bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adsorption of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pigments on chitin for food colorants
Authors: Thu Tran Thi Minh , Tuan Tran Thanh , Y Nguyen Thi Nhu , Tran Nguyen Phuong Lan , Jerz Gerold 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDGrowing concern over the potential adverse health effects of synthetic colorants has led to a rising utilization of plant‐derived pigments within the food industry. Purple betacyanins from red dragon fruits (Hylocereus polyrhizus) have been subjected to an environmentally sustainable purification process for natural colorants.RESULTSThe violet‐hued pigments were absorbed onto preconditioned chitin material, a biodegraded polymer derived from shrimp shells. Liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometric analysis was employed to analyze the betalain pigment composition in the raw fruit extract, making comparisons between the adsorbed supernatant and desorbed solutions. Fourier transform infrared analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were conducted on the resin pre‐ and post‐adsorption stages, revealing distinctive infrared bands (RNHR, CO, CO, OH) indicative of betacyanin functional groups in the pigmented materials. The uniform adsorption of the colorant onto the adsorbents causes the intense purple color of the resin, with a maximum removal efficiency of 0.29 mg g−1. Adsorption data were subjected to various kinetic models, with the pseudo‐second‐order model demonstrating the optimal fit to the kinetic data (R2 = 0.97), while the Freundlich model proved most suitable for describing the sorption isotherm (R2 = 0.98). The adsorption energy, as determined by the Dubinin–Radushkevich equation, was 0.23 kJ mol−1, implying a physical adsorption mechanism on a heterogeneous surface.CONCLUSIONBetacyanins derived from red dragon fruits could be recovered for food colorants through chitin adsorption. This recovery mechanism is attributed to electrostatic interactions among the functional groups, including hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, and hydrogen bonds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Electrochemical analysis of harmful dichlorvos insecticides based on a high‐performance composite sensor
Authors: Luo Songlin , Su Mengdie , Yang Xin , Ning Zhiming , Liu Hongjie , Wang Shaopeng , Wang Liwei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDOrganophosphorus pesticides (OPs) were used in large quantities, and pesticide residues have caused different degrees of environmental pollution. Because the current laboratory detection techniques cannot meet the requirements of quickly and accurately monitoring pesticide concentration, there is an urgent need for a portable and accurate method to trace pesticide residues. This paper reports an effective electrochemical sensor composed of ZrO2@PDA electrode material and glassy carbon electrode (GCE).RESULTSThis sensor displayed optimal selectivity for dichloride among various OPs with a low limit of detection (LOD = 1.318 × 10−3 mg L−1). Wherein the accuracy and reliability of this electrochemical sensor were verified through the standard method of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) (p = 0.977 > 0.05), as well as the stability and anti‐interference capabilities. In addition, the results of recovery experiments have shown that the recovery rate of the electrochemical sensor for dichlorvos ranged from 89.2% to 103.8%, with RSD less than 5%, indicating its practical application in the actual sample detection.CONCLUSIONSFinally, the portable sensing platform for on‐site analysis of dichlorvos concentration in farmland water samples was also demonstrated with excellent results. All the results suggested that the prepared ZrO2@PDA composites could serve as a prospective microchip sensor for the on‐site detection of dichlorvos. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Gig work and gig workers: An integrative review and agenda for future research
Authors: Wu Dongyuan , Huang Jason L. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryGig workers have become an important component of the contemporary workforce and have generated extensive interest among researchers. The purpose of this article is to provide an integrative review of the literature on gig workers. Consistent with the more recent studies, we adopt a broad definition of gig work, which is characterized by the temporary nature of the work, project‐based compensation, work flexibility, and non‐membership in an organization. We first discuss the major themes in the literature based on an input–process–output framework. Specifically, we review what factors drive individuals to engage in gig work, how gig work impacts gig workers based on four theoretical approaches, and what outcomes individuals experience as a result of engaging in gig work. Based on the literature review, we highlight six future research agendas. We also discuss practical implications for gig workers, traditional organizations, digital labor platforms, and society.
Does empowerment work? The role of education in service quality
Authors: Budur Taylan , Demir Ahmet , Ahmed Najih Samin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe current study investigated the impact of employees’ educational level on the relationship between empowerment and service quality while exploring the role of perceived supervisor support. Empirical data were collected from 214 employees and 250 customers from the same companies, with structural equation modelling and Hayes’ (2018) moderation technique being employed to analyze the collected data. Resultantly, empowerment significantly impacted service quality based on employees’ educational level while reducing the perception of service quality among employees with high school diplomas or lower educational levels. Contrarily, empowerment increased service quality performance for employees with bachelor's degrees or higher levels. Managers should consider employees’ educational backgrounds during empowerment to improve service quality. Perceived supervisor support also significantly mediated the association between empowerment and service quality, regardless of employees’ educational level. The findings contributed to the knowledge of the complex dynamics between empowerment, educational level, supervisor support, and service quality.
Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring and vedolizumab dose optimization in children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Rowland Patrick , McNicol Megan , Kiel Ashley , Maltz Ross M. , Donegan Amy , Dotson Jennifer L. , Michel Hilary K. , Boyle Brendan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesTherapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and dose optimization have been shown to improve clinical outcomes with antitumor necrosis factor and recent studies in adults suggest an exposure–response relationship with drug levels associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, these levels are not universally recognized as therapeutic targets for vedolizumab dosing. We aimed to assess the impact of a TDM quality improvement (QI) initiative on 52‐week clinical outcomes and describe proactively obtained vedolizumab levels during the induction period in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsA QI initiative to proactively obtain TDM levels at Week 6 was implemented in 2019. A retrospective review of pediatric patients with IBD treated with vedolizumab from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Baseline demographic data, medication dosing details, disease characteristics, lab results, and 12‐month clinical outcomes were recorded. For this study, we defined therapeutic target levels (>20 μg/mL at Week 6 and >12 μg/mL during maintenance) based on existing data correlating these levels with improved clinical outcomes.ResultsFifty‐nine patients (31 Crohn disease [CD], 28 ulcerative colitis [UC]/indeterminate colitis [IC]) were included in the study. In total, 68% (40/59) of patients had vedolizumab levels at Week 6 and 90% (53/59) had levels drawn at Week 6 or 14. Thirty‐five percent of Week 6 trough levels were below our defined target of 20 μg/mL. Fifty‐two of 59 patients had available data at 52 weeks. Over 80% (42/52) of patients remained on vedolizumab 52 weeks after initiation (CD 79% [23/29], UC/IC 83% [19/23]). Sixty‐two percent (26/42) of patients that remained on vedolizumab at 52 weeks were treated with an intensified dosing interval of <8 weeks. Thirty‐one of these 42 (74%) were in clinical remission (CR) rate at 52 weeks with 29/42 (69%) in corticosteroid‐free remission. The CR rate for the entire cohort including those who discontinued therapy due to a lack of efficacy before 52 weeks was 60% (31/52).ConclusionProactive TDM and early dose optimization with vedolizumab may improve drug durability and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with IBD.
Gender differences in mental health outcomes among Afghanistan veterans exposed to war zone trauma
Authors: Rønning Line , Nordstrand Andreas Espetvedt , Hjemdal Odin , Bøe Hans Jakob 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResearch has sought to identify whether women have an increased risk of developing mental health problems following military trauma compared to men, but the results are mixed. This study examined gender differences in a range of mental health outcomes within three levels of war zone trauma exposure and investigated gender differences in risk and protective factors associated with clinical mental health problems. Using data from a cross‐sectional, postdeployment survey, a sample of Norwegian veterans of recent military operations in Afghanistan (N = 6,205, 8.3% women) were sorted according to reported war zone trauma exposure level (low, medium, high), then assessed for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic distress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and alcohol problems. The findings revealed that men who reported low war zone exposure had lower levels of posttraumatic distress symptoms than women, d = ‐0.20, p = .040, but were more likely to report symptoms of alcohol problems within the low, d = 0.33, p < .001; medium, d = 0.39, p < .001; and high, d = 0.37, p = .049, exposure groups; however, these differences disappeared when all symptom variables were combined into one clinical mental health problem variable. Women with a clinical mental health problem were less likely to report war zone exposure than men, OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.90, 0.97], p = .001. Findings suggest that although gender differences in mental health symptoms exist, male and female veterans with mental health problems may share more similarities than previously recognized.
Reliability and validation of the German Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score
Authors: Arbab Dorothe , Lichte Philip , Gutteck Natalia , Bouillon Bertil , Arbab Dariusch 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposePatient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) are important instruments to evaluate efficacy of orthopaedic procedures. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM developed to evaluate outcomes after treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs). Purpose of this study is to develop and culturally adapt the German version of the ATRS and to evaluate reliability and validity.MethodsThe ATRS was translated by forward‐backward translation based on common guidelines. In this retrospective study, 48 patients with a surgical intervention after ATR were recruited. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was valued by determining Pearson correlation coefficient with the German version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment‐Achilles questionnaire (VISA‐A).ResultsThe German Version of the ATRS has an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) as well as an excellent test‐retest‐reliability (ICC 0.98). It has a moderately strong correlation with the VISA‐A (r = 0.73) as well as with the FAOS subclasses (r = 0.6–0.79).ConclusionThe German version of the ATRS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It proofed to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in patients with Achilles tendon Rupture.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Tapes with High Peel Strength Derived from Linseed Oil
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Tang Yali , Lu Lixin , Qiu Xiaolin , Pan Liao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis research attempts to fabricate a novel type of pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape utilizing epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) as the primary component in an effort to reduce reliance on petrochemical polymers. This raw material comes from the natural renewable resources, making this tape a more environmentally friendly choice in reducing impact on the environment and alleviating resource pressure. The ester groups on ELO are subjected to hydrolysis in order to yield a combination of epoxy linseed oil fatty acids (ELFAs) containing both epoxy and carboxyl groups. By controlling the temperature and catalyst conditions, the epoxy and carboxyl groups undergo a ring‐opening reaction, resulting in the self‐polymerization of the ELFA mixture and the formation of hydroxy‐functionalized polymers. These polymers are then applied as a coating on kraft paper and subsequently cut to produce PSA tapes. The tapes produced using this method exhibit a peak peel strength of 20.538 N per 25 mm. Moreover, the incorporation of glycerol ester of rosin serves to enhance the peel strength, resulting in a higher value of 21.883 N per 25 mm. The utilization of sealing the cardboard box by the tapes also serves as validation for the immense capabilities of the tapes in practical applications.
SN‐38, an active metabolite of irinotecan, inhibits transcription of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and enhances drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Jingya , Xu Jiangli , Yang Shuhui , He Liu , Xu Wenhuai , Liu Yan'e , Cao Baoshan , Yu Siwang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly contributes to drug resistance of cancer cells, and Nrf2 inhibitors have been vigorously pursued. Repurposing of existing drugs, especially anticancer drugs, is a straightforward and promising strategy to find clinically available Nrf2 inhibitors and effective drug combinations. Topoisomerase inhibitors SN‐38 (an active metabolite of irinotecan), topotecan, mitoxantrone, and epirubicin were found to significantly suppress Nrf2 transcriptional activity in cancer cells. SN‐38, the most potent one among them, significantly inhibited the transcription of Nrf2, as indicated by decreased mRNA level and binding of RNA polymerase II to NFE2L2 gene, while no impact on Nrf2 protein or mRNA degradation was observed. SN‐38 synergized with Nrf2‐sensitive anticancer drugs such as mitomycin C in killing colorectal cancer cells, and irinotecan and mitomycin C synergistically inhibited the growth of SW480 xenografts in nude mice. Our study identified SN‐38 and three other topoisomerase inhibitors as Nrf2 inhibitors, revealed the Nrf2‐inhibitory mechanism of SN‐38, and indicate that clinically feasible drug combinations could be designed based on their interactions with Nrf2 signaling.
Impact of Ionic Strength (Sodium Chloride Concentration) on Homopolymerization and Copolymerization Kinetics of Acrylamide and 2‐Acrylamido‐2‐Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Conrod Ian D. , Topcuoglu Baris , Penlidis Alexander , Scott Alison J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnionic polyelectrolytes can be used for a variety of applications, including flocculation and enhanced oil recovery. While it is widely recognized that polyelectrolyte synthesis is impacted by the pre‐polymer formulation and polymerization conditions, the specific relationships between these factors and the subsequent polymer properties are not well understood. Therefore, the current work intends to improve understanding of ionic strength (IS) effects during the copolymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AAm). The aims of the study are i) to use in situ H1 NMR to study copolymerization kinetics, and ii) to determine how increasing IS impacts copolymerization kinetics (and, by extension copolymer microstructure). It is found that altering IS prior to copolymerization has significant impacts on the reactivity ratios, and therefore impacts the microstructure through multiple mechanisms. Increasing IS causes a crowding effect, where the propagating chain develops a random coil conformation and causes steric hindrance of the large AMPS monomer, decreasing the likelihood of AMPS propagation. When the IS is increased further, the ionic shielding effect is more impactful, increasing the likelihood of AMPS propagation. Ultimately, this work will make it possible to manipulate IS to synthesize AMPS/AAm copolymers with specific desirable properties for target applications.
Accelerated liver water T1 mapping using single‐shot continuous inversion‐recovery spiral imaging
Authors: Huaroc Moquillaza Elizabeth , Weiss Kilian , Stelter Jonathan , Steinhelfer Lisa , Lee Yoo Jin , Amthor Thomas , Koken Peter , Makowski Marcus R. , Braren Rickmer , Doneva Mariya , Karampinos Dimitrios C. 
Published: January 2024

PurposeLiver T1 mapping techniques typically require long breath holds or long scan time in free‐breathing, need correction for
inhomogeneities and process composite (water and fat) signals. The purpose of this work is to accelerate the multi‐slice acquisition of liver water selective T1 (wT1) mapping in a single breath hold, improving the k‐space sampling efficiency.MethodsThe proposed continuous inversion‐recovery (IR) Look‐Locker methodology combines a single‐shot gradient echo spiral readout, Dixon processing and a dictionary‐based analysis for liver wT1 mapping at 3 T. The sequence parameters were adapted to obtain short scan times. The influence of fat,
inhomogeneities and TE on the estimation of T1 was first assessed using simulations. The proposed method was then validated in a phantom and in 10 volunteers, comparing it with MRS and the modified Look‐Locker inversion‐recovery (MOLLI) method. Finally, the clinical feasibility was investigated by comparing wT1 maps with clinical scans in nine patients.ResultsThe phantom results are in good agreement with MRS. The proposed method encodes the IR‐curve for the liver wT1 estimation, is minimally sensitive to
inhomogeneities and acquires one slice in 1.2 s. The volunteer results confirmed the multi‐slice capability of the proposed method, acquiring nine slices in a breath hold of 11 s. The present work shows robustness to
inhomogeneities (
, good repeatability (
and is in better agreement with MRS (
than is MOLLI (
. The wT1 maps in patients captured diverse lesions, thus showing their clinical feasibility.ConclusionA single‐shot spiral acquisition can be combined with a continuous IR Look‐Locker method to perform rapid repeatable multi‐slice liver water T1 mapping at a rate of 1.2 s per slice without a
map. The proposed method is suitable for nine‐slice liver clinical applications acquired in a single breath hold of 11 s.
Branched‐chain amino acids and type 2 diabetes: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Mosley Jonathan D. , Shi Mingjian , Agamasu David , Vaitinadin Nataraja Sarma , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Shah Ravi V. , Bagheri Minoo , Ferguson Jane F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveGenetic studies have suggested that the branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine, and isoleucine have a causal association with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, inferences are based on a limited number of genetic loci associated with BCAAs.MethodsInstrumental variables (IVs) for each BCAA were constructed and validated using large well‐powered data sets and their association with T2D was tested using a two‐sample inverse‐variance weighted Mendelian randomization approach. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the accuracy of the findings. A reverse association was assessed using instrumental variables for T2D.ResultsEstimated effect sizes between BCAA IVs and T2D, excluding outliers, were as follows: valine (β = 0.14 change in log‐odds per SD change in valine, 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.33, p = 0.17), leucine (β = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.32, p = 0.09), and isoleucine (β = 0.13, 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.34, p = 0.24). In contrast, T2D IVs were positively associated with each BCAA, i.e., valine (β = 0.08 per SD change in levels per log‐odds change in T2D, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.10, p = 1.8 × 10−9), leucine (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.09, p = 4.5 × 10−8), and isoleucine (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.08, p = 2.8 × 10−8).ConclusionsThese data suggest that the BCAAs are not mediators of T2D risk but are biomarkers of diabetes.
Sustainable development goals and good governance nexus: Implementation challenges in central Asia
Authors: Knox Colin , Orazgaliyev Serik 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Transforming the World 2030 agenda stresses the interconnectedness and indivisibility of sustainable development goals. This presents a major challenge for authoritarian states, specifically in implementing SDG16: promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing justice for all, and building effective and inclusive institutions. Existing research points to good governance as a sine qua non for implementing SDGs. Using Central Asia as a case study, we investigate the link between good governance and the implementation of SDGs in authoritarian states. We find variable but overall weak performance on governance indicators across Central Asia. If SDGs are indivisible, then autocracies are destined to fail the global sustainable development agenda because SDG16 challenges the type of regime in place. This is not to deny the SDG commitments made and some progress that has been achieved in these autocracies but rather to highlight that weak governance in autocratic states and those characteristics which define them are major impediments to long‐term sustainable development.
Fabrication of cationic microgels doped MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites, and study of their photocatalytic performance and reusability in organic transformations
Authors: Singh Vinai Kumar , Kumar Krishna , Prasad Tarkeshwar , Rai Shailja , Chaudhary Aradhna , Tungala Kranthikumar , Das Anupam 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article reports, the fabrication of cationic microgel doped MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites (CM@MnO2/Fe3O4) via free radical emulsion polymerization technique, and an economical and environmental friendly approach to some organic transformations, such as heterogeneous photocatalytic reduction of methylene blue (MB, toxic dye), para‐nitro phenol (PNP, harmful pollutant) and dimethyl amino benzaldehyde (DMAB, skin allergic reagent) in presence of UV light (38 W). First of all, three different crosslinked grades of cationic microgels (CMs) have been synthesized by using styrene, dimethyl acrylamide, cyclohexyl methacrylate, [2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride and N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide monomers by taking different amounts of N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide, and keeping the other monomers in fixed quantities. Further, all the grades of CMs have been doped by bimetallic MnO2/Fe3O4 nanoparticles, through hydrothermal method. Fabrication of CMs and CM@MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites has been confirmed by the characteristic peaks observed in FT‐IR spectral analysis and their thermal stability has been evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis. TEM and DLS analyses have revealed their particular size. The surface morphology of CMs and CM@MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites has been visualized by scanning electrode microscope analysis. The nanocomposites have effectively and efficiently catalyzed the reduction reactions of MB, PNP, and DMAB, in presence of UV light, by 98%, 98%, and 86%, respectively. The photocatalysts have been reused up to eight cycles without any loss of their catalytic activity. The photocatalytic reductions have also been studied for their kinetics, and exhibited pseudo first order kinetics (kapp, 10−2 min−1).