bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climbing the economic ladder: The role of microfinance institutions in promoting entrepreneurship in Pakistan
Authors: Bros Catherine , Fareed Fozan , Lochard Julie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFinancial inclusion has received widespread attention from policymakers and researchers in recent years and is viewed in most macroeconomic studies as an engine of economic growth. By contrast, analyses at the micro‐level have largely focused on microcredit rather than microfinance and reached more ambiguous conclusions. In particular, the literature concurs on the modesty of the impact of such programmes on poverty, if any. In this paper, we examine the effect of access to microfinance rather than microcredit only, as other financial services, such as savings for instance, can be put to the same use as credit by loosening constraints on investment or helping poor households to withstand shocks. Using nationally representative micro‐data from Pakistan, we provide evidence that having geographical access to a microfinance institution raises the likelihood for an individual to move from a low‐earning occupation such as being a salaried employee, farm worker or even a housewife to a more profitable entrepreneurship status. The effect is stronger in poorer regions, even after accounting for the nonrandom opening of financial branches. We conclude that financial inclusion should be further regarded as an effective ally in the fight against poverty.
mTOR signaling regulates Zika virus replication bidirectionally through autophagy and protein translation
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Yahui , Ren Hao , Yao Qiufeng , Ba Jianbo , Luan Jie , Zhao Ping , Qin Zhaoling , Qi Zhongtian 
Published: December 2022

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) reemerged in 2016 and attracted much more attention worldwide. To date, the limited knowledge of ZIKV interactions with host cells in the early stages of infection impedes the prevention of viral epidemics and the treatment of ZIKV disease. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of autophagy and protein synthesis during multiple viral infections. This study aimed to investigate the functional role of mTOR signaling in ZIKV replication in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Immunoblotting demonstrated that ZIKV infection inhibited mTORC1 signaling, enhancing autophagy but obstructing protein translation. Drugs or siRNA for interfering with mTOR signaling molecules were utilized to demonstrate that AKT/TSC2/mTORC1 signaling was involved in ZIKV infection and that autophagy promoted ZIKV production, but viral protein expression was regulated by mTORC1 signaling. Moreover, confocal microscopy indicated a robust correlation between autophagy and viral RNA transcription. This study clarifies the dual functions of mTOR signaling during ZIKV infection and provides theoretical support for developing potential anti‐ZIKV drugs based on mTOR signaling molecules and deeper insights to better understand the mechanism between ZIKV and host cells.
On the convergence properties of sampling Durrmeyer‐type operators in Orlicz spaces
Authors: Costarelli Danilo , Piconi Michele , Vinti Gianluca 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHere, we provide a unifying treatment of the convergence of a general form of sampling‐type operators, given by the so‐called sampling Durrmeyer‐type series. The main result consists of the study of a modular convergence theorem in the general setting of Orlicz spaces . From the latter theorem, the convergence in , in , and in the exponential spaces can be obtained as particular cases. For the completeness of the theory, we provide a pointwise and uniform convergence theorem on , in case of bounded continuous and bounded uniformly continuous functions; in this context, we also furnish a quantitative estimate for the order of approximation, using the modulus of continuity of the function to be approximated. Finally, applications and examples with graphical representations are given for several sampling series with special kernels.
Effect of Recycled Graphite as an Antistatic Agent on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Zaggo Henrique M. , Braga Natália F. , Anjos Erick G. R. dos , Montagna Larissa S. , Antonelli Eduardo , Passador Fabio R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRecycling graphite waste can bring economic offers and environmental protection. This study investigates the use of recycled graphite (RG) from aerospace sector components as an antistatic agent. Mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/RG composites are investigated to develop a composite with suitable characteristics for antistatic packaging applications. First, the RG is purified by thermal treatment to eliminate any impurities and residual oils, and the purified recycled graphite (PRG) is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the PRG is used as an antistatic filler and added in different concentrations in the PTT matrix by melt processing using an extruder. The compatibilizer agent maleic anhydride grafted PTT (PTT‐g‐MA) is added to the system to improve filler interaction and distribution into the matrix. Thus, the addition of different contents of PRG (1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) with and without compatibilizer agent (2:1, PRG:PTT‐g‐MA) in the PTT matrix is investigated by thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The addition of 10 wt% of PRG in the PTT decreases eight decades in the electrical resistivity compared to neat PTT, being suitable for application as antistatic packaging.
Fully Automated Instrument for Solution Viscosity in Polymeric Materials
Authors: del Hierro Pilar , Boyron Olivier , Ortín Alberto 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe determination of the solution viscosity of polymeric materials is very important to the industry, both to research and manufacturing, since it can be used to estimate molar mass, thus providing valuable information relating to the physical properties of polymers. The relative viscosity of a dilute polymer solution to that of the pure solvent itself is measured, and from this, the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer can be calculated. Due to the popularity of dilute solution viscosity measurements and the availability of those methods in many manufacturing laboratories, this method has been traditionally used to specify and to control production grades. The operation of a new fully automated instrument for determining solution viscosity is described in detail here. A series of applications are presented demonstrating the operation of this method, including for the first time water‐soluble polymers (maltodextrins) and other ambient temperature soluble polymers (cellulose esters) in addition to other polymers requiring elevated temperature and organic solvents for dissolution and analysis (polyolefins, PET).
Evaluation of Shape Memory in Poly(lactic acid)/ thermoplastic Polyurethane Filaments with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: de Moura Nayara Koba , Morgado Guilherme Ferreira de Melo , Martins Eduardo Ferreira , Escanio Camila Alves , Esposito Elisa , Marini Juliano , Passador Fabio Roberto 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMedical sutures are used in tissues to join the edges of wounds to help a healing process or stabilize implants. The patient's feverish state can lead to premature suture rupture, due to the increase in body temperature and the swelling due to an inflammatory process in the wound. Some materials can adapt to body temperature and may prevent this disruption, being polymers with shape memory an alternative for this application, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The addition of carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can induce antimicrobial activity since the wound and/or suture tend to facilitate the proliferation of microorganisms, which can harm or avoid the healing process. In this work, PLA/TPU (60/40) and nanocomposites with 2 wt% of GNP and hybrids with 1 wt% of MWCNT and 1 wt% of GNP are prepared using the extrusion process. The samples are characterized by tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, shape memory, and antimicrobial activity. The polymer blend and nanocomposites present an average shape recovery (≈6.5% in length) and the addition of nanofillers induced antimicrobial activity, being these materials promising for application in antimicrobial sutures with shape memory.
Development of Bacterial Cellulose Membranes Incorporated with Plant Extracts
Authors: Neves Eduarda Zeni , Kumineck Junior Sandro Rogério , Katrucha Graziéli Paulino , Silveira Victória Fonseca , Silveira Márcia Luciane Lange , Pezzin Ana Paula Testa , Schneider Andréa Lima dos Santos , Garcia Michele Cristina Formolo , Apati Giannini Pasiznick 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA new generation of functional healing membranes has been researched to avoid infection and improve wound healing, combining wound moisture maintenance properties, exudate removal, antimicrobial activity, and the absence of side effects. Thus, this work aims to synthesize wound dressing membranes of bacterial cellulose (BC) incorporated with different plant extracts with antimicrobial properties. The BC membranes are synthesized by the bacterium Komagataeibacter hansenii and are associated with the extracts through the ex situ incorporation technique. The barbatimão extract presents the most significant total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity of the extracts researched. The determination of tannins and flavonoids confirms the extracts’ incorporation into the samples’ structure. The thermogravimetric analysis of the membranes incorporated with the extracts shows a reduction in the thermal stability relative to BC. The results show a good final extract for developing healing membranes with antimicrobial properties.
Non‐isothermal Crystallization Kinetics, Thermal, and Rheological Behavior of Linear/Branched Polypropylene Blends
Authors: Macedo Thatiana C. P. , Campos Diego A. T. , Lima Tiago N. , Rego José Kaio M. A. , Ito Edson N. , Ueki Marcelo M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis work aims at evaluating the rheological and thermal properties and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of blends of linear homopolymer polypropylene (HPP) and branched polypropylene (BPP). Two linear polypropylene's of different melt flow index (MFI) are used: H301 (10 g per 10 min) and H604 (1.5 g per 10 min); and one BPP (2 g pr 10 min). The rheological result shows that the H301/BPP blends have an increase in complex viscosity proportional to the addition of BPP amount, while for the H604/BPP blends, it is observed a higher influence of H604 on rheological properties. With the addition of 25 wt% of BPP, the strain hardening behavior is observed in the extensional rheology tests of the polymer blend. The DSC results show that the melt temperature and the crystallinity content in blends with BPP are affected by the molecular weight (MW) of the linear polymer. Results suggest that Pseudo‐Avrami/Jeziorny and Mo models can be used to predict the experimental results of crystallization kinetics of the blends with sufficient precision for all systems studied, regardless of MW. Therefore, it is possible to use the blends of HPP/BPP in processes that demand a combination of rheological properties, such as high strain hardening, and fast crystallization.
Mimics or Multiplicity: 2 Cases of Rare Neurological Conditions Discovered Following Presentation with Richardson's Syndrome Phenotype
Authors: Lyons Shane , Lynch Timothy , Walsh Richard , O'Dowd Sean 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)–Richardson's syndrome (RS) presents with a distinctive clinical phenotype of supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, parkinsonism, postural instability with falls, and cognitive impairment. Several rare neurological conditions have been described that mimic PSP, and the co‐occurrence of dual pathologies has also been described.CasesIn this article, we present 2 cases of patients who presented with a parkinsonian phenotype suggestive of PSP‐RS. In 1 case, a family history and early levodopa‐induced chorea led to testing for Huntington's disease, and a pathogenic HTT mutation was found. In the second case, magnetic resonance imaging findings led to genetic confirmation of a pathogenic FMR1 mutation.ConclusionsThese observations raised the possibility that HD and fragile‐X tremor‐ataxia syndrome may on occasion present with PSP‐RS. Alternatively, and perhaps more likely, is the co‐occurrence of 2 rare neurodegenerative conditions. Neuropathological studies of cases involving complex phenotypes in rare genetic conditions are required to better understand the likely pathologies in cases such as these.
On the use of graph centralities to compute generalized inverse of singular finite element operators: Applications to the analysis of floating substructures
Authors: Bovet Christophe 
Published: December 2022

SummaryThis article introduces a robust and affordable method to compute nullspace and generalized inverse of finite element operators involved in dual domain decomposition methods. The methodology relies on the operator partial factorization and on the analysis of a well chosen Schur complement. The sparse linear operator is interpreted as a network and graph centrality measures are used to select the condensation variables. Eigenvector, Katz and Page Rank centralities are evaluated. An extension to deal with symmetric indefinite systems arising from mixed finite elements is also presented. The approach is assessed on highly heterogeneous problems and one industrial application is presented: the numerical homogenization of solid propellant.
Comparison of two instruments for hypertension self‐care assessments among older adults from China
Authors: Zhao Qiao , Guo Yujie , Gu Lipei , Yang Lei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimTo test and compare the Self‐Care of Hypertension Inventory (SC‐HI) and Hypertension Self‐Care Profile (HBP SCP) among older patients with hypertension in China.DesignA cross‐sectional observational study.MethodsA convenience sampling of 220 older adults (120 male patients and 100 female patients) with hypertension and a mean age of 73.74 years was surveyed using the Chinese version of SC‐HI, the Chinese version of HBP SCP and the Chinese version of Exercise of Self‐Care Agency Scale (ESCA) during July‐September 2019. Psychometric analyses and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses were performed on the collected data.ResultsThe Cronbach's α of SC‐HI and HBP SCP was 0.858 and 0.953, respectively. The Pearson's coefficients between the SC‐HI total score and the ESCA total score, the HBP SCP total score and the ESCA total score were 0.494 and 0.700, respectively. The satisfactory sensitivity, specificity, cut‐off point and Area under the curve of SC‐HI were 0.8292, 0.5495, 120.5 and 0.754, respectively. As for HBP SCP, the values were 0.7907, 0.7582, 169.5 and 0.838, respectively. There was no significant difference between these two scales. Each has its own characteristics. However, the HBP SCP is more precise and effective for measuring self‐care ability in older patients.
Eight‐hour time‐restricted eating does not lower daily myofibrillar protein synthesis rates: A randomized control trial
Authors: Parr Evelyn B. , Kouw Imre W. K. , Wheeler Michael J. , Radford Bridget E. , Hall Rebecca C. , Senden Joan M. , Goessens Joy P. B. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Hawley John A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of time‐restricted eating (TRE) on integrated skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) rates in males with overweight/obesity.MethodsA total of 18 healthy males (age 46 ±  5 years; BMI: 30 ± 2 kg/m2) completed this exploratory, parallel, randomized dietary intervention after a 3‐day lead‐in diet. Participants then consumed an isoenergetic diet (protein: ~1.0 g/kg body mass per day) following either TRE (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or an extended eating control (CON; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) protocol for 10 days. Integrated MyoPS rates were measured using deuterated water administration with repeated saliva, blood, and muscle sampling. Secondary measures included continuous glucose monitoring and body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry).ResultsThere were no differences in daily integrated MyoPS rates (TRE: 1.28% ± 0.18% per day, CON: 1.26% ± 0.22% per day; p = 0.82) between groups. From continuous glucose monitoring, 24‐hour total area under the curve was reduced following TRE (−578 ± 271 vs. CON: 12 ± 272 mmol/L × 24 hours; p = 0.001). Total body mass declined (TRE: −1.6 ± 0.9 and CON: −1.1 ± 0.7 kg; p < 0.001) with no differences between groups (p = 0.22). Lean mass loss was greater following TRE compared with CON (−1.0 ± 0.7 vs. −0.2 ± 0.5 kg, respectively; p = 0.01).ConclusionConsuming food within an 8‐hour time‐restricted period does not lower daily MyoPS rates when compared with an isoenergetic diet consumed over 12 hours. Future research should investigate whether these results translate to free‐living TRE.
Simultaneously improving the hydrophobic property and flame retardancy of aluminum hypophosphite using rare earth based coupling agent for epoxy composites
Authors: Wang Yaofei , Piao Junxiu , Ren Jinyong , Feng Tingting , Wang Yaxuan , Liu Wei , Dong Huixin , Chen Wenjiao , Jiao Chuanmei , Chen Xilei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA novel hydrophobic rare earth‐based aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) was prepared using rare earth aluminate coupling agent (REA) in a ball mill with a one‐step mechanochemistry method, and used as flame retardant for epoxy resin. It has been found that RaAHP‐4 (AHP was modified by 4 wt% REA) exhibited excellent hydrophobic properties with the water contact angle of 94.58°. The effect of RaAHP‐2 (AHP was modified by 2 wt% REA) and RaAHP‐4 on the flame retardancy, thermal stability, and hydrophobic properties of EP/6RaAHP‐2 and EP/6RaAHP‐4 composites were investigated. It has been found RaAHP‐2 and RaAHP‐4 can significantly improve the flame retardant performance of EP/6RaAHP‐2 and EP/6RaAHP‐4 composites. And the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) values of EP/6RaAHP‐4 were reduced by 50.44% and 35.59% compared with pure EP, respectively. Moreover, the maximum peak value of CO production rate from EP/6RaAHP‐4 decreased by 62.64% compared with that from EP/6AHP. The excellent flame retardant effect of EP/6RaAHP‐4 composites was obtained because RaAHP‐4 changed the formation of the char residue layer during the combustion process. In comparison, the compactness, expansion degree, and carbonization quality of the char residue layer from the samples with RaAHP‐2 or RaAHP‐4 have been significantly improved, which acted as a valuable barrier for heat and mass transfer. The above results showed that the one‐step synthesis method had high potential application in the large‐scale production of hydrophobic AHP.
Solid‐state shear pulverization of post‐industrial ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene: Particle morphology and molecular structure modifications toward conventional mechanical recycling
Authors: Johnson Riggs W. , Scopelliti Haley R. , Herrold Nathan T. , Wakabayashi Katsuyuki 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUltra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is one of the most prominent high‐performance thermoplastics for biomedical, leisure, and coating applications. Large‐scale recycling of UHMWPE is extremely difficult due to the high melt viscosity of the material as well as its exceptional chemical resistance and impact strength. There is a need for a commercially scalable methodology that can process the waste feedstock for mechanical recycling while sustaining the outstanding physical properties of the material. Solid‐state shear pulverization (SSSP) is a continuous, twin‐screw extruder‐based processing technique in which the low‐temperature application of shear and compressive forces impart changes in structure at different length scales to overcome the challenges of difficult‐to‐recycle polymers. This paper investigates the use of SSSP in mechanically recycling post‐industrial scrap UHMWPE (rUHMWPE) material from a local ski and snowboard manufacturer. The SSSP‐processed particles are flat, micron‐scale flakes with enhanced surface area, which can sinter very quickly when compression molded. The molded rUHMWPE samples in turn exhibit enhanced ductility and toughness compared to the as‐received scrap material, based on the tunable mechanochemical modification of the ethylene chains.
Event‐triggered adaptive tracking containment control of nonlinear multiagent systems with unmodeled dynamics and prescribed performance
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wang Xiaomei , Niu Ben , Wang Huanqing , Liu Xinyu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article concentrates on the event‐triggered adaptive tracking containment control problem for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with unmodeled dynamics and prescribed performance. In order to deal with the design difficulties which are aroused by unknown nonlinearities and unmodeled dynamics, the properties of Gaussian function and some novel dynamics signals are used in this paper. Meanwhile, a relative threshold‐based event‐triggered mechanism is adopted such that the system communication burden is reduced under the condition of limited communication resources. It's shown the proposed tracking containment control protocol can ensure that the outputs of the followers converge to the convex hull spanned by the multiple leaders's outputs, all signals of the closed‐loop systems are uniformly ultimately bounded and the Zeno behavior can be effectively avoided. Finally, the simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed containment control protocol.
Reregulated mitochondrial dysfunction reverses cisplatin resistance microenvironment in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Ma Xiaodong , Zhou Wenhui , Liu Chang , Zhang Hongbo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractChemotherapy is one of the most basic and important treatments for malignant tumors. However, most chemotherapeutic drugs suffer from the resistance of tumor cells and lead to chemotherapy failure. Multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumor cells is the main obstacle to chemotherapy failure. The generation of MDR is not only the result of the performance of tumor cells, but the tumor microenvironment (TEM) also plays an important role in this process. The simultaneous dual intervention of cancer cells and the TEM has the potential to provide surprising results in overcoming MDR tumor therapy. Therefore, in this study, we designed a folate acid ligand‐modified nanoparticle (FA‐NPs) with a size of about 145 nm targeting multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer and successfully co‐loaded cisplatin and Tris(2‐chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP). FA‐NPs can enrich tumor sites through receptor‐mediated endocytosis. In vitro mechanism studies have shown that nanoparticles can reverse cisplatin resistance mainly by further increasing the level of reactive oxygen species in tumor cells, breaking the homeostasis of the internal environment, then trigging mitochondrial stress, regulating drug resistance‐related pathways, and improving the tumor drug resistance microenvironment; finally, the cisplatin recovers the antitumor effect with assistance from TCPP.