bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of remote child weight and height measurements within a weight management trial
Authors: Button Alyssa M. , Staiano Amanda E. , Beyl Robbie A. , Stein Richard I. , Newton Robert L. , Baker Alison , Lima Angela , Lindros Jeanne , Conn Anne‐Marie , Welch R. Robinson , Cook Stephen R. , Wilfley Denise E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this substudy within the Treatment Efforts Addressing Child Weight Management by Unifying Patients, Parents, and Providers (TEAM UP) pragmatic clinical trial was to compare the validity of anthropometric measurements collected remotely versus in person (≤7 days apart) among youth with obesity who were 6 to 15 years of age.MethodsChild (n = 37) weight and height were measured in person by a trained data assessor. These were compared with measurements taken remotely by the child's parent with live videoconferencing observation by a study data assessor. In‐person and remote measurements were compared using Bland–Altman plots, Pearson correlations, and two one‐sided paired t tests. A priori bounds of acceptability were set at ±0.68 kg to allow for typical weight fluctuations within the 7‐day comparison period.ResultsMeasurements were highly correlated (height: r = 0.991, p < 0.0001; weight: r = 0.999; p = 0.03). For height, two one‐sided t tests for upper, t(36) = 3.95, and lower, t(36) = −2.63, bounds (−1, 1) revealed an overall p = 0.006; absolute error was 3.5 cm. For weight, two one‐sided t tests for upper, t(36) = 1.93, and lower, t(36) = −7.91, bounds (−0.68, 0.68) revealed an overall p = 0.03; absolute error was 1.7 kg.ConclusionsThe present findings support the utility and interpretation of remotely assessed weight management outcomes for both research and clinical purposes. These procedures may offer greater accessibility to evidence‐based measurement.
High‐dielectric PVDF/MXene composite dielectric materials for energy storage preparation and performance study
Authors: Meng Shuo , Zhao Tong , Wang Xiaosong , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Yuantao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has broad application prospects in the field of dielectric capacitors. However, the low dielectric constant of the polymer greatly limits the improvement of its energy storage density. In this paper, a highly conductive two‐dimensional transition metal carbide (MXene) is utilized to modify PVDF by doping to prepare PVDF/MXene composite dielectrics, and a PVDF/MXene model is established based on molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the microscopic mechanism of improvement in the dielectric properties of the PVDF matrix upon doping. Finally, the effect of the MXene on the thermal conductivity and the mechanical and insulating properties of PVDF was investigated. The experimental results show that the relative dielectric constant of the PVDF/MXene‐1.0 wt% system at 100 Hz reached 14.54, which is 55.96% higher than that of pure PVDF, and this doping amount or lower can reduce the dielectric loss of PVDF. In addition, MXene doping improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite material to a certain degree. When the doping amount of MXene was lower than 1.0 wt%, the electric breakdown strength of the composite system was maintained above 245 MV/m, which is sufficient to achieve good insulation strength under most conditions.Highlights
The low dielectric constant of polymers limits the improvement of their energy storage density.
The doping of polymers with small amounts of conductive fillers can effectively increase the dielectric constant of the polymer matrix.
A two‐dimensional nanomaterial MXene is used to improve the dielectric properties of PVDF matrix and the micromechanisms are analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations.
The key properties of PVDF/MXene, such as the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and insulation, are characterized.
Utilizing a multi‐layer structure to regulate the thermal conductivity of an advanced BN + EP composite insulation material: Effects of content, number of layers, and curing temperature on composites
Authors: Guo Ning , Wang Mingfeng , Wang Jiawen , Wu Zijian , Gao Junguo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBy blending materials such as boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), S‐BN and EP, hot pressing is used to realize the layered distribution of BNNSs and S‐BN fillers in the composite material, thereby forming a composite material with a sandwich structure, a horizontal and vertical heat conduction network, and improving performance of composite materials. In this paper, in order to explore the regulation of the influence of the change of objective factor variables on the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of composite materials, BNNSs and S‐BN are used as the thermally conductive fillers of each layer, and EP is used as the matrix to realize the preparation of multilayer composites by high temperature and hot pressing. By changing the content of S‐BN filler in the middle layer, the number of layers of the composite material and the curing temperature of the composite material, the effects of the changes of the three objective factors on the microstructure, thermal conductivity, variable temperature conductance, dielectric, breakdown, DSC and infrared thermal imaging of composite materials are explored respectively. The results show that the multilayer structure ensures good bonding. As the content, number of layers and curing temperature increase, the thermal conductivity gradually raises to 2.64 W/(m·K), which is also proved by DSC and infrared thermal imaging. Composite materials also ensure considerable breakdown strength, control the preparation cost, reduce the preparation difficulty and expand the practicability of thermal insulation materials in the thermal conductivity field.Highlights
Form a composite material with a sandwich structure, a horizontal and vertical heat conduction network.
By changing three objective factors on the microstructure, Properties of composite materials are explored respectively.
The thermal conductivity gradually raises to 2.64 W/(m·K).
Composite materials also ensure considerable breakdown strength (insulation), control the preparation cost.
Expand the practicability of thermal insulation materials in the thermal conductivity field.
Non‐linear viscoelasticity of carbon black–fluoroether rubber mixture studied by large amplitude oscillatory shear tests
Authors: Song Rong‐Hao , Yang Rui , Wang Chen , Su Zheng‐Tao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNon‐linear viscoelastic characteristics of carbon black (CB)‐filled fluoroether rubber mixture samples are investigated by large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests. Three analysis approaches based on LAOS tests are then used to discuss correlations between rheological behavior and CB‐filling amount. Each non‐linear viscoelastic parameter of the mixture presents a three‐stage characteristic with increasing CB content, which are attributed to the alteration of CB–elastomer network structure, corresponding to the state where gum continuous phase, CB–elastomer mesophase, and excessive CB agglomerates predominate in the mixture compound, respectively. According to the findings in engineering experiments, a CB content of 35–40 phr is recommended, taking into account tensile, hardness, and aging properties. Excessive CB agglomerates are found to reinforce CB–elastomer networks at elevated temperatures. For cold‐resistance properties, structural changes in CB–elastomer network are proven to exert little effect on Tg, but a higher CB content was found to slightly enhance the cold‐resistance coefficient, probably due to the decrease in velocity fraction of gum rubber.Highlights
LAOS tests were utilized to study the influences of CB on fluoroelastomer;
Three‐stage alteration was observed in the mixture with increasing CB content;
Correlation between CB content and the engineering properties was discussed.
Introduction of end groups into cyclic poly(ether sulfone) by means of transetherification with bis(aryloxyphenyl) sulfone
Authors: Okabayashi Ryouichi , Shirai Ken‐ichiro , Ohba Ryo , Katoh Takayoshi , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEnd‐functionalized linear poly(ether sulfone) (PES) free from cyclic PES (CPES) was obtained by reversible transetherification of CPES with bis(aryloxyphenyl) sulfone 1 in the presence of base catalyst. Initially, transetherification of CPES with bis(phenoxyphenyl) sulfone 1a in the presence of a catalytic amount of CsF in N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) at 145 °C afforded not the desired linear PES (LPES), but CPES with decreased molecular weight. However, when PhOSiMe3/K2CO3 was used instead of CsF at 180 °C, the desired LPES with a phenoxy group derived from 1a at both ends was obtained. Under the established conditions, the transetherification of CPES with bis(bromophenoxyphenyl) sulfone 1b instead of 1a afforded not only LPES with a bromophenoxy group at both ends, but also LPES with a bromophenoxy group at one end and a phenoxy group at the other. Since the phenoxy group might be introduced from PhOSiMe3, the reaction was conducted with BrPhOSiMe3 instead of PhOSiMe3 along with K2CO3 as a catalyst, and in this case, the desired LPES with a bromophemoxy group at both ends was obtained.
Nymphstar: An accurate high‐throughput quantitative method for whitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) resistance phenotyping in cassava
Authors: Bohorquez‐Chaux Adriana , Gómez‐Jiménez María Isabel , Leiva‐Sandoval Luisa Fernanda , Lopez‐Lavalle Luis Augusto Becerra 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) is a major pest causing significant economic losses in cassava production systems in North South America. It diminishes cassava's photosynthesis by colonizing leaves, directly feeding on phloem sap, or excreting substances that foster sooty mold growth, reducing the photosynthetic area. The most effective pest management approach is deploying natural resistance in the crop. Identifying germplasm with superior whitefly‐resistance (WFR) through phenotypic evaluation distinguishing it from whitefly‐susceptible responses requires an accurate, high‐throughput, quantitative phenotyping method. We developed Nymphstar, an image‐based phenotyping tool, as an ImageJ plugin, quantifying third‐ and fourth‐instar nymphs and their leaf area they occupy through red, green, and blue color space analysis. Using Nymphstar, we tested 19 cassava genotypes and classified their resistance to A. socialis. The plugin proved efficient, completing the analysis in 25.56 min on average for the entire dataset. In contrast, manual counting for the same set of images took 425.23 min on average averaging around 6.29 min/image. Nymphstar was ∼17 times faster showcasing its efficiency. To assess WFR in cassava germplasm, we conducted a full‐bench caging free‐choice assay. This approach enhanced whitefly colonization on each cassava genotype, providing an accurate representation of resistance/susceptible while reducing operator bias. Nymphstar is a rapid, precise tool for automated nymphs counting and leaf area quantification. It facilitates the large‐scale assessment of cassava resistance to whitefly, eliminating bias associated with field assessment and manual counting.
Computer‐aided design of insect‐repellent formulation with inherent safety assessment
Authors: Lawrence Maxwell Judd , Raslan Rafeqah , Ab Aziz Nur Shahidah 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInsect repellents are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and yellow fever. However, most insect repellents contain ingredients that pose a significant risk to consumers. Therefore, this research aims to design a safer and less harmful insect‐repellent formulation based on the formulated product design methodology. Computer‐aided molecular design (CAMD) methodology was employed to design an insect‐repellent solvent that exhibits minimum safety and health risks. The safety and health hazards of all the selected ingredients were then assessed using an inherent safety and health index known as the Product Ingredient Safety and Health Index (PISHI). As a result, the proposed insect‐repellent formulation with minimum safety and health risks may consist of picaridin, 1,5‐pentanediol, and linalool. This research contributed to an inherently safer formulation design, where the identification and elimination of hazardous ingredients has been done at the early design stage. The safer and less harmful ingredients used in the insect‐repellent formulation may reduce the significant risk to consumers.
Structure, electronic, and magnetic properties of 3d transition metal intercalated borophene/BP heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Sun Yi , Wang Ziyu , Liu Yujie , Chen Anjie , Yang Guang , Yao Xiaojing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe intercalation of various atoms or molecules has become one promising way to manipulate the electronic and magnetic properties of layered materials. Using density functional calculations, we explored the 3d transition metal (TM) intercalated α‐borophene/black phosphorus (α‐B/BP) heterostructure, TM@(α‐B/BP) (TM = Sc‐Ni), on their structure, electronic and magnetic properties. Our results demonstrate that TM@(α‐B/BP)s can be ferromagnetic (FM), antiferromagnetic (AFM) and nonmagnetic depending on the choice of TM atoms, and most systems have large magnetic anisotropic energy. Particularly, Ti@(α‐B/BP) is AFM semiconductor with Néel temperature of 470 K, which is much higher than room temperature. Moreover, the electronic and magnetic properties of TM@(α‐B/BP)s can be further altered by the TM intercalation concentration. Our results provide a feasible way to design promising candidates for applications in electronic and information storage devices.
A Universal Approach for Controllable Synthesis of Homogeneously Alloyed PtM Nanoflowers toward Enhanced Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Qiao Meng , Wei Yan , Dong Yan‐jun , Wang Jie‐Xin , Chen Jian‐Feng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPlatinum (Pt)‐based alloys have received considerable attention due to their compositional variability and unique electrochemical properties. However, homogeneous element distribution at the nanoscale, which is beneficial to various electrocatalytic reactions, is still a great challenge. Herein, a universal approach is proposed to synthesize homogeneously alloyed and size‐tunable Pt‐based nanoflowers utilizing high gravity technology. Owing to the significant intensification of micro‐mixing and mass transfer in unique high gravity shearing surroundings, five typical binary/ternary Pt‐based nanoflowers are instantaneously achieved at room temperature. As a proof‐of‐concept, as‐synthesized Platinum‐Silver nanoflowers (PtAg NFs) demonstrate excellent catalytic performance and anti‐CO poisoning ability for anodic methanol oxidation reaction with high mass activity of 1830 mA mgPt−1, 3.5 and 3.2 times higher than those of conventional beaker products and commercial Pt/C, respectively. The experiment in combination with theory calculations suggest that the enhanced performance is due to additional electronic transmission and optimized d‐band center of Pt caused by high alloying degree.
Insights into the SiO2 Stress Effect on the Electrochemical Performance of Si anode
Authors: Wei Yanbin , Xiao Zhexi , Huang Yudai , Zhu Yukang , Zhu Zhenxing , Zhang Qi , Jia Dianzeng , Zhang Shijun , Wei Fei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSilicon (Si) is regarded as the most potential anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, huge volume expansion hinders its commercial application. Here, a yolk‐shell structural nitrogen‐doped carbon coated Si@SiO2 is prepared by SiO2 template and HF etching method. The as‐prepared composite exhibits superior cycling stability with a high reversible capacity of 577 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. The stress effect of SiO2 on stabilizing the electrochemical performance of Si anode is systematically investigated for the first time. In situ thickness measurement reveals that the volume expansion thickness of Si@SiO2 upon charge–discharge is obviously smaller than Si, demonstrating the electrode expansion can be effectively inhibited to improve the cyclability. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation further demonstrates the moderate young's modulus and enhanced hardness after SiO2 coating contribute significantly to the mechanical reinforcement of overall Si@SiO2@void@NC composite. Various post‐cycling electrode analyses also address the positive effects of inner stress from the Si core on effectively relieving the damage to electrode structure, facilitating the formation of a more stable inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. This study provides new insights for mechanical stability and excellent electrochemical performance of Si‐based anode materials.
Significance of modes in the torus by topological data analysis
Authors: Yu Changjo , Jung Sungkyu , Kim Jisu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of identifying modes or density bumps in multivariate angular or circular data, which have diverse applications in fields like medicine, biology and physics. We focus on the use of topological data analysis and persistent homology for this task. Specifically, we extend the methods for uncertainty quantification in the context of a torus sample space, where circular data lie. To achieve this, we employ two types of density estimators, namely, the von Mises kernel density estimator and the von Mises mixture model, to compute persistent homology, and propose a scale‐space view for searching significant bumps in the density. The results of bump hunting are summarised and visualised through a scale‐space diagram. Our approach using the mixture model for persistent homology offers advantages over conventional methods, allowing for dendrogram visualisation of components and identification of mode locations. For testing whether a detected mode is really there, we propose several inference tools based on bootstrap resampling and concentration inequalities, establishing their theoretical applicability. Experimental results on SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein torsion angle data demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods in practice.
Effect of dietary lysophospholipid supplementation on growth performance, serum lipids, small intestine morphology and caeca microflora in broiler chickens
Authors: Salari AliAkbar , Golian Abolghasem , Hassanabadi Ahmad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe digestibility of animal fats and oils is limited by a reduction in the production and secretion of lipase and bile salts in young chickens. The addition of a natural emulsifier (lysophospholipids [LPL]) in poultry diet may increase the emulsification of lipids and their digestibility.ObjectivesAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed LPLs supplementation with different fat sources on performance, serum lipid composition, small intestine morphology and caeca microflora in broiler chickens.MethodsA completely randomized factorial design (2 × 3 × 2) was used to evaluate the effect of LPL supplementation (0 and 0.25 g/kg) and three different fat sources (soybean oil, tallow and a 50:50 mixture of the two) in corn and soybean meal diets containing two levels of fat (1.5 and 3%), providing 12 isocaloric and isonitrogenous grower diets. Each experimental diet was fed to six replications of 10 birds from 15 to 28 days of age. Average growth performance during this period and small intestine morphology, serum lipid composition and caeca microflora were evaluated on day 28.ResultsThe interaction effects of LPL supplementation, source and/or level of fats were not significant for the performance parameters measured during the 15 to 28 days. The treatment effects were significant for the villus width and crypt depth measured in the jejunum on day 28. The LPL supplementation significantly increased crypt depth. The interaction effect of fat source and level of fat were significant for villus width. The addition of a 3% blend of soybean oil/tallow (50/50) reduced the serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The Lactobacillus population was increased by the addition of LPL, or a 1.5% blend of soybean oil and tallow, to the diet.ConclusionsOur study showed that LPL supplementation of diet containing a 1.5% blend of soybean oil and tallow can improve serum lipid indices and caeca Lactobacillus populations in broiler chickens.
Investigation of Erying–Powell fluid flow in the elliptical multi‐stenosed artery: Application of perturbation method via polynomial solutions
Authors: Awan Aziz Ullah , Fathima Dowlath , Shahzad Muhammad Hasnain , Alqarni Manal Mohammed , Nadeem Sohail , Hamam Haneen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the current work, we analyzed the non‐Newtonian rheology of blood through a multi‐stenosed artery with a cross‐section of elliptical shape. The blood is regarded as Erying–Powell fluid, and flow is considered to have no slip at the stenotic wall. The mathematical model is processed to a non‐dimensional form, and conditions of mild stenosis are utilized to decrease its nonlinearity. The resulting equations are solved by applying the perturbation technique by considering the fluid characteristic parameter as the perturbation parameter. The solution is completed by using the polynomial of degree four. The solutions of mathematical equations are deeply examined by graphical analysis. The non‐Newtonian impacts are predominant in the surrounding of the stenosed wall along the minor axis of the elliptical artery. The height of stenosis affects the pressure rise and flow resistance. The shear stress at the arterial wall is very high in the stenotic region and has more potent effects in the neighboring boundary point on the minor axis. Progressive stenosis causes a reduction in the blood flow velocity surrounding the arterial wall due to higher resistance to the flow. However, the velocity improves near the center line of the artery. Further, the fluid's velocity is very high in the constricted (stenotic zone) region.
Phenotyping for Resistance to Striga Asiatica in Rice and Maize Mutant Populations in Madagascar
Authors: Rakotoarisoa Noronirina Victorine , Rabefiraisana Harimialimalala Jhonny , Rasoamampionona Berthe , Rakotonjanahary Xavier , Ghanim Abdelbagi Mukhtar Ali 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStriga asiatica is a major constraint to rain-fed rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) production in the Middle West and South regions of Madagascar. This work aims to establish a robust and efficient field and glasshouse screening protocol for identification of rice and maize mutants having resistance/tolerance to Striga asiatica by assessing the host plant phenotypic response under severe S. asiatica infestation in soil. Our screening strategy involved field and glasshouse experiments where soils were artificially infested with S. asiatica seeds under fertilizer-free growing conditions. Two maize (Plata and IRAT200), and two rice (B22 and F154), farmer-preferred Striga susceptible varieties, gamma irradiated at different doses were screened in a Striga endemic area of the Middle West and compared to their respective unmutagenized lines. Rice M3 to M5 progenies were also screened in Striga infested pots in a glasshouse. Developed protocols enabled the production of promising new Striga resistant/tolerant varieties in both maize and rice adapted to Malagasy agriculture.