bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic evaluation of enhanced graphene toxicity to Bacillus induced by humic acid adsorption
Authors: Zhao Qing , Zhang Xuejiao , Zeng Jin , White Jason , Li Fangbai , Xiong Zhiqiang , Zhang Siyu , Xu Yuze , Yang Jingjing , Tang Weihao , Wu Fengchang , Xing Baoshan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The extensive application of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) has raised concerns over risks to sensitive species in the aquatic environment. The humic acid (HA) corona is traditionally considered to reduce GNSs toxicity. Here, we evaluated the effect of sorbed HA (GNSs-HA) on the toxicity of GNSs to Gram positive Bacillus tropicus. Contrary to previous data, GNSs-HA exhibited greater toxicity than bare GNSs. Multi-omics combined with sensitive bioassays and electrochemical methods demonstrated that bare GNSs disrupted oxidative phosphorylation by causing physical membrane damage. This led to the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibition of ATP production, subsequently suppressing metabolic processes and ultimately causing bacterial death. Conversely, GNSs-HA directly extracted electrons from bacteria and oxidized biomolecules due to HA-improved electron transfer. This finding suggests that the HA corona does not always mitigate the toxicity of engineered nanoscale pollutants (ENPs), thereby introducing uncertainty over the interaction between the environmental corona and ENPs during ecological risk evaluation.
Factors Influencing Unsafe Abortion Decision-Making Among Young Women in an Abortion-Restricted Setting
Authors: Mukerenge Ndinohokwe F. , Tjandja Julia M. , Nakakuwa Filippine N. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal death in low- and middle-income countries. With few African countries legalizing abortion, rates are higher in countries where access to legal abortion is restrictive. Although the act is still regarded as a criminal offense in Namibia, women still find other means and ways to terminate unplanned pregnancies, resulting in unsafe abortions. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing unsafe abortion decision-making among young women in a referral hospital in Namibia.
Method
The method employed was a qualitative explorative descriptive design. Eleven participants were interviewed face-to-face using the semi-structured interview guide at an Intermediate Hospital female ward. The data was analyzed thematically.
Results
Our study respondents were young women aged 16 to 24 years. About 66.7% (n = 10) were school-going, while 33.3% (n = 5) dropped out of school. Some of the young women (53.3%; n = 8) had been pregnant before. All our respondents indicated their marital status as single at the time of the study. The analysis yielded four main themes: Understanding the term abortion, interpersonal factors, personal factors, and views on legalizing abortion. The study revealed that influencing factors were strongly personal and interpersonal, including young women’s fear of rejection by their parents and/or the community, lack of support, and desire to pursue education and bear children in marriage.
Conclusion
Young women’s decisions on abortion are greatly influenced by various internal and external factors. There is an unmet need for abortion on demand among young women in abortion-restricted settings such as Namibia.
Analytical and Experimental investigation of Recyclic Type Photovoltaic Thermal Air Collector (RPVTAC) and optimization through Surface Response Methodology
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Dhiman Prashant 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The rapid expansion of renewable energy sources has spurred a growing interest in photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, offering a dual benefit of harnessing solar energy for both electricity and heat generation. Among these, the Recyclic Type Photovoltaic Thermal Air Collector (RPVTAC) stands out as a promising design amalgamating photovoltaic and thermal technologies. However, achieving its maximum potential and efficiency necessitates a thorough performance evaluation and optimization. This investigation encompasses a comprehensive assessment of thermal, electrical, and overall performance for an unglazed Photovoltaic Thermal Air Collector incorporating a recyclic air flow operation (RPVTAC). To grasp the intricacies of system behaviour, an analytical model is devised, encompassing heat transfer characteristics of the RPVTAC through the solution of governing equations governing its constituent components. The model's precision is corroborated by aligning simulated values with experimental outcomes obtained under analogous flow and geometric conditions, yielding remarkable conformity within acceptable margins. Additionally, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to scrutinize simulated results and fine-tune process parameters of the RPVTAC. The study examines the impact of variables such as recyclic ratio (G), variable air mass flow rate (ṁ), channel depth ratio (D), solar irradiation, and packing factor (P) of the PV module on RPVTAC's performance traits. Guided by the RSM model outcomes, optimal configurations emerge for thermal efficiency: ṁ = 0.1497 kg/s, G = 1.798, D = 3.52, and P = 0.5; for electrical efficiency: ṁ = 0.1499 kg/s, G = 1.799, D = 2.89, and P = 0.945; for net electrical power: ṁ = 0.1499 kg/s, G = 1.799, D = 3.7525, and P = 0.95.
An Extended Kalman Filter Based SOC Estimation for Li-ion Battery Packs Integrated with a Fixed-Point Micro-controller
Authors: Khanna Yash , Singh Parmender , K.V Sundaraaman , Mahipati Narayan Surendra , Jain Rajath 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A fixed point Extended Kalman filter (EKF) model is designed and implemented for modest Battery Management System (BMS) for light EV applications. The standard EKF state equations are re-scaled to a higher resolution and converted to a fixed-point decimal word-length. The coulomb counting (CC) and open circuit voltage (OCV) based methods are integrated via a fixed point extended Kalman filter technique. The updated approach can overcome the inaccuracy of CC and the insufficiency of OCV-based methods. Initial state estimation, process and measurement noise co-variances are estimated based on experimental cell data. The algorithm is able to achieve < 500μs of computation time on the fixed-point micro-controller BMS unit. The validation results based on the continuous and multiple drive cycle tests indicate an error of ≤ 2% in State of Charge (SOC) estimation.
Impact of Visceral Obesity on Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Data Analysis of STaMINA (BMT CTN 0702) Trial
Authors: Malek Ehsan , Kort Jeries , Metheny Leland , Fu Pingfu , Hari Parameswaran , Li Gen , Efebera Yvonne , Callander Natalie , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Giralt Sergio , Krishnan Amrita , Stadtmauer Edward , Lazarus Hillard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Obesity is a common health problem among multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and it has been linked to poor clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL). We conducted a secondary analysis of the BMT CTN 0702, a randomized, controlled trial comparing outcomes of three treatment interventions after a single hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), to investigate the impact of visceral obesity, as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), on clinical outcomes and QOL in MM patients. 549 MM patients, median age 55.5 years, were enrolled in the study. The majority of patients received triple-drug antimyeloma initial therapy before enrollment, and 29% had high-risk disease according to cytogenetic assessment. The median follow-up time was six years. There was no significant association between WHR and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in MM patients undergoing HCT. Similarly, body mass index (BMI) did not significantly predict PFS or OS. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between WHR and QOL measures. In conclusion, this study suggests that visceral obesity, as measured by WHR, may not significantly impact clinical outcomes in MM patients undergoing HCT. Further studies utilizing imaging technologies to assess the impact of visceral obesity distribution are warranted.
Elevated CO2 levels promote both carbon and nitrogen cycling in global forests
Authors: Baojing Gu , Cui Jinglan , Zheng Miao , Bian Zihao , Pan Naiqing , Tian Hanqin , Zhang Xiuming , Qiu Ziyue , Xu Jianming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Forests provide vital ecosystem services, particularly as carbon sinks for nature-based climate solutions. However, the global impact of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on carbon and nitrogen interactions of forests remains poorly quantified. We integrate elevated CO2 experimental observations and biogeochemical cycle model to elucidate the synergies between enhanced nitrogen and carbon cycling in global forests under elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 levels alone increase net primary productivity by 26% (95% CI, 21-30%) and leaf C:N ratio by 32% (18-46%), while stimulating biological nitrogen fixation by 72% (27-136%) and nitrogen use efficiency by 22% (8-38%). Under the elevated CO2 middle road scenario for 2050, forest carbon sink is projected to increase by 0.32 billion tonnes (PgC), with forest products increasing by 4 million tonnes (Tg) nitrogen, reactive nitrogen loss to the environment decreasing by 8 Tg, and fertilizer input decreasing by 4 Tg nitrogen relative to the baseline scenario. The monetary impact assessment of the direct elevated CO2 impact on forests represents a social value of US$292 billion. These findings should inform the development of forest management strategies for future climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Computational analysis and experimental verification of donor-acceptor behaviour of berberine, and its co-oligomers and co-polymers with ethylenedıoxythıophene
Authors: Rajapakse R. M. Gamini , Horrocks Benjamin R. , Gunarathna H. M. N. P. , Malikaramage A. U. , Egodawele M. G. S. A. M. E. W. D. D. K , Herath W. H. M. R. N. K. , Sandakelum Lahiru , Bandara V. M. Y. S. U. , Bowaththa W. V. N. S. , Jayasinghe J. M. Susanthi , Seneviratne V. N. , Ranatunga Udayana , Perera L. L. K. , Dassanayake S. M. , Udawatte Chandana P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The donor-acceptor (D-A) type of conjugated polymers has emerged as the paradigm of the third generation of electronically conducting polymers demonstrating improved infrared activity and intrinsic electronic conductivity. Judicious selection of donor (D) and acceptor (A) monomers for copolymerization can further fine-tune these properties. Notably, for such refinement, natural compounds provide many conjugated molecules with various functional groups. Berberine cation (Ber+) found in Coscinium fenestratum has extensive conjugation and contains both an electron deficient isoquinolium A moiety and electron-rich D-type methylenedioxy and methoxy groups. The incorporation of natural products in electronic materials is a novel area of research which opens a wide scope for future electronic and optoelectronic devices. Investigation of their fundamental properties via computer simulations is therefore important. In this study, quantum chemical calculations are performed using density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic and optical properties of oligomers of Ber+ and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and to explore the possibilities for homo-polymerization of Ber+ and its copolymerization with EDOT. It has been revealed that homo-polymerization is not favoured but copolymerization with EDOT is possible. As such, Ber+ was copolymerized with EDOT and the copolymers formed by electro-polymerization are extensively characterised and the D-A behaviour of the copolymers verified. Furthermore, the theoretical predictions have been compared with the experimental data.
Tree occurrence in agricultural landscapes of peri-urban Kigali in semi-arid context of Rwanda
Authors: Ruticumugambi Jean Aimé , Kaplin Beth A. , Blondeel Haben , Mukuralinda Athanase , Ndoli Alain , Verdoodt Ann , Rutebuka Jules , Imanirareba Ephrem , Uwizeyimana Valens , Gatesi Julienne , Nkurikiye Jean Bosco , Verbeeck Hans , Verheyen Kris , Vancoillie Frieke 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In tropical Africa, a wide range of agroforestry practices exist, resulting in various configurations of trees in the landscape, with an unknown impact on ecosystem services. We evaluated tree occurrence, structure, and composition in agroforestry systems within four contrasting landscapes representing different levels of tree cover in peri-urban Kigali and in the eastern province of Rwanda. We used a stratified random sampling procedure, based on soil depth and slope, to allocate 60 plots of 0.26 ha in each of the four landscapes. We conducted an extensive field inventory to provide deeper insight into the dendrometric characteristics of woody vegetation and compare landscapes. We counted all woody plants with ≥ 4 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Over 70% of the individual trees were exotic tree species across the four agricultural landscapes. The three most common and dominant tree species across the landscapes were Grevillea robusta, a tree used mainly for timber which represents 42.7% of all individuals encountered, followed by Mangifera indica (12.34%) mainly used for fruit production, and Euphorbia turcalii (11.04%) mainly used for hedgerows. Most of the agroforestry trees encountered were small, scattered individuals, with almost 80% < 15 cm DBH bordering the farmlands and cut before reaching bigger sizes. The occurrence of trees varied considerably within and between landscapes, suggesting the effect of agroecological systems. Here, future studies may potentially address this link more explicitly. We showed that it is important to consider native tree species in landscape restoration initiatives given a high adoption rate of exotics.
A rapid review of opportunities and challenges in the implementation of social prescription interventions for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with chronic long-term conditions
Authors: Yadav Uday Narayan , Paudel Grish , Khatiwada Bhushan , Gurung Ashmita , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ghimire Saruna 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
People with chronic conditions often struggle to access and navigate complex health and social services. Social prescription (SP) interventions, a patient-centered approach, help individuals identify their holistic needs and increase access to non-clinical resources, thus leading to improved health and well-being. This review explores existing SP interventions for people with chronic conditions and identifies the opportunities and challenges of implementing them in primary healthcare (PHC) settings.
Methods
This rapid review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and involved searching for relevant articles in three databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) by using subject headings and keywords combined with Boolean operators. This search encompassed articles published between January 2010 and June 2023 in selected databases. Two authors independently conducted data screening and abstraction using predefined criteria, and a narrative synthesis was performed to summarise the literature.
Results
Fifteen studies were included, with all but one conducted in the United Kingdom, and revealed that social prescribers help guide patients with chronic diseases to various local initiatives related to health and social needs. Effective implementation of SP interventions relies on building strong relationships between social prescribers and patients, characterised by trust, empathy, and clear communication. A holistic approach to support, digital technology utilisation, competent social prescribers, collaborative healthcare partnerships, clinical leadership, and access to local resources are all vital components of successful SP intervention. On the other hand, the implementation of SP interventions faces numerous challenges, including accessibility and utilisation barriers, communication gaps, staffing issues, an unsupportive work environment, inadequate training, lack of awareness, time management struggles, coordination and collaboration difficulties, and resource constraints.
Conclusion
The present review emphasises the importance of addressing the holistic needs of people with chronic conditions through collaboration and coordination, training of social prescribers, community connections, availability of local resources, and primary care leadership to ensure successful interventions, ultimately leading to improved patient health and well-being outcomes. This study calls for the need to develop or utilise appropriate tools that can capture people's holistic needs, as well as an implementation framework to guide future contextual SP interventions.
Efficiency Enhancement Strategies for Water-Source Thermoelectric Heat Pump Modules
Authors: Zhu Wei , Chen Dong , Shi Jianwei , Zhang Jingshuang , Xu Zhinan , Li Cheng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Thermoelectric heat pump is a feasible solution for developing refrigerant-free technology, but most studies tend to focus more on cooling capacity. In this paper, a finite element model of the water-source thermoelectric heat pump module is established. By comparing the changes of the coefficient of performance (COPh) of the thermoelectric heat pump module under different pipe diameters(d), currents(I), temperatures(T), and temperature differences(∆T), the main parameters affecting the performance of the thermoelectric heat pump module are explored. Results show that: within the range of 20°C to 45°C, the influence of water temperature on COPh is relatively small under the same temperature difference; the heat output is not affected by the ∆T when I=7.17A, and the ∆T shows different trends in the left and right intervals: under the condition of large ∆T between the hot and cold ends of the module, there is an optimal working current, which increases with the increase of ∆T.Research has shown that I and ∆T are the main parameters affecting module performance. Under extreme operating conditions, using a specific value of current can simultaneously increase heating power and heating performance coefficient.
On generalized core invertibility in Banach algebras
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Sheibani Marjan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We introduce a new generalized inverse, called generalized core inverse in a Banach *-algebra. This new inverse is an extension of weak core inverse defined for complex square matrix and bounded linear operators over Hilbert spaces. We present various characterizations of this new inverse. The relationship between the generalized core inverse and other generalized inverses is investigated. Finally, we consider the necessary and sufficient conditions under which generalized core inverse and generalized core-EP inverse coincide with each other in a Banach *-algebra.
Enhancing Touch Sensibility with Sensory Electrical Stimulation and Sensory Retraining
Authors: Ortega Eduardo Villar , Buetler Karin A. , Aksoz Efe Anil , Marchal-Crespo Laura 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A large proportion of stroke survivors suffer from sensory loss, negatively impacting their independence, quality of life, and neurorehabilitation prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of somatosensory impairments, somatosensory interventions such as sensory electrical stimulation (SES) are not the standard of care, probably due to their unclear influence on neurorehabilitation.
We aimed to study the effectiveness of SES combined with a sensory discrimination task in a well-controlled virtual environment. We employed electroencephalography (EEG) to gain a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and dynamics associated with sensory training and SES. We conducted a single-session experiment with twenty-six healthy participants who explored a set of three visually identical virtual textures—haptically rendered by a robotic device and that differed in their spatial period— while physically guided by the robot to identify the odd texture. The experiment consisted of three phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Half the participants received subthreshold whole-hand SES during the intervention, while the other half received sham stimulation. We evaluated changes in task performance —assessed by the probability of correct responses— before and after intervention and between groups. We also evaluated differences in the exploration behavior, e.g., scanning speed. EEG was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz) associated with sensory processing.
We found that participants in the SES group improved their task performance after intervention and their scanning speed during and after intervention, while the sham group did not improve their task performance. However, the differences in task performance improvements between groups only approached significance. Furthermore, we found that alpha power was sensitive to the effects of SES; participants in the stimulation group exhibited enhanced brain signals associated with improved touch sensitivity likely due to the effects of SES on the central nervous system, while the increase in alpha power for the sham group was less pronounced.
Our findings suggest that SES enhances texture discrimination after training and has a positive effect on sensory-related brain areas. Further research involving brain-injured patients is needed to confirm the potential benefit of our solution in neurorehabilitation.
Experimental Evidence on Negative Impact of Generative AI on Scientific Learning Outcomes
Authors: Ju Qirui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, I explored the impact of Generative AI on learning efficacy in academic reading materials using experimental methods. College-educated participants engaged in three cycles of reading and writing tasks. After each cycle, they responded to comprehension questions related to the material. After adjusting for background knowledge and demographic factors, complete reliance on AI for writing tasks led to a 25.1% reduction in accuracy. In contrast, AI-assisted reading resulted in a 12% decline. Interestingly, using AI for summarization significantly improved both quality and output. Accuracy exhibited notable variance in the AI-assisted section. Further analysis revealed that individuals with a robust background in the reading topic and superior reading/writing skills benefitted the most. I conclude the research by discussing educational policy implications, emphasizing the need for educators to warn students about the dangers of over-dependence on AI and provide guidance on its optimal use in educational settings.