bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A chylothorax in a young woman: The difficulties of medical management
Authors: Barton Eleanor C. , Johnson Simon , Collin Neil , Bhatt Nidhi , Maskell Nick A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare pulmonary disease affecting women of childbearing age. Whilst chylothorax is a well‐recognized complication of the condition, management strategies aren't well‐defined, have low success rates and are often only available at tertiary or specialist centres. We describe a case of a young woman referred to pleural clinic with a chylous effusion found to be secondary to lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Initial medical management was unsuccessful and recurrent drainages caused significant complications. Remission was ultimately achieved with a combination of mTOR inhibitors and interventional radiology techniques.
On policy iteration‐based discounted optimal control
Authors: Dong Botao , Huang Longyang , Ma Xiwen , Zhang Weidong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the policy iteration (PI) method for the discounted optimal control (DOC) problem of continuous‐time linear systems. We show the properties and convergence of the PI method. The theory analysis shows that the convergence of PI can be ensured without requiring the initial admissible control gain. The convergence rate of the PI method is provided. An iteration‐termination criterion is established for detecting the stability of the closed‐loop system under the control gain obtained by executing PI. Two kinds of data‐driven implementations are constructed without using prior information of the system dynamics. A simulation example is presented to validated the properties of the PI method.
Adaptive finite‐time control for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with input saturation constraints: A new approach based on multidimensional Taylor network
Authors: Han Yu‐Qun , Sun Jing‐Jing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article proposes a novel multidimensional Taylor network (MTN)‐based adaptive finite‐time control approach for stochastic nonlinear systems with input saturation constraints. First, by introducing the hyperbolic tangent function, a piecewise smooth function is proposed to approximate the input saturation constraints, which can solve the problem caused by input saturation. Then, with the aid of MTN approximation theorem, a novel adaptive finite‐time control approach is proposed, which can guarantee that all signals of the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally finite‐time stability in probability (SGFTSP), the system output follows the given reference signal, meanwhile, the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin in finite‐time. Compared with the existing results, the proposed approach has the characteristics of simple structure and low calculation, which can achieve the satisfactory control performance with a reduced computational burden. In the end, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated by Lyapunov stability theory and two simulation experiments.
Integration of water and sanitation facilities programs for menstruation management: a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University, Uganda
Authors: Nassozi Pomlet , Opit Elizabeth , Kebirung Harriet , Muweesi Charles , Sserwadda Lawrence 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the integration of water and sanitation facilities' programs for menstruation management with a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University. The study employed qualitative methods of data collection and analysis from students and members of the university's top management. Findings revealed that there is limited engagement of female and male students in the budgeting and planning of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by the estates department; more so, the generic budget does not adequately cover all the requirements for menstruation management by female students, and female students perceive water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management as generally available but inaccessible and unacceptable in various ways. Thus, the study generates knowledge about the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management to enable female students to participate in academic activities in higher education institutions by recommending that the Directorate of Planning and Development at Kyambogo University should promote a participatory and gender‐equity inclusive plan and budget that ensures that water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management become an integral aspect in planning and budgeting processes of the estates department. The university should equitably improve the current status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by providing specific water in toilet rooms including changing rooms, replacement of broken doors to provide privacy, and other required facilities to enhance effective menstruation management.
Experimental determination of reference intensity ratio essential for accurate thickness measurement of HfO2 ultrathin films by XPS
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Azuma Yasushi , Kurokawa Akira , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2024

When measuring the thickness of ultrathin overlayer films using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), accurate values of the reference intensity ratio (R0) and the effective attenuation length (L) are essential. By definition, R0 is the peak intensity ratio for an overlayer and the substrate in “bulk” phases. Two issues need to be addressed in experimental determining R0 for ultrathin films: (i) How might a contamination layer on the sample used for measuring peak intensities impact R0? And (ii) do differences in the structure or chemistry of an ultrathin film make it inappropriate to determine R0 using bulk forms of the overlayer? In this study, we demonstrate the experimental determination of the R0 for an ultrathin HfO2 film on a Si(100) substrate with a 2 nm SiO2 layer. The values of R0 were determined using (i) the bulk materials of the HfO2 film and substrate and (ii) the ultrathin HfO2 films after different cleaning treatments. The results show that the R0 determined by the ultrathin films is higher than that determined by the bulk materials. Also, keeping the same level of carbonaceous contamination on the sample surface by cleaning as much as possible is essential for an accurate experimental determination of R0. In addition, the effective attenuation length was obtained using samples with known thicknesses measured by X‐ray reflectometry. The thicknesses and uncertainty budget of the ultrathin HfO2 films were then evaluated.
Tailoring Nitrogen‐Doped Activated Carbons: Central Composite Design for Enhanced CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Rangel‐Sequeda Jair F. , Loredo‐Cancino Margarita , Águeda‐Maté Vicente Ismael , Martínez‐Vargas Daniela Xulú 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn a single step, nitrogen‐doped activated carbons have been synthesized using walnut shells and urea as precursors by chemical activation with K2CO3. The textural and elemental properties such as surface area, micropore volume, nitrogen content, and yield were optimized in a multivariable way using a central composite design of experiments 23, varying the urea‐nutshell ratio, K2CO3 ratio, and activation temperature. Activated carbon doped with the highest nitrogen presented a surface area of 895 m2 g−1, a micropore volume of 0.22 cm3 g−1, and a nitrogen content of 4.11 %. Furthermore, the yield of 13.85 % at urea impregnation ratio 1.56 gUrea gNutshell−1, activating agent ratio 1.4 gK2CO3 gCarbon−1, and temperature of 591 °C, being the temperature and the urea impregnation ratio the significant variables in the responses evaluated. The best‐activated carbon doped with nitrogen presented a CO2 adsorption capacity of 2.78 mol kg−1, reversible adsorption‐desorption, and selectivity against nitrogen of 33.2 molCO2/molN2, superior to a commercial activated carbon with similar textural properties at the same experimental conditions and being in the order of magnitude as activated carbons synthesized under similar conditions.
3He@C60 as a Concise Probe in Complex Systems: Diels‐Alder Reac‐tions of Fullerene with Different Bis Anthracene Compounds
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Wang Xiang , Xiong Xuewei , Zhou Jinrong , Liang Yong , Zhang Yanfei , Lin Yulin , Cross R. James , Su Peifeng , Sauders Martin , Haixu H. X. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThree bis‐anthracene (BA) compounds, characterized by varying alkyl chain lengths between the two anthracene groups, were synthesized and investigated using 3He NMR spectroscopy on He@C60 derivatives. The Diels‐Alder reaction of these BAs with fullerene was comprehensively explored. Findings disclosed that BAs with shorter linkers formed mono‐adducts with 3He@C60 at lower concentrations. Conversely, the BA compound with the longest linker (1 c) yielded both mono‐adducts and bis‐para‐adducts with C60, marked by a distinct 3He NMR signal peak for bis‐adducts at −12.84 ppm. Importantly, the versatility of the 3He@C60 probe was exemplified in characterizing intricate fullerene reactions that conventionally pose challenges. Theoretical analyses validated reaction products, with computational models substantiating experimental results.
Progress in Cobalt Complexes for Enabling Asymmetric Hydrogenation, H2 Production Catalysis and Alkene/Alkyne Hydro‐functionalization: A Review
Authors: Kumari Shalima , Thakur Maridula , Kumari Meena 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe use of hydrogen as an alternate clean fuel over conventional fuels, in addition to its role in chemical industries giving rise to useful products like hydrocarbons, has been the subject of research for many years. The need for hydrogen gas production methods has ever since been in demand. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of applications of cobalt complexes in asymmetric hydrogenation, H2 production catalysis and the hydro‐functionalization of alkenes and alkynes. Cobalt metal stands out, particularly due to its distinctive involvement in potential single‐electron processes. The main objective of this review is to provide an insight into the role of cobalt‐based coordination complexes as catalysts in hydrogenation reactions. It delves into models for enantio‐induction and extensively investigates the role of cobalt complexes in hydrogen evolution and associated reactions. Cobalt selection as the central metal is attributed to its beneficial (II)/(III) redox couple state, which proves valuable in hydride transfer reactions. While the review is structured based on substrate types, its core focus lies in the mechanism‐driven exploration of catalytic systems. These catalytic systems exhibit versatility in facilitating the hydrogenation and hydro‐functionalization of various types of double bonds through the utilization of tridentate ligands.
Assessment of Electromagnetic Shielding Efficacy of Magnetic Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and their Application in Electromagnetic Shielding Paints
Authors: Demirci Gülay , Okuyucu Serdar , Hoda Numan , Topel Önder 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeople are continuously exposed to electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones, base stations, computers, household electrical appliances, and nearby devices. Shielding against electromagnetic radiation is of great importance to avoid potential adverse effects on human health. This study addresses the development of electromagnetic shielding paints containing magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles. Magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles with a spinel ferrite structure, namely Fe3O4, CoFe2O4, and SnFe2O4, were synthesized using the co‐precipitation method. Their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were characterized through FTIR, XRD, TEM, and VSM measurements. Electromagnetic shielding efficacy was assessed within the 3.5–12.5 GHz frequency range using waveguide measurements. Notably, pure magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles exhibited limited shielding efficiency, but incorporating conductive materials like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes improved the efficacy. Optimization studies, involved adjusting the nanoparticle‐to‐carbon nanotube ratios and coating thickness, demonstrated the best shielding to be with 50 : 10 [MFe2O4:PEG]:mwcnt ratio (M : Fe, Co, Sn) and 0.720 mm thickness, achieving up to 99 % of radiation shielding. The subsequent incorporation of the optimized magnetic composites into a water‐based wall paint at a 1 : 2 weight ratio demonstrated their effectiveness in shielding, successfully blocking 84 % of incoming radiation.
1,3‐Diynes as Precursors for the Synthesis of Triazene‐ and Diethylaniline‐Bearing Push‐Pull NLOphores
Authors: Can Inyurt Fevzi , Dengiz Cagatay 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWithin the scope of this study, a total of eight new NLOphores of the D‐π‐A‐π‐D type have been synthesized. This was achieved by applying click‐type [2+2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization reactions of unsymmetrical 1,3‐diynes with well‐known electron‐deficient alkenes, TCNE, and TCNQ. Furthermore, essential insights into the optical properties of the synthesized NLOphores were obtained from comparisons with four model compounds synthesized separately within this study. The thermal stability of the NLOphores was assessed through thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). NLOphores synthesized using two distinct electron‐deficient alkenes exhibit low energy absorption bands covering most of the visible region with λmax values ranging from 466 nm to 723 nm. Theoretical studies, including time–dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) investigations, frontier orbital visualizations, and electrostatic potential maps, have been utilized to further investigate the intramolecular charge transfer properties of chromophores. The NLO responses of the chromophores were determined through DFT calculations. It is worth noting that the average polarizability and first hyperpolarizability values (α(tot)=106.392–159.709×10−24 esu; β(tot)=387.552–417.359×10−30 esu) obtained from these calculations show significant promise compared to literature data.
New Tritopic Terpyridine‐based Fluorescent Probe for the Efficient Determination of Th4+, Zn2+ and F− Ions
Authors: Pavankumar B. B. , Ranjan Prabodh , Panicker Rakesh R. , Jha Prakash C. , Brahmananda Rao C. V. S. , Desikan Rajagopal , Sivaramakrishna Akella 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present work demonstrates the determination of thorium (Th4+), zinc (Zn2+) and fluoride (F−) ions by employing a substituted tripodal terpyridine (TP) as a fluorescence sensor. The distinct fluorescence intensities of the free TP and TP‐M complexes (M=Zn2+or Th4+) with the same emission wavelength at 468 nm were observed in steady‐state photoluminescence (PL) spectra at pH 7.0 with a 1 : 3 ratio of metal to the ligand. A ratiometric dual fluorescence signals for Zn2+ and Th4+ were displayed by the probe TP at varied concentrations. Furthermore, the quantitative determination of F− ions was achieved through the addition of F− to the tripod‐terpyridine‐zinc complex (TP‐Zn2+) where the fluorescence intensity decreases gradually. Notably, the present work facilitates the LOD (limit of detection) as 1.1×10−10 M, 1.01×10−8 M and 3.18×10−10 M and further LOQ (limit of quantification) as 0.37×10−9 M, 0.33×10−7 M and 5.26×10−9 M for Zn2+, Th4+ and F− ions, respectively. The predicted absorption spectra of TP show HOMO to LUMO+2 electronic excitation at 358 nm whereas the complex TP‐Th4+ exhibits HOMO to LUMO+1 electronic excitation at 568 nm.
Effect of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) as Bridged Spacer on DSSC and Non Linear Optical (NLO) Properties: A DFT Approach
Authors: Kumari Shukla Vandana , Sekar Nagaiyan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) and time dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) techniques are used to explore six donor‐pi‐acceptor (D−A) type sensitizers that comprise coumarin as the donor unit and cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptor unit. It is examined how adding a spacer bridge like 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) affects the system. The introduction of EDOT leads to destabilization of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) in both bare and TiO2 anchored sensitizers. The frontier molecular orbital (FMO) also depicts an effective intramolecular charge transfer from the EDOT unit to the acceptor unit in bare sensitizers and to the TiO2 core in TiO2 anchored sensitizers respectively. The FMO diagram of TiO2 anchored non‐bridged sensitizers reveals an electron‐deficient sensitizer unit coupled to an electron‐rich TiO2 core resulting in a poor charge transfer. The calculated Voc values are also found to be more for EDOT based sensitizers and hence making the EDOT bridged sensitizers efficient for DSSC application. According to the TD‐DFT investigation, the EDOT bridging sensitizers exhibit red‐shifted vertical excitation when compared to the corresponding non bridged sensitizers, which is consistent with the experimental data reported previously.
Sweeping it under the rug: Positioning and managing pollution‐intensive activities in organizational hierarchies
Authors: Lee Juyoung , Bansal Pratima 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryMany corporate groups have multiple layers with parent companies owning subsidiaries, which own other subsidiaries, and so forth, in a pyramid‐like ownership structure. We argue that corporate groups perform their pollution‐intensive activities at the lower levels of the corporate hierarchy to buffer the parent from pollution‐related regulatory risks. Our analysis of 7400 US‐based business establishments owned by the 67 largest US‐headquartered chemical manufacturing corporate groups supported this argument. We also found that they were even more likely to do so in states with greater environmental stringency, whether it be in the home state of the parent or the host state of the subsidiary. Our research calls into question the effectiveness of environmental regulations if companies have the opportunity to shift polluting activities lower in their corporate hierarchy.Managerial SummaryMany commentators assert that firms offshore or outsource pollution‐intensive activities to avoid environmental regulations. In this research, we suggest a third approach in avoiding environmental regulations: locating pollution lower in the hierarchy of multilayered corporate groups, which are companies that own subsidiaries that own other subsidiaries and so on. By analyzing data on the 67 largest US‐headquartered chemical manufacturing corporate groups, we found support for this assertion. We also found that pollution is more likely to be located lower in multilayered corporate groups when they are subject to stringent environmental regulations. The multilayered corporate form allows parent companies to insulate themselves from the regulatory risks of pollution‐intensive activities of their subsidiaries through their limited liability status.
Single Transition‐Metal Atom Anchored on a Rhenium Disulfide Monolayer: An Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Pan Meiling , Cui Xiuhua , Jing Qun , Duan Haiming , Ouyang Fangping , Wu Rong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDeveloping efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) bifunctional electrocatalysts is attractive for rechargeable metal–air batteries. Meanwhile, single metal atoms embedded in 2D layered transition metal chalcogenides (TMDs) have become a very promising catalyst. Recently, many attentions have been paid to the 2D ReS2 electrocatalyst due to its unique distorted octahedral 1T’ crystal structure and thickness‐independent electronic properties. Here, the catalytic activity of different transition metal (TM) atoms embedded in ReS2 using the density functional theory is investigated. The results indicate that TM@ReS2 exhibits outstanding thermal stability, good electrical conductivity, and electron transfer for electrochemical reactions. And the Ir@ReS2 and Pd@ReS2 can be used as OER/ORR bifunctional electrocatalysts with a lower overpotential for OER (ηOER) of 0.44 V and overpotentials for ORR (ηORR) of 0.26 V and 0.27 V, respectively. The excellent catalytic activity is attributed to the optimal adsorption strength for oxygen intermediates coming from the effective modulation of the electronic structure of ReS2 after Ir/Pd doping. The results can help to deeply understand the catalytic activity of TM@ReS2 and develop novel and highly efficient OER/ORR electrocatalysts.
Multilayer Ti3C2‐CNTs‐Au Loaded with Cyclodextrin‐MOF for Enhanced Selective Detection of Rutin
Authors: Chen Jia , Fei Maoheng , Ni Meijun , Wang Yilin , Liu Zhifang , Xie Yixi , Zhao Pengcheng , Zhang Zhiyong , Fei Junjie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, multi‐layer Ti3C2 – carbon nanotubes – gold nanoparticles (Ti3C2‐CNTs‐Au) and cyclodextrin metal‐organic framework – carbon nanotubes (CD‐MOF‐CNTs) have been prepared by in situ growth method and used to construct the ultra‐sensitive rutin electrochemical sensor for the first time. Among them, the large number of metal active sites of Ti3C2, the high electron transfer efficiency of CNTS, and the good catalytic properties of AuNPs significantly enhance the electrochemical properties of the composite carbon nanomaterials. Interestingly, CD‐MOF has a unique host–guest recognition and a large number of cavities, molecular gaps, and surface reactive groups, which gives the composite outstanding accumulation properties and selectivity for rutin. Under the optimized conditions, the constructed novel sensor has satisfactory detection performance for rutin in the range of 2 × 10−9 to 8 × 10−7 M with a limit of detection of 6.5 × 10−10 M. In addition, the sensor exhibits amazing anti‐interference performance against rutin in some flavonoid compounds and can be used to test natural plant samples (buckwheat, Cymbopogon distans, and flos sophorae immaturus). This work has promising applications in the field of environmental and food analysis, and exploring new directions for the application of Mxene‐based composites.
High‐Performance Bioinspired Microspheres for Boosting Dental Adhesion
Authors: Yao Chenmin , Liang Shengjie , Yu Miaoyang , Wu Hongling , Ahmed Mohammed H. , Liu Yingheng , Yu Jian , Zhao Yan , Van der Bruggen Bart , Huang Cui , Van Meerbeek Bart 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDental adhesives are widely used in daily practice for minimally invasive restorative dentistry but suffer from bond degradation and biofilm attack. Bio‐inspired by marine mussels having excellent surface‐adhesion capability and high chemical affinity of polydopamine (PDA) to metal ions, herein, experimental zinc (Zn)‐containing polydopamine‐based adhesive formulation, further being referred to as “Zn–PDA@SiO2”‐incorporated adhesive is proposed as a novel dental adhesive. Different Zn contents (5 and 10 mm) of Zn–PDA@SiO2 are prepared. Considering the synergistic effect of Zn and PDA, Zn–PDA@SiO2 not only presents excellent antibacterial potential and notably inhibits enzymatic activity (soluble and matrix‐bound proteases), but also exhibits superior biocompatibility and biosafety in vitro/vivo. The long‐term bond stability is substantially improved by adding 5 wt% 5 mm Zn–PDA@SiO2 to the primer. The aged bond strength of the experimentally formulated dental adhesives applied in self‐etch (SE) bonding mode is 1.9 times higher than that of the SE gold‐standard adhesive. Molecular dynamics calculations indicate the stable formation of covalent bonds, Zn‐assisted coordinative bonds, and hydrogen bonds between PDA and collagen. Overall, this bioinspired dental adhesive provides an avenue technology for innovative biomedical applications and has already revealed promising perspectives for dental restorative dentistry.