bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fractional Darcian model‐based analytical solution for non‐Darcian flow toward a fully penetrating well in a confined aquifer
Authors: Tu Kun , Wu Qiang , Zhang Hongwei , Li Xiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Forchheimer and Izbash equations have been long employed to investigate the behavior of non‐Darcian flow toward a well in various aquifer systems, but both two equations inevitably introduce problems such as more or less empirical nature, and dimensional unbalance. Therefore, this work makes the attempt to introduce the fractional Darcian model for characterizing the non‐Darcian behavior flow toward a fully penetrating well in a confined aquifer instead of the Forchheimer and Izbash equations. In this study, a fractional Darcian model‐based analytical solution in the time domain is obtained by means of Laplace transform and linearization approximation. The proposed analytical solution of this study can be readily reduced to the classical Theis solution for Darcian flow. Meanwhile, the late‐times and steady‐state analytical solutions for non‐Darcian flow described using the fractional Darcian model are also developed. Moreover, a comparison with previous analytical solutions shows that the newly derived analytical solution in this study is sufficiently accurate at later times. The influences of different parameters on transient drawdown are investigated. The results indicate that the fractional derivative order and hydraulic conductivity have a large influence on drawdown compared with other parameters. The introduction of fractional Darcian model in this study could also provide potential application for further investigations of non‐Darian flow behavior toward fully or partially penetrating wells in different aquifer systems, which can be very beneficial for hydrology and other related fields.
Midwives' approach to the prevention and repair of obstetric perineal trauma in Spain
Authors: Laderas Díaz Estíbaliz , Rodríguez‐Almagro Julián , Picón Rodríguez Rafael , Martínez Galiano Juan Miguel , Martínez Rodríguez Sandra , Hernández‐Martínez Antonio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimDifferent clinical practice guidelines include recommendations on how to prevent and repair obstetric perineal trauma, as well as the use of episiotomy. To evaluate the variability in midwives' professional practices for preventing and repairing perineal trauma, as well as the professional factors that may be associated with the restrictive use of episiotomy.DesignObservational cross‐sectional study.MethodsThree hundred five midwives completed an anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors and distributed across various midwifery scientific societies. The main outcomes measured were the frequencies of adopting specific practices related to perineal injury prevention and repair, episiotomy technique and restrictive episiotomy use (<10%). Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.ResultsIntrapartum perineal massage was not normally used by 253 (83%) of midwives, and 186 (61%) applied compresses soaked in warm water to the perineum. Regarding episiotomy, there was a great deal of variability, noting that 129 (42.3%) adopted a restrictive use of this procedure, 125 (41%) performed it between 10% and 20%, while 51 midwives (16.7%) performed it in more than 20% of cases. In addition, 165 (54.1%) midwives followed an incision angle of 60º. Concerning tears, 155 (50.8%) usually sutured first‐degree tears and 273 (89.5%) always sutured second‐degree tears. Midwives attending home births (aOR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.69–15.69), working at a teaching hospital (aOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.39–9.84), and the ones who recently completed their professional training (aOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.46–8.79) were significantly more likely to adopt a restrictive use of episiotomy.ConclusionsThere is a significant variability in Spanish midwives' practices for preventing and repairing perineal tears. Moreover, the restrictive use of episiotomy is associated with midwives attending home births, working in teaching hospitals and having recent professional training.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Effect of mental arithmetic stress on periodontal sensation in the upper molar and tactile sensation in the cheek
Authors: Somoto Michitaka , Oki Kazuhiro , Matsuda Yuhei , Matsunaga Tadashi , Minagi Shogo , Kanno Takahiro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThis study examined the absolute threshold of periodontal sensation (ATPS) in the upper molars and the difference threshold of tactile sensation (DTTS) in the cheek skin before and after mental arithmetic stress.MethodsTwenty participants (10 men and 10 women; median age: 24.5 years) and 13 healthy individuals (eight men and five women; median age: 24.0 years) underwent ATPS measurement using the staircase method and DTTS using the method of limits. These tests were conducted before and after 10 min of mental arithmetic task. Psychological state was evaluated by comparing heart rate and blood pressure. Induction of mental stress was confirmed by significant activation of the cardiovascular system after the mental arithmetic task.ResultAlthough ATPS showed a statistically significant increase after mental stress (P = 0.01), DTTS showed no significant change (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study revealed that the influence of psychological state tended to appear in the perception of force exerted on the teeth. Therefore, periodontal sensation may be blunted by mental stress, even in healthy individuals. Patients may be exposed to mental stress during dental and oral maxillofacial treatment, and the occlusal sensory threshold may be altered; therefore, caution is essential during prosthetic and other occlusion‐related treatments.
The influence of GNP on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy adhesive: Pearson correlation matrix and heatmap application in data interpretation
Authors: Khalil Nur Zalikha , Kong Nurziana , Fricke Holger 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article explores the impact of Graphene Nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforcement on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of epoxy adhesive. The impact of GNPs on the structural adhesive largely depends on factors like dispersion stability and GNP concentration. Given the complexity of these interactions, it is imperative to obtain indicators for the degree of each interaction. In this study, Pearson correlation matrix and heatmaps analysis were used to analyze the relationship between various variables and the strength of the connection. The addition of GNP at various concentrations to the epoxy adhesive led to a reduction in storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature, attributed to the agglomeration of GNP. In bulk specimens, the incorporation of GNP, regardless of its content, has decreased tensile stress up to 70.7% while increasing its fracture elongation up to 396.3%. Within joining specimens with GNP, specimens with 1.5 wt% GNP content showed the highest cohesive fracture mode and largest shear strength. Pearson correlation matrix and heatmaps have demonstrated very good accuracy in reflecting the experimental data. They offer a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between various variables while indicating the degree of influence each variable has on the properties of the adhesive and joining specimens.Highlights
GNP effects in adhesive can be accurately analyzed with Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps.
Connections strength for various variables can be shown by Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps.
Pearson correlation matrix & heatmaps assess variable relationships comprehensively.
Versatile biochar for wood‐plastic composites: Improving mechanical properties, dimensional and thermal stability
Authors: Hoang Phuocthoi , Zhang Zhenxin , Ren Jinyuan , Peng Yao , Cao Jinzhen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, three types of biochar including wood biochar (WB), rice husk biochar (RHB), and bamboo biochar (BB) were used as fillers to mix with wood flour (WF), polypropylene (PP), and maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) to prepare wood polymer biochar composites (WPBC). The influences of biochar types and addition amounts (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, and 40 wt%) on the mechanical properties, dimension stability, and thermal stability of WPBC were investigated. The results showed that the water absorption rate and thickness swelling rate of WPBC were lower than control group due to the hydrophobic nature of the biochar. Additionally, the presence of biochar was beneficial to the interfacial bonding and stress transmission in composites, resulting in better mechanical properties. Composites containing 20 wt% RHB showed the highest flexural modulus among all, which increased by 11.27% compared to control group. Adding WB also enhanced the tensile and impact strength of composites at a loading level of 10 wt%, with the value of 39.10 MPa and 15.55 KJ/m2, respectively. The thermal stability and flame retardancy of WPBC was improved due to the presence of SiO2 in biochar, which could hinder heat transmission and thermal degradation during combustion process. Concurrently, the rate of heat release and smoke generation in WPBC also decreased significantly. The oxygen limiting index (LOI) of composites with 20 wt% RHB was as high as 26.64%, increasing by 30.14% compared to control group. The results suggested that biochar was a promising alternative to commercial additives for the cost‐effective production of composites.Highlights
Effects of biochar loading level and type were compared.
Enhanced the mechanical properties by optimizing interfacial bonding.
Biochar improved the dimensional and thermal stability.
Biochar is a versatile and cost‐effective additive.
Effect of alumina fillers on physical and mechanical properties of luffa/groundnut shell natural fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Senthil Kumar Maruthamuthu Shanmugam , Sivakumar Muthusamy , Senthil Sathyamangalam Munusamy , Rajeshkumar Lakshminarasimhan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid luffa waste and groundnut shell waste natural fibers and to evaluate the effect of different filler loadings of alumina on the mechanical behavior of the hybrid composites. The luffa fibers were made to undergo mercerization in 10% NaOH solution. All the treated fibers and the alumina fillers were characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The study used three different filler loadings of alumina (Al2O3) (5%, 10%, and 15% by volume) and three different fractions of treated luffa‐waste groundnut shell hybrid fibers (10%, 30%, and 50% by volume). The composites were fabricated using the hand layup technique, and the prepared test specimens were subjected to mechanical and physical properties testing as per ASTM standards. The experimental findings indicated that the inclusion of Al2O3 filler improved the physical and mechanical characteristics of the natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites. The results showed that the composites with 30 vol. % fibers (1:1 luffa fiber: groundnut shell fiber) and 10 vol. % Al2O3 content showed enhanced tensile, flexural, shear, and impact strength and hardness. Besides, a good synergy between the alumina fillers, natural fibers, and the polymer matrix was observed in the surface morphology of the composite specimen. The developed composites can be used in low and medium‐load‐bearing structural and non‐structural applications.Highlights
Development of hybrid polymer composites with luffa and novel groundnut shell fibers
Hybridization of alumina ceramic particles with natural fiber hybrid composites
Assessment of physical and mechanical properties of the polymer composites
Cheminformatics and QSAR‐Based Identification of Natural Bioactive Compounds as Potent Inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐7 Methyltransferases
Authors: Thomas Jobin , Satija Jitendra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEver since the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, to date, no specific and efficient therapeutic cure is available for the SARS‐CoV‐2 viral infection. Few reports have been observed with the late cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with altered immunity. The nsp14 protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 is a key target for antiviral drug development as it controls replication of virus and evasion of host immune system. In this study, a consensus of cheminformatics approaches involving virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET profiling, molecular dynamics simulations, free‐energy landscape, MM‐GBSA, DFT and 2D‐QSAR analysis is employed to discover the inhibitor of nsp14 protein. Our investigation reveals four natural bioactive compounds, i. e. ZINC2132169, ZINC8791872, ZINC8952607 and ZINC6624334 that possess enhanced binding affinity towards nsp14 protein with no predicted toxicity. Molecular docking, MD simulations and MM‐GBSA analysis established that all hit compounds strongly bind at the same pocket through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. DFT analysis revealed greater reactivity of hit compounds and their stable complex formation with nsp14 protein, while the 2D‐QSAR (R2=0.92) predicted their pIC50 value in the range of 5.30–6.71 nM. These findings imply that hit compounds would be potent drug candidates in controlling the SARS‐CoV‐2 by inhibiting nsp14 protein.
Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles for Efficient Cr(VI) Removal and Antioxidant/Microbial Properties
Authors: Naaz Romana , Fakhar Nida , Siddiqui Vasi Uddin , Siddiqi Weqar Ahmad , Mohsin Mohd 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study focuses on fabrication of a cost‐effective Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) adsorbent using Syngonium podophyllum leaves extract to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from synthetically prepared wastewater. Various spectroscopic techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to characterize the ZnONPs. Fourier infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) detected that various organic compounds like flavonoids, terpenoids, and carboxylic acids acts as stabilizing and capping agent. The batch adsorption study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cr6+ adsorption time, pH, adsorbent concentration, and initial adsorbate concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity was 267.068 mg/g at 313 K. The Freundlich isotherm model was most suitable, indicating multilayer confiscation of Cr6+ on the heterogeneous surface. Chemisorption was identified as the mechanism of sequestration. Thermodynamic studies revealed that Cr6+ removal was spontaneous and feasible, with ΔG° values suggesting predominantly physisorption. Additionally, ZnONPs displayed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus bacteria, making them a potential alternative to antibiotics. ZnONPs exhibited impressive antioxidant activity. Overall, ZnONPs synthesized through biosynthesis proved to be excellent nano‐sorbents, antioxidants, and biocompatible materials with promising applications in water remediation and healthcare.
Controlled Growth of Silver Nanoparticles on Cotton Substrate for Enhanced SERS, Catalytic, and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Batool Unsia , Khan Ghazanfar Ali , Shafique Saima , Shahbaz Rabia , Imran Muhammad , Hussain Shafqat , Ahmed Waqqar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, we report the growth of surfactant‐free silver nanoparticles (NPs) on cotton through a facile chemical reduction method, iteratively applied to gradually increase and control the concentration of silver NPs. Our substrates showed enhanced performance in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), catalytic, and antibacterial properties, all attributable to the high concentration of NPs on the cotton and their surfactant‐free nature. While the antibacterial properties improve with increasing growth cycles, SERS and catalytic properties first increase from the first to fourth growth cycles and then decrease for the fifth growth cycle. For substrate with optimum deposition for SERS, rhodamine 6G (R6G) analyte down to nanomolar concentrations were detectable, with a linear correlation of intensity versus concentration and exhibit excellent uniformity in the SERS signal. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of our substrates against the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was impressive with a rate constant of 0.0866 min−1 for the first growth cycle, which increased by ~3.4‐fold to 0.2979 min−1 for the fourth growth cycle. Finally, the substrates showed excellent antibacterial activity towards both Gram‐negative (E. coli) and Gram‐positive (S. aureus) bacteria. For both bacteria, the zone of inhibition increased with increasing growth cycles.
Regulation of Ethanol on Ferrous Oxalate Particle Size and Properties: Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Tang Feilong , Zhao Zhongqian , Ren Kun , Wu Jian , Chen Xiumin , Xu Peilin , Sun Hongfei , Liu Qi , Yi Yunhu , Chen Qiyou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSurfactants containing hydroxyl functional groups have a significant influence on the morphology of ferrous oxalate dihydrate. However, few studies have provided a theoretical explanation for this effect. In this investigation, the size of ferrous oxalate dihydrate was reduced from micron to nanometer scale using anhydrous ethanol, and its mechanism was elucidated through density functional theory calculations. The calculational results reveal that anhydrous ethanol molecules bound to the ferrous oxalate dihydrate crystal via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, thereby controlling crystal growth. It means that anhydrous ethanol molecules preferentially affected the interlayer interaction in the structure of ferrous oxalate dihydrate, leading to a significant impact on its overall crystal growth way. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of ferrous oxalate dihydrate synthesized in aqueous and anhydrous ethanol systems were compared and tested. The specific capacitance (242 F ⋅ g−1 at 0.5 A ⋅ g−1 current density) of ferrous oxalate dihydrate synthesized in anhydrous ethanol system is obvious higher than that of ferrous oxalate dihydrate synthesized in water system (186 F ⋅ g−1), due to its smaller particle size (75 nm). Furthermore, the specific capacitance of this material can be improved to 469 F ⋅ g−1 during composite process of ferrous oxalate dihydrate with graphene oxide.
Nitrate Uptake from Water Using Amine‐Functionalized Meso‐ and Macroporous Carbons
Authors: Namesawa Momoko , Hamada Nagi , Shimoda Shuhei , Suzuki Keita , Fukuoka Atsushi , Takada Tomoya 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMeso‐ and macroporous carbon materials modified with protonated amino groups (−NH3+Cl−) for aqueous nitrate (NO3−) uptake were prepared by surface functionalization with aminopropylsilane. Although the silane coupling treatment decreased the specific surface area of the carbons, surface modification with the −NH3+Cl− group improved the NO3− uptake capacity of both meso‐ and macroporous carbons. The amount of NO3− adsorbed depends on the specific surface area of the adsorbent; an adsorbent with a larger specific surface area exhibits a larger uptake capacity. Enhanced NO3− adsorption onto the NH3+Cl−‐modified surface occurred through an ion‐exchange mechanism. Changes in the pH of the sample solutions before and after NO3− uptake revealed the competitive exchange of NO3− and OH−. NO3− uptake is inhibited by the coexistence of anions other than NO3− (excess Cl−, SO42−, CO32− and HCO3−) and/or OH− at high pH. In particular, the influence of excess Cl− reveals that NO3− uptake through ion exchange is not irreversible, and the adsorption capacity is determined based on the ion exchange equilibrium.
The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression
Authors: Hong Yu‐Chia , Chen Sy‐Jou , Chang Yue‐Cune , Chang Chun‐Wei , Chiang Hui‐Hsun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMaintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined‐arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross‐sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self‐report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.
Pipeline hiring's effects on the human capital and performance of new recruits
Authors: Brymer Rhett , Paraskevas John‐Patrick , Josefy Matthew , Ellram Lisa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryPipeline hiring, repeatedly hiring individuals from the same external source organization, is a common recruiting practice. Yet, whether this pipeline approach improves incoming human capital quality or performance has limited empirical evidence. We argue that, in cooperative source‐hiring organization contexts, pipelines reduce the information asymmetries present in labor markets in a way that both attracts individuals with higher pre‐entry human capital and predicts postentry performance that surpasses pre‐entry expectations. In the context of particularly intense recruiting competition—American college football—we test and find support for these hypotheses. We also probe key boundary conditions, specifically discontinuity, geographic proximity, and factor market competition that highlight the limits of when the informational advantage is more or less salient.Managerial SummaryOrganizations often recruit through pipelines ‐ repeatedly hiring new workers from the same sources, such as universities or supply partners. Despite how common pipeline hiring is, we have little evidence to suggest if this practice helps hire more capable workers. Using rich data from American college football, we find that players who are successfully recruited through a pipeline tend to be rated as higher potential before joining their college team and perform better, holding their potential constant, in their collegiate career than players who joined from a standalone source. We argue that these benefits come from information flows between recruiting organizations, alumni, and prospective workers. When conditions make these information flows less exclusive, more interrupted, or redundant, we find evidence that the typical pipeline recruiting benefits diminish.