bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Design of Smart Antenna Arrays for Beamforming, Direction Finding, and Null Placement Using the Soft Computing Method
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Mishra Aishwarya , Singh Indrasen , Ahmad Saif , Khan Mohd Javed , Sharma Deepti , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Gupta Sumit 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe urge of modern communication system is to design and development of the smart antennas with adaptive radiation characteristics. The multifold capabilities of fourth‐dimensional antenna arrays can cater that much needed adaptiveness if properly designed. Compared to the conventional arrays, the fourth‐dimensional arrays have one added advantage as the ‘Time’ of all the switched‐on antenna elements can be managed to generate the required amplitude and phase tapering without even using attenuators and phase shifters. However, one inherent limitation of fourth‐dimensional control parameter is the generation of harmonics or sidebands. This article proposes various means of radiation pattern synthesis in fourth‐dimensional linear antenna arrays with pulse shifting, pulse splitting, and a combination of both. First of all, the pulse splitting and shifting techniques are combinedly proposed by reducing the sidelobe levels and sideband levels of the beamforming antenna arrays to enhance directivities and efficiencies. Then, this mathematical proposition of the direction finding fourth‐dimensional arrays is developed. Finally, broad nulls over a specific angle of arrival region are created for jamming and interference mitigation. For all these cases, the sidelobe level and the unwanted higher‐order sideband levels are suppressed to reduce the unwanted interferences and power losses. The optimal time schemes for all the synthesized patterns are generated by proposing a chaos‐based soft computing algorithm. The radiofrequency signals at each radiating array element are processed by the optimal time schemes proposed for specific applications. The outcomes are validated and compared with other state‐of‐the‐art works of this domain to prove the competency of the proposed work. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons presented for beamforming array is aimed for a good improvement over other reported works by targeting ultralow (less than −40 dB) sidelobe and sideband levels. For direction‐finding array, the proposed idea has also targeted ultralow sidelobes for the main as well as steered beam patterns. Furthermore, the null placement over a region has been aimed to cover more area for jamming and sidelobe reduction for interference mitigation. Overall, the optimal designs proposed for these advanced applications are beneficial for cutting‐edge communication systems.
Responsible Leadership Behavioral Styles and Innovative Work Behavior: A Moderated‐Mediation Analysis
Authors: Pathak Priyanka , Jha Sumi 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDrawing from the social learning theory (SLT), this study aims to examine the relationship between responsible leadership behavioral styles (RLBS) (instrumental and integrative) and employees' innovative work behaviors (IWBs). This study also examines the mediating role of meaningful work (MFW) and the moderating role of knowledge sharing (KS) in the relationship between RLBS and IWBs. Data were collected from 230 employees at different levels working in the public and private sectors. The SPSS PROCESS macros were used to analyze moderated mediation, mediation, and moderation results. All the hypothesized relationships are supported, except the mediating role of MFW in the relationship between integrative RLBS and IWBs, which is partially supported. The findings demonstrated that KS strengthens the instrumental and integrative RLBS' direct effect on MFW and its indirect effect on employees' IWBs. This paper provides a unique theoretical contribution to the effect of RLBS on IWBs in the organization. Instrumental (effective decision‐making and task orientation) and integrative (motivation and welfare orientation) RLBS would be helpful to industrial experts and academicians in creating an innovative work environment for employees in the organization.
Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and sarcopenia among United States adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Hao , Wu Dongze , Chen Yajin , Shi Ang , Cai Wanda , Yang Xinxin , Chen Xiaodong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiets high in antioxidants are associated with decreased prevalence of sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate whether the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and sarcopenia have an underlying relationship.MethodsWe used the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018. According to dietary antioxidant intake, the CDAI was calculated for each individual. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index was employed to determine sarcopenia. Multivariate weighted logistic models and restricted cubic spline regression analysis was undertaken to determine the association between CDAI and sarcopenia.ResultsA total of 7012 participants were enrolled in this study, including 473 with sarcopenia (weighted percentage, 5.6%). Compared with the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of the CDAI exhibited a greater likelihood of being male, with lower body mass index, higher education level and economic standard, and more chance of being single or separated. In multivariate weighted logistic models, model 3 revealed a noteworthy inverse association between the CDAI and sarcopenia (odds ratio = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98; P = 0.003). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of CDAI was associated with a 0.57‐fold risk of sarcopenia (95% CI, 0.42–0.77; P < 0.001). The inverse association between CDAI and sarcopenia strengthened in the participants with elevated education levels (P for interaction = 0.003).ConclusionThe CDAI was inversely correlated with the prevalence of sarcopenia. As a comprehensive measurement representing antioxidant status, the CDAI may help manage and prevent sarcopenia.
Surfactant monolayers at oil–water interfaces. Behavior upon compression and relation to emulsion stability
Authors: Wallon Laura , Salonen Anniina , Langevin Dominique 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSurfactant monolayers modify the surface tension of fluid surfaces, and they confer to the surfaces a resistance to mechanical perturbances, such as compression or dilatation. The resistance can be characterized by elastic and viscous moduli, that affect the phenomena involving the motion of liquid surfaces such as wetting, two‐phase flow, foaming and emulsification, rheology and stability of foams and emulsions. Some of these phenomena, for instance coalescence of bubbles or drops, are extremely rapid, and although coalescence seems correlated with the elastic compression modulus, no quantitative comparison has been made. Indeed, this modulus is frequency dependent, and cannot be measured by most conventional devices at the short timescales during which coalescence events occur. In this paper, we first review the current understanding on foam and emulsion stability, highlighting the role of surface rheology in the stability of these systems, important for their formulation. We present tension measurements for various surfactant systems, nonionic and cationic, at oil–water interfaces. We show calculations of the high frequency elastic modulus using the Gibbs adsorption equation and compare the results to previous measurements at air–water interfaces. The moduli measured imposing a rapid expansion of the monolayers are consistently smaller, in particular at oil–water interfaces. We discuss the possible origin of the differences between the two types of interfaces.
Effects of microwave treatment on structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch
Authors: Dong Yulu , Shu Zhiwei , Wang Shunmin , Wang Junzhen , Wu Ningning 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMeasuring the germination index of corn, and gelatinization index, thermodynamic properties, long‐range structure, short‐range structure and particle morphology of corn starch, the study aimed to investigate the effects of different microwave (MW) treatment on the structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch.RESULTSThe results indicated that after appropriate MW treatment, the germination indices (germination rate, germination potential, sprout length and sprout weight) of germinated corn starch were improved after 7 days of germination. In addition, MW treatment also affected the structure of germinated corn starch. MW treatment could reduce the relative crystallinity of starch, but did not change the crystal type and the peak position of each absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectra. In addition, rapid visco‐analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed, respectively, that MW treatment decreased the peak viscosity of germinated corn starch and increased the gelatinization temperature. Finally, MW treatment made the starch surface become rough, destroyed the starch particle structure and produced random cracks and voids.CONCLUSIONOverall, the present study proves that appropriate MW treatment is an effective measure for the modification of germinated corn starch, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of MW technology in germinated corn products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Surgical management of first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients may lower rates of redislocation compared to conservative management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Blackman Benjamin , Dworsky‐Fried Joshua , Cohen Dan , Slawaska‐Eng David , Gyemi Lauren , Simunovic Nicole , Peterson Devin , Ayeni Olufemi R. , de SA Darren 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess whether early surgical intervention for first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients is superior to conservative management. We hypothesized that surgical intervention would lead to lower redislocation rates compared to conservative treatment.MethodsThree online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 14 March 2024 to identify studies investigating the management options for acute first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients. Data pertaining to patient demographics, patient management, redislocation rates and Kujala scores, evaluating function, were abstracted. Weighted means and meta‐analyses were conducted to compare rates of redislocation, as well as Kujala scores. The quality of included studies was assessed using the methodological index for non‐randomized studies criteria for non‐randomized studies and the ROB2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).ResultsA total of 11 studies and 761 patients were included in this review. The weighted mean post‐operative combined rates of redislocation in the surgical group was 25.1%, compared to 46.4% in the conservative group at a mean follow‐up of 53.2 months (12–168). The relative risk (RR) of redislocation was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65‐1.04, I2 = 0%, p = 0.11), favouring surgery compared to conservative management. A subgroup meta‐analysis of two recent RCTs with 110 patients demonstrated an RR of redislocation of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.91, I2 = 0%, p = 0.02), favouring surgery. Kujala scores among three comparative studies showed a mean difference of −2.7 (95% CI: −6.1 to 0.68, I2 = 0%, p = 0.12), favouring conservative treatment. The weighted mean redislocation rate in 131 patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) was 3.1%, compared to 39.4% in 203 patients undergoing other surgical procedures, such as lateral release and medial imbrication, Roux‐Goldwaith and MPFL repair. Furthermore, the conservative groups experienced a complication rate of 0.9% compared to 2.9% across the surgical groups.ConclusionSurgical management for first‐time patellar dislocations in a paediatric population, particularly MPFLR, may be more beneficial in lowering redislocation rates than conservative management. No significant differences in Kujala scores were found.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Comparison of blood flow restriction training rehabilitation and general rehabilitation exercise after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Luozhifei , Rothrauff Benjamin , Chen Lili , Jin Shirong , He Sixian , He Jinshen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeBlood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been found to reduce quadriceps atrophy and weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. However, the clinical benefit of BFRT as compared to general rehabilitation exercise (GRE) alone remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of BFRT and GRE on ACL reconstruction rehabilitation through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Elsevier and Biosis were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing BFRT and GRE following ACL reconstruction. Primary outcomes included muscle strength (extensor and flexor muscle general strength), Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, extensor muscle torque (peak torque and average torque) and muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA). The secondary outcomes included a range of motion (ROM), pain, Y‐balance and the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).ResultsThirteen randomized controlled trials involving 376 participants were included. The change in muscle strength (Mean difference, MD: 12.96, 95% confidence interval, [95% CI]: 7.02–18.91, heterogeneity, I2 = 39%), Lysholm score (MD: 9.41, 95% CI: 8.93–9.88, I2 = 40%) and IKDC score (MD: 9.88, 95% CI: 0.57–19.19, I2 = 87%) of the BFRT group were superior to that of the GRE group at the time of last follow‐up. However, no significant difference was found between the BFRT and the GRE groups regarding the change in muscle CSA, ROM, extensor muscle torque, pain score, Y‐balance and PROMIS.ConclusionBFRT seems to perform better than GRE in terms of functional improvement and muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, but there seems to be no significant difference between them in terms of joint mobility, pain relief, stability improvement and patient's perception of their disease and treatment.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Technosols Made from Iron Mine Tailings and Construction and Demolition Waste as an Alternative for Sustainable Solid Waste Management
Authors: Silva Beatriz Marchese , Queiroz Hermano Melo , Ferreira Amanda Duim , Ruiz Francisco , Ferreira Tiago Osório 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBrazil faces urgent environmental challenges due to large waste production from mining and construction activities particularly regarding the disposal and management of the solid waste generated by these activities. The extraction of iron ore and the storage of tailings in dams, most of which are at imminent risk of rupture, represent foretold environmental disasters. Additionally, the disposal of construction waste raises environmental concerns due to the decreasing vailability of inert landfill space. To address these challenges, we evaluated the potential of Technosols made from construction and demolition waste (CDW) and iron mining tailing (IMT) in different proportions (60:40, 70:30, 80:20, and 100% of IMT and CDW, respectively) to support grass development. The Technosols were compared to a natural soil (Haplic Ferralsol). The soils were cultivated with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in a field experiment conducted for 120 days. At the end of experiment, soil samples were collected and analyzed their chemical, physical, and mineralogical attributes, while plants were analyzed for dry biomass. Plants cultivated in Technosols exhibited dry biomass production 3.3‐fold (825 ± 270 g) greater than those cultivated in the natural soil (251 ± 77 g). Higher biomass production in the Technosols, especially in the TEC70:30, was associated with the favorable chemical conditions of these soils, such as slightly neutral pH (~7.5), higher cation exchange capacity (68.1 ± 12.4 mmol dm−3) and nutrient availability, especially Ca and P (57.8 ± 0.8 and 28.2 ± 0.4 mmol dm−3, respectively). These results aim to provide insights for the effective use of different Technosols in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting sustainable land and waste management practices, primarily to prevent future environmental disasters.
Microbial Inoculants Modify the Functions of Resident Soil Microbes to Expedite the Field Restoration of the Abandoned Mine
Authors: Li Chong , Shi Yuxuan , Jia Zhaohui , Tang Yingzhou , Lin Jie , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi , Müller Christoph 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTGlobal‐scale mining activities have had significant deleterious impacts on local ecosystems and the overall environment, which will necessitate robust restoration efforts. A practical approach includes combining microbial inoculants with the technology of external soil spray seeding. This approach holds the potential for sustainable abandoned mine site restoration by enhancing plant growth through the modulation of soil nutrients and microbial communities. Nonetheless, the detailed effects of microbial inoculants on specific aspects of soil microbial community functions and their complex interactions with plant growth remain underexplored, particularly in the context of restoration efforts. To bridge this gap, we performed a four‐year field study at an abandoned carbonate mine location, using metagenomic sequencing to evaluate the influence of microbial inoculants on soil microbial functionality. Our research revealed that introducing microbial inoculants greatly enhanced essential soil parameters and notably increased plant biomass. Additionally, these inoculants altered the functional gene makeup of the microbial community, significantly boosting the relative abundance of processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, assimilatory nitrate reduction (ANRA), dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNRA), and organic phosphorus mineralization. Conversely, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of carbon degradation, phosphorus regulation, and transport processes. We observed strong correlations between the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and plant biomass. Crucially, microbial inoculants affect plant biomass by initially altering soil properties and subsequently coordinating nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of microbial inoculants in mine site restoration and offer a theoretical foundation for their broader practical application.
A Simplified Non‐Hertzian Wheel‐Rail Adhesion Model Under Interfacial Contaminations Considering Surface Roughness
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Wu Bing , Huang Jiaqing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe accuracy and efficiency of the wheel‐rail adhesion model are important to the wheel‐rail rolling contact issues. The purpose of this study is to develop a simplified non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail adhesion model under interfacial contaminations to predict the wheel‐rail adhesion coefficient. Firstly, a non‐Hertzian full elasto‐hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model was developed and applied to determine the wheel‐rail contact pressure and film thickness under interfacial contaminations. Then, the empirical formula of central film thickness available to non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail normal contact relating to train speeds, axle loads and material parameters were proposed based on a large number of non‐Hertzian full EHL simulation for smooth surface under interfacial contaminations using linear regression. The empirical non‐Hertzian central film thickness formula and minimum film thickness formula for wheel‐rail contact obtained in this paper show certain differences from the formulas based on Hertzian contact. Using the proposed non‐Hertzian central film thickness formula, a simplified non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail contact adhesion model was developed, and the adhesion coefficient was obtained at different speeds and compared with the field test data. The numerical results showed good agreement with field test data.
Applications of Diels–Alder Chemistry in Biomaterials and Drug Delivery
Authors: Yeingst Tyus J. , Helton Angelica M. , Hayes Daniel J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRecent studies, leveraging click chemistry reactions, have significantly advanced the fields of biomaterials and drug delivery. Of these click reactions, the Diels–Alder cycloaddition is exceptionally valuable for synthetic organic chemistry and biomaterial design, as it occurs under mild reaction conditions and can undergo a retrograde reaction, under physiologically relevant conditions, to yield the initial reactants. In this review, potential applications of the Diels–Alder reaction are explored within the nexus of biomaterials and drug delivery. This includes an emphasis on key platforms such as polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels which utilize Diels–Alder for drug delivery, functionalized surfaces, bioconjugation, and other diverse applications. Specifically, this review will focus on the use of Diels–Alder biomaterials in applications of tissue engineering and cancer therapies, while providing a discussion of the advantages, platforms, and applications of Diels–Alder click chemistry.
Manufacturing Radially Aligned PCL Nanofibers Reinforced With Sulfated Levan and Evaluation of its Biological Activity for Healing Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Akgul Busra , Gulcan Cansu , Tornaci Selay , Erginer Merve , Toksoy Oner Ebru , Abamor Emrah Sefik , Acar Serap , Allahverdiyev Adil M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to construct radially aligned PCL nanofibers reinforced with levan polymer and investigate their in vitro biological activities thoroughly. First Halomonas levan (HL) polysaccharide is hydrolyzed (hHL) and subjected to sulfation to attain Sulfated hydrolyzed Halomonas levan (ShHL)‐based material indicating heparin mimetic properties. Then, optimization studies are carried out to produce coaxially generated radially aligned Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) ‐ShHL nanofibers via electrospinning. The obtained nanofibers are characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (FESEM‐EDX) analysis, and mechanical, contact angle measurement, biodegradability, and swelling tests as well. Afterward, cytotoxicity of artificial tympanic membranes is analyzed by MTT (3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl) ‐2,5 Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) test, and their impacts on cell proliferation, cellular adhesion, wound healing processes are explored. Furthermore, an additional FESEM imaging is performed to manifest the interactions between fibroblasts and nanofibers. According to analytical measurements it is detected that PCL‐ShHL nanofibers i) are smaller in fiber diameter, ii) are more biodegradable, iii) are more hydrophilic, and iv) demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to PCL nanofibers. Moreover, it is also deciphered that PCL‐ShHL nanofibers strongly elevated cellular adhesion, proliferation, and in vitro wound healing features compared to PCL nanofibers. According to obtained results it is assumed that newly synthetized levan and PCL mediated nanofibers are very encouraging for healing tympanic membrane perforations.