bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ionic Strength and Anion Identity on Rare‐Earth Element Chelation by Poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Gallagher Connor M. B. , Schulz Michael D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRare‐earth elements (REEs) are critical components of many modern technologies, but their efficient separation and purification continue to pose significant challenges. Metal‐binding polymers may enable the development of promising alternative approaches to conventional separation techniques (e.g., solvent extraction), and insights into the interactions between the metal ions and polymers in solution are crucial to such development. In this work, the effect of ionic strength on the chelation of REEs by poly(acrylic acid) is investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure the metal‐binding thermodynamics. ITC experiments revealed that when ionic strength increases from increasing the sodium acetate buffer strength, polymer‐REE binding becomes increasingly disfavored. However, when ionic strength is increased by the addition of sodium chloride, binding again becomes increasingly disfavored, but to a lesser extent than when ionic strength increases from increasing the buffer strength. Additionally, the reduction in binding affinity is enthalpically driven when ionic strength is raised with sodium chloride, while it is entropically driven when raised with sodium acetate buffer, suggesting competive binding by the acetate ions. These results highlight the importance of ionic strength in polymer‐metal binding thermodynamics and will guide the development of new processes for the purification of critical metals.
Overconfidence, underconfidence, and entry in contests
Authors: Bansah Marcus , Neilson William , Lee Jun Soo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper provides a theoretic foundation for overconfidence driving entry into competition and underconfidence leading to avoidance. We do this using the classic Tullock rent‐seeking contest, modeling overconfidence as an overestimate of one's probability of success and underestimate of an opponent's probability of success and underconfidence as an underestimate of one's probability of success. When an unknowingly overconfident player 1 who overestimates his winning probability faces an unbiased opponent who is aware of player 1's overconfidence, player 1 exerts more effort than player 2, and player 1's objective expected payoff is greater than player 2's. On the other hand, when an unknowingly overconfident player 1 who underestimates his opponent's winning probability faces this unbiased opponent who is aware of player 1's overconfidence, both players reduce their effort and player 1's objective expected payoff is lower than player 2's. However, player 1's subjective expected payoff, which governs entry into the contest, is higher than player 2's, and overconfident players find contests more appealing than unbiased players do, even unbiased players facing other unbiased players. Underconfident players have subjective expected payoffs that are even lower than their objective expected payoffs, so underconfident players tend to avoid competition. The data generated from repeated contests would make it harder for underconfident players to learn of their bias than overconfident ones.
Recurrent laryngeal motor nerve conduction studies in a rat model: Establishing an objective measure for investigating laryngeal innervation
Authors: Baertsch Hans , Cvancara David J. , Paniello Randal C. , Hillel Allen D. , Bhatt Neel K. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsDisease or injury can cause neuromuscular changes to the larynx that can affect voice, breathing, and swallowing. Motor nerve conduction studies have had limited use in the study of laryngeal neurophysiology, despite their importance in other anatomic sites. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of performing recurrent laryngeal motor nerve conduction studies (rlMNCS) in a rat model.MethodsrlMNCS were performed in 15 rats under anesthesia. A bipolar stimulating electrode was placed on the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) 5 mm below the cricoid cartilage. Via direct laryngoscopy, a recording electrode was placed transorally into the thyroarytenoid muscle. The RLN was maximally stimulated to determine the compound muscle action potential (CMAP). Three consecutive trials were averaged.ResultsThe mean stimulating threshold to the RLN to achieve a CMAP from the thyroarytenoid was 1.7 ± 0.6 mA. RLN stimulation caused a visible adductor twitch of the vocal fold in all animals. The mean negative amplitude was 2.0 ± 0.8 mV, and the total area was 1.0 ± 0.4 mV ms. The CMAP latency and negative duration were 1.0 ± 0.1 ms and 0.9 ± 0.2 ms, respectively.DiscussionrlMNCS are feasible and may be useful in understanding laryngeal neurophysiology with disease or injury. This work could provide a tractable animal model for studying and monitoring treatment of neuromuscular conditions affecting voice, breathing, and swallowing.
Phase II study of 131I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine with 5 days of topotecan for refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma: Results of the French study MIITOP
Authors: Sevrin François , Kolesnikov‐Gauthier Hélène , Cougnenc Olivier , Bogart Emilie , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Courbon Frederic , Gambart Marion , Giraudet Anne‐Laure , Corradini Nadège , Badel Jean‐Noël , Rault Erwann , Oudoux Aurore , Deley Marie Cécile Le , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurposeWe report the results of the French multicentric phase II study MIITOP (NCT00960739), which evaluated tandem infusions of 131I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) and topotecan in children with relapsed/refractory metastatic neuroblastoma (NBL).MethodsPatients received 131I‐mIBG on day 1, with intravenous topotecan daily on days 1–5. A second activity of 131I‐mIBG was given on day 21 to deliver a whole‐body radiation dose of 4 Gy, combined with a second course of topotecan on days 21–25. Peripheral blood stem cells were infused on day 31.ResultsThirty patients were enrolled from November 2008 to June 2015. Median age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (2–20). Twenty‐one had very high‐risk NBL (VHR‐NBL), that is, stage 4 NBL at diagnosis or at relapse, with insufficient response (i.e., less than a partial response of metastases and more than three mIBG spots) after induction chemotherapy; nine had progressive metastatic relapse. Median Curie score at inclusion was 6 (1–26). Median number of prior lines of treatment was 3 (1–7). Objective response rate was 13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4–31) for the whole population, 19% for VHR‐NBL, and 0% for progressive relapses. Immediate tolerance was good, with nonhematologic toxicity limited to grade‐2 nausea/vomiting in eight patients. Two‐year event‐free survival was 17% (95% CI: 6–32). Among the 16 patients with VHR‐NBL who had not received prior myeloablative busulfan‐melphalan consolidation, 13 had at least stable disease after MIITOP; 11 subsequently received busulfan‐melphalan; four of them were alive (median follow‐up: 7 years).ConclusionMIITOP showed acceptable tolerability in this heavily pretreated population and encouraging survival rates in VHR‐NBL when followed by busulfan‐melphalan.
Use of covalent dynamic networks as binders on epoxy‐based carbon fiber composites: Effect on properties, processing, and recyclability
Authors: Vidal Julio , Hornero Carlos , Garcia Ruth , Cuartero Jesus , Beaucamp Anne , Collins Maurice N. , Garcia Lidia , Ponce David , Royo Mari Carme , Sanchez Elisabeth , Castell Pere 
Published: August 2023

AbstractComposites are gaining widespread market interest due to their outstanding mechanical properties and light weight. However, this growth is hindered by the lack of sustainable recycling solutions. This research aims to integrate reversible chemistries to advanced carbon fiber‐reinforced composite materials for recycling in a so‐called eco‐design, circular approach. Diene and dienophile reactions are generated at the surface of the carbon fiber allowing a bond–debond interaction with the epoxy matrix. The application of the Diels–Alder adduct on the fiber modifies its polarity and structure. This research assesses a biobased and synthetic epoxy equivalent and demonstrates that this newly developed interphase chemistry has a direct impact on the crosslinking efficiency of the resin, as well as on their interlaminar properties. Furthermore, it has been observed that depending on the type of resin, these changes can have differing impacts on final properties of the composite, reducing the crosslinking density up to 50% in some modifications while in others the Tg remains constant.
A study on whether nonverbal inductive reasoning predicts mathematical performance
Authors: Ren Bingqian , Liang Xiaotong , Li Jingyi , Cao Luyi , Zhou Xinlin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMathematical performance plays a vital role in students' academic development. Studies have shown that some basic cognitive processes, including inductive reasoning, are critical for the development of mathematical performance. However, little empirical evidence has been accumulated regarding the association between inductive reasoning and mathematical performance. This study investigated whether inductive reasoning has a unique predictive effect on situational, verbalized, and symbolic mathematical performance. A total of 203 eighth‐graders were recruited for a series of tasks. Results showed that when only gender and age were controlled for, inductive reasoning ability could significantly predict all types of mathematical performance. However, after controlling for general cognitive abilities, including language, spatial visualization, and working memory, inductive reasoning ability did not significantly predict any mathematical performance. By contrast, language and spatial ability showed independent predictions for mathematical performance. Results suggest that language and spatial abilities, other than inductive reasoning, could support mathematical processing.
Comparing passive and active macroinvertebrate sampling gear efficacy during biomonitoring in Southern Appalachian mountain streams
Authors: Gibbs W. Keith , Cook S. Bradford , Kulp Matthew A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAquatic invertebrates are important components of any aquatic ecosystem and are frequently monitored to determine the ecological integrity of those systems. Various gear types are used to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates in wadeable streams. We analyzed commonly used active and passive gear types, including kick seines, Hess samplers, drift nets, and Hester–Dendy samplers, across a watershed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to determine their efficacy under various habitat conditions in wadeable Southern Appalachian mountain streams. Hester–Dendy samplers were significantly different from other gear types for most univariate and multivariate analyses. Kick and Hess samples were most similar in multivariate comparisons of macroinvertebrate assemblages. Drift samples were similar in most univariate analyses but were distinct from other gear types when analyzed with multivariate techniques. Our results indicate that comprehensive assessments of macroinvertebrate assemblages require multiple gear types, various analytical approaches, and consistent taxonomic resolution. The complexity of the fluvial system in question should be thoroughly assessed prior to formulating a macroinvertebrate biomonitoring protocol to better ensure robust and meaningful results.
Effect of Silica Content on Cellular Structural and Hygroscopicity of Modified Cassava Starch Foam
Authors: Figueiró Camila da Silva , Trojaner Maria Rachel , Calcagno Carmen Iara Walter , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe growth in polymer production is influenced by the high demand from the packaging sector. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is one of these materials that is widely used in disposable packaging, however, this generates waste that occupies a large volume and is difficult to degrade. Starch, a naturally occurring and biodegradable polysaccharide, may be an alternative in the search for a renewable source material. However, starch foams have some limitations related to their hygroscopicity. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of silica content (1%, 2%, and 3%) on the cell structure and surface hygroscopicity of cassava starch foams. The foams containing starch, glycerol, and water are produced by thermo‐compression molding. Results show that, at lower contents, silica acts predominantly as a nucleating agent, generating smaller cells in the foam. At the higher silica content, it plays a more efficient role in reducing the affinity of the starch for water. The formulation with 2% silica shows the highest density (0.232 g cm−3), impact strength (2067 J m−2), and contact angle (84.8°).
Digitalisation and Financial Data Governance in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ndemo Bitange , Mkalama Ben 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFinancial technology companies (FinTechs) have taken to digitalisation both to understand their customers and to use data to design more productive and convenient products. As a result, they are credited with making financial resources increasingly available and affordable. In Africa, millions of people use a vast array of proliferating mobile platforms as transactional interfaces. Although these innovations have improved the ease of financial transactions, they are not without challenges. In this paper, we explore digitalisation and financial governance in Africa. We identify the current state of knowledge and explicate how this understanding has been applied on the continent. Finally, we specify existing knowledge gaps in areas that could form the basis of a future research agenda for practitioners and policymakers.
The Use of Photovoltaic Solar Panels to Reduce Temperature-Induced Bridge Deformations
Authors: Borah Sushmita , Al-Habaibeh Amin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCivil infrastructure such as bridges undergo deformations such as displacement and strain due to environmental temperature variations. Temperature causes deformations equal to or larger than that due to traffic load on bridges. This research evaluates whether the deformations due to temperature load on bridges can be minimised by incorporating photovoltaic solar panels on the bridge surface. The panels can be attached to the bridge truss, piers, and the periphery of the deck excluding the pavement, i.e., excluding bridge superstructure elements under direct traffic load to avoid wear and tear of the solar panels. The hypothesis is that solar panels will generate electricity from solar radiation and the bridge elements underneath the panels will experience less temperature load. The truss will experience smaller deformations and thereby increasing its lifespan. This hypothesis is tested with a laboratory experiment on a bridge truss. A combination of solar panels is attached to the surface of an Aluminium truss. The truss is subjected to 1-h heating and cooling cycles created using infrared lamps. The truss is monitored with linear variable differential transformers and thermocouples. Displacements and surface temperature of the truss are recorded. Results have shown a 34.0% reduction in displacement due to the installation of solar panels. The temperature of the truss has been also reduced by 15–25.6%. This research shows the benefit of integrating renewable energy means in infrastructure such as bridges to reduce temperature-induced structural deformations. Such integration can enhance the bridge lifespan along with generating green energy to electrify the bridge or the local area.
The Effect of Vane Number in Casing Treatment of an Axial-Flow Compressor
Authors: Soodani Sara , Hosseini SeyedVahid , Hakimi Mohammad , Akhlaghi Mohammad 
Published: August 2023

AbstractImprovement of the operating range of compressors will help the power and energy plant to work more flexibly to integrate with other energy generation systems. The stall, rotating stall, and resulting surge are the most dominant limiting phenomenon in axial compressor operating envelop. Several active and passive methods have been employed to eliminate occurring of these phenomena and to extend compressors’ stable range. Among these, casing treatment is one of the most useful methods. This study aims to investigate the effect of the number of stationary blades on the performance and stall margin of an axial compressor through numerical simulation. Casing treatments in two different configurations of 33.3 and 53.5% of rotor blade tip exposure and with six different numbers of vanes, 30, 40, 60, 80, 90, and 120, are simulated with computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS software. The numerical simulation is validated with available experimental data. The results reveal that in a high rotor exposure configuration, the highest number of vanes provides the best performance for the compressor. However, in a low exposure configuration, the optimum number of the vanes, 90 for the 33.3% exposure, can be found with the proposed numerical procedure based on stall margin improvement.
Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment: Qualitative Analysis of SMEs from Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Senegal
Authors: Samy Yiagadeesen , Adedeji Adeniran , Iraoya Augustine , Dutta Madhurjya Kumar , Fakmawii Jasmine Lal , Hao Wen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUsing Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Senegal as case studies, this chapter elucidates the dynamics of trade and women empowerment in Africa through a qualitative analysis that involved focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with managers and employers, and employees of SMEs, as well as government officials and Trade Support Organizations (TSOs). After presenting the operational context of trade and economic performance in the four candidate countries, the barriers to women’s participation in trade are discussed using the PESTLE framework. Our qualitative analysis shows that cross-cutting factors that influence job creation for women across the trade sectors include the nature of work, job demands in terms of physical strength and timing, and working conditions of employees. The chapter argues that trade has the potential to empower women. However, if finds that various challenges prevent women from maximizing the gains from trade and proposes that a strong public–private partnership is necessary for trade to lead to women empowerment.
Conclusion
Authors: Samy Yiagadeesen , Adedeji Adeniran , Iraoya Augustine , Dutta Madhurjya Kumar , Fakmawii Jasmine Lal , Hao Wen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this concluding chapter, we bring together the findings of our research, drawn from the survey of SMEs and the qualitative analysis (focus group discussions, key informant interviews and in-depth interviews) that were conducted for the current project across the six selected countries: Cambodia, Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria, Senegal and Vietnam. We started this book by arguing that international trade has the potential to provide women with more and better employment opportunities, drive productivity and economic growth, and thus empower women and improve gender equality. As we summarize our findings in this concluding chapter, we discuss how and whether this potential is being met, and why it may not always be attained. Finally, we offer our policy recommendations for how women entrepreneurs and workers can better take advantage of the opportunities that are made possible by international trade.
Unmasking Realities: Public Health Communication in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mirchandani Sonalini , Chitrapu Sunitha 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe authors take a critical look at India’s public health communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case study method is used. Data include what was gleaned from interviews with key informants engaged in outreach communication, news reports, and artefacts from select COVID campaigns as they evolved through the first and second waves of the pandemic. Learnings are drawn from previous health communication campaigns that focused on behavior change including India’s successful and well recognized communications interventions during its HIV and AIDS campaigns, as well as its remarkable Pulse Polio efforts.
Iran’s Experience with the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Moghanibashi-Mansourieh Amir , Arshi Maliheh , Arabgari Amirhesam 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIran was one of the first countries to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The onset of the pandemic coincided with the serious ongoing economic problems that Iran was facing and which have seriously impacted the lives of Iranians. According to official statistics, there were about six million infections and 130,000 deaths due to COVID-19 by December 2021. Quarantine, social distancing, and other health protocols had an adverse impact on mental and social health. Vulnerable groups, including children, women heads of households, the homeless, drug addicts, and the disabled were at higher risk. Although initially governmental and non-governmental organizations were not prepared to manage the pandemic, overtime serious efforts were made to implement innovative measures in the areas of education and mental health service provision. Economic conditions in Iran have adversely impacted all these measures. The authors discuss Iran's experience with COVID-19 focusing on the health, social, psychological, and economic factors and draw lessons from these experiences.
The Long Shadow of COVID-19
Authors: Kapila Mukesh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe sudden arrival of COVID-19 shook the world and evoked varied—sometimes contradictory—reactions from communities, countries, and institutions around the world. The pandemic brought out the best and worst of humanity even as the complex play of factors underpinning the spread of the coronavirus collided in myriad ways to both facilitate and obstruct effective responses. The experience has generated much angst and questions about the way we are organized and relate to each other. And, most of all, it has the potential to reshape our fundamental premises. The effects will be profound going well beyond the pandemic itself to the notions of collective health as a common global good.
νDoBe — A Python tool for neutrinoless double beta decay
Authors: Scholer Oliver , de Vries Jordy , Gráf Lukáš 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We present νDoBe, a Python tool for the computation of neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) rates in terms of lepton-number-violating operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). The tool can be used for automated calculations of 0νββ rates, electron spectra and angular correlations for all isotopes of experimental interest, for lepton-number-violating operators up to and including dimension 9. The tool takes care of renormalization-group running to lower energies and provides the matching to the low-energy effective field theory and, at lower scales, to a chiral effective field theory description of 0νββ rates. The user can specify different sets of nuclear matrix elements from various many-body methods and hadronic low-energy constants. The tool can be used to quickly generate analytical and numerical expressions for 0νββ rates and to generate a large variety of plots. In this work, we provide examples of possible use along with a detailed code documentation. The code can be accessed through:GitHub: https://github.com/OScholer/nudobeOnline User-Interface: https://oscholer-nudobe-streamlit-4foz22.streamlit.app/