bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of elevation and soaking conditions on dry bean cooking time
Authors: Didinger Chelsea , Cichy Karen , Urrea Carlos A. , Scanlan Madalyn , Thompson Henry 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDry beans and other pulses (e.g., chickpeas and cowpeas) are nutrient‐dense foods that promote human and environmental health. However, consumption is declining in many regions around the world. Addressing barriers to greater pulse intake is important to reverse this trend. Cooking time is one such barrier, with consumers viewing the long cooking times of many pulses as a hurdle to higher consumption due to lack of time or fuel availability. Equipping consumers with simple, accessible ways to reduce pulse cooking time is one way to mitigate this barrier. Accordingly, this study assessed changes to cooking time when pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were cooked at four elevations using different soaking conditions, which reflect a combination of the soaking method and salt added to the soaking solution. There were seven different cooking conditions: soaking via the overnight or quick soak method in only water or in 1% sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solutions and a no soak with no salt added comparison. Using an overnight (12‐h) soak or a quick soak resulted in similar reductions in cooking time compared to unsoaked beans. Soaking in NaCl and NaHCO3 solutions further decreased cooking time than when only water was used, with the shortest cooking times seen for NaHCO3. Elevation also impacted cooking time, with the longest cooking time being for unsoaked beans at the highest testing elevation. Adding either salt to the soaking water reduced the effect of elevation. This information was synthesized to give consumers practical tips to reduce cooking time.
Metasurface‐Based Orbital Angular Momentum Multi‐Dimensional Demultiplexer and Decoder
Authors: Gao Hui , Fan Xuhao , Wang Yuxi , Wang Xinger , Xu Ke , Zeng Cheng , Li Tingan , Deng Leimin , Xia Jinsong , Xiong Wei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLight beams possess various dimensions, such as wavelength, spin angular momentum (SAM), and orbital angular momentum (OAM), which are indispensable in numerous optical applications. However, traditional techniques entail multiple attempts to disclose desired optical information, utilizing unwieldy multi‐pass systems or mechanically moving parts that are cumbersome to integrate into compact and integrated optical systems. Here, a single‐layer dielectric metasurface platform is proposed that enables multi‐dimensional demultiplexing and decoding, circumventing the need for conventional bulk optical elements. The platform can demultiplex 3D light parameters (wavelength, SAM, and OAM) and focus them at distinct spatial positions on a designated focal plane, providing a superior alternative to far‐field beams for integration with optical fiber and communication chips. The study verifies 132‐bit independent channels for a multi‐dimensional demultiplexer and demonstrates the metasurface‐based component's ability to function as an elliptic polarization decoder through a 4‐bit elliptic polarization coding transmission experiment. This work provides a compact and efficient platform for demultiplexing multi‐dimensional SAM and OAM states over a broad wavelength range, with potential implications for optical communications, optical data storage, optical information encryption, and quantum information sciences.
Carbon steel electrodes within chloride induced reinforcement corrosion in cracked concrete: Approximation to deterministic system response
Authors: Zausinger Christoph , Müller Nico , Gilch Florian , Osterminski Kai , Gehlen Christoph 
Published: September 2023

AbstractResearch on chloride‐induced corrosion in cracked, reinforced concrete is of steady economic and scientific importance. The ever‐growing amount of reinforced concrete structures in need for maintenance and preservation calls for suitable and reliable methods to assess the current state. The present study demonstrates a specimen design that allows authentic corrosion monitoring, including solely carbon mild steel as working and counter electrodes, singularly cracked concrete as electrolytes and a conservative dismantling of the anodic steel‐concrete interface (SCI) at the end of 180 days of monitoring. The electrochemical features of the evolved specimen narrow down to the textbook behavior of the investigated electrodes according to the electro potential series of metals. The most prominent results are the chloride profiles at depth of rebar along the SCI, the build‐up of driving potential, and the decisive contribution arising from the anodic equilibrium potential. Accordingly, future repair methods should always include observation of the anodic equilibrium potential and their effectiveness is clearly addressed in the course of that value.
Lived experience of people with painful hallux valgus: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Cotchett Matthew , Bramston Cassandra , Bergin Shan , Menz Hylton B. , Jessup Rebecca 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveHallux valgus has a detrimental impact on health‐related quality of life. Education is crucial for the management of all musculoskeletal conditions, although no previous research has evaluated the sources and quality of education accessed by patients with hallux valgus. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of individuals with hallux valgus, including their educational experiences.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was employed to gather data from individuals diagnosed with painful hallux valgus. Semi‐structured interviews explored the perceptions, attitudes and educational experiences of participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the Framework Method. Respondent validation was used to ensure the rigour of the study findings.ResultsTen participants were interviewed, ages 26–72. Data analysis revealed five themes including the impact of hallux valgus, coping with hallux valgus, cause of hallux valgus, health professional support and education received. Hallux valgus was associated with a negative impact on health‐related quality of life. Participants described a lack of high quality, accurate and reliable educational resources, and a variable experience with health professionals, which was often characterised by a lack of engagement and commitment and an overemphasis of referrals for specialist opinion.ConclusionHallux valgus has a negative influence on well‐being, including physical, mental, and social impacts. Health professionals should be responsive to patient needs and strive to implement person‐centred care when indicated. There is also a need for the development of high‐quality educational resources to help people with hallux valgus make informed decisions about their condition.
Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis is different according to the comorbidity burden in post–acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lopes Marcia M. G. D. , Sousa Iasmin M. , Queiroz Sandra Azevedo , Bezerra Mara R. O. , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of a high comorbidity burden in patients who suffered an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing with the aging population, and the nutrition status also may be a predictor of clinical outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the comorbidity burden and the characteristics of the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in patients post‐AMI.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study was conducted with adult patients who were hospitalized with AMI. Pre‐existing comorbidities were assessed by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) adjusted by age, and anthropometric and BIVA characteristics were evaluated after the hemodynamic stabilization. All patients were followed‐up until hospital discharge, and their length of stay was observed.ResultsA total of 184 patients (75% were males; mean age, 60.2 ± 12.3 years) were included. The most common comorbidities were dyslipidemia (73.9%), hypertension (62%), and type 2 diabetes (34.2%). A higher CCI (≥3) was associated with sex (P = 0.008) and age (P < 0.001). Regarding BIVA, statistically significant differences were detected between sex (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001), and CCI (P = 0.003), with longer vectors in female, older adults, and those with CCI ≥ 3.ConclusionFinding a relationship between BIVA and CCI suggests the first identified coherent differences, potentially correlated with diseases, representing a first contribution to support this type of assessment. Therefore, with BIVA, healthcare professionals may monitor abnormalities and adopt preventive nutrition care measures on patients post‐AMI to improve their clinical status.
Enhancing self‐healing efficiency of natural rubber composites using halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Ismail Hanafi , Sani Noor Faezah Mohd , Othman Nadras , Majid Noor Aishatun , Islam Atif , Shuib Raa Khimi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the reinforcement effect of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in self‐healing natural rubber based on metal thiolate ion networks. The amount of HNTs was varied at five levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 phr) in order to assess the optimum amount of filler for self‐healing efficiency and mechanical recovery performance. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) provides evidence for the reversible ionic bonding, facilitated by Zn2+ and S− bonding from the metal thiolate vulcanization with rubber molecular chains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the NR/HNTs composites with lower filler loading exhibited better recovery, as there were no observable gaps between the cut surfaces of the samples. The results also revealed that addition of HNTs resulted in a significant improvement in the mechanical performance, particularly the tensile strength, which increased by approximately 20%–75%. Furthermore, the extent of healing after the broken pieces were brought in contact with each other varied from 87% to 98%, depending on HNT concentration.Highlights
Fabrication of self‐healing elastomers based on natural rubber.
Self‐healing NR presented enhanced mechanical performance with addition of HNTs.
HNTs lumen endows the composites with excellent self‐healing efficiency.
Developed NR/HNTs composite exhibited room temperature self‐healing properties.
Reversible ionic bonding expedited by Zn2+ contributes in excellent self‐healing.
Bioactive peptides against angiotensin‐converting enzyme I: An in silico study
Authors: Alvíz‐Amador Antistio , Contreras‐Puentes Neyder , Márquez‐Lázaro Johana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBioactive peptides are currently emerging as nonpharmacological alternatives for treating noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension. Pharmacological treatments for hypertension typically involve angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors such as Captopril and enalapril. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of bioactive peptides derived from food sources against this enzyme and show its possible mechanism of inhibitory action. A comprehensive search was conducted in peptide databases to identify peptides with antihypertensive properties. Subsequently, docking studies, simulations, and predictive tests assessing ADME parameters, intestinal stability, and allergenicity were performed using bioinformatics tools. The docking and simulation results demonstrated that PEP2 exhibited superior ACE1 inhibitory potential compared to other peptides, even though it had lower human intestinal absorption. In conclusion, this study suggests that these peptides hold promising potential as nutraceuticals for hypertension treatment.
Development and validation of an Academic Involution Scale for College Students in China
Authors: Wang Feng (Robin) , Yang Yanchao , Cui Tianxue 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe term “nei juan” (in English “involution”) has become a buzzword in recent Chinese tertiary educational contexts, denoting the intense competition and anxiety among Chinese college students. This project aims to develop a reliable and valid scale measuring Chinese college students' competitive psychology, that is, an Academic Involution Scale for College Students in China (AISCSC). To this end, the scale was administered online to 1015 Chinese college students from a university from the Northern China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a determination of three factors (i.e., academic behavior, social activity, and social relationship) with a strong psychometric basis. The correlations between students' academic anxiety and their involutional behavior further confirmed the concurrent validity of AISCSC.
Utilizing bio‐derived amine‐terminated thermoplastic polyhydroxyurethanes as crosslinkers for hybrid thermosets
Authors: Farkhondehnia Mohammad , Maric Milan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBio‐sourced amine‐terminated polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) are obtained by terpolymerizing bio‐based diglycerol dicarbonate (DGC) or mannitol biscarbonate (MBC) with Priamine 1074 and 1,10‐diaminodecane (DAD). Partially bio‐based thermoset non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) hybrids with high biorenewable carbon content (84%–95%) are obtained by using the synthesized PHUs as crosslinkers with cyclic carbonated copolymers derived from epoxy‐functional templates. The latter are derived from the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of an alkyl methacrylate (C13MA, with an average side‐chain length of 13) and epoxy‐functional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) mixtures (initial GMA mol fraction = 0.1–0.3). By manipulating template functionality as well as type of crosslinker, crosslinked NIPU hybrids are achieved with Young's moduli ranging from 2.35 ± 0.45 to 20.85 ± 1.73 MPa for DGC‐based crosslinkers and 1.24 ± 0.61 to 6.45 ± 1.05 MPa for MBC‐based ones. Moreover, with increased density of urethane linkages, networks become tighter as measured by swelling ratios (SR) of the networks in tetrahydrofuran (THF), consistent with the estimated molecular weight between crosslinks obtained rheologically. The crosslinked NIPUs display high conversions, ranging from 75% to 95%, despite being solvent‐ or catalyst‐free systems.
The effect of the third component on high performance ternary organic solar cells: A review
Authors: Ding Xu , Li Zhenye 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn recent years, with the continuous development of photoactive layer material, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) binary organic solar cells (BOSCs) has been significantly improved. However, it is difficult for BOSCs to maximize the effective utilization of the wide spectrum of solar energy, limiting the further improvement of PCE. Adding a third component to BOSCs that constructing ternary organic solar cells (TOSCs) is an effective method to broaden the absorption spectrum of BOSC, match the gradient energy level, and regulate the morphology of the active layer. Constructing TOSCs can not only effectively improve the device performance, but also maintain the advantages of easy‐to‐fabricate single‐junction device structures. In this review, we first introduced the basic working mechanism of TOSCs. Then based on the working mechanism, we comprehensively reviewed the latest research results of TOSCs, and analyzed the effects of the third component on the microscopic morphology of the active layer, photovoltaic performance and device stability. Finally, we systematically summarized the role of the third component in TOSCs and proposed some future development trends of TOSCs, such as designing and synthesizing more economical, green, and environmentally friendly TOSCs that towards the commercial application in the future.
Thermally initiated cationic frontal polymerization of epoxies and vinyl ethers through a lone onium salt
Authors: Groce Brecklyn R. , Ferguson Madison M. , Pojman John A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFrontal polymerization (FP) of epoxy monomers is typically achieved with a radical‐induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) process that combines a thermal radical initiator with an onium salt superacid generator. In this paper, we show that both thermal and UV‐initiated cationic frontal polymerizations are possible for common epoxy and vinyl ether monomers with only an iodonium superacid generator in the absence of a standalone thermal radical initiator. Increasing superacid generator concentration resulted in an increase in front velocity, as did the addition of vinyl ether to epoxies. The front velocity is reduced by the addition of 4‐methoxyphenol (MeHQ), indicating free‐radicals play a significant role.
Quasistatic fracture analysis of multicomponent polypropylene blends containing brominated polystyrene
Authors: Noh Kwanghae , Aplin Jeffrey T. , McCarney Jonathan , Mathur Rajeev S. , Sue Hung‐Jue 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBrominated flame retardants can be added to many thermoplastics to meet flammability requirements for a range of applications, but can lead to undesirable brittleness. This reduction in toughness can be mitigated by encapsulating the rigid flame retardant with an elastomer. The present study explores the effectiveness of elastomer‐coated brominated polystyrene (BPS) in commercial polypropylene (PP) compositions for improved fracture resistance, where inorganic fillers such as antimony trioxide (ATO) and talc are usually included as synergists for flame‐retardancy. Quasi‐static fracture toughness was determined by J‐integral based on the load separation criterion and the crack growth resistance curve (Jvs. Δa). It is found that well dispersed elastomer‐coated BPS can help disperse ATO and talc to exert enhanced toughening effect in PP. Possible fracture mechanisms behind these observed phenomena are discussed.
Imaging polymer interfaces at high resolution with electron microscopy: Perspective, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Ribbe Alexander E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTransmission electron microscopy (TEM) has evolved into a powerful characterization tool that allows visualization of materials with finer resolution than any other type of microscope in existence. While numerous areas of the physical and biologically sciences and engineering benefit tremendously from TEM and its analytical features, the highest resolution can only be achieved if a sample fulfills certain requirements, including an optimal thickness as well as a sufficiently long e‐beam stability. At a fundamental level, the physical and chemical properties of organic polymers are generally problematic in conjunction with TEM, as they experience damage from the electron beam more readily than their hard materials counterparts. However, progress in polymer characterization using TEM has evolved considerably and the polymer community stands to benefit greatly from continued growth going forward.
On the pathway of the formation of secondary structures in proteins
Authors: Chakrabarti Pinak 
Published: September 2023

AbstractProtein structures are typically made up of well‐defined modules, called secondary structures. A hierarchical model of protein folding may start with the formation of five‐membered non‐covalently‐linked ring motifs involving O⋅⋅⋅C=O and N−H···N interactions connecting two consecutive peptide groups. Some of these interactions lead to polyproline II structure, which are known to occur in the unfolded state of proteins. These interactions constitute different types of γ‐turns, providing the sharpest reversal of the chain direction. Occurring transiently in the unfolded state, and in tandem, they can lead to β‐turns. One of the β‐turns (type I) is predisposed (from a consideration of residue usage) to form the N‐terminal of an α‐helix, which then propagates toward its C‐terminal direction. O⋅⋅⋅C=O interactions encompass four distinct types of conformational features, and one of them has very similar backbone torsion angles as the polyproline II (PPII) conformation and can thus contribute to the formation of PPII helix. An adjustment from these angles can also drive the formation of β‐strand. N−H···N interactions can also constitute capping interaction at helix termini and can link a PPII helix to an α‐helix. Thus, the polypeptide backbone is endowed with all the features that can initiate the formation of secondary structural elements, and the γ‐turn motifs (resulting from O⋅⋅⋅C=O and N−H···N interactions) are the basic units the protein structures are made up of.
Differences in excito‐repellent behavior between susceptible and permethrin‐resistant strains of Aedes aegypti upon exposure to insecticide‐treated fabric
Authors: Agramonte Natasha M. , Bernier Ulrich R. , Gezan Salvador A. , Bloomquist Jeffrey R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn important component of the biological activity of pyrethroids, when used in disease vector control, is excito‐repellency. In this study, behavioral differences between insecticide susceptible (Orlando) and pyrethroid resistant (Puerto Rican) strains of Aedes aegypti were explored in a round glass arena using fabrics treated with permethrin, etofenprox, deltamethrin, or DDT. Repellency was evaluated across several variables, including the time to first flight (TFF), number of landings (NOL), total flight time (TFT), and maximum surface contact (MSC), all by video analysis.RESULTSResults from the Orlando strain indicated they were less likely than the Puerto Rican strain to tolerate tarsal contact with the treated fabrics. All four response variables indicated that the mosquito flight and landing behavior was most affected by pyrethroid resistance [knockdown resistance (kdr)] status. In other experiments, mosquitoes were surgically altered, with antennae ablated bilaterally, and these mosquitoes were more likely to stay on the treated surfaces for longer periods of time, irrespective of any chemical exposure. There were also differences in the responses to antennal ablation between the two strains of mosquitoes, indicating that resistance factors, probably kdr, influence the reactivity of mosquitoes to pyrethroid and DDT treatments, and that it was not completely negated by antennal ablation.CONCLUSIONSThese findings confirm the role of antennal olfactory components in the expression of excito‐repellent behaviors, and also support the hypothesis that excito‐repellency from pyrethroid/DDT exposure is probably due to a combination of sublethal neurotoxic excitation and interactions with the olfactory system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.