bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐supervised multicontrast super‐resolution for diffusion‐weighted prostate MRI
Authors: Gundogdu Batuhan , Medved Milica , Chatterjee Aritrick , Engelmann Roger , Rosado Avery , Lee Grace , Oren Nisa C. , Oto Aytekin , Karczmar Gregory S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study addresses the challenge of low resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in diffusion‐weighted images (DWI), which are pivotal for cancer detection. Traditional methods increase SNR at high b‐values through multiple acquisitions, but this results in diminished image resolution due to motion‐induced variations. Our research aims to enhance spatial resolution by exploiting the global structure within multicontrast DWI scans and millimetric motion between acquisitions.MethodsWe introduce a novel approach employing a “Perturbation Network” to learn subvoxel‐size motions between scans, trained jointly with an implicit neural representation (INR) network. INR encodes the DWI as a continuous volumetric function, treating voxel intensities of low‐resolution acquisitions as discrete samples. By evaluating this function with a finer grid, our model predicts higher‐resolution signal intensities for intermediate voxel locations. The Perturbation Network's motion‐correction efficacy was validated through experiments on biological phantoms and in vivo prostate scans.ResultsQuantitative analyses revealed significantly higher structural similarity measures of super‐resolution images to ground truth high‐resolution images compared to high‐order interpolation (p 0.005). In blind qualitative experiments, of super‐resolution images were assessed to have superior diagnostic quality compared to interpolated images.ConclusionHigh‐resolution details in DWI can be obtained without the need for high‐resolution training data. One notable advantage of the proposed method is that it does not require a super‐resolution training set. This is important in clinical practice because the proposed method can easily be adapted to images with different scanner settings or body parts, whereas the supervised methods do not offer such an option.
Women in the pulpit: Characteristics of protestant churches led by a female pastor
Authors: Lee Young‐joo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examines how congregational characteristics of a Protestant church relate to having a female pastor, using the glass ceiling and glass cliff theories. The analysis of the 2018–2019 National Congregational Study and the National Survey of Religious Leaders linked data shows that churches with a greater number of participants are less likely to have a female pastor, implying that the glass ceiling is more pervasive in larger congregations. The results also reveal that churches with stagnant or declining revenues are more likely to have a female pastor, which is consistent with the glass cliff theory. Churches with a greater level of racial diversity and those located in urban areas are more likely to have a female pastor, suggesting a link between sociodemographic diversity within a congregation and women's congregational leadership. These findings can be applied to understanding the gender gap in nonprofit leadership in general.
Aiding philanthropic venture capitalists investing in social enterprises: A multi‐criteria decision‐making approach
Authors: Salimi Negin , ten Have Gijs Robbert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSocial enterprises have emerged as promising solutions for addressing environmental and societal challenges. To enhance their access to financial capital and align their business proposals with the preferences of impact investors, it is crucial to understand how Philanthropic venture capitalists (PhVCs) evaluate potential portfolio companies. This study introduces a framework to assist PhVCs in making more informed investment decisions, fostering successful, long‐term partnerships between investors and investees. The proposed approach begins by determining the significance of investment criteria using the Best‐Worst Method (BWM). Subsequently, the performance of portfolio companies is evaluated, ultimately identifying the most favorable investment opportunities. We apply this framework to a Dutch philanthropic venture capitalist, and our analysis reveals that ‘Potential’ and the ‘Management team’ rank highest in terms of investment criteria importance, while ‘Assessment of the deal’ and ‘External environment’ carry lower significance. Furthermore, our approach, incorporating the BWM outcomes, considers investors' personal preferences and offers a method for ranking portfolio companies based on their value and performance.
A photographic atlas for European freshwater and migratory fish remains and key considerations for their analysis
Authors: Davis Izzy , Sykes Naomi , Hochmuth Michael , Outram Alan , Roffet‐Salque Mélanie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIdentification of archeological fish remains requires the use of comparative reference materials, generally in the form of disarticulated fish skeletons. Photographic or illustrative atlases provide an additional resource for the analysis of fish remains. Photographic resources exist for many marine species and for specific geographic regions, whereas freshwater European species have not been covered in great detail. Here, we present a photographic atlas for the bones of freshwater and migratory fish commonly recovered from archeological sites in Central Europe, alongside a discussion of the difficulties and considerations for the analysis of freshwater fish remains. The atlas also highlights the morphological similarity of many species and the interpretive limits of freshwater fish assemblages. The atlas aims to act as an accessible and user‐friendly resource, which can be used for basic identification purposes when access to physical collections is not possible, to supplement pre‐existing collections, or for training purposes. This paper acts as a platform from which the full atlas can be downloaded.
Synthesis of Silicon and Germanium Oxide Nanostructures via Photonic Curing; a Facile Approach to Scale Up Fabrication
Authors: Khatoon Najma , Subedi Binod , Chrisey Douglas B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSilicon and Germanium oxide (SiOx and GeOx) nanostructures are promising materials for energy storage applications due to their potentially high energy density, large lithiation capacity (~10X carbon), low toxicity, low cost, and high thermal stability. This work reports a unique approach to achieving controlled synthesis of SiOx and GeOx nanostructures via photonic curing. Unlike conventional methods like rapid thermal annealing, quenching during pulsed photonic curing occurs rapidly (sub‐millisecond), allowing the trapping of metastable states to form unique phases and nanostructures. We explored the possible underlying mechanism of photonic curing by incorporating laws of photophysics, photochemistry, and simulated temperature profile of thin film. The results show that photonic curing of spray coated 0.1 M molarity Si and Ge Acetyl Acetate precursor solution, at total fluence 80 J cm−2 can yield GeOx and SiOx nanostructures. The as‐synthesized nanostructures are ester functionalized due to photoinitiated chemical reactions in thin film during photonic curing. Results also showed that nanoparticle size changes from ~48 nm to ~11 nm if overall fluence is increased by increasing the number of pulses. These results are an important contribution towards large‐scale synthesis of the Ge and Si oxide nanostructured materials which is necessary for next‐generation energy storage devices.
Synergistic effect of the glass bead and continuous glass fibers on the low‐velocity impact resistance of nylon 6 matrix composites
Authors: Yang Shun , Wei Ying , Yin Hongfeng , Tang Yun , Ren Xiaohu , Yuan Hudie , Li Dawei , Zhang Xinting 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced resin matrix composites have good mechanical and impact resistance properties, while with particle co‐reinforcement, a synergistic effect can further improve their performance. In this paper, continuous glass fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 (GF/PA6) and continuous glass fiber (GF) with glass beads (GBs) co‐reinforced nylon 6 (GB–GF/PA6) were prepared to investigate the co‐reinforcement mechanism and the synergistic effect of particle and fiber. A quantitative parameter of the residual impact force divided by the critical force Pr/Pcr, as the damage degree of the low‐velocity impact, is defined to evaluate the impact resistance of the composite. The results indicate that the damage of GB–GF/PA6 was lower than that of GF/PA6, and the synergistic effect reaches the most obvious at the GB addition of 10 wt%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x‐ray computed tomography (XCT) images disclose that GB impedes the type II crack spread in the matrix and fiber/matrix interface. With the type II cracks reducing, the materials' resistance to delamination can be significantly enhanced. For the composite structure, in which 10 wt% GB and 60 wt% GF are introduced, the flexural strength, shear strength, and pendulum impact strength were tested with the maximum values of 379.4 MPa, 53.1 MPa, and 219.0 J/m2, respectively. This composite structure design, presenting a continuous GF and GBs co‐reinforce effect, offers a manufacturing process that is easily scalable to achieve excellent characteristics.
Synergistic toughening modification and finite element analysis of carbon fiber/epoxy resin‐reinforced composites
Authors: Xu Weihao , Wang Yuqing , Gu Zhiqi , Wang Ping , Zhang Yan , Li Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, the poor fracture toughness of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites (CFRPs) was improved by the introduction of a graphene oxide/nanosilica (GOS) hybrid, and short carbon fibers (SCFs) were investigated through experimental and modeling methods. The effects of the SCF content, number of SCF layers, and introduction position on the mode I fracture toughness (GIC) and mode II fracture toughness (GIIC) of the composites were considered for epoxy resin (EP) modified by GOS. The results showed that GOS and SCF exhibited a synergistic toughening effect on CFRP. The GIC and GIIC of CFRP laminate with GOS content of 0.2 wt% and SCF content of 0.4 wt% reached 0.506 and 2.15 kJ/m2, increased by 72.2% and 53.6% compared to the unmodified composite, respectively. The number of layers and the lamination mode of GC10S5‐B specimens exhibited the optimal improvement of interlaminar fracture toughness. Similarly compared with those of the original. The GIC and GIIC of the CFRP laminates reached 0.662 and 0.506 kJ/m2 (enhanced by 125.9% and 95%, respectively). In addition, the stress propagation path and distribution, and progressive damage of the CFRP composites were obtained to further reveal the toughness mechanism.Highlights
Synergistic toughening of resin modification and short carbon fiber on modes I and II fracture toughness of composites were considered.
Content of short carbon fiber and lay‐up methods on toughness performance were investigated thoroughly.
Finite element models were established to reveal the stress progress and distribution and toughness mechanism.
Mechanical recycling and electro‐thermal welding of epoxy vitrimer nanocomposites
Authors: Lorero I. , Mujica A. , Campo M. , Prolongo S. G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVitrimers constitute a new class of recyclable thermosets based on the incorporation of associative dynamic covalent bonds, such as disulfide bonds, into the crosslinked matrix. These reversible bonds usually require excess dynamic bonds to confer proper self‐healing and recycling capabilities to the thermoset. In that way, we manufacture epoxy resins cured with 4‐aminophenyl disulfide (AFD) in a stoichiometric ratio, and with 10 and 20 wt% of AFD excesses to analyze the effect of composition on resin properties. Beyond the neat vitrimers analysis, we manufacture nanocomposites doped with carbon nanotubes (CNT) to obtain electroactive vitrimers. These epoxy resins and nanocomposites can be mechanically recycled by milling and hot‐pressing. The recycled nanocomposites conserve partially CNT integrity and dispersion. Even more, recycled nanocomposites with AFD excesses maintain the mechanical strength of the pristine nanocomposites. Vitrimer nanocomposite samples can be also electrically welded, due to their heating by the Joule effect, through a relatively low voltage application, and therefore with low energy consumption, to obtain a monolithic specimen. In summary, the manufactured epoxy vitrimers and nanocomposites are recyclable and sustainable epoxy materials, which can be processed and reprocessed using technologies easily implementable, fast, and with low energy consumption.Highlights
Electroactive and re‐processable vitrimer nanocomposites are manufactured.
Nanocomposite vitrimers show conductivities similar to conventional epoxies.
Bond exchanging temperatures can be reached by Joule heating.
CNT addition enhances disulfide exchanges and thermo‐mechanical recyclability.
Electrothermal welding of vitrimer nanocomposites is successfully tested.
Eco‐friendly recycled glass fiber and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy‐SiO2 polymer hybrid composite: Development and mechanical characterization
Authors: Ahirwar Deepa , Purohit Rajesh , Dixit Savita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the pursuit of sustainable and high‐performance materials, this study presents a groundbreaking approach to enhance the mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. Railway waste provides an unexpected source of recycled glass fibers (RGFs), which, when combined with bamboo fibers (BFs) and nano SiO2 in a resilient epoxy matrix, unleashes a transformative synergy. The epoxy‐SiO2 matrix ratio was kept constant, that is,70% by weight while varying the ratio of RGF and BFs weight. The experimental results demonstrated notable improvements in mechanical properties. Specifically, a 36.92% increase in tensile strength was observed with an RGF and BF ratio of 20:10. Flexural strength exhibited a substantial enhancement of 44.67%, and impact strength increased by 31.28% at a ratio of 15:15. The composite achieved a remarkable 42.64% improvement in hardness, while attaining the lowest density value of 0.862 at a ratio of 25:05.Water absorption tests, conducted in both distilled and saline water, provided insights into the material's resistance to environmental conditions. The morphological and dispersion behaviors of the prepared composites were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques, including field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) to study the orientation, shape, and size of fibers and particles, bonding between the fibers and matrix, defects, voids, etc. Combined with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), FESEM allows for elemental analysis, helping to identify and quantify the chemical composition of different phases within the polymer composite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to know the compositions of developed composites. The findings from this study underscore the efficacy of incorporating recycled materials.Highlights
Extraction and reusing GF to develop a new hybrid composite.
BF and RGF in epoxy‐SiO2 matrix present high mechanical property composite.
Density and water absorption tests were done to see the swelling properties.
Characterization technique employed to see the interphase of composites developed.
Study on the processes and warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts containing PP recycled materials
Authors: Li Jiquan , Wang Zhencun , Xie Jun , Jiang Shaofei , Peng Xiang , Lu Chunfu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDouble‐injection molding involves the use of two injection units, A and B, which can combine two different plastics into one part in a single injection molding process. Double‐injection molding can promote the recycling of plastic waste as well as improve the performance and dull appearance of plastic products made from recycled materials. However, the warpage of parts is a significant challenge in double‐injection molding. Warpage is significantly affected by the properties of the recycled material and injection molding process. In this study, the relationship between the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts using raw and recycled materials was studied through uniform design experiments. To investigate the processes and warpage, the material was recycled several times, and its properties were tested. A regression model was established to describe the quantitative relationship between the important parameters and warpage. The number‐average molecular weight and weight‐average molecular weight exhibited the largest decrease after the first recycling cycle with a 21.11% and 41.11% decrease, respectively. The melting temperature decreased from 164.61 to 159.35°C, and the crystallinity did not change significantly. The processing parameters varied with the change in the properties of PP recycled materials, with the melt temperature decreased from 225 to 210°C. In addition, the number of recycling cycles and holding time for B were the most important factors influencing the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts, followed by holding time for A and melt temperature for A. Warpage can be reduced by increasing holding times B and A. The experimental results provide important data for reducing the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts with recycled materials.Highlights
Double‐injection‐molded parts containing recycled materials were prepared.
Recycling enhanced the filling capacity of polypropylene.
The regression model of warpage with variables was established.
Warpage can be improved by adjusting processes and materials.
Mechanical and gas permeability properties of poly(L‐lactic acid)–based films and their application in fresh produce preservation—Review
Authors: Yun Xueyan , Liu Linze , Hu Jian , Sun Tao , Zhang Jiatao , Dong Tungalag 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlastics have remained the best choice for fruit and vegetable packaging due to their exceptional transparency, flexibility, optional good barrier and cost‐effectiveness. However, a large number of plastics end up in the environment after serving their intended purpose and persist there for centuries. Since worldwide attention to environmental issues has become an irreversible historical trend, cost‐effective renewable biodegradable packaging material is highly desirable for the packaging industry to satisfy both industrial demands as well as consumer expectations. Poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), a renewable biodegradable polymer derived from biomass, has been widely studied as a very attractive polymer for food packaging applications. However, its brittle nature and medium CO2/O2 permeability are not friendly for its utilisation in the aspect of fresh agricultural products packaging. In such a context, great efforts have been devoted to improvements in the mechanical and permeability of PLLA to meet the requirements of food packaging. The main purpose of the review is to summarise the mechanical and permeability properties of composite films developed by the incorporation of toughness reinforcing agents into the PLLA matrix. The elongation at break of PLA can be increased up to 250 times by modification, and the CO2 permeability of PLA can be increased by 2–3 times by modification. We also elaborate on studies of the preservation effect of PLLA composite films on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Duration of protective immunity following COVID‐19 vaccination of individuals with underlying health conditions: A rapid review
Authors: Walsh Kieran A. , O’Donnell Helen , O’Loughlin Mark , Eames Heather , Jiang Jingjing , O’Brien Katie M. , Broderick Natasha , O’Brien Kirsty K. , Carrigan Marie , Comber Laura , Cardwell Karen , Quigley Joan , Smith Susan M. , Ó Murchú Éamon , Butler Karina , Corcoran Brenda , Connolly Kevin , Harrington Patricia , Ryan Máirín , O'Neill Michelle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe World Health Organization has stated that the primary goal of immunisation in the COVID‐19 pandemic remains to protect against hospitalisation, severe disease and death. Vaccination is particularly important for those with underlying health conditions given the high risk of severe disease in this population. The aim of this review was to examine the change in efficacy and effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccination over time in individuals with underlying conditions. A rapid review was undertaken in Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Europe PMC, MedRxiv and Google Scholar from 01/01/2020 to 27/10/2021. A total of 14 unique studies (3 randomised controlled trials and 11 observational studies) were included. Overall, there was limited and inconsistent evidence regarding vaccine efficacy and effectiveness in those with underlying health conditions. However, the evidence suggests potentially faster waning of vaccine effectiveness against infection, severe disease and death in individuals with underlying conditions, particularly for older adults with these conditions, and in those who are immunocompromised. Protection in younger age groups with underlying conditions who are not immunocompromised, may be largely comparable to that observed in the general population, though this is uncertain. Given the significant burden of infection on individuals with underlying conditions, any small decrease in protection is likely to have a substantial impact in this population. Hence, the evidence supports a policy of providing additional doses to those who are immunocompromised, and boosters to all those with underlying health conditions. Further research is required to understand the impact of new variants on vaccine efficacy/effectiveness in this population.
Studies on the synthesis of sugar chalcone derivatives for protein binding
Authors: Hemamalini Arasappan , Thirunarayanan Ayyavu , Karthikeyan Subramani 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSimple sugar chalcone derivatives are synthesized by the Aldol condensation of various β‐C‐glycosidic ketones with aromatic aldehydes under microwave condition. Zn‐mediated reduction of sugar‐chalcone derivatives results in the formation of the corresponding reduced product. The so obtained products are characterized using NMR (1H, 13C), mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The interaction of synthesized sugar chalcone derivatives and their reduced products with Bouvine Serum Albumin studied using computational studies. The studies divulge that the Pyrene based sugar‐chalcone derivatives exhibits an excellent binding with BSA protein.