigated. The antimicrobial rates of PU‐PHMG films against E. coli and S. aureus were both more than 99.9% when PHMG content in the films reached 1.0 wt%. The excellent antimicrobial activities can be maintained for more than 90 days due to the non‐leaching characteristic of PHMG. The growth of algae was also inhibited on the surface of PU‐PHMG films. The PU‐PHMG coating is promising for the applications in marine antifouling field.
Progress in the design principle of biomedical tissue adhesive hydrogel with naturally derived substance
Authors: Zou Ying , Yan Feng , Tong Rikuan , Mo Miaohua , Li Ziyi
Published: February 2024

In recent years, natural substance‐based tissue adhesive hydrogels have been widely studied by researchers because of their practicability and affordability. In this review, we summarized the design principles and mechanisms for constructing natural substance‐based tissue adhesive hydrogels from the perspective of polyphenols (catechol, dopamine, tannic acid), cationic polymers (chitosan, lysine, cationic antibacterial peptides), polysaccharides and other natural substances. In addition, according to the morphology and size of tissue adhesive hydrogels, it was divided into macroscopic hydrogels and microscopic hydrogels. Therefore, the natural substance‐based adhesive macroscopic hydrogels such as injectable hydrogels and hydrogel patches and natural substance‐based adhesive microscopic hydrogels including hydrogel microspheres were reviewed. Furthermore, we summarized the review and provided outlook based on the present tissue adhesive hydrogels. The review aimed to summarize the progress in natural substance‐based tissue adhesive hydrogels and provide a valuable reference for the development of tissue adhesive hydrogels and its applications in biomedical field.
Preanalytical stability of molecular forms of prostate‐specific antigen in serum samples (PSA, free PSA, [−2]proPSA) and their impact on fPSA/tPSA ratio and PHI
Authors: Šimánek Václav , Vrzáková Radana , Viták Roman , Jirásko Michal , Fürst Tomáš , Topolčan Ondřej , Pecen Ladislav , Vurm Vladimír , Kučera Radek
Published: February 2024

Background

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. Detection methods include the measurement of biomarkers: prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, [−2]proPSA, and the calculated indices: fPSA/tPSA ratio and Prostate Health Index (PHI). Proper preanalytical conditions are crucial for precise measurement and failure to adhere to protocols or regulations can influence the diagnostic algorithm. We assessed the stability of the above‐mentioned biomarkers, fPSA/tPSA ratio and PHI, under various pre‐analytical conditions.

Methods

Serum samples from 45 males were collected and stored under specific conditions before tPSA, fPSA, and [−2]proPSA were measured. Subsequently, the fPSA/tPSA and PHI were calculated.

Results

tPSA, fPSA, and [−2]proPSA remained stable during the two freeze‐thaw cycles. Storage at 4°C and 22°C resulted in stable tPSA concentrations. However, fPSA levels decreased and [−2]proPSA levels increased over time. The fPSA/tPSA ratio remained stable for 72 h, at which point a decrease was observed in the samples kept at 4°C and 22°C. A gradual increase in PHI was observed in the samples kept at 4°C and 22°C.

Conclusions

All biomarkers remained stable during two freeze‐thaw cycles. tPSA was the most stable analyte when stored at 4°C, as well as at RT. A gradual increase of [−2]proPSA and a slight decrease in fPSA were observed during the storage test. This led to a decrease in the fPSA/tPSA ratio and an elevation in the PHI. We therefore recommend measuring prostate biomarkers promptly following blood collection.

Impact

Understanding the pre‐analytical stability of prostate biomarkers helps prevent false positive results and improve the accuracy of diagnostics for prostate cancer.
Carnosol alleviates sepsis‐induced pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction by targeting nuclear factor erythroid2‐related factor 2/sirtuin‐3 signaling pathway to attenuate oxidative damage
Authors: Li Xingbing , Wang Shuo , Luo Minghao , Wang Ming , Wu Shaoping , Liu Chang , Wang Fengxian , Li Yong
Published: February 2024

Excessive reactive oxygen species production during acute lung injury (ALI) will aggravate the inflammatory process and endothelial barrier dysfunction. Carnosol is a natural phenolic diterpene with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, but its role in treating sepsis‐induced ALI remains unclear. This study aims to explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of carnosol in sepsis‐induced ALI. C57BL/6 mouse were preconditioned with carnosol for 1 h, then the model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis was established. The degree of pulmonary edema, oxidative stress, and inflammation were detected. Endothelial barrier function was evaluated by apoptosis and cell junctions. In vitro, Mito Tracker Green probe, JC‐1 staining, and MitoSOX staining were conducted to investigate the effect of carnosol on mitochondria. Finally, we investigated the role of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2)/sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3) in carnosol against ALI. Carnosol alleviated LPS‐induced pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Furthermore, carnosol also attenuated LPS‐induced endothelial cell barrier damage by reducing vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and restoring occludin, ZO‐1, and vascular endothelial‐Cadherin expression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, carnosol increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation to promote SIRT3 expression. The protective effects of carnosol on ALI were largely abolished by inhibition of Nrf2/SIRT3. Our study has provided the first evidence that the Nrf2/SIRT3 pathway is a protective target of the endothelial barrier in ALI, and carnosol can serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for ALI by utilizing its ability to target this pathway.
The Haidou‐1 hybrid underwater vehicle for the Mariana Trench science exploration to 10,908 m depth
Authors: Wang Jian , Tang Yuangui , Li Shuo , Lu Yang , Li Jixu , Liu Tiejun , Jiang Zhibin , Chen Cong , Cheng Yu , Yu Deyong , Yan Xingya , Yan Shuxue
Published: February 2024

An unmanned Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ARV), Haidou‐1, visited the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, and performed observation, sampling and bathymetric mapping explorations at the trench bottom. The Haidou‐1 vehicle reached a depth of 10,908 m in the west pool of the Challenger Deep and probed a depth of 10,909 m in the east pool. The 2600 kg underwater robotic vehicle could conduct survey missions with full autonomy and can also be remotely operated through a light fiber tether. Haidou‐1 carries an electric manipulator to implement lightweight intervention tasks. The fiber‐optical tether enables long‐distance real‐time high‐bandwidth communication at full‐ocean depth, thereby providing situational awareness and remote intervention. The hybrid concept we defined for the Haidou‐1 vehicle refers to three typical working modes: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle mode, Remotely Operated Vehicle mode, and ARV mode. There is no need to change any structural configuration at sea to meet the needs of multidisciplinary oceanographic investigation. This paper reports the overview design of Haidou‐1. Practical field trials at the Challenger Deep were conducted to validate the feasibility and performance of the developed system. In the aggregate, eight dives exceeded 10,000 m counting all three operation modes. Some of the initial results are presented including the high‐resolution bathymetric map created by Haidou‐1 onboard sonar, and no similar results have been found yet.
A novel Joint Probability Density Difference Approach for assessing the alteration of hydrologic regime
Authors: Zhong Sirui , Guo Shenglian , Wang Yun , Wang Heyu , Xie Yuzuo , Xu Chong‐Yu
Published: February 2024

The construction and operation of upstream reservoirs have significantly altered downstream hydrologic regime. Appropriate and quantifiable assessment method for the alteration of hydrologic regime is considerably vital and emergent for ecological protection and restoration. The Range of Variability Approach (RVA) and modified RVA methods have been widely used in practice to assess the hydrological alteration. However, these methods have failed to concurrently describe the distribution of indicator and morphological features in detail, which might inevitably lead to the misjudgment of alteration. This paper proposes a Joint Probability Density Difference Approach (JPDDA) method to address the major drawbacks of these previous methods with the introduction of Gaussian Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and copula function. The annual average flow is selected as the reference variable to construct a proper joint probability density function between itself and other hydrological alteration indicators. The JPDDA method could describe the marginal distribution in detail through Gaussian KDE and also link the morphological features with copula function. Along with pervious methods, the hydrological alterations at Yichang hydrological station, Yangtze River are estimated based on the measured flow from 1949 to 2022. It is shown that the hydrologic regime has suffered from a moderate or even heavy alteration under the influence of massive upstream cascade reservoirs, and the JPDDA outperforms the other methods in terms of rationality and stability for practical assessments. Thus, the proposed JPDDA method is strongly advised to handle the hydrological alteration and could provide a reasonable reference for ecological operation.
Historical and contemporary drivers of knickpoint retreat and morphological evolution along Bayou Pierre, Mississippi
Authors: Stearman Loren W. , Heitmuller Franklin T.
Published: February 2024

Channel incision in rivers can cause marked ecological and economic damages. This phenomenon is abundant and generally well documented along impacted streams in the loess hills adjacent to the Lower Mississippi River valley. Bayou Pierre, an ecologically important small tributary of the Mississippi River, is currently incising but causes are not well understood. In this study, we examine diverse data sources to: (1) reconstruct a history of erosional stimuli and possible origins and (2) examine effects of contemporary controls. Review of long‐term planform and land use data for the Mississippi River revealed episodic foreshortening events followed by episodic deforestation and reforestation. Hydrologic data suggest an increase in rainfall over the last few decades. Estimates of knickpoint retreat place origins prior to Mississippi River channel straightening (1929–1944). Planform analysis in three focal reaches of Bayou Pierre demonstrates slow change prior to 1982, but accelerated changes after those periods. Mean rainfall and 3‐day storm intensity correlate to some planform changes; however, the storm of 1983 may be a better explanation of sudden planform change. We found some evidence of potential internal feedback loops in patterns of bar growth. Together, our analyses provide a synthesis of stimuli experienced by Bayou Pierre over the last ~200 years and suggest both channel migration events before straightening of the Mississippi River and more recent hydrologic events have influenced patterns of geomorphic change in Bayou Pierre.
A path to sustainable development of agri‐industries: Analysis of agriculture 5.0 versus industry 5.0 using stakeholder theory with moderation of environmental policy
Authors: Zhang Yuchi
Published: February 2024

Agricultural 5.0 (a5.0) and Industry 5.0 (i5.0) both frameworks play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development (SD) by promoting efficiency and sustainability from the corporate and agricultural perspective. Industry 5.0 enhances industrial processes through automation and data‐driven decision‐making by reducing resource consumption and emissions control practices. However, agricultural 5.0 employs certain technologies to optimize farming practices, minimize waste, and improve food production by contributing to SD. The study attempts to explore the relationship between i5.0 and SD using three major streams (i.e., economic perspective, environmental perspective, and social perspective) based on instrumental‐stakeholder theory standpoints. Second, the study investigates the connections between a5.0 and SD. Finally, a moderating influence of environmental policy (ENP) was examined between the connections of a5.0, i5.0, and SD. Data were carefully collected and organized by implementing a structural approach using SmartPls tool based on seven hundred and forty‐nine responses (N = 749). The results confirmed a positive impact of a5.0 on SD along with each dimension. Likewise, a positive nexus between i5.0 model and SD was observed. Finally, the study confirmed a positive moderation of ENP, respectively. This study provided insights into both models showing that these models promote sustainability, vital for a greener and support bringing SD, that is, social, economic, and environmental. ENP acts as a crucial moderator among i5.0, a5.0, and SD that ensures alignment with SDGs.
Succinct and Expeditious Synthesis of Cu2O Nanoparticles by Using Liquid Jaggery: Anticancer and Wound Healing Activity Analyses
Authors: Nayak Manojna R. , Kamble Ravindra R. , Kodasi Barnabas , Metre Tukaram V , Nadoni Vishwa B. , Shettar Arun K , Hoskeri Joy H , Keri Rangappa S.
Published: February 2024

Nanotechnology has expanded substantially over the last several decades as an aftermath of its ubiquitous prevalence in scientific research and technology. The current study demonstrates the ecologically benign production of novel nanoparticles comprised of copper oxide (Cu2O NPs). Liquid jaggery played an eloquent role in the present endeavour perpetrating both as a reducing and capping agent. Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV‐Visible Spectroscopy, Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Particle size and Zeta potential supported successful synthesis of Cu2O NPs. This study enumerated and assessed the cytotoxicity of Cu2O NPs on three cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF‐7 (breast cancer), and MDAMB‐231 (triple negative breast cancer). IC50 (μg/mL) for Cu2O NPs was recorded as 51.24, 59.24, 64.80 for HeLa, MCF‐7 and MDAMB‐231 cells respectively. The Cu2O NPs also exhibited excellent wound healing efficacy, increased cellular mobility including an elevated rate of closure of wounds (93.70 %).
Efficient Extraction of Sericin Protein from Mulberry and Non‐Mulberry Silk Fibers: Utilizing Aqueous Ionic Liquid Solutions as Green Solvents
Authors: Kalita Monalisa , Sarma Chandrawali , Kalita Madhusmita , Sarmah Violina , Sankaranarayanan Kamatchi
Published: February 2024

Protein extraction from silk is a unique area of research and the foremost need is the efficient extraction of the silk proteins namely fibroin and sericin from the silk fibres, which is conventionally done using chemicals. In this work, we show that Ionic liquids (ILs) can be employed as a green and alternative method for degumming sericin from both mulberry (B. mori) and non‐mulberry (A. assamensis and P. ricini) silk. Six different ILs with varying tail lengths were studied for their degumming efficiencies. The interaction between silk proteins and IL ions involves a complex ionic disruption of hydrogen bonds, non‐polar interactions, and electrostatic effects. We have found that 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIM.Cl), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM.BF4) and Tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) bring in higher weight loss % in silk fibres compared to other ILs, indicating that it can be used in better sericin removal without significant damage to the silk fibre. TEAB emerged as a potential candidate for sericin extraction due to its promotion of protein destabilization. Additionally, no drastic changes in the structure of the extracted silk protein sericin were observed, as evident from the FTIR spectra and SEM images. This work highlights for the first time, the use of ILs for extraction of non‐mulberry silk sericin and also proves that ILs can be a potential green solvent for sericin extraction.
Self‐Healing, Biocompatible Injectable Hydrogel Based on Multialdehyde Moringa oleifera Gum and Carboxymethyl Chitosan: A Suitable Platform for Drug Delivery in Wound Healing Application
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Purwar Roli
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on synthesizing an injectable hydrogel (IH) using Moringa oleifera gum (MOG) with multi‐aldehyde groups (MOG‐CHO) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) through a Schiff base reaction at 37 °C. The study includes the optimal concentration of the oxidizing agent to achieve the best content of aldehydes in Moringa oleifera gum. Furthermore, the best oxidized Moringa oleifera gum decides the least gelation time. The physical properties of the optimized IH (IH‐3‐7) are assessed, including color, gel content, porosity, load‐bearing capacity, syringeability, and self‐healing capability. Structural characterization is performed using Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (1H NMR), while scanning electron microscope (SEM) and rheometer are used to analyze surface morphology and rheological properties. IH‐3‐7 exhibits a porous structure with 35 % porosity and interconnected holes of 1.45 to 4 μm diameter. Higher swelling at pH 5.5 is shown by swelling ratio test conducted in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 and pH 5.5. Ciprofloxacin HCl (Cipro) is loaded into IH for release assays, revealing pH‐dependent drug release. In vitro, cytotoxicity assessments on L‐929 fibroblast cell lines show IH′s biocompatibility. Hydrolytic degradation of IH in PBS at pH 7.4 is also evaluated.
Leaping Supercapacitor Performance via a Flash‐Enabled Graphene Photothermal Coating
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Lin Han , Lin Keng‐Te , Su Dawei , Ma Tianyi , Jia Baohua
Published: February 2024

Elevating the working temperature delivers a simple and universal approach to enhance the energy storage performances of supercapacitors owing to the fundamental improvements in ion transportation kinetics. Among all heating methods, introducing green and sustainable photothermal heating on supercapacitors (SCs) is highly desired yet remains an open challenge, especially for developing an efficient and universal photothermal heating strategy that can be generally applied to arbitrary SC devices. Flash‐enabled graphene (FG) absorbers are produced through a simple and facile flash reduction process, which can be coated on the surface of any SC devices to lift their working temperature via a photothermal effect, thus, improving their overall performance, including both power and energy densities. With the systematic temperature‐dependent investigation and the in‐depth numerical simulation of SC performances, an evident enhancement in capacitance up to 65% can be achieved in photothermally enhanced SC coin cell devices with FG photo‐absorbers. This simple, practical, and universal enhancement strategy provides a novel insight into boosting SC performances without bringing complexity in electrode fabrication/optimization. Also, it sheds light on the highly efficient utilization of green and renewable photothermal energies for broad application scenarios, especially for energy storage devices.
Atomically Dispersed Ce Sites Augmenting Activity and Durability of Fe‐Based Oxygen Reduction Catalyst in PEMFC
Authors: Xue Nan , Xue Xueyan , Aihemaiti Aikelaimu , Zhu Hui , Yin Jiao
Published: February 2024

In the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), Fe and N co‐doped carbon (Fe–N–C) materials with atomically dispersed active sites are one of the satisfactory candidates to replace Pt‐based catalysts. However, Fe–N–C catalysts are vulnerable to attack from reactive oxygen species, resulting in inferior durability, and current strategies failing to balance the activity and stability. Here, this study reports Fe and Ce single atoms coupled catalysts anchored on ZIF‐8‐derived nitrogen‐doped carbon (Fe/Ce–N–C) as an efficient ORR electrocatalyst for PEMFCs. In PEMFC tests, the maximum power density of Fe/Ce–N–C catalyst reached up to 0.82 W cm−2, which is 41% larger than that of Fe–N–C. More importantly, the activity of Fe/Ce–N–C catalyst only decreased by 21% after 30 000 cycles under H2/air condition. Density functional theory reveals that the strong coupling between the Fe and Ce sites result in the redistribution of electrons in the active sites, which optimizes the adsorption of OH* intermediates on the catalyst and increases the intrinsic activity. Additionally, the admirable radical scavenging ability of the Ce sites ensured that the catalysts gained long‐term stability. Therefore, the addition of Ce single atoms provides a new strategy for improving the activity and durability of oxygen reduction catalysts.
A new method for determination of segregation stability of pumped ready‐mixed concrete: Rapid wet‐sieved test
Authors: Li Lei , Deng Qi , Nasr Ahmed , Wang Jiaqian , Chen Junyou , Duan Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

In the process of pumping, the segregation of concrete mixture will lead to the difficulty of construction, and even the possibility of pipe blocking. There is a lack of a quickly evaluation for on‐site construction. In order to solve this problem, a rapid wet‐sieved test was proposed in this study and then its feasibility was evaluated based on concrete mixes with different water–cement ratios. Subsequently, the influence of sand ratio on the segregation degree of concrete was investigated. The test results show that a combination of 2.36 mm screen size and 20 s vibrating time did the best. The wet‐sieved mortar content and stratification degree were increased by 4.6%–25.2% and 0.3%–17.9% by pumping, respectively. With the sand ratio increasing from 0.40 to 0.60, the pumping pressure decreased by 51.9%. The linear fitting correlation between pumping pressure and wet‐sieved mortar content (0.96) is better than that between pumping pressure and stratification degree (0.85), which indicates that the proposed test method can reliably characterize the degree of segregation during the pumping of ready‐mixed concrete.
Colorimetric Readout Based Photoionization Detector for Gas Chromatographs
Authors: Mao Jingqin , Liu Longze , Atwa Yahya , Hou Junming , Shakeel Hamza
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a new scheme for readout of a photoionization detector (PID) that utilizes the ionization luminescence of target gases in helium plasma to generate an output signal. Our signal readout method is based on processing the recorded video and correlating the light peak intensity with the sample injection time and concentration. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a colorimetric readout‐based photoionization detector coupled with a gas chromatography column by detecting a mixture of non‐polar compounds (alkanes) and two polar compounds (acetone and ethanol). The detection limit for our first‐generation device was calculated to be ~118 ng for acetone and around 26 ng for ethanol. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Machine learning of public sentiments towards wind energy in Norway
Authors: Vågerö Oskar , Bråte Anders , Wittemann Alexandra , Robinson Jessica Yarin , Zeyringer Marianne , Sirotko‐Sibirskaya Natalia
Published: February 2024

Across Europe, negative public opinion has and may continue to limit the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure required for the transition to net‐zero energy systems. Understanding public sentiment and its spatio‐temporal variations is as such important for decision‐making and for developing socially accepted energy systems. In this study, we apply a sentiment classification model based on a machine learning framework for natural language processing, NorBERT, on data collected from Twitter between 2006 and 2022 to analyse the case of wind power opposition in Norway. From the 68,828 tweets with geospatial information, we show how discussions about wind power intensified in 2018/2019 together with a trend of more negative tweets up until 2020, both on a regional level and for Norway as a whole. Furthermore, we find weak geographical clustering in our data, indicating that discussions are country wide and not dominated by specific regional events or developments. Twitter data allow for detailed insight into the temporal nature of public sentiments and extending this research to additional case studies of technologies, countries and sources of data (e.g. newspapers, other social media) may prove important to complement traditional survey research and the understanding of public sentiment.
Development of a reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction‐based approach for SARS‐CoV‐2 variant surveillance in wastewater
Authors: Van Poelvoorde Laura A. E. , Gobbo Andrea , Nauwelaerts Sarah J. D. , Verhaegen Bavo , Lesenfants Marie , Janssens Raphael , Hutse Veronik , Fraiture Marie‐Alice , De Keersmaecker Sigrid , Herman Philippe , Van Hoorde Koenraad , Roosens Nancy
Published: February 2024

An urgent need for effective surveillance strategies arose due to the global emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Although vaccines and antivirals are available, concerns persist about the evolution of new variants with potentially increased infectivity, transmissibility, and immune evasion. Therefore, variant monitoring is crucial for public health decision‐making. Wastewater‐based surveillance has proven to be an effective tool to monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 variants within populations. Specific SARS‐CoV‐2 variants are detected and quantified in wastewater in this study using a reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (RT‐ddPCR) approach. The 11 designed assays were first validated in silico using a substantial dataset of high‐quality SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes to ensure comprehensive variant coverage. The assessment of the sensitivity and specificity with reference material showed the capability of the developed assays to reliably identify target mutations while minimizing false positives and false negatives. The applicability of the assays was evaluated using wastewater samples from a wastewater treatment plant in Ghent, Belgium. The quantification of the specific mutations linked to the variants of concern present in these samples was calculated using these assays based on the detection of single mutations, which confirms their use for real‐world variant surveillance. In conclusion, this study provides an adaptable protocol to monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in wastewater with high sensitivity and specificity. Its potential for broader application in other viral surveillance contexts highlights its added value for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.

Practitioner Points

Robust RT‐ddPCR methodology for specific SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern detection in wastewater.

Rigorous validation that demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity.

Demonstration of real‐world applicability using wastewater samples.

Valuable tool for rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
Hybrid Organizing in the Military Domain
Authors: Soeters Joseph
Published: February 2024

This chapter deals with the increasing development toward hybridity in organizations. This development can be seen in all of the organized world, including the military. Organizational hybridity refers to the dynamics that come along with the confluence of different organizational logics, varying organizational forms, and diverse identities within one single organizational configuration or close network of organizations. Such hybridity may pertain especially to the coming together of profit- and not-for-profit organizing principles; of private and public organizational values; and of standardized work and innovative, explorational work.

In the military, hybrid organizing is traditionally known because of the distinctions between the various services (army, air force, navy, coast, space, and cyber) and the differences between wartime and peacetime conditions. More recently, new confluences of different organizational logics in the military have asked for attention:

Standard combat and control operations versus specialized operations.

Operational units in combinations of different nationalities.

Civilian and military organizations working together in the area of operations.

Professional military, reserve military, and civilian personnel constituting the whole of the military organization.

Arrangements of profit- and not-for-profit activities in the military.

This chapter argues that hybrid organizing is likely to stay within the military domain. This is not a bad thing per se, but it certainly needs extra managerial attention as it creates opportunities and challenges for the military organization at the same time.
Out of the Standard. Towards a Global Approach to Platform Labour
Authors: Pirone Maurilio
Published: February 2024

This chapter challenges a taken-for-granted split in the platform critical studies: the analysis of platform labour in terms of informalization in the Global North and in terms of formalization in the Global South. Far from totally denying regional specificities in the territorialization of platform capitalism, the author tries to build a bridge between contexts defining a common logic operating through conjunctural geographies: the specific labour process implemented by platforms requires an active engagement by living labour in terms of self-entrepreneurship. This engagement can be produced through the disruption of standard labour as well as through the commodification of informal labour. In both cases, workers have to deal with an acquired dependence from the platform infrastructure. This logic, nevertheless, does not preclude the possibility to overturn self-entrepreneurialism into resistances and exit strategies.
What Urban Future: Do High-Tech Metropolises Dream of Electric Sheep?
Authors: Cuppini Niccolò
Published: February 2024

What urban trends are on the horizon and what are the possible futures of our cities? These questions were often raised during the peaks of the Covid-19 pandemic, generating a series of institutional aftershocks that seem to have left few lasting traces. Some have proposed, like the Colombian Carlos Moreno to the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, re-organising around the idea of 15-min cities—the possibility for every inhabitant to have access in 15 min to every possible urban service, from hospitals to schools, from gardens to sport activities, from marketplaces to leisure spaces, etc. Many architects have spoken of a “return to the rural”, fearing a mass exodus from congested urban centres. In the United States, the slogan of the “one-hour city”, a concept of infrastructure redevelopment aimed at making any place accessible within an hour, has had some success. Many Asian metropolises have seen a significant acceleration in urban digitalisation processes. Numerous other popular ideas also emerged between 2020 and 2021, which we will not go into here, particularly as most of them seem to have remained stuck at the level of announcements and desires rather than becoming concrete projects and policies. There are many reasons for this, but one stands out: increasingly fewer institutions (including municipalities, regions, states, and others) have the power, tools, and knowledge to really intervene in the urban future.