bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of ionization charge carrier cascade time and density for a new radiation detection method based on modulation of optical properties
Authors: Jeong Diana , Tao Li , Song Xin Ran , Adams Zander , Zhang Xin , Wang Jinghui , Levin Craig S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn time‐of‐flight PET, image quality and accuracy can be enhanced by improving the annihilation photon pair coincidence time resolution, which is the variation in the arrival time difference between the two annihilation photons emitted from each positron decay in the patient. Recent studies suggest direct detection of ionization tracks and their resulting modulation of optical properties, instead of scintillation, can improve the CTR significantly, potentially down to less than 10 ps CTR. However, the arrival times of the 511 keV photons are not predictable, leading to challenges in the spatiotemporal localization characterization of the induced charge carriers in the detector crystal.PurposeTo establish an optimized experimental setup for measuring ionization induced modulation of optical properties, it is critical to develop a versatile simulation algorithm that can handle multiple detector material properties and time‐resolved charge carrier dynamics.MethodsWe expanded our previous algorithm and simulated ionization tracks, cascade time and induced charge carrier density over time in different materials. For designing a proof‐of‐concept experiment, we simulated ultrafast electrons and free‐electron x‐ray photons for timing characterization along with alpha and beta particles for higher spatial localization.ResultsWith 3 MeV ultrafast electrons, by reducing detector crystal thickness, we can effectively reduce the ionization cascade time to 0.79 ps and deposited energy to 198.5 keV, which is on the order of the desired 511 keV energy. Alpha source simulations produced a cascade time of 2.45 ps and charge carrier density of 6.39 × 1020 cm−3. Compared to the previous results obtained from 511 keV photon‐induced ionization track simulations, the cascade time displayed similar characteristics, while the charge density was found to be higher. These findings suggest that alpha sources have the potential to generate a stronger ionization‐induced signal using the modulation of optical properties as the detection mechanism.ConclusionsThis work provides a guideline to understand, design and optimize an experimental platform that is highly sensitive and temporally precise enough to detect single 511 keV photon interactions with a goal to advance CTR for ToF‐PET.
COACT: Coronary artery centerline tracker
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Ji Lianchang , Zhang Rongrong , You Hongrui , Xu Lisheng , Greenwald Stephen E. , Sun Yu , Zhang Libo , Yang Benqiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe curved planar reformation (CPR) technique is one of the most commonly used methods in clinical practice to locate coronary arteries in medical images.PurposeThe artery centerline is the cornerstone for the generation of the CPR image. Here, we describe the development of a new fully automatic artery centerline tracker with the aim of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the process.MethodsWe propose a COronary artery Centerline Tracker (COACT) framework which consists of an ostium point finder (OPFinder) model, an intersection point detector (IPDetector) model and a set of centerline tracking strategies. The output of OPFinder is the ostium points. The function of the IPDetector is to predict the intersections of a sample sphere and the centerlines. The centerline tracking process starts from two ostium points detected by the OPFinder, and combines the results of the IPDetector with a series of strategies to gradually reconstruct the coronary artery centerline tree.ResultsTwo coronary CT angiography (CCTA) datasets were used to validate the models. Dataset1 contains 160 cases (32 for test and 128 for training) and dataset2 contains 70 cases (20 for test and 50 for training). The results show that the average distance between the ostium points predicted by the OPFinder and the manually annotated ostium points was 0.88 mm, which is similar to the differences between the results obtained by two observers (0.85 mm). For the IPDetector, the average overlap of the predicted and ground truth intersection points was 97.82% and this is also close to the inter‐observer agreement of 98.50%. For the entire coronary centerline tree, the overlap between the results obtained by COACT and the gold standard was 94.33%, which is slightly lower than the inter‐observer agreement, 98.39%.ConclusionsWe have developed a fully automatic centerline tracking method for CCTA scans and achieved a satisfactory result. The proposed algorithms are also incorporated in the medical image analysis platform TIMESlice (https://slice‐doc.netlify.app) for further studies.
Blockchain and crypto forensics: Investigating crypto frauds
Authors: Agarwal Udit , Rishiwal Vinay , Tanwar Sudeep , Yadav Mano 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the past few years, cryptocurrency has gained widespread acceptance because of its decentralized nature, quick and secure transactions, and potential for investment and speculation. But the increased popularity has also led to increased cryptocurrency fraud, including scams, phishing attacks, Ponzi schemes, and other criminal activities. Although there is little documentation of cryptocurrency fraud, an in‐depth study is essential to recognize various scams in different cryptocurrencies. To fill this gap, a study investigated cryptocurrency‐related fraud in various cryptocurrencies and provided a taxonomy of crypto‐forensics and forensic blockchain. In addition, we have introduced an architecture that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies to investigate and protect against instances of cryptocurrency fraud. The suggested design's effectiveness was evaluated using several machine learning (ML) classification algorithms. The conclusion of the evaluation confirmed that the random forest (RF) classifier performed the best, delivering the highest level of accuracy, that is, 97.5%. Once the ML classifiers detect cryptocurrency fraud, the information is securely stored in the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS); the document's hash is also stored in the blockchain using smart contracts. Law enforcement can leverage blockchain technology to secure access to fraudulent cryptographic transactions. The proposed architecture was tested for bandwidth utilization. Despite the potential benefits of blockchain and crypto‐forensics, several issues and challenges remain, including privacy concerns, standardization, and difficulty identifying fraud between crypto‐currencies. Finally, the paper discusses various problems and challenges in blockchain and crypto forensics to investigate cryptocurrency fraud.
The effect of corporate–nonprofit partnerships on intention to donate and volunteer: It's the why not the what
Authors: Wang Rong , Shumate Michelle 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIncreasingly, nonprofits and corporations publicly communicate about their partnerships. Guided by Information Integration Theory, this paper examines how information about a nonprofit's relationship with a corporation relates to individuals' intention to donate and volunteer. This research used a two‐study experimental design. Study 1 (N = 966) examined how partnership explanations and evaluation were related to the two outcomes. Study 2 (N = 970) further examined whether specific information about partnerships, including type, duration, and communication source, was integrated with existing knowledge to relate to the outcomes. Partnership evaluation consistently related to stakeholders' intention to support nonprofits, and it mediated the effect of partnership explanations on the intention to volunteer. Furthermore, partnership type was significantly related to the two outcomes, while duration and source of communication were not.
Identifying Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibitors with Drug Repurposing Approach: Implications in Vasodysfunctional Disorders
Authors: Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Mohammad Hamza Ahmad , Shahwan Moyad , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Anwar Saleha , Shamsi Anas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is a multidomain protein that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a key signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. Dysregulation of PDE5 and cGMP signaling is associated with a range of vasodysfunctional disorders, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This study adopts comprehensive approach, combining virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to repurpose FDA‐approved drugs as potential PDE5 inhibitors. The initial focus involves selecting compounds based on their binding affinity. Shortlisted compounds undergo a meticulous analysis for their drug profiling and biological significance, followed by the activity evaluation and interaction analysis. Notably, based on binding potential and drug profiling, two molecules, Dutasteride and Spironolactone, demonstrate strong potential as PDE5 inhibitors. Furthermore, all atom MD simulations were employed (500 ns) to explore dynamic behavior of Dutasteride and Spironolactone in complexes with PDE5. Principal components analysis (PCA) and free energy landscape (FEL) analyses are further leveraged to decipher that the binding of Dutasteride and Spironolactone stabilizes the structure of PDE5 with minimal conformational changes. In summary, Dutasteride and Spironolactone exhibit remarkable affinity for PDE5 and possess characteristics that suggest their potential as therapeutic agents for conditions associated with PDE5 dysfunction.
Construction, molecular docking simulation and evaluation of electrochemical properties of polymeric nanospheres comprising novel synthesized monomer via green microemulsion polymerization
Authors: Sobh Rokaya A. , Magar Hend S. , Fahim Asmaa M. , Hashem M.S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the invention of polymers have attracted attention due to their unique properties. (E)‐2‐cyano‐N‐cyclohexyl‐3‐(dimethyl amino) acrylamide (CHAA) is a new type of functional monomer created by the usage of 2‐cyano‐N‐cyclohexylacetamide (3) and dimethylformamide‐dimethylacetal (DMF‐DMA) utilized microwave energy as a green technology. In addition, polymers with significant nanosphere groups were obtained by polymerizing a new synthetic monomer (CHAA) with methyl methacrylate (MMA), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and acrylic acid (AA) using microemulsion polymerization technology. These polymer nanospheres were approved by different spectroscopic analyzes, such as FT‐IR, TEM, TGA, and H1NMR. New structurally defined poly (MMA/DMAEMA/AA/CHAA) nanospheres with an equivalent spherical diameter close to 50 nm and high thermal stability were obtained. In addition, these new polymer nanospheres exhibit good electrochemical performance and greater specific values compared to compound (CHAA) or poly (MMA/DMAEMA/AA). This is very important for the supercapacitor due to the fact that the voltammetry plots of these nanospheres display a well‐known hysteresis cycle. The newly synthesized polymer nanospheres exhibited antibacterial activity, which was confirmed by molecular docking simulations with different affinities. Also, the DFT investigation of the polymeric nanosphere was optimized utilizing B3LYP/6‐31(G) basis set and determination physical decribitors.
Preparation and characterization of colorless and transparent semi‐alicyclic fluoro‐containing polyimide nanocomposite films with enhanced high‐temperature dimensional stability via incorporation of colloidal silica nanofillers
Authors: Wang Zhenzhong , Yuan Shunqi , Ren Xi , He Zhibin , Pan Zhen , Yang Changxu , Han Shujun , Qi Yuexin , Yu Haifeng , Liu Jingang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractColorless and transparent semi‐alicyclic fluoro‐containing polyimide (PI) nanocomposite films with enhanced high‐temperature dimensional stability and sustained optical transparency were designed and prepared via incorporation of nano‐sized colloidal silica (SiO2) fillers into the PI matrix derived from hydrogenated pyromellitic dianhydride (HPMDA) and 2,2′‐bis[(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (BDAF). The derived PI composite films, abbreviated as 6FCPI‐X in which X stands for the weight percent of the SiO2 in the composite films, exhibited superior thermal and comparable optical properties to the pristine 6FCPI‐0 (6FDA‐BDAF) matrix film. For example, as for the thermal properties, 6FCPI‐35 composite film showed a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 279.1°C and a residual weight ratio at 750°C (Rw750) of 66.1%, which were apparently higher than those of 6FCPI‐0 matrix (Tg = 272.2°C; Rw750 = 47.1%). More importantly, the 6FCPI/SiO2 nanocomposite films showed obviously lower linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) values as compared with that of the 6FCPI‐0 matrix. 6FCPI‐35 composite film showed a CTE value of 36.1 × 10−6/K in the temperature range of 50–250°C, which was lower than half of that of the 6FCPI‐0 matrix (CTE = 77.9 × 10−6/K) in the same range of temperature. In addition, incorporation of nano‐sized colloidal SiO2 particles basically maintained the intrinsically good optical properties of the pristine 6FCPI‐0 matrix film. 6FCPI‐35 composite film showed the optical transmittances of 81.7%, 85.3%, and 87.2% at the wavelength of 400 nm (T400), 450 nm (T450), and 500 nm (T500), respectively, which were in the same level with those of the 6FCPI‐0 film (T400 = 84.0%; T450 = 86.3%; T500 = 87.6%). The 6FCPI series of nanocomposite films also exhibited similar CIE Lab color parameters, including the yellow indices (b*) lower than 2.0 and haze values lower than 1.0%.
Ultra‐fast curing of benzoxazine with surface modified fly ash‐assisted microwave: Achieving excellent comprehensive performances
Authors: Cao Yu , Liu Zhanxin , Jiang Jin , Song Ping , Shao Shuyang , Zhao Hui , Wang Zhi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBenzoxazine has aroused a lot of research interest because of its high mechanical performance and excellent thermal stability in polybenzoxazines. However, it suffers from its high curing temperature and long curing time, which necessitate resolution. This study addresses this issue by employing a surface‐modified fly ash‐assisted microwave curing method to achieve ultra‐fast benzoxazine curing within 15 min. The impact strength of the resulting cured product displayed an increasing‐then‐decreasing trend with the addition of fly ash, reaching a maximum impact strength of 18.71 ± 1.20 kJ/m2 at a 3% fly ash content. This value is 113.3% higher than the impact strength of pure PBA‐a. Additionally, when using the same amount of fly ash, the microwave‐cured product exhibited a flexural strength of up to 135.9 MPa and a flexural modulus of up to 6.71 GPa, surpassing those of pure PBA‐a by 28.7% and 33.1%, respectively. Moreover, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased by 19.56°C. Furthermore, there was a slight improvement in flexural strength compared to the heat‐cured product, and no significant loss in thermal properties was observed. The method demonstrated in this study presents a novel approach for the rapid molding and preparation of benzoxazine in composites.
Preparation and properties of polyester fibers with polyacrylamide hydrogel grafted by UV‐irradiation
Authors: Zhang Youjie , Qiang Xiao‐Qi , Xu Jianguo , Miao Miao , Guo Dan , Wang Xinqi , Ma Xiaoyan , Li Nana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIt is widely recognized that polyester (PET) fibers with swelling properties are necessary for advanced applications of PET fibers in waterproof fabrics. This study presented the UV‐initiated methods to graft polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel on the surface of PET fibers. In the one‐step method, PET fibers are impregnated with a mixed solution of the photoinitiator benzophenone (BP) and the monomer acrylalkylamine (AM). Then, the PET fiber was directly exposed to UV light. In the two‐step method, PET fibers were first impregnated with a photoinitiator solution to generate BP radicals. Then, the fibers impregnated with a monomer solution before being grafted by UV light. Both two methods ultimately achieve PAM gelation‐modified PET fibers. The chemical composition and surface structure were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The findings demonstrate that the PAM hydrogel was successfully grafted on the PET fibers through one‐step method or a two‐step method. In addition, the properties of the grafted PET fibers were evaluated by grafting yield, contact angle, and swelling test. The study indicated that the modified PET fibers via a two‐step method exhibited a superior grafting yield up to 29.3% (PET‐2n) and 54% (PET‐2) compared to the one‐step technique (PET‐1). It was shown that the grafting efficacy of PET fibers modified by two‐step method is better than one‐step method. The static contact angles of PET fibers by UV‐Induced were all reduced. For instance, the contact angles of PET‐2n were decreased from 115° to 62.9°; and the two‐step modified PET fiber after acetone cleaning (PET‐2) decreased from 115° to 60°. It was suggested that the hydrophilicity of the modified PET fibers significantly increased. In addition, the research shows that the gelation‐modified fibers were all possessed swelling properties.
In‐situ grafting of porous silica on the surface of polyvinyl chloride by atmospheric pressure plasma jet to enhance its hydrophilic and slow‐release drug properties
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Yafeng , Sui Siyuan , Zha Jingjing , Kong Ling , Sun Hongmei , Ni Guohua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn order to mitigate inflammation caused by the implanted device, the hydrophilic and slow‐release drug coating of PVC was prepared by the treatment of atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) and grafting porous SiO2 sphere to load the anti‐inflammatory drug ibuprofen. The structural change of the original PVC, the PVC treated by APPJ as well as the PVC‐grafted porous SiO2 coating were characterized. The results showed that SiO2 spheres were regularly arranged on the surface of the PVC treated by APPJ due to its surface grafted with numerous oxygen‐containing functional groups. The PVC‐grafted porous SiO2 sphere coating exhibited hydrophilic properties and its contact angle was only 19.83°. Meanwhile, this coating had a significant slow‐release of ibuprofen and remained equilibrium after 96 h, compared with the original PVC fully releasing IBU for 24 h. This work gives an innovative strategy for preparing the functional coating.Highlights
APPJ technique presented to increase oxygen‐containing function groups on PVC.
SiO2 spheres grafted and regularly arranged on the APPJ‐treated PVC surface.
Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticle coating was prepared on PVC surface.
Ibuprofen loaded into the mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticle coating.
The coating has the properties of hydrophilic and slow‐release of ibuprofen.
Analysis of degradation products in thermally treated TATB
Authors: Coffee Keith R. , Panasci‐Nott Adele F. , Olivas Jason A. , Selinsky John , Morrison Keith D. , Burnham Alan K. , Klunder Gregory L. , Reynolds John G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDelineating the chemical composition of TATB (1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene) residues produced from the exposure to abnormal thermal environments should lead to a better understanding of the decomposition paths. Identifying and quantifying each compound in thermally produced residues, monitors which compounds are degrading or forming along the decomposition route, as well as providing input for the kinetic models of those pathways.Here we report the methodology of isolating, identifying, and where possible, quantifying soluble compounds present in solid residues of thermally treated TATB (330 °C for tens of minutes). Samples were extracted with DMSO, separated using chromatography, and quantified using their absorption at 354 nm. Identification of unknown compounds was accomplished using high resolution mass spectrometry. TATB, F1 (diamino‐dinitro‐benzofurazan), HO‐TATB (2,4,6‐triamino‐1‐hydroxyl‐3,5‐dinitrobenzene), and T4A (1‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitro‐2,4,6‐triaminobenzene) were trace compounds detected in the unreacted TATB. Ten more compounds that formed in the residues were structurally identified including F2 (amino‐nitro‐difurazan). Several more compounds were observed but not completely identified. We propose possible structures for the unknowns. Of the compounds formed, F1 was the most abundant compound reaching 4.5 % by weight of the degraded solid sample. Other degradation compounds were estimated to sum to trace levels, well below 1 %. Most compounds were new, having not been detected and identified in previous studies of production grade and thermally aged TATB. Many compounds only reached detectable concentrations after several min of thermal exposure.
Development and application of process safety competency framework in agroindustry: A case study
Authors: Revez Daniela , Mendes‐Silva Gustavo Peron 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEvents in industries have shown that a lack of process safety culture has an important contribution in driving the site to fail. The culture is composed of the values, competencies, and attitudes that drive the organization to success. Thus, competency is a core step in developing a proper foundation to implement process safety management (PSM). In the food industry, the competencies related to process safety are not as well developed as in other types of industries. Although the industry has several information and training programs on process safety, such information needs to be organized into a framework to better direct people and assure standardization and sustainment. This case study presents the proposal for a process safety competency framework with the goal to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for people at different levels in the organization to be successful in managing hazards. The competencies are defined in a way to make the contents assertive with the roles and levels of expertise also using the 70%, 20%, 10% methodology of learning and andragogy. As an initial result of this work, we could verify an increase in the leading process safety event registration, which shows an increase of awareness and culture.
Visual resources and interaction in Grade 4 science teaching—Moving in and out of discourse when exploring concepts of evolution and adaption
Authors: Walldén Robert , Larsson Pia N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough visual aids are widely considered a valuable source of scaffolding, the nature and active utilization of these aids in current science classrooms are not well understood. This qualitative study explores interaction in the teaching of concepts related to evolution, with a specific focus on a teacher's use of different visual support material. Based on a classroom study in a linguistically diverse Grade 4 classroom, we employed the perspective of discourse‐bridging interaction to develop three broad categories of interactional examples, which we related to three kinds of visual support material used in the instruction: generic visual support images, naturalistic images, and disciplinary images showing examples of natural selection. The findings show that the interaction moved in and out of science discourse in a way that reflected the images' properties. A generic visual support image illustrated the concept of “adaption” as puzzle pieces fitting together, which promoted everyday and anthropomorphic examples of animals and people striving to fit in. When the teacher used naturalistic images, the discourse shifted between a range of perspectives, while visual aids and whiteboard drawings showing the classic examples of giraffes evolving (a disciplinary image) were employed to clarify the notion of natural selection. We discuss the study's implications for using visual support material in a planned way that supports disciplinary understanding.