bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of mother's care burden, fatigue and child's functional level on quality of life in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Mohammed Sara S. , Abdelwahab Manal S. , Zaky Naglaa A. , Abdelazeim Faten H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeCerebral palsy (CP) may be considered one of the most common motor disabilities that require a lot of caregiving from mothers or caregivers; therefore, the mothers of children with CP face a lot of difficulties in their caregiving, which in turn may affect the child's quality of life (QOL). This work was conducted to evaluate the impact of the children's functional level in different types of spastic CP, mothers' care burden (CB), and fatigue on the child's QOL.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐eight children with different types of spastic CP (unilateral and bilateral) with different levels of the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), with an age range of 6–12 years, and their mothers with ages ranged from 25 to 45 years, participated in this study. Mother CB, fatigue, and child QOL were measured and compared between different groups by using the Zarit burden Interview (ZBI), Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) CP Module, respectively.ResultsThere were significant differences in all measured variables (ZBI, CFQ, GMFCS, and PedsQL) with p‐value <0.001 among the different spastic groups (unilateral and bilateral CP). However, the results revealed a positive impact of the child's GMFCS, mother's CB, and fatigue level on the quality of the child's life, with a greater effect on those with quadriplegic type.ConclusionThe mother's CB and fatigue should be considered in the rehabilitation of spastic CP children based on their GMFCS, as they have a negative impact on child QOL; therefore, helping the mother with her needs should not be ignored, especially in families with severely spastic CP children and low financial income.
Enhanced Performance of Solar‐Blind UV Photodetector Based on β‐Ga2O3 Nanowires Grown by a Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Gu Keyun , Zhang Zilong , Tang Ke , Huang Jian , Shen Yue , Ye Haitao , Wang Linjun 
Published: December 2023

The development of simple and highly controllable fabrication methods for the β‐Ga2O3, especially for the nanowire structure, has been a challenge. The slanted Ga2O3 nanowires are favorable for increasing the optical contact area and improving photon flux through nanoparticle scattering, leading to an increase in the photogenerated carrier yield. Herein, obliquely oriented and uniformly distributed β‐Ga2O3 nanowires are fabricated on Si substrates by a radio frequency magnetron sputtering using the strategy of Au nanoparticles as an intermediate catalyst. By depositing Ti and Au electrodes, the metal–semiconductor–metal Ga2O3‐based photodetectors are fabricated with a simple structure. Remarkably, the photodetector based on the β‐Ga2O3 nanowires outperforms the one based on the β‐Ga2O3 film, demonstrating higher responsivity and an exceptional photocurrent‐to‐dark current ratio (Iphoto/Idark) of 1.43 × 104 @5 V. This work presents a promising approach to enhance the utilization of incident light and maximize the generation of photoinduced carriers in the Ga2O3‐based photodetectors.
Cautionary note on regional consistency evaluation in multiregional clinical trials with binary outcomes
Authors: Homma Gosuke 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMultiregional clinical trials (MRCTs) have become increasingly common during the development of new drugs to obtain simultaneous drug approvals worldwide. When planning MRCTs, a major statistical challenge is determination of the regional sample size. In general, the regional sample size must be determined as the sample size such that the regional consistency probability, defined as the probability of meeting the regional consistency criterion, is greater than a prespecified value. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare proposed two criteria for regional consistency. Moreover, many researchers have proposed corresponding closed‐form formulas for calculating regional consistency probabilities when the primary outcome is continuous. Although some researchers have argued that those formulas are also applicable to cases with binary outcomes, it remains questionable whether such an argument can be true. Based on simulation results, we demonstrate that the existing formulas are inappropriate for binary cases, even when the regional sample size is sufficiently large. To address this issue, we develop alternative formulas and use simulation to show that they provide accurate regional consistency probabilities. Furthermore, we present an application of our proposed formulas for an MRCT of advanced or metastatic clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma.
Effect of neonatal nurse mentorship in improving neonatal care competencies among neonatal nurses in Rwandan hospitals
Authors: Manirakiza Marie Louise , Tuyishime Aphrodis Gustave , Ndibaza Amedee Fidele , Musabeyezu Francoise , Kulaaza Benjamin , Biziyaremye Francois , Ndatimana Dieudonne , Kalisa Richard , Rinda Diane , Kayinamura Assumpta Mwali , Mazimpaka Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite healthcare improvements in Rwanda, newborn mortality remains high. This study assesses the impact of neonatal mentorship on enhancing nurses’ competencies within neonatal units, aiming to address this mortality concern and strengthen healthcare providers’ abilities.MethodsThe prospective cohort study included 25 health facilities supported by Ingobyi Activity in Rwanda, which were beneficiaries of a monthly mentorship program focusing on five critical neonatal competencies. These included adopt manipulation of neonatal equipment, effective management of small and sick newborns, stringent infection prevention and control (IPC), kangaroo mother care (KMC) implementation, and family‐centered care provision. We employed an observation checklist to measure neonatal practice competencies, comparing practices at the time point of the baseline, at the 6th mentorship session, and finally at the 12th mentorship session.ResultsThe program engaged 188 neonatal nurse mentees. Data analysis highlighted a substantial increase in overall neonatal practice competencies from a baseline of 42.7%–75.4% after 12 mentorship sessions. Specific competency enhancements included family‐centered care (40.3%–70.3%), IPC (43.2%–84.2%), KMC (56.9%–73.3%), management of small and sick newborns (38.5%–77.6%), and manipulation of neonatal equipment (42.7%–75.4%).ConclusionsThis neonatal mentorship program was effective in enhancing nursing competencies, leading to significant improvements in neonatal care practices. Future work should evaluate the program's cost‐effectiveness and explore its potential to positively impact neonatal health outcomes, thus ensuring sustainable healthcare advancements.
Metallic mono‐layered C4N as a potential anode material for Na‐ion batteries: A first‐principles investigation
Authors: Wu Han , Zhang Nini , Zhang Yafei , Ren Juan , Huo Jinrong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFirst‐principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to study the adsorption behaviors of Na on metallic mono‐layered C4N as electrode materials for Na‐ion batteries. The adsorption energy of Na atom was calculated to be 2.05 eV, which is much higher than Na bulk cohesive energy and sufficiently ensure stability and safety. It is worth noting that the Dirac‐type band structure of mono‐layered C4N has a ultrahigh capacity of 1945.89 mAh/g for Na‐ion batteries anode in theory. Remarkably, 2D C4N has a low diffusion barrier 0.071 and 0.075 eV for path I and path II, respectively. The average open circuit voltage is 1.383 eV when nine Na ions adsorbed on one side of mono‐layered C4N. All the excellent properties show that the mono‐layered C4N will be a potential development of anode materials for Na‐ion batteries.
An automated procedure to determine construction year of roads in forested landscapes using a least‐cost path and a Before‐After Control‐Impact approach
Authors: Valle Denis , Rifai Sami W. , Carrero Gabriel C. , Meiga Ana Y. Y. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProximity to roads is one of the main determinants of deforestation in the Amazon basin. Determining the construction year of roads (CYR) is critical to improve the understanding of the drivers of road construction and to enable predictions of the expansion of the road network and its consequent impact on ecosystems. While recent artificial intelligence approaches have been successfully used for road extraction, they have typically relied on high spatial‐resolution imagery, precluding their adoption for the determination of CYR for older roads. In this article, we developed a new approach to automate the process of determining CYR that relies on the approximate position of the current road network and a time‐series of the proportion of exposed soil based on the multidecadal remote sensing imagery from the Landsat program. Starting with these inputs, our methodology relies on the Least Cost Path algorithm to co‐register the road network and on a Before‐After Control‐Impact design to circumvent the inherent image‐to‐image variability in the estimated amount of exposed soil. We demonstrate this approach for a 357 000 km2 area around the Transamazon highway (BR‐230) in the Brazilian Amazon, encompassing 36 240 road segments. The reliability of this approach is assessed by comparing the estimated CYR using our approach to the observed CYR based on a time‐series of Landsat images. This exercise reveals a close correspondence between the estimated and observed CYR (). Finally, we show how these data can be used to assess the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) in reducing the yearly rate of road construction and thus their vulnerability to future degradation. In particular, we find that integral protection PAs in this region were generally more effective in reducing the expansion of the road network when compared to sustainable use PAs.
Antimicrobial Biomaterials via Simultaneous Grafting of Methyl Methacrylate and N‐Vinyl Pyrrolidone onto Chitosan
Authors: Yeğiner Burcu , Ünlü Cüneyt H. , Atici Oya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractChitosan is an antimicrobial biopolymer with significant potential for manufacturing biodegradable and biocompatible materials through further functionalization. These materials could be highly suitable for biomedical applications. In this study, in order to obtain better properties such as antimicrobial activity and adjustable hydrophilicity for biopolymer‐based applications, N‐vinylpyrrolidone (VP) and methylmethacrylate (MMA) were simultaneously grafted onto chitosan by a ceric‐initiated emulsion polymerization method. The chemical structure, thermal, morphological, and antimicrobial properties of the resulting materials were investigated. The results revealed that PMMA and PVP pendant groups were grafted onto the chitosan main chain. According to SEM measurements, the obtained materials had spherical shapes with diameters ranging from 250 to 950 nm for the components. In vitro antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was significantly improved in the obtained materials compared to pristine chitosan.
Preparation of SrFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 Photocatalysts and Degradation of Methylene Blue and Petroleum Wastewater
Authors: Di Yongjiang , Wang Mengyu , Jia Bi , Zhang Hao , Cai Qian , Chen Sijing , Wang Rong , Wan Xin , Liu Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe synthesis and application of magnetic photocatalysts have become a critical topic in organic waste treatment. In this study, SrFe12O19 powder, SrFe12O19/SiO2 particles and SrFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 photocatalysts were successfully produced using coprecipitation technique, Stöber process and solvothermal method, respectively. The degradation of methylene blue dye and simulated petroleum wastewater under simulated sunlight and ultraviolet light was used to assess the photocatalytic activity of the SrFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 composites. Results showed the high photocatalytic performance of the produced SrFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 photocatalysts with a 1 : 4 mass ratio of SrFe12O19 to TiO2 synthesized at 170 °C, whose surface has more hydroxyl groups as the active center. At 120 min of irradiation, the photodegradation rates of methylene blue and simulated petroleum wastewater were 83.94 % and 60.77 %, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 with ferrite semiconductor/insulator/semiconductor structure was improved by the action of the magnetic field of SrFe12O19. The SrFe12O19/SiO2/TiO2 composite particles can be recycled easily under an external magnetic field and show good application prospects in organic wastewater degradation.
Adsorption of Anionic Dyes by Polypyrrole‐Grafted Mesoporous SBA‐15 Composite: Isotherms, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Interaction Mechanism and Recycling
Authors: Prashanna Suvaitha S. , Venkatachalam K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSBA‐15/polypyrrole composite was synthesized by polymerizing pyrrole in the presence of SBA‐15. The samples were characterized using the following techniques: low‐angle XRD, wide‐angle XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TGA, HRTEM, and BET. From the low‐angle XRD analysis, it confirms the formation of a mesoporous hexagonal structure (p6 mm). From the HRTEM image, an orderly arrangement of mesopores is evident. Using adsorption techniques, our objective is to remove sunset yellow, indigo carmine, titan yellow, and orange G dye from aqueous solutions with SBA‐15/polypyrrole composite. The removal efficiency for all the dyes was greater than 90 %. The isotherm was verified to follow the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities for sunset yellow, indigo carmine, titan yellow, and Orange G were found to be 78.74 mg/g, 83.33 mg/g, 78.74 mg/g, and 106.38 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order model, and the R2 value was greater than 0.99 for all the dyes. The thermodynamic parameters of ΔG°, ΔS°, and ΔH° showed negative values, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous, decreased entropy, and was exothermic. The recycling of the SBA‐15/polypyrrole composite resulted in a 90 % removal efficiency for three cycles. Therefore, the present adsorbent could be applied to treat industrial effluents that contain these dyes.
Triazolo [1,5‐a]pyrimidines as DNA Gyrase Inhibitiors: Synthesis, Antimicrobial, Activities, and in silico ADMET with Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Chauhan Janaki H. , Dodiya Bhavesh L. , Ram Haresh K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe study focused on developing new triazolopyrimidine derivatives as potential DNA Gyrase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents. The compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activities, safety, and ADMET properties. Encouragingly, the initial results showed promising potency and acceptable ADME parameters, forming a strong basis for further drug development research. The newly synthesized compounds were verified through spectra, mass, and elemental analysis. Notably, several compounds exhibited significant activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 100 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml. importantly, the compounds were found to be safe, with no reported adverse effects or toxicities. Among the tested compounds, compound 2 m stood out as an excellent DNA Gyrase inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 0.89 μM, comparable to the reference drug ciprofloxacin with an IC50 value of 0.91 μM. Molecular docking studies confirmed that the compounds′ binding mode and docking scores were similar to ciprofloxacin, validating their antibacterial activity via DNA Gyrase inhibition. The research provides valuable insights into the potential of these newly synthesized triazolopyrimidine derivatives as DNA Gyrase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents. Their promising antibacterial activity and safe profile make them potential candidates for further development as antimicrobial agents.
Preparation of nanoflower NiO/B−TiO2/ZnIn2S4 composite catalyst with highly efficient hydrogen production and dye degradation performance
Authors: Wang Laiyou , Yang Haijian , He Shanhao , Ma Yue , Yuan Haoyu , Li Ziyao , Wu Keliang , Wang Xiaofei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe use of semiconductor photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction shows good promise for effectively alleviating the existing energy shortage. Moreover, ternary metal sulfides also exhibit stronger photoresponse performance and suitable band structures, leading to good photocatalytic activity. However, carrier recombination easily occurs in ternary metal sulfides, negatively affecting their photocatalytic performance. In order to address the above issues, this study achieved limited improvement in the electron recombination problem of ternary sulfides through a dual strategy of constructing a heterogeneous structure to quickly export electrons and extracting electrons through the loading of a co catalyst. The combination of B doped TiO2 and nano flower shaped ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst effectively increases the catalytic active sites, widens the absorption band edges, and improves the efficiency of photo generated electron and hole separation. The loading of NiO as a cocatalyst increased the light absorption intensity, changed the direction of electron transfer enrichment, and provided hydrogen production sites. Compared to pure TiO2, which had a band gap of 2.37 eV, the band gap of the modified catalyst decreased to 2.27 eV. Moreover, the hydrogen evolution rate increased by 2.17 fold from 3.84 mmol/(g ⋅ h) to 8.33 mmol/(g ⋅ h). The separation and migration rates of electrons and holes were significantly enhanced, which promoted rapid charge transfer. Moreover, the modified catalyst achieved Rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo red photocatalytic degradation rates of 99.91 % and 97.98 % in 1 h under simulated sunlight irradiation.
Sequential Deposition of Polyaminothiophenols and Gold Nanoparticle on Wool Fabrics: Fabric Composites as Efficient Catalysts in the Reduction of Nitroarenes
Authors: Başbuğ Begüm , Erdoğan Meryem Kalkan , Karakışla Meral , Saçak Mehmet 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMerino wool, a highly abundant natural fabric, was successfully transformed into a valuable substrate for preparing easily recoverable catalyst materials by depositing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through a series of modification steps. The functionality of wool was enhanced by cleaving‐SH groups using NaHS chemical reduction. Subsequently, the reduced wool keratin (WSH) was covalently attached to 3‐amino thiophenol (3‐ATP) or 4‐amino thiophenol (4‐ATP) monomers via S−S linkages. The surface was further modified by grafting P3ATP or P4ATP through oxidative polymerization of 3‐ATP or 4‐ATP using ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. Finally, AuNPs were deposited onto the P3ATP or P4ATP‐grafted wool (P3ATP‐g‐WSH or P4ATP‐g‐WSH) by immersing the samples in an aqueous HAuCl4 solution. Additionally, P3ATP or P4ATP‐coated composites (P3ATP/WSH or P4ATP/WSH) were prepared to assess the AuNP formation ability of the grafting. The structural and morphological changes occurred in the wool, and the presence of AuNPs was revealed by ATR‐FTIR, XPS, SEM, and contact angle. The catalytic performance of the AuNP‐containing composites in reducing various nitroarenes to aminoarenes using an excess of electron‐donor (NaBH4) was monitored by UV‐vis spectroscopy. The developed composites demonstrated high efficiency, reusability, and rapid catalytic activity, achieving the highest apparent rate constant of 3.79 min−1, even within 1 min.
Effect of Alkali Metal Cations on the TiO2 P25 Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation by the Photoreforming of Glycerol
Authors: Ahmad Bello B. , Davies Philip R. , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Powell Jessica , Toledo Camacho Sandra Yurani 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe effect of three aqueous chloride salts, NaCl, KCl and LiCl, on the photoreforming of glycerol over TiO2, and Pt promoted TiO2 catalysts, has been investigated. At concentrations between 0.01 to 0.05 M an enhancement in activity over the TiO2 catalyst by a factor of ~10 can be ascribed to the presence of the cation, with the effect occurring at increasingly high concentrations of salt in the order Li<Na<K. At salt concentrations above 0.05 the activity is strongly inhibited on the oxide surface for all the different salts but only slightly degraded on a Pt promoted catalyst, hinting that the effect of the chloride is to hinder the reduction step on the oxide surface.
The impact of stress and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health in U.S. veterans
Authors: Serier Kelsey N. , Zhao Ziyu , Vogt Dawne , Kehle‐Forbes Shannon , Smith Brian N. , Mitchell Karen S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted life around the globe and negatively impacted mental health (MH), including among military veterans. Building on previous research with U.S. veterans, the present study examined the association between a broad array of pandemic stressors and well‐being on MH outcomes. A total of 372 veterans (51.3% women) from all service eras completed measures of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression during early (timepoint 1 [T1]) and peri‐pandemic (timepoint 2 [T2]) periods. Pandemic‐related stressors and well‐being (satisfaction in life domains) were assessed at the peri‐pandemic timepoint (T2). Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between stressors and well‐being with the likelihood of a probable MH diagnosis at T2 controlling for T1 MH status. More negative physical and MH impacts of the pandemic in addition to fewer positive consequences and lower satisfaction with paid work, finances, health, romantic relationships, and social life were associated with a higher likelihood of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. COVID infection was associated with lower odds of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. There were significant indirect effects, such that physical and MH impacts of the pandemic were associated with T2 MH via well‐being. Overall, these findings highlight the role of stress and well‐being on MH during a global pandemic. Interventions to address well‐being may be important to address veteran MH during other periods of stress. Future research should examine the generalizability of study findings and further investigate factors that contribute to veterans' MH resilience during stressful life experiences.
Mechanism Study of Molecular Trap in All‐Organic Polystyrene‐Based Dielectric Composite
Authors: Tang Xinxuan , Ding Cuilian , Yu Shiqi , Zhong Cheng , Luo Hang , Chen Sheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIt is a huge challenge to explore how charge traps affect the electric breakdown of polymer‐based dielectric composites. In this paper, alkane and aromatic molecules with different substituents are investigated according to DFT theoretical method. The combination of strong electron‐withdrawing groups and aromatic rings can establish high electron affinity molecules. 4′‐Nitro‐4‐dimethylaminoazobenzene (NAABZ) with a vertical electron affinity of 1.39 eV and a dipole moment of 10.15 D is introduced into polystyrene (PSt) to analyze the influence of charge traps on electric properties. Marcus charge transfer theory is applied to calculate the charge transfer rate between PSt and NAABZ. The nature of charge traps is elaborated from a dynamic perspective. The enhanced breakdown mechanism of polymers‐based composites stems from the constraint of carrier mobility caused by the change in transfer rate. But the electrophile nature of high electron affinity filler can decrease the potential barriers at the metal–polymer interface. Simultaneously, the relationship between the electron affinity of fillers and the breakdown strength of polymer‐based composites is nonlinear because of the presence of the inversion region. Based on the deep understanding of the molecular trap, this work provides the theoretical calculation for the design and development of high‐performance polymer dielectrics.