bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing and enhancing operational efficiency in Sierra Leone's retail banking sector: A comparative analysis using CCR and BCC DEA models
Authors: Mansaray Samuel Saio , Hongyi Xu , Sawaneh Ibrahim Abdulai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the operational efficiency of 14 Sierra Leone commercial banks from 2020 to 2022, focusing on the adoption of financial innovation, such as digital banking, mobile services, and online payments. The research evaluates banks' performance by leveraging innovations using data envelope analysis (DEA) with constant and variable returns to scale models. Findings show varied efficiency, with some banks excelling and others lagging. The study underscores the need for strategic management and optimization so that banks can benefit fully from financial innovations. The insights inform policymakers and bank managers on enhancing the sector's operational performance through technology integration.
Neurocognitive markers during maximum alcohol use in late adolescence as predictors of change in later drinking behaviors
Authors: Ferdous Nafisa , Zúñiga María Luisa , Courtney Kelly E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe influence of alcohol use on later neurocognitive functioning is well researched, yet few studies have investigated whether neurocognition post‐drinking initiation in adolescence predicts changes in later alcohol use. The objective of this study was to investigate neurocognitive task performance during maximum alcohol use in late adolescence as predictors of drinking behaviors 3–7 years later. Analyses (n = 105) were conducted on a longitudinal data set involving adolescents (12–13 years old) who were followed for 16 years. Time 1 (T1) was defined as the individuals' maximum drinking year within the first 10 study years and Time 2 (T2) was the first available data entry 3–7 years after T1. Four hierarchical linear regression models predicting follow‐up alcohol use were estimated: drinking days, average drinks per drinking day, peak drinks, and binge episodes. All models included inhibition/cognitive flexibility, visuospatial ability, verbal memory, working memory, and their interactions with sex, while covarying for age at T1, follow‐up duration, and controlling for T1 drinking. Better visuospatial ability at T1 predicted decreases in later binge episodes at T2 (β = −0.19, p = 0.048, partial r2 = 0.039). While better inhibition/cognitive flexibility at T1 predicted increases in follow‐up drinks per drinking day at T2 (β = 0.18, p = 0.016, partial r2 = 0.057). Findings suggest specific neurocognitive abilities during maximum drinking in late adolescence are useful as predictors of change in later drinking quantity per occasion and could potentially inform intervention research targeting this age group.
A low‐profile circularly polarized cavity‐based waveguide aperture antenna
Authors: Mahmud Rashad H. , Mohammed Mustafa M. , Jarjees Raad S. , Salih Idris H. , Alkurt Fatih O. , Karaaslan Muharrem , Skaik Talal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article proposes a new design of a circularly polarized (CP) aperture antenna based on a dual‐mode rectangular waveguide cavity‐resonator. A capacitive iris is employed to attain a strong coupling between the cavity and the input port, resulting in a larger fractional bandwidth (FBW) than a conventional aperture antenna. Another capacitive iris is embedded at the corner of the radiating aperture and extended into the cavity to maintain equal amplitude and a phase difference of 90° between the radiated electric (E) fields of the TE101 and TE110 modes, and thus yielding CP radiation. The proposed antenna has been fabricated using a computer numerical control machine. The antenna has an FBW of 18% at center frequency (f0) f0 = 10 GHz when the reflection coefficient (S11) S11 = −10 dB. The 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth is 7%. A gain of 8.0 dBic is found at 10.06 GHz. The low profile and competitive performance of the antenna make it a good candidate in radar applications.
Real‐time imaging of decompression gas bubble growth in the spinal cord of live rats
Authors: Alvarado Roman , Scheven Ulrich M. , Meiners Jens‐Christian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeTo observe the growth and resolution of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of live rats in real time using MRI.MethodsWe constructed an MRI‐compatible pressure chamber system to visualize gas bubble dynamics in deep tissues in real time. The system pressurizes and depressurizes rodents inside an MRI scanner and monitors their respiratory rate, heart rate, and body temperature while providing gaseous anesthesia under pressure during the experiments.ResultsWe observed the formation of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of rats after compression to 7.1 bar absolute and rapid decompression inside the MRI scanner while maintaining continuous gaseous anesthesia and vital monitoring.ConclusionWe have shown the direct observation of decompression gas bubble formation in real time by MRI in live, anesthetized rats.
Impaired metabolic flexibility to fasting is associated with increased ad libitum energy intake in healthy adults
Authors: Unlu Yigit , Piaggi Paolo , Stinson Emma J. , Cabeza De Baca Tomás , Rodzevik Theresa L. , Walter Mary , Krakoff Jonathan , Chang Douglas C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated how changes in 24‐h respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and substrate oxidation during fasting versus an energy balance condition influence subsequent ad libitum food intake.MethodsForty‐four healthy, weight‐stable volunteers (30 male and 14 female; mean [SD], age 39.3 [11.0] years; BMI 31.7 [8.3] kg/m2) underwent 24‐h energy expenditure measurements in a respiratory chamber during energy balance (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 20% protein) and 24‐h fasting. Immediately after each chamber stay, participants were allowed 24‐h ad libitum food intake from computerized vending machines.ResultsTwenty‐four‐hour RER decreased by 9.4% (95% CI: −10.4% to −8.5%;p < 0.0001) during fasting compared to energy balance, reflecting a decrease in carbohydrate oxidation (mean [SD], −2.6 [0.8] MJ/day;p < 0.0001) and an increase in lipid oxidation (2.3 [0.9] MJ/day;p < 0.0001). Changes in 24‐h RER and carbohydrate oxidation in response to fasting were correlated with the subsequent energy intake such that smaller decreases in fasting 24‐h RER and carbohydrate oxidation, but not lipid oxidation, were associated with greater energy intake after fasting (r = 0.31,p = 0.04;r = 0.40,p = 0.007; andr = −0.27,p = 0.07, respectively).ConclusionsImpaired metabolic flexibility to fasting, reflected by an inability to transition away from carbohydrate oxidation, is linked with increased energy intake.
Risk of bleeding during flapless immediate implant placement after tooth extraction in patients taking antithrombotics
Authors: Kang Tae‐Gyu , Park Kwan‐Soo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing immediate implant placement after tooth extraction without discontinuing or adjusting the dosage of oral antithrombotic drugs.Materials and methodsPatients from February 2020 to August 2022 were selected who had undergone flapless immediate implant placements after tooth extraction and were on antithrombotics. A total of 27 patients were included. The patients were on different types of anticoagulants: vitamin K antagonists (one patient), non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (five), antiplatelet agents (15), dual antiplatelet therapy (five), and combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents (one).ResultsOne patient taking an anticoagulant (NOACs: apixaban) and antiplatelet agent (clopidogrel) showed mild bleeding at the implant placement site in the lower right canine area, and gauze compression was applied to control the bleeding. No special treatment was required for the other patients. There were no implant failures after surgery.ConclusionsThis study shows that the flapless immediate implant placements after tooth extraction for patients taking antithrombotics can be safely executed under adequate hemostasis without medication cessation. However, when anticoagulants and antiplatelets are taken together, it is speculated that surgeons may need careful hemorrhage management. Future research should include larger patient cohorts to yield more comprehensive evidence.
Effect of hybrid ratio on shape memory properties of graphene oxide‐carbon/glass fiber composites prepared based on vacuum infiltration hot‐press forming experimental system
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Wu Xiaojun , Xi Changqing , Lv Jinshu , Guo Haiyin , Wang Dan , Xu Yi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractShape memory composites now have a wide range of applications in aerospace, medical devices, and smart structures. Seven graphene‐carbon oxide/glass fiber (GO‐CF/GF) hybrid reinforced shape memory composites were prepared using vacuum infiltration hot pressing system (VIHPS) and the shape memory properties of the materials were investigated in 100°C test. By comparing and analyzing the microstructure and shape memory properties of composites containing different volume fractions of GFs, the mechanism of the influence of different hybrid contents of GFs on the organizational properties and shape memory properties was investigated. The results show that when the reinforcement of the composites were all carbon fibers, the composites had the largest elasticity modulus, harder material and the fixation rate of 77.15%, the recovery rate of 95.17%, the porosity of 0.80% and the shape recovery force of 7.98 N. When the reinforcement of the composites were glass fibers, the composites had the smallest elasticity modulus, softer material and the fixation rate of 94.89%, the recovery rate of 77.21%, the porosity of 13.56% and the recovery force of 2.28 N. The results of this test can lay a foundation for subsequent research on fibers with different mixing ratios.Highlights
The GO‐CF/GF/EP prepared by VIHPS has excellent shape memory properties.
Fiber hybrid ratio affects the composite's porosity and its properties.
Fiber hybrid ratio affects the composite's shape fixation, recovery, and memory force.
The shape fixation of G6 decreases the lowest with test cycles.
Carbon fiber content changes the zero‐stress plane of GO‐CF/GF/EP.
Effects of off‐axis load direction on tensile properties of pultruded fiber‐reinforced polymer bolted joints with multi‐directional fiber lay‐ups
Authors: Liang Mengdie , Wang Xin , Zhong Liancai , Jiang Zhen , Huang Huang , Wu Zhishen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe limited joint performance of unidirectional (UD) pultruded fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites poses a critical issue that constrains their application in structural engineering. Moreover, UD pultruded FRP joints display a notable reduction in strength and stiffness as the load angle diverges from the fiber pultrusion direction. This paper presents a numerical study of bolted pultruded FRP joints with different off‐axis loading directions. Two types of fiber lay‐ups, including UD and multi‐directional (MD), were investigated. Static tensile tests were conducted with the loading direction parallel to the pultrusion. A finite element model was validated by the test results. Studied geometric parameters includes the end‐to‐diameter (e/d) ratio, width‐to‐diameter (w/d) ratio, and bolt arrangement. Compared to UD joints, MD joints exhibited significant advantages in strength and stiffness under off‐axis loading with an increasing of 78.3% at a loading angle of 90°. Compared to the end distance, plate width has a more significant impact on the off‐axis behaviors of MD joints, especially between 30° and 75°. Multi‐bolted joints were more susceptible to net‐tension failure than single‐bolted joints. Furthermore, classical laminate theory and Hashin failure criterion were employed to predict the resistance of single‐bolted FRP joints with different loading angles, achieving high accuracy.Highlights
Under increased off‐axis loading angles, compared with unidirectional (UD) joints, multi‐directional (MD) joints display a less reduction in both strength and stiffness. At a 90° angle UD joints displayed only 21.7% of the joint resistance of MD joints.
Compared to the end distance, plate width has a more significant impact on the off‐axis behaviors of MD joints, especially between 30° and 75°.
Classical Laminate Theory, Hashin failure criterion were effectively utilized to predict the ultimate strength of pultruded joints under various tensile loading angles, yielding high accuracy. The error between theoretical and simulated values is within 20%.
Stretch‐tolerant PECVD gas barrier coatings for sustainable flexible packaging
Authors: Alizadeh Philipp , Franke Jonas , Dahlmann Rainer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study employs X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thickness measurements, permeation analysis and laser scanning microscopy to analyse the stretch tolerance in dependence of the chemical composition and deposition rates of plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition coatings. SiOx and SiOCH coatings are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate film using a full factorial study design of three parameters (monomer/oxygen mass flow and pulse duration). They exhibit distinct differences, with the monomer mass flow emerging as a critical factor influencing deposition rates and stretch tolerance. SiOCH coatings demonstrate faster growth rates due to higher monomer flow. SiOx coatings exhibit superior barrier performance. Stretch tolerance does not solely correlate with atomic composition, since a SiOx coating with higher‐than‐predicted stretch tolerance was observed.
Placenta accreta spectrum disorders: A retrospective continuous audit of clinical outcomes of 82 cases over 18 years in a large outer London associated teaching hospital
Authors: Leung Emily , Magro Michael , Otigbah Chineze , Bologa Sorina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse and describe the clinical outcomes for the women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders managed in our Trust over the last 18 years.DesignHospital‐based retrospective continuous audit.SettingContinuous audit of the women diagnosed with PAS between 2005 and 2023.PopulationLarge outer London teaching hospital.MethodsAll women with low‐lying placenta on a previous caesarean scar were screened during their anomaly scan. Those with suspected PAS were referred to foetal medicine and once confirmed, managed using a multidisciplinary team approach.Main Outcome MeasuresTime of diagnosis, risk factors, timing of and gestation at delivery, type of surgical procedure, length of stay, intensive therapy unit admission, blood transfusion requirements, use of cell salvage, haemostatic techniques, histology, in‐utero transfer rate, need for emergency delivery and complications.ResultsOf the 82 women, 61% were nonwhite and 76% overweight or obese. Thirty‐four percent occurred in women with one previous caesarean. The number managed each year increased, with 39% occurring since 2018. Twenty‐two percent were transferred from other Trusts. Eighty‐four percent delivered >32 weeks gestation with only two women delivering live births <28 weeks. Eighty‐three percent delivered by planned caesarean. Complication rates were low overall, haemorrhage >3 L occurred in 35%. Since 2018, 72% had excision and these cases had better surgical outcomes and fewer complications.ConclusionsOur data demonstrates that our cohort of women are a high‐risk population but despite this, our results are favourable and demonstrate a move to excision surgery with associated reduced morbidity, low rate of complications, a short hospital stay and very low rates of extremely premature deliveries.
Motion planning and contact force distribution for heavy‐duty hexapod robots walking on unknown rugged terrains
Authors: Ding Liang , Gong Xiao , Hu Lei , Wang Guanyu , Shao Zhongxi , Yang Huaiguang , Gao Haibo , Deng Zongquan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHeavy‐duty hexapod robots have impressive stability, high load‐bearing capacity, and exceptional adaptability to rugged terrains. They are capable of working in challenging outdoor environments such as planetary exploration, disaster relief and mountain transportation. Their ability to traverse terrain requires effective motion planning and accurate force distribution, neither of which is currently at the level required for widespread practical applications. In this paper, the mechanical legs are divided into support and swing legs, and the adaptability of the hexapod robot to unknown rugged terrain is enhanced by introducing the Decomposition Quadratic Programming‐based Contact Force Distribution (DQP‐based CFD) method. Moreover, an efficient replanning strategy can handle accidental collisions between swinging legs and unmodelled obstacles. Extensive field experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed motion planning and contact force distribution methods.
A 3,3′‐Difluoro‐2,2′‐Bithiophene Based Donor Polymer Realizing High Efficiency (>17%) Single Junction Binary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Su Zhiyi , Liu Wenlong , Lin Yi , Ma Zaifei , Zhang Andong , Lu Hao , Xu Xinjun , Li Cuihong , Liu Yahui , Bo Zhishan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, two novel donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers are designed and synthesized, DTBT‐2T and DTBT‐2T2F with 2,2′‐bithiophene or 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene as the donor unit and dithienobenzothiadiazole as the acceptor unit, and used them as donor materials in non‐fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). Due to enhanced planarity of polymer chains resulted by the intramolecular F···S noncovalent interactions, the incorporation of 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene unit instead of 2,2′‐bithiophene into the polymers can enhance their molecular packing, crystallinity and hole mobility. The DTBT‐2T:L8‐BO based binary OSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of only 9.71% with a Voc of 0.78 V, a Jsc of 20.69 mA cm−2, and an FF of 59.67%. Moreover, the introduction of fluoro atoms can lower the highest occupied molecular orbital levels. As a result, DTBT‐2T2F:L8‐BO based single‐junction binary OSCs exhibited less recombination loss, more balanced charge mobility, and more favorable morphology, resulting in an impressive PCE of 17.03% with a higher Voc of 0.89 V, a Jsc of 25.40 mA cm−2, and an FF of 75.74%. These results indicate that 3,3′‐difluoro‐2,2′‐bithiophene unit can be used as an effective building block to synthesize high performance polymer donor materials. This work greatly expands the selection range of donor units for constructing high‐performance polymers.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spatial fingerprinting decodes the digestion behavior of lysosomes in live single cells
Authors: Liu Fugang , Sun Zhirui , Li Bingyi , Liu Jiaqing , Chen Zhou , Ye Jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLysosome, the digestive organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays an important role in the degradation and recirculation of cellular products as well as in maintaining the stability of cellular metabolic microenvironment. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a molecular fingerprint technology with high detection sensitivity and photostability, suited for revealing various intracellular molecular information by inducing endocytosis of SERS‐active nanoparticles. However, it remains challenging to selectively extract the molecular information of specific organelles (e.g., lysosomes) from a high‐dimensional spectral set. Herein, we proposed a novel paradigm by combining label‐free SERS spectroscopy with confocal fluorescence imaging to investigate the digestion behavior of lysosomes in cells. The structural similarity algorithm was innovatively introduced and exhibited its effectiveness in screening out the wavenumbers in the SERS spectral set with high correlation with the metabolic behaviors of lysosomes. With comprehensive experiments on HeLa single cells, we captured the intracellular macromolecular digestion phenomenon and discovered the changing pattern of cellular SERS spectra after starvation‐induced autophagy, and analyzed the molecular information within the lysosomes in three‐dimensional space.
Classic publications in food security research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ho Yuh‐Shan , Lwesya Francis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe article presents classic publications in the field of food security from 1993 to 2022 using bibliometric methods. Data come from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI‐EXPANDED) of the Web of Science database. The results show that the years 2010 and 2011 stand out as the most prolific, with a total of three classic articles receiving the highest citations. The articles show that agricultural intensification does not necessarily lead to increased yields but rather contributes to environmental degradation through deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ultimately climate change. The articles highlight the adoption of ecologically friendly methods, natural solution, and technology‐based and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the impact of climate change and address food insecurity. However, linking agricultural intensification to biodiversity conservation and hunger and the effectiveness of different adaptation models in the increasing variability of extreme events remain complex issues that require further research in the future. Similarly, machine learning research can be used to address food insecurity, especially in crop or plant, and forestry tree breeding, precision agriculture, and so forth.
The diameter of cutaneous melanoma serves as a prognostic indicator for survival among acral‐melanoma predominant East Asian patients
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Cheng , Wang Tien‐Hsiang , Li Cheng‐Yuan , Chiu Yu‐Jen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTumor staging plays a pivotal role in melanoma management, where the depth of tumor invasion has been traditionally used as the cornerstone of staging. Paradoxically, the tumor diameter has not been integrated into the staging system. The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical implications and prognostic value of tumor diameter in cutaneous melanoma, with a particular emphasis on the acral‐melanoma predominant East Asian population, thus potentially enriching the clinical evaluation and treatment strategies for cutaneous melanoma.MethodsFrom January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2022, a total of 352 patients were diagnosed with melanoma in our center. Among them, there were 135 patients diagnosed as cutaneous melanoma who received complete surgical wide excision and regional lymph nodes assessment. The diameter of the tumor, the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node status and patient survival were all collected and analyzed.ResultsThe diameter of cutaneous melanoma had a weak positive correlation with tumor thickness (r = 0.26), however, it still had a significant predictive value for patients' overall survival (p = 0.005) and disease free survival (p = 0.023). As for lymph node metastasis prediction, the Breslow thickness had a better predictive value than tumor diameter (p = 0.002 vs. p = 0.565).ConclusionsIn this study, though with only weak positive correlation to tumor thickness, the tumor diameter of melanoma showed a statistically significant correlation with the patients' overall survival and disease free survival. However, the larger tumor diameter cannot be used as an indicator of high risk of lymph node metastasis.