bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smallholder Inclusion Through Cooperative Contract Farming of Cavendish Banana Farmers in Davao del Norte, Philippines: A Meta‐Frontier Analysis
Authors: Sarmiento Jon Marx , Rola‐Rubzen Maria Fay , Fogarty James , Digal Larry N. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAs the third‐highest global supplier of Cavendish bananas, the Philippine banana industry has a vital role in rural development. We compared farmers' technical efficiency (TE) and production performance across different contract farming arrangements: individual contracts, cooperative contracts, and growers without a contract. Using a random sample of 186 farmers in Davao del Norte, Philippines, we used meta‐frontier Data Envelopment Analysis to calculate TE scores and then use a truncated regression with bootstrapping to model the efficiency sources. We applied propensity score matching to minimize observable bias resulting from self‐selection among farmers participating in contract farming. The results across returns‐to‐scale assumptions and matching methods reveal that cooperative contract farmers have significantly higher TE and revenue performance than individual and noncontract farmers, primarily due to high export‐quality production and associated premium prices. Individual contract farmers were also more technically efficient and had higher returns than noncontract farmers. Smallholder farmers tend to participate more in cooperative contract farming. Thus, cooperative contracts should include smallholder farmers in export value chains to improve smallholder farmer income. This strategy will lead to the formation of inclusive agrifood value chains in Mindanao, Philippines.
Triple‐Purpose Thiocyanate‐Containing Protic Ionic Liquids: Chemodivergent Transformations of Dihydroimidazolones into Imidazo[4,5‐d]Oxazolethiones and Imidazo[4,5‐d]Thiazolones
Authors: Ratmanova Nina K. , Ermolaev Valery P. , Baranov Vladimir V. , Levina Irina I. , Minyaev Mikhail E. , Ivanova Olga A. , Kravchenko Angelina N. , Trushkov Igor V. , Andreev Ivan A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTriple‐purpose protic ionic liquids were employed as a solvent, a Brønsted acid catalyst, and a source of the nucleophile (thiocyanate‐ion) for the chemodivergent transformation of dihydroimidazolones into 2‐thioxohexahydro‐5H‐imidazo[4,5‐d]oxazol‐5‐ones and tetrahydro‐2H‐imidazo[4,5‐d]thiazole‐2,5(3H)‐diones. An important feature of this process is the switching of its chemoselectivity by simple variation of the reaction temperature, other conditions being the same; this allowed both types of products to be obtained selectively. Straightforward aqueous work‐up of reaction mixture provided solid bicyclic products in pure form in an environmentally friendly manner.
Synthesis of Trifluoromethylthio Compounds from Sulfur‐Containing Precursors
Authors: Sang Zhimin , Luo Zijin , Chen Jingao , Gou Wenxue , Zhang Guofu , Ding Chengrong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe trifluoromethylthio group (−SCF3) exhibits several distinctive physicochemical properties and can alter the molecular lipophilicity and other pharmacokinetic properties of functional molecules. Moreover, its potent electron‐withdrawing capability confers enhanced metabolic stability to functional molecules. Molecules containing trifluoromethylthio groups are extensively applied in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals and have garnered significant attention in recent years. The synthetic routes to trifluoromethylthio groups primarily fall into two categories: direct introduction of −SCF3 into target molecules, and indirect construction of −SCF3 through the introduction of −CF3 into sulfur‐containing precursors. In this review, we delineate approaches developed over the past seven years for the indirect construction of −SCF3 groups via electrophilic, nucleophilic, radical, or other types of reactions involving −CF3 groups and sulfur‐containing precursors. These reactions are classified into seven categories depending on the employed: thiols, disulfides, thiosulfates, sodium sulfinates, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfoxides, and other sulfur‐containing precursors.
Ultrafast Synthesis of IrB1.15 Nanocrystals for Efficient Chlorine and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in Saline Water
Authors: Liu Tingting , Chen Zhangsen , Liu Sixiang , Wang Pan , Pu Zonghua , Zhang Gaixia , Sun Shuhui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe production of storable hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, marine, geothermal, and wind energy presents a promising pathway toward achieving energy sustainability. Nevertheless, state‐of‐the‐art electrolysis requires support from ancillary processes which often incur financial and energy costs. Developing electrolysers capable of directly operating with water that contains impurities can circumvent these processes. Herein, we demonstrate the efficient and durable electrolysis of saline water to produce chlorine gas (Cl2) and hydrogen using structurally ordered IrB1.15, synthesized through ultrafast joule heating. IrB1.15 exhibits remarkable performance, achieving overpotentials of 75 mV for the chlorine evolution reaction (CER) and 12 mV for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) at current densities of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, IrB1.15 displays a durability of over 90 h towards both CER and HER. Density functional theory reveals that IrB1.15 has adsorption energies significantly closer to 0 eV for Cl and H, compared to IrO2 and Pt/C. Furthermore, in situ Raman investigations reveal that Ir in IrB1.15 serves as the active center for CER, while the introduction of B atoms to Ir lattices mitigates the formation of absorbed hydrogen species on the Ir surface, thereby enhancing the performance of IrB1.15 in HER.
Die Vermehrung von Alpha‐Synuclein Amyloidfibrillen ist unterdrückt unter vollständig ruhenden Lösungsbedingungen
Authors: Farzadfard Azad , Mason Thomas O. , Kunka Antonin , Mohammad‐Beigi Hossein , Bjerregaard‐Andersen Kaare , Folke Jonas , Aznar Susana , Kallunki Pekka , Buell Alexander K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractExperimente zur Vermehrung geringer Mengen an Proteinaggregaten/‐fibrillen, sogenannte “seed amplification assays (SAAs)”, sind ein vielversprechendes Mittel zur frühen Diagnose von neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen. Wenn allerdings Fibrillen aus Patientenproben in Multiwell‐Platten vermehrt werden ist es momentan noch sehr schwierig deren Konzentration genau zu bestimmen. Es ist daher wünschenswert diese Art von Test in ein digitales Format zu überführen um direkte Quantifizierung der Anzahl der Fibrillen zu ermöglichen. Um einen Übergang vom gewöhnlichen Platten‐basierten zu einem mikrofluidischen digitalen Format zu ermöglichen muss eine effektive Vermehrung der Impffibrillen in den Mikroemulsionen erzielt werden. Daher etablieren wir hier eine Reihe von neuen Lösungsbedingungen die die effiziente Vermehrung von Impffibrillen (”seeds”) ohne Schütteln der Platte ermöglichen. Allerdings zeigen dieselben Lösungsbedingungen nach Überführung in das mikrofluidische Format ein ganz anderes Verhalten da dort keinerlei Vermehrung der Fibrillen beobachtet wird. Wir zeigen dass dieser Unterschied daher rührt dass alle sekundären Prozesse die die Impffibrillen vermehren könnten in Abwesenheit jeglicher mechanischer Einflüsse vollständig unterdrückt sind. Weiterhin zeigen wir dass die Vermehrung der Fibrillen innerhalb von Tröpfchen dadurch erzielt werden kann dass diese Mikroemulsionen hochfrequenten Vibrationen mittels einer Piezo‐Einheit ausgesetzt werden. Unsere Ergebnisse ermöglichen neue Einblicke in die physikalischen Bedingungen der Vermehrung von Alpha‐Synuclein Fibrillen und weisen einen Weg zur Entwicklung effektiver digitaler SAAs.
Single Solid‐State Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots for Multicolor, Bright and Efficient Electroluminescent Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Chenhao , Li Jinyang , Teng Qian , Li Jinsui , Yuan Fanglong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractColor‐tunable electroluminescent light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on quantum dots (QDs) are rapidly emerging as a key technology for next‐generation full‐color displays and solid‐state lighting. However, achieving broad color tunability in LEDs that utilize a single QD emissive material continues to pose significant challenges. Here, we present the first example of bright, multicolor electroluminescent LEDs with tunable emission peaks spanning from 535 to 640 nm, utilizing a new type of single red solid‐state emissive carbon quantum dots (R‐SSCQDs). Unlike conventional CQDs, which often exhibit weak or negligible emission in solid‐state form, R‐SSCQDs demonstrate bright red emission in solid state and green emission in diluted state. Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations reveal that the unique non‐planar spatial structure and significant steric hindrance of R‐SSCQDs effectively suppress π–π stacking, resulting in efficient solid‐state fluorescence emission. By adjusting the weight ratios of R‐SSCQDs doped in host materials, we showcase bright, efficient and multicolor CQD‐based LEDs that emit green, yellow, orange, and red light, achieving a record‐high luminance of 15,834 cd m−2 and current efficiency of 10.3 cd A−1. This work presents a straightforward and universal strategy for creating efficient solid‐state emissive CQDs, showcasing significant potential for color‐tunable LED applications.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Atropisomeric Tri‐Axis Naphthalenes via Diels–Alder Reaction and Dehydrative Aromatization of Isobenzofurans
Authors: Du Yuan‐Bo , Lu Qi‐Tao , Cui Yun‐Shu , Wu Kai‐Wen , Wang Yu , Zhang Yu‐Zhen , Zhao Zheng , Hou Jun‐Li , Cai Quan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAtropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes have attracted much attention due to their increasing significance in the fields of natural products, chiral materials, and drug discoveries. However, the catalytic stereoselective construction of axially chiral ring scaffolds with more than two axes on a single benzene ring remains a challenging task. Herein, we present an efficient method for synthesizing triaxially chiral polysubstituted naphthalene scaffolds via sequential Ni(II)‐catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of isobenzofurans and TfOH‐promoted dehydrative aromatization reaction. Using 1,3‐biarylisobenzofurans and β‐aryl‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated N‐acyl pyrazoles as modular reaction partners, a series of naphthalenes with 1,3,4‐triaxes were synthesized with excellent enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities. Furthermore, by attaching two pyrene chromophores to this novel triaxially chiral ring scaffold, a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active dye exhibiting a remarkable luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum=−0.019) and high fluorescence quantum efficiency (ØFL=0.29) was obtained, highlighting the potential applications of atropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes in the design of chiroptical organic materials.
Advances in polysaccharide‐based materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications: A comprehensive review
Authors: Li Jiahao , Ahmed Hanan Hassan , Hussein Ali M. , Kaur Mandeep , Jameel Mohammed Khaleel , Kaur Harpreet , Tillaeva Umida , Al‐Hussainy Ali Fawzi , Sameer Hayder Naji , Hameed Huda Ghassan , Idan Ameer Hassan , Alsaikhan Fahad , Narmani Asghar , Farhood Bagher 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolysaccharides, the most abundant biopolymers in nature, have attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians due to its practicality in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. These biomaterials have high bioavailability and play structural and functional roles in living organisms. Polysaccharides are classified into several groups based on their origin, including plant polysaccharides and marine polysaccharides (like chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, alginates, etc.) with specific applications. These biopolymers possess unique physicochemical (such as surface functional groups, solubility, and stability), mechanical (like mechanical strength and tensile), and biomedical (such as antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and non‐immunogenicity) characteristics which have made them excellent platforms for a wide variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Ease of extraction and different preparation approaches are mentioned as other potential properties of polysaccharides that further improved their practicality in biomedical sciences. They have high drug/bioactive encapsulation capacity and sustained/controlled release manner in in vivo microenvironments. The anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulation, stimuli‐responsive drug/bioactive release, and passive and active drug/bioactive delivery are considered the potential features of these biopolymers in pharmaceutical sciences. Polysaccharides have indicated practical applications in biomedical sciences, including biosensors, tissue engineering, implantation, wound healing, vascular grafting, and vaccines. This review highlights the advances of polysaccharide‐based materials in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.
From anatomy to surgery: Effectiveness of virtual simulation adjuvant to traditional methods in the preclinical training of apicoectomy
Authors: Liu Liu , Chen Yue , Cao Yubin , Yang Lei , Yang Yiyan , Li Yantong , Huang Dingming , Ye Ling , Zheng Qinghua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAnatomy forms the foundation for the training and execution of routine surgical procedures. However, a gap persists in effectively bridging anatomical knowledge with the confident performance of procedures. Virtual simulation (VS) techniques, based on experiential and situated learning theory, hold promise in addressing this challenge. Apicoectomy, a procedure involving root apex resection to preserve a tooth, requires a blend of regional and dental anatomy knowledge, making it an ideal model for assessing the effectiveness of VS. This prospective cohort study evaluated primarily the enhancement of incorporating VS training in the preclinical skill training of apicoectomy for undergraduate dental students, compared to relying solely on traditional methods. VS training includes the simulated dissection process, patient examination, and apicoectomy based on graphically synthesized virtual models. Secondly, the study investigated the influence of exposure to VS training on students' confidence and satisfaction. The training was divided into three progressive levels aligned with students' cognitive processes, employing Miller's competence learning framework. Participants were categorized into the control group (CG) (n = 214) and VS training group (VSTG) (n = 220) based on their classes. The results demonstrated that VSTG showed significantly greater training enhancement (VSTG: 7.14 ± 1.74; CG: 6.57 ± 2.02, p = 0.002) and higher confidence levels (VSTG: 2.94 ± 0.13; CG: 2.69 ± 0.13, p < 0.001), along with greater satisfaction with the training compared to the CG (VSTG: 3.70 ± 0.18; CG: 3.20 ± 0.17, p < 0.001). In conclusion, VS proves to be a valuable adjunct for enhancing procedural skill training in surgical procedures.
Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierungssysteme für Straßeninfrastrukturprojekte
Authors: Haverkamp Pamela , Traverso Marzia , Szukalla Lea 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über aktuelle Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierungssysteme (NZS) für Straßeninfrastrukturprojekte. Die Baubranche trägt erheblich zum globalen Ressourcenverbrauch und zu den CO2‐Emissionen bei. Daher ist der Bedarf an NZS und nachhaltigen Lösungen in den letzten Jahren gestiegen. NZS stellen Stakeholdern wichtige Entscheidungshilfen und Informationen zur Nachhaltigkeitsleistung in allen Projektphasen bereit. Im Fokus der vorliegenden Analyse stehen die Systeme BREEAM Infrastructure, SUNRA, LCE4ROADS, SPeAR, Greenroads, Envision und BASt, wobei Aspekte wie Anwendbarkeit, zertifizierte Projektphasen, Bewertungsmethode und Nachhaltigkeitsdimensionen adressiert werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die betrachteten Systeme in ihrer Struktur ähneln, sich jedoch in ihrer Gewichtung, dem Verhältnis der Nachhaltigkeitsdimensionen zueinander und der Definition der Indikatoren unterscheiden.
Ökobilanzierung in der Tragwerks‐ und Fassadenplanung
Authors: Pfanner Daniel , Feldmann Angela , Preuschoff Karen , Reshamvala Marcel , Münch Hanna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDer folgende Beitrag beschreibt die Implementierung von Methoden der Ökobilanzierung als Entwurfs‐ und Entscheidungshilfe in den Planungsprozessen eines Ingenieurbüros. Die Anwendung wird anhand von praktischen Projektbeispielen in der Tragwerks‐ und Fassadenplanung erläutert. Es werden konkrete Planungsszenarien aufgegriffen und aufgezeigt, welche Entwurfsentscheidungen durch entsprechende Analysen unterstützt und beeinflusst wurden und wie sich diese im weiteren Projektverlauf entwickelt haben. Konkrete Berechnungsbeispiele dienen der praktischen Anschauung und sollen Impulse für Tragwerks‐ und Fassadenplaner:innen geben. Die derzeitigen bau‐ und planungsrechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen werden kurz erläutert, um die vorgestellten Methoden hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkung auf den ökologischen Fußabdruck von Gebäuden zu bewerten.
Projektbegleitende Strategien zur nachhaltigen Materialwahl
Authors: Maatz Jasper , Lambertz Michaela 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDer Bausektor ist Deutschlands ressourcenintensivster Wirtschaftszweig, obwohl in der Effizienz des Gebäudebetriebs große Fortschritte erzielt werden. Effizienzgewinne werden jedoch häufig durch Reboundeffekte in der Gebäudenutzung ausgeglichen. Konstruktionsweisen und Materialien gewinnen bei im Betrieb energieeffizienten Gebäuden zunehmend an Bedeutung. Nachhaltigkeitsstrategien wie Suffizienz und Konsistenz bleiben oft unbeachtet. Das DGNB‐Zertifizierungssystem unterstützt die gleichberechtigte Umsetzung von Nachhaltigkeitsstrategien, setzt aber ein klares Aufgabenverständnis und definierte Zuständigkeiten voraus. Zentrale Kriterien sind Ressourceneffizienz, Zirkularität und Schadstofffreiheit. Maßnahmen wie der Einsatz biobasierter oder recycelter Baustoffe und Rückbaubarkeit senken Umweltauswirkungen und Lebenszykluskosten. Digitale Tools und Gebäuderessourcenpässe fördern Transparenz und Wiederverwendbarkeit. Das DGNB‐System berücksichtigt, dass Suffizienz und Konsistenz Schlüsselprinzipien des nachhaltigen Bauens sind. Eine teamorientierte Arbeitsweise mit Unterstützung von digitalen Tools erleichtert die Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten und maximiert deren Potenzial.
Childhood Educational Outcomes of Infants Born With Esophageal Atresia With or Without Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: ElHassan Nahed O. , Cen Ruiqi , Pugh Charles P. , Akmyradov Chary , Ying Jun , Goudie Anthony , Nembhard Wendy N. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere are limited studies on educational outcomes of children born with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). We aimed to compare 3rd to 5th grade academic proficiency among children born with EA/TEF versus unaffected children.MethodsChildren born with EA/TEF (2000–2005) were identified from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System. For each child born with EA/TEF, up to two unaffected children were selected from birth certificates and matched on hospital and month of birth, sex, and race and ethnicity. Data on NICU hospitalization were abstracted from medical records at Arkansas' only pediatric specialty hospital. The study outcomes were 3rd to 5th grade proficiency on literacy and mathematic standardized achievement tests, referral to special education, and days of school absence. Regression models were used to assess the association of outcome measures with diagnosis of EA/TEF, after adjusting for differences in covariates between EA/TEF and unaffected children and accounting for paired correlations using the generalized estimating equation method.ResultsThe final cohort included 20 surviving children born with EA/TEF and 31 unaffected children. There was no significant difference in literacy (3rd: 70% vs. 71%; 4th: 83% vs. 81%; 5th: 94% vs. 87%, p > 0.05) or mathematics proficiency (3rd: 80% vs. 87%; 4th: 83% vs. 78%; 5th: 75% vs. 78%, p > 0.05), referral to special education (20% vs. 19%, p = 0.65), or total days of school absence (47 vs. 26 days, p = 0.07) between EA/TEF and unaffected children.ConclusionsChildren born with EA/TEF had comparable academic proficiency to unaffected children.
Parental Smoking and the Risk of Birth Defects in Offspring in China: A Systematic Review and meta‐Analysis
Authors: Han Jinxi , Zhang Yunxia , Liu Yibo , Liu Jikai , Zhang Yuehua , Wang Kaijuan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveA meta‐analysis of case‐control studies was conducted to assess the risk of birth defects in offspring in China associated with maternal active and passive smoking and paternal smoking.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched for qualified research up to December 2023. A Random‐effect model or fixed‐effect model was used to calculate the overall comprehensive risk estimates; and the relationship between parental smoking and the risk of birth defects in different periods of pregnancy. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore possible sources of heterogeneity.ResultsSixty‐two qualified studies involving 137,574 cases and 8,770,837 controls were included. Overall, maternal active smoking (OR = 2.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72–2.79; p < 0.01) and passive smoking (OR = 2.59,95% CI: 2.24–2.99; p < 0.01) as well as paternal active smoking (OR = 1.47,95% CI: 1.34–1.62; p < 0.01) were significantly associated with birth defect risk. The sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of congenital heart disease in offspring was increased in paternal and maternal active smoking (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.01–4.39; OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.30–1.74), respectively. Sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results.ConclusionMaternal active and passive smoking and paternal active smoking are risk factors for birth defects in offspring. Parents should be encouraged to quit smoking during the perinatal period and pregnancy.
Evidence of Epigenetic Oncogenesis: A Turning Point in Cancer Research
Authors: Capp Jean‐Pascal , Aliaga Benoît , Pancaldi Vera 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn cancer research, the term epigenetics was used in the 1970s in its modern sense encompassing non‐genetic events modifying the chromatin state, mainly to oppose the emerging oncogene paradigm. However, starting from the establishment of this prominent concept, the importance of these epigenetic phenomena in cancer rarely led to questioning the causal role of genetic alterations. Only in the last 10 years, the accumulation of problematic data, better experimental technologies, and some ambitious models pushed the idea that epigenetics could be at least as important as genetics in early oncogenesis. Until this year, a direct demonstration of epigenetic oncogenesis was still lacking. Now, Parreno, Cavalli and colleagues, using a refined experimental model in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, enforced the initiation of tumors solely by imposing a transient loss of Polycomb repression, leading to a purely epigenetic oncogenesis phenomenon. Despite a few caveats that we discuss, this pioneering work represents a major breakpoint in cancer research. We are led to consider the theoretical and conceptual implications on oncogenesis and to search for links between this artificial experimental model and naturally occurring processes, while revisiting cancer theories that were previously proposed as alternatives to the oncogene‐centered paradigm.