bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of moisture-induced crack propagation in the soft-termination multi-layer ceramic capacitor during thermal reflow process
Authors: Bachok Zuraihana , Abas Aizat , Raja Gobal Hehgeraj A/L , Yusoff Norwahida , Ramli Mohamad Riduwan , Mohd Sharif Mohamad Fikri , Che Ani Fakhrozi , Muhamed Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate crack propagation in a moisture-preconditioned soft-termination multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) during thermal reflow process.

Design/methodology/approach
Experimental and extended finite element method (X-FEM) numerical analyses were used to analyse the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow. A cross-sectional field emission scanning electron microscope image of an actual MLCC’s crack was used to validate the accuracy of the simulation results generated in the study.

Findings
At 270°C, micro-voids between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers absorbed 284.2 mm/mg3 of moisture, which generated 6.29 MPa of vapour pressure and caused a crack to propagate. Moisture that rapidly vaporises during reflow can cause stresses that exceed the adhesive/substrate interface’s adhesion strength of 6 MPa. Higher vapour pressure reduces crack development resistance. Thus, the maximum crack propagation between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers at high reflow temperature was 0.077 mm. The numerical model was well-validated, as the maximum crack propagation discrepancy was 2.6%.

Practical implications
This research holds significant implications for the industry by providing valuable insights into the moisture-induced crack propagation mechanisms in soft-termination MLCCs during the reflow process. The findings can be used to optimise the design, manufacturing and assembly processes, ultimately leading to enhanced product quality, improved performance and increased reliability in various electronic applications. Moreover, while the study focused on a specific type of soft-termination MLCC in the reflow process, the methodologies and principles used in this research can be extended to other types of MLCC packages. The fundamental understanding gained from this study can be extrapolated to similar structures, enabling manufacturers to implement effective strategies for crack reduction across a wider range of MLCC applications.

Originality/value
The moisture-induced crack propagation in the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow process has not been reported to date. X-FEM numerical analysis on crack propagation have never been researched on the soft-termination MLCC.
The Global Network COVID‐19 studies: a review
Authors: Naqvi Seemab , Saleem Sarah , Billah Sk Masum , Moore Janet , Mwenechanya Musaku , Carlo Waldemar A. , Esamai Fabian , Bucher Sherri , Derman Richard J. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Somannavar Manjunath , Patel Archana , Hibberd Patricia L. , Figueroa Lester , Krebs Nancy F. , Petri William A. , Lokangaka Adrien , Bauserman Melissa , Koso‐Thomas Marion , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWith the paucity of data available regarding COVID‐19 in pregnancy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), near the start of the pandemic, the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), initiated four separate studies to better understand the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in eight LMIC sites. These sites included: four in Asia, in Bangladesh, India (two sites) and Pakistan; three in Africa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Zambia; and one in Central America, in Guatemala. The first study evaluated changes in health service utilisation; the second study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in relationship to COVID‐19 in pregnancy; the third study evaluated knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy; and the fourth study, using antibody status at delivery, evaluated changes in antibody status over time in each of the sites and the relationship of antibody positivity with various pregnancy outcomes. Across the Global Network, in the first year of the study there was little reduction in health care utilisation and no apparent change in pregnancy outcomes. Knowledge related to COVID‐19 was highly variable across the sites but was generally poor. Vaccination rates among pregnant women in the Global Network were very low, and were considerably lower than the vaccination rates reported for the countries as a whole. Knowledge regarding vaccines was generally poor and varied widely. Most women did not believe the vaccines were safe or effective, but slightly more than half would accept the vaccine if offered. Based on antibody positivity, the rates of COVID‐19 infection increased substantially in each of the sites over the course of the pandemic. Most pregnancy outcomes were not worse in women who were infected with COVID‐19 during their pregnancies. We interpret the absence of an increase in adverse outcomes in women infected with COVID‐19 to the fact that in the populations studied, most COVID‐19 infections were either asymptomatic or were relatively mild.
Group B streptococcal prevalence in internal organs and placentas of deceased neonates and stillbirths in South Asia
Authors: Kallapur Mangala G. , Ghanchi Najia K. , Harakuni Sheetal U. , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Ahmed Imran , Fogleman Elizabeth , Hwang Kay , Kim Jean , Saleem Sarah , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Guruprasad Gowdar , Yasmin Haleema , Yogeshkumar S. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L. ,   the PURPOSe Study Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveGroup B streptococcus (GBS) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but few prospective studies have assessed its prevalence in low‐ and middle‐income country settings. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of GBS by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in internal organ tissues and placentas of deceased neonates and stillbirths.DesignThis was a prospective, observational study.SettingThe study was conducted in hospitals in India and Pakistan.PopulationPregnant women with stillbirths or preterm births were recruited at delivery, as was a group of women with term, live births, to serve as a control group.MethodsA rectovaginal culture was collected from the women in Pakistan to assess GBS carriage. Using PCR, we evaluated GBS in various tissues of stillbirths and deceased neonates and their placentas, as well as the placentas of live‐born preterm and term control infants.Main outcome measuresGBS identified by PCR in various tissues and the placentas; rate of stillbirths and 28‐day neonatal deaths.ResultsThe most obvious finding from this series of analyses from India and Pakistan was that no matter the country, the condition of the subject, the tissue studied or the methodology used, the prevalence of GBS was low, generally ranging between 3% and 6%. Among the risk factors evaluated, only GBS positivity in primigravidae was increased.ConclusionsGBS diagnosed by PCR was identified in <6% of internal organs of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, and their placentas, and control groups in South Asian sites. This is consistent with other reports from South Asia and is lower than the reported GBS rates from the USA, Europe and Africa.
Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of brown seaweeds extracted by different solvents and characterization of their phenolic compounds by LC–ESI‐QTOF–MS/MS
Authors: Duan Xinyu , Subbiah Vigasini , Xie Cundong , Agar Osman Tuncay , Barrow Colin J. , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSeaweeds, serving as valuable natural sources of phenolic compounds (PCs), offer various health benefits like antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory properties, and potential anticancer effects. The efficient extraction of PCs from seaweed is essential to harness their further applications. This study compares the effectiveness of different solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, acetone, and ethyl acetate) for extracting PCs from four seaweed species: Ascophyllum sp., Fucus sp., Ecklonia sp., and Sargassum sp. Among them, the ethanol extract of Sargassum sp. had the highest content of total phenolics (25.33 ± 1.45 mg GAE/g) and demonstrated potent scavenging activity against the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (33.65 ± 0.03 mg TE/g) and phosphomolybdate reduction (52.98 ± 0.47 mg TE/g). Ecklonia sp. had the highest content of total flavonoids (0.40 ± 0.02 mg QE/g) in its methanol extract, whereas its ethyl acetate extract contained the highest content of total condensed tannins (8.09 ± 0.12 mg CE/g). Fucus sp. demonstrated relatively strong antioxidant activity, with methanolic extracts exhibiting a scavenging ability against 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical (54.41 ± 0.24 mg TE/g) and water extracts showing ferric‐reducing antioxidant power of 36.24 ± 0.06 mg TE/g. Likewise, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry identified 61 individual PCs, including 17 phenolic acids, 32 flavonoids, and 12 other polyphenols. Ecklonia sp., particularly in the ethanol extract, exhibited the most diverse composition. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate solvents based on the specific seaweed species and desired compounds, further providing valuable guidance in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.Practical ApplicationThe PCs, which are secondary metabolites present in terrestrial plants and marine organisms, have garnered considerable attention due to their potential health advantages and diverse biological effects. Using various organic/inorganic solvents during the extraction process makes it possible to selectively isolate different types of PCs from seaweed species. The distinct polarity and solubility properties of each solvent enable the extraction of specific compounds, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the phenolic composition found in the seaweed samples and guiding industrial production.
Membrane vesicle engineering with “à la carte” bacterial‐immunogenic molecules for organism‐free plant vaccination
Authors: Jiménez‐Guerrero Irene , López‐Baena Francisco Javier , Borrero‐de Acuña José Manuel , Pérez‐Montaño Francisco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe United Nations heralds a world population exponential increase exceeding 9.7 billion by 2050. This poses the challenge of covering the nutritional needs of an overpopulated world by the hand of preserving the environment. Extensive agriculture practices harnessed the employment of fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop productivity and prevent economic and harvest yield losses attributed to plagues and diseases. Unfortunately, the concomitant hazardous effects stemmed from such agriculture techniques are cumbersome, that is, biodiversity loss, soils and waters contaminations, and human and animal poisoning. Hence, the so‐called ‘green agriculture’ research revolves around designing novel biopesticides and plant growth‐promoting bio‐agents to the end of curbing the detrimental effects. In this field, microbe–plant interactions studies offer multiple possibilities for reshaping the plant holobiont physiology to its benefit. Along these lines, bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles emerge as an appealing molecular tool to capitalize on. These nanoparticles convey a manifold of molecules that mediate intricate bacteria–plant interactions including plant immunomodulation. Herein, we bring into the spotlight bacterial extracellular membrane vesicle engineering to encase immunomodulatory effectors into their cargo for their application as biocontrol agents. The overarching goal is achieving plant priming by deploying its innate immune responses thereby preventing upcoming infections.
Optimising faecal sample storage and DNA extraction procedures to help the implementation of forest elephant conservation strategies
Authors: Kouakou Jean‐Louis , Gonedelé‐Bi Sery , Assamoi Jean Baptiste , Luiselli Luca 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFaecal samples are an important source of genetic information for studies of wild animals. The quality and quantity of faecal DNA can, however, be affected by different factors. Our goal was to compare different dung sample storage and DNA extraction methods to optimise the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from forest elephant dung samples. Dung samples (n = 132) of forest elephants were collected in a forest area in Côte d'Ivoire. Each faecal sample was preserved in 50 mL cryotubes using five different methods: Ethanol 70%, formalin 10%, Sodium acetate, acetic acid, and formalin (SAF), dimethyl sulfoxide, and Sodium chloride (20% DMSO), and silica gel. We used the Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) cationic detergent and the phenol chloroform DNA extraction procedures for comparison. DNA was successfully obtained from all 132 faecal samples using both DNA extraction methods. Regarding the total DNA extracted independently from the storage buffers, the phenol chloroform method yields a mean DNA concentration (2163.93 ± 918.62 ng/μL) sevenfold higher than that obtained with the optimised CTAB method (338.15 ± 528.54 ng/μL). Our study indicates optimised faecal sample storage and DNA extraction procedures that can help implement conservation strategies for forest elephants.
Autologous sperm usage after cryopreservation—the crucial impact of patients’ characteristics
Authors: Bitan Roy , Magnezi Racheli , Kedem Alon , Avraham Sarit , Youngster Michal , Yerushalmi Gil , Kaufman Sarita , Umanski Ana , Hourvitz Ariel , Gat Itai 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe wide implementation of sperm freezing presents a growing burden on sperm banks.ObjectivesTo evaluate sperm freezing and usage patterns over 30 years, according to demographic parameters of age at first cryopreservation and number of children, and indication for cryopreservation.Material and methodsThis retrospective, population based, cohort study included all sperm cryopreservation cases performed at a tertiary referral center from October 1993 to December 2021, among patients aged 18 years and older. First, we determined the interval between first sperm sample and use. Then, we examined sperm usage separately for: (1) age, comparing patients grouped into 5‐year age cohorts; (2) paternal status according to number of children; (3) indication, comparison among seven indications. Secondary analysis included correlations between main age groups and paternal status versus the four most common indications found.ResultsDuring the study period 1490 men who cryopreserved sperm met the inclusion criteria. Average age at cryopreservation of the first sample was 33.9 ± 8.1 years. Average age at first sperm use was 37 ± 8.5 years. Cumulative sperm usage was 38.7% after 17.8 years. Increasing age was associated with progressive increase in sperm usage rate and shorter preservation period. Use significantly decreased with increasing number of children. Examination of seven reasons for sperm cryopreservation found the highest cumulative sperm usage was related to azoospermia (67.7%), followed by functional cryopreservation (39.3%), oligoasthenoteratospermia (27.3%), other (26.5%), patient's request (24%), cancer (19%), and systemic disease (7.2%). Secondary analysis defined specific usage patterns mainly related to age and indication, with less of an effect based on the number of children.Discussion and conclusionAfter decades of cryopreservation, the paradigm of sperm cryopreservation is mostly related to cancer patients. This should be reevaluated and evolve to include broader patient‐targeted factors and perceptions.
Tracking handgrip strength asymmetry from childhood to mid‐life
Authors: Fraser Brooklyn J. , Blizzard Leigh , Tomkinson Grant R. , McGrath Ryan , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J. , Magnussen Costan G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimDetermine if asymmetric handgrip strength exists in childhood and adulthood and quantify the degree of tracking of handgrip strength asymmetry over time.MethodsParticipants from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study had their right and left handgrip strength measured using handgrip dynamometry in childhood (1985: 9–15 y), young adulthood (2004–06: 26–36 y) and/or mid‐adulthood (2014–19: 36–49 y). Handgrip strength asymmetry was calculated as: strongest handgrip strength/strongest handgrip strength on the other hand. Participants were categorised based on the degree of their asymmetry (0.0%–10.0%, 10.1%–20.0%, 20.1%–30.0%, >30.0%). Tracking was quantified using Spearman's correlations and log binomial regression.ResultsHandgrip strength asymmetry was present in childhood and adulthood (>30.0% asymmetry: childhood = 6%, young adulthood = 3%, mid‐adulthood = 4%). Handgrip strength asymmetry did not track between childhood and young‐ (r = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.02, 0.12) and mid‐adulthood (r = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.09, 0.10). Tracking was more apparent between young‐ and mid‐adulthood (r = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.22). Participants with >30.0% asymmetry were at greater risk to maintain this status between childhood and young‐ (RR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.15, 10.87) and mid‐adulthood (RR = 2.14, 95% CI = 0.45, 10.20).ConclusionAlthough handgrip strength asymmetry tracked relatively poorly, asymmetric handgrip strength was apparent in children and adults. Handgrip strength asymmetry does not exclusively affect older adults and should be considered in protocols to better understand its role across the life course.
Chapter 1 Confronting America's Archaeological Legacies
Authors: Beisaw April M. , Kirakosian Katie , Witt David E. , Wheeler Ryan J. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTAmerican archaeology is rooted in the behaviors of our predecessors, yet our criticism of those forbearers is often disconnected from the issues of today's practice. Contributors to this volume seek to bridge that gap with a healthy dose of reflection. First, this introduction touches on some issues that are not more fully covered in the chapters that follow, specifically the #MeToo movement and field/conference safety, race, and class inequalities especially the costs of field schools and unpaid internships, and the need for inclusive practices for those who are differently abled. Then we summarize those issues that this volume does focus on, pointing out connections and interrelationships. Three major themes are explored: (1) how the identity of an archaeologist can impact their legacy; (2) how the careers of celebrated “big men” and “big projects” are often misrepresented; and (3) the relationship of archaeology to Black and Indigenous peoples, women, and other marginalized groups, including those who are archaeologists. To conclude, each editor presents a reflection of their own relationship to American archaeology and how that inspired this volume.
What is wrong in doing good?
Authors: Zoller Heinz , Wagner Sonja , Schaefer Benedikt 
Published: August 2023

Hypophosphataemia is a common side‐effect in patients with iron deficiency anaemia treated with ferric carboxymaltose, which is not a class effect of all intravenous (IV) iron formulations. The report by Chu et al. shows that moderate and severe hypophosphataemia is common and can even require IV supplementation of phosphate with unknown long‐term consequences.Commentary on: Chu et al. Incidence and predictors of hypophosphataemia after ferric carboxymaltose use—a 3‐year experience from a single institution in Singapore. Br J Haematol 2023;202:1199–1204.
Synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines as potential anticancer agents and HER2 inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Nahla Said M. , Kadry Hanan H. , Zaher Ashraf F. , Mohamed Khaled O. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA series of N‐arylpyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines 3a–e and 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydropyrimido[4,5‐b]quinoline‐4(1H)‐ones 5a–e was designed and synthesized as potential anticancer agents against breast cancer. Compounds 3e, 5a, 5b, 5d, and 5e showed promising activity against the MCF‐7 cell line. Among them, compound 5b was the most active with IC50 of 1.67 μM. Compound 5b promoted apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest at S phase. 5b increased the level of pro‐apoptotic proteins p53, Bax, and caspase‐7 and inhibited the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Furthermore, all the synthesized compounds were docked into the crystal structure of HER2 (PBD: 3 pp0). Compounds 3e, 5a, 5b, 5d, and 5e showed good energy scores and binding modes. Finally, Compound 5b was evaluated on the HER2 assay and revealed good inhibition with IC50 of 0.073 μM.
Plasma lipidomic analysis to investigate putative biomarkers of P‐glycoprotein activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: Decaix Théodore , Magny Romain , Gouin‐Thibaut Isabelle , Delavenne Xavier , Mismetti Patrick , Salem Joe‐Elie , Narjoz Céline , Blanchard Anne , Pépin Marion , Auzeil Nicolas , Loriot Marie‐Anne , Laprévote Olivier 
Published: August 2023

AbstractP‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is an efflux transporter involved in the bioavailability of many drugs currently on the market. P‐gp is responsible for several drug–drug interactions encountered in clinical practice leading to iatrogenic hospital admissions, especially in polypharmacy situations. ABCB1 genotyping only reflects an indirect estimate of P‐gp activity. Therefore, it would be useful to identify endogenous biomarkers to determine the P‐gp phenotype to predict in vivo activity prior to the initiation of treatment and to assess the effects of drugs on P‐gp activity. The objective of this study was to assess changes in plasma lipidome composition among healthy volunteers selected on the basis of their ABCB1 genotype and who received clarithromycin, a known inhibitor of P‐gp. Untargeted lipidomic analysis based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was performed before and after clarithromycin administration. Our results revealed changes in plasma levels of some ceramides (Cers) {Cer(d18:1/22:0), Cer(d18:1/22:1), and Cer(d18:1/20:0) by ~38% (p < 0.0001), 13% (p < 0.0001), and 13% (p < 0.0001), respectively} and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) {PC(17:0/14:1), PC(16:0/18:3), and PC(14:0/18:3) by ~24% (p < 0.001), 10% (p < 0.001), and 23.6% (p < 0.001)} associated with both ABCB1 genotype and clarithromycin intake. Through the examination of plasma lipids, our results highlight the relevance of untargeted lipidomics for studying in vivo P‐gp activity and, more generally, to safely phenotyping transporters.
An African moral approach against the perverted faculty argument: Ukama, partiality and homophobia in Africa
Authors: Cordeiro‐Rodrigues Luis 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn Africa, homosexuality is routinely understood as a form of immoral behaviour. This has great implications for the physical and psychological well‐being of homosexuals in Africa. One of the reasons why homosexuals are sometimes understood to be behaving immorally is because it is believed that same‐sex relations are unnatural. I think that this conception of unnatural is grounded on the perverted faculty argument, although this is not often expressed in such terms. In this article, I will develop a concept of natural grounded on the concept of Ukama. I will show that despite Ukama implying a functional conception of nature, just like in the perverted faculty argument, it does not imply that homosexuality is immoral.