bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Halving of the meniscectomy rate and their costs in Italy: A 15‐years period analysis
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Mazzola Alessandro , Cardinale Marco Edoardo , De Salvatore Sergio , Piergentili Ilaria , Marx Robert , Papalia Rocco 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and hospitalization trends of meniscectomy in Italy from 2001 to 2016. A secondary aim was to investigate the economic burden of the disease on the national healthcare system.MethodsData were extracted from the Italian Ministry of Health's National Hospital Discharge Reports. Diagnoses are coded according to the ICD‐9‐CM. Meniscectomy was defined by the following main procedure codes: 806, 8026 and 8145. By dividing the number of annual cases by the size of the adult population reported annually by ISTAT, incidence rates were computed.ResultsOverall, 1,454,891 meniscectomies were performed in the study period between 2001 and 2016. The incidence was 178 procedures for every 100,000 Italian inhabitants. The incidence declined from 202 in 2001 to 106 in 2016. Males were the largest portion of patients undergoing surgery (68.2%). The average age of patients was 46.59 ± 15.07. A decreasing trend in length of hospital stay was observed over the study period. The annual average cost per 100,000 inhabitants was EUR 491.219 ± 122.148 with a range from EUR 291,500 ± 79.500 in 2016 to EUR 610,500 ± 166.500 in 2004.ConclusionIn Italy, the number of meniscectomies performed in the adult population has almost halved over the study period. Results of the present study in the Italian population seem to reflect how the clinical evidence basis affects surgical technique selection. The economic burden of meniscectomy is relevant in Italy with an estimated expenditure from EUR 181.861.375 to 318.257.406 between 2001 and 2016.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
A cross‐domain analysis of research performance: Conventional and altmetric indicators in Medicine, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences
Authors: Wijewickrema Manjula 
Published: August 2024

AbstractComparing research performance across distinct subject domains is not recommended unless proper treatments are applied to normalize the domain‐specific characteristics. Except for limited research aimed at exploring the field‐dependent behaviours of specific research performance indicators, it is difficult to find comprehensive research examining both conventional and altmetric indicators for their influence on journals, articles, and authors in distinct subject domains. This research used Scopus and PlumX as sources to collect conventional and altmetric data, respectively. In addition to descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, cluster plots, and correlation analysis were employed for data analysis. The results reveal that all three levels of indicators behave in notably different ways in Medicine compared with that of the Physical and Social Sciences. Most indicators in all three levels attain higher maximum and average values in Medicine. For instance, the maximum values for most indicators, except for citations and documents, are significantly higher in Medicine than in the Physical and Social Sciences. However, the citations and productivity of Physical Sciences journals surpass the two in other domains. SNIP deviates lightly across subject domains compared with that of other journal‐level indicators. Further, citations do not have a large influence on SNIP and SJR as they do Journal Impact Factor and CiteScore. All article‐level indicators show significant differences between Medicine and the Physical Sciences. Between the Physical and Social Sciences, all indicators except page count show significant differences. Further, article‐level indicators in the Social Sciences behave in nearly the same way as in the Physical Sciences. Citation counts positively influence captures. In addition, Medicine authors are likely to make more impact and be more productive in their field than authors in other fields. Collaboration was also found to improve both the productivity of authors and the impact of their research, irrespective of the domain they work in. These findings are important to authors, research evaluators, and publishers from different viewpoints. Discouraging performance comparisons based on raw indicator values can protect researchers from inaccurate assessments, enabling them to fully realize their potential for conducting cutting‐edge research. Finally, this research indicates different directions along which this area of research can be extended.
Topological‐Charge‐Dependent Dichroism and Birefringence of Optical Vortices
Authors: Forbes Kayn A. , Green Dale 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMaterial anisotropy and chirality produce polarization‐dependent light‐matter interactions. Absorption leads to linear and circular dichroism, whereas elastic forward scattering produces linear and circular birefringence. Here a form of dichroism and birefringence is highlighted whereby generic anisotropic media display locally different absorption and scattering of a focused vortex beam that depends upon the sign of the topological charge . The light‐matter interactions described in this work manifest purely through dominant electric‐dipole coupling mechanisms and depend on the paraxial parameter to first‐order. Previous topological‐charge‐dependent light‐matter interactions require the significantly weaker higher‐order multipole moments and are proportional to the paraxial parameter to second‐order. The result represents a method of probing the nano‐optics of advanced materials and the topological properties of structured light.
Fabrication of PHFPO Surface‐Modified Conductive AgNWs/PNAGA Hydrogels with Enhanced Water Retention Capacity toward Highly Sensitive Strain Sensors
Authors: He Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Cong , Song Xue , Zhang Lansheng , Chang Long , Yuan Chentai , Hu Huan , Liu Chun‐Hua , Zhu Yuan‐Yuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConductive hydrogels, characterized by their unique features of flexibility, biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, have emerged as promising materials for sensitive strain sensors. In this study, a facile strategy to prepare highly conductive hydrogels is reported. Through rational structural and synthetic design, silver nanowires (AgNWs) are incorporated into poly(N‐acryloyl glycinamide) (PNAGA) hydrogels, achieving high electrical conductivity (up to 0.88 S m−1), significantly enhanced mechanical properties, and elevated deformative sensitivity. Furthermore, surface modification with polyhexafluoropropylene oxide (PHFPO) has substantially improved the water retention capacity and dressing comfort of this hydrogel material. Based on the above merits, these hydrogels are employed to fabricate highly sensitive wearable strain sensors which can detect and interpret subtle hand and finger movements and enable precise control of machine interfaces. The AgNWs/PNAGA based strain sensors can effectively sense finger motion, enabling the control of robotic fingers to replicate the human hand's gestures. In addition, the high deformative sensitivity and elevated water retention performance of the hydrogels makes them suitable for flow sensing. These conceptual applications demonstrate the potential of this conductive hydrogel in high‐performance strain sensors in the future.
Bithieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione‐Based Wide‐Bandgap Donor Polymers for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Yu , Yuan Hua , Pan Hui , Zhang Guangjun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe polymer solar cells (PSCs) have garnered substantial interest owing to their lightweight, cost‐effectiveness, and flexibility, making them ideal for large‐scale roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. In this study, two wide‐bandgap (WBG) donor polymers, PFBiTPD and PClBiTPD, utilizing bithieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (BiTPD) as the electron‐accepting unit and fluorinated/chlorinated benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene (BDT) as the electron‐donating moiety are designed and synthesized. The polymers demonstrated large optical bandgaps (exceeding 1.80 eV) and are blended with ITIC‐4F to form the active layers in PSCs. The PFBiTPD‐based devices showed a well‐dispersed fibrillar network, facilitating efficient charge generation and transport. Thus, these devices attained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.60%, featuring a fill factor (FF) of 62.89%, an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.88 V and a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 15.54 mA cm−2. In contrast, PClBiTPD‐based devices displayed lower performance due to less favorable morphology. The study underscores the importance of polymer design and morphology control in optimizing the photovoltaic performance of PSCs.
Distribution of PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 in the Cergy‐Pontoise urban area (France)
Authors: Lagmiri Souad , Dahech Salem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study employed a network comprising 16 fixed “Ecosmart” sensors deployed in the Cergy‐Pontoise conurbation. Continuous measurements of PM10, PM2.5, and NO2, significant pollutants in the Paris region, were conducted from April 8 to June 6, 2022. The collected data were represented as statistically composite spatial matrices due to the heterogeneous urban landscape and the overlapping of multiple pollution sources. Temporal variations on a daily basis were influenced by both traffic and meteorological conditions. Daytime, characterized by denser traffic compared to nighttime, exhibited higher concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. Conversely, NO2 concentration levels displayed two peaks associated with traffic volume, and relatively elevated nocturnal values compared with midday due to atmospheric vertical stability during the nighttime phase. The analysis of weather‐type impacts revealed that during unstable weather conditions, elevated particle concentrations stemmed from dust resuspension from the ground and long‐range transport. Maximum NO2 concentrations were observed during stable weather conditions, whereas minimum concentrations occurred during unstable weather.
Analysis of temperature characteristics of high‐speed train wheelset system under complex operating conditions
Authors: Wang Baosen , Liu Yongqiang , Liao Yingying , Wang Yixuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith the rapid advancements in high‐speed train technology, the importance of ensuring the safety of train operations has become paramount. Bearings, being a critical component of train bogies, have garnered significant attention for their role in maintaining safety standards. Monitoring the temperature of bearings to evaluate their motion state is a common practice in high‐speed trains, emphasizing the need for further research into temperature fluctuations. In this study, a dynamic model is developed for the bearing rotor system of high‐speed trains. By considering the contact points between raceways and rolling elements, the power loss in the bearing is obtained and a transient temperature‐field model of the system is established. The relationship between node temperature and factors such as ambient temperature, train running speed, and load is illustrated, with a detailed presentation of the influence of bearing fault type and size on node temperature. The analysis results reveal that the node temperature increases with higher values corresponding to those quantifiable factors and is most affected by rolling element fault. Additionally, it is observed that the temperature rises rapidly in the initial stage and gradually flattens out over time. The comparative analysis of temperature under different fault conditions shows that the node temperature is most affected by the rolling element fault. Experiments and actual line temperature data are used to verify the validity of the model. The comparison results show that the simulation aligns well with experimental and line data. The transient temperature‐field model of the bearing rotor system in high‐speed trains can effectively simulate and predict the temperature change process of each node of the system. The simulation results hold certain theoretical guiding significance for further research and practical applications in ensuring train operation safety.
Play biotopes put into practice—Creating synergies between children and nature
Authors: Hedblom Marcus , Mårtensson Fredrika , Sang Åsa Ode , Wiström Björn , Litsmark Anna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Global urbanisation reduces greenery and species richness (biodiversity) and limits opportunities for most children to gain experiences of nature. Disconnecting children from nature has implications for their play, health, well‐being, and comprehension of ecological systems, as well as their engagement with the environment as adults.

In the competition for land for built infrastructure, the preservation of remaining greenery is essential to fulfill multiple functions. One way forward is to look for synergies between conservation of biodiversity and children's need for outdoor environments of high quality.

In this paper, we synthesize the existing literature on how to understand the many interfaces between children and nature, suggesting perspectives and tools for the management and design of nature‐based play settings. We frame this transdisciplinary perspective using ‘play biotopes‘, as a conceptual framework in which both children's play and species are taken into account.

We exemplify how the play biotope framework can be put into practice as part of (1) an overall approach to landscapes made more useful to both children and other species, (2) affordances for play in nature such as branches from dead wood, and (3) a design process of a playground by giving input to nature‐based solutions.

A conclusion is that play biotopes as a conceptual framework within nature‐based solutions can help increase play and biodiversity by promoting structures for climbing, making huts and biotopes otherwise overlooked in urban planning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
An integrated approach for discrimination of Magnoliae officinalis cortex before and after being processed by ginger juice combining LC/MS, GC/MS, intelligent sensors, and chemometrics
Authors: Yang Li , Xue Zhenzhen , Li Zhiyong , Li Jiaqi , Yang Bin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionMagnoliae officinalis cortex (MOC) is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and both raw and stir‐fried MOC were commonly used in clinic.ObjectivesThis study aimed to discriminate MOC and MOC stir‐fried with ginger juice (MOCG) using an integrated approach combining liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), intelligent sensors, and chemometrics.MethodsThe sensory characters of the samples were digitalized using intelligent sensors, i.e., colorimeter, electronic nose, and electronic tongue. Meanwhile, the chemical profiles of the samples were analyzed using LC/MS and GC/MS methods. Chemometric models were constructed to discriminate samples of MOC and MOCG based on not only the sensory data but also the chemical data.ResultsThe differential sensory characters (L* and b* from colorimeter, ANS from electronic tongue, W1S and W2S from electronic nose) and the differential chemical compounds (26 and 11 compounds from LC/MS and GC/MS, respectively) were discovered between MOC and MOCG. Furthermore, twelve differential compounds showed good relations with differential sensory characters. Finally, artificial neural network models were established to discriminate samples of MOC and MOCG, in which W1S, W2S, ANS, b*, and 10 differential compounds were among the top 10 important variables, respectively.ConclusionSamples of MOC and MOCG can be discriminated not only by the digitalized data of color, taste, and scent detected by intelligent sensors but also by chemical information obtained from LC/MS and GC/MS using chemometrics. The variations in sensory characters and chemical compounds between MOC and MOCG partially resulted from the Maillard reaction products and the oxidation of some compounds in the stir‐frying process.
Chemical profiling and quality evaluation of raw and vinegar‐processing frankincense by multiple UPLC‐MS/MS techniques
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yuan , Rao Jinqiu , Ma Zicheng , Zhang Bingyang , Dou Zhiying , Wang Kai , Qiu Feng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionFrankincense is used for analgesic, tumor‐suppressive, and anti‐inflammatory treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine but poses toxicological concerns. Vinegar processing is a common technique used to reduce the toxicity of frankincense.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and quality evaluation of raw and vinegar‐processing frankincense by multiple UPLC‐MS/MS techniques. Additionally, we purposed refining the vinegar processing technique and identifying potentially harmful ingredients in the raw frankincense.MethodologySub‐chronic oral toxicity studies were conducted on raw and vinegar‐processing frankincense in rats. The composition of frankincense was identified by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS. Chemometrics were used to differentiate between raw and vinegar‐processing frankincense. Potential chemical markers were identified by selecting differential components, which were further exactly determined by UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS. Moreover, the viability of the HepG2 cells of those components with reduced contents after vinegar processing was assessed.ResultsThe toxicity of raw frankincense is attenuated by vinegar processing, among which vinegar‐processing frankincense (R40) (herb weight: rice vinegar weight = 40:1) exhibited the lowest toxicity. A total of 83 components were identified from frankincense, including 40 triterpenoids, 37 diterpenoids, and 6 other types. The contents of six components decreased after vinegar‐processing, with the lowest levels in R40. Three components, specifically 3α‐acetoxy‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA), 3α‐acetoxy‐α‐boswellic acid (α‐ABA), and 3α‐acetoxy‐β‐boswellic acid (β‐ABA), inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells. The processing of frankincense with vinegar at a ratio of 40:1 could be an effective method of reducing the toxicity in raw frankincense.ConclusionOur research improves understanding of the toxic substance basis and facilitates future assessments of frankincense quality.
Unlikely allies: Camel crickets play a role in the seed dispersal of an Asian autotrophic shrub
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Tsukaya Hirokazu 
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact StatementDust seeds, which are minute and contain minimal energy reserves, are often associated with heterotrophy (plants that obtain carbon without photosynthesis). Consequently, previous studies have mainly focused on the relationships between dust seeds and heterotrophy. However, dust seeds are also found in green plants. This manuscript focuses on the seed ecology of the apparently autotrophic shrub Rhynchotechum discolor that produces dust seeds. Using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and germination tests, we show that camel crickets effectively disperse the seeds of this autotrophic shrub. This is the first study to document insect‐mediated internal seed dispersal of an autotrophic plant in regions inhabited by terrestrial mammals, offering new insights into the evolutionary ecology of dust seeds.Summary
Although angiosperms exhibit a wide range of seed sizes, the mechanisms driving these differences are poorly understood. The evolution of dust seeds, which contain minimal energy reserves, is traditionally linked to heterotrophy, in which external carbon sources are provided to the embryo or seedling. Dispersal by small animals may be another important but underexplored evolutionary driver of minute seed size. However, insect endozoochory has been documented only in the seeds of heterotrophic species and autotrophic species in New Zealand (i.e., in communities without native terrestrial mammals).
Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism in the Japanese shrub Rhynchotechum discolor (Gesneriaceae), which produces white berries with numerous tiny ellipsoid seeds, using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and germination tests, particularly focusing on potential interactions with insect internal seed dispersers.
Our time‐lapse photography indicated that camel crickets predominantly feed on fallen fruits of R. discolor. Field sampling revealed that camel crickets excreted numerous intact R. discolor seeds. Feeding experiments confirmed that some camel crickets excreted a high proportion of intact seeds, many of which successfully germinated into autotrophic seedlings.
The present study provides the first evidence of insects acting as endozoochorous seed dispersers in fully autotrophic plants within regions inhabited by terrestrial mammals. Our findings suggest that orthopteran‐mediated seed dispersal is more widespread than previously thought, and that dust seeds can evolve from selective pressures beyond heterotrophy, specifically through insect‐mediated seed dispersal.
Pathogenic Leptospira Detection in Environmental Contaminant Water Sources by Highly Performance Antibody Absorption Polystyrene Agglutinating Particles
Authors: Suwannin Patcharapan , Polpanich Duangporn , Lebaz Noureddine , Saimuang Kween , Jindakaew Jirawan , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart , Elaissari Abdelhamid 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLeptospirosis is a re‐emerging bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals, with a significantly higher incidence in tropical and sub‐tropical regions. Disease control, epidemiology, and surveillance rely on a One Health approach, as accurate detection can be applied to humans, animals, and the environment. This study represents the first attempt to develop a method for detecting the pathogenic Leptospira santarosai serovar Shermani based on the latex agglutination reaction. The serological activity of the antibody is examined to achieve a high titer of antibody before adsorption onto polystyrene particles. Using a pH medium of 6.8–7.8, total antibody adsorption of up to 3 mg m−2 is achieved. Particle agglutination is observed after incubating the antibody‐adsorbed PS with leptospiral culture for 4 min, revealing a detection limit of 1.7 × 102 leptospires mL−1. Interestingly, the detection limit increased by 1000 times when observing agglutination using spectrophotometer. The test exhibits high specificity with Shermani and shows negligible cross‐agglutination with non‐pathogenic Leptospira and water‐borne bacteria. Agglutination testing in collected water samples from natural sources demonstrates a good correlation with culture technique. This simple and rapid leptospires agglutination detection method can be applied as a screening test in environmental, human, and animal specimens.