bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous zirconia surfaces with anti-biofilm properties for dental implants
Authors: D’Agostino Agnese , Tana Francesca , Ettorre Alessandro , Pavarini Matteo , Serafini Andrea , Cochis Andrea , Scalia Alessandro Calogero , Rimondini Lia , De Giglio Elvira , Cometa Stefania , Chiesa Roberto , De Nardo Luigi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cytocompatible bioactive surface treatments conferring antibacterial properties to osseointegrated dental implants are highly requested to prevent bacteria-related peri-implantitis. Here we focus on a newly designed family of mesoporous coatings based on zirconia (ZrO2) microstructure doped with gallium (Ga), exploiting its antibacterial and pro-osseo-integrative properties. The ZrO2 films were obtained via sol–gel synthesis route using Pluronic F127 as templating agent, while Ga doping was gained by introducing gallium nitrate hydrate. Chemical characterization by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy confirmed the effective incorporation of Ga. Then, coatings morphological and structural analysis were carried out by transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction unveiling an effective stabilization of both the mesoporous structure and the tetragonal ZrO2 phase. Specimens’ cytocompatibility was confirmed towards gingival fibroblast and osteoblasts progenitors cultivated directly onto the coatings showing comparable metabolic activity and morphology in respect to controls cultivated on polystyrene. The presence of Ga significantly reduced the metabolic activity of the adhered oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in comparison to untreated bulk zirconia (p < 0.05); on the opposite, Ga ions did not significantly reduce the metabolism of the oral commensal Streptococcus salivarius (p > 0.05) thus suggesting for a selective anti-pathogens activity. Finally, the coatings’ ability to preserve cells from bacterial infection was proved in a co-culture method where cells and bacteria were cultivated in the same environment: the presence of Ga determined a significant reduction of the bacteria viability while allowing at the same time for cells proliferation. In conclusion, the here developed coatings not only demonstrated to satisfy the requested antibacterial and cytocompatibility properties, but also being promising candidates for the improvement of implantable devices in the field of implant dentistry.
The impact of the UK’s COVID-19 lockdowns on energy demand and emissions
Authors: Mehlig Daniel , ApSimon Helen , Staffell Iain 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Around the world, efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have profoundly changed human activity, which may have improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. We investigated the impact of the pandemic on energy demand and subsequent emissions from electricity and gas throughout 2020 in the UK. The daily pattern of electricity demand changed in both lockdowns, with weekday demand shifting to that of a typical pre-pandemic weekend. Energy demand in 2020 was modelled to reveal the impact of the weather and the pandemic. The first lockdown reduced demand by 15.6% for electricity and 12.0% for commercial gas, whereas the second lockdown produced reductions less than half. Domestic gas demand did not change during the first lockdown, but increased by 6.1% in the second, likely due to increased domestic heat demand. The changes in demand for gas resulted in little change to overall gas consumption emissions during the pandemic. For electricity, large emission reductions occurred during the two lockdowns: up to 22% for CO2, 47% for NO
x
, and 29% for PM2.5. Yet, the largest CO2 emission reduction for electricity in 2020 (25%) occurred before the pandemic, which happened during a warm and stormy spell with exceptional wind generation. These observations suggest that future similar changes in activity may result in little change for gas demand and emissions. For electricity, emission reductions through changes in energy demand are made possible by the generation mix. To enable further emission reductions in the future, the generation mix should continue to decarbonise. This will yield emission reductions in both times of lowered energy demand, but more importantly, during times of high renewable output.
Asymptotics of multicomponent linked polygons
Authors: Bonato A , Orlandini E , Whittington S G 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigate the asymptotic behaviour of multi-component links where the edges can be distributed among the components in all possible ways. Specifically we consider a link of k polygons on the simple cubic lattice. We prove two results about the exponential behaviour and use a Monte Carlo method to investigate how the value of the critical exponent depends on link type. One ring grows at the expense of the others while the remaining components act as one or more roots on the growing component, each root contributing 1 to the value of the critical exponent. Which component grows depends on which maximizes the entropy of the system
Facile one-pot solvothermal approach to produce inorganic binary TiO2@NiTiO3 and ternary Au-TiO2@NiTiO3 yellow nano-pigment for environmental and energy use
Authors: Ben Saber Nesrine , Mezni Amine , Alrooqi Arwa , Altalhi Tariq 
Published: April 2021

Abstarct
Hybrid titanium dioxide (TiO2) nickel titanate (NiTiO3) perovskite nanomaterials (TiO2@NiTiO3) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) supported on hybrid titania@nickel titanate (Au-TiO2@NiTiO3) were successfully synthesized using a modified solvothermal wet chemical procedure. A pigment yellow powders were obtained with high crystallinity as characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). TiO2 exhibits the anatase phase despite the calcination at 600 °C and NiTiO3 was found as expected to be in the ilmenite structure while gold retains the cubic structure. As will be shown below, the calcination treatments prove that the crystalline phase of the sample is very sensitive to the heat treatment. The obtained binary and ternary nanocomposites exhibit good optical response with interesting energy gap. The optical property of the nanocomposites was exploited for photocatalytic application against dyes molecules. The hybrid nanomaterial shows efficient photocatalytic activity compared to bare TiO2. Au/TiO2@NiTiO3 shows superior photocatalytic efficiency contrasted to TiO2 and to hybrid TiO2@NiTiO3 that make it a promising photocatalyst for diverse applications counting photovoltaic devices and solar cells.
Stress corrosion cracking and fracture behaviors of gaseous-hydrogenated Titanium alloy Ti-6321 during slow strain rate tests
Authors: Xu Yali , Li Longteng , Yin Yanchao , Zhang Binbin , Jiang Peng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of gaseous-hydrogenated near-alpha titanium alloy Ti-6321 in the range of 20 ∼ 210 wppm (ppm by weight) was investigated using slow strain rate test (SSRT). Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), as well as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), were utilized to observe the microstructures of raw materials, fracture surfaces, cross-sectional areas of fracture surfaces, and the microstructures after deformation; Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) method was used to analyze the grain orientations so as to analyze the fracture behavior. The results showed that the Ti-6321 alloy revealed no SCC susceptibility in this range, and the material exhibited softening effect when hydrogen content was 65wppm and a hardening effect when hydrogen content exceeded 65wppm. With the increase of hydrogen concentration, the elongation increased because the mobility of dislocations and the nucleation of twins were simultaneously enhanced by hydrogen. In addition, microvoids’ growth and nucleation were inhibited by hydrogen in the matrix.
Magnetic proximity effect in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Bora M , Deb P 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The evolution of low-dimensional materials has frequently revolutionized new intriguing physical standards and suggests a unique approach to scientifically design a novel device. However, scaling down of spin-electronic devices entails in-depth knowledge and precise control on engineering interfacial structures, which unveils the exciting opportunity. To reveal exotic quantum phases, atomically thin two-dimensional van der Waals material, embraces control and tuning of various physical states by coupling with peripheral perturbation such as pressure, photon, gating, Moire pattern and proximity effect. Herein, we discuss the physical property of a pristine material which can be converted via proximity effects to attain intrinsic spin-dependent properties from its adjacent material like magnetic, topological or spin–orbit phenomena. Realizing magnetic proximity effect in atomically thin vdW heterostructure not only balance the traditional techniques of designing quality spin interface by doping, defects or surface modification, but also can overcome their restrictions for modelling and fabricate novel spin-related devices in nanoscale phases. The proximitized van der Waals heterostructure systems unveil properties, which cannot be realized in any integral component of considered heterostructure system. These proximitized van der Waals material provide an ideal platform for exploring new physical phenomena, which delivers a broader framework for employing novel materials and investigate nanoscale phases in spintronics and valleytronics.
MXene-based electromagnetic wave response
Authors: Tang Xinfeng , Zhou Min 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Recently, MXenes stand out as an attractive type of two-dimensional layered material. Their unique deformable surface terminations and rich chemical compositions endow MXenes with adjustable and customizable characteristics, resulting in excellent linear/non-linear electromagnetic wave responses and versatile applications. In order to get more insights in this area, here, we make a comprehensive summarization of the interactions according to the response principles between MXenes and electromagnetic waves, such as absorption, scattering, emission, transmission, resonance, etc. The latest progress of corresponding applications is also introduced in detail, including photothermal conversion, photo-/photoelectro-catalysis, electromagnetic interference shielding, photoluminescence, tumor therapy, transparent electrode, photodetector, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, plasmonic absorption, saturated absorption, etc. Finally, the challenges and opportunities are discussed to look forward to the beautiful future of MXenes and MXene-based electromagnetic wave responses.
Spherical convolutions on molecular graphs for protein model quality assessment
Authors: Igashov Ilia , Pavlichenko Nikita , Grudinin Sergei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Processing information on three-dimensional (3D) objects requires methods stable to rigid-body transformations, in particular rotations, of the input data. In image processing tasks, convolutional neural networks achieve this property using rotation-equivariant operations. However, contrary to images, graphs generally have irregular topology. This makes it challenging to define a rotation-equivariant convolution operation on these structures. In this work, we propose spherical graph convolutional network that processes 3D models of proteins represented as molecular graphs. In a protein molecule, individual amino acids have common topological elements. This allows us to unambiguously associate each amino acid with a local coordinate system and construct rotation-equivariant spherical filters that operate on angular information between graph nodes. Within the framework of the protein model quality assessment problem, we demonstrate that the proposed spherical convolution method significantly improves the quality of model assessment compared to the standard message-passing approach. It is also comparable to state-of-the-art methods, as we demonstrate on critical assessment of structure prediction benchmarks. The proposed technique operates only on geometric features of protein 3D models. This makes it universal and applicable to any other geometric-learning task where the graph structure allows constructing local coordinate systems. The method is available at https://team.inria.fr/nano-d/software/s-gcn/.
Theories and models of supercapacitors with recent advancements: impact and interpretations
Authors: Bharti  , Kumar Ashwani , Ahmed Gulzar , Gupta Meenal , Bocchetta Patrizia , Adalati Ravikant , Chandra Ramesh , Kumar Yogesh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSupercapacitors provide remarkable eco-friendly advancement in energy conversion and storage with a huge potential to control the future economy of the entire world. Currently, industries focus on the design and engineering aspects of supercapacitors with high performance (high energy), flexibility (by the use of composite polymer based electrolytes), high voltage (ionic liquid) and low cost. The paper reviews the modelling techniques like Empirical modelling, Dissipation transmission line models, Continuum models, Atomistic models, Quantum models, Simplified analytical models etc. proposed for the theoretical study of Supercapacitors and discusses their limitations in studying all the aspects of Supercapacitors. It also reviews the various software packages available for Supercapacitor (SC) modelling and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. The paper also reviews the Experimental advancements in the field of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), pseudo capacitors and hybrid/asymmetric supercapacitors and discusses the commercial progress of supercapacitors as well.
Estimation under matrix quadratic loss and matrix superharmonicity
Authors: Matsuda T , Strawderman W E 
Published: April 2021

Summary
We investigate estimation of a normal mean matrix under the matrix quadratic loss. Improved estimation under the matrix quadratic loss implies improved estimation of any linear combination of the columns under the quadratic loss. First, an unbiased estimate of risk is derived and the Efron–Morris estimator is shown to be minimax. Next, a notion of matrix superharmonicity for matrix-variate functions is introduced and shown to have properties analogous to those of the usual superharmonic functions, which may be of independent interest. Then, it is shown that the generalized Bayes estimator with respect to a matrix superharmonic prior is minimax. We also provide a class of matrix superharmonic priors that includes the previously proposed generalization of Stein’s prior. Numerical results demonstrate that matrix superharmonic priors work well for low-rank matrices.
The contribution of testing in the fight against COVID-19: evidence from Italy
Authors: De Matteis Alessandro , Turkmen Ceylan Fethiye B , Adrianopoli Marina , Ertek Sibel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
In response to the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a few countries have rolled out widespread testing of the population, while in other countries only people requiring hospital admission are being screened. After an extensive testing strategy during the initial few weeks in the early phase of the epidemic, the Italian Ministry of Health made its testing policy more stringent. In this study we assess the contribution of the testing policy containing the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in Northern Italy.

Methods
The analysis is focused on the evolution of the epidemic and related health intervention in four regions where ∼80% of the national death toll due to COVID-19 has occurred. The assumed under-estimation of asymptomatic cases has led us to make use of the number of deaths due to the epidemic to analyze the effectiveness of testing. The analysis is conducted through an autoregressive time-series approach where we use official data from the Ministry of Health.

Results
The results of the analysis confirm a negative relationship between the number of tests carried out and the progression of the epidemic. In particular, results reveal that the tests are particularly effective in breaking the chain of transmission when they are implemented at the early stages of the spread of the virus.

Conclusions
A large-scale testing policy is recommended as a critical contribution to effectively contain the epidemic. In addition, it is highly recommended to set up all necessary measures to enable the quick scale-up of testing capacity whenever required.
Pegylated Interferon-ɑ (IFN-ɑ) Enhances the Inhibitory Effect of Natural Killer Cells on Regulatory T Cells via IFN-γ in Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Yuan Wei , Huang Da , Wu Di , Chen Yuying , Ma Ke , Han Meifang , Luo Xiaoping , Yan Weiming , Ning Qin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe immunomodulatory role of natural killer (NK) cells has been recognized recently, but its effects on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and treatment remain unclear. A total of 116 nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-treated CHB patients were included. An inverse correlation between the peripheral frequencies of NK cells and Tregs was found in NA suppressed patients following pegylated interferon-ɑ (PegIFN-ɑ)–based treatment. Furthermore, NK cells suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of Tregs through secreting IFN-γ as was evidenced in the circulation of NA-treated CHB patients as well as in liver of HBV-carrier mouse model. Additionally, the inhibition could be enhanced by PegIFN-ɑ treatment, which was correlated to more vigorous HBV-specific T-cell responses and marked reduction in HBsAg. Our study reveals a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of NK cells and provides a theoretical basis for PegIFN-ɑ as an immunotherapy agent in treating patients with CHB.
Metabolic Profiles of 5F-MDMB-PICA in Human Urine, Serum and Hair Samples Using LC–Q Exactive HF-MS
Authors: Qin Shiyang , Xin Guobin , Wei Juanna , He Genye , Yuan Zengping , Liu Hua , Zhang Xu , Wang Yuanfeng , Zhang Wenfang , Lu Jianghai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In 2020, 5F-MDMB-PICA (5F-MDMB-2201) was one of the most common synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) identified in drugs seized by the Beijing Drug Control Agency, and it was categorized as Schedule II by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in March 2020. It is difficult to detect 5F-MDMB-PICA in biological matrices due to its fast metabolic rate in vivo. In this work, 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolic profiles were investigated by liquid chromatography--quadrupole exactive high field orbitrap mass spectrometer (LC-Q Exactive HF MS), with accurate mass measurements in human urine, serum and pubic hair. To obtain intact metabolites, solid-phase extraction for urine and serum and direct ultrasonic extraction for pubic hair were applied to clean the samples without enzymatic hydrolysis. The differences in 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolism in the three different matrices were compared for the first time to determine the best detection biomarkers for monitoring 5F-MDMB-PICA misuse. Urine samples were determined to be the preferred biological material for identifying 5F-MDMB-PICA abuse. Forty-seven intact metabolites were detected in human urine, the ester hydrolyzed with glucuronidated metabolite in urine samples can be used as the primary biomarker to identify drug misuse. Fifteen metabolites were found in serum samples. Ester hydrolysis was considered to be the major metabolic pathway, and a large number of metabolites were involved with it. Zero metabolites apart from the parent drug were detected in pubic hair samples. Twenty-eight new metabolites and their metabolic pathways were characterized and tentatively identified by LC–QE-HF-MS, and a new potential biomarker (M5 ester hydrolysis + propionic acid) was also identified.
Furuncular Myiasis by Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Oestridae) in Wild Jaguars in the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Soares Matheus Mickael Mota , Barros Luana Machado , Bôlla Daniela Aparecida Savariz , Almeida Marlus Queiroz , Souza Diego da Costa , Souza de Araujo Jucileide , Sacheto Michelle Cristina , da Silva Davi Anderson Tamborini , Fonseca Rogério 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Two individuals of the jaguar, Panthera onca (L.), were captured near the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, Brazilian Amazon, during the years of 2017 and 2018. The jaguars presented furuncular myiasis caused by the human botfly Dermatobia hominis (L.) on the rear thighs and tail. This is the first record of infestation of D. hominis in P. onca in the Amazon region.
Editors’ Introduction to The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Health Law
Authors: Hervey Tamara K. , Orentlicher David 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This introductory chapter provides an overview of The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Health Law. Why compare health laws? Situated at the interfaces between human rights, dignity, autonomy, and solidarity, and between multinational business activity, state regulation, and the most private of individual decision-making, health law is perhaps unique in its capacity to provoke a range of responses to how law should constrain and facilitate human activity. Scholars, legislators, and judges grappling with critical questions—such as how to finance healthcare, how to regulate the pharmaceutical industry, and how to protect against threats to public health that can quickly cross national borders—can learn from the successes and failures of the different approaches taken in different countries. The chapter then outlines the scope of the Handbook, which brings together the existing and emerging body of research in health law, with a key focus on the United States–European comparative perspective.
Contextual Approaches to Human Resource Management
Authors: Parry Emma , Morley Michael J. , Brewster Chris 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This introductory chapter explains the origins of The Oxford Handbook of Contextual Approaches to Human Resource Management and outlines some of the underlying motivations for its development. In order to set the scene, the chapter discusses aspects of the development of academic interest in the field of contextual human resource management and establishes the need for a move away from the emphasis on the universalistic approach to HRM. The chapter also presents a multilevel perspective on context encompassing the macro, meso and micro levels. This is followed by an explanation of the structure of the handbook and an overview of each chapter, and their contributions to this text.
Human Resource Management in the African Context
Authors: Horwitz Frank M. , Ronnie Linda 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This chapter provides a critical overview of the evolving human resource management (HRM) research context, labor market developments, insights regarding cross-cultural diversity, human resource practices, issues pertaining to the efficacy of adoption of Western and East Asian international HRM, and employment relations in African countries. Given the influence of multinational corporations on the diffusion and development of HRM in African countries, issues pertaining to their influence are critically evaluated. Even with the increasing focus on the Chinese–African HRM nexus, studies on African management or HRM are often country specific, occasionally comparative, and variously suggest that HRM practices follow the convergence perspective, “cross-convergence” perspective, or divergence perspectives. There are still unexplored issues relating to African management or HRM, and new findings could reshape the research agenda, HRM policy, and practice. Though often country or regionally focused, there is evidence of increasing research on HRM issues and mergers and acquisitions, impacts of privatization on HRM, knowledge appropriation, emerging market multinational corporation HRM policy and practice, diversity and cross-cultural management, HIV/AIDS policy implementation issues, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, and impacts of the institutional and regulatory environment on HRM and employment relations.