bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valorization of waste biaxially‐oriented polypropylene plastic films by its co‐carbonization with almond leaves
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Amusa Victor Temitope , Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study utilized the top‐lit updraft technology for the co‐carbonization of waste biaxially‐oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) for the production of hybrid biochar, which was then further characterized. Biochar was also synthesized and characterized using the almond leaves alone, as it served as control for the study. The carbonization process, which ran for 100 min, gave a yield of 39.4% and 33.9% for biochar and hybrid biochar, respectively. FTIR spectra showed the presence of functional groups such as amine and carbonyl groups in the hybrid biochar. EDX results showed that the hybrid biochar contained about 57.3% carbon, in combination with other elements. SEM micrographs confirmed the presence of the plastic in the hybrid biochar. In addition, the hybrid biochar had a BET surface area of 366.8 m2/g and a pore diameter of 2.093 nm. DTA/TGA analysis showed that the presence of the plastics decreased the thermal stability of the hybrid biochar. This study supports the use of Terminalia catappa leaves as a reliable precursor for the synthesis of biochar and hybrid biochar.
Modeling frictional heating effects in triple friction pendulum isolators
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Myung , Constantinou Michael C. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis paper augments the series spring model for Triple Friction Pendulum (TFP) isolators to predict the relative displacement and velocity at each of its four sliding interfaces. This enables the prediction of the rise in temperature at each sliding interface that results from frictional heating and the introduction of temperature‐dependent friction coefficient. Moreover, the model directly accounts for the velocity‐dependence of the friction coefficient as it can predict the actual velocities at each sliding interface, whereas the original series model only approximately accounted for the velocity effects. It also accounts for the effects of instantaneous bearing pressure on the friction coefficient. The model has been implemented in program OpenSees and has been verified by comparison to results obtained using a much more advanced and complex model that is unsuitable for computations with a large number of isolators.
Performance evaluation of various phosphorus compounds on the flammability properties of short carbon fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 composites
Authors: Aydogan Yavuz , Atabek Savas Lemiye , Erdem Aysegul , Hacioglu Firat , Dogan Mehmet 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe properties including combustibility, rigidity, thermal conductivity, and the color of the fiber sample influence the flammability characteristics of composite materials. Although the influence of phosphorus‐based fire retardants on the flammability characteristics of glass fiber‐based composite materials has been well studied, there is a need to better understand the effects of these fire retardants on the flammability characteristics of carbon fiber‐based composites. In the current study, four different commercially available phosphorus compounds (melamine polyphosphate (MPP), 9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene10‐oxide (DOPO), aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi), and zinc diethyl phosphinate (ZnPi)) are used. The flammability test results indicate that UL‐94 V rating maintains to burn to clamp with the addition of MPP, DOPO, and ZnPi in all concentrations. The highest UL94 V rating of V0 is obtained with the addition 10 wt% AlPi. An increase in LOI value is observed in samples containing MPP, AlPi, and DOPO. The highest LOI value of 41.5% is observed with the addition of 20 wt% AlPi. According to the MLC results, the lower peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat evolved (THE) values are obtained with the addition of all studied phosphorus compounds. The lowest pHRR (157 ± 10 kW/m2) and THE (44 ± 5 MJ/m2) values are obtained with the use of 20 wt% MPP and DOPO, respectively. The highest fire performance index (FPI) is achieved with the use of AlPi. Apart from DOPO which shows its effect predominantly in the gas phase, the studied phosphorus compounds exert flame retardant action both in the condensed and gas phases.
The cost–benefit trade‐off in young children's overimitation behaviour
Authors: Nielsen Mark , Grant Julie , Tomaselli Keyan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn overimitation, an observer reproduces a model's visually causally redundant actions in pursuit of an object‐directed outcome. There remains an assumption that costs involved in adopting redundant actions renders them maladaptive in the immediate context. Here, we report on an experiment designed to evaluate whether or not overimitating is costly in this way. One hundred and eight children from two contrasting cultural groups (Australian Western vs. South African Bushman) observed an adult open an apparatus using a process that locked one side and opened another. Two toys were then inserted in the locked side and one in the open side. Copying the model meant access only to the lower quantity reward would be possible. This process was repeated for a second trial. Contrary to expectation, children retrieved similar numbers of toys regardless of whether they reproduced the model's actions or not, suggesting that in contexts like that presented here, overimitation is not costly in the ways commonly assumed.
Licorice protects against ulcerative colitis via the Nrf2/PINK1‐mediated mitochondrial autophagy
Authors: Kong Jinrong , Xiang Qingzhen , Shi Gaoxiang , Xu Zaiping , Ma Xiaowen , Wang Yunlai , Xuan Zihua , Xu Fan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurposeStudy of the effects and mechanisms of licorice in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy.MethodsBALB/C mice were induced with 3% dextran sodium sulfate to build an animal model of UC. After 7 days of modeling, different doses of licorice were administered for 7 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining is used to detect pathological changes in the colon. Mitochondrial membrane potentials and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were detected by flow cytometry, and autophagy of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Determination of inflammatory cytokines by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The oxidizing factors are detected by the kits. Western blot analysis was used to detect expressions for nuclear factor called erythropoietin (Nrf2), pten‐induced protein kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, HO‐1, P62, and LC3.ResultsLicorice improved the pathological condition of UC mice, increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and decreasing the ROS content. Promotes the emergence of autophagosomes and autophagosomes. The contents of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha were downregulated, the contents of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were upregulated and the contents of malondialdehyde were downregulated. In addition, licorice promotes the expression of Nrf2, PINK1, Parkin, HO‐1, P62, and LC3.ConclusionLicorice was shown to reduce levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in mice with UC, possibly by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the activation of the Nrf2/PINK1 pathway.
Investor trading behavior and asset prices: Evidence from quantile regression analysis
Authors: Zhou Liyun , Lin Weinan , Yang Chunpeng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractConsidering the behavior anomaly under both rising and falling market conditions, this paper aims to address whether the investor trading behavior is sensitive to a different quantile of stock return dispersions by using quantile regression model. Results show that investor trading behavior has significant impacts on different quantiles of stock return dispersions, and reveal the smile slope of investor trading behavior effect which is stronger at the extreme quantile distributions than the median distribution. Moreover, results evidence that the investor trading behavior effect with optimistic investor sentiment should be stronger than the investor trading behavior effect with pessimistic investor sentiment. Finally, this paper sheds light on the anchoring effect of investor trading behavior, and demonstrates that the anchor of investor trading behavior has a positive and significant impact on stock returns. These patterns hold when accounting for stock specific characteristics, various factors and market conditions.
Electronic properties of 3dtransition metal dihalide monolayers predicted byDFTmethods: Is there a pattern or are the results random?
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐chau , Wang Chung‐Yu , Huang Bo‐Jie , Kuo Jer‐Lai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe use periodic DFT calculations at LDA and PBE level to investigate 3dtransition metal dihalide (TMDH) monolayers in H‐ and T‐phase. By analyzing the phonon dispersion, we have obtained a rough overview which combinations may form stable structures. We have focused on identifying and explaining trends in the predicted electronic properties. Although their geometric structures are simple, the associated electronic and magnetic properties are not as easy to understand. At first glance, it seems that there is no clear trend, as even isovalence‐electronic TMDH monolayers formed from the same metal but different halides can feature different magnetic moments. The identification of potential trends is further complicated by the fact that for a significant number of species, LDA results and PBE results predict different ground‐state electronic structures. By rigorously analyzing the potential energy surfaces associated with different magnetic moments, we could show that the apparent inconsistencies can be easily understood as a result of the differences in the relative energy between electronic states of different magnetic moments. We further show that the trends in the band gaps can be easily rationalized by an electron counting rule based on simple symmetry arguments.
A comparison of academic and clinical assessments between endodontic residents receiving in‐person versus virtual instruction
Authors: Chatha Nauman R. , Qayyum Zheala 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivesDue to the COVID‐19 pandemic, all modes of instruction were moved to virtual teaching for the matriculating endodontic residents at Boston University (BU) School of Dental Medicine (2020–2021). As dentistry is a very hands‐on profession, the switch to virtual teaching comes with its own issues of concept retention, zoom fatigue, and limited interaction/lack of engagement between residents and faculty. There has already been a steady decline in the attendance of live lectures by medical and dental students, with students underscoring the ease of watching online lectures/recorded lectures and learning at their own pace.MethodsThis study took a mixed method observational research approach, with one group receiving the standard in‐person (IP) teaching the previous year, and the other group receiving the new intervention of virtual teaching the subsequent year via the zoom platform. The two groups received the same curriculum in its entirety. End‐of‐semester written and oral exams were compared between the two cohorts along with their clinical assessment forms. One focus group was conducted individually with each class for the qualitative portion of this study.ResultsThe class of residents receiving IP instruction scored higher in both written and oral components of the end‐of‐semester exam. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in their clinical performance and both groups improved in their exams and clinical performance over time. Focus groups highlighted themes emphasizing the importance of social connectedness and interactions, engagement, individual learning styles and motivating factors, zoom fatigue, and the need for a hybrid model of education.ConclusionsAlthough there was a difference in an exam performance of residents receiving IP versus virtual instruction, there was no impact on their clinical performance. However, subjectively, the lack of social connectedness impacted the overall learning experience.
Elective genetic testing: Genetics professionals’ perspectives and practices
Authors: Miura Madison S. , Suckiel Sabrina A. , Naik Hetanshi , Soper Emily R. , Abul‐Husn Noura S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractElective genetic testing (EGT) to identify disease risk in individuals who may or may not meet clinical criteria for testing is increasingly being offered in clinical practice. However, little is known about how EGT is currently implemented and how genetics professionals perceive this type of testing. We conducted a mixed‐methods survey study to evaluate genetics professionals' perspectives and attitudes about EGT and describe the current landscape of EGT practices in the United States (U.S.) and Canada. Six clinical geneticists and 131 genetic counselors responded to the online survey, among whom 44% reported offering EGT in their practice. Over 84% of survey respondents agreed that EGT may improve health outcomes and understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations, and 85% agreed that potential risks include result misinterpretation and contribution to economic health disparities. Though most respondents felt comfortable providing pretest (77%) and post‐test (86%) counseling for EGT, lack of provider resources (such as time and personnel) and prioritization of diagnostic testing were cited most frequently in free‐text responses as reasons for not offering EGT. Of those offering EGT, 88% reported positive overall experiences. Qualitative analysis of open‐ended questions identified benefits of EGT as expanding access to genetic testing, providing potential health benefits, and providing psychological benefits for patients. Disadvantages included prohibitive costs, limited clinical utility, and strain on resources. Overall, we found that genetics providers perceive both potential benefits and harms of EGT and that those offering this testing had generally positive experiences, although ethical reservations and practical limitations exist.
Regulation of denitrification/ammonia volatilization by periphyton in paddy fields and its promise in rice yield promotion
Authors: Abulaiti Alimu , She Dongli , Zhang Wenjuan , Xia Yongqiu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDNitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in rice production. N loss via denitrification and ammonia (NH3) volatilization decreases N utilization efficiency. The effect of periphyton (a widespread soil surface microbial aggregate in paddy soil) on N‐cycling processes and rice growth in paddy soils remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to reveal the interactions of periphyton with the overlying water and sediment in paddy soils on denitrification/NH3 emissions and rice yield by combining pot experiments and path analysis modeling.RESULTSThe sediment exerted significant direct and positive effects on denitrification. The periphyton both directly and indirectly enhanced denitrification, mainly by regulating the ammonium (NH4+)‐N content in the sediment. The total contribution of periphyton to denitrification was stronger than that of the overlying water but smaller than that of the sediment. The pH in the overlying water and the NH4+‐N content in the sediment had a strong positive effect on NH3 volatilization. Although the periphyton biomass and chlorophyll a directly prohibited NH3 emissions, this was counterbalanced by the indirect stimulation effects of the periphyton due to its positive alteration of the pH. Moreover, periphyton facilitated rice yield by 10.2% by releasing N.CONCLUSIONAlthough the periphyton may have driven N loss by regulating the NH4+‐N content in the sediment and the pH in the overlying water, our study also found that the periphyton was considered a temporary N sink and provided a sustained release of N for rice, thus increasing the rice yield. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Topical Adenosine Inhibits Inflammation and Mucus Production in Viral Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Waldstein Kody A. , Ganama Maria , Varga Steven M. , Tilley Stephen , Hua Xiaoyang 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveViral acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is the leading cause of work and school absence and antibiotic over‐prescription. There are limited treatment options available to ameliorate the symptoms caused by viral ARS. We have previously demonstrated that topical adenosine treatment enhances mucociliary clearance in the sino‐nasal tract. Here, we assessed the therapeutic potential of topical adenosine in a mouse model of viral ARS.MethodsThe effect of topical adenosine on inflammatory response and mucin gene expression was examined in a mouse model of viral ARS induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nasal‐only infection. We also investigated the inflammatory effect of both endogenous and exogenous adenosine in the sino‐nasal tract.ResultsTopical adenosine significantly inhibited the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, goblet hyperplasia, mucin expression, and cell damage in the nose of mice with viral ARS. This treatment did not prolong virus clearance. This inhibitory effect was primarily mediated by the A2A adenosine receptor (AR). Although previous studies have shown that adenosine induces a robust inflammatory response in the lungs, neither endogenous nor exogenous adenosine produced inflammation in the sino‐nasal tract. Instead, exogenous adenosine inhibited the baseline expression of TNF and IL‐1β in the nose. Additionally, baseline expression of ARs was lower in the nose than that in the trachea and lungs.ConclusionWe demonstrated that intranasal adenosine administration effectively decreased inflammation and mucus production in a mouse model of viral ARS.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 133:2095–2103, 2023
Chemically functionalized graphene oxide with N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine as efficient tribo‐ and rheological modifier for lubricating oil
Authors: Agarwal Priyanka , Porwal Suheel K. , Porwal Jyoti , Singh Raj K. , Singhal Naveen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNanoadditive with multifunctional properties holds commercial importance in the lubricant industry. Herein, GO‐N‐PPDA was synthesised as nanoadditive by functionalizing graphene oxide (GO) using N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The antioxidant behaviour of GO‐N‐PPDA was analysed by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate. The nanoparticles dispersed mineral base oil (N‐250) in 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% (w/v) concentrations were evaluated for tribological, rheological and thermophysical analysis by ASTM methods. The flow behaviour of the nanolubricant shows shear thickening behaviour with an increase in shear rate. In contrast, tribological results indicate a significant reduction in wear scar diameter and coefficient of friction to the base oil. Furthermore, GO‐N‐PPDA shows improved thermophysical properties compared with the mineral base oil. Thus, GO‐N‐PPDA shows multifunctional behaviour in terms of viscosity index, pour point, antioxidant activity, rheology and tribological properties.
Preparation of graphene‐loading copper nanoparticles by freeze drying and its tribological properties
Authors: Peng Runling , Wang Wei , Wang Peng , Liu Jinyue , Liu Shijiao , Zhai Haonan , Guo Junde 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTo reduce the agglomeration of graphene and improve the synergistic friction‐reducing and anti‐wear action of graphene loading copper, one‐step preparation of reduced graphene oxide/copper(RGO/Cu) nanoparticles by freeze‐drying method was used, the influence of process parameters on particles size of RGO/Cu is studied by orthogonal experiments. The microstructures of RGO/Cu nanoparticles are characterized by SEM and AFM, and the tribological properties of RGO/Cu nanoparticles are studied on a tribometer. The results show that the purity of RGO/Cu nanoparticles prepared by freeze‐drying was higher, and the copper nanoparticles 100–200 nm are uniformly attached to the graphene surface. It was found that RGO/Cu nanoparticles have better friction reduction and anti‐wear properties than graphene mono‐agent as lubricant additive. The synergistic anti‐friction and anti‐wear performance are better at the addition of 0.10 wt% for RGO/Cu nanoparticles. Compared with the base oil, the friction coefficient decreases by 23.1%, and the width of wear scar decreases by 62.5%.
Phantom and methodology for comparison of small lesion detectability in PET
Authors: Wollenweber Scott D. , Alessio Adam M. , Kinahan Paul E. 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTPurposeThe main goal of this work is to describe a phantom design, data acquisition and data analysis methodology enabling comparison of small lesion detectability between PET imaging systems and reconstruction algorithms. Several methods are currently available to characterize intrinsic and image quality performance, but none focus exclusively on small lesion detectability.MethodsWe previously developed a small‐lesion detection phantom and described initial results using a head‐size phantom. Unlike most fillable nuclear medicine phantoms, this phantom offers a semi‐realistic heterogenous background and wall‐less contrast features. In this work, the methodology is extended to include (a) the use of both head‐ and body‐sized phantoms and (b) a multi‐scan data collection and analysis method. We present an example use case of the phantom and detection estimation methodology, comparing the small‐lesion detection performance across four commercial PET/CT systems.ResultsRepeat acquisitions of the phantom enabled estimation of model observer performance and surrogates of detectability. As anticipated, estimated detectability increased with the square root of system sensitivity and TOF offered marked improvement in detectability, especially for the body sized object. The proposed approach characterizing detectability at different times during the decay of the phantom enabled comparison of small lesion detectability at matched activity concentrations (and scan durations) across different scanners.ConclusionThe proposed approach offers a reproducible tool for evaluating relative tradeoffs of system performance on small lesion detectability.
Pain reduction method in recording F‐waves from the vastus lateralis muscle
Authors: Kurobe Masataka , Suzuki Toshiaki 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsConventional recording of F‐waves from the vastus lateralis muscle causes severe pain in some subjects. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of the stimulation frequency on pain and F‐wave parameters when recording F‐waves from this muscle and to develop a method for recording F‐waves from the vastus lateralis muscle that causes minimal pain.MethodsThe subject's femoral nerve was electrically stimulated at 0.5 or 0.2 Hz 30 times, while F‐waves were recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle. Pain intensity was measured immediately using a visual analog scale. In addition, the visual analog scale, F‐wave persistence, F‐wave latency, and F/M amplitude ratio were compared between F‐wave recordings with 0.5‐Hz electrical stimulation and those with 0.2‐Hz electrical stimulation.ResultsEleven healthy men participated in this study. The visual analog scale and F‐wave persistence decreased when electrical stimulation at 0.2 Hz was applied compared with electrical stimulation at 0.5 Hz.DiscussionElectrical stimulation at 0.5 Hz increased pain due to temporal summation. However, electrical stimulation at 0.2 Hz did not cause temporal summation, suggesting reduced pain and excitability of the alpha motor neuron pool.