bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial community of Nongxiangxing daqu during storage: microbial succession, assembly mechanisms and metabolic functions
Authors: Zhou Yiyang , Li Yong , Dong Yi , Ma Shiyuan , Zhang Liqiang , Huang Ping , Wu Chongde 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe storage process of Nongxiangxing daqu is closely related to the quality of the daqu. The role of storage in daqu manufacture remains unclear, and most actual production relies on previous production experience.RESULTSWith the extension of daqu storage over a period of time, saccharifying activity, liquefying activity, fermenting activity, and esterifying activity reached a peak when stored for 3 to 4 months. Analysis of the flavor compounds showed that 87 flavor components were detected in daqu, and esters and alcohols were the main flavor compounds found. Microbial community analysis suggested that Weissella was the dominant bacterial genus with relative abundance increasing during storage, while Thermomyces was dominant fungal genus with abundance decreasing during storage. Analysis of assembly processes revealed that bacterial assembly was primarily influenced by stochastic processes during storage, whereas fungal assembly was predominantly shaped by deterministic processes. The interactions among microbiota, flavor compounds, and physicochemical parameters were elucidated, suggesting that saccharifying activity was positively correlated with Weissella, Lactobacillus, Kodamaea and Wickerhamomyces, and most of esters were positively correlated with Pediococcus and Clavispora. Microbial community functions were also predicted, highlighting enzymes involved in carbohydrate degradation, flavor formation, and ethanol fermentation. Finally, simulated baijiu fermentation was performed by adding daqu stored for different times, and the results showed that daqu stored for 3 to 4 months was appropriate for baijiu brewing.CONCLUSIONThe results presented in this study may enhance understanding of the impact of storage on daqu quality and, consequently, help to improve it. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Functional alignment in robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty for valgus deformity achieves safe coronal alignment and excellent short‐term outcomes
Authors: Gregori Pietro , Koutserimpas Christos , Giovanoulis Vasileios , Batailler Cécile , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeFunctional alignment (FA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prioritizes soft tissue balancing and anatomical restoration without systematic correction to neutral alignment. Most studies have focused on varus deformity, with little evidence available about FA in valgus deformity. The hypothesis of the present study was that FA in robotic‐assisted TKA for valgus deformity would demonstrate correction of the coronal alignment and yield satisfactory short‐term outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study included 58 patients with valgus coronal alignment (hip–knee–angle [HKA] ≥ 183°) who underwent robotic‐assisted TKA using the FA technique with a minimum of 1‐year follow‐up. Outcomes were assessed through the Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and radiographic measurements of alignment and phenotypes. Complication and revision rates were also analyzed.ResultsThe cohort included 39 females and 19 males with a median age of 70. Post‐operatively, 86.2% of cases achieved coronal alignment within the safe zone (HKA 177–183°). Significant improvements were observed in KSS (part 1: 69.5–95, part 2: 65–94, p < 0.001), while OKS and FJS exhibited optimal outcomes. Two complications were recorded: one aseptic loosening (1.7%) and one early infection (1.7%). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated favourable implant survivorship at a median follow‐up of 18 months.ConclusionFA in image‐based robotic TKA is a safe and effective approach for patients with valgus deformity. This procedure resulted in a modest correction of the coronal alignment, where no soft tissue releases were needed. The majority of the cases fell within the target coronal alignment boundaries by only accommodating the individual laxities, suggesting the aim of FA to restore each knee's pre‐pathological alignment.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Parallel Parking Path Planning and Trajectory Tracking in Narrow Environments for Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Cheng Guangwei , Guo Zhanzheng , Karimi Hamid Reza , Lu Yanyang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTo address the challenge of parallel parking in narrow environments, a multi‐segment path planning method is proposed for autonomous unmanned vehicles (AUVs), which integrates circular arc and dual clothoid curves, ensuring continuous path curvature and minimal longitudinal space occupancy. First, considering the narrow environmental constraints and the parameters of AUV, the planning for the preparatory phase path and the parking‐in phase path are completed, respectively. The role of the preparatory phase path is to guide the AUV to the target point, and the parking‐in phase path can guide the AUV into the target parking space. Then, by using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with a penalty function framework, a multi‐constraint nonlinear programming path function model is established to seek out the parking path. Subsequently, the pure pursuit (PP) algorithm is employed to control the movement of AUV along the planned path. Finally, the simulation result and real‐vehicle experiment are conducted, which show that the parking path planning method proposed in this article enables AUV to safely complete parking operations in the narrow environment.
Utilization of Low‐Dose Phentermine for Weight Loss Prior to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, and Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Garcia Luis , Rivas Homero , Morton John 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionStudies examining preoperative weight loss using pharmacotherapy in metabolic and bariatric patients are limited. The objective was to investigate if patients taking a low‐dose formulation of phentermine had improved weight loss.MethodsThis study was a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial including patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Anthropometric and serological data were collected during the initial consult visit and again during two follow‐up visits. Lomaira is a low‐dose formulation of phentermine. Patients took 8‐mg tablets three times a day for 14 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was weight loss, which was measured as percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and change in body mass index (BMI).ResultsAmong 53 participants randomized, 45 (85%) completed the trial. Participants were predominantly female (91%); the mean age was 41 years (SD = 11); and the mean initial BMI was 48.4 kg/m2 (SD = 8.2 kg/m2). Average weight loss was 6.2 kg (SD = 6) in the treatment group versus 1.1 kg (SD = 4.54) in the placebo group (p = 0.001). Average % TWL was greater in treatment Group 4.7 ± 4.3 versus placebo Group 1.1 ± 3.6, p = 0.001. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative medication use was significantly associated with greater %TWL (p = 0.004). There was no difference in OR time or post‐operative complications between the groups.ConclusionsLow‐dose phentermine is efficacious and safe for preoperative weight loss in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Mechanical, thermal, morphological, and rheological behavior of recycled polypropylene/pine needle biochar composite: An innovative approach towards circular economy
Authors: Hemlata  
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn order to accomplish an effective valorization of biochar derived from pine needle waste (PNW) as a potential filler to develop green composites based on waste polypropylene bottle flakes (wPP) explored through twin screw extruder and injection molding. A comprehensive analysis of the composites, including mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological were characterized and investigated. The best mechanical performance of wPP/biochar composite was obtained at 40 wt% biochar content and the tensile modulus was substantially enhanced by 97.30%, flexural modulus by 141.92%, flexural strength by 54.60% and compressive strength by 28.85% while the tensile strength and elongation at break reduced by 10.18% and 79.83% with respect to wPP. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that adding biochar enhanced the thermal stability of wPP/biochar. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the biochar increases the crystallinity of the wPP matrix and at 10 wt% biochar the highest crystallinity (66.72%) was achieved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images suggested the mechanical interlocking structure between biochar and wPP matrix. The complex viscosity, storage modulus, and viscous modulus are enhanced by incorporating biochar. Modified Cole–Cole plot and van‐Gurp plot suggested the restriction of polymer chain mobility in the presence of biochar.Highlights
Reutilization of waste pine needles and waste plastic promotes the circular economy.
Biochar derived through the gasification process improved the mechanical properties of waste plastic composite.
Biochar enhanced thermal properties of composites.
SEM analysis reveals infiltration of a polymer chain in biochar pores.
Stressors, Achievement Motivation, and Academic Performance Among University Faculty in China: The Moderating Effect of Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Zhao Mao , Maat Siti Mistima , Azman Norzaini , Zheng En 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis research scrutinizes the link between academic stressors (both challenge and hindrance types) and the academic performance of university faculty, while also considering the mediating role of achievement motivation. Furthermore, the study evaluates the moderating influence of faculty self‐efficacy on the relationship between these stressors and academic performance. The sample encompassed 7000 full‐time teachers from universities across Sichuan Province, China, with approximately 55% female participants and an average teaching experience of 13 years. Faculty academic stressors (challenge and hindrance stressors), achievement motivation, self‐efficacy, and academic performance were all assessed using self‐report techniques. The application of structural equation modeling revealed significant relationships between academic stressors (both challenge and hindrance types) and academic performance. Achievement motivation was found to entirely mediate the effects of academic stressors (challenge and hindrance stressors) on academic performance. In addition, the study underscored the moderating impact of self‐efficacy on the relationship between faculty academic stressors and academic performance. The significance of enhancing faculty academic performance through stress reduction, increased achievement motivation, and self‐efficacy is discussed.
Combined application of methyl jasmonate and Bacillus subtilisLLCG89 suppresses blue and green mold of lemon (Citrus limon L.)
Authors: Moosa Anam , Zulfiqar Faisal , Alshaharni Mohammed O. , Alwutayd Khairiah Mubarak , Alahmari Layla A , Alhelaify Seham Sater , Alharthy Ohud Muslat , Fayad Eman , Al‐Asmari Fahad , Baazeem Alaa , Alzayed Rasha M. , Alhajouj Sondos A. , Mahmood Tahir 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundBacillus species produce antimicrobial lipopeptides (LPs) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induces resistance in harvested fruits against postharvest pathogens. However, there is limited evidence of the combined efficacy of Bacillus LPs and MeJA to suppress postharvest diseases.ResultsThis study presents the combined effect of Bacillus LPs and MeJA to suppress P. digitatum and P. italicum associated with green and blue mold of lemon. Eight Bacillus strains were screened in a direct antagonism plate assay, where Bacillus subtilis LLCG89 and B. atrophaeus HFZ23 exhibited the highest inhibition of both molds. Subsequently, in an in vitro assay, LPs extracted from LLCG89 demonstrated the highest antifungal activity against both pathogens compared to HFZ23. When combined with MeJA, LLCG89 LPs reduced the lesion diameter and disease incidence of blue and green mold on lemon fruit. Co‐application of MeJA and LLCG89 LPs decreased the levels of MDA, H2O2, and electrolyte leakage compared to single treatments and controls. Furthermore, treatment with MeJA and LLCG89 LPs increased the activities of defense enzymes including SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, CHI, GLU, APX, and PAL with peak activity between 48 to 72 h. The co‐application of MeJA and LLCG89 LPs showed the highest enzyme activity compared to the control. Postharvest quality analysis indicated that co‐application of LLCG89 LPs and MeJA showed little impact on fruit quality.ConclusionThe findings of our study highlight the potential of Bacillus‐derived LPs and MeJA as effective tools for managing the Penicillium decay of lemons by maintaining fruit quality. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
The continuing significance of chiral agrochemicals
Authors: Jeschke Peter 
Published: January 2025

AbstractChemical crop protection is one of the most cost‐effective methods for agriculture, as crop failures can be prevented, and sustainable growth can be enabled regardless of the seasons. Agricultural production must be significantly increased in the future to meet the food needs of a growing world population. However, the continued loss of established active ingredients due to consumer perceptions, changing needs of farmers and ever‐changing regulatory requirements is higher than annually new active ingredients introduced to the market. The development of innovative active ingredients is therefore essential to continuously improve the selectivity, efficacy and favorable environmental profile of agrochemicals. Molecules with stereogenic centers can be considered here, as they often have different properties than non‐chiral molecules. Natural products and their congeners are still a valuable source of inspiration for chiral agrochemicals. However, only a few novel chiral agrochemicals are currently produced on an industrial scale as pure stereoisomers or in enriched form. As of 2018, around 43% of the 35 chiral products introduced to the market (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, and nematicides) contain one or more stereogenic centers in the molecule, and almost 69% of them have been marketed as racemic mixtures of enantiomers or stereoisomers. Surprisingly, the proportion of chiral agrochemicals is in the same order of magnitude as in the time frame from 2007 to 2017 with around 42%, respectively. This report therefore provides an overview of the continued importance of chiral agrochemicals brought to market in the last 6 years and describes the inherent related challenges of modern agrochemicals through the management of key aspects arising from innovative crop protection products. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Joint Wire Cutting with Non‐Maximally Entangled States
Authors: Bechtold Marvin , Barzen Johanna , Leymann Frank , Mandl Alexander , Truger Felix 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDistributed quantum computing leverages multiple quantum devices collectively to perform computations exceeding each device's capabilities. A currently studied technique to enable this distributed approach is wire cutting, which decomposes a quantum circuit into smaller subcircuits by cutting connecting wires. These subcircuits can be executed on distributed devices, and their results are then classically combined to reconstruct the original computation's result. However, wire cutting requires additional circuit executions to preserve result accuracy, with their number growing exponentially with each cut. Thus, minimizing this sampling overhead is crucial for reducing execution time. Employing shared non‐maximally entangled (NME) states between distributed devices reduces this overhead for single wire cuts, approaching ideal teleportation with maximally entangled states. Extending this approach to jointly cutting multiple wires using NME states remained unexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the use of NME states for joint wire cuts, aiming to reduce the sampling overhead further. The three main contributions include (i) determining the minimal sampling overhead for this scenario, (ii) analyzing the overhead when using composite NME states constructed from smaller NME states, and (iii) introducing a wire cutting technique that achieves the optimal sampling overhead with pure NME states, advancing toward wire cutting with arbitrary NME states.
Infinite Organic Solid‐Solution Semiconductors with Continuous Evolution in Film Morphology, Crystalline Lattice and Electrical Properties
Authors: Yuan Beibei , Yang Junliang , Li Liqiang , Zhang Jidong , Wang Haibo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractConstructing a solid solution is an effective strategy for regulating the properties of composite organic semiconductors. However, there presents significant challenges in fabrication and understanding of organic solid‐solution semiconductors. In this study, infinite solid‐solution semiconductors are successfully achieved by integrating rod‐like organic molecules, thereby overcoming the limitations of current organic composite semiconductors. Within these solid solutions, one type of molecule are incorporated into the crystalline lattice of another through random substitution. The continuous evolution in film morphology, crystalline lattice parameters and physical properties are observed as component ratios vary, accompanying with changes in the growth behavior of films. Molecular‐level intercalation is evidenced by Davydov splitting, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and optical absorption analyses. Moreover, the continuous variation in ionization potential is demonstrated through organic Schottky diodes. This advancement in organic solid solutions can not only satisfy diverse requirements for device fabrication but also facilitate novel designs in device architecture.
Understanding Remote Work Experience: Insights Into Well‐Being
Authors: Vizcaíno Aurora , Suárez Julio , Šmite Darja , García Félix O. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAfter the pandemic, software engineers were forced to work remotely, in many cases without prior experience of doing so.ObjectiveThe objective of this work is to analyze the factors that influence engineers' motivation, stress and performance when working remotely after the pandemic, and to what level.MethodsA significant number (around 1000) of Latin‐American software development professionals from different countries who work remotely were surveyed in order to study the factors that affect them and how when they work in this manner. The data collected from the survey were then statistically analyzed using the partial least square‐structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) method.ConclusionsThe analysis of the data made it possible to conclude that there are direct negative effects of stress on performance and direct positive effects of motivation on performance. In addition, we found that skills, experience, and teamwork behavior, such as trust, communication, and knowledge sharing, play an important role when working remotely.
Modeling aerobic granules in continuously flowing wastewater‐treatment processes
Authors: Boltz Joshua P. , Rittmann Bruce E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractContinuously flowing wastewater‐treatment processes can be configured for biological and physical selection to form and retain large biological aggregates (LBAs), along with suspended biomass that contains ordinary biological flocs and biomass that has detached from the LBAs. Suspended biomass and LBAs have different solids residence times (SRTs) and mass‐transport resistances. Here, mathematical sub‐models that describe metabolic processes, a 1‐D biofilm, and spherical carriers that can migrate throughout a wastewater‐treatment process were combined to simulate a full‐scale demonstration train having anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic zones, as well as side‐stream enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Hydrocyclones were utilized for physical selection. Simulation results and experimental observations agreed for soluble chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus removals, as well as mixed liquor concentration and characteristics. The model outputs demonstrated that suspended biomass was responsible for most of the transformations in the bioreactor, but LBAs contributed importantly to P accumulation as polyphosphate. The simulated LBAs accumulated a higher density of phosphorus‐storing bacteria, polyphosphate, and total‐ and protein‐extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), particularly near their core. Protein‐EPS accumulated near the substratum because protein‐EPS hydrolyzed more slowly than carbohydrate‐EPS, while the SRT in each layer increased from the surface layer to the layer adjacent to the LBA core.Practitioner Points
Combined models well represented observed solids components in a full‐scale demonstration train as A2O with S2EBPR.
Simulations described aerobic‐granule structure and function consistent with what is known about aerobic granules in BNR processes.
Suspended biomass dominated most of the simulated transformation rates, but the LBAs accumulated ~2000 mg P/L as polyphosphosphate.
The simulated aerobic granules did not intensify WWT overall but should have improved the net solids‐settling characteristics.
Aerobic granules had more EPS than the suspended biomass and protein‐EPS accumulated inside the LBA by slower hydrolysis kinetics.
Development of a Perioperative Risk Mortality Calculator for Humanitarian Surgical Care
Authors: Reynolds Christopher W. , Wild Hannah , Low Yen Sia , Gombar Saurabh , Wren Sherry M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRisk models to predict perioperative mortality rates (POMR) are critical to surgical quality improvement yet are not widely adapted for use in humanitarian and low‐resource settings (LRS). We developed a POMR and corresponding nomogram and calculator for use in humanitarian surgical care.MethodsElectronic health record data from a high‐income academic medical center from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively extracted, selecting variables and operations specific to LRS. This development dataset was used to create a logistic regression POMR model, which was then prospectively validated using data from 2022 to 2023 from the same institution.ResultsEHR from a total of 49,277 patients were used. The model fitted eight variables feasibly obtainable in LRS: age > 65 years (OR = 4.05 and 95% CI: 3.71–4.43), male sex (OR = 1.32 and 95% CI: 1.25–1.40), GCS < 13 (OR = 5.20 and 95% CI: 4.73–5.73), glucose > 200 mg/dL (OR = 2.19 and 95% CI: 2.01–2.38), Hgb ≤ 11 g/dL (OR = 2.65 and 95% CI: 2.43–2.89), HR > 120 bpm (OR = 2.49 and 95% CI: 2.35–2.64), T > 38 degrees Celsius (OR = 1.32 and 95% CI: 1.19–1.45), and SBP > 180 mmHg (OR = 1.18 and 95% CI: 1.02–1.37). The model demonstrated a high area under the curve (0.847, 0.867, and 0.925), sensitivity (0.739, 0.886, and 0.844), specificity (0.807, 0.780, and 0.864), and negative predictive value (0.750, 0.997, and 0.999) on training, holdout, and prospective validation sets.ConclusionWe validated a POMR model for use in LRS using eight variables that are readily available in the target environment. This model's predictors and accompanying clinical tools of an Excel calculator and nomogram make it simultaneously comprehensive and accessible in LRS.