bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of polymer injection molding using calcareous waste concrete powder and polyethylene
Authors: Kanda Yasuyuki , Kusumoto Tsuguri 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study fabricated composite materials using waste concrete powder (WCP) and linear low‐density polyethylene via injection molding to improve the resource value of polymer composites of waste concrete. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite material improved with increasing WCP content and did not decrease even at a WCP content of 60 wt%. Moreover, the effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties of the composite was low for composites with a WCP content of 20 wt%. To investigate the effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties of the composite material in detail, the von Mises stress distribution of the composite material with a WCP content of 20 wt% was analyzed using finite element method (FEM). The von Mises stress distributions of the composite materials were almost identical across all WCP particle sizes. The results from the experiment and FEM analysis suggested that the interfacial adhesion between the WCP and LLDPE is in good condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that injection molding using WCP and LLDPE is feasible and WCP shows promise as a reinforcement particle.Highlights
Fabrication of plastic composite material using the WCP by injection molding.
The flexural strength and modulus increased by adding the WCP.
The effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties was low.
The Mises stress were almost identical at each WCP particle size.
The WCP is promising reinforcement of flexural strength and modulus.
Decision‐making in entrepreneurial teams with competing economic and noneconomic goals
Authors: Neckebrouck Jeroen , Zellweger Thomas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryHow should decision‐making be organized in entrepreneurial teams pursuing competing economic and noneconomic goals? Using a computational model, we examine how four archetypical decision‐making structures—unanimous approval, individual autonomy, majority voting, and lead entrepreneur—shape the performance of entrepreneurial firms when team members hold varied preferences for how to tradeoff economic and noneconomic goals. In stable environments, we find that majority voting generates highest economic performance, while unanimous approval generates highest noneconomic performance. Conversely, unanimous approval outperforms in fast‐changing contexts. Although goal diversity generally reduces economic performance, it enhances it in fast‐changing settings when teams operate under unanimous approval. This study thus underscores the critical role of decision‐making structures for the success of entrepreneurial teams.Managerial SummaryHow should entrepreneurial teams make decisions when balancing economic and noneconomic goals? We examine four decision‐making approaches—unanimous approval, individual autonomy, majority voting, and lead entrepreneur—and their impact on economic and noneconomic performance. In stable environments, majority voting leads to highest economic performance, while unanimous approval excels in achieving noneconomic goals. In fast‐paced environments, unanimous approval consistently delivers superior outcomes, enhancing both economic and noneconomic performance. Notably, teams with diverse goals can improve their economic performance in high‐velocity settings when using unanimous approval. These findings highlight the importance of choosing the right decision‐making structure to optimize performance in varying conditions. For entrepreneurial teams, adapting decision‐making processes to the pace of the environment is essential for success.
Entropy Engineering‐Modulated D‐Band Center of Transition Metal Nitrides for Catalyzing Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jiao Jihuang , Liu Da , He Yufei , Shen Yinan , Zhou Jin , Liang Chu , Pan Hongge , Wu Renbing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and severe polysulfide shuttle effect seriously restrict the cycling stability and lower the sulfur utilization of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. Efficient catalytic conversion of polysulfides is deemed a crucial strategy to address these issues, but still suffers from an unclear electronic structure‐activity relationship and a limited catalysis performance. Herein, entropy engineering‐induced electronic state modulation of metal nitride nanoparticles embedded within hollow N‐doped carbon (HNC) polyhedra are theoretically and experimentally constructed as a catalyst to accelerate the redox process of sulfur and suppress polysulfide migration in Li‐S batteries. By introducing V, Cr, and Nb elements to engineer the entropy of TiN, the metal d‐band center is optimized to approach the Fermi level, significantly facilitating the conversion of sulfur species. Accordingly, the TiVCrNbN@HNC catalyst enables Li‐S batteries to achieve a high initial capacity (1299 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) and excellent cycling stability with a low capacity decay rate of 0.086% per cycle after 500 cycles. This work may provide a new insight into entropy engineering in catalyst design for high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
The Ameliorative Effect of Betulinic Acid on Oxidative Stress in Mice of Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Huang You , Ma Chaoyang , Zhu Lijuan , Kong Li , Huang Chunlin , Yang Wenjiang , He Jiayu , Yang Mingqi , Huang Lin , Yuan Liyun , Yi Jine 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAs a conventional immunosuppressive drug, cyclophosphamide (CYP) exhibits strong hepatotoxicity in clinical applications. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural triterpenoid that protects against liver damage. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of BA on CYP‐induced hepatotoxicity and further clarify the underlying mechanism. BA pretreatment mitigated CYP‐induced liver oxidative damage by alleviating histopathological lesions, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and restoring the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (Cu‐Sod, Mn‐Sod, Cat, and Gsh‐Px). BA treatment also suppressed CYP‐induced oxidative stress by activating the NRF2 pathway and inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, BA attenuated CYP‐triggered hepatic apoptosis by suppressing excessive mitochondrial fission, boosting mitochondrial fusion, and ameliorating pro‐apoptotic protein expression (CASP9 and the ratio of BCL‐2/BAX) by blocking the oxidative stress‐activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK) and/or BA abated CYP‐provoked hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the ERK–MAPK and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways, implying that deactivation of the ERK‐mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway contributed to the hepatoprotective efficacy of BA against CYP‐induced oxidative stress. Therefore, BA could be used as a complementary medicine in patients undergoing CYP treatment owing to its hepatoprotective effects.
Anatomical considerations in selective amygdalohippocampectomy techniques for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy: a cadaveric study with emphasis on white matter tract anatomy
Authors: Dziedzic Tomasz Andrzej , Senger Michał , Kunert Przemysław 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is a common form of focal drug resistant epilepsy in adults. Various mesial temporal lobe structures are integral in the genesis of temporal seizures and the hippocampal sclerosis is the primary neuropathological finding in these cases. Surgical treatment is considered the preferred management. This study aims to analyze the anatomical and surgical aspects of various resection techniques of selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAHE)and clarify the critical anatomical landmarks and technical nuances associated which each method.

Methods
Through dissection of five human head and brain specimens we evaluated three primary surgical approaches for SAHE—transsylvian, transcortical, and subtemporal — and additionally discussed laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). We examined the anatomical considerations of the temporal lobe and its white matter tracts, as well as the technical aspects of each approach.

Results
The transcortical approach provides direct access to mesial structures but requires precise placement of the corticotomy based on hemisphere dominance to avoid arcuate fascicle and optic radiation. The subtemporal approach preserves all above white matter tracts but may risk interruption of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. The transsylvian approach allows for comprehensive exposure but poses risks to tracts within limen insulae, namely uncinate and inferior fronto – occipital fascicles. Additionally, there is a risk to middle cerebral artery and its branches. LITT offers a minimally invasive alternative with comparable outcomes and reduced risk of cognitive side effects.

Conclusion
Selective amygdalohippocampectomy and its variants, including LITT, are surgical strategies for managing mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Each approach has distinct anatomical and technical considerations that influence the choice of a technique. Due to complex anatomy of temporal lobe and white matter tracts variability more research is essential for achieving favourable outcomes.
Efficacy of a 6-week VR exergame for older adults with essential hypertension: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Vorwerg-Gall Susan , Stamm Oskar , Perotti Luis , Müller-Werdan Ursula 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to examine the initial efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) exergame for blood pressure (BP), body composition, lung function, physical working capacity, and mobility in older hypertensive adults. Furthermore, the objective was to explore the exercise intensities that can be reached during the training. This study was designed as a randomized controlled pilot trial. The exergame group (EG) completed 6-week training using VR; the conventional training group (CTG) performed conventional group training over the same time period. The sample included thirty-five participants with essential hypertension randomized with a ratio of 2:1 to EG (n = 23) and CTG (n = 12). The training was performed twice a week and consisted of strength endurance and endurance training sessions in alteration, which lasted from 20 to 30 min. Within the groups, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced only in the EG. There were no group differences with regard to BP. The heart rate (HR) results showed no significant differences within and between groups in the pre–post comparison. Overall, a significant increase in HR during exercise was observed in both groups. On average, only the EG was able to reach the target intensity of 40–60%. In addition, blood pressure was significantly lower 5 min after training in EG than in CTG. This pilot study showed that 6 weeks of training with VR can lead to reaching the target heart rate during exercise and indicate a greater reduction in BP after training in older adults with hypertension. This pilot study provides useful insights into the potential of VR exergaming and for future research.
The Future of Urban Modelling: From BLV to AI
Authors: Wilson Alan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUrban modelling has a very long history and is widely applied and tested especially in transport and retail analysis, and to an extent with comprehensive models. The theoretical base is fragmented and there are opportunities, sketched here, for more effective integration. There are also opportunities for a much wider range of application. However, with new developments in data science and AI, and in more established but disconnected related areas such operational research, there are opportunities for new theory which will further strengthen the field. ‘Big data’ provides opportunities for real-time model calibration and applications, bigger and better information systems, and the basis for deployment in AI. ‘Machine learning’ can be inverted conceptually to ‘learning machines’ and we show how applications in health, providing augmented intelligence for clinicians, can be translated into urban analytics and planning, offering a potentially important research challenge and new theory.
Metal(loid) tolerance, accumulation, and phytoremediation potential of wetland macrophytes for multi-metal(loid)s polluted water
Authors: Khan Aqib Hassan Ali , Velasco-Arroyo Blanca , Rad Carlos , Curiel-Alegre Sandra , Rumbo Carlos , de Wilde Herwig , Pérez-de-Mora Alfredo , Martel-Martín Sonia , Barros Rocío 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNatural based solutions, notably constructed/artificial wetland treatment systems, rely heavily on identification and use of macrophytes with the ability to tolerate multiple contaminants and grow for an extended period to reduce contamination. The potential to tolerate and remediate metal(loid) contaminated groundwater from an industrial site located in Flanders (Belgium) was assessed for 10 wetland macrophytes (including Carex riparia Curtis, Cyperus longus Baker, Cyperus rotundus L., Iris pseudacorus L., Juncus effusus L., Lythrum salicaria L., Mentha aquatica L., Phragmites australis Trin. ex Steud., Scirpus holoschoenus L., and Typha angustifolia L.). The experiment was conducted under static conditions, where plants were exposed to polluted acidic (pH ~ 4) water, having high level of metal(loid)s for 15 days. Plant biomass, morphology, and metal uptake by roots and shoots were analysed every 5 days for all species. Typha angustifolia and Scirpus holoschoenus produced ~ 3 and ~ 1.1 times more dried biomass than the controls, respectively. For S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia, no apparent morphological stress symptoms were observed, and plant heights were similar between control and plants exposed to polluted groundwater. Higher concentrations of all metal(loid)s were detected in the roots indicating a potential for phytostabilization of metal(loid)s below the water column. For J. effusus and T. angustifolia, Cd, Ni, and Zn accumulation was observed higher in the shoots. S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia are proposed for restoration and phytostabilization strategies in natural and/or constructed wetland and aquatic ecosystems affected by metal(loid) inputs.
Graphical abstract
Advancing methods for comparative nutritional LCA of milk and plant-based milk substitutes
Authors: Kovanen Immi , Kyttä Venla , Kårlund Anna , Pajari Anne-Maria , Tuomisto Hanna , Saarinen Merja , Kolehmainen Marjukka 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The contribution of milk on the environmental and nutritional impacts of diets is substantial especially in countries with high consumption rates of dairy products, such as in the Nordic countries. Due to environmental and health reasons, plant-based drinks (PBDs) are gaining popularity among consumers, but the nutritional composition of PBDs varies depending on their base ingredients and possible fortification. This study develops product group-specific nutrient indices to be used as functional units (nFU) in life cycle assessments (LCA) of milks and PBDs.

Methods
Here, we formed three product group–specific nutrient indices for milk and PBDs: (i) based on our previous development of product group–specific indices considering the current dietary role of milk in Finnish diets, (ii) based on the potential nutritional benefits of PBDs compared to milk, and (iii) as combination of the two abovementioned indices. The new indices were then applied as a nFUs in a case study comparing selection of 46 drinks from the Finnish food composition database including milks and fortified and unfortified PBDs. The environmental impacts were assessed in five different impact categories utilizing data from LCA databases.

Results and discussion
The index based on current consumption led to the highest nutrient index scores for cow’s milks and consequently lower environmental impacts when used as a nFU, whereas the index based on nutrients obtained from PBDs as nFU led to higher environmental impacts for milk and lower for PBDs. Cow’s milk had the highest climate impact when the impacts were allocated per unit of mass, but in nFU-based comparison, some PBDs had higher impacts than cow’s milk. The results showed notable difference between fortified and unfortified PBDs, as the environmental impacts of unfortified PBDs were higher than impacts of milk when the comparison was based on nutrient content, while the environmental impacts of fortified drinks were lower than those of milk.

Conclusions
The index based on nutrients currently obtained from milk is the most suitable one for capturing the nutritional consequences of substituting milk with PBDs in the current diets. However, the other indices can bring additional information on the possible nutritional benefits in another decision-making situation. As nutrient fortification has substantial impact on the results, the role of fortification in sustainable foods should be further evaluated and the methodological approaches to consider fortification in nLCA advanced.
Improved Ferroelectric Effects and Gate Controllability in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2-Gated InAlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs Using ZrO2 Seed Layers
Authors: Yu Tien-Han , Chen Yu-Lin , Tsao Yi-Fan , Hsu Chin-Tsai , Lu Tsan-Feng , Hsu Heng-Tung 
Published: November 2024

AbstractScaling of GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) frequently leads to increased gate leakage current and increased risk of device breakdown when subjected to high-speed switching, ultimately resulting in a reduction of the maximum drain current and output power density. These issues can be effectively mitigated by incorporating a dielectric layer beneath the gate in HEMTs. This study delves into the performance enhancement of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2-gated InAlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) HEMTs that are grown on a ZrO2 seed layer. The implementation of ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2(HZO) stacks has been shown to significantly reduce gate leakage current and stabilize threshold voltage shifts. Furthermore, the positive bias transconductance peak shift enhances the overall electrical stability of the device. Our findings underscore the potential of using ferroelectric stacks in InAlGaN/GaN HEMTs to achieve higher efficiency and operational stability. These advancements make Hf0.5Zr0.5O2-gated HEMTs particularly suitable for advanced high-power and high-frequency applications, demonstrating their capacity to deliver superior performance under challenging conditions. The results of this study highlight the critical role of dielectric engineering in optimizing GaN-based devices, paving the way for future innovations in semiconductor technology.
Mycotoxin concentrations in rice are affected by chalkiness, grain shape, processing type, and grain origin
Authors: Tang Erasmus N. , Ndindeng Sali A. , Onaga Geoffrey , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro , Falade Titilayo D. O. , Djouaka Rousseau , Frei Michael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) pose a risk to public health due to their carcinogenic potency (AFs and FBs) and anti-nutritional effects. The hazards associated with mycotoxins are accentuated where food management practices, control, and regulatory systems from farm to plate are sub-optimal. Information on the frequency of these mycotoxins in rice commercialized in markets in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is limited. The current study examined AF concentrations in 527 rice samples collected from 54 markets in five SSA countries. Grain quality characteristics, processing methods, and origin of samples were contrasted with toxin levels. In total, 72% of the samples had detectable AFs levels (range = 3.0 to 89.8 µg/kg). Forty-seven percent (47%) of the samples had AFs above 4 µg/kg, the European Union maximum level (ML), and were evaluated for cooccurrence with FBs, ZEN, and DON. Total AFs and ZEN cooccurred in 40% of the samples, and 30% of the positive ZEN samples had concentrations above the ML of 75 µg/kg. Total AFs did not co-occur with FBs and DON. Multivariate analysis revealed that length-to-width ratio (p < 0.0001), mixed variety for width (p = 0.04), and chalkiness (p = 0.009) significantly influenced aflatoxin concentrations. Slender grains had higher AFs concentrations than bold and medium grains (p < 0.0001). Possible strategies to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in rice include improving grain quality traits and practicing proper drying and hermetic storage before and after milling. These findings provide valuable insights for both domestic and international actors in establishing and strengthening regulations and management systems to mitigate rice mycotoxin contamination.
Predicting Tags for Learner Questions on Stack Overflow
Authors: Olatinwo Segun O. , Demmans Epp Carrie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOnline question answering sites, such as Stack Overflow (SO), have become an important learning and support platform for computer-science learners and practitioners who are seeking help. Learners on SO are currently faced with the problem of unanswered questions, inhibiting their lifelong-learning efforts and contributing to delays in their software development process. The major reason for this problem is that most of the technical problems posted on SO are not seen by those who have the required expertise and knowledge to answer a specific question. This issue is often attributed to the use of inappropriate tags when posting questions. We developed a new method, BERT-CBA, to predict tags for answering user questions. BERT-CBA combines a convolutional network, BILSTM, and attention layers with BERT. In BERT-CBA, the convolutional layer extracts the local semantic features of an SO post, the BILSTM layer fuses the local semantic features and the word embeddings (contextual features) of an SO post, and the attention layer selects the important words from a post to identify the most appropriate tag labels. BERT-CBA outperformed four existing tag recommendation approaches by 2-73% as measured by F1@K=1-5. These findings suggest that BERT-CBA could be used to recommend appropriate tags to learners before they post their question which would increase their chances of getting answers.
Gender and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HIV Care and Viral Suppression at Jail Entry
Authors: Vaughn Jocelyn T. , Peterson Caryn E. , Hirschtick Jana L. , Ouellet Lawrence J. , Hershow Ronald C. , Kim Sage J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWomen and racial/ethnic minorities living with HIV are less likely than White men to be engaged in HIV treatment when entering US jails. Few studies have examined the intersection of gender and race/ethnicity among incarcerated populations. The “Enhancing Linkages to HIV Primary Care and Services in Jail Settings Initiative” (EnhanceLink) was a 10-site prospective cohort study of 1,270 people living with HIV in correctional facilities between 2008 and 2011. Using data from this study (N = 1,096), we assessed the likelihood of having a usual source of HIV care, utilizing ART, and viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/ml) within 30 days of incarceration among the following groups, stratified by current gender and race/ethnicity, relative to non-Hispanic White men: Non-Hispanic Black women, non-Hispanic Black men, Hispanic/Latina (Hispanic) women, Hispanic men, and non-Hispanic White women. Compared to non-Hispanic White men, non-Hispanic Black women were 20% less likely to report that they had access to HIV care before incarceration after adjusting for age, sexual orientation, incarceration history, and medical comorbidities (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9, p = 0.0002). Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic White women were 30% less likely to utilize ART (respectively) than White men after adjusting for the same potential confounders (PR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, p = 0.002; PR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9, p = 0.02; PR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–1.0, p = 0.03). Our findings underscore the importance of culturally informed, community-based HIV interventions that promote equitable access to HIV care.