bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISO 26262 Functional Safety Systems for Road Vehicles
Authors: Konaković Mehmed , Deljanin Abidin
Published: January 2025

The dynamics in the global automotive industry are constantly evolving, opening pathways to new markets and technological paradigms. Advancements such as H2 and e-vehicles present clear opportunities but also entail challenges of uncontrolled development, particularly with the growing influence of China in the EU. Traffic accidents involving vehicles with electric propulsion pose specific challenges for investigators and analysts. Analyses reveal increased complexity and harmfulness of these accidents, emphasizing the need for new methods of investigation and damage assessment, as well as for tightening regulations. The production of e-vehicles faces financial challenges and technological demands. Production efficiency, including the use of one-piece chassis panels, is crucial for competitiveness in the market. The future of the automotive industry in the EU requires complex strategies focused on the development of e-vehicles for urban needs, H2 technology for freight trucks, and alternative fuels to ensure energy independence. Traffic safety is gaining importance, recognizing energy as a key factor in global security. Attitudes of countries like the Netherlands towards e-vehicles vary, with the issue of electric energy availability highlighted as significant. In this complex landscape of the automotive industry, contemplating the future requires a balance between technological innovation, safety, and sustainability.
Feasibility for Utilization of Assessment for Lack of Protective Sensation as Part of a Foot Screening for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Von Musser Montana , McCulley Hannah , Jenkins David
Published: January 2025

Background: Persons with intellectual disability have a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes than the general population. Special Olympics Fit Feet, a major screening process for evaluating foot health in persons with intellectual disability, has not included an assessment for the risk of diabetic foot ulcers thus far. A probable reason for this may be that clinicians in the past have felt that persons with intellectual disability were not capable of understanding how to complete the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation. A study was designed to assess whether the Special Olympics athletes could complete the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation.

Methods: 31 Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disability participating in a Fit Feet foot screening underwent a Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation (LOPS). An assessment was completed using predetermined criteria to establish whether the subject understood what was required and could satisfactorily complete the test. Likewise, it was also determined if the Special Olympics athletes believed they understood the test.

Results: Study findings determined that approximately 67% of the athletes in the study were able to successfully complete the test and 90% of the Special Olympics athletes reported they completely understood the test. These results do not apply to the intellectual disability population at large.

Conclusion: A significant percentage of the test population appeared able to successfully undergo the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation (LOPS). Therefore, it is recommended that any foot screening process for Special Olympics athletes should include an assessment for loss of protective sensation including use of monofilament testing.
Molecular Feature-Based Classification of Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xiao Mengmeng , Li Xiangji , Bu Fanqin , Ma Shixiang , Yang Xiaohan , Chen Jun , Zhao Yu , Cananzi Ferdinando , Luo Chenghua , Min Li
Published: January 2025

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) is a critical malignant disease with various clinical outcomes. However, the molecular heterogeneity of RPLS was poorly elucidated, and few biomarkers were proposed to monitor its progression.RNA sequencing was performed on a training cohort of 88 RPLS patients to identify dysregulated genes and pathways using clusterprofiler. The GSVA algorithm was utilized to assess signaling pathways levels in each sample, and unsupervised clustering was employed to distinguish RPLS subtypes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RPLS subtypes were identified to construct a simplified dichotomous clustering via nonnegative matrix factorization. The feasibility of this classification was validated in a separate validation cohort (n=241) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) from the Retroperitoneal SArcoma Registry (RESAR). The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under number NCT03838718.Cell cycle, DNA damage & repair, and Metabolism were identified as the most aberrant biological processes in RPLS, enabling the division of RPLS patients into two distinct subtypes with unique molecular signatures, tumor microenvironment, clinical features and outcomes (overall survival, OS and disease-free survival, DFS). A simplified RPLS classification based on representative biomarkers (LEP and PTTG1) demonstrated high accuracy (AUC>0.99), with patients classified as LEP+ and PTTG1-showing lower aggressive pathological composition ratio and fewer surgery times, along with better OS (HR=0.41,
P
<0.001) and DFS (HR=0.60,
P
=0.005).Our study provided an ever-largest gene expression landscape of RPLS and established an IHC-based molecular classification that was clinically relevant and cost-effective for guiding treatment decisions.
PROTAC-induced Protein Structural Dynamics in Targeted Protein Degradation
Authors: Wu Kingsley Y , Hung Ta I , Chang Chia-en A
Published: January 2025

PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are small molecules that induce target protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. PROTACs recruit the target protein and E3 ligase; a critical first step is forming a ternary complex. However, while the formation a ternary complex is crucial, it may not always guarantee successful protein degradation. The dynamics of the PROTAC-induced degradation complex play a key role in ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. In this study, we computationally modelled protein complex structures and dynamics associated with a series of PROTACs featuring different linkers to investigate why these PROTACs, all of which formed ternary complexes with Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase and the target protein bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4
BD1
), exhibited varying degrees of degradation potency. We constructed the degradation machinery complexes with Culling-Ring Ligase 4A (CRL4A) E3 ligase scaffolds. Through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrated how PROTAC-dependent protein dynamics facilitating the arrangement of surface lysine residues of BRD4
BD1
into the catalytic pocket of E2/ubiquitin cascade for ubiquitination. Despite featuring identical warheads in this PROTAC series, the linkers were found to affect the residue-interaction networks, and thus governing the essential motions of the entire degradation machine for ubiquitination. These findings offer a structural dynamic perspective on ligand-induced protein degradation, providing insights to guide future PROTAC design endeavors.
Evolución de las categorías en los festivales publicitarios en el periodo 2000-2023
Authors: Castelló-Martínez Araceli , Ruiz Martínez Laura
Published: January 2025

Los festivales publicitarios, que reconocen la labor de las agencias en distintos ámbitos, como la creatividad o la eficacia, son un elemento fundamental en el sistema publicitario. Diversas investigaciones han puesto el foco en estos, especialmente en la perspectiva de género, el análisis de contenido de las campañas galardonadas o la evaluación del criterio creativo de los jurados. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la evolución que han vivido las secciones, las categorías y las subcategorías de los festivales publicitarios en el periodo 2000-2023. El método se basa en un análisis cuantitativo de estas dimensiones en 15 festivales publicitarios entre 2000 y 2023, así como en un análisis cualitativo de sus títulos para la clasificación descriptiva en bloques temáticos. Se identifican nueve bloques temáticos: branded content y narrativa de marca, eficacia y creatividad, innovación y tecnología, medios publicitarios, producción artística, productos y servicios, relaciones públicas y eventos, responsabilidad social corporativa y social media y marketing digital. A lo largo del periodo analizado, las secciones y categorías más populares en los festivales han evolucionado de aquellas centradas en los medios publicitarios a otras basadas en la producción artística, la publicidad digital y la innovación. El análisis de la evolución del palmarés de los festivales publicitarios permite identificar la tendencia en la industria publicitaria de reconocer las características de las estrategias de comunicación persuasiva, independientemente de los medios de difusión o los sectores de actividad de los anunciantes.
Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm Using D2 Analysis
Authors: Thakare Vinayak V. , Lal G. M. , Bara Bineeta M.
Published: February 2025

The present investigation was conducted with 41 genotypes of Rice during Kharif 2023 under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Data were recorded for thirteen quantitative characters to obtain estimates of variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic divergence. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the characters studied. This study concluded, the highest grain yield was observed in VASUMATHI 38.9 followed by DHAN-69 34.33 based on mean performance at Prayagraj region. A higher magnitude of PCV as well as GCV coefficient of variation was noted for the number of total tillers per plant (22.05) and (21.20). Whereas the lowest PCV and GCV coefficient of variation was recorded for Days to maturity (7.40 and 6.80). High estimates of heritability (above 60%) in broad sense were recorded for all the thirteen characters under study, which ranged from 92.45% number of total tillers per plant to 61.55 harvest index. along with high genetic advance for number of spikelets per panicle (54.38), plant height (cm) (27.95), days to 50% flowering (22.93), and days to maturity (17.72). Biological yield (g) (15.33), harvest index (%) (11.06) and flag leaf length (cm) (10.05) D2 analysis distributed the 41 genotypes into six clusters.
The largest cluster was cluster I with 36 genotypes followed by cluster II, III, IV, V, VI with 1 genotype each. Highest contribution in manifestation of genetic divergence was exhibited by grain yield per plant (22.82) followed by biological yield (21.28) and test weight (12.56). Lowest intercluster distance was between cluster I and cluster IV which was (60.58). The intercluster distance was maximum between cluster IV and VI (247.17). Therefore, genotypes present in these clusters should be used for the future hybridization program.
Highlights:

Germplasms were grouped into 6 clusters.
Cluster IV and VI were the most divergent clusters
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles Derivates against (Plutella xylostella L.) Diamondback Moth
Authors: Bandeira Gustavo Neto , Camara Claudio Augusto Gomes da , Moraes Marcílio Martins de , Melo João Paulo Ramos de , Filho João Rufino de Freitas , Freitas Jucleiton José Rufino de
Published: February 2025

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a cosmopolitan pest known for its destruction of cruciferous plants. Commercial insecticides, such as Decis 25 EC and Azamax, are the main forms of controlling this pest in irrigated systems in the agricultural communities of the city of Garanhuns (northeastern Brazil). However, the difficulty in controlling this pest resides in its high fecundity and short lifecycle, which serve as resistance mechanisms to insecticides. Considering the immediate need to find alternative products to insecticides employed in these agricultural communities, nine 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized using an easy, mild method with high to moderate yields. The effect of 4-(3-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-5-yl)-butan-2-one (6a), 4-(3-p-tolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-butan-2-one (6c) and (R, S)-3-p-benzylphenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-5-yl)-ethanol (7e) and its precursors was assessed against third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella and the results were compared to commercial insecticides available in the communities. Compounds 6a and 6c exhibited the same level of toxicity but were more toxic than compound 7e. All 1,2,4-oxadiazoles exhibited high toxicity. P. xylostella was less susceptible to the commercial insecticides used as the positive controls than the 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives. The results demonstrate that the larvae of P. xylostella are highly sensitive to the ring of 1,2,4-oxadiazole, which can be used as a potential insect-control agent.

The present study aimed to describe the synthesis and evaluate the insecticidal activity of 4-(3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-5-yl)-butan-2-one and (R,S)-3-aryl-5-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole  against P. xylostella.
A Qualitative Study of Community Perceptions of Speeding and Road Safety in Agona Swedru, Ghana
Authors: Ampah Augustina
Published: February 2025

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to be a grave public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana. Community perceptions of this issue are still being investigated, despite the fact that speeding is a significant contributor to RTAs. This research employs a qualitative research design to investigate the attitudes of the community towards road safety and racing in Agona Swedru, Ghana. A total of 89 respondents were purposively sampled. This encompasses pedestrians, licensed commercial and private vehicles, and local leaders who participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, thematic analysis was implemented to analyse the qualitative data.
The study's findings suggest that economic constraints among commercial drivers are a contributing factor to speeding, while infrastructural deficiencies, such as the absence of speed barriers and appropriate signage, exacerbate road safety risks. Despite the widespread recognition of road safety regulations, compliance remains low due to corruption and insufficient enforcement. The failure to confront the socio-economic realities of the local community resulted in the perception that public awareness campaigns were ineffective. The study suggests a multifaceted approach to road safety that includes the implementation of context-specific public awareness campaigns, the enforcement of speed regulations with greater vigour, and infrastructure improvements.
Overview of Algorithms for Image Recognition
Authors: Abdullah Cheman Mohammed , Yasin Hajar Maseeh
Published: January 2025

The significance of image recognition technology is highlighted by its wide applications in fields such as security, medical image analysis, and data analysis. Its growing popularity reflects advancements in research. Traditional machine learning methods have markedly improved feature extraction, while deep learning techniques have advanced significantly due to the application of various neural networks. This paper reviews algorithms and systems for image recognition, covering both traditional and deep learning methods. It provides extensive descriptions of classification and object detection techniques involving feature extraction, convolutional neural network designs, and neuron activation functions. The focus extends to traditional algorithms like k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, Naive Bayes, and parallel cascade selection. Additionally, it explores various deep learning approaches for image interpretation, detailing different convolutional network dimensions and neuron model constructions. The paper concludes by illustrating algorithms with application examples and clarifying the differences between traditional methods and deep learning.
Impact of Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Women Presenting with Infertility in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: ABIODUN FAGBOLAGUN OLAJIDE , OMOLOLU ADEGBOLA , S OKUNADE KEHINDE , Isaac OMISAKIN SUNDAY , Okechukwu UGWU Aloy , Adebayo AWONIYI , Olaniyi KUSAMOTU A , OLANREWAJU Olabisi , Ayodeji ADEFEMI Kayode , AKANMU Alani Sulaimon
Published: February 2025

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that has been implicated in a wide spectrum of human reproductive diseases including infertility. Many studies have confirmed the association of Chlamydia trachomatis with tubal infertility. However, there is a paucity of information on its contribution to various other types of infertility including unexplained infertility. The available studies on the association of chlamydia with infertility are serology based.
Objectives: Using nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), this study determined the association between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and infertility in women attending the infertility clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Methods: This was an analytical cross- sectional study conducted among reproductive age women with infertility and an equal number of fertile women attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Chlamydia trachomatis detection test (NAAT) was done using laboratory protocol comprising nucleic acid amplification test Data analysis was performed using the EPI-INFO version 7.2 statistical software, with appropriate statistics and associations carried out.
Results: The prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis infection was 10% in infertile participants but 1.7% in the fertile comparative group (P=0.057). There were statistically significant differences in age (p = 0.016) and parity (p= <0.001) of women in the two comparison groups. Chlamydia trachomatis infection positivity was higher in women in the third decade of life on multivariate analysis (p = 0.008). Half of the women with infertility that tested positive for chlamydia trachomatis infection in this study had tubal factor while the other half had unexplained infertility.
Conclusion: This study showed a higher prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women with infertility as compared with women with spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy. There was no association between active Chlamydia trachomatis infection and infertility.
Synergistic Effects of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on the Growth Performance of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.var.Botrytis) cv. PusaSnowball-1
Authors: Karishma Km Ku , Singh Harpal , Sukpal  , Dushyant
Published: February 2025

The experiment was carried out during Rabi 2023-24 at the Experimental, Organic Research farm Kargunwaji, Jhansi, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). The present experiment was carried out using Randomized block design with three replications to study the effect of organic manures,i.e. (farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and poultry manure) and biofertilizers individually or in combination on the growth performance of cauliflower. The obtained results can be summarized as follows: The plant height was found to move significantly due to various treatments at every observation stage of plants. Among treatments, T6 (50% Biofertilizer+50% Vermicompost) treatment resulted in significantly higher plant height at every stage as compared to the remaining treatments. Application of 50% Biofertilizer+50% FYM treatment (T5) was found the second-best treatment. Accordingly, at 60 days stage the maximum height upto 33.56 cm was recorded in the case of T1 (100%FYM) treatment, followed by 32.31cm in the case of T1 (100%FYM) treatment. Economically, the results confirmed the fact that organic and bio-fertilizer treatments were effective but less profitable compared to traditional fertilizers, where treatment T0 (N100P60K80) recorded the highest B: Cratio (2.53) and followed by T6 (50%Biofertilizer+50% Vermicompost) treatment with1.78B:Cratio.
Optimum Sowing Time and Suitable Cultivars for Seed Quality Parameters of Soybean (Glycine max L.) during Off-Season in Northern Telangana Zone
Authors: U. Mounika, , B. Balaji Naik, , A. V. Ramanjaneyulu, , K. Pavan Chandra Reddy, , M. Yakadri,
Published: February 2025

Aims: To identify the optimum sowing time and suitable varieties of soybean for quality of soybean during the off-season in the Northern Telangana Agroclimatic zone of Telangana state in India.
Study Design:  Strip plot design with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rudrur, Nizamabad District, Telangana state, India, between October 2022 and June 2023.
Methodology: The field experiment was conducted in medium clay loam soil under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three varieties viz., JS 335 (V1), ASB 22 (V2) and KDS 726 (V3) as horizontal strips and nine dates of sowings (16 days interval) viz., 3 Oct (D1), 19 Oct (D2), 3 Nov (D3), 19 Nov (D4), 3 Dec (D5) 19 Dec (D6), 3 Jan (D7), 19 Jan (D8) and 3 Feb (D9) as vertical strips, replicated thrice. The seeds were sown by dibbling at 5 cm apart within the row and rows were space at 45 cm apart. Standard recommended package of practice of kharif season suggested by PJTSAU was followed. The data on seed quality parameters were recorded by placing 100 seeds of 3 replications in paper towels and field.
Results: The results of the experiment revealed that, the seeds of cv. JS 335 and cv. KDS 726 collected from D2 recorded the highest values of germination %, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II which was tested at 1 week after harvest, 1 month after harvest and in June month. Whereas, the seeds of cv. ASB 22 in D1 maintained higher germination%, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II across the time interval of testing from 1 week after harvest to June month. The field emergence test in June month results showed that, the seeds of cv. JS 335, ASB 22 and KDS 726 produced with 3 Jan, 3 Nov and 19 Nov sowings, respectively recorded highest number of seed emergence at 3rd, 4th, 7th and 14th day of count. 
Conclusion: The soybean cv. ASB 22 sown in the first week of Oct was found to be suitable for producing high quality seeds during the off season.
Sustainable Approaches for Managing Alternaria Blight in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc.
Authors: B Barath , J Ann Rose , J R Silpa , Zacharia Sunil
Published: January 2025

Brassica juncea, also known as Indian mustard, is a globally used oilseed, vegetable, and condiment. Alternaria brassicae, a filamentous fungus, causes Alternaria black spot, affecting crop productivity. This research endeavours to investigate environmentally sustainable methods for managing the Alternaria blight on mustard. The experiment was analyzed in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications in a plot size 2x1 m2. The field experiment was conducted at the research plot in the Central Research Field, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. during Rabi season 2022-2023 to test the effect of Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, eucalyptus oil, neem leaf extract, salicylic acid, and Ascophyllum nodosum on Alternaria blight of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. Treatments included seed treatment and foliar applications optimized from prior laboratory trials. Parameters like disease intensity and plant growth were assessed, and data were statistically analyzed. Among the treatments, Trichoderma viride @ 10 g/L was the most effective followed by salicylic acid. The seed treatment and foliar spray of T. viride @ 10g/L thrice at 15-day intervals significantly reduced disease intensity on leaves (37.20%) and pods (18.73%), AUDPC (1245) and significantly increased the yield (1.631 t/ha), and cost-benefit ratio (2.37). However, the maximum height of the plant was recorded in Ascophyllum nodosum (189cm). The current experiment proved that, without using any chemicals, the management of Alternaria blight disease in mustard can be profoundly possible through the use of different bio-agents, essential oils, botanicals, and elicitors.
Numerical Analysis of the Absorber Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells based on Cu2O as Hole Transporting Material
Authors: Nyinongo Gabriel T. , Ikyumbur Jonathan T. , Gbaorun Federick , Aper Terwase M. , Danladi Eli
Published: January 2025

The numerical analysis was performed on lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to enhance the cell’s performance, minimize toxicity, and improve cell stability. The solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) was used to investigate the effect of the thickness, bandgap, temperature, and interface defect density of the PSC. The SCAPS-1D consists of several layers; during the simulation, the Cu2O was used as the hole transport layer (HTL), the TiO2 was utilized as the electron transport layer (ETL), and the methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) was used as the absorber layer. A fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) was deployed to perform the function of a front contact and transparent conductive oxide. The platinium serves as the back metal contact and a means to minimize toxicity in the lead. The variation in the thickness of the absorber layer recorded the highest PCE of 28.46% as the thickness increases to 1.0  but decrease at further increases in thickness. The device performance at lower interface defect density was higher and decreased as the defect density increased. The behaviour of the bandgap was also examined in the (ETL) and the results show a decrease in the PCE with increasing bandgap but on the contrary that of (HTL) increase in the PCE with increase in the bandgap. The PCE in the absorber layer also increases as the bandgap increases. The device's best operation temperature was between 280k and 340k.
Short-Stay Units vs Routine Admission From the Emergency Department in Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Pang Peter S. , Berger David A. , Mahler Simon A. , Li Xiaochun , Pressler Susan J. , Lane Kathleen A. , Bischof Jason J. , Char Douglas , Diercks Deborah , Jones Alan E. , Hess Erik P. , Levy Phillip , Miller Joseph B. , Venkat Arvind , Harrison Nicholas E. , Collins Sean P.
Published: January 2024

Importance

More than 80% of patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure (AHF) are hospitalized. With more than 1 million annual hospitalizations for AHF in the US, safe and effective alternatives are needed. Care for AHF in short-stay units (SSUs) may be safe and more efficient than hospitalization, especially for lower-risk patients, but randomized clinical trial data are lacking.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of SSU care vs hospitalization in lower-risk patients with AHF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter randomized clinical trial randomly assigned low-risk patients with AHF 1:1 to SSU or hospital admission from the ED. Patients received follow-up at 30 and 90 days post discharge. The study began December 6, 2017, and was completed on July 22, 2021. The data were analyzed between March 27, 2020, and November 11, 2023.

Intervention

Randomized post-ED disposition to less than 24 hours of SSU care vs hospitalization.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The study was designed to detect at least 1-day superiority for a primary outcome of days alive and out of hospital (DAOOH) at 30-day follow-up for 534 participants, with an allowance of 10% participant attrition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment was truncated at 194 participants. Before unmasking, the primary outcome was changed from DAOOH to an outcome with adequate statistical power: quality of life as measured by the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12). The KCCQ-12 scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.

Results

Of the 193 patients enrolled (1 was found ineligible after randomization), the mean (SD) age was 64.8 (14.8) years, 79 (40.9%) were women, and 114 (59.1%) were men. Baseline characteristics were balanced between arms. The mean (SD) KCCQ-12 summary score between the SSU and hospitalization arms at 30 days was 51.3 (25.7) vs 45.8 (23.8) points, respectively (P = .19). Participants in the SSU arm had 1.6 more DAOOH at 30-day follow-up than those in the hospitalization arm (median [IQR], 26.9 [24.4-28.8] vs 25.4 [22.0-27.7] days; P = .02). Adverse events were uncommon and similar in both arms.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings show that the SSU strategy was no different than hospitalization with regard to KCCQ-12 score, superior for more DAOOH, and safe for lower-risk patients with AHF. These findings of lower health care utilization with the SSU strategy need to be definitively tested in an adequately powered study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03302910
Global Prevalence of Adolescent Use of Nonprescription Weight-Loss Products
Authors: Hall Natasha Yvonne , Hetti Pathirannahalage Dhanushi Madhushani , Mihalopoulos Cathy , Austin S. Bryn , Le Long
Published: January 2024

Importance

Use of nonprescribed weight-loss products in adolescents is a public health concern that is associated with negative physical and psychological consequences. However, the prevalence of nonprescribed weight-loss product use in adolescents is unknown.

Objective

To determine the global prevalence of nonprescription weight-loss product use in children and adolescents.

Data Sources

Four databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health), and EMBASE, were searched for quantitative studies that reported prevalence data on use of nonprescription weight-loss products with no restrictions on publication date. The search was performed December 1, 2020, and updated March 6, 2023.

Study Selection

Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they reported the prevalence of weight-loss product use, were published in English, and included individuals 18 years or younger.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was completed by 2 independent reviewers. Data analysis determined the overall pooled proportion of weight-loss product use in total and during the past week, past 30 days, past year, or lifetime. Inverse variance heterogeneity effect models were used.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome measure was the prevalence of nonprescription weight-loss product use in adolescents for all included studies and over the past week, past month, past year, or lifetime. Subgroup analysis included separation of groups by sex, specific weight-loss product types, geographical location, and study publication time.

Results

A total of 90 articles (604 552 unique participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Of these, 50 studies (56%) were from North America. The reported prevalence of weight-loss product use in adolescents was 5.5% (96% CI, 5.5%-5.6%) overall. When identifying use of weight-loss products in the general population, prevalence was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.9%-2.1%) in the past week, 4.4% (95% CI, 4.3%-4.5%) in the past month, 6.2% (95% CI, 6.1%-6.3%) in the past year, and 8.9% (95% CI, 8.6%-9.2%) in their lifetime. Use of weight-loss products was higher among girls than boys.

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis found that use of weight-loss products occurs at high levels in adolescents, especially girls. These findings suggest that, given the ineffectiveness of these products for weight loss coupled with their harmful long-term health consequences, interventions are required to reduce use of weight-loss products in this group.
Shark Skin Denticles: From Morphological Diversity to Multi‐functional Adaptations and Applications
Authors: Ghimire Ashish , Dahl Rikke Beckmann , Shen Sheng‐Feng , Chen Po‐Yu
Published: January 2024

The energy crisis of the 1970s sparked growing concern over minimizing fuel consumption in water, land, and air transportation. Researchers fascinated by sharks' effortless swimming abilities investigated shark skin denticles and uncovered functions beyond drag reduction, such as antifouling, protection, and bioluminescence. Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made in comprehending drag reduction and antifouling functions of denticle structures; however, the investigation of other functions remains limited. Recent discoveries of diverse denticle morphologies have ignited a keen interest in obtaining morphogroups that can aid other functional studies. This work integrates advances in antifouling, hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, bioluminescence, and protective functions to provide a holistic understanding of their diverse roles. Additionally, this work also dictates multi‐functional adaptations of denticles and contributes to the relatively less‐explored but essential aspects, such as protective functions and denticle morphogroups. By examining these functions together, this work aims to uncover potential synergies and interactions, facilitating the development of multifunctional materials inspired by shark skin denticles.
Synthesis of a Photo‐Crosslinkable Elastomer for Stretchable Electronics and Its Use in Strain‐Insensitive Pressure Sensors
Authors: Park Hyon‐Gyu , Kim Minsung , Park Hayeong , Oh Joon Hak
Published: January 2024

A stretchable electronic substrate with strategically positioned rigid and soft islands offers a significant platform to overcome the limitations of current stretchable substrates. This design facilitates the integration of conventional rigid electroactive materials into high‐performance stretchable electronics. This study introduces a photo‐crosslinkable, transparent elastomer substrate based on acrylates. When exposed to UV irradiation, it undergoes selective crosslinking (with crosslinking density and modulus depending on the number of crosslinkers); it can achieve a modulus increase of up to 38 000%. Rigid regions of specific shapes and sizes can be created using a photomask, while soft regions remain intact for expansion during stretching. The substrate is used to produce a capacitive strain/strain‐insensitive pressure (SIP) sensor in which rigid islands act as the dielectric layer of the capacitor; sensitivity to external stimuli is modulated by the modulus of the rigid islands. In addition, a high‐efficiency SIP sensor (SIPS) employing an electrospun dielectric layer, which amplifies the pressure sensitivity by 780‐fold, is developed, ensuring a constant low strain sensitivity.
Heterostructured BN@Co‐C@C Endowing Polyester Composites Excellent Thermal Conductivity and Microwave Absorption at C Band
Authors: Zhong Xiao , He Mukun , Zhang Chenyang , Guo Yongqiang , Hu Jinwen , Gu Junwei
Published: January 2024

The trends of miniaturization, lightweight, and high integration in electronics have brought serious issues in heat dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility and also limited the simultaneous use of thermally conductive and microwave absorption materials. Therefore, it is imperative to design materials that possess those dual functions. In this work, one‐pot method is used to anchor zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF‐67 coated with polydopamine (PDA) on boron nitride (BN) to obtain BN@ZIF‐67@PDA. The pyrolysis product BN@Co‐C@C is used as heterostructured thermally conductive/microwave absorption fillers and blended with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to prepare BN@Co‐C@C/PET composites. When the mass ratio of BN to ZIF‐67@PDA is 7.5:1 and the mass fraction of BN7.5@Co‐C@C is 45 wt%, the BN7.5@Co‐C@C/PET composites exhibit excellent thermal conductivities and microwave absorption performances. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 5.37 W m−1 K−1, which is 35.8 times higher than that of PET (0.15 W m−1 K−1), and also higher than that of 45 wt% (BN7.5/Co‐C@C)/PET composites (4.03 W m−1 K−1) prepared by directly mixing. The minimum reflection loss of 45 wt% BN7.5@Co‐C@C/PET composites are −63.1 dB at 4.72 GHz, and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth is 1.28 GHz (4.08–5.36 GHz), achieving excellent microwave absorption performance at C band.
Nonmetallic Se/N Co‐Doped Amorphous Carbon Anode Collaborates to Realize Ultra‐High Capacity and Fast Potassium Storage for Potassium Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guan Shuhua , Zhou Jiwei , Sun Shuling , Peng Qiaoling , Guo Xiuli , Liu Botian , Zhou Xiaolong , Tang Yongbing
Published: January 2024

Heteroatom doping in carbon‐based anode materials is crucial to improve their capacity and promoting the practical application of low‐cost potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs). Herein, the selenium/nitrogen co‐doped amorphous carbon nanocluster (SeN‐ACN) anodes exhibit an ultra‐high reversible capacity of 621 mAh g−1 at 0.75 C (225 mA g−1) and a capacity retention of 93% after 2000 cycles at 5 C, which represent a remarkable achievement in potassium storage in nonmetallic doped carbon materials. This is attributed to the synergistic effects of Se/N co‐doping and their anchoring effects on potassium ions. As a proof of concept, a potassium‐based dual‐ion battery (K‐DIB), which consists of a SeN‐ACN anode and low‐cost graphite cathode, demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 118 mAh g−1 at 150 mA g−1 with a high cut‐off voltage of 5.2 V. Moreover, it presents excellent long‐term cycling performance, with 70% capacity retention after 500 cycles, among the best reported results of K‐DIBs.
Orthogonally Sequential Activation of Self‐Powered DNAzymes Cascade for Reliable Monitoring of mRNA in Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Fuqiang , Yang Nan , Zhou Fu , Qiao Ruonan , Wan Yifei , Liu Rong , Yang Suwan , Gu Mingzheng , Xu Huae , Dong Xiaochen , Wang Guangfeng
Published: January 2024

Ratiometric imaging of tumor‐related mRNA is significant, yet spatiotemporally resolved regulation on the ratiometric signals to avoid non‐specific activation in the living cells remains challenging. Herein, orthogonally sequential activation of concatenated DNAzyme circuits is, first, developed for Spatio Temporally regulated Amplified and Ratiometric (STAR) imaging of TK1 mRNA inside living cells with enhanced reliability and accuracy. By virtue of the synthesized CuO/MnO2 nanosheets, orthogonally regulated self‐powered DNAzyme circuits are operated precisely in living cells, sequentially activating two‐layered DNAzyme cleavage reactions to achieve the two ratiometric signal readouts successively for reliable monitoring of low‐abundance mRNA in living cells. It is found that the ratiometric signals can only be derived from mRNA over‐expressed tumor cells, also irrespective of probes’ delivery concentration. The presented approach could provide new insight into orthogonally regulated ratiometric systems for reliable imaging of specific biomarkers in living cells, benefiting disease precision diagnostics.
Resistive Memory Devices at the Thinnest Limit: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Li Xiao‐Dong , Chen Nian‐Ke , Wang Bai‐Qian , Niu Meng , Xu Ming , Miao Xiangshui , Li Xian‐Bin
Published: January 2024

The Si‐based integrated circuits industry has been developing for more than half a century, by focusing on the scaling‐down of transistor. However, the miniaturization of transistors will soon reach its physical limits, thereby requiring novel material and device technologies. Resistive memory is a promising candidate for in‐memory computing and energy‐efficient synaptic devices that can satisfy the computational demands of the future applications. However, poor cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device uniformities hinder its mass production. 2D materials, as a new type of semiconductor, is successfully employed in various micro/nanoelectronic devices and have the potential to drive future innovation in resistive memory technology. This review evaluates the potential of using the thinnest advanced materials, that is, monolayer 2D materials, for memristor or memtransistor applications, including resistive switching behavior and atomic mechanism, high‐frequency device performances, and in‐memory computing/neuromorphic computing applications. The scaling‐down advantages of promising monolayer 2D materials including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and hexagonal boron nitride are presented. Finally, the technical challenges of these atomic devices for practical applications are elaborately discussed. The study of monolayer‐2D‐material‐based resistive memory is expected to play a positive role in the exploration of beyond‐Si electronic technologies.
Self‐Heating Multistage Microneedle Patch for Topical Therapy of Skin Cancer
Authors: Shao Jundong , Li Xingxing , Li Yashi , Lin Jing , Huang Peng
Published: January 2024

Topical therapy is a favored route for treating skin cancers, but remain many challenges, such as low delivery efficiency, limited tumor tissue penetration, and unsatisfactory blood circulation. Here, a self‐heating microneedle (MN) patch with multilevel structures, including a dissolvable base for rapid drug release, a degradable tip for sustained drug release, and a self‐heating substrate is described. The thermally enhanced drug release performance is validated through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. High tumor therapeutic efficacy can be achieved due to the rapid release of 5‐fluorouracil, while the sustained release of thymoquinone endows the MN patch with long‐term tumor inhibition ability. It is further demonstrated the feasibility of such an MN patch for in vivo topical therapy of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with high efficacy, low side effects, and long‐term inhibition of recurrence. This self‐heating MN patch holds great promise for potential clinical applications, especially for the treatment of skin cancers.
Surface Engineered Single‐atom Systems for Energy Conversion
Authors: Yu Yutang , Zhu Zijian , Huang Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are demonstrated to show exceptional reactivity and selectivity in catalytic reactions by effectively utilizing metal species, making them a favorable choice among the different active materials for energy conversion. However, SACs are still in the early stages of energy conversion, and problems like agglomeration and low energy conversion efficiency are hampering their practical applications. Substantial research focus on support modifications, which are vital for SAC reactivity and stability due to the intimate relationship between metal atoms and support. In this review, a category of supports and a variety of surface engineering strategies employed in SA systems are summarized, including surface site engineering (heteroatom doping, vacancy introducing, surface groups grafting, and coordination tunning) and surface structure engineering (size/morphology control, cocatalyst deposition, facet engineering, and crystallinity control). Also, the merits of support surface engineering in single‐atom systems are systematically introduced. Highlights are the comprehensive summary and discussions on the utilization of surface‐engineered SACs in diversified energy conversion applications including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and energy conversion devices. At the end of this review, the potential and obstacles of using surface‐engineered SACs in the field of energy conversion are discussed. This review aims to guide the rational design and manipulation of SACs for target‐specific applications by capitalizing on the characteristic benefits of support surface engineering.
Designable Photo‐Responsive Micron‐Scale Ultrathin Peptoid Nanobelts for Enhanced Performance on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Pengchao , Sui Pengliang , Peng Guiping , Sun Zichao , Liu Fan , Yao Wenqian , Jin Haibao , Lin Shaoliang
Published: January 2024

The development of high‐reactive single‐atom catalysts (SACs) based on long‐range‐ordered ultrathin organic nanomaterials (UTONMs) (i.e., below 3 nm) provides a significant tactic for the advancement in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) but remains challenging. Herein, photo‐responsive ultrathin peptoid nanobelts (UTPNBs) with a thickness of ≈2.2 nm and micron‐scaled length are generated using the self‐assembly of azobenzene‐containing amphiphilic ternary alternating peptoids. The pendants hydrophobic conjugate stacking mechanism reveals the formation of 1D ultralong UTPNBs, whose thickness is dictated by the length of side groups that are linked to peptoid backbones. The photo‐responsive feature is demonstrated by a reversible morphological transformation from UTPNBs to nanospheres (21.5 nm) upon alternative irradiation with UV and visible lights. Furthermore, the electrocatalyst performance of these aggregates co‐decorated with nitrogen‐rich ligand of terpyridine (TE) and uniformly‐distributed atomic platinum (Pt) is evaluated toward HER, with a photo‐controllable electrocatalyst activity that highly depended on both the presence of Pt element and structural characteristic of substrates. The Pt‐based SACs using TE‐modified UTPNBs as support exhibit a favorable electrocatalytic capacity with an overpotential of ≈28 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. This work presents a promising strategy to fabricate stimuli‐responsive UTONMs‐based catalysts with controllable HER catalytic performance.
Tertiary‐Amine Controlled (3+3) or (4+2) Annulations of β′‐Acetoxy Allenoates with N‐Sulfonyl Ketimines: An Entry to m‐Teraryl and Fused Dihydropyridines
Authors: Qureshi Asif Ali , Kumar A. Sanjeeva , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: January 2024

Lewis base dependent (3+3) and (4+2) annulations of β′‐acetoxy allenoates with N‐sulfonyl ketimines offer m‐teraryl and fused dihydropyridines with varying substituents depending on the tertiary amine as well as subtle changes in the reaction conditions. The triazabicyclodecene (TBD)‐catalyzed (3+3) annulation involves 1,2‐elimination followed by 6‐endo‐dig cyclization as key steps in delivering fused 1,4‐hydropyridines. The same reactants under DMAP catalysis offer m‐teraryl via Mannich coupling, rather than 1,2‐elimination followed by C−N bond cleavage/aromatization. Key intermediates have been identified by HRMS studies.
Multimodal Learning‐Based Proactive Human Handover Intention Prediction Using Wearable Data Gloves and Augmented Reality
Authors: Zou Rui , Liu Yubin , Zhao Jie , Cai Hegao
Published: January 2024

Efficient object handover between humans and robots holds significant importance within collaborative manufacturing environments. Enhancing the efficacy of human–robot handovers involves enabling robots to comprehend and foresee human handover intentions. This article introduces human‐teaching–robot‐learning‐prediction framework, allowing robots to learn from diverse human demonstrations and anticipate human handover intentions. The framework facilitates human programming of robots through demonstrations utilizing augmented reality and a wearable dataglove, aligned with task requirements and human working preferences. Subsequently, robots enhance their cognitive capabilities by assimilating insights from human handover demonstrations, utilizing deep neural network algorithms. Furthermore, robots can proactively seek clarification from humans via an augmented reality system when confronted with ambiguity in human intentions, mirroring how humans seek clarity from their counterparts. This proactive approach empowers robots to anticipate human intentions and assist human partners during handovers. Empirical results underscore the benefits of the proposed approach, demonstrating highly accurate prediction of human intentions in human–robot handover tasks.