bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Constraints to Women Participation in Agricultural Grant Funded by SEEFOR in Delta and Rivers States, Nigeria
Authors: U. G. Okorie, , U. N. Akwiwu, 
Published: February 2025

The study evaluated the constraints to women participation in State Employment Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) funded agricultural grant in Delta and Rivers States of Nigeria. It described the socio-economic characteristics of the women and evaluated the constraints faced in participating in the project. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 403 beneficiaries. Questionnaire and personal interviews were used to elicit data from the respondents. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean, percentage, Likert scale and inferential statistics such as independent t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation was used to present and analyse data collected. The results revealed that the mean age of the women participants were 45 and 48 years in Delta and Rivers States, respectively; 87.3% in Delta State and 71% in Rivers State were married; 64.3% and 73.3% in Delta and Rivers States had one form of education or the other. The respondents had a mean household size of 6 and 5 persons in Delta and Rivers States, respectively; 91.6% in Delta and 79% in Rivers State had farming as a major occupation; 95% in Delta State and 47.5% in Rivers State had a small enterprise size. The mean monthly income were N31,818.62 and N25,013.01 for Delta and Rivers States respectively. In Delta State, lack of land (=3.40), poor involvement of local people (=3.31) and insecurity (=3.07) while in Rivers State issue of theft (=3.35), youth restiveness (=3.00) and insecurity (=2.96) were found to be the most serious constraints encountered by the respondents. The hypothesis revealed there was a significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the participants and their level of participation in the project. The study concludes that the project has relatively affected the socio-economic status of women and community development in Delta State. Based on the findings it was recommended that the government, should collaborate with the local people and intensify efforts to address the issues of insecurity in the rural areas of Delta and Rivers States, which posed a major constraint to women participation in the project.
Screening for Breast Cancer
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson Wanda K. , Silverstein Michael , Wong John B. , Barry Michael J. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Krousel-Wood Marie , Lee Sei , Li Li , Mangione Carol M. , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James J. , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wiehe Sarah 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceAmong all US women, breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death. In 2023, an estimated 43 170 women died of breast cancer. Non-Hispanic White women have the highest incidence of breast cancer and non-Hispanic Black women have the highest mortality rate.ObjectiveThe USPSTF commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different mammography-based breast cancer screening strategies by age to start and stop screening, screening interval, modality, use of supplemental imaging, or personalization of screening for breast cancer on the incidence of and progression to advanced breast cancer, breast cancer morbidity, and breast cancer–specific or all-cause mortality, and collaborative modeling studies to complement the evidence from the review.PopulationCisgender women and all other persons assigned female at birth aged 40 years or older at average risk of breast cancer.Evidence AssessmentThe USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that biennial screening mammography in women aged 40 to 74 years has a moderate net benefit. The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older and the balance of benefits and harms of supplemental screening for breast cancer with breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), regardless of breast density.RecommendationThe USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years. (B recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of supplemental screening for breast cancer using breast ultrasonography or MRI in women identified to have dense breasts on an otherwise negative screening mammogram. (I statement)
Altered Plasma Levels and Tissue Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Xu Shuang , Jiemy William F. , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Arends Suzanne , van Sleen Yannick , Nienhuis Pieter H. , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Heeringa Peter , Brouwer Elisabeth , Sandovici Maria 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the medium‐ and large‐sized arteries accompanied by remodeling of the vessel wall. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a serine protease that promotes both inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we investigated the plasma levels and vascular expression of FAP in GCA.MethodsPlasma FAP levels were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in treatment‐naive patients with GCA (n = 60) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) (n = 63) compared with age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) (n = 42) and during follow‐up, including treatment‐free remission (TFR). Inflamed temporal artery biopsies (TABs) of patients with GCA (n = 9), noninflamed TABs (n = 14), and aorta samples from GCA‐related (n = 9) and atherosclerosis‐related aneurysm (n = 11) were stained for FAP using immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed for fibroblasts (CD90), macrophages (CD68/CD206/folate receptor beta), vascular smooth muscle cells (desmin), myofibroblasts (α‐smooth muscle actin), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9).ResultsBaseline plasma FAP levels were significantly lower in patients with GCA compared with patients with PMR and HCs and inversely correlated with systemic markers of inflammation and angiogenesis. FAP levels decreased even further at 3 months on remission in patients with GCA and gradually increased to the level of HCs in TFR. FAP expression was increased in inflamed TABs and aorta of patients with GCA compared with control tissues. FAP was abundantly expressed in fibroblasts and macrophages. Some of the FAP+ fibroblasts expressed IL‐6 and MMP‐9.ConclusionFAP expression in GCA is clearly modulated both in plasma and in vessels. FAP may be involved in the inflammatory and remodeling processes in GCA and have utility as a target for imaging and therapeutic intervention.
Adaptive super twisting observer‐based prescribed time integral sliding mode tracking control of uncertain robotic manipulators
Authors: Shen Hesong , Song Tangzhong , Fang Lijin , Wang Huaizhen , Zhang Yue 
Published: April 2024

SummaryA novel integral sliding mode control (ISMC) strategy combined with an adaptive super twisting observer (ASTO) for an uncertain robotic manipulator tracking control system is presented in this article. The comprehensive uncertainties including both parameter perturbations and external disturbances are considered during the controller design. Firstly, a new nominal control law with prescribed time convergent property based on time varying scaling function is presented for the system without uncertainties. Then this nominal control law constitutes the prescribed time convergent sliding surface for ISMC. As the reaching phase is eliminated in ISMC, leading to the prescribed time stability of the whole control system without uncertainties. Secondly, take the system uncertainties (both the matched and unmatched uncertainties) into consideration, two ASTOs are designed for handling them. So, the lumped uncertainties of the robotic manipulator control system can be well estimated and compensated in finite time with the help of backstepping method. Besides, the finite time convergent adaptive switching gains of the ASTO make the system stable without knowing the bounds of the uncertainties exactly and suppress the chattering phenomenon of control input. Finally, the proposed control algorithm is validated by simulation and experiment on a robotic manipulator. Also, from a quantitative analysis, we testify the proposed control scheme outperforms the compared one in all of the discussed cases of simulation part.
Ionic‐Rich Vermiculite Tailoring Dynamic Bottom‐Up Gradient for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Junshuai , Li Jiabao , Duan Jialong , Zhang Xinyu , Dou Jie , Guo Qiyao , Jiang Chi , Zhao Yuanyuan , Huang Hao , Tang Qunwei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMixed‐halide perovskites are emerging as excellent photovoltaic candidates because of their tunable bandgaps for semitransparent and tandem perovskite solar cells. However, the notorious film quality originated from the rapidly downward crystallization process susceptibly propagates enormous detrimental defects, which deteriorate the photovoltaic performance and accelerate halide segregation. To address this issue, herein, a multilayer alkalis‐intercalated‐vermiculite is employed as pre‐buried interface modifier to regulate the perovskite lattice property. The matchable lattice structure between perovskite and vermiculite by forming Pb─O bond not only releases the interfacial strain during the film growth but also the embedded alkalis ions can gradually diffuse into perovskite lattice to form a favorable vertical gradient owing to the weak interlamellar van der Waals interaction, playing bis‐roles of atomical lubricant and ion‐reservoir to eliminate detrimental defects. As a result, the film quality and lattice stability is significantly improved with suppressed phase segregation for mixed‐halide perovskites, accompanying a champion efficiency of 11.42% for carbon‐based CsPbIBr2 device, 15.25% for carbon‐based CsPbI2Br device and 23.17% for p‐i‐n inverted (Cs0.05MA0.05FA0.9)Pb(I0.93Br0.07)3 cell. This work provides a new strategy on buried interface engineering for making high‐efficiency and stable perovskite platforms.
Graphdiyne‐Supported Metals and Metal Compounds: Synthesis, Applications, and Future Prospects
Authors: Xu Shiyu , Kang Baotao , Li Hao , Yoo Pil Jin , Lee Jin Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGraphdiyne (GDY) is a 2D carbon allotrope that has become increasingly prevalent among the family of carbon materials. GDY has advantages of high specific surface area and unique sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atom networks, is endowed with naturally adjustable bandgap, uniformly nanoporous structure, rapid carrier mobility activated by inhomogeneous π orbitals, and accessible on/off rations. These advantages, coupled with the direct binding ability of metal atoms resulting from sp‐hybridization, enable GDY to be applied across various research fields, especially as a substrate to support and further improve the performances of metals and metal compounds. Though many studies have considered the applications of GDY‐supported metals and metal compounds, a comprehensive introduction of synthesis and applications is deficient. Nonetheless, a discussion considering these diverse studies is essential to attract the attention of researchers and promote the development of new perspectives. In this review, a basic understanding of GDY and a thorough introduction to the synthesis and applications of GDY‐supported metals and metal compounds are presented. The review considers nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and dual and single atoms, and concurrently catalogues these in specific application domains. Moreover, future challenges and the development potentials of GDY‐supported materials are discussed to provide different perspectives and ideas.
α‐MnO2/RuO2 Heterostructure‐Modified Polypropylene Separator for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Qi Zhengqiu , Song Guihao , Huang Siming , Du Zhiwei , Dong Junjie , Guan Chunmei , Luo Pan , Gan Ping , Yu Bo , Guo Bingshu , Chen Junchen , Wang Mingshan , Zhang Jin , Li Xing , Zhang Jing , Li Fujun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is a promising next‐generation energy storage system. However, the poor cyclability caused by the shuttle effect is still a key challenge for its practical application. Here, a polypropylene separator modified with α‐MnO2/RuO2 heterostructure is presented to facilitate the transformation of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and optimize the rate‐determining step in both the reduction and oxidation processes of the sulfur electrode. The unique separator effectively suppresses the dissolution and shuttling of soluble LiPSs in Li–S batteries. The α‐MnO2/RuO2 heterostructure modified separator with a Ru content of ≈8 wt% enables a high areal capacity of over 5.0 mAh cm−2 after 55 cycles at 0.2C in a Li–S coin cell, and the resultant pouch cell retains 78.2% of its initial capacity after 200 cycles at 0.1C, suggesting considerable potential for commercial applications. This work provides new insights into the regulation of electrochemical reactions in Li–S batteries.
Long‐Life High‐Voltage Sodium‐Ion Batteries Enabled by Electrolytes with Cooperative Na+‐Solvation
Authors: Liu Yumei , Gong Yongqing , Chen Ke , Zhu Lujun , An Yun , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Hua Weibo , Yang Menghao , Pang Quanquan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStabilizing the electrode interphases is urgently required to enhance the lifetime of high‐voltage sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the continuous anode solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth associated with electron leakage and the fragile cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) lead to capacity fade at high voltage; and yet the solvation‐interphase‐performance relationship is inadequately addressed. Herein, a cooperative Na+‐solvation strategy is reported to stabilize the interphases by a holistic design of electrolytes combining soft and moderate co‐solvents. The rationally regulated Na+‐solvation leads to CEI/SEI with the desired thickness and component stability. As such, remarkable cycling stability is achieved for 4.3‐V Na3V2O2(PO4)2F (NVOPF) cathodes with 83.3% capacity retention over 3000 cycles at 1 C, significantly outperforming the carbonate counterpart (41.6% capacity retention). Meanwhile, the restrained SEI growth via reducing the formation of electron‐leaking Na2CO3 stabilizes the long‐term cycling of the hard carbon (HC) anode. The assembled NVOPF||HC full cells achieve superior rate capability (up to 15 C) and stable cycling stability over 500 cycles. The demonstrated engineering of electrolyte chemistry, Na+‐solvation, and interphase structure/component contributes toward the rational establishment of design rules for high‐voltage SIBs and possibly other similar chemistries.
Atomic‐Scale Engineering for New Generation Air Electrode Materials of Solid Oxide Cells: Quintuple Perovskite Sm2Ba3Co2Fe3O15‐δ with Twinned Crystal Structure
Authors: Sun Zhipeng , Shen Zhuoli , Du Zhihong , Zhang Yang , Gong Yue , Zhang Min , Wang Kexin , Świerczek Konrad , Zeng Jianrong , Zhao Hailei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe catalytic activity and thermomechanical stability of electrode materials are crucial for the efficient operation of reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC). However, these two traits often impose limitations on one another. In this work, a unique quintuple perovskite Sm2Ba3Co2Fe3O15‐δ (SBCF‐5L), comprising of A‐site ordered double perovskite layers and disordered simple perovskite layers, is reported as a high‐performance air electrode material for rSOC. The designed SBCF‐5L material exhibits a highly symmetrical tetragonal structure (pseudo‐cubic) with an isotropic thermal expansion and a limited chemical expansion. The formation barriers for oxygen vacancies are comparable between A‐site ordered layers and disordered simple perovskite layers, resulting in a high concentration of oxygen vacancies and 3D‐like bulk mobility of oxygen ions. Perpendicularly twinned nanodomains are developed in the particles, providing more active sites for surface electrode reaction. When applied in electrolyte‐supported cells, the SBCF‐5L electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with low polarization resistance of 0.017 Ω cm−2, high power density of 1.01 W cm−2 and high electrolysis current density of 1.08 A cm−2 at 1.3 V at 800 °C in fuel cell and electrolysis modes, respectively. This study introduces a new approach of atomic‐scale engineering to rationally design a new generation of air electrodes for rSOC.
Perovskitizer Tuning Pb2+ 6s2 Lone Pair Effects in Hybrid Perovskite Halide Enables Multiaxial Self‐Powered X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Xu Bohui , Wu Jianbo , You Shihai , Zhang Chengshu , Ji Chengmin , Lin Zheshuai , Luo Junhua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe stereochemical expression of the ns2 lone pair significantly impacts symmetry breaking and corresponding photoelectric properties. However, hindered by the symmetric octahedral configuration, the Pb2+ 6s2 lone pair in the well‐conductive lead halide hybrid perovskites (LHHP) are normally stereo‐inactive, new approaches to activate the 6s2 lone pair are still greatly desired. Herein, by exploiting a perovskitizer tuning Pb2+ lone pair method, the study successfully obtains a stereo‐active 6s2 in the polar perovskite PA2MHy2Pb3Br10 (PMPB, PA = n‐propylamine, MHy = methylhydrazine), and unprecedentedly performs a multiaxial self‐powered X‐ray detection. In detail, the stereo‐active 6s2 lone pair is caused by the coordination bond between the perovskitizer MHy and Pb atom. Emphatically, the N‐Pb bond induces a large angular distortion parameter (≈45 times larger than other LHHP) and the lowest‐symmetric space group (P1) crystallization. Therefore, PMPB natively contains multiaxial polarization, which acts as the driving force to separate and transport the X‐ray‐generated carriers, thus enabling multiaxial self‐powered X‐ray detection with a low detection limit (129 nGy s−1). This work reveals the relationship between stereo‐active lone pair and polarization and sheds light on future X‐ray detection.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Renal‐Targeted Polymeric Nanoparticles for Robust Arginase‐2 Knockdown and Contrast‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury Prevention
Authors: Gu Xu‐rui , Tai Yi‐fan , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xin‐yan , Liu Kun , Zhou Ling‐yun , Yin Wen‐jun , Deng Yi‐xuan , Kong De‐ling , Midgley Adam C. , Zuo Xiao‐cong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mitochondrial enzyme arginase‐2 (Arg‐2) is implicated in the pathophysiology of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI). Therefore, Arg‐2 represents a candid target for CI‐AKI prevention. Here, layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembled renal‐targeting polymeric nanoparticles are developed to efficiently deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA), knockdown Arg‐2 expression in renal tubules, and prevention of CI‐AKI is evaluated. First, near‐infrared dye‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) anionic cores are electrostatically coated with cationic chitosan (CS) to facilitate the adsorption and stabilization of Arg‐2 siRNA. Next, nanoparticles are coated with anionic hyaluronan (HA) to provide protection against siRNA leakage and shielding against early clearance. Sequential electrostatic layering of CS and HA improves loading capacity of Arg‐2 siRNA and yields LbL‐assembled nanoparticles. Renal targeting and accumulation is enhanced by modifying the outermost layer of HA with a kidney targeting peptide (HA‐KTP). The resultant kidney‐targeting and siRNA loaded nanoparticles (PLGA/CS/HA‐KTP siRNA) exhibit proprietary accumulation in kidneys and proximal tubular cells at 24 h post‐tail vein injection. In iohexol‐induced in vitro and in vivo CI‐AKI models, PLGA/CS/HA‐KTP siRNA delivery alleviates oxidative and nitrification stress, and rescues mitochondrial dysfunction while reducing apoptosis, thereby demonstrating a robust and satisfactory therapeutic effect. Thus, PLGA/CS/HA‐KTP siRNA nanoparticles offer a promising candidate therapy to protect against CI‐AKI.
Ultrasmall Inorganic Mesoporous Nanoparticles: Preparation, Functionalization, and Application
Authors: Wang Jie , Fan Xiankai , Han Xiao , Lv Kangle , Zhao Yujuan , Zhao Zaiwang , Zhao Dongyuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUltrasmall mesoporous nanoparticles (<50 nm), a unique porous nanomaterial, have been widely studied in many fields in the last decade owing to the abundant advantages, involving rich mesopores, low density, high surface area, numerous reaction sites, large cavity space, ultrasmall size, etc. This paper presents a review of recent advances in the preparation, functionalization, and applications of ultrasmall inorganic mesoporous nanoparticles for the first time. The soft monomicelles‐directed method, in contrast to the hard‐template and template‐free methods, is more flexible in the synthesis of mesoporous nanoparticles. This is because the amphiphilic micelle has tunable functional blocks, controlled molecule masses, configurations and mesostructures. Focus on the soft micelle directing method, monomicelles could be classified into four types, i.e., the Pluronic‐type block copolymer monomicelles, laboratory‐synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers monomicelles, the single‐molecule star‐shaped block copolymer monomicelles, and the small‐molecule anionic/cationic surfactant monomicelles. This paper also reviews the functionalization of the inner mesopores and the outer surfaces, which includes constructing the yolkshell structures (encapsulated nanoparticles), anchoring the active components packed on the shell and building an asymmetric Janus architecture. Then, several representative applications, involving catalysis, energy storage, and biomedicines are presented. Finally, the prospects and challenges of controlled synthesis and large‐scale applications of ultrasmall mesoporous nanoparticles in the future are foreseen.
Less is More: Asymmetric D–A Type Agent to Achieve Dynamic Self‐Assembled Nanoaggregates for Long‐Acting Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xu Ruohan , Shen Qifei , Zhang Peijuan , Wang Zhi , Xu Yanzi , Meng Lingjie , Dang Dongfeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo enhance the phototheranostic performance, agents with high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, good tumor‐targeting ability, and prolonged retention are urgently needed. However, symmetric donor–acceptor (D–A) type agents usually produce spherical nanoaggregates, leading to good tumor targeting but inferior retention. Rod‐like nanoaggregates are desired to extend their retention in tumors; however, this remains a challenge. In particular, agents with dynamically changeable shapes that integrate merits of different morphologies are seldomly reported. Therefore, self‐assembled organic nanoaggregates with smart shape tunability are designed here using an asymmetric D–A type TIBT. The photoluminescence quantum yield in solids is up to 52.24% for TIBT. TIBT also exhibits high ROS generation in corresponding nanoaggregates (TIBT‐NCs). Moreover, dynamic self‐assembly in shape changing from nanospheres to nanorods occurrs in TIBT‐NCs, contributing to the enhancement of ROS quantum yield from 0.55 to 0.72. In addition, dynamic self‐assembly can be observed for both in vitro and in vivo, conferring TIBT‐NCs with strong tumor targeting and prolonged retention. Finally, efficient photodynamic therapy to inhibit tumor growth is achieved in TIBT‐NCs, with an inhibition rate of 90%. This work demonstrates that asymmetric D–A type agents can play significant roles in forming self‐assembled organic nanoaggregates, thus showing great potential in long‐acting cancer therapy.