bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
H2O2‐Responsive Polymeric Micelles of Biodegradable Aliphatic Poly(carbonate)s as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Chen Runhai , Xia Yu , Ma Zhifang , Ke Yue , Shi Qiang , Ataullakhanov Fazly I. , Panteleev Mikhail 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExcessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause various biological damages and are involved in many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and thrombotic complications, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, ROS‐responsive polymers with inherent ROS scavenging activity and biodegradability are extremely needed for the efficient treatment of ROS‐related diseases. Here, this work fabricates the amphiphilic diblock copolymer PEG‐b‐PBC via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of phenylboronic acid ester conjugated cyclic carbonate monomer. The copolymer easily forms micelles (BCM) and scavenges ROS rapidly. BCM not only releases the delivered drug but degrades to produce the small molecules p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) with anti‐inflammatory capability in the presence of H2O2. BCM can reduce the oxidative stress of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the levels of inflammatory factors secreted by macrophages, showing antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activity. Finally, BCM exerts a significant capability to reduce the complications of inflammation and thrombosis in vivo. The biodegradable aliphatic poly(carbonate)s have the potential to be used for drug delivery systems (DDS) for diseases induced by reactive oxygen species.
Comparing the efficacy of synthetic Varroacides and Varroa destructor phenotypic resistance using Apiarium and Mason jar bioassay techniques
Authors: Bahreini Rassol , Docherty Cassandra , Feindel David , Muirhead Samantha 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDVarroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a major threat for honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Beekeepers have used synthetic Varroacides against Varroa mite for decades, but resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and formamidine has been reported in many locations worldwide. The goals of this study were to develop a reliable bioassay to assess efficacy and phenotypic resistance to commercial Varroacides. In this study, efficacy and Varroa resistance was evaluated using the Apiarium technique in comparison to the Mason jar method.RESULTSAmong tested Varroacides, a high efficacy (89%) for Apivar was identified when compared to Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%) and CheckMite (6%), in a 24 h assessment. We also found that CheckMite was toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. In addition, the Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated.CONCLUSIONA laboratory protocol was developed using the Apiarium method to evaluate Apivar efficacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and determine the presence of phenotypic resistance in V. destructor. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Waveguide–Cavity Coupling System Based on Topological Edge States and Corner States in Kagome Photonic Crystals
Authors: Gao Yong‐Feng , He Yue , Si Jing‐Qi , Rouzi Subinuer , Jin Meng‐Cheng , He Yi‐Han , Yang Ming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the topological edge states (TESs) and topological corner states (TCSs) based on high‐order topological photonic insulators have been researched and applied in various fields. Among them, the combination of topological photonics and waveguide–cavity coupling system has attracted much attention of researchers. In this paper, TESs and TCSs based on Kagome lattice photonic crystals (PCs) with rectangular dielectric columns are obtained. In addition, a topological waveguide–cavity coupling system is proposed, realizing the energy coupling between the TES waveguide and the TCS cavity. To further improve the performance of the system, a sandwich‐like waveguide and an extended waveguide are used to replace the original TES waveguide. Interestingly, the proposed extended waveguide–cavity coupling system cannot only achieve the excitation of two TCSs at different frequencies, but also has stronger electric field intensity, narrower resonance bandwidth, and higher quality factor than the other structures. This work provides a new path to design high‐performance micro‐nanointegrated optical devices such as filters, lasers, and resonators.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous High‐Amylose Corn Starch
Authors: Li Zetong , Qiu Dan , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Yifan , Mo Yeting , Zuo Raozhen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPorous starch has been applied in numerous fields as a novel adsorbent because of its excellent adsorption capacity, safe properties, and abundant sources. In this study, high‐amylose corn starch, as a particular native starch, is used to prepare porous starch. α‐Amylase and glucoamylase are used for enzymolysis. The influence of five single factors on the adsorption capacity and loss ratio of porous high‐amylose corn starch are analyzed. Differences in enzymolysis reactions due to high amylose content are found. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the preparation conditions and establish a prediction model for adsorption ratio. The optimum preparation conditions are determined: Activity = 1550 U g−1, pH value = 5.0, proportion of glucoamylase = 44%. At the optimum preparation conditions, the water absorption ratio reaches 123.60%, and the oil absorption ratio reaches 120.82%. The optimized samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and apparent amylose content (AAC) and compared to existing porous corn starch. The results show that the optimized porous starch has better adsorption capacity, higher thermal stability, different crystal type, and complete particle structure than porous corn starch. These superior properties can be applied to many areas.
High‐pressure/high‐temperature synthesis of Nd3B5O11(OH)2
Authors: Teichtmeister Tobias A. , Bernhart Alexander Hugo , Schwarzmüller Stefan , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe neodymium borate Nd3B5O11(OH)2 was obtained from Nd2O3, B2O3, and H3BO3 by high‐pressure/high‐temperature synthesis at 13 GPa and 850 °C. Based on single‐crystal diffraction data, a crystal structure in the orthorhombic space group Pnna (no. 52) with the unit cell parameters a=4.5128(1) Å, b=13.3264(3) Å, c=14.1882(4) Å, and four formula units per cell was found. The crystal structure is built up by a framework of corner‐sharing [BO4]5− tetrahedra forming corrugated eight‐, ten‐, and fourteen‐membered rings. Furthermore, the powder X‐ray diffraction pattern and the infrared spectrum of the title compound are reported.
Real-Time Interaction Technologies for Grid Emergency Information
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs an island nation, Japan experiences many large and small earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and other natural disaster events every year, prompting Japan to become one of the countries that place the greatest emphasis on emergency management.
Intelligent Sensing and Emergency Command System for Power Grid Disasters
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBased on the multiple information collection technology for power grid disaster losses, remote real-time information interaction technology, and disaster information analysis and prediction technology, a prototype system for intelligent perception and emergency command of power grid disaster situations is developed.
Semiclassical geometry in double-scaled SYK
Authors: Goel Akash , Narovlansky Vladimir , Verlinde Herman 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We argue that at finite energies, double-scaled SYK has a semiclassical approximation controlled by a coupling λ in which all observables are governed by a non-trivial saddle point. The Liouville description of double-scaled SYK suggests that the correlation functions define a geometry in a two-dimensional bulk, with the 2-point function describing the metric. For small coupling, the fluctuations are highly suppressed, and the bulk describes a rigid (A)dS spacetime. As the coupling increases, the fluctuations become stronger. We study the correction to the curvature of the bulk geometry induced by these fluctuations. We find that as we go deeper into the bulk the curvature increases and that the theory eventually becomes strongly coupled. In general, the curvature is related to energy fluctuations in light operators. We also compute the entanglement entropy of partially entangled thermal states in the semiclassical limit.
An integrated group fuzzy inference and best–worst method for supplier selection in intelligent circular supply chains
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Sorooshian Shahryar , Mina Hassan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCircular supplier evaluation aims at selecting the most suitable suppliers with zero waste. Sustainable circular supplier selection also considers socio-economic and environmental factors in the decision process. This study proposes an integrated method for evaluating sustainable suppliers in intelligent circular supply chains using fuzzy inference and multi-criteria decision-making. In the first stage of the proposed method, supplier evaluation sub-criteria are identified and weighted from economic, social, circular, and Industry 4.0 perspectives using a fuzzy group best–worst method followed by scoring the suppliers on each criterion. In the second stage, the suppliers are ranked and selected according to an overall score determined by a fuzzy inference system. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from a public–private partnership project at an offshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.
The Effect of a Physically Active Academic Intervention on the Physical Fitness and Mathematical Performance of Grade 1 Learners in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Fisher Carynne Alison , Africa Eileen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Combining physical fitness (PF) and academic content can be a beneficial way to improve PF and mathematics performance of learners. The purpose of the current study was to establish whether a physically active academic intervention had an effect on the PF and mathematics performance of Grade 1 learners over 16 weeks. This intervention is based on an educational approach that combines physical activity into the academic environment. The goal is to enhance learning by learning through movement. Grade 1 learners [N = 119] from two schools in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa, volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned randomly to an attentional control [n = 51] and an experimental group [n = 68]. Pre- and post-test data were collected with the Fitnessgram which measured their PF and the VASSI Mathematics Proficiency Test which measured their mathematical performance. The intervention included age-appropriate PF components that were incorporated into learners’ academic lessons. The results indicated that the experimental group performed significantly better (p < 0.01) in mathematics and upper body strength after the intervention. It could be assumed that these improvements can be attributed to the physically active academic intervention programme. These findings suggest that these types of interventions could encourage physical activity (PA) and enhance the PF and mathematical performance of young learners. The current study adds to South African Sport Science literature because it is one of few studies performed in this field that have produced significant results.
Assessing the impacts of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihood outcomes: evidence from indigenous knowledge holders in South Africa
Authors: Ndhlovu Peter Tshepiso , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Globally, botanicals and associated by-products often provide income that is recognized as an important contributor to livelihoods particularly in rural areas. However, limited data currently exists on the impact of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihoods. Using a dataset collected from 101 indigenous knowledge holders (IKHs) with interest in childhood diseases, we assessed the factors influencing their decisions to commercialize medicinal plants, and how the commercialization impacts livelihood outcomes measured by net returns and per capita total expenditure. We used the Propensity Score Matching as the analytical technique to correct for endogeneity bias resulting from the observed characteristics. The results revealed that commercializing medicinal plants significantly increased net returns and per capital total expenditure by 3.60% and 1.42%, respectively. Furthermore, factors such as age, education, access to water and membership of association significantly influenced the decision of IKHs to commercialize medicinal plants. Policy efforts that seek to provide support for formal and vocational training, access to irrigation technology and participation in farmer groups, particularly among the experienced IKHs may encourage the commercialization of medicinal plants.
Novel Physically-Crosslinked Caffeine and Vitamin C-Loaded PVA/Aloe Vera Hydrogel Membranes for Topical Wound Healing: Synthesis, Characterization and In-Vivo Wound Healing Tests
Authors: Kenawy El-Refaie , El-Meligy Mahmoud A. , Ghaly Zeinab S. , Kenawy Marwa E. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNovel physically-crosslinked PVA membranes blended with Aloe vera extract were fabricated by solution-casting method. Physically-crosslinking process is depending on the rearrangement of PVA chains forming intermolecular hydrogen bonding with removal of water molecules using propanol as a stabilizing agent. The structure of crosslinked membranes was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, and XRD analyses and confirmed via gel faction and swelling ratio studies. Caffeine and vitamin C loaded-PVA/Aloe vera membranes were bio-assessed in terms of their impact on the wound healing using Wistar albino rats as an animal model. In vitro evaluation includes protein adsorption showed that the fabricated membranes improved significantly the wound healing ability via enhancing the tissue platelet aggregation. In addition, resulting adequate in vitro release behavior for the loaded ingredients in the potential application. In-vivo results displayed that rats full-thickness wounds were remarkably reduced after PVA/Aloe vera/Vitamin C membranes treatment, as shown by a reduction in the area of the wounds when compared to wounds treated with cotton gauze and PVA/Aloe vera membranes. Furthermore, the treated wounds with PVA/Aloevera/caffeine show more wound closer comparing to that incorporate vitamin C and the PVA/Aloevera incorporated both caffeine and vitamin C give the most significant healing that show reappearance of hair covered the wound area. Histological examinations of wounds covered in membranes showed a successful re-epithelialization, demonstrating caffeine's and vitamin C’s efficacy. These results demonstrated that, PVA/Aloe Vera/Caffeine and PVA/Aloe vera/vitamin C membrane have remarkable wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
Graphical Abstract
A case study of a virtual reality-based drink driving educational tool
Authors: Masterton Callum , Wilson Andrew Sean 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRoad traffic accidents are of major concern and could be reduced by better education. This paper describes the development of a virtual reality (VR) app that mimics the effects of alcohol on a driver. It was developed using Unity (version 2019.3.14), smartphone and Google Cardboard™. The user experiences a car following a predetermined route that is lined with trees and objects (traffic lights, road signs and other cars) which they need to spot and react to. By using graphical filters and time delays the driver has a feeling of being under the influence of alcohol. Twenty volunteers (18–60 years old; mean age ± sd 25.5 ± 11.6) participated in its evaluation. Data were collected on concentration times, reaction speed and observation of objects in both the alcohol simulated (impaired) and non-simulated (unimpaired) runs. Data were analysed using paired t-test. The result showed that people spent longer concentrating on objects in the impaired vs unimpaired run (10.72 ± 5.07 vs 5.30 ± 4.22 s n:20; p < 0.0001). The average reaction speed to objects in the unimpaired run was lower than in the impaired run (1.44 ± 0.66 vs 2.66 ± 0.28 s n:20; p < 0.001). Seventeen out of twenty subjects spotted all the required objects in the unimpaired whereas only seven out of twenty spotted all the objects in the impaired run (p < 0.001). The authors have shown that an inexpensive VR app can be used to demonstrate to users the effect that alcohol can have on concentration, reaction speeds and observational skills.
Biclustering multivariate discrete longitudinal data
Authors: Alfó M. , Marino M. F. , Martella F. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA model-based biclustering method for multivariate discrete longitudinal data is proposed. We consider a finite mixture of generalized linear models to cluster units and, within each mixture component, we adopt a flexible and parsimonious parameterization of the component-specific canonical parameter to define subsets of variables (segments) sharing common dynamics over time. We develop an Expectation-Maximization-type algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of model parameters. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated on a large scale simulation study, where we consider different choices for the sample the size, the number of measurement occasions, the number of components and segments. The proposal is applied to Italian crime data (font ISTAT) with the aim to detect areas sharing common longitudinal trajectories for specific subsets of crime types. The identification of such biclusters may potentially be helpful for policymakers to make decisions on safety.
Multigene analyses with a broad sampling in Phytophthora and related genera provide evidence for the monophyly of downy mildews
Authors: Thines Marco , Mishra Bagdevi , Ploch Sebastian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDowny mildews are the most species-rich group of oomycetes, with more than 700 known species. The relationships within the main downy mildew lineages (i.e. the downy mildews with pyriform haustoria, the downy mildews with coloured conidia, and the brassicolous downy mildews) are increasingly well resolved, and 20 well-characterised monophyletic genera have been described. However, their relationships to each other, the various lineages of graminicolous downy mildews, and to the species subsumed in Phytophthora are still unresolved. Recent phylogenomic studies have suggested a polyphyly of the downy mildews, but with a limited taxon sampling within Phytophthora. As taxon sampling is crucial for inferring relationships between large groups, we have conducted a multigene analysis with a set of 72 Phytophthora species and included all known downy mildew lineages. In addition, we performed approximately unbiased (AU) testing as an additional approach to evaluate major nodes. Our analyses resolve the downy mildews as a monophyletic assemblage in all phylogenetic algorithms used. We thus conclude that the evolution of the obligate biotrophy characteristic of downy mildews was a singular event and that all downy mildew pathogens can be traced to a single ancestor.
Atypical cerebellar activity and connectivity during affective touch in adults with skin-picking disorder
Authors: Wabnegger Albert , Schienle Anne 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExcessive touching and picking of one’s skin are core symptoms of skin-picking disorder (SPD). Previous research has shown that patients with SPD display difficulties in motor control and show altered reward responsivity. Considering the limited knowledge about neuronal mechanisms in SPD, particularly concerning the cerebellum, the analysis focused on this brain region due to its involvement in sensorimotor and affective functions. The participants of the present study received affective (caress-like), which is typically perceived as pleasant and can be passively enjoyed. A total of 132 female participants (70 patients with SPD, 62 healthy controls) received affective and nonaffective touch to their forearms (slow vs. fast brushing) during functional magnetic resonance imaging. This tactile stimulation was rated according to pleasure, arousal, and the urge to pick one’s skin. Being touched was perceived as more negative and arousing by the SPD group, and elicited a greater urge to perform skin-picking. During affective touch, those participants with SPD were characterized by reduced activity in lobule VIII, reduced functional connectivity of lobule VIII with the hippocampus, and increased connectivity with the superior parietal lobule. Since VIII is involved in the inhibition of movement, the present findings point to deficient motor control in SPD in the context of affective-sensory processing.
Qualitätsdimensionen maschinellen Lernens in der amtlichen Statistik
Authors: Saidani Younes , Dumpert Florian , Borgs Christian , Brand Alexander , Nickl Andreas , Rittmann Alexandra , Rohde Johannes , Salwiczek Christian , Storfinger Nina , Straub Selina 
Published: November 2023

ZusammenfassungDie amtliche Statistik zeichnet sich durch ihren gesetzlich auferlegten Fokus auf die Qualität ihrer Veröffentlichungen aus. Dabei folgt sie den europäischen Qualitätsrahmenwerken, die auf nationaler Ebene in Form von Qualitätshandbüchern konkretisiert und operationalisiert werden, sich jedoch bis dato hinsichtlich Ausgestaltung und Interpretation an den Anforderungen der „klassischen“ Statistikproduktion orientieren. Der zunehmende Einsatz maschineller Lernverfahren (ML) in der amtlichen Statistik muss daher zur Erfüllung des Qualitätsanspruchs durch ein spezifisches, darauf zugeschnittenes Qualitätsrahmenwerk begleitet werden. Das vorliegende Papier leistet einen Beitrag zur Erarbeitung eines solchen Qualitätsrahmenwerks für den Einsatz von ML in der amtlichen Statistik, indem es (1) durch den Vergleich mit bestehenden Qualitätsgrundsätzen des Verhaltenskodex für Europäische Statistiken relevante Qualitätsdimensionen für ML identifiziert und (2) diese unter Berücksichtigung der besonderen methodischen Gegebenheiten von ML ausarbeitet. Dabei (2a) ergänzt es bestehende Vorschläge durch den Aspekt der Robustheit, (2b) stellt Bezug zu den Querschnittsthemen Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) und Fairness her und (2c) schlägt vor, wie die Qualitätssicherung der einzelnen Dimensionen in der Praxis der amtlichen Statistik ausgestaltet werden kann. Diese Arbeit liefert die konzeptionelle Grundlage, um Qualitätsindikatoren für ML-Verfahren formell in die Instrumente des Qualitätsmanagements im Statistischen Verbund zu überführen und damit langfristig den hohen Qualitätsstandard amtlicher Statistik auch bei Nutzung neuer Verfahren zu sichern.