bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the decomplexation of polyamide/CaCl2 complex toward a green, nondestructive recovery of polyamide from textile waste
Authors: Rietzler Barbara , Manian Avinash P. , Rhomberg Dorian , Bechtold Thomas , Pham Tung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe ‘circular economy’ concept envisages deriving the maximum value out of resources and reducing waste to a minimum. In textiles, that includes the recovery of fiber materials out of used clothing and reusing them in the construction of new clothes. Processes such as mechanical separation, depolymerization treatment, and selective dissolutions of individual polymers are applied. We investigate the approach of selective nondestructive dissolution and recovery of polyamide fiber from mixed textile waste by using the solvent system CaCl2/ethanol/water (CEW) based on complexation and decomplexation of polyamide (PA). The results show that PA is precipitated and decomplexed by simple addition of water and a substantial amount of previously incorporated calcium by complexation, is removed. The recovered polyamide shows properties similar to pristine polyamide. Investigation on a mixed textile waste model of polyamide/wool demonstrates that CEW treatment can successfully separate different fiber materials. The nondestructive approach in dissolving PA using CEW, clearly shows the benefit, that PA fiber can be separated by controlled complexation/decomplexation without degradation, thus avoiding the repolymerization step. Furthermore, the solvent system is made of abundantly available materials that are inexpensive and used widely in industrial‐scale operations. Thus, the concept will make significant contribution to a green textile recycling approach.
Nitrogen and Oxygen Functionalization of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Tuning the Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction/Oxygen Evolution Performance of Supported FeCo Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kazakova Mariya A. , Koul Adarsh , Golubtsov Georgiy V. , Selyutin Alexander G. , Ishchenko Arcady V. , Kvon Ren I. , Kolesov Boris A. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Morales Dulce M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe combination of nanostructured transition metal oxides and carbon materials is a promising approach to obtain inexpensive, highly efficient, and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. We present a strategy for improving the bifunctional ORR/OER activity of supported FeCoOx nanoparticles by tuning the properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) via nitrogen doping during their synthesis in the presence of ammonia and subsequent oxidative functionalization. In‐depth structural characterization indicates that oxidative treatment provides fine control of the dispersion and localization of FeCoOx nanoparticles in MWCNT, while the optimal degree of nitrogen doping leads to increased bifunctional activity due to enhanced electrical conductivity as well as improved catalyst stability, in both OER and ORR conditions, for nanoparticles formed by two different synthesis routes. The findings reported can be strategically considered for the design of high‐performance reversible ORR/OER electrocatalysts.
How Science Can Contribute to the Remedial Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Baglioni Piero , Chelazzi David 
Published: May 2021

AbstractColloid science is contributing solutions to counteract the degradation of artifacts, favoring their transfer to future generations. Advanced materials such as nanoparticles, coatings, gels and microemulsions have been assessed in conservation, spanning from archeological sites to modern and contemporary art. We give an overview of the fundamental milestones and latest innovations in conservation science, targeting solutions and tools for remedial conservation based on green nanomaterials and hybrid systems. Future perspectives and outstanding challenges in this exciting field are then outlined.
Self‐Assembly of Polyoxometalate‐Resorcin[4]arene‐Based Inorganic‐Organic Complexes: Metal Ion Effects on the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Jin‐Hua , Yu Ming‐Yue , Pei Wen‐Yuan , Wang Tianqi , Ma Jian‐Fang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWith their adjustable structures and diverse functions, polyoxometalate (POM)‐resorcin[4]arene‐based inorganic–organic complexes are a kind of potential multifunctional material. They have potential applications for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the relationship between different coordinated metal ions and electrochemical performance has rarely been investigated. Here, three functionalized POM‐resorcin[4]arene‐based inorganic–organic materials, [Co2(TMR4 A)2(H2O)10][SiW12O40]⋅2 EtOH⋅4.5 H2O (1), [Ni2(TMR4 A)2(H2O)10][SiW12O40]⋅4 EtOH⋅13 H2O (2), and [Zn2(TMR4 A)2(H2O)10][SiW12O40]⋅2 EtOH⋅2 H2O (3), have been synthesized. Furthermore, to enhance the conductivities of these compounds, 1–3 were doped with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to give composites 1@RGO‐3@RGO, respectively. As anode materials for LIBs, 1@RGO‐3@RGO can deliver very high discharge capacities (1445.9, 1285.0 and 1095.3 mAh g−1, respectively) in the initial run, and show discharge capacities of 898, 665 and 651 mAh g−1, respectively, at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 over 100 runs. More importantly, the discharge capacities of 319, 283 and 329 mAh g−1 were maintained for 1@RGO‐3@RGO even after 400 cycles at large current density (1 A g−1).
Recommendation algorithm based on community structure and user trust
Authors: Lei Guo , Sheng Yang , Shaozi Li , Qingshou Wu , Wensen Yu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhile contemporary community‐based recommendation algorithms based on a single community structure are more capable of processing large datasets than ever, they lack recommendation precision. This article proposes a collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm that integrates community structure and user implicit trust. The algorithm first applies a method based on the Gaussian function to fill the matrix of item ratings of users to alleviate data sparsity. It then uses the trust matrix to obtain the asymmetric trust relationship of the trustor and trustee, based on which the degree of users' implicit trust is calculated. The users are divided into communities based on the implicit trust degree to determine the influence among users more accurately. The algorithm then predicts the target user's rating using the ratings of users in the community to generate recommendations. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, we compared the proposed algorithm with three contemporary algorithms under the same conditions using FilmTrust datasets. The recommendation accuracy as well as the mean absolute error and root mean square error values of the proposed algorithm were better than those of the other four algorithms by approximately 14% and 4%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve better recommendation efficiency than existing algorithms.
CSR and investment efficiency in Western European countries
Authors: Khediri Karim Ben 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine: (i) whether investment efficiency is associated with CSR performance and (ii) whether this relationship varies with the strength of investor protection. Using firm level data from Western European countries, we document a positive association between CSR score and investment efficiency. We further find that the effect of CSR on investment efficiency is driven by the areas Human Ressources, Business Behavior, Corporate Governance, and Human Rights. Finally, we find that the documented association is statistically and economically more significant in countries with stronger investor protection.
Validation of VANET message dissemination algorithms otherwise vulnerable to broadcast storms in urban contexts
Authors: AlQahtani Osama , Sheldon Frederick T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWarning messages in vehicular ad‐hoc networks have strict delay requirements (ie, hard real‐time deadlines) since they are meant to prevent accidents. However, reliable dissemination methods using the common dedicated short‐range communication (DSRC) interface such as pure broadcasting at each vehicle suffer because they are vulnerable to overwhelming the radio channel in high traffic urban contexts where signal propagation is obstructed. This is a well‐known problem called a broadcast storm. This problem can be alleviated by clustering vehicles and coordinating their communications via Cluster Masters—reduced percentages of informed vehicles, especially in urban scenarios, where there are frequent obstacles to the DSRC channels. Therefore, in addition to clustering, this work proposes a novel combination of Cluster Forwarders, that are vehicles elected to help in transmitting messages around obstacles, and fifth generation mobile network as the vehicle‐to‐infrastructure technology to increase the reach of the disseminated messages. New protocols featuring this combination are proposed to tackle broadcast storms focusing on keeping the percentage of informed vehicles as high as possible. Simulation results are presented to show how these new protocols outperform the benchmark ones in terms of percentage of informed vehicles and of dissemination delays.
Investor sentiment and the market reaction to macroeconomic news
Authors: Gu Chen , Chen Denghui , Stan Raluca 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe provide evidence that the stock market response to macroeconomic news weakens in times of high investor sentiment. The reaction to macroeconomic information is 50% weaker in times of elevated bullish investor sentiment, relative to periods of low sentiment. This dampening effect holds for both good and bad macroeconomic news. Investor sentiment seems to hinder the incorporation of public information into asset prices. Our findings shed new light on how investor sentiment affects the link between fundamentals and security prices.
Palaeoflood events during the last deglaciation in the Yellow River source area on the northeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Yinglu , Huang Chun Chang , Zhang Yuzhu , Zhou Yali , Zha Xiaochun , Wang Ninglian , Shang Ruiqing , Rong Xiaoqing , Jia Ya‐na , Wang Haoyu 
Published: May 2021

Palaeoflood records have provided the extended perspective required to understand linkages between extreme floods and climate variability. During our palaeo‐hydrological investigations, two units of palaeoflood slackwater deposits (SWD) were found on the river banks in the Maqu‐Oula reach along the mainstream of the Yellow River on the northeast (NE) Tibetan Plateau. A series of samples were taken from the sediment profiles at Taiwuruo (TWR) and Daerqiong (DEQ) sites for laboratory analysis. Grain‐size distribution and micro‐morphological characteristics of quartz grains indicate that these well‐sorted SWD units were derived from the suspended sediment load in floodwater. They have recorded two episodes of overbank flooding in the Yellow River source area. Using the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating technique, the first episode of overbank flooding was dated to 13.6–13.0 ka and correlated with the Bølling–Allerød warm interval of the last deglaciation. The second episode occurred at 11.0–10.0 ka, that is, the early Holocene. In a warm‐humid climate, these overbank flooding episodes may have resulted from the accelerated melting of mountain glaciers and snow over the headwaters of the alpine and subalpine regions on the NE Tibetan Plateau. These results are important in facilitating an in‐depth understanding of the hydro‐climatic response of the Tibetan Plateau to global climate warming occurring presently.
Relationship between regional gray matter volumes and dopamine D2 receptor and transporter in living human brains
Authors: Kurose Shin , Kubota Manabu , Takahata Keisuke , Yamamoto Yasuharu , Fujiwara Hironobu , Kimura Yasuyuki , Ito Hiroshi , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi , Mimura Masaru , Suhara Tetsuya , Higuchi Makoto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough striatal dopamine neurotransmission is believed to be functionally linked to the formation of the corticostriatal network, there has been little evidence for this regulatory process in the human brain and its disruptions in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate associations of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) and D2 receptor availabilities with gray matter (GM) volumes in healthy humans. Positron emission tomography images of D2 receptor (n = 34) and DAT (n = 17) captured with the specific radioligands [11C]raclopride and [18F]FE‐PE2I, respectively, were acquired along with T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging data in our previous studies, and were re‐analyzed in this work. We quantified the binding potentials (BPND) of these radioligands in the limbic, executive, and sensorimotor functional subregions of the striatum. Correlations between the radioligand BPND and regional GM volume were then examined by voxel‐based morphometry. In line with the functional and anatomical connectivity, [11C]raclopride BPND in the limbic striatum was positively correlated with volumes of the uncal/parahippocampal gyrus and adjacent temporal areas. Similarly, we found positive correlations between the BPND of this radioligand in the executive striatum and volumes of the prefrontal cortices and their adjacent areas as well as between the BPND in the sensorimotor striatum and volumes of the somatosensory and supplementary motor areas. By contrast, no significant correlation was found between [18F]FE‐PE2I BPND and regional GM volumes. Our results suggest unique structural and functional corticostriatal associations involving D2 receptor in healthy humans, which might be partially independent of the nigrostriatal pathway reflected by striatal DAT.
Resource generation challenges for burn care in Iran
Authors: Shaarbafchizadeh Nasrin , Amini‐Rarani Mostafa , Mohammadi Farzaneh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven the importance of investment in human and physical resources and knowledge in burn injuries for improving health service performance, this study endeavoured to identify resource production challenges in the burn care of Iran.MethodsIn this descriptive qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 key informants. The purposive sampling method was applied to select interviewees, and data collection through interviews was continued to achieve data saturation. Using the framework of Adams et al. for health resource production, the directed content analysis approach was undertaken to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsThree main themes and seven sub‐themes were identified, and the main themes (sub‐themes) were human (the lack of motivation, job stressors and the lack of clinical staff), physical (capital resources and consumables) and intellectual (burn care education and staff training) resources.ConclusionIn general, investment in different areas would help provide better burn services, including educating and empowering employees, motivating through identifying and defining their needs, and considering points for job stressors as work hardship, burnout and workplace harassment. Other areas of investment are increasing the recruitment of burn section personnel, providing burn specialized equipment and updating them, providing standard physical space, and supplying consumables such as medicines and dressings.
Accurate prediction of the properties of materials using the CAM‐B3LYP density functional
Authors: Li Musen , Reimers Jeffrey R. , Ford Michael J. , Kobayashi Rika , Amos Roger D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDensity functionals with asymptotic corrections to the long‐range potential provide entry‐level methods for calculations on molecules that can sustain charge transfer, but similar applications in materials science are rare. We describe an implementation of the CAM‐B3LYP range‐separated functional within the Vienna Ab‐initio Simulation Package (VASP) framework, together with its analytical functional derivatives. Results obtained for eight representative materials: aluminum, diamond, graphene, silicon, NaCl, MgO, 2D h‐BN, and 3D h‐BN, indicate that CAM‐B3LYP predictions embody mean‐absolute deviations (MAD) compared to HSE06 that are reduced by a factor of six for lattice parameters, four for quasiparticle band gaps, three for the lowest optical excitation energies, and six for exciton binding energies. Further, CAM‐B3LYP appears competitive compared to ab initio G0W0 and Bethe‐Salpeter equation approaches. The CAM‐B3LYP implementation in VASP was verified by comparison of optimized geometries and reaction energies for isolated molecules taken from the ACCDB database, evaluated in large periodic unit cells, to analogous results obtained using Gaussian basis sets. Using standard GW pseudopotentials and energy cutoffs for the plane‐wave calculations and the aug‐cc‐pV5Z basis set for the atomic‐basis ones, the MAD in energy for 1738 chemical reactions was 0.34 kcal mol−1, while for 480 unique bond lengths this was 0.0036 Å; these values reduced to 0.28 kcal mol−1 (largest error 0.94 kcal mol−1) and 0.0009 Å by increasing the plane‐wave cutoff energy to 850 eV.
Hail characteristics in Serbia based on data obtained from the network of hail suppression system stations
Authors: Nađ Julijana , Vujović Dragana , Vučković Vladan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSerbia is located in the mid‐latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and is exposed to frequent hailfall. Consequently, a hail suppression system was gradually developed during the last 54 years. In this study, data from densely distributed hail suppression stations were used to better understand the hail characteristics. Two data subsets are differentiated: the first from the territory of Serbia, excluding the northern province of Vojvodina, during 1981–2015 (P1) and the second from the entire territory of Serbia during 2002–2015 (P2). The distribution of hail size shifted to smaller diameters in P2 compared to P1. The hailfall lasted less than 5 min in about 75% of events while the duration was greater than or equal to 10 min in only 8%. The influence of Serbia's complex orography on hailfall is reflected in the greater average annual number of days with hailfall in mountainous areas, with a maximum mean value of 1.2 in the southwestern part of Serbia, while the maximum number was 2.7. Hail and small hail occurred mainly in the afternoon and evening, with 92.24% of cases being observed from 12:00 to 21:00 local time (UTC + 1). A positive monotonic trend in the annual number of days with hailfall was observed. In both subsets, there was no statistically significant trend in hail frequency. The average seasonal duration of hail and small hail falls showed a decreasing trend in P1. Results showed that the first occurrence of hail falls did not appear earlier in the season.
A Novel Performance‐Based Paradigm of Care for Cochlear Implant Follow‐Up
Authors: Grisel Jedidiah , Miller Sharon , Schafer Erin C. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesUtilize a multi‐institutional outcomes database to determine expected performance for adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Estimate the percentage of patients who are high performers and achieve performance plateau.Study DesignRetrospective database study.MethodsOutcomes from 9,448 implantations were mined to identify 804 adult, unilateral recipients who had one preoperative and at least one postoperative consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) word score. Results were examined to determine percent‐correct CNC word recognition preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after activation. Outcomes from 318 similar patients who also had at least three postoperative CNC word scores were examined. Linear mixed‐effects regression was used to examine CNC word performance over time. The time when each patient achieved maximum performance was recorded as a surrogate for time of performance plateau. Patients were assigned as candidates for less intense follow‐up if they were high performers and achieved performance plateau.ResultsAmong 804 patients with at least one postoperative score, CNC score improved at all time intervals. Average performance after the 3‐month time interval was 47.2% to 51.5%, indicating a CNC ≥ 50% cutoff for high performers. Among 318 patients with at least three postoperative scores, performance improved from 1 to 3 (P = .001), 3 to 6 (P = .001), and 6 to 12 (P = .01) months. Scores from the 12‐ and 24‐month intervals did not significantly differ (P = .09). By 12 months after activation, 59.7% of patients were considered candidates for less intense follow‐up.ConclusionFindings suggest that CNC ≥ 50% is a reasonable cutoff to separate high performers from low performers. Within 12 months after activation, 59.7% of patients were good candidates for less intense follow‐up.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:S1–S10, 2022
Beneficial Effects of Treatment With Low‐Fluence 755‐nm Q‐Switched Alexandrite Laser for Nevus of Ota
Authors: Wu Xiaojin , Wang Xue , Shang Ying , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhen 
Published: May 2021

Background and ObjectiveNevus of Ota is a benign dermal and mucosal melanocytic nevus that can be cured by Q‐switched lasers. However, the incidence rate of post‐treatment hyperpigmentation in Asian patients remains high. Low‐fluence Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNY) has been proved effective in the early treatment of nevus of Ota. Q‐switched alexandrite laser (QSAL) was found to achieve a higher success rate and lower complication rate than QSNY. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐fluence 755 nm QSAL in the treatment of nevus of Ota.Materials and MethodsA total of 81 patients with nevus of Ota were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 39 went through the high‐fluence QSAL (3 mm spot, 5.0–8.0 J/cm2) and 42 were treated by low‐fluence QSAL (5 mm spot, 2.2–2.8 J/cm2). Treatments were given every 6 months three times. Standard photos of the lesions were taken to evaluate the efficacy. All adverse events were noted.ResultsThe low‐fluence QSAL group achieved a significantly higher mean efficacy score than the high‐fluence QSAL group after the first treatment (3.62 ± 0.85 vs. 2.9 ± 0.79, P < 0.001) and at the final follow‐up visit (4.52 ± 0.63 vs. 4.03 ± 0.96, P < 0.05). Post‐inflammation hyperpigmentation rate was significantly lower in the low‐fluence QSAL group than in the high‐fluence QSAL group (4.8% vs. 25.6%, P < 0.001). No patient reported hyperkeratosis, scarring, bleeding, skin textural change, or recurrence at the final visit in either group.ConclusionThe low‐fluence QSAL is more effective and safer than the traditional high‐fluence QSAL because of its better clinical outcome and lower complication rate in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Preparation of Nanoparticle‐Containing Ring‐Implanted Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Contact Lens for Sustained Release of Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Akbari Elham , Imani Rana , Shokrollahi Parvin , Heidari keshel Saeed 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHere, a novel ring‐implanted poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) contact lens (CL) is fabricated and evaluated as a therapeutic CL with potential of sustained release of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is loaded on chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) and then the HA‐loaded NPs are dispersed in a ring shape PVA hydrogel which is implanted in the final PVA CL. Results show that HA is successfully loaded on NPs (520 ± 18 nm) with loading efficacy of 87% and loading capacity of 50%. The CL hydrogel has a 275% swelling ratio, no degradation during 14 days, 97% light transmittance, and desirable rheological stability under physiological shear force. The release data show a sustained release for HA from the ring implanted CL up to 14 days. The cellular study reveals no corneal epithelial cell cytotoxicity and cell attachment on the CL. The study demonstrates the successful application of the ring‐implanted CL to sustain the delivery of HA for treating the dry eye syndrome.