bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Study of the Subsequent Decomposition Mechanisms of 1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7)
Authors: Luo Yuheng , Yadav Komal , Kaiser Ralf , Sun Rui 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis computational study focuses on the mechanism of the consecutive decomposition of FOX‐7 and compares the results with recent experimental study [J. Phys. Chem. A 2023, 127, 7707] under 202 nm photolysis (592 kJ/mol). The mechanisms of forming these compounds, including cyanamide variants (HNCNH and NH2CN), hydroxylamine (NH2OH), nitrosamine (NH2NO), diaminoacetylene (H2NCCNH2), cyanogen (NCCN), water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), urea ((NH2)2CO), hydroxyurea (NH2C(O)NHOH), and formamide (NH2CHO), have only been speculated on without any energetic information previously. This study employed an unsupervised potential energy profile search protocol and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to identify reaction pathways leading to these compounds. The calculations reveal that although some products (e.g., HNCNH, NH2CN, H2NCCNH2, and NCCN) can be formed via unimolecular decomposition, other products (e.g., NH2OH, NH2NO, H2O, NH3, (NH2)2CO, NH2C(O)NHOH, and NH2CHO) are energetically favored if they are formed via bimolecular recombination between unimolecular decomposition products or a product and a FOX‐7 molecule.
Impact of Immunosuppressive Therapy, Vaccination, and Monoclonal Antibody Use With Outcomes in Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients With COVID‐19: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Francis Ashley , Chaudhary Ammad Javaid , Sohail Abdullah , Tarar Zahid I. , Jaan Ali , Cavataio Joseph P. , Farooqui Sara , Varma Adarsh , Jafri Syed‐Mohammed 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimPatients who have undergone solid organ transplantation are at an elevated risk of severe coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) because of post‐transplantation immunosuppressive therapy. However, optimization of vaccination, modification of immunosuppression, and implementation of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in transplant recipients with COVID‐19 is uncertain.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent liver or kidney transplants and were diagnosed with COVID‐19. The association of several vaccine doses, mycophenolate therapy, and mAB therapy with mortality outcomes after COVID‐19 diagnosis (3 and 6 months), hospitalization, and length of hospital stay were assessed.ResultsThis study included 255 patients with a median age of 59 (23–89) were included. Many COVID‐19 vaccine doses were not associated with any outcome; however, patients with a liver transplanted with mycophenolate had higher 3‐month (19% vs. 0%; p = 0.02) and 6‐month (21% vs. 0%; p = 0.01) mortality rates than those who did not. In addition, transplant recipients who received mAb therapy for COVID‐19 were less likely to be hospitalized (37% vs. 68%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsFor organ transplant recipients with COVID‐19, vaccination alone may not be an optimal strategy for preventing serious outcomes. Rather, the types of organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy (particularly mycophenolate), and COVID‐19 treatment strategy should be synergistically considered to promote an optimal therapeutic dynamic for a vulnerable population.
Flexible Strain Sensor Based on a Dual Crosslinked Network of PAMgA/GL/PANI Antifreeze Conductive Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Yutong , Hu Jiankang , Li Mingjie , Wu Bingying 
Published: December 2024

AbstractConductive hydrogels possess excellent flexibility, conductivity, and sensing properties, making them important carrier materials for flexible strain sensors. They show promising application prospects in fields such as human motion detection and artificial intelligence. This paper introduces polyaniline (PANI) and glycerol (GL) into the magnesium acrylate (AMgA) monomer and prepares the polymagnesium acrylate/glycerol/polyaniline (PAMgA/GL/PANI) hydrogel by free radical polymerization method. When the addition of PANI is 9 wt.%, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel exhibits good mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 0.385 MPa, an elongation at break of up to 505%, a compressive strength of 1.04 MPa, and its room temperature conductivity is 1.437 S m−1. Even after freezing at −20 °C, its conductivity can still reach 1.254 S m−1. When the tensile deformation of this conductive hydrogel reaches 500%, the gauge factor (GF) reaches 10.33. In addition, the PAMgA/GL/PANI hydrogel also has good self‐healing, adhesion, and moisture retention. These excellent characteristics make it suitable as a flexible strain sensor that can not only accurately monitor human joint movements and subtle physiological signals but also serve as an encrypted information transmission medium.
Recycled PET Packaging Materials of Improved Toughness— Importance of Devitrification of the Rigid Amorphous Fraction
Authors: Ronkay Ferenc , Gere Dániel , Slezák Emese , Szabó Edina , Marosi György , Bocz Katalin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDegradation, a common problem faced during the processing of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), leads to significant embrittlement of the products, as a result of which the material loses its applicability. Increased crystallization rate of the short chains of recycled PET and obstructed mobility of the amorphous phase are the main causes of enhanced brittleness. In this research, a straightforward method is proposed for improving the toughness of recycled PET products, namely the devitrification of the rigid amorphous phase by thermal annealing, which results in enhanced molecular mobility in the amorphous fraction, thereby promoting ductile deformation. The effects of thermal annealing conditions are comprehensively evaluated on the microstructure and macroscopic properties, i.e., impact resistance, of recycled PET films. The perforation energy value of the recycled PET film is found to increase to its threefold, reaching a value higher than 18 J mm−1, as a result of 10 s thermal treatment at 120 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analyses, and thermally stimulated depolarization current measurements provide evidence for the devitrification of the rigid amorphous fraction under these conditions, which is the key to efficient enhancement in toughness.
A Novel Two‐Stage Reliability Analysis Method Combining Improved Cross‐Entropy Adaptive Sampling and Relevant Vector Machine
Authors: Fan Xin , Yang Xufeng , Liu Yongshou 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe computational burden becomes unbearable when reliability analysis involves time‐consuming finite element analysis, especially for rare events. Therefore, reducing the number of performance function calls is the only way to improve computing efficiency. This paper proposes a novel reliability analysis method that combines relevant vector machine (RVM) and improved cross‐entropy adaptive sampling (iCE). In this method, RVM is employed to approximate the limit state surface and iCE is performed based on the constructed RVM. To guarantee the precision of RVM, the first level samples and the last level samples of iCE are used as candidate samples and the last level samples are regenerated along with the RVM updates. To prevent unnecessary updates of RVM, the proposed method considers the positions of the samples in the current design of experiment. In addition, based on the statistical properties of RVM and iCE, an error‐based stopping criterion is proposed. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method were validated through four benchmark examples. Finally, the proposed method is applied to engineering problems which are working in extreme environment.
Deforestation changes the effectiveness of bed nets for malaria control
Authors: Estifanos Tafesse Kefyalew , Fisher Brendan , Ricketts Taylor H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Land use changes such as deforestation and the degradation of tropical forests can be key drivers of infectious disease, including malaria. However, programmes that evaluate the effectiveness of malaria‐control strategies such as bed nets rarely account for the impacts of surrounding land use change. This study investigates how the cumulative deforestation rate for nearly 20 years moderates the effectiveness of bed nets on malaria positivity in children under age of 5 years.

We used multilevel mixed‐effect modelling, demographic and health data, and remotely sensed environmental data to analyse malaria positivity among 18,610 children in six malaria‐endemic sub‐Saharan African countries.

Our models suggest that deforestation is positively associated with increased odds of malaria positivity, whereas bed net use is negatively associated with malaria positivity, as expected. However, we also found that the effectiveness of bed net use varies with the extent of deforestation levels. Bed net use is associated with a significant reduction (by 24.7% to 32%) in malaria positivity at sites with less than 50% deforestation, but this effect is not observed at sites where deforestation exceeded 50%. Our findings suggest that the extent of deforestation can influence the efficacy of malaria control interventions, highlighting the need to integrate deforestation and malaria control considerations when designing environmental conservation and public health policies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sodium Alginate Composite Films Incorporated by Glycerol and Oxidized MWCNT for Driving Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Li Chuang , Xu Chenyu , Song Xiangyu , Ma Li , Zhang Dehai , Guo Dongjie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are widely used in many fields such as bionic robotics and wearable electronics. Due to a high elastic modulus and a poor flexibility, pure sodium alginate (SA) film constrains the deflection of DEA and is not suitable for using as the electrode. By incorporating the plasticizer of glycerol and the conductive fillers of oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), the resultant MWCNT/SA composite film exhibits a high flexibility and a high electrical conductivity (129 Ω·sq.−1), enabling it as the electrode to drive the dielectric matrix of VHB4910 for out‐of‐plane actuations. Driven by a relatively low electric field of 20.8 V/μm, the MWCNT/SA electrode DEA presents a desired areal strain of 3.8%. Long‐term actuations reveal that the MWCNT/SA electrode DEA exhibits very stable electromechanical behaviors with a relative displacement shift (RDS) of 19.8% over 500 cycles, which is far lower than the commercial silicone electrode DEA, whose RDS is 127.8% under the same driven conditions.
Ballistic Pendulum Measurement and Prediction of Blast Reflected Impulse From Spherical Charges at Close Standoff Distances
Authors: Veldman Roger L. , Nansteel Mark W. , Yang Richard , Chen Charles C.‐T. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA ballistic pendulum was used to measure the total reflected blast impulse from bare spherical C‐4 charges with charge masses ranging from 0.113 to 0.68 kg at a standoff distance of 0.127 m. A high‐speed camera was used to record the maximum horizontal movement of the pendulum bob and the associated blast impulse was calculated. The measured results were compared to total impulse predictions from ConWep and to numerical simulations using an empirical blast model and both axisymmetric and 3D finite element blast models. Live fire test results showed good consistency in measured blast impulse between repetitions, while the 3D finite element blast model was necessary to achieve a strong correlation of predicted impulse with measured values.
A Soft‐Containing Gripper for High‐Speed Handling of Breadcrumb‐Coated Oysters
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Zhongkui , Kutani Keigo , Kawamura Sadao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSoft grippers have been developed for handling a diverse array of objects, particularly excelling in grasping deformable and soft food items due to their soft and flexible nature, which is essential for preventing damage. However, the development of soft grippers capable of operating at extremely high speeds, typically achieving a pick‐and‐place cycle in less than 1 s, remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, this study proposes a pneumatic soft gripper designed for the high‐speed handling of breadcrumb‐coated oysters and demonstrates its feasibility for application in food production lines. The proposed gripper consists of two soft fingers and a soft cushion positioned between them. The geometries of the soft fingers and the cushion were meticulously designed to securely contain the oyster. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to investigate the effects of gripper stiffness on the swaying motion, stress, and deformation experienced by the grasped soft object under high acceleration. The fabrication of the soft finger and cushion was accomplished using a liquid silicone 3D printer, and the durability of the soft finger was confirmed to exceed 1.6 million cycles, comparable to that of a suction pad. Food compatibility tests were conducted to ensure the suitability for handling food products. Feasibility tests on the automatic packaging of breadcrumb‐coated oysters were performed using a parallel robot, examining five operating speeds, two applied pressures, and three oyster orientations. The results indicated that the proposed soft gripper could achieve maximum operational speeds of approximately 90 oysters/min for 16 g oysters and 80 oysters/min for 40 g oysters, thereby outperforming human workers and a commercial soft gripper. Through FEA and packaging experiments, it was determined that there exists an optimal stiffness for the soft gripper when handling the breadcrumb‐coated oysters under high acceleration.
Trends in Market‐Based Blue Carbon Projects
Authors: Perera Nipuni S. , Costa Micheli D. P. , Macreadie Peter I. , Wartman Melissa 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe integration of blue carbon (BC) into the voluntary carbon market promotes BC ecosystem management through financial incentives. We analysed 70 BC projects and present a comprehensive knowledge synthesis on a multifaceted BC sector and its contribution toward sustainable development. Currently, market‐based BC projects are located across 29 countries, covering an extent of one million hectares globally. Mangrove projects are dominant (99.98%) with project clusters located in Mexico, Senegal, India and Myanmar. The private sector emerged as key players in project development and investments. Across their crediting periods, the 11 registered projects (with ongoing credit issuances) are estimated to deliver 154 MtCO2 of total carbon abatement, with 5 MtCO2 of BC credits already issued. Not limiting to climate benefits, BC projects address broader goals of sustainable development by aligning with poverty reduction, gender equality, economic development and biodiversity conservation. However, further improvements are needed around transparency, permanence, benefit sharing and reporting frameworks to enhance the integrity in BC projects.
In‐Depth Structural Analysis of a Stapled Pentapeptide and Its Assembly Into Straight α‐Helices
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Sun Jinming , Yang Fadeng , Tian Zi‐You , Wan Chuan , Yin Feng , Ye Yuxin , Li Zigang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPeptide self‐assembly is a complex hierarchical process involving the progressive formation of secondary structures, such as α‐helices, β‐sheets, and turns, during the early stages. It is precisely these multi‐component building blocks that contribute to the complexity of protein assemblies in living organisms. While coiled coils are well‐understood in protein folding, determining the structural characteristics governing their lateral packing remains challenging. Here, a stapled pentapeptide (CIHs) that forms straight α‐helices are reported. Using single crystal X‐ray diffraction and Microcrystal electron diffraction (Micro‐ED), the atomic‐level assembly mechanism of CIHs is investigated. This study describes the specific geometric standards based on these α‐helical building blocks and their interactions. By modulating the hydrophobic interface between these blocks via side‐chain alterations, this study validates that these mutant assemblies can inherit the specific spatial geometry and regular interaction interfaces of straight α‐helices. These results provide a simple template for exploring the hierarchical assembly of straight α‐helices and studying the impact of side chains on lateral packing, opening new avenues for the development of high‐order peptide assemblies based on straight α‐helices.
Constraints and coping strategies of urban agriculture households in Namibia's informal settlements during COVID‐19
Authors: Muzanima J. , Shipandeni M. N. T. , Togarepi C. , Shivolo‐Useb S. , Jona C. N. , Petrus N. P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe global outbreak of the unprecedented COVID‐19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges in the agro‐food systems worldwide urging the need to build resilient food systems for food security. Urban agriculture (UA) has the potential to contribute to resilient and sustainable food systems. This study investigated the impact of COVID‐19 on UA practices in the informal settlement of Windhoek, Namibia. Samora Machel and Tobias Hainyeko constituencies were purposively selected using a stratified two‐stage probability sampling design within each constituency to select the study sites and a sample of 59 households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with open‐ and closed‐ended questions. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to identify constraints and coping strategies employed by urban farmers in informal settlements. Households that participated in the study were engaged in UA with 60.4% male‐headed households. Horticultural crop production (67.2%) and mixed farming (18.2%) were the main activities. The major constraints were high input costs (74.6%), inadequate land (61%), and unavailability of water (59%). The major coping strategies were intensified/started production (43%), use of alternative locally available inputs and resources (22%), changed marketing strategy (11%), and reduced hired labor (8%). The community resilience was weakened during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A holistic and integrated approach to urban planning and policy that recognize UA within the broader food system is required. There is a need to strengthen policy on land use and infrastructure planning that incorporates both formal and informal food systems and enhances disaster risk preparedness.
Analysing shear‐lag warping displacement functions and mechanical characteristics of rectangular concrete box‐girder bridges
Authors: Cen Feng , Gan Zi‐yu , Gao Pei‐wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA theoretical foundation for the accurate analysis of the shear‐lag effect in rectangular box‐girder flange slabs is established in this study through the selection of appropriate warping displacement functions. Initially, a series of warping displacement functions that fulfil the basic warping mode of the box‐girder flange slabs is proposed based on the principle of longitudinal warping displacement function setting. Subsequently, the shear‐lag effect, self‐equilibrium condition for shear‐lag warping stress and Timosheko shear deformation are comprehensively considered. The governing differential equations and corresponding natural boundary conditions of the box girder are determined by applying the energy variation principle. The box girder's natural frequency is calculated by solving the governing differential equations under the given warping displacement functions and boundary type. The accuracy of the various warping displacement functions is subsequently evaluated based on the natural frequency values of box girders. A high‐precision longitudinal warping displacement function for box‐girder flange slabs is selected, thus enhancing the analysis precision of the box girders' mechanical properties. Additionally, the necessity of selecting appropriate warping displacement functions is verified through static and dynamic analyses of the box girders. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the finite element solutions and the corresponding analytical solutions utilizing the proposed warping displacement functions, demonstrating the validity of this approach for analysing the box‐girder response. Consequently, the proposed method provides a robust basis for understanding the mechanical properties of rectangular box girders and enriches the existing analytical theory of box structures, guiding the design of rectangular concrete box‐girder bridges.
Screen Use, Physical Injuries, and Orthopedic Health
Authors: Manganello Jennifer A. , McKenzie Lara B. , Stavrinos Despina , Straker Leon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Children and adolescents are using screen media, which include devices such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, more than ever before. Much research has examined the impact of screen use on obesity, physical activity, and sedentary behavior as well as sleep and eye strain. In this chapter, we focus on the ways in which the use of screens can lead to physical injuries, including orthopedic issues, for children and adolescents through four distinct mechanisms. One focuses on the ways in which devices themselves can lead to injury (e.g., a television tipping over). Another explains how screen use can cause distractions leading to physical injury, whereas the third addresses overuse. Finally, the fourth mechanism considers the role of media effects. We present a brief overview about each of these four mechanisms, offer important research questions to address going forward, and identify recommendations for key audiences. Continuing research on injuries and orthopedic health from screen use is vital, as it refines recommendations and fosters innovative solutions. At the same time, stakeholders, including researchers, industry professionals, and parents, must stay alert to the evolving risks posed by new devices.
Social Media Use, Body Image Concerns, and Disordered Eating Among Adolescents
Authors: Choukas-Bradley Sophia , Maheux Anne J. , Aubrey Jennifer Stevens , Charmaraman Linda , Maas Megan K. , Nesi Jacqueline , Ward L. Monique , Yang Chia-chen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Highly visual social media (SM) provide novel opportunities for adolescents’ exposure to idealized appearance content. This chapter outlines the current literature regarding adolescents’ SM use, body image concerns, and disordered eating. Our focus is on the broad spectrum of body image concerns and disordered eating, rather than clinical disorders. Recent research has suggested that SM may lead adolescents and young adults to engage in frequent upward social comparisons with attractive peers, celebrities, and “influencers” and to internalize appearance ideals, leading to body image concerns (e.g., body dissatisfaction, self-objectification) and disordered eating (e.g., caloric restriction). Highly visual SM also present unique opportunities for presenting an idealized version of oneself, which aligns with key self-presentational goals during this developmental period, and which may lead to preoccupation with one’s online appearance. Although research has primarily focused on young women, initial findings suggest that online appearance concerns are relevant for young men’s body dissatisfaction and disordered eating as well. Most research has been conducted in Anglophone, industrialized countries, with little attention to culturally relevant appearance concerns specific to adolescents of color, LGBTQ+ youth, or adolescents in the Global South. We provide a call for future research priorities as well as recommendations relevant for clinicians, parents, and policymakers.