bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suspected human anthrax outbreak investigation in a tribal village of Koraput, India, 2021
Authors: Shandilya Jyoti , Parai Debaprasad , Choudhary Hari Ram , Kshatri Jaya Singh , Padhy Biren Kumar , Pradhan Padma Mohan , Saket Deepika , Peter Annalisha , Pattnaik Matrujyoti , Padhi Arun Kumar , Pati Sanghamitra , Bhattacharya Debdutta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundOdisha is a state in India endemic to anthrax disease with frequent reports of suspected animal cases. A suspected outbreak of anthrax in humans was reported on 24 October 2021 at Tukum village in Koraput district of Odisha, India after a bullock was found dead and consumed by the locals on 17 October 2021.MethodsThis extended outbreak investigation was carried out through house‐to‐house active surveillance from 24 October to 2 November 2021 in the Koraput district. Eschar skin swabs from wounds were collected and processed at District Public Health Laboratory, Koraput, and analyzed in Indian Council of Medical Research‐Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar for molecular confirmation. Samples from bone, soil, and dried meat were collected from the contaminated sites and were transported to Animal Diseases Research Institute, Cuttack for confirmation.ResultsFour suspected cases of human anthrax were identified who had handled and consumed dead bullock meat, among which one human had died later. The attack rate of the persons at risk in the village was calculated to be 1.23%. However, no Bacillus anthracis were identified in human swab samples when tested in real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Samples collected from contaminated sites were confirmed to have anthrax bacilli.ConclusionInvestigation revealed that a suspected anthrax cluster outbreak was due to butchering/de‐skinning and consumption of the anthrax‐infected dead animal. The presence of bacilli in human samples could not be confirmed due to the intake of antibiotics before the collection of sample. This finding highlighted the importance of sample collection at a suitable time and a possible need for one health approach for better coordination among the different responsible departments.
Model predictive cascade control for resolving actuator saturation in human‐occupied vehicle trajectory tracking
Authors: Zhu Danjie , Wang Lei , Zhang Hua , Pan Ya‐Jun 
Published: December 2023

SummaryA model predictive cascade controller is proposed in this article to resolve the actuator saturation problem of underwater human‐occupied vehicle (HOV) trajectory tracking. For the kinematic model, a grasshopper optimization‐based model predictive control (MPC) is developed to obtain control velocities with small fluctuations in allowable regions. Based on the desired velocities obtained from the improved kinematic control, the HOV dynamic model is used to generate the corresponding torques and forces using sliding mode control. With the control velocities and forces given by the cascade control strategy, the elimination of actuator saturation during the HOV trajectory tracking can be realized. The proposed controller is verified by simulations using a numerical example based on a four degrees of freedom (4‐DOFs) HOV.
“Back Then it was Only Men Who Worked in These Kinds of Fields”: Observing Little Sparks Through the Prism of Affect and Gender in Maker Literacies Research
Authors: Lemieux Amélie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article delves into moments of affect, puncturing the exchanges between an early career 2SLGBTQ+ researcher and a group of Canadian adolescents, mostly composed of girls, who developed a ClayMation video to take the pulse of emerging vibrancies in maker literacies. Among these dynamisms came the matter of gender in the research project. Adopting a dynamic framework that builds on affect theory coupled with queer phenomenology to frame an affective researcher positionality, the author addresses implications of de/constructing gender with/in maker literacies work. To situate her queer positionality, she explores the possibility of coexisting truths in the relationalities that took place in space‐multiplicities of the makerspace, and during moments where she was driving to the research site, going home, taking part in conversations, or drafting notes. Related student data are presented through posthuman vignettes comprised of situated dynamisms between recorded open‐ended interviews, adolescent maps inspired by Hamon's situated geographies, field notes, and digital compositions. Implications for research and practice include: ways of becoming‐with data otherwise and attending to affective phenomena in the context of maker literacies, with the overall aim of de/constructing gender binaries. The author concludes with research and practical implications for literacies work, specifically in co‐constructing methodologies and designs that help reimagine more equitable maker literacies futures.
Unleashing the power of green culture: Exploring the path to sustainable development performance in enterprises
Authors: Bai Fuping , Huang Yujie , Zhang Qi , Shang Mengting 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHow does green culture unleash the power of informal institutions to promote the low‐carbon transformation of production methods and achieve sustainable economic development? Limited literature examines this from the perspective of corporate culture. This study employs a comprehensive evaluation method to effectively identify “green”‐oriented corporate culture and selects Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2021 as the research sample to systematically investigate the impact of green culture on sustainable development performance (SDP) and its mechanisms. The research findings indicate that: (1) Green culture can enhance both financial performance and Environmental and Social Responsibility (E&S) performance of companies, thereby improving their SDP. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that green culture effectively enhances SDP through the promotion of green transformation, including green technological transformation and green managerial transformation. (3) Heterogeneous analysis reveals that CEO's green experiences and higher social responsibility pressure act as boundary factors that strengthen the relationship between green culture and SDP. This study enriches the theoretical research scope of green culture and provides empirical insights and guidance for promoting sustainable development practices in companies.
Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole‐sulfonamide Conjugates and Their Synergistic Effect with Ampicillin as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Habib Farhat , Ali Asghar , Irfan Iram , Azam Amir , Abid Mohammad , Ali Imran 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this investigation, we synthesized substituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐sulfonamide conjugates (8 a–8 l) through a multistep synthetic approach. These compounds were then evaluated against six bacterial strains, consisting of three Gram‐positive and three Gram‐negative strains. Among them, compound 8 d displayed notable inhibitory activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 64 μg/mL observed against the Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Notably, in the disk diffusion assay, compound 8 d exhibited the most substantial zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Escherichia coli and S. aureus, with respective ZOI measurements of 14 mm and 15 mm, both at a concentration of 2MIC. Additionally, supplementary investigations, including the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) provided further support for the inhibitory potential of 8 d against the standard bacterial strains. When combined with Ampicillin (Amp), it demonstrated a synergistic effect, significantly augmenting its antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Importantly, it exhibited no toxicity toward human red blood cells (hRBC). Furthermore, The Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) profile of 8 d indicated its favorable drug‐like characteristics.
Interfacial Engineering of Fluorinated TiO2 Nanosheets with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies for Boosting the Hydrogen Storage Performance of MgH2
Authors: Shi Qingyun , Gao Yuxing , Zhao Shaolei , Zhang Chunmin , Liu Cong , Wang Chunli , Wang Shaohua , Li Yongzhi , Yin Dongming , Wang Limin , Cheng Yong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe interaction between fluorinated surface in the partially reduced nano‐crystallite titanium dioxide (TiO2‐x(F)) and MgH2 is studied for the first time. Compared with pristine MgH2 (416 °C), the onset desorption temperature of MgH2+5 wt.% TiO2‐x(F) composite can be dramatically lowered to 189 °C. In addition, the composite exhibits remarkable dehydrogenation kinetics, which can release 6.0 wt.% hydrogen thoroughly within 6 min at 250 °C. The apparent activation energy for dehydriding is decreased from 268.42 to 119.96 kJ mol−1. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the synergistic effect between multivalent Ti species, and the in situ formed MgF2 and MgF2‐xHx is beneficial for improving the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2. Moreover, oxygen vacancies can accelerate the electron transportation and facilitate hydrogen diffusion. The study provides a novel perspective on the modification of MgH2 by fluorinated transition metal oxide catalyst.
Insight into Dendrites Issue in All Solid‐State Batteries with Inorganic Electrolyte: Mechanism, Detection and Suppression Strategies
Authors: Sun Tianrui , Liang Qi , Wang Sizhe , Liao Jiaxuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAll solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are regarded as one of the promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their expected high energy density and capacity. However, failures due to unrestricted growth of lithium dendrites (LDs) have been a critical problem. Moreover, the understanding of dendrite growth inside solid‐state electrolytes is limited. Since the dendrite process is a multi‐physical field coupled process, including electrical, chemical, and mechanical factors, no definitive conclusion can summarize the root cause of LDs growth in ASSBs till now. Herein, the existing works on mechanism, identification, and solution strategies of LD in ASSBs with inorganic electrolyte are reviewed in detail. The primary triggers are thought to originate mainly at the interface and within the electrolyte, involving mechanical imperfections, inhomogeneous ion transport, inhomogeneous electronic structure, and poor interfacial contact. Finally, some of the representative works and present an outlook are comprehensively summarized, providing a basis and guidance for further research to realize efficient ASSBs for practical applications.
Unique Visualization Growth Process of Long‐Lived Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Polymer System
Authors: Zhu Ying , He Meiyi , Qu Lunjun , Wang Yongkang , Li Chen , Huang Jiayue , Chen Qingao , Yang Chaolong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecently, embedding organic phosphors into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix has emerged as a convenient strategy to obtain efficient long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) via forming strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with organic phosphors to minimize nonradiative relaxations. Regrettably, it is discovered that PVA is unable to trigger RTP emission when a novel functional phosphor THBE containing six extended biphenyl formaldehyde arms is doped into PVA matrix. Surprisingly, the excellent long‐lived RTP emission can be easily obtained by doping THBE into PVA analogs, poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE). The unique visualization growth process (i.e., white streak generation) of long‐lived RTP is observed by UV light‐driven aggregation of functional molecules THBE in PVA‐co‐PE matrix. The phosphorescent intensity of the luminescent film is enhanced by 55 times, from 729 to 40,785 a.u., and its phosphorescence lifetime is increased by 38 times, from 37.08 to 1415.41 ms. Due to the dynamically reversible RTP performance, as well as the permeability, flexibility, and wrinkle‐free properties of the luminescent film, it can be utilized to create cutting‐edge information storage devices.
Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits androgen biosynthesis in rat immature Leydig cells
Authors: Zhang Dongxu , Hu Jiasheng , Li Heming 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPerfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a commonly used short‐chain synthetic perfluoroalkyl agent. Immature Leydig cells (ILCs) are localized in the testis and responsible for androgen biosynthesis and metabolism. Although PFOA shows toxicity in the reproductive system, it is not clear if it disrupts the function of ILCs. In the present study, primary ILCs were isolated from 35‐day‐old rats and exposed to a range of PFOA concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μM). It was determined that 0.1 or 1 μM PFOA reduced total androgen biosynthesis in ILCs. Specifically, 22R‐hydroxycholesterol (22R), and pregnenolone (P5) mediated androgen biosynthesis were reduced by 0.1 μM PFOA. PFOA also selectively downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of steroidogenic enzymes including LHCGR, CYP11A1, 3β‐HSD1, and NR5A1 at 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μM. Further analysis revealed that 0.1 μM PFOA inhibited CYP11A1 and 3β‐HSD1 enzyme activities. However, PFOA did not significantly affect androgen metabolism and turnover under any of the conditions tested. And PFOA gavaging to 35‐day‐old rats at 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7 or 14 days also reduced serum androgen levels secreted by ILCs. Moreover, PFOA gavaging also downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of LHCGR, CYP11A1, 3β‐HSD1, and NR5A1 in vivo. Taken together, these findings suggest that PFOA inhibits androgen biosynthesis in ILCs by selectively targeting key enzymes in the synthesis pathway.
Comparison of in‐person and remote camera lek surveys for prairie grouse (Tympanuchus spp.)
Authors: Stenglein Jennifer L. , Donovan Emily B. , Pollentier Christopher D. , Peltier Taylor R. , Lee Sean M. , McDonnell Anne B. , Kardash Lesa H. , MacFarland David M. , Hull Scott D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn‐person lek count surveys are commonly used for estimating population size and trends for prairie grouse. However, the emergence of noninvasive camera trap survey methods holds promise for more cost‐effective and precise estimates of lekking species. To evaluate the efficacy of using camera traps, we deployed a remote camera study at lekking grounds over 3 years in conjunction with in‐person surveys. Our objectives were to 1) develop an effective remote camera survey for greater prairie‐chickens (GRPC; Tympanuchus cupido) and sharp‐tailed grouse (STGR; T. phasianellus), 2) compare metrics of male detection, maximum male counts, and male abundance estimates derived from in‐person versus remote camera surveys, 3) assess lek activity over the survey season to inform survey timing, and 4) evaluate costs for each survey type. We found that in‐person surveys resulted in maximum male GRPC and STGR counts. The estimated number of male GRPC and STGR on leks were comparable between in‐person surveys and camera monitoring when accounting for detection probability with N‐mixture models. Camera traps constantly monitored leks over the season which provided daily and seasonal activity patterns of prairie grouse. Total cost of GRPC remote camera surveys was higher than in‐person surveys, but hourly cost was less ($0.77 vs. $160 per hour). Remote camera survey costs for GRPC were high because of time classifying photos which could be reduced by decreasing the amount of time remote cameras were operated or using automated classification software to remove blank photos. We believe the use of remote cameras could supplement in‐person surveys for future lek monitoring and aid future survey efforts by identifying yearly differences in activity and presence at leks inconsistently visited by birds.
Quality Control Methods for Climate Applications of Geodetic Tropospheric Parameters
Authors: Santos Marcelo , Rees Jordan , Balidakis Kyriakos , Klos Anna , Pacione Rosa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe have been analyzing the zenith total delay (ZTD) time series provided by six REPRO3 International GNSS Service (IGS) Analysis Centers (ACs), namely, COD, ESA, GFZ, GRG, JPL, and TUG, to compare their long-term trends. Long-term here means 20 years or longer. About thirty stations have been selected globally for this purpose. The estimated ZTD time series have gone through a process of homogenization using ERA-5 derived ZTDs as reference. The homogenized data is then averaged to daily values to minimize potential influences coming from different estimation strategies adopted by individual Analysis Centers as well as to mitigate the inherent autocorrelation. Similar averaging is applied to the ERA-5 ZTDs. Two combinations, using weighted mean and (a robust) least median of squares, are being generated from the six homogenized ACs. The combinations serve as quality control to each ACs. Analysis of the trends generated from each one of the seven ZTD time series is performed looking at their similarities in both time and frequency domains. This paper showcases the methodology and early results as presented during the second International Symposium of Commission 4: Positioning and Applications. Early results are based on station ALBH in Canada, showing an inter-AC scatter is 0.47 mm/decade for the trends, 0.11 mm for the annual amplitudes, and 0.29° for the annual phase.
Barriers and Opportunities in the Transition to a Circular Construction Sector in Portugal
Authors: Tavares Vanessa , Pedroso Marco Frazão 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTransitioning from a linear to a circular economy (CE) is one of the main goals set by the European Union to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Portugal is currently revising the national CE action plan, and the construction sector has been identified as one of the key sectors. Barriers and opportunities in the transition to a CE were previously mapped in literature and national or sectorial CE action plans but still need to be identified for the Portuguese construction sector specificities. Over one-thousand stakeholders were interviewed during eleven working sessions to characterize the national construction sector, identifying and clustering barriers and opportunities in this transition. Barriers from the Political and regulatory pillar were critical, and an urgent need to adapt (and simplify) the regulatory framework to promote a circular construction sector was identified. In the Technology pillar, stakeholders acknowledged the need to support people and companies to make the transition. In the market pillar the lack of pilot projects applying CE principles and of a CDW market. Finally, in the Cultural pillar, the need to reskill workers and empower society with CE principles was highlighted. The actions to trigger the transition are a CE-prone framework, digitalization of construction, simplification of procedures, support research, and empowering the whole value chain. All these actions are in line with the just transition mechanism to ensure that “no one is left behind” and point the path towards a carbon–neutral construction sector.
Circular Economy Business Model Framework Considering Product Sustainability
Authors: Güngör Bengü 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith the development of technology and industry, which started in the latter half of the twentieth century, environmental degradation intensified because of the depletion of natural resources, global warming, the disintegration of the ozone layer, acid rain, droughts, and other issues. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have inspired the creation of a brand-new business, economic, environmental, and social structure model called the Circular Economy (CE) concept, which is an alternative to the current linear economy and contends that all things in nature are in constant transformation with one another. At this point, it is now important to extend the product's useable and functional lifespans as well as the point at which it stops working. This study primarily seeks to give a foundation for developing a circular economy business model considering the product life cycle before outlining how it is integrated. The relationship between sustainability and the circular economy is first and foremost. After that, the circular economy and extended lifespan of product strategies are defined using literature research. All defined actions and decision points are used to design the phases of a model framework. In conclusion, it thinks the suggested framework will help the decision-makers who want to include circular economy principles into their business procedures, especially based on the manufacturing process. No matter how the business model relates to a specific industry, the framework's general behavior will surely help managers decide on the application stages.
Developing of Comprehensive Circular Rating System for Office Buildings: A Review of Existing Tools and Case Study
Authors: Trubina Nika , Pešta Jan , Lupíšek Antonín 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs the world moves toward a more sustainable future, the concept of circular economy in the building industry and its evaluation is attracting more and more attention. This study reviews existing building assessment systems from a circular economy perspective, such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNB and SBToolCZ. Since these programs were developed using different approaches, the idea of developing a single comprehensive rating system was put forward. Thus, based on the analyzed criteria of the rating systems, we selected the most relevant ones for our study with a focus on building systems and materials from a circular economy perspective and developed a universal set of key indicators for office building design. This set of criteria was tested on a specific building case study, evaluating its circularity and the effectiveness of the proposed design. The building received a score of 18.1 out of a possible 40 points. In the end, improvements were suggested, after which the overall credit score could be increased by 25%. This study underscores the importance of promoting circularity in the construction industry by requiring a comprehensive rating system that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector.
Reuse of Steel Sheet Piles—Best Practice
Authors: Fohl François , Hechler Oliver 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSteel sheet piles are used for retaining walls. Due to their modularity, they can be easily installed and extracted after their service life. After their first use, they can be either directly recycled or reused several times and then recycled. The reuse of steel sheet piles allows to avoid new production and thus CO2-emissions for their production, reducing the environmental impacts per use. In temporary works, like construction pits, the reuse of sheet piles is common practice. Also, for certain permanent projects, there is no disadvantage in using second-hand sheet piles. This paper shows, on the basis of two case studies the best practice for reuse of sheet piles. The environmental impacts for a temporary project in Germany are discussed based on a Life Cycle Assessment for the sheet piling tonnage. Over the life cycle of the steel, 1,535 t of CO2-eq are emitted. Reuse of the sections saved 79% of greenhouse gases. For a dyke reinforcement in the Netherlands, the project owner partly chose second-hand sheet piles to reduce the environmental impacts of the infrastructure project.