bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of ballistic impact of hard bulletproof vests: Effect of the multilayered armors design
Authors: Hassouna Amira , Mezlini Salah , Ben Ameur Tarek 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHard body Armors are often deployed in ballistic applications to enhance resistance to Armor Piercing projectiles (AP). The main challenge for body armor designers is to find a best compromise between strength and weight to ensure a given level of protection. This paper investigates the effect of layer arrangement order, ceramic layer thickness, composite backing layer thickness and impact velocity on body armor performance using a numerical experimental design. In addition, the influence of bullet diameter on target damage and bullet erosion is examined. A finite element model (FEM) is evolved through Abaqus explicit software to simulate the ballistic impact of an ogival‐nosed projectile against body armor composed of a ceramic forward layer and a composite rear layer. The results revealed that the layout of the ceramic layer on the front side, that is, directly in contact with the projectile, and the composite layer on the rear side provides better ballistic performance than the opposite case. Furthermore, it is found that the thickness of ceramic and composite plates has a considerable impact on the ballistic performance of body armor. The ceramic thickness has a greater influence on the residual velocity than the composite one. Moreover, the full penetration and nonpenetration zones of the projectile have been highlighted according to the thicknesses of the ceramic and composite layers and using two impact velocities.Highlights
Development of a numerical model simulating ballistic impact.
Study the ceramic and composite thicknesses effect on ballistic performance.
Analysis of target and projectile damage as a function of projectile diameter.
Identification of full penetration and nonpenetration zones of the projectile.
Tensile stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/EPDM composite at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Zhuhui , Zhang Diantang , Lu Jian , Qian Kun , Zhang Jinqiu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is to analyze the fundamental deformation and relaxation mechanisms responsible for the stress relaxation behavior of a novel wide‐angle fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composite (W‐60 composite) at room temperature with different initial strain. The designed and constructed stress relaxation test device can test five samples simultaneously. The stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite are in general agreement with those of the pure rubber. It is proved again that the wide‐angle fabric has good formability. Through the slope calculation, the stress relaxation curves of the W‐60 composite can be divided into two stages: rapid relaxation stage (RRS) and slow relaxation stage (SRS). The cross‐sections are observed using photographic tracking techniques and CT scans. The stress relaxation mechanism of the W‐60 composite is dominated by the internal physical relaxation. It shows many more correlations under the experiment results for the three‐component Maxwell's model with parallel‐connect nonlinear spring (NS‐TCM model). However, in the mechanical models with more parameters, the computational problem also increases due to the accumulation of local minima, which makes it harder to find global minima.Highlights
This study builds stress relaxation testing equipment for flexible composite.
This study uses a 7‐day stress relaxation pre‐experiment.
The stress retrogradation and elastic recovery have occurred.
The deformation and strengthening mechanisms of stress relaxation are revealed.
The NS‐TCM model shows a positive correlation with the experimental results.
Rapid generation of functional nanovesicles from human trophectodermal cells for embryo attachment and outgrowth
Authors: Poh Qi Hui , Rai Alin , Pangestu Mulyoto , Salamonsen Lois A. , Greening David W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of embryo attachment and outgrowth critical for successful implantation. While EVs have garnered immense interest in their therapeutic potential in assisted reproductive technology by improving implantation success, their large‐scale generation remains a major challenge. Here, we report a rapid and scalable production of nanovesicles (NVs) directly from human trophectoderm cells (hTSCs) via serial mechanical extrusion of cells; these NVs can be generated in approximately 6 h with a 20‐fold higher yield than EVs isolated from culture medium of the same number of cells. NVs display similar biophysical traits (morphologically intact, spherical, 90–130 nm) to EVs, and are laden with hallmark players of implantation that include cell‐matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix organisation proteins (ITGA2/V, ITGB1, MFGE8) and antioxidative regulators (PRDX1, SOD2). Functionally, NVs are readily taken up by low‐receptive endometrial HEC1A cells and reprogram their proteome towards a receptive phenotype that support hTSC spheroid attachment. Moreover, a single dose treatment with NVs significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of mouse embryo trophoblast on fibronectin matrix. Thus, we demonstrate the functional potential of NVs in enhancing embryo implantation and highlight their rapid and scalable generation, amenable to clinical utility.
Substitution effect on the adiabatic ionization potential, vertical ionization potential, electrophilicity, and nucleophilicity of some hydantoin drug derivatives: Computational study
Authors: Safi Zaki , Wazzan Nuha 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the current paper, the adiabatic ionization potentials (AIP) for 29 hydantoin derivatives and hydantoin‐based drugs such as allantoin, phenytoin, mephenytoin, nilutamide, iprodione, nitrofurantoin, and ethotoin were calculated using the double hybrid ωB97XD density functional theory (DFT) in coupling with 6‐311+G(2df,2p) basis set at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) optimized geometry. The neutral and cationic radicals of the examined species were firstly optimized using the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) level. Final energies were improved by single point calculation using 16 different DFT methods such as B3LYP, ωB97, B97D, TPSSTPSS, M06‐2X, …, and so forth, with 6‐311+G(2df,2p) basis. Statistical tools such as root mean square error (RMSE) was used to examine the accuracy of the DFT method with respect to the standard reference AIP values. These standard references were calculated, for 12 hydantoin derivatives with less than nine non‐hydrogen atoms, by taking the average values of the AIP computed using the G4, G3B3, and CBS‐QBS methods. The vertical ionization potentials (VIPs), the vertical electron affinity (VEA), and global quantum parameters such as electrophilicity and nucleophilicity of the 29 molecules were also calculated. Substitution effect on the AIP, VIP, VEA, fundamental gap, electrophilicity, and nucleophilicity of the species under probe was studied and discussed. The results reveal that substitution of electron withdrawing group (EWG) raises the AIP and VIP, electrophilicity, and the fundamental gap, while substitution of electron donating group (EDG) raises the VEA and the nucleophilicity. Furthermore, the condensed Fukui functions were used to identify the active centers for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical attacks.
A mixed‐methods study to inform development of a caregiver‐specific problem list for cancer distress screening
Authors: Buchanan Ashley , Sarfo Astrid , Rangel Maria Lizette , Nangia Julie , Badr Hoda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveOncology guidelines for distress management recommend use of the single‐item distress thermometer (DT) and accompanying Problem List (PL) to identify patients with high distress levels and their potential sources of distress. However, oncology practices have yet to establish standardized protocols to screen and triage caregivers with high distress levels. With an eye toward integrating caregiver‐centered support services into cancer care, this mixed‐methods study sought to assess caregiver distress and challenges that may contribute to their distress.MethodsNineteen caregivers of metastatic breast cancer patients (60% female, 47% ethnic/racial minority) completed an interview and a survey comprised of the DT, the original 39‐item PL, and five additional caregiver‐specific PL items.ResultsCaregivers reported moderate distress levels and more than half exceeded the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) cut‐off, denoting significant distress. There was no association between caregiver distress and the number of items endorsed on the original PL. Qualitative analysis identified nine problem domains as areas of caregiver unmet need needs (i.e., practical challenges, caregiving responsibilities, social/relationship issues, caregiver and patient emotional well‐being, caregiver and patient physical well‐being, spiritual well‐being, and communication). Two of the problem domains (caregiving responsibilities and communication) were not captured in any way by the original PL.ConclusionWith further research and development, the identified domains could serve as the basis for a caregiver‐specific PL to facilitate triage and referral when incorporated as part of routine distress screening.
Efficient Synthesis of Submicrometer‐Sized Active Pharmaceuticals by Laser Fragmentation in a Liquid‐Jet Passage Reactor with Minimum Degradation
Authors: Friedenauer Tina , Buck Kim , Eberwein Maike , Bünte Anna‐Lena , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOne challenge in the development of new drug formulations is overcoming their low solubility in relevant aqueous media. Reducing the particle size of drug powders to a few hundred nanometers is a well‐known method that leads to an increase in solubility due to an elevated total surface area. However, state‐of‐the‐art comminution techniques like cryo‐milling suffer from degradation and contamination of the drugs, particularly when sub‐micrometer diameters are aspired that require long processing times. In this work, picosecond‐pulsed laser fragmentation in liquids (LFL) of dispersed drug particles in a liquid‐jet passage reactor is used as a wear‐free comminution technique using the hydrophobic oral model drugs naproxen, prednisolone, ketoconazole, and megestrol acetate. Particle size and morphology of the drug particles are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes in particle size distributions upon irradiation are quantified using an analytical centrifuge. The findings highlight the superior fragmentation efficiency of the liquid‐jet passage reactor setup, with a 100 times higher fraction of submicrometer particles (SMP) of the drugs compared to the batch control, which enhances solubility and goes along with minimal chemical degradation (<1%), determined by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the underlying predominantly photo‐mechanically induced laser fragmentation mechanisms of organic microparticles (MP) are discussed.
Co‐sputtering of A Thin Film Broadband Absorber Based on Self‐Organized Plasmonic Cu Nanoparticles
Authors: Drewes Jonas , Perdana Nanda , Rogall Kevin , Hartig Torge , Elis Marie , Schürmann Ulrich , Pohl Felix , Abdelaziz Moheb , Strunskus Thomas , Kienle Lorenz , Elbahri Mady , Faupel Franz , Rockstuhl Carsten , Vahl Alexander 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe efficient conversion of solar energy to heat is a prime challenge for solar thermal absorbers, and various material classes and device concepts are discussed. One exciting class of solar thermal absorbers are plasmonic broadband absorbers that rely on light absorption thanks to plasmonic resonances sustained in metallic nanoparticles. This work focuses on Cu/Al2O3 plasmonic absorbers, which consist of a thin film stack of a metallic Cu‐mirror, a dielectric Al2O3 spacer, and an Al2O3/Cu‐nanoparticle nanocomposite. This work explores two preparation routes for the Al2O3/Cu‐nanoparticle nanocomposite, which rely on the self‐organization of Cu nanoparticles from sputtered atoms, either in the gas phase (i.e., via gas aggregation source) or on the thin film surface (i.e., via simultaneous co‐sputtering). While in either case, Cu‐Al2O3‐Al2O3/Cu absorbers with a low reflectivity over a broad wavelength regime are obtained, the simultaneous co‐sputtering approach enabled better control over the film roughness and showed excellent agreement with dedicated simulations of the optical properties of the plasmonic absorber using a multi‐scale modeling approach. Upon variation of the thickness and filling factor of the Al2O3/Cu nanocomposite layer, the optical properties of the plasmonic absorbers are tailored, reaching an integrated reflectance down to 0.17 (from 250 to 1600 nm).
Baicalin attenuated metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the p62–Keap1–Nrf2 signalling pathway in db/db mice
Authors: Liu Wen‐Jing , Chen Wei‐Wen , Chen Jia‐Ying , Sun Yi‐Bin , Chang Dennis , Wang Chen‐Xiang , Xie Jin‐Dong , Lin Wei , Li Shao‐Hua , Xu Wen , Lin Yan‐Xiang , Zheng Yan‐Fang , Zhou Xian , Huang Ming‐Qing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease. Baicalin (Bai), a bioactive molecule found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These activities suggest Bai could be a promising therapeutic agent against NAFLD; however, its specific effects and underlying mechanism are still not clear. This study aims to explore the effect of Bai to attenuate MAFLD and associated molecular mechanisms. Bai (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) was orally administered to db/db mice with MAFLD for 4 weeks or db/m mice as the normal control. Bai markedly attenuated lipid accumulation, cirrhosis and hepatocytes apoptosis in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice, suggesting strong ability to attenuate MAFLD. Bai significantly reduced proinflammatory biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant enzymes, which appeared to be modulated by the upregulated p62‐Keap1‐Nrf2 signalling cascade; furthermore, cotreatment of Bai and all‐trans‐retinoic acid (Nrf2 inhibitor) demonstrated markedly weakened liver protective effects by Bai and its induced antioxidant and antiinflammatory responses. The present study supported the use of Bai in attenuating MAFLD as a promising therapeutic agent, and its strong mechanism of action in association with the upregulating the p62‐keap1‐Nrf2 pathway.
Leadership in collaborative emergency management for compound hurricane‐pandemic threats: Insights from practitioners' experiences
Authors: Alshayhan Norah , Hill Saige , Saitgalina Marina , Yusuf Juita‐Elena (Wie) 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEmergency management is a key government function for mitigating risks and reducing the impacts of disasters. Emergency management leaders play a critical role in preparing for and responding to disasters whose impacts are exacerbated by a pandemic. Using the example of the compound threat of hurricanes and the COVID‐19 pandemic, this qualitative research uses insights from emergency management professionals to describe collaborative approaches and leadership skills that help balance the needs for stability and flexibility. Data collected using focus groups and one‐on‐one interviews with emergency management professionals highlight that collaboration involved existing and new partners in a changing and uncertain environment that challenged traditional leadership of emergency management. The study develops understanding of how emergency management leaders navigate the tension between stability and flexibility in this different collaborative emergency management context involving a compound hurricane‐pandemic threat. Findings show that emergency management leaders leverage the stability of established partnerships, plans, and processes to bring in new partners with needed expertise, adjust based on new information, and meet specific COVID‐19 information needs. They utilize several skills to balance stability and flexibility including developing shared vision, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, adaptability, communication, and coordination.
Constructing causal loop diagrams from large interview data sets
Authors: Newberry Pablo , Carhart Neil 
Published: September 2023

Abstract“Tackling the Root Causes Upstream of Unhealth Urban Development” is a trans‐disciplinary research project seeking to map and understand urban development decision‐making, visualise stakeholder mental models and codevelop improvement interventions. The project's primary data was gathered through 123 semistructured interviews. This article applies, compares, and discusses four variations on a method for constructing causal loop diagrams to illuminate mental models and collective decision‐making, based on manual and semiautomated processes applied to individual interview transcripts and datasets collected by thematic analysis. It concludes that while semiautomated approaches offer some time saving over manual approaches when applied to large data sets, care is required in interpreting and including peripheral contextual variables at the boundaries of the thematic analysis. Decisions regarding automation depend on the purpose of the modelling. Finally, the article recommends future applications record quantitative descriptors characterising the process of constructing CLDs from large qualitative data sets. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the Neotropical genus Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae): Combining high‐throughput sequencing and targeted loci data
Authors: Francisco Jéssica N.C. , Fonseca Luiz Henrique M. , Lohmann Lúcia G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe combined use of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) with targeted loci data offers an excellent opportunity to reconstruct robust and comprehensive phylogenies at fine taxonomic scales using a hybrid approach. In this study, we infer the phylogeny of Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae), a diverse clade of lianas and shrubs centered in South America's wet and dry forests. We used HTS to obtain complete or nearly complete plastome sequences of seven individuals of Cuspidaria selected to represent the main clades in the genus. This sampling strategy aimed to reconstruct relationships at deeper nodes (i.e., backbone). We also used targeted loci data obtained through Sanger sequencing to obtain sequences of two chloroplast markers (ndhF, rpl32‐trnL) and one nuclear marker (PepC) for multiple individuals of 18 out of the 21 species of Cuspidaria recognized in the most recent treatment of the genus; only C. emmonsii, C. lachnaea, and C. simplicifolia were not sampled. This broad sampling strategy aimed to test the monophyly of individual species and reconstruct fine‐scale interspecific relationships within the genus. Both datasets were analyzed separately and combined using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches. The combined dataset includes 65 individuals representing 18 previously recognized species of Cuspidaria plus outgroup taxa. The analysis of the combined dataset recovered a monophyletic Cuspidaria, excluding C. bracteata, which was nested within the outgroup and is best treated elsewhere. Ancestral character state reconstructions provided novel insights into the evolution of morphology and identified multiple putative morphological synapomorphies for key lineages of Cuspidaria. Namely, anthers curved forward was reconstructed as a potential synapomorphy for the Cuspidaria clade, whereas interpetiolar gland fields in stems and inflorescence, subulate or inconspicuous prophylls of the axillary buds, biternate leaves, actinodromous venation, calyx cupulate or spathaceous, calyx apices dentate or irregularly lobed, fruits with winged valves, and fruit midrib limited by two longitudinal ridges were reconstructed as potential synapomorphies of different clades within the genus. Other traits such as habit, tertiary venation, inflorescence type, corolla color, number of ovule series, and pollen unit were highly labile. As circumscribed here, Cuspidaria is composed of eight main clades supported by molecular data and morphological synapomorphies: Sideropogon, Tetrastichella, Cinerea, Paracarpaea, Cremastus, Blepharitheca, Saldanhaea, and Cuspidaria s.str. clades. All species are monophyletic, except for C. pulchra and C. sceptrum, which form a species complex and are best treated as a single taxon. The necessary taxonomic changes are proposed, leading to the recognition of 19 species in Cuspidaria.
Neutral and Anionic Diboron Compounds Bearing Electron‐Precise B−B Bond
Authors: Li Haokun , Xu Gan , Li Shuchang , Wu Yuhao , Lu Zhenpin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractElectron‐precise B−B bonded compounds are valuable reagents in organic syntheses, which can be used as key starting material for the synthesis of functionalized organoboranes. Bis(pinacolato)diborane(4) B2pin2 and its derivatives are among the most studied diboron species. However, their B−B bonds usually need to be activated by transition metal catalysts or bases for further transformations. Recently, many well‐designed/reactive electron‐precise B−B bonded compounds have been developed, which could facilitate direct reactions with small molecules, unsaturated substrates, and electrophiles. This review highlights the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of neutral and anionic B−B bonded compounds.
Supporting mentees through inclusive mentorship
Authors: Addy Tracie Marcella , Addy Nii A. , Hendrickson Brett , Mitchell Khadijah A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInclusion in formal classroom environments continues to be a major focus in higher education, but there has been less emphasis on inclusive instructor‐student mentorship, which has a significant impact and can have a number of positive outcomes for learners. In this article, we describe major principles of inclusive mentorship, as well as models and structures that support inclusion. We explore specific topics such as the positionalities and mindsets of inclusive mentors, values, and intentions, the power of formal and informal mentorship structures, and the critical role of constellation mentorship. We highlight recommended practices for mentoring diverse learners through three case examples that collectively span the undergraduate, graduate, and pre‐professional levels. These case examples draw upon the rich experiences of co‐authors who have mentored a number of students and trainees, won mentorship awards, successfully founded and led mentorship programs, and studied effective mentorship practices. This topic fills an important gap in the literature, by addressing and providing evidence‐based practices that support inclusive mentorship.