bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of land cover in the special area of conservation of Monchique (Southern Portugal): Have the objectives of the Natura 2000 network been achieved (1995–2018)?
Authors: Raposo Mauro A. M. , Nunes Leonel J. R. , Pinto‐Gomes Carlos J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Natura 2000 Network, as the European Union's ecological network, aims to ensure the long‐term conservation of Europe's most threatened species and habitats, helping to stop the loss of biodiversity. Based on this assumption, the changes in land cover in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Monchique between 1995 and 2018 are analysed and related to identify favourable and unfavourable policies concerning the habitats and respective species conservation. The most important land covers are compared with the habitats and species legally protected at the National and European level, as well as the Red List of Vascular Flora of Mainland Portugal. As main results can be highlighted the increase in the forest area occupied by species such as Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus pinaster, and a reduction in the areas of grazing and shrub species. Can also be noted an increase in the areas covered by invasive species, which may be associated with the abandonment of rural areas. We identified 21 taxa with high heritage interest in the Monchique SAC, occurring mainly in forest habitats, namely 91E0, 92A0, 9240, 9330 and 9340, which should be considered in the elaboration of future Territorial Management Plans. Thus, it can be concluded that the objectives initially stipulated by the Natura 2000 Network were not fully achieved within the Monchique SAC. Alternative management methods must be studied to allow conservation in a territory with a high land consolidation and low population density.
Barriers and facilitators for leading nursing homes through the COVID‐19 pandemic: A focus group study in Norway
Authors: Samdal Gro Beate , Alpers Lise‐Merete , Sekse Ragnhild Johanne Tveit , Drageset Sigrunn , Smith‐Strøm Hilde , Oksholm Trine , Ellingsen Sidsel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, nursing home leaders implemented infection control to protect residents and staff.AimTo understand the barriers and facilitators for leading nursing homes through the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsWe invited 34 nursing homes to participate, and 20 leaders (59%) attended focus group interviews. The COM‐B model and the theoretical domains framework were used in design and analysis of the study.ResultsThe barriers for infection control were organisational unpreparedness, high volumes of information, lack of clinical skills, protective equipment, and testing capacity, the nursing home's architectural design, health authorities' low priority of nursing homes, staff's fear, and mental pressure on the leaders over time. The facilitators were having a customised corona plan, change of routines, certification of new skills, access to the municipal quality system, the ability for crisis leadership, loyalty to the nursing home, and support from the environment. The number of part‐time positions and the opportunity to outsource parts of the services were also important determinants for infection control.ConclusionsThe results identify several barriers and facilitators for nursing home leaders' behaviour for infection control. The results confirm the importance of supporting the leaders' resilience and crisis leadership while working in the pressurised environment of a pandemic.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe study provides important insights into barriers and facilitators for leading nursing homes through the COVID‐19 pandemic, which could help to inform future strategies for infection control.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Novel high‐strength polyester composite scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Katebifar Sara , Arul Michael , Abdulmalik Sama , Yu Xiaojun , Alderete Joseph F. , Kumbar Sangamesh G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRepair of critical‐sized bone defects, particularly in load‐bearing areas, is a major clinical problem that requires surgical intervention and implantation of biological or engineered grafts. For load‐bearing sites, it is essential to use engineered grafts that have both sufficient mechanical strength and appropriate pore properties to support bone repair and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, the mechanical properties of such grafts are often compromised due to the creation of pores required to facilitate tissue ingrowth following implantation. To overcome the limitations associated with porous scaffolds and their reduced mechanical strength, we have developed a methodology for creating a solid structure that retains its bulk mechanical properties while also evolving into a porous structure in a biological environment through degradation and erosion. In this study, we utilized polyesters that have been approved by the FDA, including poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (glycolic acid) (PGA), their copolymer PLGA (PLGA, with a ratio of 85:15 and 50:50 of PLA:PGA), and poly (caprolactone) (PCL). These polymers and their ceramic composites with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were compression molded into solid forms, which exhibited mechanical properties with compressive modulus as high as 2745 ± 364 MPa within the range of human trabecular bone and in the lower range of human cortical bone. The use of fast‐degrading PLGA (50:50) and PGA as porogens allowed the formation of pores within the solid structures due to their degradation, and the TCP acts as a buffering agent to neutralize their acidic degradation byproducts. These scaffolds facilitated the growth of new blood vessels and tissue ingrowth in a subcutaneous implantation model. In addition, in a rat critical‐sized mandibular bone defects these scaffolds supported bone growth with 70% of new bone volume fraction. Furthermore, the extent of bone regeneration was found to be higher for the scaffolds with bone morphogenic proteins (BMP2), indicating their suitability for bone repair and regeneration.
Effect of initial particle size and surface charge on the formation of the plasma protein corona on chitosan‐based nanoparticles
Authors: Taala Najmeh , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhen a nanoparticle interacts with the biological environment, its surface is covered by a layer of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids called a protein corona. Given the importance and impact of the protein corona on the fate of nanoparticles in the body, it is important to study the interaction of nanoparticles with proteins. This study investigated the impact of the initial size and surface charge of nanoparticles on the changes in protein corona thickness on chitosan‐based nanoparticles after exposure to blood plasma. To be able to separate the chitosan‐based nanoparticles from the blood plasma, magnetic nanoparticles were coated with chitosan (with a positive charge) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC; with a negative charge) in two different size ranges of 200–250 and 300–350 nm. The coated nanoparticles' chemical composition, properties, and morphology were investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results confirmed the formation of nanoparticles based on chitosan and CMC. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were exposed to blood plasma to examine the protein corona that formed. The DLS and zeta potential measurements showed that the surface charge and particle size of the nanoparticles significantly influenced the formation of the protein corona. The results revealed that the smaller particle size and the positive surface charge of the nanoparticles resulted in the formation of a thicker corona. In addition, it showed that after exposure to the blood plasma proteins, the positive charge of the particles changed to a negative charge.
Physico‐chemical characterization and degradation analysis of mineral paper: Impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation
Authors: Fathi Yosra , Abdulkhani Ali , Hamzeh Yahya , Ashori Alireza , Mortha Gerard , Chiani Elahe 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMineral paper, a synthetic paper‐like material primarily composed of ground calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and a small amount of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), has emerged as an important alternative to traditional paper and board due to the increasing demand for pulp and paper and the shortage of trees and fibrous material in many regions worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of accelerated weathering and aerobic biodegradation on three different types of mineral papers. The specimens underwent 1000 h of accelerated weathering using a Gardner weathering device and were also buried in soil at a depth of 5 cm for 3 months with regular watering conditions for biodegradability testing. Physico‐chemical characterizations such as optical (whiteness), surface (roughness, contact angle, and paper topography), and chemical properties of the samples were studied before and after the artificial weathering and biodegradation tests. The results revealed a visible color change (darkening) in mineral papers, with an increase in HDPE content leading to a darker color after weathering and biological degradation. However, there were no significant differences in the color change between weathering and soil‐burial tests. The biodegradability test resulted in a decrease in ash content due to the demineralization process. All samples' surface roughness was reduced after weathering and biodegradation tests. The FT‐IR and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of calcium, carbon, and oxygen elements in all three samples, indicating a large amount of calcium carbonate in the mineral papers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the creation of micro holes and cracks on the surface of the samples after weathering and biodegradation. Overall, the soil‐burial test showed more degradation than the weathering test.Highlights
The influence of weathering and biodegradation of mineral papers were studied
After soil‐burial test, the ash content decreased due to the demineralization
After weathering, micro cracks were created on the surface of the samples
The degradation of the soil‐burial test was more than the weathering test
Mineral papers most likely contain carbonate calcium and HDPE
Registration of Arkot 1112, Arkot 1114, and Arkot 1115 cotton germplasm lines
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractArkot 1112 (Reg. no. GP‐1139, PI 702559), Arkot 1114 (Reg. no. GP‐1140, PI 702560), and Arkot 1115 (Reg. no. GP‐1141, PI 702561) are conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in November, 2022. The three lines share Arkot 0306 (PI 671966) as a common parent. The second parents for Arkot 1112, Arkot 1114, and Arkot 1115 were ‘UA222’ (US patent no. 8,859,862), Arkot 0309 (PI 669969), and Arkot 0316 (PI 669970), respectively. The three lines were compared with ‘UA48’ and UA222 in replicated field tests at four Arkansas sites over 5 years. Over these tests, each of the three lines produced about 11 and 25% higher lint yields than UA48 and UA222, respectively. Lint yields of Arkot 1115 exceeded those of Arkot 1112 and Arkot 1114. Over 10 locations of the 2019 Regional Breeders Testing Network test, lint yields of Arkot 1112, Arkot 1114, and Arkot 1115 were equal to each other and ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, out of 22 genotypes, indicating that the lines have wide adaptation. Leaf pubescence, stem pubescence, and bract trichome density of the lines were higher than UA48 and similar to UA222. All three lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight. The lines were more resistant to tarnished plant bug than UA48 but were more susceptible to tarnished plant bug than UA222. Fiber quality of Arkot 1115 approached that of UA48 (excellent fiber quality), whereas Arkot 1112 and Arkot 1114 was similar to UA222 (good fiber quality).
Popular strategies for constructing polymer gel thermoelectric materials
Authors: Sun Xiaohan , Lu Ang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPolymeric thermoelectric materials utilizing the Soret effect have the advantages of high Seebeck coefficient, non‐toxicity, light weight, and excellent mechanical properties that make them shine in the field of thermoelectrics. However, ionic thermoelectric systems based on polymer gels are still in their infancy and research is relatively limited, and there is an increasing interest in how to prepare high performance polymer thermoelectric materials. In this paper, we review some of the existing polymer TE materials based on the Soret effect and discuss the different approaches to achieve high Seebeck coefficient and enhanced thermoelectric properties from the perspective of material design strategies. Moreover, we highlight the popular strategies of the construction of thermoelectric materials and provide a brief outlook on the development of the polymer thermoelectric field for its future research.
Diamond MEMS: From Classical to Quantum
Authors: Sun Huanying , Zhang Zilong , Liu Yulong , Chen Guo , Li Tiefu , Liao Meiyong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDiamond has numerous outstanding properties in mechanics, physics, chemistry, electronics, thermodynamics, and spintronics for either classic micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) devices or hybrid quantum MEMS/NEMS systems. The extremely high mechanical strength and the ultra‐wide bandgap energy enable the development of mechanically and thermally robust MEMS/NEMS sensors and switches, while the long coherence time of spin defects center enables the reading out through optical methods, precise quantum sensing, and quantum information processing. In this paper, the development of diamond‐based MEMS/NEMS from the viewpoints of classic devices to quantum systems are reviewed. The fabrication process and the classic applications of diamond MEMS/NEMS devices are first described, including those from micro‐crystalline, nano‐crystalline/ultranano‐crystalline, and single‐crystalline diamonds. Then, the physical properties of nitrogen‐vacancy defect center, as well as the application referred to the hybrid system composed of MEMS structures and nitrogen‐vacancy centers embedded, strain–spin interaction, and diamond‐based optomechanics are introduced. Finally, a conclusion and outlook are presented. It is expected that diamond MEMS/NEMS is not only an ideal platform for high‐performance and high‐reliability advanced classic MEMS devices but also for quantum sensing, information, and exploring the fundamentals of quantum mechanics.
Stabilizing model predictive control synthesis using integral quadratic constraints and full‐block multipliers
Authors: Morato Marcelo M. , Holicki Tobias , Scherer Carsten W. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryIn this paper, we discuss how to synthesize stabilizing model predictive control (MPC) algorithms based on convexly parameterized integral quadratic constraints (IQCs), with the aid of general multipliers. Specifically, we consider Lur'e systems subject to sector‐bounded and slope‐restricted nonlinearities. As the main novelty, we introduce point‐wise IQCs with storage in order to accordingly generate the MPC terminal ingredients, thus enabling closed‐loop stability, strict dissipativity with regard to the nonlinear feedback, and recursive feasibility of the optimization. Specifically, we consider formulations involving both static and dynamic multipliers, and provide corresponding algorithms for the synthesis procedures. The major benefit of the proposed approach resides in the flexibility of the IQC framework, which is capable to deal with many classes of uncertainties and nonlinearities. Moreover, for the considered class of nonlinearities, our method yields larger regions of attraction of the synthesized predictive controllers (with reduced conservatism) if compared to the standard approach to deal with sector constraints from the literature.
Synthesis of Ni3B/Ni via Vacuum‐Induced for Ultrahigh Stable and Efficient Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Chang Pingping , Xi Murong , Ding Juan , Wang Xingchao , Wang Jiulin , Zhang Wenjun , Huang Yudai 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDesigning efficient catalysts to promote the electrochemical oxidation of anodes is the core of the development of electrochemical synthesis technologies, such as HER and CO2RR. Here, a novel vacuum induction strategy is used to synthesize nickel boride/nickel (Ni3B/Ni) heterostructure catalyst for electrochemical oxidation of methanol into formic acid. The catalyst has extremely high reactivity (only 146.9 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2, the maximum current density reaches 555.70 mA mg−1 and 443.87 mA cm−2), ultra‐high selectivity (Faraday efficiency of methanol conversion to formic acid is close to 100%), and ultra‐long life (over 50 h at 100 mA cm−2). In‐suit electrochemical impedance spectroscopy proved that MeOH is oxidized first and inhibits the phase transition of the electrocatalyst to the high‐valent electrooxidation products, which not only enables the high selectivity of MeOH oxidation but also ensures high stability of the catalyst. The mechanism studies by density functional theory calculations show that the potential determining step, the formation of *CH2O, occurs most favorably in the Ni3B/Ni heterostructure. These results provide references for the development of MeOH oxidation catalysts with high activity, high stability, high selectivity, and low cost.
Liquid–Liquid Interfacial Nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2023

AbstractScience in the small world has become a crucial key that has the potential to revolutionize materials technology. This trend is embodied in the postnanotechnology concept of nanoarchitectonics. The goal of nanoarchitectonics is to create bio‐like functional structures, in which self‐organized and hierarchical structures are working efficiently. Liquid–liquid interface like environments such as cell membrane surface are indispensable for the expression of biological functions through the accumulation and organization of functional materials. From this viewpoint, it is necessary to reconsider the liquid–liquid interface as a medium where nanoarchitectonics can play an active role. In this review, liquid–liquid interfacial nanoarchitectonics is classified by component materials such as organic, inorganic, carbon, and bio, and recent research examples are discussed. Examples discussed in this paper include molecular aggregates, supramolecular polymers, conductive polymers film, crystal‐like capsules, block copolymer assemblies, covalent organic framework (COF) films, complex crystals, inorganic nanosheets, colloidosomes, fullerene assemblies, all‐carbon π‐conjugated graphite nanosheets, carbon nanoskins and fullerphene thin films at liquid–liquid interfaces. Furthermore, at the liquid–liquid interface using perfluorocarbons and aqueous phases, cell differentiation controls are discussed with the self‐assembled structure of biomaterials. The significance of liquid–liquid interfacial nanoarchitectonics in the future development of materials will then be discussed.
Recent Advances in the Support Layer, Interlayer and Active Layer of TFC and TFN Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN) Membranes: A Review
Authors: Akbar Heidari Ali , Mahdavi Hossein 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough separation of solutes from organic solutions is considered a challenging process, it is inevitable in various chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. OSN membranes are the heart of OSN technology that are widely utilized to separate various solutes and contaminants from organic solvents, which is now considered an emerging field. Hence, numerous studies have been attracted to this field to manufacture novel membranes with outstanding properties. Thin‐film composite (TFC) and nanocomposite (TFN) membranes are two different classes of membranes that have been recently utilized for this purpose. TFC and TFN membranes are made up of similar layers, and the difference is the use of various nanoparticles in TFN membranes, which are classified into two types of porous and nonporous ones, for enhancing the permeate flux. This study aims to review recent advances in TFC and TFN membranes fabricated for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) applications. Here, we will first study the materials used to fabricate the support layer, not only the membranes which are not stable in organic solvents and require to be cross‐linked, but also those which are inherently stable in harsh media and do not need any cross‐linking step, and all of their advantages and disadvantages. Then, we will study the effects of fabricating different interlayers on the performance of the membranes, and the mechanisms of introducing an interlayer in the regulation of the PA structure. At the final step, we will study the type of monomers utilized for the fabrication of the active layer, the effect of surfactants in reducing the tension between the monomers and the membrane surface, and the type of nanoparticles used in the active layer of TFN membranes and their effects in enhancing the membrane separation performance.
Effect of ciclosporin on clinical signs of degenerative mucinotic mural folliculitis in a young cat
Authors: Mizoguchi Tomonari , Fujiwara Keiko , Sekiguchi Maiko , Iwasaki Toshiroh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA 1.5‐year‐old, spayed, female, mixed‐breed cat that had been housed completely indoors presented with a chief complaint of facial hair loss. Alopecia extended from the face to the outside of the auricle, and was accompanied by thickening of the dorsal eyelid and scales on the dorsal chest. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of lymphocytes targeting the hair follicle wall and deposition of mucin in the isthmus of hair follicles. A diagnosis of degenerative mucinotic mural folliculitis was obtained based on the clinical and histological findings. The cat was treated with ciclosporin (9.3 mg/kg) administered once daily. The alopecia and thickening resolved, and the general condition improved. The cat was clinically well for 10 months. The cat has survived 14 months since treatment was started. This case demonstrates the efficacy of high‐dose ciclosporin in treating degenerative mucinotic mural folliculitis.
Multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease subsequent to parasitic lymphadenopathy in a mare
Authors: Vitale Valentina , Troya‐Portillo Lucas , Corradini Ignacio , Serrano Barbara , Armengou Lara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMultisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease is an uncommon chronic condition in horses, which is characterised by eosinophilic infiltration of the intestine and other organs. Clinical signs usually reported are weight loss, intermittent diarrhoea and generalised dermatitis. The aetiopathogenesis is not fully understood, but intestinal nematodes were strongly suspected to play a role by several authors. We describe the clinical and histopathological findings, treatment and progression of a mare with a presumptive diagnosis of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease in which alarva migranswas identified in a reactive lymph node approximately a year before the development of symptomatology suggestive of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease. After the first assessment, moxidectin and ivermectin were administered at 30 days of interval, and the owner reported that no further signs were observed for approximately 8 months, when it started to note weight loss, dermatitis and oral ulceration. This report may support the role of parasitic migration in the pathogenesis of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease.