bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are energy‐poor households also poor? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Adusah‐Poku Frank , Adjei‐Mantey Kwame , Kwakwa Paul A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPoverty and energy poverty are parts of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The former has been extensively covered in the literature, whereas the latter has not been given the necessary attention until the last decade. In this paper, we use multidimensional measures of energy poverty and poverty to ascertain whether energy‐poor households are also poor, and vice versa. In addition, the study seeks to examine the factors responsible for poverty and energy poverty. This paper uses data sets constructed from the two most recent nationwide household surveys in Ghana (GLSS VI and GLSS VII samples). We find substantial differences in the incidence and index of multidimensional energy poverty and multidimensional poverty by subgroup demographic characteristics. Further, we find that households belong to different categories of poverty and energy poverty status. Our multinomial regression results reveal that household size, marital status, educational background, residential area, age, employment, and gender significantly predict the household's multidimensional poverty and energy poverty status. We recommend massive investment in renewable energy, to make cleaner energy readily available for Ghanaians. In addition, the Ghanaian government should pursue sustainable employment and job creation avenues, directed toward an improved standard of living for the population.
Rat prostaglandin EP3 receptor is highly promiscuous and is the sole prostanoid receptor family member that regulates INS‐1 (832/3) cell glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion
Authors: Sandhu Harpreet K. , Neuman Joshua C. , Schaid Michael D. , Davis Sarah E. , Connors Kelsey M. , Challa Romith , Guthery Erin , Fenske Rachel J. , Patibandla Chinmai , Breyer Richard M. , Kimple Michelle E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChronic elevations in fatty acid metabolites termed prostaglandins can be found in circulation and in pancreatic islets from mice or humans with diabetes and have been suggested as contributing to the β‐cell dysfunction of the disease. Two‐series prostaglandins bind to a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors, each with different biochemical and pharmacological properties. Prostaglandin E receptor (EP) subfamily agonists and antagonists have been shown to influence β‐cell insulin secretion, replication, and/or survival. Here, we define EP3 as the sole prostanoid receptor family member expressed in a rat β‐cell‐derived line that regulates glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Several other agonists classically understood as selective for other prostanoid receptor family members also reduce glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, but these effects are only observed at relatively high concentrations, and, using a well‐characterized EP3‐specific antagonist, are mediated solely by cross‐reactivity with rat EP3. Our findings confirm the critical role of EP3 in regulating β‐cell function, but are also of general interest, as many agonists supposedly selective for other prostanoid receptor family members are also full and efficacious agonists of EP3. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting experimental results from cells or cell lines that also express EP3.
Casticin protected against neuronal injury and inhibited the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
Authors: Huang Dan , Zhou Jiafan , Li Wenning , Zhang Li , Wang Xiaomeng , Liu Qiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough stroke is a major human neurological disease, there is a paucity of effective neuroprotectants that can improve its treatment. Casticin is a natural monomer drug with many biological effects such as anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor actions. However, it is not clear whether it has a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of casticin in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was investigated. Results showed that casticin reduced the volume of the cerebral infarction, mNSS scores, swimming distance, time to find the submerged platform, and serum concentrations of TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IL‐6 in MCAO rats. Moreover, casticin also decreased the expression of TLR4, NF‐κB p65, and NF‐κB p50 proteins and reversed the reduced expression of IκB protein in the brain tissue of MCAO rats. The in vitro study revealed that casticin decreased apoptosis of OGD/R‐PC12 cells, reduced the expression of TLR4, NF‐κB p65, and NF‐κB p50, while increased IκB protein expression. In conclusion, casticin improved the neurological functions of MCAO rats via inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway and might have the potential to be developed into a neuroprotective agent for stroke patients.
Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of CoZrxNb1−xFeSi alloys for spintronic and thermoelectric applications
Authors: Tariq Saad , Mubarak Ahmad A. , Hamioud Farida 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis ab‐initio investigation presents the effect of substitution of Zr by Nb atom on the structural, electronic, magnetic, and transport properties of the quaternary Heusler CoZrFeSi alloy. The ab‐initio calculations were performed using the exchange‐correlation of the modified Becke‐Johnson potential. Our results predict that the crystalline phase for each of CoZrFeSi and CoNbFeSi alloys is classified as Type‐I. The calculated formation energy value of the Nb‐doped alloys indicates the thermodynamic stability of the alloys and their possible creation. The bulk modulus value predicts that the rigidity increases with increasing the concentration of the Nb substitute atoms in the alloy. The electronic band structure and the density of states indicate a half metallicity of the alloys with metallic and semiconducting behaviors in the spin up and down, respectively. The studied alloys have shown ferromagnetic character with a high magnetic moment value when increasing the Nb content up to 75%. The calculated Seebeck coefficient and the charge carrier concentration as a function of temperature predict that the present alloys prefer the n‐type doping with the ability to switch between hole and electron for transporting the charges through the Fermi level of CoZr1−xNbxFeSi (x = 0, 0.25, 0.75, and 1) alloys. However, CoZr0.5Nb0.5FeSi alloy prefers electrons as a charge carrier. Due to their determined properties, beneficial applications are predicted for the present alloys, such as magnetic tunnel junctions and spintronic applications.
Finite‐time integral input‐to‐state stability for switched nonlinear time‐delay systems with asynchronous switching
Authors: Wang Zhichuang , Sun Jian , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article is concerned with the stability of switched nonlinear time‐delay systems with asynchronous switching. We start by extending the well‐known concept of integral input‐to‐state stability (iISS) to finite‐time integral input‐to‐state stability (FTiISS). It is clear to find that the new concept of FTiISS plays an important role in many branches of engineering and science. Leveraging the Razumikhin‐type theorem along with the average dwell time (ADT) and mode‐dependent ADT methods, sufficient ISS, iISS, finite‐time ISS, and FTiISS criteria for switched nonlinear time‐delay systems under asynchronous switching are presented. Our proposed results improve upon the existing results by removing some restrictive conditions, and subsume some existing ones as special cases. Finally, simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of our results.
Generalized mixed‐effects random forest: A flexible approach to predict university student dropout
Authors: Pellagatti Massimo , Masci Chiara , Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe propose a new statistical method, called generalized mixed‐effects random forest (GMERF), that extends the use of random forest to the analysis of hierarchical data, for any type of response variable in the exponential family. The method maintains the flexibility and the ability of modeling complex patterns within the data, typical of tree‐based ensemble methods, and it can handle both continuous and discrete covariates. At the same time, GMERF takes into account the nested structure of hierarchical data, modeling the dependence structure that exists at the highest level of the hierarchy and allowing statistical inference on this structure. In the case study, we apply GMERF to Higher Education data to analyze the university student dropout phenomenon. We predict engineering student dropout probability by means of student‐level information and considering the degree program students are enrolled in as grouping factor.
Operando Surface Spectroscopy and Microscopy during Catalytic Reactions: From Clusters via Nanoparticles to Meso‐Scale Aggregates
Authors: Rupprechter Günther 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOperando characterization of working catalysts, requiring per definitionem the simultaneous measurement of catalytic performance, is crucial to identify the relevant catalyst structure, composition and adsorbed species. Frequently applied operando techniques are discussed, including X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, near ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. In contrast to these area‐averaging spectroscopies, operando surface microscopy by photoemission electron microscopy delivers spatially‐resolved data, directly visualizing catalyst heterogeneity. For thorough interpretation, the experimental results should be complemented by density functional theory. The operando approach enables to identify changes of cluster/nanoparticle structure and composition during ongoing catalytic reactions and reveal how molecules interact with surfaces and interfaces. The case studies cover the length‐scales from clusters via nanoparticles to meso‐scale aggregates, and demonstrate the benefits of specific operando methods. Restructuring, ligand/atom mobility, and surface composition alterations during the reaction may have pronounced effects on activity and selectivity. The nanoscale metal/oxide interface steers catalytic performance via a long ranging effect. Combining operando spectroscopy with switching gas feeds or concentration‐modulation provides further mechanistic insights. The obtained fundamental understanding is a prerequisite for improving catalytic performance and for rational design.
Facile and Efficient Fabrication of Branched Si@C Anode with Superior Electrochemical Performance in LIBs
Authors: Cao Li , Huang Ting , Cui Mengya , Xu Jiejie , Xiao Rongshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne‐dimensional Si nanostructures with carbon coating (1D Si@C) show great potential in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to small volume expansion and efficient electron transport. However, 1D Si@C anode with large area capacity still suffers from limited cycling stability. Herein, a novel branched Si architecture is fabricated through laser processing and dealloying. The branched Si, composed of both primary and interspaced secondary dendrites with diameters under 100 nm, leads to improved area capacity and cycling stability. By coating a carbon layer, the branched Si@C anode shows gravimetric capacity of 3059 mAh g−1 (1.14 mAh cm−2). At a higher rate of 3 C, the capacity is 813 mAh g−1, which retained 759 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1 C. The area capacity is further improved to 1.93 mAh cm−2 and remained over 92% after 100 cycles with a mass loading of 0.78 mg cm−2. Furthermore, the full‐cell configuration exhibits energy density of 405 Wh kg−1 and capacity retention of 91% after 200 cycles. The present study demonstrates that laser‐produced dendritic microstructure plays a critical role in the fabrication of the branched Si and the proposed method provides new insights into the fabrication of Si nanostructures with facility and efficiency.
Evolution of Metastasis Study Models toward Metastasis‐On‐A‐Chip: The Ultimate Model?
Authors: Ruiz‐Espigares Jesús , Nieto Daniel , Moroni Lorenzo , Jiménez Gema , Marchal Juan Antonio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFor decades, several attempts have been made to obtain a mimetic model for the study of metastasis, the reason of most of deaths caused by cancer, in order to solve the unknown phenomena surrounding this disease. To better understand this cellular dissemination process, more realistic models are needed that are capable of faithfully recreating the entire and essential tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, new tools known as tumor‐on‐a‐chip and metastasis‐on‐a‐chip have been recently proposed. These tools incorporate microfluidic systems and small culture chambers where TME can be faithfully modeled thanks to 3D bioprinting. In this work, a literature review has been developed about the different phases of metastasis, the remaining unknowns and the use of new models to study this disease. The aim is to provide a global vision of the current panorama and the great potential that these systems have for in vitro translational research on the molecular basis of the pathology. In addition, these models will allow progress toward a personalized medicine, generating chips from patient samples that mimic the original tumor and the metastatic process to perform a precise pharmacological screening by establishing the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Polymorphic Effects on Electrochemical Performance of Conversion‐Based MnO2 Anode Materials for Next‐Generation Li Batteries
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Choi Woosung , Yoon Jaesang , Lee Eunkang , Yoon Won‐Sub 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, four different MnO2 polymorphs are synthesized with a controlled morphology of hollow porous structures to systematically investigate the influences of polymorphs in conversion‐based material. As the structure of these materials transforms into nanosized metal and maintains an extremely low‐crystalline phase during cell operation, the effects of polymorphs are overlooked as compared to the case of insertion‐based materials. Thus, differences in the ion storage behaviors among various MnO2 polymorphs are not well identified. Herein, the structural changes, charge storage reaction, and electrochemical performance of the different MnO2 polymorphs are investigated in detail. The experimental results demonstrate that the charge storage reactions, as part of which spinel‐phased MnO2 formation is observed after lithiation and delithiation instead of recovery of the original phases, are similar for all the samples. However, the electrochemical performance varies depending on the initial crystal structure. Among the four polymorphs, the spinel‐type λ‐MnO2 delivers the highest reversible capacity of ≈1270 mAh g−1. The structural similarity between the cycled and pristine states of λ‐MnO2 induces faster kinetics, resulting in the better electrochemical performance. These findings suggest that polymorphs are another important factor to consider when designing high‐performance materials for next‐generation rechargeable batteries.
Biomimetic, Stiff, and Adhesive Periosteum with Osteogenic–Angiogenic Coupling Effect for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yang Yuhe , Xu Tianpeng , Zhang Qiang , Piao Yun , Bei Ho Pan , Zhao Xin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCurrent periosteal grafts have limitations related to low mechanical strength, tissue adhesiveness, and poor osteogenesis and angiogenesis potential. Here, a periosteum mimicking bone aid (PMBA) with similar structure and function to natural periosteum is developed by electrospinning photocrosslinkable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), l‐arginine‐based unsaturated poly(ester amide) (Arg‐UPEA), and methacrylated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAMA). Such combination of materials enhances the material mechanical strength, favors the tissue adhesion, and guarantees the sustained activation of nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO–cGMP) signaling pathway, with well‐coordinated osteogenic–angiogenic coupling effect for accelerated bone regeneration. This work presents a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of thoroughly considering the progression of implant biomaterials: that is, the initial material components (i.e., GelMA, Arg‐UPEA, and nHAMA) equip the scaffold with suitable structure and function, while its degradation products (i.e., Ca2+ and l‐arginine) are involved in long‐term mediation of physiological activities. It is envisioned that the strategy will inspire the design of high‐performance bioscaffolds toward bone and periosteum tissue engineering.
Spatially Separating Redox Centers and Photothermal Effect Synergistically Boosting the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Man , Zhang Gongxin , Guan Zhongjie , Yang Jianjun , Li Qiuye 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSpatially separated loading of reductive and oxidative cocatalysts is a useful strategy for expediting charge separation and surface reaction kinetics, which are two key factors for determining the photocatalytic efficiency. However, loading the spatial separation of dual cocatalysts on a 2D photocatalyst is still a great challenge. Herein, decorating the spatial separation of oxidative and reductive cocatalysts on ZnIn2S4 nanosheets is realized by designing a ternary Co9S8@ZnIn2S4@PdS (CS@ZIS@PS) hollow tubular core‐shell structure. Particularly, Co9S8 and PdS functionally serve as the reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. Experimental results confirm that the spatial separation of Co9S8 and PdS cocatalysts not only efficiently improve charge separation and accelerate surface reduction–oxidation kinetics, but also generate a photothermal effect to further enhance charge transfer and surface reaction kinetics. As a result, the optimized CS@ZIS@PS yields a remarkable H2 evolution rate of 11407 µmol g−1 h−1, and the apparent quantum efficiency reaches 71.2% at 420 nm, which is one of the highest values among ZnIn2S4 so far. The synergistic effect of spatially separated dual cocatalysts and photothermal effect may be applied to other 2D materials for efficient solar energy conversion.
Polarization‐ and Electrode‐Optimized Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films for Harsh Environmental Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Applications
Authors: Jin Da Woon , Ko Young Joon , Ahn Chang Won , Hur Sunghoon , Lee Tae Kwon , Jeong Dong Geun , Lee Minbaek , Kang Chong‐Yun , Jung Jong Hoon 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile piezoelectric nanogenerators have demonstrated the effective conversion of tiny mechanical vibrations to electricity, their performances are rarely examined under harsh environmental conditions. Here, a multilayered polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film‐based piezoelectric nanogenerator (ML‐PENG) is demonstrated to generate considerable and stable power outputs even at extremely low temperatures and pressures, and under strong UV. Up‐/down‐polarized PVDF films are alternately stacked, and Ag electrodes are intercalated between the two adjacent films. At −266 °C and 10−5 Torr, the ML‐PENG generates an open‐circuit voltage of 1.1 V, a short‐circuit current density of 8 nA cm−2, and a power density of 4.4 nW cm−2. The piezoelectric outputs are quite stable against prolonged illumination of UV, large temperature‐ and pressure‐variations, and excessive mechanical vibrations. The piezoelectric power density is greatly enhanced above the freezing and glass transition temperatures of PVDF and recorded to be 10, 105, and 282 nW cm−2 at −73, 0, and 77 °C, respectively. The ML‐PENG generates sufficient power to operate five light‐emitting diodes by harvesting biomechanical energy under simulated Martian conditions. This work suggests that polarization‐ and electrode‐optimized ML‐PENG can serve as a reliable and economic power source in harsh and inaccessible environments like polar areas of Earth and extraterrestrial Mars.
The efficiency of HFMI treatment and TIG remelting for extending the fatigue life of existing welded structures
Authors: Al‐Karawi Hassan , Al‐Emrani Mohammad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDifferent post‐weld treatment methods have been developed to enhance the fatigue strength of welded steel structures and extend the service lives of their components. High‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment and tungsten inert gas (TIG) remelting are two methods that have attracted considerable interest in recent decades. This paper presents the results of a study of fatigue life extension for pre‐fatigued welded steel details which can be achieved using HFMI treatment and TIG remelting. More than 250 fatigue test results were collected – including different details such as butt welds, longitudinal attachments, transverse attachments and cover plate attachments. HFMI treatment was found to extend the life considerably when the specimens treated were free from cracks or when existing cracks were < 2.25 mm deep. TIG remelting could extend fatigue lives even with cracks > 4 mm deep. In comparison to TIG remelting, HFMI treatment results in a longer fatigue life extension for pre‐fatigued details, provided existing cracks are < 2.25 mm deep. Regarding TIG remelting, the depth of possible remaining cracks was found to be a substantial parameter when assessing the degree of life extension.
Sustainable management practices and innovation capacity in family agribusinesses
Authors: Damke Luana Inês , Gomes Clandia Maffini , Kneipp Jordana Marques , Godoy Tais Pentiado , Motke Francies Diego 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSustainability and innovation have gained increasing importance in the competitive landscape of organizations. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationships between the adoption of sustainable management practices and innovation capacity in family agribusinesses certified by the Family Agribusiness Program. To this end, a quantitative study using a survey design was carried out with 128 certified Brazilian family agribusinesses. Sustainable management practices were assessed based on the models proposed by Global Reporting Initiative and Callado. Regarding innovation capacity, the study by Valladares was used as a basis.Homalsanalysis (homogeneity analysis) was used for data analysis. The results showed that the family agribusinesses analyzed that have a high adoption of environmental practices consisting of transformative leaderships that inspire, encourage, and develop people and promote the involvement and cooperation of their employees, high organicity of the organizational structure that allows quick decision‐making and open and transparent communication, and a management for people that allows adequate working conditions, training, and professional recognition.