bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slow‐release fertilizer behavior of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/urea/TiO2 nanofiber membrane
Authors: Inayah Nadiisah Nurul , Kusumaatmaja Ahmad , Murtafi'atin Rini 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNanofiber is a material used as a drug carrier matrix in drug release materials. Its morphology has high porosity and good flexibility, making it suitable for this purpose. The use of nanofiber as a carrier matrix in slow‐release fertilizer (SRF) material is expected to provide a solution for releasing fertilizer into the soil more measurably and efficiently In this study, PVA/Urea/TiO2 nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning method. PVA/Urea/TiO2 SRFs were prepared using varying urea mass percentages (10%, 15%, and 20% of PVA mass) and the concentration of titanium dioxide suspension solution (0, 0.2, and 0.4 mL). Every sample was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and tested using contact angle and slow‐release tests. From SEM characterizations, all samples showed the ability to form nanofiber. It was found that the membrane diameter sizes for each sample A, B, C, D, E, and F were 341 ± 5, 309 ± 12, 109 ± 3, 313 ± 10, 109 ± 3, and 158 ± 6 nm, respectively. The FTIR characterizations showed that all the matrix samples successfully contained the nitrogen group, which was found at wave number 1605 cm−1 (NH deformation), 1574 cm−1 (CN stretching), and 3430 cm−1 (NH stretching). The SEM mapping images confirmed the presence of titanium dioxide (green dots). The contact angle test showed that all samples had hydrophilic properties (the contact angle value lower than 90°), and the greatest value of contact angle measurement was 31.08° for sample C/E (sample with the most presence of TiO2 suspension solution 0.4 mL). The sample with the greatest TiO2 suspension concentration (0.4 mL) had the longest urea release time, lasting 8 days. This result indicates the addition of TiO2, can potentially suppress the hydrophilic properties of the PVA membrane. It is found that the addition of TiO2 influenced the membrane's hydrophilicity, consequently increasing the release rate. This study used the Korsmeyer–Peppas mathematical kinetic model to show that diffusion and swelling are release mechanisms for SRF membranes.
Impact of agricultural atmospheric pollutants on the opto‐electrical performance of CIGS solar cells
Authors: Debono Adèle , Fikree Noor , Julien Arthur , Rebai Amelle , Harada Nao , Schneider Nathanaelle , Guillemoles Jean‐François , Volovitch Polina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe reliability of CIGS solar systems in agricultural environments was investigated using an accelerated aging test. Both complete cells and representative stacks of selected layers and interfaces were exposed to humidity and temperature variations for 9 to 14 days with and without ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4, an aerosol pollutant representative of agricultural activities. The performance evolution of complete cells was evaluated by J‐V curves and EQE measurements. After 9 days, the presence of (NH4)2SO4 led to a performance loss of 58%, significantly higher than the 37% loss observed without pollutants. Using computer calculations based on the two‐diode model, it was possible to de‐correlate some interactions between J‐V parameters. The results of modeling suggested that the pollutant caused optical losses and conductivity loss of electrical contacts, presumably by corrosion. Sheet resistance and Hall effect measurements on the representative stacks of layers confirmed that the conductivity loss of ZnO:Al (AZO) after 14 days of aging strongly impacted the cell performance, this phenomenon being even more severe in the presence of (NH4)2SO4. The conductivity of Mo remained significantly less affected by aging both with and without pollutants. The NiAlNi contacts after aging with (NH4)2SO4 became so resistive that measurement was impossible. Corroborating modeling and experimental results, the drop in Jsc was attributed to the loss of the interference fringes in the AZO rather than to the loss of optical transmittance. Finally, aging without pollutants mostly impacted Voc and Rsh due to the formation of shunt paths.
Bronchiolitis: Increased severity in the post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Boccard Victorine , Prevost Blandine , Denamur Sophie , Peulier‐Maitre Elora , Nathan Nadia , Corvol Harriet 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionAcute bronchiolitis is a pressing public health concern, leading to numerous infant hospitalizations worldwide annually. The notable decrease in bronchiolitis hospitalizations during the COVID‐19 pandemic sparked concerns about a potential resurgence post‐pandemic. Questions also arose about the severity of post‐pandemic cases compared to prepandemic ones. This study aimed to compare bronchiolitis severity before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic, alongside changes in the epidemiology of bronchiolitis viral agents.Material and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records concerning infants under 12 months hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis in our pediatric pulmonology department over a period of 5 years: 2 pre‐COVID years (2018−2020), the COVID year (2020), and 2 post‐COVID years (2021−2023). Clinical and laboratory data were collected using standardized forms.ResultsHospital admissions exhibited comparable rates pre‐ and post‐COVID but witnessed a decline during the COVID period. Post‐COVID, bronchiolitis severity increased, with longer hospitalization durations (p < 0.001) and increased oxygen therapy (p = 0.04), coinciding with a surge in the prevalence of RSV infections (p = 0.01). Patients testing positive for RSV were significantly younger (p = 0.005) and exhibited more severe symptoms.Discussion and ConclusionThis study reveals a significant increase in bronchiolitis severity and a rise in RSV cases following the COVID pandemic. The implementation of preventive measures such as nirsevimab is crucial to alleviate the burden of respiratory illnesses in vulnerable populations. Continued vigilance and research are needed to address the evolving challenges of bronchiolitis in the post‐COVID era.
Elaboration of the Homer1 recognition landscape reveals incomplete divergence of paralogous EVH1 domains
Authors: Singer Avinoam , Ramos Alejandra , Keating Amy E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractShort sequences that mediate interactions with modular binding domains are ubiquitous throughout eukaryotic proteomes. Networks of short linear motifs (SLiMs) and their corresponding binding domains orchestrate many cellular processes, and the low mutational barrier to evolving novel interactions provides a way for biological systems to rapidly sample selectable phenotypes. Mapping SLiM binding specificity and the rules that govern SLiM evolution is fundamental to uncovering the pathways regulated by these networks and developing the tools to manipulate them. We used high‐throughput screening of the human proteome to identify sequences that bind to the Enabled/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domain of the postsynaptic density scaffolding protein Homer1. This expanded our understanding of the determinants of Homer EVH1 binding preferences and defined a new motif that can facilitate the discovery of additional Homer‐mediated interactions. Interestingly, the Homer1 EVH1 domain preferentially binds to sequences containing an N‐terminally overlapping motif that is bound by the paralogous family of Ena/VASP actin polymerases, and many of these sequences can bind to EVH1 domains from both protein families. We provide evidence from orthologous EVH1 domains in pre‐metazoan organisms that the overlap in human Ena/VASP and Homer binding preferences corresponds to an incomplete divergence from a common Ena/VASP ancestor. Given this overlap in binding profiles, promiscuous sequences that can be recognized by both families either achieve specificity through extrinsic regulatory strategies or may provide functional benefits via multi‐specificity. This may explain why these paralogs incompletely diverged despite the accessibility of further diverged isoforms.
Ginsenoside CK cooperates with bone mesenchymal stem cells to enhance angiogenesis post‐stroke via GLUT1 and HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway
Authors: Chen Xijun , Qian Wenqi , Zhang Ying , Zhao Peiqi , Lin Xiangxiang , Yang Su , Zhuge Qichuan , Ni Haoqi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in stroke is hindered by the restricted rates of survival and differentiation. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), is reported to have a neuroprotective effect and regulate energy metabolism. We applied CK to investigate if CK could promote the survival of MSCs and differentiation into brain microvascular endothelial‐like cells (BMECs), thereby alleviating stroke symptoms. Therefore, transwell and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were used to mimic oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Our results demonstrated that CK had a good affinity for GLUT1, which increased the expression of GLUT1 and the production of ATP, facilitated the proliferation and migration of MSCs, and activated the HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling pathway to promote MSC differentiation. Moreover, CK cooperated with MSCs to protect BMECs, promote angiogenesis and vascular density, enhance neuronal and astrocytic proliferation, thereby reducing infarct volume and consequently improving neurobehavioral outcomes. These results suggest that the synergistic effects of CK and MSCs could potentially be a promising strategy for stroke.
Adaptive dynamic‐surface repetitive control for uncertain nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances and input delay
Authors: Sun Yongbo , Zhou Lan , She Jinhua , Xiao Wenbin , Li Meiliu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBased on additive state decomposition technique, this article presents an adaptive dynamic‐surface repetitive control method for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances and input delay. First, the original uncertain nonlinear system is decomposed into a linear time invariant (LTI) primary system responsible for the periodic signal tracing and rejection task, and a nonlinear secondary system with input time delay responsible for the robust stabilization task. A modified repetitive controller with a small correction to the delay constant is then independently designed for the LTI primary system, while an adaptive dynamic surface controller is designed for the nonlinear secondary system. Stability analysis is performed for each subsystem and the design procedure of the whole system is presented in detail. Finally, comparative simulations with other repetitive control and dynamic surface control methods show that the presented method not only relaxes the constraints on the reference inputs and exogenous disturbances, but also ensures that the system has better disturbance rejection and periodic‐signal tracking performance in both transient and steady states. As a result, this method broadens the application of both repetitive control and dynamic surface control.
3D Confinement Stabilizes the Metastable Amorphous State of Antimony Nanoparticles – A New Material for Miniaturized Phase Change Memories?
Authors: Frommelius Anne , Wirth Konstantin , Ohlerth Thorsten , Siebenkotten Dario , Wintersteller Simon , Abouserie Ahed , Du Hongchu , Mayer Joachim , Yarema Maksym , Taubner Thomas , Simon Ulrich 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe wet‐chemical synthesis of 3D confined antimony nanoparticles (Sb‐NP) at low and high temperatures is described. Using reaction conditions that are mild in temperature and strong in reducing power allows the synthesis of amorphous Sb‐NP stabilized with organic ligands. Exchanging the organic ligand 1‐octanethiol by iodide enabled to investigate the unusual strong stability of this metastable material through simultaneous thermal analysis combining differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, in situ high temperature powder x‐ray diffraction (p‐XRD) shows a significant increase in stabilization of the amorphous phase in comparison to thin layered, 1D confined Sb or bulk material. Further, it is shown with scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM) experiments that the optical response of the different phases in Sb‐NP make the distinctness of each phase possible. It is proposed that the Sb‐NP introduced here can serve as a 3D‐confined optically addressable nanomaterial of miniaturized phase change memory devices.
Quantum‐Confined Perovskite Nanocrystals Enabled by Negative Catalyst Strategy for Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Yuankun , Wang Sheng , Li Rui , Li Wenqiang , Long Tengfei , Wang Lin , Kong Lingmei , Cao Fan , Wu Qianqian , Jia Guohua , Yang Xuyong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) are emerging as a promising emitter for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their excellent optical and electrical properties. However, the ultrafast growth of PeNCs often results in large sizes exceeding the Bohr diameter, leading to low exciton binding energy and susceptibility to nonradiative recombination, while small‐sized PeNCs exhibit a large specific surface area, contributing to an increased defect density. Herein, Zn2+ ions as a negative catalyst to realize quantum‐confined FAPbBr3 PeNCs with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QY) over 90%. Zn2+ ions exhibit robust coordination with Br− ions is introduced, effectively retarding the participation of Br− ions in the perovskite crystallization process and thus facilitating PeNCs size control. Notably, Zn2+ ions neither incorporate into the perovskite lattice nor are absorbed on the surface of PeNCs. And the reduced growth rate also promotes sufficient octahedral coordination of PeNC that reduces defect density. The LEDs based on these optimized PeNCs exhibits an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.7%, significantly surpassing that of the pristine PeNCs (15.2%). Furthermore, the device lifetime is also extended by twofold. This research presents a novel approach to achieving high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Pedagogical practices and the gender gap in economics education
Authors: Engelhardt Bryan , Johnson Marianne , Siemers Sarinda 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSince the 1970s, economists have regularly documented that women tend to underperform otherwise comparable men in introductory economics courses. Hypotheses as to why this finding is so persistent often target economists' pedagogical practices. In this paper, we leverage the changes forced by the COVID‐19 pandemic to explore several hypotheses. Leveraging a sample of more than 3000 students enrolled in introductory micro‐ and introductory macroeconomics across seven semesters, we examine the interaction between gender and course modality, returns to effort, and the composition of the final grade. We find the size of the gender performance gap, as measured by course grade, fluctuated significantly across pre‐, during, and post‐pandemic semesters. We conclude this variation is not explained by course modality or student effort measures; instead, we argue that assessment strategy may drive much of the gender gap. This suggests the de‐emphasis of multiple‐choice exams in grade composition may go a significant way to closing the gender gap in introductory economics performance.
Systematic approach to a government‐led technology roadmap for future‐ready adaptive traffic signal control systems
Authors: Balaci Ana Theodora , Suh Eun Suk 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe economic impact of inefficient traffic control systems is significant owing to prolonged commute durations, and increased energy consumption. Traffic signal control systems (TSCSs) significantly influence traffic flows at intersections. Therefore, adaptive TSCSs (ATSCSs) that can adjust to traffic conditions in real‐time have been proposed as more efficient alternatives. However, the expensive implementation of these systems highlights the need for judicious investments in appropriate technologies and infrastructure. Therefore, a comprehensive technology roadmap should be built that guides the future development of traffic control and the infusion of technologies to address traffic needs. Additionally, as ATSCSs are developed and managed by local governments, the perspective of a government‐led technology roadmap is required to guide the roadmap development and implementation. Although studies have explored technology roadmaps across numerous sectors, the viewpoint of roadmap development guided by government entities is frequently neglected despite the role of these entities in shaping technological policies, underwriting research and development initiatives, and driving nationwide innovation strategies. In this study, a comprehensive framework is proposed for developing technology roadmaps tailored for systems and technologies led by governmental entities. This framework has been adapted from the Advanced Technology Roadmap Architecture (ATRA) and brought original adjustments thereby addressing the research gap. The study also presents strategic recommendations for the ATSCS implementation in South Korea, integrating systems engineering principles for a holistic approach to technological advancements. The framework can be replicated to serve as a guide for governments seeking to implement effective and efficient technology roadmaps for public infrastructure systems.
The vehicle routing programming of municipal solid waste collection under cognitive uncertainty
Authors: Wang Zhen , Huo Jiazhen , Lam Jasmine Siu Lee 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe rapid development of online shopping has led to an increase in express parcels, thus the proliferation of solid waste from parcel packaging. There are many other phenomena that have arisen with rapid economic development that also led to the surge in municipal solid waste. It is urgent to pay attention to municipal solid waste collection. Unexpected disruptive events lead to cognitive uncertainty and cause municipal waste collection to fail to function properly. This article studies how to properly carry out vehicle planning to achieve the shortest driving distance under cognitive uncertainty. The community's time window and the amount of garbage in each community are taken as uncertain variables. Based on the uncertainty theory, an uncertain vehicle routing problem (VRP) model and an uncertain VRP with the loading constraint model are constructed, and the solution algorithms of these two models are given. Several applications are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed models and algorithms. This article proposes for the first time the models and algorithms to study the VRP under cognitive uncertainty. The findings draw important practical implications for adjusting municipal solid waste collection planning and logistics during disruptive events.
The determination of the spin and parity of a vector-vector system
Authors: An Liupan , McNulty Ronan , Mikhasenko Mikhail 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We present a construction of the reaction amplitude for the inclusive production of a resonance decaying to a pair of identical vector particles such as J/ψJ/ψ, ρρ, ϕϕ. The method provides the possibility of determining the spin and parity of a resonance in a model-independent way. The methodology is demonstrated using the Standard Model decay of the Higgs boson to four leptons and through angular correlations in the production and decays of J/ψ pairs.
Energy momentum tensor on and off the light cone: exposition with scalar Yukawa theory
Authors: Cao Xianghui , Xu Siqi , Li Yang , Chen Guangyao , Zhao Xingbo , Karmanov V. A. , Vary J. P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We compute the gravitational form factors Ai, Di and $$ {\overline{c}}_i $$

c
¯

i

of the scalar Yukawa theory using both the light-cone and covariant perturbation theory at the one-loop level. The light-cone formalism provides a potential approach to access these form factors beyond the perturbative regime. However, unlike the covariant formulation, the Poincaré symmetry on the light cone is not manifest. In this work, we use perturbation theory as a benchmark to extract the gravitational form factors from the light-front energy-momentum tensor. By comparing results on and off the light cone, we identify T++, T+a, T+−, T12 as the “good currents” that are properly renormalized and can be used to extract the gravitational form factors.
Infektprophylaxe bei Sectio – wie und wann?
Authors: Bossung Verena , Härtel Christoph 
Published: July 2024

ZusammenfassungPostoperative Wundinfektionen (SSI) nach Kaiserschnitt gefährden die Gesundheit von Frauen, führen zu längeren Hospitalisationen und verursachen Kosten. Die perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe (PAP) ist ein wichtiger Baustein der Prävention. In Studien konnte die Gabe der PAP vor Hautschnitt die Rate an SSIs signifikant senken, im Vergleich zur PAP nach dem Abnabeln. Daher empfehlen aktuell internationale Leitlinien den Einsatz einer PAP vor Hautschnitt. Präoperativ verabreichte Antibiotika passieren die Plazenta und erzeugen kurzzeitig therapeutische Spiegel beim Neugeborenen. Daher wird diskutiert, ob die PAP zugunsten des Kindes erst nach dem Abnabeln gegeben werden sollte. Der Effekt einer einmaligen PAP auf das Mikrobiom des Neugeborenen war in Studien jedoch heterogen. Daten über klinische Langzeiteffekte fehlen. In Settings mit niedrigen SSI-Raten wird die Frage nach Alternativen diskutiert, wie einer PAP vor Hautschnitt nur bei Risikofaktoren oder einer informierten Entscheidung der Patientin zum Zeitpunkt der Gabe nach individueller Aufklärung. Hierbei stellt die praktische Umsetzung eine Herausforderung im Klinikalltag dar.
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (PrevenaTM) vs. conventional post-operative dressing after immediate breast reconstruction: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lauritzen Elisabeth , Kiilerich Claes Hannibal , Bredgaard Rikke , Tvedskov Tove , Damsgaard Tine Engberg 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Surgical complications following breast reconstruction remain a significant concern. This study aimed to investigate if incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) using Prevena™ provides superior wound treatment for patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) compared to conventional postoperative dressing. Additionally, we investigated whether intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) could predict and prevent postoperative complications.

Methods
A randomized controlled study (RCT) comprising 39 patients was conducted. The primary outcome was time until surgical drain removal. ICG-A was applied to evaluate tissue perfusion and compared to rate of postoperative complications. Patients were followed for one year, including postoperative complications, quality of life (QoL), scar evaluation, incidence of lymphedema and timely administration of adjuvant therapy.

Results
No significant differences were observed in time to surgical drain removal, hospitalization or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Analysis revealed no significant association between ICG-A results and postoperative complications. After one year, both groups exhibited similar QoL and satisfaction with scars. One patient developed lymphedema during follow-up, and adjuvant treatment was timely administered in 82%.

Conclusions
This RCT investigated iNPWT by Prevena™ compared to conventional postoperative dressing in IBR using implants or tissue expanders. ICG-A was applied to assess tissue perfusion and compared to postoperative complications. We did not find any significant differences in recovery time, hospitalization duration, postoperative complication rates, QoL, or scar satisfaction between the two groups within a one-year follow-up. Additionally, there were no significant association between ICG-A and postoperative complications. Larger randomized studies incorporating intraoperative ICG-A are needed to obtain higher quality data.

Level of Evidence: Level I, Risk/Prognostic