bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between paramedics' salutogenic health experience and the intention to stay in the profession: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Hulkkonen Eve , Kouvonen Anne , Nordquist Hilla 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between paramedics' salutogenic health and their intentions to stay in their profession.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsParamedics from eight purposively selected organizations participated in this study (n = 433). The data were collected in 2022 with the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale and validated single questions that assessed work ability, recovery and self‐rated stress. Intention to stay was measured using two questions about the intention to leave prehospital emergency medical service work and leave the nursing sector completely during the next 2 years. Data were analysed using logistic regression and statistical significance tests.ResultsMen had higher mean salutogenic health scores than women. No significant differences in salutogenic health were observed across work experience or occupational groups. Paramedics intending to stay in their profession exhibited higher salutogenic health scores than those intending to leave. In the logistic regression models, increasing levels of salutogenic health and work ability were associated with intention to stay in the profession.
Characterization of eco‐friendly composites for automotive applications prepared by the compression molding method
Authors: Manalu Janviter , Numberi Johni Jonatan , Safanpo Apolo , Fitriyana Deni Fajar , Wijaya Tonny Laksamana , Siregar Januar Parlaungan , Cionita Tezara , Jaafar Jamiluddin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe need to comply with environmental regulations and provisions set by the government for sustainability and environmental awareness has caused the use of natural fiber‐reinforced composites in the automotive industry to increase. Furthermore, there has been a lack of extensive research on the production of eco‐friendly composites for automotive applications utilizing epoxy resin, rice husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 by the compression molding technique. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the influence of compression molding pressure on the properties of eco‐friendly composites for automotive applications. The specimens consisted of epoxy resin, rice husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3, in that order by weight percentages of 50%, 20%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. Compression molding with pressures of 10, 20, and 30 MPa and a holding time of 20 min at room temperature was utilized in this study. To evaluate the properties of the obtained specimens, density, hardness, flexural, wear, TGA (thermal gravimetric analysis), and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) tests were conducted. The research findings show that composite specimens' physical and mechanical properties decrease while the friction coefficient increases with increasing pressure during compression molding. In contrast, the pressure increase did not significantly alter the thermal characteristics of the composite specimens. The BP_10 specimen, fabricated at a molding pressure of 10 MPa, exhibited superior properties compared to other specimens. Density, hardness, flexural strength, coefficient of friction, total residue, Tmax, Tg, and Tc in specimen BP_10 was 1.881 g/cm3, 80.5 shore D, 35.84 MPa, 0.262, 58.67%, 354.87, 285.53, and 497.7°C, respectively.Highlights
The demand for natural fiber‐reinforced composites is increasing because more vehicles are on the road.
The properties of natural fiber‐reinforced composites are strongly influenced by the pressure applied during compression molding.
Results show that compression molding pressure strongly influenced the hardness, density, flexural strength, friction coefficient, and thermal stability of natural fiber‐reinforced composites.
The natural fiber‐reinforced composites developed in this research can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thermo‐responsive polymer to clean fouled forward osmosis membrane after wastewater treatment: Excellent flux recovery
Authors: Rai Mayank , Pandey Aaditya , Singh Satish Kumar , Maiti Abhijit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThermally responsive polymers (TRPs) have gained significant attention in the past decade due to their unique phase transition behavior, those exhibiting changes in properties with temperature variations. In water, hydrophilic block copolymers form helical structures that can transform into hydrophobic globules above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Fouling is one of the limiting issues for the forward osmosis (FO) process in wastewater treatment. In this work, after the treatment of wastewater from the paper and pulp industries, foulants were removed from the surface of the commercial polyamide thin‐film composite membrane of the FO process using polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), a TRP with an LCST of 35–37°C. PVME was mixed with different aqueous solutions to form cleaning solutions. Foulant cleaning experiments utilized a 1% PVME (w/v) solution in 300 mL of de‐ionized (DI) water, while 1 M NaCl solution served as the draw solution (DS) in the FO process. Comparing the water flux (J) and change in membrane hydraulic resistance (Rf) among pristine, fouled, and cleaned membranes revealed a 56.67% increase in water flux and a 51.68% decrease in membrane resistance after PVME mixed with DI water cleaning solution showcasing its effectiveness in improving membrane performance and reducing fouling. The cleaning efficiency of two solutions, that is, 1% PVME mixed in DI water and 1% PVME mixed in 1 M aqueous urea solution, is compared. Results showed that the former cleaning solution helped to obtain 32.62% higher water flux and 56.05% less membrane resistance. Various membrane characterizations are performed, such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), which characterizes the membrane's pore structure and surface morphology, while a contact angle analyzer assesses hydrophilicity. This research highlights the use of TRPs as effective cleaning agents, enhancing membrane performance by effectively removing foulants on the membrane surface. Investigating alternative cleaning solutions also provides insights for optimizing water treatment processes.Highlights
Cleaning of fouled thin‐film composite membrane using thermal‐responsive polymers (TRPs).
Polyvinyl methyl ether, a TRP with an lower critical solution temperature of 35–37°C used as a cleaning agent.
60% increase in water flux was observed after the single‐step cleaning process.
Multiple uses of TRP for cleaning performed with no membrane damage.
New role of ionic liquid as accelerator activator in rubber compounds and its influence on curing and mechanical properties
Authors: Hanumanthrao Sushmitha , Chanda Jagannath , Dolui Tuhin , Banerjee Shib Shankar , Das Gupta Saikat , Ghosh Prasenjit , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on the effect of ionic liquids (ILs) on the cure characteristics and filler dispersion of natural rubber (NR) and styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) gum and filled compounds. The complexation of ionic liquid with zinc oxide (ZnO) increases the activity of ZnO and the cure rate together with improved filler dispersion. This has also increased the rubber filler interaction. Imidazolium and chloride based ionic liquids with different cationic groups were compared and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry to understand the thermal and chemical behavior of the compounds. Interestingly, it was found that the ionic liquid can act as an activator and is able to accelerate the vulcanization rate with improved rubber filler interaction. The complexes formed by IL‐Zn were shown to be much more reactive than Zn‐stearic acid complexes. The dispersion of carbon black in the NR and SBR compounds was studied by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope and the results demonstrate that ILs could significantly improve the filler dispersion. Thus, this study has revealed the multifunctional role of ionic liquids in rubber compounds.Highlights
This article describes the dual role of the ionic liquid (IL) in rubber compounds.
It can act both as an accelerator‐activator as well as an efficient dispersing aid.
The complexation of IL with zinc oxide (ZnO) plays a crucial role in enhancing the activity of ZnO.
As a result, the physico‐mechanical properties of both natural rubber and styrene‐butadiene rubber based compounds are significantly improved.
A review on natural fiber composites: Polymer matrices, fiber surface treatments, fabrication methods, properties, and applications
Authors: Mylsamy Bhuvaneshwaran , Shanmugam Senthil Kumar Marudhamuthu , Aruchamy Karthik , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Nagarajan Rajini , Ayrilmis Nadir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh performance and durability are essential for goods to satisfy the needs of the expanding worldwide market. Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are materials made from a combination of wood, polymers, and additives. WPCs can be extruded, injected, compressed, or thermoformed. Presently, WPCs are manufactured using sophisticated processes including as laser sintering, fused layer modeling, and additive manufacturing. Properly managing the melt temperature and pressure is crucial in the manufacturing process of WPCs to ensure effective polymer incorporation. Natural fibers have distinct benefits for polymer composites, but they also have some serious drawbacks, like lower strength properties—especially lower impact strength than synthetic fibers—poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymers, poorer dimensional stability and moisture absorption due to hydroxly groups, a maximum processing temperature that is limited, thermal degradation above 200–220°C, and lower biological durability. The modification of the surface of the fibers improves the mentioned disadvantages of the natural fibers. High‐quality WPCs require the application of chemical or physical treatment to the wood fibers. This extensive review focused on the modification techniques applied to the surface of wood, manufacturing processes, and properties and applications of WPCs.Highlights
Modification methods used in surface treatment of natural fibers was explained.
Properties and recent applications of wood polymer composites were given.
Optimum requirements of natural fibers and polymer matrices are given.
Fabrication methods of natural fiber composites are extensively given.
Investigation of sound absorption on a polymeric acoustic metamaterial using 3D printing process
Authors: Shah Saliq Shamim , Singh Daljeet , Saini J. S. , Garg Naveen , Gautam Chitra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents the design and characterization of DENORMS (Designs for Noise‐Reducing Materials and Structures) cell‐based acoustic metamaterial developed using a 3D printing technique. The metamaterial's acoustic absorption properties were investigated through experimental testing and numerical simulations. The experimental testing of the acoustic metamaterial was conducted in an impedance tube using a two‐microphone method. The numerical simulations were carried out using a thermoviscous module. The simulations allowed for a deeper understanding of the influence of geometric parameters on the absorption coefficient, providing valuable insights for optimizing the design. It was observed that upon increasing the spherical diameter while maintaining the same cylindrical diameter and cylindrical length resulted in an increase in the absorption coefficient throughout the frequency range. It was also observed that upon increasing the cylindrical diameter, there was a significant decrement of absorption coefficient, and upon increasing the length of the cylinder, there was a shift of response toward lower frequency. The augmentation in cell count from 9 to 24 led to a rise in the absorption coefficient and a shift of the response toward lower frequencies. The findings highlight the significance of photopolymer 3D printing in tailoring complex geometries for enhanced performance of the acoustic metamaterial.Highlights
Photopolymeric resin used for DENORMS cell‐based acoustic metamaterial.
High cleanability and accuracy of digital light processing 3D printing technique.
Usage of thermoviscous model for simulation of sound absorption behavior.
Use of two microphone impedance tube to determine sound absorption coefficient.
Geometric parameters significantly affect the absorption coefficient.
Dyeability and mechanical properties of banana fiber reinforced polypropylene composite
Authors: Brahma Shuvo , Raafi Sk. Mohammad , Arju Sharfun Nahar , Rehman Junaid ur 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBanana fibers being highly strong and biodegradable, have always been an interesting aspect of polymer science. The research examines the pretreatment process to enhance the dyeability of banana fibers with synthetic dyes, followed by the preparation of polypropylene (PP) composites with dyed fibers to explore their mechanical properties. Raw banana fibers were extracted from the pseudo stems of banana plants for pretreating with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide and further dyed in the exhaust method using direct, basic, reactive, and vat dyes. Despite a decrease in fiber strength, the scoured‐bleached fibers appeared whiter and lustrous compared to untreated fibers. Direct dye exhibited a higher color strength (K/S) value of 20.7 and better wash fastness on average of 4‐3 rating compared to basic dye. Later polypropylene sheets were prepared using a Hot Plate Molding Machine, and composite specimens were fabricated by sandwiching the fibers between PP sheets and hot pressing. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed minor bond formations between the dyed fibers and polypropylene matrix in composites showing significant bonding at NH, CH, and OH regions. The composites containing dyed fibers showed slight improvements in tensile strength and modulus which is at best 2% than that of untreated fiber.Highlights
Direct and basic dyes were determined as the most suitable synthetic dyes.
FTIR analysis revealed minimal bond formation between the fiber and PP matrix.
Composites having dyed banana fiber showed little better mechanical features.
Self‐standing gelatin‐ methacryloyl 3D structure using Carbopol‐embedded printing
Authors: Villata Simona , Frascella Francesca , Gaglio Cesare Gabriele , Nastasi Giuliana , Petretta Mauro , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Baruffaldi Désirée 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel has gained huge success in the last decades thanks to its versatilities in many applications. Notably, one of them is 3D bioprinting, as GelMA physical‐mechanical properties and biocompatibility of uncured formulation perfectly suit the requirements of a bioink. Nevertheless, before the photopolymerization, the hydrogel shows weak mechanical properties and long recovery time after stress application, which results in the inability to obtain complex and self‐standing forms due to structure collapse. In this work, Carbopol ETD 2020 NF, dissolved in cell culture medium, was used as supporting bath to optimize GelMA bioprinting and overcome its stability limitations. The achieved results demonstrated the possibility of printing shapes containing hollows with lumens or non‐planar surfaces, also by using nozzles with larger inner diameter, which reduced cell death during printing process, but were usually avoid because of low resolution. Moreover, constructs' extraction was easier when Carbopol solution was prepared in culture medium rather than in water, reducing sample handling. In conclusion, thanks to this supporting bath, it was possible to print cellularized scaffold, with channels that were then seeded, obtaining inner structure. Further, this Carbopol formulation could be considered an eligible candidate as a supporting bath to obtain GelMA 3D self‐standing‐shaped and vascularized scaffold.
What is the relationship between body image and the quality of life of women who underwent surgery for breast cancer? A scoping review
Authors: Battistello Camila Zanella , da Silva Nathália Weschenfelder , Remor Eduardo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThis review aimed to identify, characterize, map, and summarize existing knowledge about the relationship of perceived body image with the quality of life (QoL) of women who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched, and articles published until August 2022 were included.ResultsThe search resulted in 796 records, and 51 articles were included for analysis. A significant negative impact on body image perception and QoL after surgical treatment for breast cancer was found in the majority of studies. Sociodemographic variables such as age, education, socioeconomic status, unstable attachment styles and time after the surgery may have an effect on a worsening of the overall body image and QoL score of women. It was found that there was greater dissatisfaction with body image in women who underwent mastectomy compared to those who underwent conservative surgery.ConclusionEvidence has shown that breast cancer surgery affects the perceived body image and QoL of patients worldwide. Age, education, socioeconomic status, and the type of surgery are potential factors influencing these outcomes. It is worth noting that the review encompassed articles from various countries, reflecting a significant cultural diversity among the studied populations. However, most of these articles did not delve into an analysis of these cultural disparities. This review also indicated insufficient details regarding the assessment instruments used to assess perceived body image.
Lung and diaphragm ultrasound as predictors of successful weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants
Authors: Nour Basma Ahmed , El‐Rahman Ashraf Mohamed Abd , Hameed Suzy Abd Elmabood Abd El , Mohsen Nada , Mohamed Adel , El‐Bayoumi Mohammed Attia , Abdel‐Hady Hesham Elsayed 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveAssessment of the utility of lung and diaphragm ultrasound in the prediction of successful weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm infants.Study DesignThis prospective cohort study was conducted on preterm infants who were considered ready for weaning off NCPAP. Lung and diaphragm ultrasound were performed just before and 3 h after weaning off NCPAP. The primary outcome was to evaluate the accuracy of lung ultrasound (LUS) in predicting successful weaning from NCPAP.ResultsOut of 65 enrolled preterm infants, 30 (46.2%) were successfully weaned from NCPAP to room air. The successful weaning group had higher gestational ages, lower incidences of previous invasive mechanical ventilation, and treated hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus before the trial weaning. A LUS score of ≤6, measured before discontinuation of NCPAP, exhibited a predictive sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75% for successful weaning (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.865,  ≤.001). When the LUS score was assessed 3 h after weaning from NCPAP, a cutoff point of ≤7 predicted successful weaning with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 60% respectively (AUC = 0.838, p ≤ .001). The diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) was significantly lower in the successful weaning group. After adjustment for various factors, LUS score remained the only independent predictor of successful weaning.ConclusionLUS score before weaning from NCPAP has a good sensitivity and specificity for predicting successful weaning from NCPAP in preterm infants. Diaphragmatic excursion and DTF were not good predictors.
Inpatient education reduces length of outpatient oxygen therapy in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A quality improvement project
Authors: Berlin Kathryn E. K. , Lagatta Joanne , Dawson Sara , Malnory Margaret , Scott William , Sprecher Alicia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients discharged on home oxygen therapy (HOT) for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often receive months of this therapy. A previous trial comparing two methods of HOT weaning showed that increased parent involvement in HOT weaning decreased HOT duration. Our outpatient team uses a standard protocol for outpatient HOT weaning, starting at the first clinic visit 4–6 weeks after discharge.AimTo shorten HOT duration by teaching parents the outpatient HOT weaning process before neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.MethodsWe launched a quality improvement program in April 2021 for preterm infants with BPD without significant comorbidities who were stable on ≤0.5 L nasal cannula. Eligible infants started the outpatient HOT weaning protocol while inpatient, with education for parents and nurses. The outcome measure was the duration of HOT after discharge. Process measures focused on protocol adherence. Balancing measures included NICU length of stay and appropriateness of parent‐directed HOT weaning.ResultsDuring the study period, there were a total of 133 eligible patients discharged on home oxygen, with 75 in the baseline group and 58 in the intervention group. Forty‐five (78%) participated in the HOT weaning protocol while inpatient. HOT was reduced from an average of 27 to 12 weeks after May 2021. We observed no change in NICU length of stay or inappropriate HOT weaning.ConclusionEarly introduction of HOT weaning with a focus on caregiver education is associated with a decreased duration of HOT.
Xplor‐NIH: Better parameters and protocols for NMR protein structure determination
Authors: Bermejo Guillermo A. , Tjandra Nico , Clore G. Marius , Schwieters Charles D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present work describes an update to the protein covalent geometry and atomic radii parameters in the Xplor‐NIH biomolecular structure determination package. In combination with an improved treatment of selected non‐bonded interactions between atoms three bonds apart, such as those involving methyl hydrogens, and a previously developed term that affects the system's gyration volume, the new parameters are tested using structure calculations on 30 proteins with restraints derived from nuclear magnetic resonance data. Using modern structure validation criteria, including several formally adopted by the Protein Data Bank, and a clear measure of structural accuracy, the results show superior performance relative to previous Xplor‐NIH implementations. Additionally, the Xplor‐NIH structures compare favorably against originally determined NMR models.