bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 3D index for measuring economic resilience with application to modern financial crises
Authors: Tsiotas Dimitrios , Katsaiti Marina‐Selini 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a vector index R composed of monotonous functions capturing three theoretical aspects (3D) of economic resilience (engineering, ecological, evolutionary) and performs an analysis of GDP data of 200 countries worldwide for the period 1960–2020 and 15 economic crises (shocks). The empirical analysis, first, reveals that economic resilience appears positively related to gross value added (GVA), employment, education, sectorial structure and diversification, agricultural production, tax revenue and natural resources, whereas it is negatively associated with urbanization degree, primary sector specialization and trade activity. Also, it shows that the global economy shifted to a less resilient performance through time, and it reveals the pros and cons of the continents' performance in economic resilience, highlighting a relative sensitivity of European countries against the available shocks and relatively higher resilience of Asian and African countries. Finally, the analysis of transition probabilities reveals the 2008 economic crisis as the only shock with significant transitions among different states of resilience, providing insights into the insignificant geographical scale of previous shocks in the global economy. Overall, in the complex conceptualization and measurement framework of economic resilience, the proposed 3D index contributes to a multilevel consideration of diverse theoretical aspects of this concept, provides empirical insights into the global economy's resilience and facilitates better management of economic resilience‘s computational complexity.
Contemporary outcomes of catheter ablation of the structural ventricular tachycardias in severe ischemic and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathies in Turkish population
Authors: Baskovski Emir , Altin Timucin , Akyurek Omer , Cunetoglu Mahmut Ekrem , Kozluca Volkan , Akbulut Irem Muge , Ozbeyaz Nail Burak , Serifler Nazli Turan , Tutar Eralp 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionCurrently, there are no data regarding outcomes of the catheter ablation for structural ventricular tachycardia (VT) in Türkiye. In this observational study, we aim to investigate cardiac outcomes of patients undergoing catheter VT ablation at a tertiary center in Türkiye.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study performed at a single university center. Patients with a confirmed ischemic or non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy, undergoing structural VT ablation were included. Procedural and mid‐term outcomes were analyzed.ResultsA total of 124 patients were enrolled in the study. 54(43.5%) patients presented with an electrical storm. During the mean follow‐up of 351 ± 232 days 10(8.1%) patients experienced a recurrence. There was only one peri‐procedural death and cardiac tamponade occurred in two patients.14(11.3%) patients died during the follow‐up, most commonly due to a cardiovascular death. In the multivariate analysis only age >70 was found to be correlated with death during follow‐up, with p =.008, HR = 4.923.ConclusionA good acute success with low complications was observed in patients undergoing VT ablation for structural heart disease in a tertiary center in Türkiye. Mid‐term outcomes are comparable with international studies with no difference in VT recurrence in ischemic and non‐ischemic patients. Similar to international studies, significant mid‐term mortality was observed.
The lateral approach for total knee arthroplasty in valgus osteoarthritis provides similar clinical and radiological results compared with the medial approach
Authors: Alsalloum Maamoun , Alimy Assil‐Ramin , Hubert Jan , Rolvien Tim , Fink Bernd 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeIn total knee arthroplasty (TKA), valgus deformities require special approaches to achieve precise mechanical axis correction and joint stability. This study aimed to determine whether the lateral approach without tibial tubercle osteotomy allows mechanical axis correction in valgus knee osteoarthritis (OA), which is at least as effective as the medial approach, while also assessing whether it provides clinically comparable results and complications.MethodsA total of 204 patients undergoing TKA for valgus knee OA were included in this retrospective comparative study, with 131 patients in the lateral approach group and 73 patients in the medial approach group. The surgical goal was to achieve stability with a neutral axis based on mechanical alignment. Detailed pre‐ and postoperative clinical and radiographic data were obtained, including measurements of the hip–knee–ankle angle (HKAA) and patella tilt angle. Functional status was determined based on the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Age, body mass index, sex and preoperative HKAA were adjusted between both groups using propensity score matching (n = 45 per group).ResultsIn the propensity score‐matched cohort, the postoperative HKAA did not show differences when comparing the lateral and the medial approach at a mean follow‐up of 19.7 months (p = 0.385). The achieved correction of the patella tilt angle was higher in the lateral approach group in the overall (p < 0.001) and matched cohort (p < 0.001). No differences were detected regarding the postoperative OKS and complications. However, wound healing disorders showed a tendency to be more prevalent in patients who underwent the lateral approach in the overall cohort (6.1%, n = 8 vs. 0.0%, n = 0, p = 0.053) but not in the propensity score‐matched cohort (p = 0.494).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that for pronounced valgus OA, the lateral approach achieves favourable results in HKAA correction, patellar tilt and complications comparable to the medial approach. However, the risk of wound healing disorders appears higher with severe valgus deformity.Level of EvidenceLevel III therapeutic study.
Mutual Interactions of Silymarin and Colon Microbiota in Healthy Young and Healthy Elder Subjects
Authors: Tomisova Katerina , Jarosova Veronika , Marsik Petr , Bergo Anna Mascellani , Cinek Ondrej , Hlinakova Lucie , Kloucek Pavel , Janousek Vaclav , Valentová Kateřina , Havlik Jaroslav 
Published: October 2024

ScopeThis multi‐omic study investigates the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and silymarin metabolism, highlighting the differential effects across various age groups. Silymarin, the extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), is commonly used for its hepatoprotective effects.Methods and resultsAn in vitro fermentation colon model was used with microbiota from 20 stool samples obtained from healthy donors divided into two age groups. A combination of three analytical advanced techniques, namely proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was used to determine silymarin microbial metabolites over 24 h, overall metabolome, and microbiota composition. Silymarin at a low diet‐relevant dose of 50 µg mL−1 significantly altered gut microbiota metabolism, reducing short‐chain fatty acid (acetate, butyrate, propionate) production, glucose utilization, and increasing alpha‐diversity. Notably, the study reveals age‐related differences in silymarin catabolism. Healthy elderly donors (70–80 years) exhibited a significant increase in a specific catabolite associated with Oscillibacter sp., whereas healthy young donors (12–45 years) showed a faster breakdown of silymarin components, particularly isosilybin B, which is associated with higher abundance of Faecalibacterium and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG‐003.ConclusionThis study provides insights into microbiome functionality in metabolizing dietary flavonolignans, highlighting implications for age‐specific nutritional strategies, and advancing our understanding of dietary (poly)phenol metabolism.
NMR Relaxometry to Monitor In Situ the Loading of Amberlite IR120 and Dowex Marathon MSC Resins With Ni2+ and Cu2+ During a Column Experiment
Authors: Bernardi Marie , de Oliveira Silva Rodrigo , Vuong Quoc Lam , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Gossuin Yves 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater often necessitates the use of ion exchange resins. Current methods for assessing ion exchange efficiency are indirect and destructive. Some heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Ni2+, are paramagnetic and influence the NMR relaxation times of water protons. NMR relaxometry can therefore be utilized to track the removal of these ions by ion exchange resins. In this study, we use relaxometry to monitor in situ the loading with Ni2+ and Cu2+ of Amberlite IR120 and Dowex Marathon MSC resins, with the resin column inserted into a low‐field NMR device. The multiexponential transverse relaxation curves were fitted using a biexponential model. Before and during the loading of the resin, the water with the slowest relaxation corresponds to treated water (free of Ni2+ or Cu2+) flowing between the resin beads. After saturation, the slowest fraction corresponds to the untreated solution (containing Ni2+ or Cu2+) flowing between the resin beads saturated with paramagnetic ions. The evolution with time of the transverse relaxation rate and the amplitude of the slowly relaxing water fraction shows a clear transition, occurring later at the bottom of the resin bed compared with the middle and top. This is interpreted as an indication of the saturation of the studied zone with paramagnetic ions, confirmed by the quantification of Ni2+ or Cu2+ in the effluent using AES spectroscopy. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that NMR relaxometry can be used in situ to monitor the loading of a resin bed with paramagnetic ions.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol and PDI‐Based Polyurethane Films for Durable Antistatic Applications
Authors: Zia Abid , Nawaz Faisal , Farooq Aroosa , khan Musammir 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPolyurethanes (PUs) are emerging materials, but the inferior mechanical strength, low thermal stability, poor solvent‐resistant ability and non‐conductive nature has limited their applications for advanced technology. The PU elastomer films based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 1,4‐phenyl diisocyanate (PDI) was prepared by step‐growth polymerization and curing method using different weight ratios of PDI (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) at constant PEG weight content (1). The obtained PU films were tested for solvent‐resistant properties in both water and dichloromethane (DCM), which showed higher swelling ratios (SRs) and mass loss (%) in water confirming their improved stability in DCM. All the PU films exhibited amorphous characteristics and thermal stability until 403°C. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness was linearly increased from 2.83 to 25 ± 1 MPa, from 66 ± 2 to 868 ± 57 MPa and from 6.1 to 33.87 mJ/mm3, respectively, while elongation at break was reduced from 1323% to 291% with increasing PDI weight ratio from 0.5 to 2.0. The addition of different pyrrole (Py) amount from 4 to 12 mg to the PU film (PDI/PEG ≈ 1:1) has shown negative effect on the mechanical strength at higher Py content, while the surface resistivity (ρs) was decreased from 5.30 × 108 to 2.5 × 108 Ω/sq. of the hybrid films with percolation threshold at ~4–8 wt.% Py loading. Therefore, the obtained PU/Py‐films with appropriate amount of Py have good solvent‐resistant ability, mechanical strength, thermal stability and antistatic properties, thus making them promising antistatic materials for future electronic and industrial applications.
Thermo‐mechanical performance of oil palm/bamboo fiber reinforced bio epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Awad Sameer A. , Jawaid Mohammad , Fouad Hassan , Khalaf Eman M. , Sain Mohini 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe aim of this work to fabricate bamboo (B)/oil palm (O) fibers based biocomposites to assess mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Flexural strength and modulus of hybrid biocomposite (7B:3O) exhibited a higher value (71.18 MPa and 5.24GPa) respectively among all biocomposite samples. On the other hand, pure biocomposite (B) showed a higher impact strength value (6977.8 J/m2) compared to other biocomposites. The results of TGA showed that thermal stability was observed significantly for hybrid biocomposites compared to other samples. In addition, the maximum decomposition temperature values were displayed in the hybrid biocomposite (5B5O), which was 377.82°C. Through DMA, it was likely to find the storage modulus curves (E′), loss modulus (E″) and damping factor (tan δ) for the biocomposites. The E′ showed an increase in the (3736.84 MPa) contrasted to other corresponding samples which were 3121.81 MPa, and 3209.67 MPa for 3B7O MPa and 5B5O samples, respectively. Overall, the results of DMA displayed an enhancement in the storage modulus (E′) in terms of the hybrid biocomposites representing greater stiffness and lower damping factor. SEM micrographs were utilized to understand the fiber bonding and fiber adhesion with the epoxy matrix. Furthermore, it confirmed SEM results that hybrid natural fibers enhance the complete characterisations of bio‐epoxy materials. Additionally, SEM images of the tensile fracture surfaces discovered voids and cracks. Finally, it can be concluded that the selection for the developed hybrid biocomposites provides excellent and economical lightweight biomaterials for automotive, aerospace, contractions and building components.Highlights
Green hybrid biocomposites by oil palm/bamboo fiber/bioepoxy resin.
Mechanical, thermal, DMA of hybrid composites carried out.
Hybrid biocomposite(7B:3O) exhibited higher flexural strength value (71.18 MPa).
TGA showed that the biocomposites are thermally further stable.
DMA displayed an enhancement in the storage modulus (E′).
Molecular and energetic analysis of the interaction and specificity of Maximin 3 with lipid membranes: In vitro and in silico assessments
Authors: Hernández‐Adame Pablo Luis , Bertrand Brandt , Escamilla‐Ruiz Martha Itzel , Ruiz‐García Jaime , Munoz‐Garay Carlos 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, the interaction of antimicrobial peptide Maximin 3 (Max3) with three different lipid bilayer models was investigated to gain insight into its mechanism of action and membrane specificity. Bilayer perturbation assays using liposome calcein leakage dose–response curves revealed that Max3 is a selective membrane‐active peptide. Dynamic light scattering recordings suggest that the peptide incorporates into the liposomal structure without producing a detergent effect. Langmuir monolayer compression assays confirmed the membrane inserting capacity of the peptide. Attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the fingerprint signals of lipid phospholipid hydrophilic head groups and hydrophobic acyl chains are altered due to Max3‐membrane interaction. On the other hand, all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) of the initial interaction with the membrane surface corroborated peptide‐membrane selectivity. Peptide transmembrane MDS shed light on how the peptide differentially modifies lipid bilayer properties. Molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area calculations revealed a specific electrostatic interaction fingerprint of the peptide for each membrane model with which they were tested. The data generated from the in silico approach could account for some of the differences observed experimentally in the activity and selectivity of Max3.
Advanced consequence modeling and risk analysis
Authors: Currie John , Study Karen , Delanoy Paul , First Ken 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhen performing process hazard analysis (PHA), basic consequence evaluation methods are often sufficient. However, sometimes these approaches lead to overly conservative estimates, and we need to conduct more thorough dispersion modeling to refine the potential impact. This paper will evaluate different methods for determining the consequence severity of a potential release, starting with a basic approach, and ultimately using probit functions. Probit functions are used to predict the lethality of a potential release following acute inhalation exposure from a toxic release. Developing probits to use in modeling can be challenging, for obvious reasons. In the absence of human or animal toxicological data, estimates of “pseudo‐probits” can be used in lieu of values derived from toxicological data. The analysis makes use of the PHAST™ program that uses probits as part of its basic tool set. While probits are not new to the industry, this paper provides a simple method for estimating pseudo‐probits for materials that do not have readily available probit data.
The Interplay of Tobacco Farming and Tobacco Control: Exploring Socioeconomic and Health Dynamics in Malawi
Authors: Ngoma Chimwemwe , Lungu Sahan , Chidimbah Munthali George N. , Mwase Martha Shantel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTTobacco farming and tobacco control are closely inter‐related issues, particularly in developing countries that are heavily reliant on tobacco farming like Malawi. This commentary explores the relationship among tobacco farming, economic sustainability, and public health, focusing on the context of Malawi as one of the major tobacco producers in Africa. Malawi's economy is significantly dependent on tobacco farming, yet the country also struggles with smoking‐related health risks, creating a dilemma between socioeconomic and public health considerations. The commentary highlights the lack of empirical evidence regarding the socioeconomic implications of tobacco control measures on tobacco farming in the country. Moreover, despite the country's economic dependence on tobacco farming, a majority of cigarettes consumed domestically are imported, demonstrating the complexity of Malawi's tobacco industry. On public health implications, the article highlights the disease and death burden that is a result of tobacco smoking, underscoring the need for tobacco control measures. The article further draws insights from tobacco end‐game strategies in other countries and proposes a comprehensive approach to tobacco control. However, the article notes Malawi's limited financial resources and healthcare infrastructure to implement traditional tobacco control measures and highlights an emphasis on tobacco harm reduction, a third pillar of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The article also advocates for an emphasis on alternative livelihood opportunities for smallholder tobacco farmers in Malawi.
Generation of Database of Polymer Acceptors and Machine Learning‐Assisted Screening of Efficient Candidates
Authors: Tahir Mudassir Hussain , Khan Naeem‐Ul‐Haq , Elhindi Khalid M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a comprehensive approach for designing polymer acceptors for organic photovoltaic applications through the generation of an extensive database and the application of machine learning (ML) techniques. Over 40 ML models are trained for the prediction of power conversion efficiency (PCE). Histgradient boosting regressor has appeared as best model. Almost 10 k polymers are generated and their PCE values are predicted. The chemical space of polymers has been visualized and analyzed. Cluster analysis revealed significant differences among the selected polymers. Additionally, an assessment of synthetic accessibility for these polymers indicated that the majority can be synthesized with relative ease.
Chemical and metabolic profiling of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in the bulbs of Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with data mining strategy
Authors: Huang Xinxin , Tan Ting , Luo Yun 
Published: October 2024

RationaleThe bulbs of Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis Roem (BNTCR) has been used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of carbuncles in China. The previous phytochemical studies indicated that the main active components of BNTCR were Amarllidaceae alkaloids (AAs). However, the comprehensive chemical and metabolic profiling of AAs in BNTCR remains underexplored. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an accurate and rapid approach for chemical characterization and metabolic profiling of AAs in BNTCR.MethodsThe structural elucidation of natural products by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) with outstanding properties is still limited due to complex mixtures that contain hundreds of compounds. In this study, we employed UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS with a data mining strategy, including diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) and neutral loss (NL), for rapid classifying and identifying AAs in BNTCR and prototypes absorbed into the blood of mice after oral administration of BNTCR extract.ResultsAs a result, 87 AAs, including 13 narciclasine type, 13 homolycorine type, 17 lycorine type, 12 galanthamine type, 25 haemanthamine type, and 7 tazettine type, were tentatively characterized (6 verified with authentic standards). In addition, a total of 44 prototypes were identified in mice plasma, urine, and fecal samples. Among them, 8 prototypes were found in plasma, 36 in urine, and 40 in feces, respectively. Lycorine, pseudolycorine, homolycorine, 8‐O‐demetylhomolycorine, and tazettine, as major AAs in BNTCR, were absorbed into the blood.ConclusionsOur findings provided a crucial step for the elucidation of the active compounds in BNTCR for treatment of carbuncles. In the future, the developed strategy could also be applied for identifying AAs in other herbal medicines from Amarllidaceae.
Relay Switching–Based Event‐Triggered Finite‐Time Tracking Control for Nonholonomic Systems: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Bian Jinshan , Zhang Zhongcai , Gao Yang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the event‐triggered finite‐time trajectory tracking controller based on a type of chained‐form nonholonomic systems under unknown disturbances by utilizing relay switching technology. A key design idea is that the entire control design is grouped into two separated control stages to produce different finite‐time tracking controllers with correspondingly event‐triggered control rules. By using some nonlinear design methods, a relay switching–based event‐triggered finite‐time tracking control method is adopted to assure that the resulting closed‐loop tracking error system converges to an arbitrarily small neighborhood around zero within a finite time. All closed‐loop error system states keep bounded throughout the entire process. Simulation and experiment results demonstrate the rationality of the designed tracking control strategy.
Quantum–Chemical Study of the Photophysical Behavior of Mesogenic Europium(III) Complexes with β‐Diketones and Lewis Bases
Authors: Romanova Ksenia , Galyametdinov Yuriy 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMetal‐containing liquid crystals such as Ln(III) complexes possess unique structural, liquid‐crystalline (LC), optical, and magnetic properties and represent modern cutting‐edge multifunctional materials. Application of mesogenic Ln(III) complexes is hindered by their nontrivial structure–property relationships. These relationships, in turn, depend on various factors, including insufficiently studied physicochemical processes. Although a proper Ln(III) element and the respective ligand environment are selected prior to synthesis of such complexes, the structural features of the coordination polyhedra, especially upon photoexcitation, are not uniquely defined. Therefore, this work focuses on the development of theoretical approaches to creating multifunctional materials represented by highly luminescent mesogenic Eu(III) complexes with β‐diketones and Lewis bases. The relationships between their structure, the parameters of Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra, the luminescence efficiency, and the LC properties were considered. The calculated excited states and intramolecular energy transfer rates were used to determine intramolecular energy transfer channels. The LC behavior of the studied materials was shown to mainly depend on the ligand environment, whereas their optical properties were found to be mostly governed by the coordination polyhedra.