bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The World's First Biometric Money: Ghana's E-Zwich and the Contemporary Influence of South African Biometrics
Authors: Breckenridge Keith 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTIn January 2008 the Ghanaian Central Bank announced that it had introduced a new centralized mechanism for the settlement of transactions between the Ghanaian banks. This interbank switch, as it was called, was purchased from, and managed by, the South African company Net 1 UEPS, and it had a unique central organizing principle. The switch was indexed biometrically, using a key derived from the ten fingerprints of account holders. This new interbank switch and a smartcard encoded in the same way has equipped Ghana with the world's first biometric money supply. This article is an effort to explain the development and significance of this biometric money, which Ghanaians call the e-Zwich. It traces the way in which biometric registration in Ghana (as in other African countries) has leaked from the mundane, difficult, and mostly unrewarding, task of civil registration into the more properly remunerated domain of monetary transactions. Viewed in the light of the rich historical anthropology of money in West Africa, what is at stake in Ghana may be much more significant than any of the current participants fully realize. Perhaps the most interesting finding of this study is that the e-Zwich system might actually succeed.
Cereals as basis of preventing nutrition against obesity
Authors: Duchoňová Lenka , Šturdí­k Ernest 
Published: December 2010

Still more alarming obesity studies show in fact that it is largely due to incorrect diet and lifestyle. For suitable alternative for prevention of this disease are now considered cereal foods, mainly based on increased fiber content. The importance of dietary fiber for human organism consist primarily in its protective function before civilization diseases. It has beneficial effects on digestive physiology and it is therefore an important factor in the prevention of obesity, but also other diseases. Fiber consumption in developed countries is low and it is below the lower limit of the recommended dose. Slovaks per day take only 10-12 g of fiber, which represents only 47% of the recommended dose. Recent large-scale epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of wholegrain cereals can reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers by 30 percent. One of the factors that increase the functionality of foods is the so-called indigestible resistant starch. For its the positive impact on the physiology of digestion is referred to as prebiotics new generation of dietary fiber. The increasing availability of tasty, whole grain products rich in fiber could be health benefits.
Evaluation of elisa method to detection of cow β-lactoglobulin in sheep milk and sheep milk products
Authors: Zeleňáková Lucia , Židek Radoslav , Čanigová Margita , Paulov Juraj , Gallisová Tatiana 
Published: December 2010

The aim of work was to optimalize the ELISA method to detect the adulteration of sheep milk and sheep milk products by cow milk in the laboratory. We have focused on laboratory testing of ELISA kit (β-Lactoglobulin ELISA Set, SEDIUM R&D) for detection of cow β-Lg in sheep milk order to obtain high-quality, reliable and economically advantageous method suitable for routine use in practice. The results shown that for the quality of adulteration determination it is necessary to verify the sensitivity of applied kit by the samples dilution in accordance with the producer declared quantification range contained in the manual ELISA kit. The starting point for obtaining of relevant data was to create separate regression curves with high deter­mination coefficient, which allowed to quickly and easily detect the cow milk additions in sheep milk, cloddish sheep and Slovak sheep cheese.
Effect of moderate red wine consumption on the development and progression of metabolic syndrome as a complex risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus II.
Authors: Gažarová Martina , Habánová Marta , Chlebo Peter , Kopčeková Jana 
Published: December 2010

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a set of clinical symptoms that are related to the development of cardiovascular disease. These abdominal obesity, which is the strongest associate with the metabolic syndrome and clinically manifested increasing waist circumference and ratio of waist to hip, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, which is reflected in the routine diagnosis of increased levels of triglycerides and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and/or various forms of glucose intolerance, proinflammatory and prothrombotic state. Epidemiological, experimental and clinical investigations have shown that diets supplemented with moderate quantities of alcoholic beverages lead to biochemical changes, that are widely regarded to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Red wine contains a naturally rich sources of antioxidants which may protect the body from oxidative stress. We investigated the relationship between red wine intake and lipide profile, glucose, blood pressure and WHR index changes. Participants consumed 200 ml of red wine Frankovka modra (VÍNO-MASARYK, s.r.o., Skalica) each day during supper for six weeks and were encouraged to maintain their usual diet and exercise habits. Daily intake of Frankovka modra during six weeks was associated with lower plasma levels of total cholesterol (5.66±1.12 vs 5.36±1.04), triglycerides (1.68±0.23 vs 1.47±0.66), LDL-cholesterol (3.46±0.81 vs 3.26±0.76) and glucose (5.35±0.82 vs 5.26±0.78). On the contrary we recorded higher level of „good“ HDL cholesterol (1.42±0.63 vs 1.80±0.58). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was also decreased and diastolic blood pressure after six weeks of consumption of red wine decreased statistically significantly. Research results have shown that moderate consumption of red wine have a positive impact on changes waist and ultimately to the Waist to Hip Ratio. Our study demonstrates a positive association between moderate wine consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Polymers
Authors: Li Dejin , Wang Shi , Mahmoodi Mehdi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAcrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) polymers are composed of elastomer dispersed as a grafted particulate phase in a thermoplastic matrix of styrene and acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The presence of SAN grafted onto the elastomeric component, usually polybutadiene or a butadiene copolymer, compatabilizes the rubber with the SAN component. Property advantages provided by this graft terpolymer include excellent toughness, good dimensional stability, good processibility, and chemical resistance. The system is structurally complex. This allows considerable versatility in the tailoring of properties to meet specific product requirements. Consequently, research and development in ABS systems is active. Numerous grades of ABS are available, including new alloys and specialty grades for high heat, flaming‐retardant, or static dissipative product requirements. Good chemical resistance combined with the relatively low water absorptivity (<1%) results in high resistance to staining agents. Antioxidants substantially improve oxidative stability. Applications involving extended outdoor exposure require the use of stabilizing additives, pigments, and protective coatings. In manufacturing, grafting is achieved by the free‐radical copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile monomers. The commercial processes for manufacturing ABS are discussed. ABS can be processed by compression and injection molding, extrusion, calendering, and blow molding. Postprocessing operations include cold forming, painting, and adhesive bonding. ABS is one of the two major plastic materials used in 3D printing, an emerging additive manufacturing technology that is developing rapidly in the last couple of decades. As a ‘bridge’ polymer between commodity plastics and higher performance engineering thermoplastics, ABS has become the largest selling engineering thermoplastic.
Hybrid optimized deep quantum neural network in Internet of Things platform using routing algorithm for detecting smart maize leaf disease
Authors: Gunisetti Loshma , Koduri Shirin Bhanu , Jagannathan Veeraraghavan , Chundru Raja Ramesh 
Published: May 2024

SummaryThe productivity in the agricultural sector is minimized due to the disease in plants. In general, the ailments that affect plants are identified by the farmers and the losses are minimized, when the diseases are identified early. The early identification of leaf diseases is difficult in the traditional approaches. Hence, in this article, for detecting maize leaf disease, an adaptive competitive shuffled shepherd optimization‐driven deep quantum neural network (adaptive CSSO‐based deep QNN) is implemented. Here, the initial process is the simulation of the IoT nodes and the leaf data are collected. This data are transferred to base station (BS) via the best routes. The optimal routes are identified using the adaptive CCSO algorithm. The adaptive concept, shuffled shepherd optimization algorithm (SSOA) and competitive swarm optimizer (CSO) are merged for forming the adaptive‐CSSO algorithm. The leaf detection is done in the BS and initially, the data is preprocessed using region of interest (ROI). Then, the relevant features are extracted. Finally, the disease in the maize leaf is detected using Deep QNN and the training is done by adaptive CSSO. The devised approach has maximum accuracy of 96.04%, sensitivity of 97.41%, specificity of 94.35%, energy of 0.01 J, and minimum delay of 0.9596 s.
In Situ Reconstructed Ru Clusters on LaRuSi3 with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Song Kai , Lin Zhiping , Wang Zongpeng , Zhang Lili , Shen Shijie , Gu Lin , Zhong Wenwu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe surface reconstruction of electrochemically activated catalysts is an effective way to improve performance. However, there is currently a dearth of study on the surface reconstruction of silicide catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Here, a new HER electrocatalyst, LaRuSi3, is synthesized and electrochemically triggered it to produce Ru clusters on its surface. Experimental data and theoretical simulations reveal that Ru clusters optimize the charge distribution of LaRuSi3, which promotes the adsorption of water by Ru sites and improves the adsorption of hydrogen by Si sites. The conductivity and electrochemical active sites of the catalysts are also enhanced. The catalyst has an overpotential of 45 mV to attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline media, which exceeds the majority of other Ru‐based compounds. This work contributes to the exploration of more efficient novel silicides HER electrocatalysts and broadens the application of surface reconstruction techniques.
Biomaterials‐Boosted Immunotherapy for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sun Chao , Li Shuqiang , Ding Jianxun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor that emanates from mesenchymal cells, commonly found in the epiphyseal end of long bones. The highly recurrent and metastatic nature of OS poses significant challenges to the efficacy of treatment and negatively affects patient prognosis. Currently, available clinical treatment strategies primarily focus on maximizing tumor resection and reducing localized symptoms rather than the complete eradication of malignant tumor cells to achieve ideal outcomes. The biomaterials‐boosted immunotherapy for OS is characterized by high effectiveness and a favorable safety profile. This therapeutic approach manipulates the tumor microenvironments at the cellular and molecular levels to impede tumor progression. This review delves into the mechanisms underlying the treatment of OS, emphasizing biomaterials‐enhanced tumor immunity. Moreover, it summarizes the immune cell phenotype and tumor microenvironment regulation, along with the ability of immune checkpoint blockade to activate the autoimmune system. Gaining a profound comprehension of biomaterials‐boosted OS immunotherapy is imperative to explore more efficacious immunotherapy protocols and treatment options in this setting.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Antimicrobial Touch Surfaces to Prevent Cross‐Contamination
Authors: Fonseca Javier , Cano‐Sarabia Mary , Cortés Pilar , Saldo Jordi , Montpeyó David , Lorenzo Julia , Llagostera Montserrat , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfection diseases are a major threat to global public health, with nosocomial infections being of particular concern. In this context, antimicrobial coatings emerge as a promising prophylactic strategy to reduce the transmission of pathogens and control infections. Here, antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross‐contamination are prepared by incorporating iodine‐loaded UiO‐66 microparticles into a potentially biodegradable polyurethane polymer (Baycusan eco E 1000). These covers incorporate MOF particles that serve as both storage reservoirs and delivery systems for the biocidal iodine. Under realistic touching conditions, the door handle covers completely inhibit the transmission of Gram‐positive bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis), Gram‐negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii), and fungi (Candida albicans). The covers remain effective even after undergoing multiple contamination cycles, after being cleaned, and when tinted to improve discretion and usability. Furthermore, as the release of iodine from the door handle covers follow hindered Fickian diffusion, their antimicrobial lifetime is calculated to be as long as approximately two years. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of these antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross‐contamination, and underline the efficacy of integrating MOFs into innovative technologies.
A Hot Exciton Luminogen Constructed by an o‐Carborane Scaffold
Authors: Yu Xiao , Xu Jingkai , Wang Mengmeng , Miao Xiaofei , Fan Quli , Tu Deshuang , Wang Zhaojin , Duan Chunbo , Lu Changsheng , Xu Hui , Yan Hong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEmitters with the combination of an electron donor (D) and an acceptor (A) have been widely studied and usually exhibited interesting photophysical properties. Hot exciton materials involving an ordinary D‐A structure typically undergo a hybridized local charge transfer (HLCT) process. However, the hot exciton molecules containing more D/A fragments are much less explored. In this study, a new hot exciton material based on an inorganic boron cluster is designed and synthesized, which possesses a V‐type D–A–A′–D′ molecular architecture. The emitter shows an impressive photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of up to 90% and demonstrates multiple emissions, excitation‐wavelength‐, solvent‐, and temperature‐dependent emissions. These characteristics are attributed to the coexistence of HLCT and the through‐space charge transfer process (TSTC) triggered by an o‐carborane scaffold in the excited state. Besides, the interchangeable HLCT/TSCT/hRISC processes are demonstrated by temperature‐dependent spectra and femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectra. These findings confirm a novel hot exciton mechanism, simultaneously induced by HLCT and TSCT. This is also the first example of a carborane‐based hot exciton molecule. The current study not only reports a new molecular architecture for a hot exciton material but also gives rise to a new insight into the hot exciton mechanism.
All‐Inorganic Cs2YbCl5·H2O Perovskite with Luminescence Response to Methanol for Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Guo Xiu‐Xian , Chen Jing‐Hua , Luo Jian‐Bin , Wei Jun‐Hua , Zhang Zhi‐Zhong , He Zi‐Lin , Peng Qing‐Peng , Kuang Dai‐Bin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStimuli‐responsive luminescent materials have attracted much research attention due to their wide application potential in various fields. Typically, the family of hydrated double perovskite A2MIIIX5·H2O shows unique emission color transformation between hydrated and dehydrated complexes, highlighting the application potential in advanced anti‐counterfeiting. Herein, two zero‐dimensional perovskites of Cs2YbCl5·H2O and Cs3YbCl6, are reported and broad‐band self‐trapped exciton recombination emission can be realized via external Sb3+ doping. Intriguingly, the Cs2YbCl5·H2O can be transformed to the dehydrated counterpart of Cs3YbCl6 through a facile methanol treatment at room temperature, leading to the emission color transformation from yellow to green. Notably, the green‐emissive Cs3YbCl6:Sb3+ delivers a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 67.3%. Leveraging the advantages of obvious methanol‐induced emission color transformation between Cs2YbCl5·H2O and Cs3YbCl6 at room temperature, Cs2YbCl5·H2O can be used in the field of high‐security‐level anti‐counterfeiting.
Valproate Mediated Proteasome Dysfunctions Induce Apoptosis
Authors: Kinger Sumit , Jagtap Yuvraj Anandrao , Dubey Ankur Rakesh , Kumar Prashant , Choudhary Akash , Karmakar Surojit , Lal Girdhari , Prajapti Vijay Kumar , Jha Hem Chandra , Gutti Ravi Kumar , Mishra Amit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSeveral studies suggest Valproate's (VPA) therapeutic use in treating seizures, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. Valproate is a class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitor and an attractive chemotherapeutic agent for targeting cancer. Few reports suggest that Valproate can suppress cell growth and cell differentiation and is linked with anti‐tumor activity. However, Valproate‐associated anti‐tumoral function and intracellular signaling cascade‐mediated anti‐cellular proliferation activities still need to be better understood. This current study suggests that Valproate can elevate proteasomal dysfunctions, resulting in misfolded protein accumulation and abnormal mitochondrial functions that successively induce apoptosis. Present findings indicate that treatment of Valproate inhibits Proteasome activities and also aggravates accumulation of expanded polyglutamine proteins and other proteasomal substrates. Overall, the aggregation of aberrant proteins and mitochondrial dysfunctions are observed, such as cytochrome c release, and disturbed mitochondrial membrane potential. Treatment of Valproate induces apoptotic morphological changes and cell death. These observations suggest that Valproate can cause mitochondrial abnormalities associated with apoptosis. These findings can provide new possible insights and suggest molecular approaches for developing better and specific Proteasome inhibitors that can be better useful with other anti‐tumor drugs for treatment of cancer and other complex diseases.
Halogenated Hole Selective Contact Enhances Interfacial Weak Bonding of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Aili , Zhai Mengde , Du Kaihuai , Yang Jinman , Zhang Luozheng , Li Bairu , Luo Long , Dong Xu , Li Lvzhou , Li Guixiang , Li Meng , Abate Antonio , Cheng Ming , Ding Jianning 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWeak bonding between the perovskite and charge transport layers can lead to interfacial defects, hindering charge transfer and limiting the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this issue, two halogenated spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene]‐based molecules (SFX‐DM‐F and SFX‐DM‐Cl) are designed as an interfacial layer between perovskite and hole transport materials (HTMs). Both first‐principles simulations and experimental results are used to demonstrate that these halogenated interfacial layers improve the contact stability between perovskite's Pb(II) and HTMs, increasing the efficiency of charge transfer. The similar structure of interlayer to HTM also enhances the interfacial hole transfer integral, favoring effective hole transport. The PSCs based on SFX‐DM‐Cl achieve power conversion efficiencies of 24.8% (0.0625 cm2) and 23.1% (1 cm2). Even after 2000 h at a relative humidity of 15–20%, the unencapsulated PSC retains 94% of its initial efficiency. This work proposes the halogenated homologous HTMs as interfacial molecular bridges to optimize weak chemical bonds and hole transfer, thereby enabling efficient and stable PSCs.
Highly Oriented FAPbI3 via 2D Ruddlesden Popper Perovskite Template Growth
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Shi Zejiao , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Juan , Zhang Xin , Li Xiaoguo , Wang Haoliang , Li Chongyuan , Wang Jiao , Zhang Hao , Yang Yingguo , Zhang Jia , Yu Anran , Zhan Yiqiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract2D perovskites are demonstrated as the growth template for the modulation of phase transition and crystallization of formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3). However, it is challenging to obtain highly oriented α‐FAPbI3 and regulate crystallization at the bottom of the FAPbI3 film. Here, a 2D (BA)2PbI4 layer with preferred orientation is introduced to perform as the bottom template for the quasi‐epitaxial growth of FAPbI3, which triggers the α‐FAPbI3 perovskite formation. Owing to the assembly of [PbI6]4− octahedral on the 2D template, the highly (100) oriented FAPbI3 perovskites from the bottom to the top are attained. At the optimum concentration, 2D perovskites gradually vanish due to the extrusion of BA+ cation from the template, which guarantees the charge transport at the bottom. Consequently, the strategy effectively promotes film quality and suppresses non‐radiative recombination. The efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is promoted from 23.06% to 24.78%.
A cross‐sectional study of α‐synuclein seed amplification assay in Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative: Prevalence and associations with Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and cognitive function
Authors: Tosun Duygu , Hausle Zachary , Iwaki Hirotaka , Thropp Pamela , Lamoureux Jennifer , Lee Edward B. , MacLeod Karen , McEvoy Sean , Nalls Michael , Perrin Richard J. , Saykin Andrew J. , Shaw Leslie M. , Singleton Andrew B. , Lebovitz Russ , Weiner Michael W. , Blauwendraat Cornelis ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is defined by β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau, but Lewy bodies (LBs; 𝛼‐synuclein aggregates) are a common co‐pathology for which effective biomarkers are needed.METHODSA validated α‐synuclein Seed Amplification Assay (SAA) was used on recent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 1638 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants, 78 with LB‐pathology confirmation at autopsy. We compared SAA outcomes with neuropathology, Aβ and tau biomarkers, risk‐factors, genetics, and cognitive trajectories.RESULTSSAA showed 79% sensitivity and 97% specificity for LB pathology, with superior performance in identifying neocortical (100%) compared to limbic (57%) and amygdala‐predominant (60%) LB‐pathology. SAA+ rate was 22%, increasing with disease stage and age. Higher Aβ burden but lower CSF p‐tau181 associated with higher SAA+ rates, especially in dementia. SAA+ affected cognitive impairment in MCI and Early‐AD who were already AD biomarker positive.DISCUSSIONSAA is a sensitive, specific marker for LB‐pathology. Its increase in prevalence with age and AD stages, and its association with AD biomarkers, highlights the clinical importance of α‐synuclein co‐pathology in understanding AD's nature and progression.Highlights
SAA shows 79% sensitivity, 97% specificity for LB‐pathology detection in AD.
SAA positivity prevalence increases with disease stage and age.
Higher Aβ burden, lower CSF p‐tau181 linked with higher SAA+ rates in dementia.
SAA+ impacts cognitive impairment in early disease stages.
Study underpins need for wider LB‐pathology screening in AD treatment.