bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Durability of Plastic Pavers Tested on a Roadway in the City of Kinshasa in the DRC
Authors: Alfa Weya Mazinkene , Angèle Tabu Makusi , Dieudonné Musibono Eyul Anki , Muzele Taba Kalulu , Didas Mpuru Mazembe , Emmanuel Biey Makaly 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: In the City of Kinshasa, most of the roads are unpaved and public transport poses enormous problems. This study, carried out with the assistance of the Office of Roads and Drainage (OVD), experiments with the adaptation of paving stones resulting from the recycling of thermoplastic waste following the formula defined by the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Technology and Environmental Microbiology (LBTME) of the University of Kinshasa for the production of good paving stones: 65% fine sand against 35% thermoplastic waste.
Research Design: The study is subdivided into six parts: introduction, study environment, materials and methods, results, discussion and conclusion.
Location and Duration: The study was carried out on the section of Belgika street between Kabambare and Croix-rouge streets/municipality of Barumbu/city of Kinshasa from April 2, 2012 to June 7, 2020.
Methodology: We carried out three tests: resistance, test board and adhesion. We also carried out an investigation targeting local residents and the OVD authorities.
Results: The Resistance Test: 13 N/mm², a better average value compared to the pavers stored at the OVD (10 N/mm²). This strength value is crucial for understanding the behavior of materials under different loads, which is essential for the design and analysis of structures in engineering. Testing the test boards: good adaptation of the pavers without breakage, otherwise some disturbances in certain places due to the sagging of the foundation layer and the frame edges. The grip test carried out at an average speed of 85 km/h for an average braking distance of 7.3 m did not break any blocks.
Conclusion: It is demonstrated that plastic pavers have shown their durability and importance for the construction of secondary and tertiary roads in the City of Kinshasa compared to bitumen and concrete and therefore deserves particular attention.
Effects of Sexual Violence on Girls’ and Women’s Well-Being in Meru District Council
Authors: Mhina Juma Almasi , Mahanyu Mwanaidi Selemeni , LudovickTemba Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

This study examined the effects of sexual violence on girls’ and women’s wellbeing. It was conducted at Meru District Council. It used a sample size of 154 girls and women obtained by using simple random sampling technique. Cross-sectional research design was used in which quantitative data were collected. They were collected using questionnaire with a Likert Scale where statement(s) like highest, high, average, low and very low were used to show the level of sexual violence effects to the respondent(s). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in which frequencies and percentages were produced with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver.20. The study found that sexual transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies are the most sexual violence effects to women and girls. This paper concludes that sexual transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies are the most sexual violence effects noticed in the study area at the rate of 81.8% and 78.5% respectively. These effects affect the well-being of girls and women which encompasses various aspects of their lives, including physical health, mental and emotional well-being, social connections, and access to opportunities. It is recommended that community, civil society organizations and the government should play their vital role to ensure sexual violence practices in the study area are reduced and eventually completely abolished.
Assessment of Aortic Root in Tetrology of Fallot by Multislice Computed Tomography
Authors: Abdelwahab Aya Mohamed 
Published: December 2023

Background: Tetralogy of fallot (TOF) is the most prevalent cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD), affecting three out of every 10,000 births. TOF is linked to conal malseptation and lack of rotation, result in failure of the union of the conal and ventricular septa and anterior malalignment of the conal septum, producing the classic tetrad of findings. This work aimed to assess the role of ECG-gated multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in assessing conal malseptation in TOF by measuring the aortic root's clockwise angle rotation, which may serve as a predictor for the degree of conal malseptation and, consequently, the maldevelopment of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).
Methods: This prospective study was performed on 30 individuals who underwent MDCT cardiac angiography of the heart and great vessels to confirm the diagnosis or to address specific anatomic questions raised by inconclusive echocardiography findings before planning the appropriate management. The examined cases were classified into two groups: Group 1 (TOF-PS) TOF with pulmonary stenosis (n=20) and Group 2 (TOF-PA) TOF with pulmonary atresia (n=10) .Using a true short-axis view of the aortic valve, the aortic root rotation was determined by drawing a line joining the interleafet anterior commissure and the middle of non-coronary sinus then measuring its angle with the interatrial septum plane. Correlation was done between the rotation angle and main pulmonary artery (MPA) diameter indexed to body surface area.
Results: All cases exhibited a rotation of the aortic root in a clockwise direction, with no instances of counterclockwise rotation. The TOF-PA group had a larger rotation angle of the root of the aorta compared to TOF-PS group with a statistical significance difference between the two groups (67.23⁰ ± 13.45⁰ vs 54.34⁰ ± 6.54⁰, P=0.028 respectively). The mean MPA diameter indexed to BSA 12.91 ± 6.05 mm/m2. The angle of aortic root rotation in a clockwise direction was negatively correlated with the indexed MPA diameter with spearman coefficient = -0.325 and p=0.162. A cut-off value of aortic angle of 56.8° was determined, above which there is a risk of pulmonary atresia (AUC=0.750, 95% CI= 0.535 – 0.965) with sensitivity 70%, specificity 65%, positive predictive value of was 50% and negative predictive value was 81.2%.
Conclusions: MSCT quantitatively assesses conal malseptation and its impact in individuals with TOF. The aortic root rotates at an angle in the clockwise direction. There is a negative correlation between the degree of aortic root rotation in a clockwise direction and the size of the proximal MPA. Patients diagnosed with TOF with pulmonary atresia (pa) exhibit a greater degree of aortic root rotation.
Electron Density Modulation‐Enhanced Magnetic Nanocatalysis for Anti‐Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhao Jiaping , Feng Chuanlin , Zheng Fangcai , Qian Yong , Zhang Xin , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe local electron distribution at active sites is one of the key determinants to affect the catalytic activity for hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generation from endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to boost chemodynamic therapy (CDT) efficiency. Herein, carbon‐coated NiFe2O4 nanocatalysts (NFN@C) with localized electron distribution at octahedral Fe sites induced by the dopant of Ni into the spinel structure is designed to significantly enhance CDT efficiency. The localized electron configuration promotes ·OH adsorption, intensifying its Fenton reaction activity. Moreover, Ni incorporation endows NFN@C with exceptional efficacy in near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) mediated photothermal therapy (PTT), amplifying its cancer‐fighting potential. Rigorous In Vitro and In Vivo analyses highlight the unmatched capability of NFN@C in tumor ablation through combined PTT and CDT modalities. This work presents a potent strategy for adjusting the local electron distribution at active sites, thereby significantly enhancing the efficacy of NIR‐II responsive magnetic nanocatalysts and enabling multifunctional therapeutic applications.
Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Metal Halide Perovskite and Perovskite Related Nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Ying , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Jibin , He Yanni , Dai Jinfei , Li Xinjian , Shi Zhifeng , Manna Liberato 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLight‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on halide perovskite nanocrystals have attracted extensive attention due to their considerable luminescence efficiency, wide color gamut, high color purity, and facile material synthesis. Since the first demonstration of LEDs based on MAPbBr3 nanocrystals was reported in 2014, the community has witnessed a rapid development in their performances. In this review, a historical perspective of the development of LEDs based on halide perovskite nanocrystals is provided and then a comprehensive survey of current strategies for high‐efficiency lead‐based perovskite nanocrystals LEDs, including synthesis optimization, ion doping/alloying, and shell coating is presented. Then the basic characteristics and emission mechanisms of lead‐free perovskite and perovskite‐related nanocrystals emitters in environmentally friendly LEDs, from the standpoint of different emission colors are reviewed. Finally, the progress in LED applications is covered and an outlook of the opportunities and challenges for future developments in this field is provided.
Nonlinear Ion Dynamics Enable Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity of Electrochemical Ionic Synapses
Authors: Huang Mantao , Xu Longlong , del Alamo Jesús A. , Li Ju , Yildiz Bilge 
Published: January 2025

AbstractProgrammable synaptic devices that can achieve timing‐dependent weight updates are key components to implementing energy‐efficient spiking neural networks (SNNs). Electrochemical ionic synapses (EIS) enable the programming of weight updates with very low energy consumption and low variability. Here, the strongly nonlinear kinetics of EIS, arising from nonlinear dynamics of ions and charge transfer reactions in solids, are leveraged to implement various forms of spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). In particular, protons are used as the working ion. Different forms of the STDP function are deterministically predicted and emulated by a linear superposition of appropriately designed pre‐ and post‐synaptic neuron signals. Heterogeneous STDP is also demonstrated within the array to capture different learning rules in the same system. STDP timescales are controllable, ranging from milliseconds to nanoseconds. The STDP resulting from EIS has lower variability than other hardware STDP implementations, due to the deterministic and uniform insertion of charge in the tunable channel material. The results indicate that the ion and charge transfer dynamics in EIS can enable bio‐plausible synapses for SNN hardware with high energy efficiency, reliability, and throughput.
PNA Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles on TiO2 Nanotubes Biosensor for Electrochemical DNA Fragment Detection
Authors: Kim Younghwan , Mohanty Swomitra Kumar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDeveloping highly sensitive and selective biosensors remains a critical challenge in molecular diagnostics. A novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐based biosensor platform is designed by integrating anatase‐phase titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2‐NTs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), deposited through sputtering and calcination to enhance signal intensity and suppress non‐specific binding. The synergistic effect arises from the high electrical conductivity of AuNPs, which reduces interfacial resistance and promotes rapid electron transfer. The anatase phase of TiO2‐NTs further enhances charge separation, improving overall device performance. Under 50 °C hybridization conditions, the 300‐s AuNPs sputtered TiO2‐NT electrodes demonstrate up to a 15‐fold higher complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (coDNA) signal intensity (354.75 µA cm−2) than bare TiO2 electrodes, confirming robustness and improved electron transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the signal intensity of single‐stranded DNA (scDNA) decreases from 202.60 µA cm−2 on the 60‐s AuNPs sputtered sample to 65.70 µA cm−2 on the 300‐s sputtered sample, highlighting enhanced selectivity. This improvement is attributed to the denser AuNP distribution and enhanced electrostatic barrier formed by the electric double layer, which effectively suppresses non‐specific interactions by repelling negatively charged DNA molecules. This integration establishes a highly sensitive and selective biosensing platform with promising applications in target nucleotide diagnostics.
Muco‐Penetrating Lipid Nanoparticles Having a Liquid Core for Enhanced Intranasal mRNA Delivery
Authors: Maniyamgama Nipuni , Bae Ki Hyun , Chang Zi Wei , Lee Jialing , Ang Melgious J. Y. , Tan Yong Jie , Ng Lisa F. P. , Renia Laurent , White Kevin P. , Yang Yi Yan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntranasal delivery of mRNA vaccines offers promising opportunities to combat airborne viruses like SARS‐CoV‐2 by provoking mucosal immunity, which not only defends against respiratory infection but also prevents contagious transmission. However, the development of nasal mRNA vaccines has been hampered by the lack of effective means to overcome the mucus barrier. Herein, ionizable lipid‐incorporated liquid lipid nanoparticles (iLLNs) capable of delivering mRNA cargo across airway mucosa are designed. Adjusting the ratios of ionizable and cationic lipids allows fine‐tuning of the pKa of iLLNs to the range of nasal mucosal pH (5.5–6.5), thus facilitating mucus penetration via the formation of near‐neutral, PEGylated muco‐inert surfaces. When nasally administered to mice, the top candidate iLLN‐2/mRNA complexes enable about 60‐fold greater reporter gene expression in the nasal cavity, compared to the benchmark mRNA‐lipid nanoparticles (ALC‐LNP) having the same lipid composition as that of BNT162b2 vaccine. Moreover, a prime‐boost intranasal immunization of iLLN‐2/mRNA complexes elicits a greater magnitude of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐specific mucosal IgA and IgG response than ALC‐LNP, without triggering any noticeable inflammatory reactions. Taken together, these results provide useful insights for the design of nasally deliverable mRNA formulations for prophylactic applications.
Nanotherapies Based on ROS Regulation in Oral Diseases
Authors: Luo Xin , Zhang Yanli , Zeng Yuting , Yang Dehong , Zhou Zhiyan , Zheng Ziting , Xiao Ping , Ding Xian , Li Qianlin , Chen Jiaping , Deng Qianwen , Zhong Xincen , Qiu Sijie , Yan Wenjuan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractOral diseases rank among the most prevalent clinical conditions globally, typically involving detrimental factors such as infection, inflammation, and injury in their occurrence, development, and outcomes. The concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells has been demonstrated as a pivotal player in modulating these intricate pathological processes, exerting significant roles in restoring oral functionality and maintaining tissue structural integrity. Due to their enzyme‐like catalytic properties, unique composition, and intelligent design, ROS‐based nanomaterials have garnered considerable attention in oral nanomedicine. Such nanomaterials have the capacity to influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of ROS within biological systems, guiding the evolution of intra‐ROS to facilitate therapeutic interventions. This paper reviews the latest advancements in the design, functional customization, and oral medical applications of ROS‐based nanomaterials. Through the analysis of the components and designs of various novel nanozymes and ROS‐based nanoplatforms responsive to different stimuli dimensions, it elaborates on their impacts on the dynamic behavior of intra‐ROS and their potential regulatory mechanisms within the body. Furthermore, it discusses the prospects and strategies of nanotherapies based on ROS scavenging and generation in oral diseases, offering alternative insights for the design and development of nanomaterials for treating ROS‐related conditions.
Maladaptive Peripheral Ketogenesis in Schwann Cells Mediated by CB1R Contributes to Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Li Weizhen , Yang Tuo , Wang Ningning , Li Baolong , Meng Chuikai , Yu Kaiming , Zhou Xiongyao , Cao Rangjuan , Cui Shusen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes. Although studies have previously investigated metabolic disruptions in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the exact metabolic mechanisms underlying DPN remain largely unknown. Herein, a specific form of metabolic remodeling involving aberrant ketogenesis within Schwann cells (SCs) in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type I diabetes mellitus is identified. The PNS adapts poorly to such aberrant ketogenesis, resulting in disrupted energy metabolism, mitochondrial damage, and homeostatic decompensation, ultimately contributing to DPN. Additionally, the maladaptive peripheral ketogenesis is highly dependent on the cannabinoid type‐1 receptor (CB1R)‐Hmgcs2 axis. Silencing CB1R reprogrammed the metabolism of SCs by blocking maladaptive ketogenesis, resulting in rebalanced energy metabolism, reduced histopathological changes, and improved neuropathic symptoms. Moreover, this metabolic reprogramming can be induced pharmacologically using JD5037, a peripheral CB1R blocker. These findings revealed a new metabolic mechanism underlying DPN, and promoted CB1R as a promising therapeutic target for DPN.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Green Energy: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Yang Qianqian , An Juan , Gao Mingming , Wang Hui , Liu Wei , Gao Xing , Wang Rongming , Song Jibin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new type of porous organic crystalline material, which have become an emerging platform for promoting the development of green energy technology due to their high surface area, adjustable pores, low skeleton density, and easy functionalization. In recent years, with the continuous advancement of synthesis technology, the synthesis efficiency and sustainability of COFs have been significantly improved, from traditional solvothermal methods to the emergence of various green synthesis strategies such as ion thermal, mechanochemical, and ultrasound assisted methods. This article reviews the main synthesis methods of COFs and explores their applications in the field of green energy, such as photocatalysis, gas adsorption and separation, electrocatalysis, battery, supercapacitor and Proton exchange membrane fuel cell. By analyzing the performance and mechanism of COFs in these applications in detail, this article further looks forward to the challenges and future development trends faced by COFs in green energy technology, aiming to provide valuable reference and inspiration for researchers in related fields.
Facilitating Charge Separation and CO2 Adsorption in g‐C3N4 by Fe Single Atoms on 2D Nitro‐Oxygeneous Carbon for Efficient Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Ponchai Jitprabhat , Sangkhun Weradesh , Phawa Chaiyasit , Punklahan Nutthawadee , Chankhanittha Tammanoon , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Chakthranont Pongkarn , Youngjan Saran , Phanthasri Jakkapop , Butburee Teera 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPhotocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), so‐called artificial photosynthesis, has been regarded as the future technology with high potential to sustainably address global warming. However, the efficiency and stability of the catalysts used in this frontier technology are substantially lower than the requirement for practical application and need to be further improved, especially for gas‐phase reactions. In this work, the composites of iron single‐atom catalysts (Fe‐SACs) supported on N/O‐doped carbon and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) were fabricated to promote the gas‐solid phase photocatalytic CO2 reduction under the simulated sunlight. Insightful characterizations reveal that g‐C3N4 could function as a CO2 capture and light‐absorber, while the Fe‐SACs act as a promotor for charge‐carrier separation. Hence, the catalytic performance was greatly increased compared to that of the individual component. For example, the individual thin g‐C3N4 (T‐CN) and Fe‐SAC can generate total reduced CO2 products of 5.06 and 0.75 μmol.h−1g−1, respectively. On the other hand, the reduced CO2 products were increased by more than doubled (14.62 μmol.h−1g−1) when the composite of T‐CN/Fe‐SAC was used as a catalyst. The photocatalytic enhancement could be attributed to the synergistic effects between Fe‐SAC/T‐CN which possess the stronger CO2 adsorption ability and charge separation capability and the increased number of active sites, resulting in the improved overall performance.
Experiment Teaching Design of Engine Casting Virtual Simulation Based on Unity3D
Authors: Ma Lei , Yan Zhaoxin , Xiong Junjie , Huang Yongzhi , Zhang Junfu , Zhang Lian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to better enable students to grasp the complex material science involved in engine casting, address various engineering challenges, gain precise control of the casting process, strengthen their practical skills, and enhance the effectiveness of teaching engine forging. Firstly, on the basis of real engine forging production, complete 3D modeling of each production line is carried out using the 3dsMax software. Then, the finished models are imported into the virtual simulation software Unity3D to arrange production layouts and perform interactive operations. Lastly, a user interface is designed for the built scene, and the software release is completed. Feedback from users indicates that the software designed in this project serves as a valuable reference and educational tool for students learning about engine casting and related knowledge. However, the complexity of the actual production process was simplified, and due to certain hardware and resource limitations, there remains a gap between the simulation and real production. Future updates and improvements to the software will be made using technical methods based on the feedback received.
Aseasonal Migration of a Northern Bottlenose Whale Provides Support for the Skin Molt Migration Hypothesis
Authors: Lefort K. J. , Storrie L. , Hussey N. E. , Ferguson S. H. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWhy animals migrate is a fundamental question in biology. While the adaptive significance of some animal migrations is well understood (e.g., to find food, to pursue more‐favorable habitats, to spawn, or to give birth), others remain unknown. The adaptive significance of whale migration, for example, is unresolved and multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain it. One recently proposed hypothesis that challenges the long‐standing “feeding‐breeding” whale migration model is a “feeding‐molting” model, where whales undertake latitudinal migrations to warmer waters to molt skin. In July 2019, we attached satellite‐tracking tags to northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) in the Canadian Arctic. One of these tagged whales completed a round‐trip movement between the Arctic and the temperate western North Atlantic, traveling 7281 km in 67 days (and spanning 27° of latitude). The whale was tagged in sea‐surface temperatures of ~4°C, but migrated south, reaching ~23°C surface waters, where it remained for 7 days before returning to the Arctic. The whale's occupancy of warm water was accompanied by a distinct shift in dive behavior, remaining near the ocean's surface. Four other tagged whales initiated similar long‐distance movements. We conclude that feeding or breeding were unlikely reasons for this movement and that northern bottlenose whales migrate to warmer latitudes to molt skin.