bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medullary thyroid cancer: epidemiology
Authors: Rybakov S. 
Published: July 2023

Epidemiology of medullary thyroid cancer is presented in the literature review. Thyroid cancer is the most common form of endocrine oncological pathology. It accounts for 96–97 % of all malignant tumors of endocrine organs. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (USA), the incidence of thyroid cancer in 1975–2009 increased approximately threefold, from 4.9 to 14.3 cases per 100,000 population. At the same time, the mortality rate remained low, approximately at the same level, 0.5 cases per 100,000. Such a situation can be explained to some extent by the improvement of diagnostic capabilities of the early, often preclinical, stage of thyroid tumors. Medullary thyroid cancer ranks third after papillary and follicular cancer, but surpasses them in terms of aggressiveness. It is a re­latively rare disease. This type of tumor makes up 1–9 % of all thyroid cancers. Against the background of the general tendency to increase the incidence of thyroid cancer, the absolute number of cases of medullary cancer according to various data remains relatively stable. Epidemiological characteristics of medullary thyroid cancer deserve attention in the age aspect, as well as when considering the frequency of detecting these tumors at autopsy of people who had no signs during their lifetime. In clinical practice, medullary thyroid cancer occurs in two main forms — sporadic and hereditary. The latter is represented as part of the combined syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN-2), which, in turn, is divided into two subtypes: MEN-2A and MEN-2B syndromes. MEN-2 syndrome is a rare combined hereditary pathology. Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 70–80 % of such tumors. It is accompanied by other types of endocrinopathies. Most cases of medullary thyroid cancer occur in the fifth decade of life. The presented data on the epidemiology of medullary thyroid cancer allow for a more detailed and in-depth study of this pathology and contain a certain amount of useful and necessary information.
Design of Urban Sludge Emission Reduction Optimisation Strategy Based on Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Zhou You-Fei , Hu Wei-Jie , Sheng Jun , Zhou Juan-Juan , Zou Wei-Guo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Urban sewage sludge treatment is important for sustainable utilisation and virtuous cycle of freshwater resources. However, with the improvement of sewage discharge standards, ensuring stable operation of sewage sludge treatment plants is becoming an urgent problem to be solved in the sewage treatment industry. This paper proposes a FNN control framework based on different working conditions to optimise the whole process of municipal sewage sludge treatment and discharge. The framework first divides the working conditions according to the weather, forming a separate feature and an input vector together with the typical indicators of other sewage treatment plants. Then the FNN is used to complete the control and optimisation of various indicators, achieving the dual objectives of reducing energy consumption and optimising water quality. Finally, the model is tested for the tracking index of sewage flow. The results demonstrate that the FNN control method used has significantly lower MAE than the single method in the two indexes of energy consumption and water quality evaluation. This provides new ideas for the optimisation of urban sewage sludge treatment process in the future. Overall, the paper effectively highlights the importance of urban sewage sludge treatment and presents a well-designed FNN control framework for optimising the treatment process. Additionally, the paper could benefit from further elaboration on the significance of the results obtained, and suggestions for future research in this area.
The Role of Religions, Values, Ethics, and Spiritual Responsibility in Environmental Governance and Achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda
Authors: Abumoghli Iyad 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 is the only viable framework that exists today providing a plan of action to tackle the complexity of development issues we are facing. One essential element in implementing this agenda is Goal 17, related to partnerships and the role of the whole of society in achieving these goals. Sustainable development is defined as the intersection of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. However, the fourth component of culture and traditional knowledge, while presumably integrated in all goals, has not been fully integrated, presenting a missed opportunity to enhance and strengthen the implementation and achievement of the sustainable development agenda. Religious values and belief systems are considered crucial elements of this cultural approach. Faith values and practices complement the scientific and technological approaches in dealing with the unprecedented environmental challenges of our time. This is especially important due to the commonality of religious values in living in harmony with nature. If seriously considered, adopting religious values leads to a change in individual behaviors and institutional policies that are crucial to reducing our environmental footprint and tackling the triple planetary crisis.
Impact of Federal Government Regulations on Fraud prevention in Nigeria's Federal Ministries
Authors: Adam Sa'adatu Balarabe , Zakari Musa , Bello Kabiru 
Published: July 2023

The study examined the impact of financial regulations on fraud Prevention in Nigeria’s Federal Ministries. It investigates how financial regulations affect fraud prevention in Nigerian federal ministries. Investigating the efficacy of current financial legislation in preventing fraud and protecting public monies is essential given the trend in fraudulent activity reported within government agencies. The study uses a survey research design and relies on documentary analysis to obtain secondary data. The findings revealed that Nigeria’s Federal Ministries tried to adhered to financial regulation which has minimized the incident of fraud. The finding also revealed that maintaining Accounting records has minimized fraud in Nigeria’ Federal Ministries, meaning that, majority of the Ministries in Nigeria have been maintaining proper record of their financial transaction. They adheres with financial regulation which stated that, Accounting Officer on all financial matters shall maintain proper accounting records of books of accounts . The study recommends that Federal Government should strengthen financial regulations. They should enhance existing financial regulations to address emerging fraud risks. There should be regular review and update of these regulations to ensure they remain effective in combating evolving fraudulent activities. Federal Government should enforce robust internal control systems within federal ministries. This includes segregation of duties, proper authorization, approval processes, regular internal audits, and effective risk management practices. Federal Government should provide comprehensive training programs on fraud prevention and financial regulations to employees within federal ministries. Raise awareness about the consequences of fraudulent activities and the importance of adhering to established financial regulations.
The Role of Competence, Psychological Capital, and Intrinsic Motivation Interventions in Influencing Teacher Performance in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Diarta Luthfita Ayu , Saluy Ahmad Badawy 
Published: July 2023

Article history:Received: Revised: Accepted:

Keywords: Competence, Psychological Capital, Intrinsic Motivation, Teacher PerformancePurpose – This research aims to determine the role of competence and psychological capital and their impact on teacher performance directly or indirectly via intrinsic motivation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Methodology/approach – This research method is causal quantitative using a saturated sample of 121 teachers at SD Yayasan Al Azhar Lampung. Using SEM-PLS as a data analysis method with the SmartPLS 3.2.9 application. Findings – It found a positive and significant role of competency on teacher performance, competency on intrinsic motivation, psychological capital on intrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation on teacher performance. Then, the role of psychological capital is not positive and not significant for teacher performance. Also, the indirect relationship formed from this research path is that intrinsic motivation plays a positive and significant role in the relationship between teacher competence to teacher performance, and intrinsic motivation plays a positive and significant role in the relationship between psychological capital and teacher performance. Novelty/value – Motivation intrinsic proven that it can intervene between psychological and teacher performance. Cause without intrinsic motivation, psychological capital hasn't impact on teacher performance.
Atomic Tuning in Electrically Conducting Bimetallic Organic Frameworks for Controllable Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Chen Congjie , Shan Zhen , Tao Shifei , Xie Aming , Yang Hongwei , Su Jian , Horke Satoshi , Kitagawa Susumu , Zhang Gen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDue to the structural complexity and limited controllability of conventional microwave‐absorption materials (MAMs), the precise regulation of atomically‐resolved structures and properties of MAMs remains a significant challenge. The interpretation of the dielectric loss mechanism is usually conduction and polarization losses, while the absence of components‐regulated template materials further hinders the disclosure of the mechanism. Herein, based on the customizable functionality of the MOF platform, a series of pristine bimetallic MOFs with precise and controllable conductivity are successfully constructed through the bimetallic alloying strategy. The controllability is attributed to the alteration of free‐carrier concentration and the subtle difference of interlayer displacement or spacing, both of which originate from the atomic tuning of hetero‐metal. Notably, Cu1.3Ni1.7(HITP)2 features an ultra‐high absorption strength (reflection loss, RL = −71.5 dB) and an ultra‐wide maximum bandwidth (6.16 GHz) at only 15% filling, which ranked in the upper range of all reported MAMs. Due to the metal co‐synergies, Cu1.3Ni1.7(HITP)2 possesses a switchable high absorption peak in a wide range (4–18 GHz). This work opens up an avenue for tailoring the atomic tuning of new MOF‐based electromagnetic wave absorbers and provides a conceptually novel platform.
Multiscale Ion‐Sieving Separator with Selective Zn2+ Channels and Excellent Zn2+ Desolvation Kinetics for Dendrite‐Free and Kinetics‐Enhanced Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhu Kaiping , Wu Liyun , Guo Can , Pu Jun , Liu Yang , Chen Xiang , Chen Yuting , Xue Pan , Han Jie , Yao Yagang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractZn metal batteries have garnered considerable scientific and technological interests. However, the widespread commercial application of these batteries is impeded by the uncontrollable dendrite growth and consequent severe side effects. Herein, a functionalized separator is prepared by spraying polyaniline‐modified graphene oxide (denoted as NPGO)/polyvinylidene difluoride solution directly on one side of a common separator of glass fibers (GFs). The reversible transition between protonated and deprotonated states of quinolone imide on NPGO nanosheets can facilitate the rapid desolvation and transfer of Zn2+. Therefore, the spatial electric field as well as the Zn2+ flux is effectively homogenized due to the ion‐sieving effect of NPGO nanosheets that are oriented toward Zn anode. This engineering design of the NPGO@GFs separator harvests excellent rate and cycling performance (over 3000 cycles at 20 mA cm−2) for Zn metal symmetric batteries. Meanwhile, it provides an impressive commercial prospect (500 cycles with a capacity retention of 91.6% under 2000 mA g−1) for MnO2||Zn full batteries. Such a strategy can be generalized as a common way to protect metal anodes (Na, Zn, and K) in rechargeable batteries, which is highly cost‐effective and scalable.
Toward Chiral Lasing from All‐Solution‐Processed Flexible Perovskite‐Nanocrystal–Liquid‐Crystal Membranes
Authors: Lin Weixi , Yang Chao , Miao Yu , Li Sen , Zhang Limin , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Lv Ying , Poudel Bed , Wang Kai , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Zhang Chen , Zhou Guofu , Hu Xiaowen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCircularly polarized (CP) coherent light sources are of great potential for various advanced optical applications spanning displays/imaging to data processing/encryption and quantum communication. Here, the first demonstration of CP amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)/lasing from a free‐standing and flexible membrane device is reported. The membrane device consists of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) and cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) layers sandwiched within a Fabry–Pérot (F–P) cavity architecture. The chiral liquid crystal cavity enables the generation of CP light from the device. The device is completely solution‐processable and displays CP ASE with record dissymmetry factor (glum) as high as 1.4, which is 3 orders of magnitude higher as compared with glum of CP luminescence of chiral ligand‐capped colloidal PNCs. The device exhibits ultraflexibility as the ASE intensity remains unchanged after repeated 100 bending cycles and it is stable for more than 3 months with 80% of its original intensity. Furthermore, the ultraflexibility enables the generation of ASE from various objects of different geometric surfaces covered with the flexible perovskite membrane device. This work not only demonstrates the first CP ASE from a PNCs membrane with extremely high glum but also opens the door toward the fabrication of ultraflexible, extremely stable, and all solution‐processable perovskite chiral laser devices.
Simultaneous Control of Spectral And Directional Emissivity with Gradient Epsilon‐Near‐Zero InAs Photonic Structures
Authors: Hwang Jae S. , Xu Jin , Raman Aaswath P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractControlling both the spectral bandwidth and directionality of emitted thermal radiation is a fundamental challenge in contemporary photonics. Recent work has shown that materials with a spatial gradient in the frequency range of their epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) response can support broad spectrum directionality in their emissivity, enabling high total radiance to specific angles of incidence. However, this capability is limited spectrally and directionally by the availability of materials with phonon‐polariton resonances over long‐wave infrared wavelengths. Here, an approach is designed and experimentally demonstrated using doped III–V semiconductors that can simultaneously tailor spectral peak, bandwidth, and directionality of infrared emissivity. InAs‐based gradient ENZ photonic structures that exhibit broadband directional emission with varying spectral bandwidths and directional ranges as a function of their doping concentration profile and thickness are epitaxially grown and characterized. Due to its easy‐to‐fabricate geometry, it is believed that this approach provides a versatile photonic platform to dynamically control broadband spectral and directional emissivity for a range of emerging applications in heat transfer and infrared sensing.
Enabling Scalable Polymer Electrolyte with Dual‐Reinforced Stable Interface for 4.5 V Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Qi Shengguang , Li Mianrui , Gao Yuqing , Zhang Weifeng , Liu Shumei , Zhao Jianqing , Du Li 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHitherto, it remains a great challenge to stabilize electrolyte–electrode interfaces and impede lithium dendrite proliferation in lithium‐metal batteries with high‐capacity nickel‐rich LiNxCoyMn1−x−yO2 (NCM) layer cathodes. Herein, a special molecular‐level‐designed polymer electrolyte is prepared by the copolymerization of hexafluorobutyl acrylate and methylene bisacrylamide to construct dual‐reinforced stable interfaces. Verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling, there are favorable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers on Li metal anodes and robust cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on Ni‐rich cathodes. The SEI enriched in lithiophilic N−(C)3 guides the homogenous distribution of Li+ and facilitates the transport of Li+ through LiF and Li3N, promoting uniform Li+ plating and stripping. Moreover, the CEI with antioxidative amide groups can suppress the parasitic reactions between cathode and electrolyte and the structural degradation of cathode. Meanwhile, a unique two‐stage rheology‐tuning UV polymerization strategy is utilized, which is quite suited for continuous electrolyte fabrication with environmental friendliness. The fabricated polymer electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.01 mS cm−1 at room temperature. 4.5 V NCM622//Li batteries achieve prolonged operation with a retention rate of 85.0% after 500 cycles at 0.5 C. This work provides new insights into molecular design and processibility design for polymer‐based high‐voltage batteries.
Safety and Efficacy of Long‐Term Voclosporin Treatment for Lupus Nephritis in the Phase 3 AURORA 2 Clinical Trial
Authors: Saxena Amit , Ginzler Ellen M. , Gibson Keisha , Satirapoj Bancha , Santillán Adolfina Elizabeth Zuta , Levchenko Olena , Navarra Sandra , Atsumi Tatsuya , Yasuda Shinsuke , Chavez‐Perez Nilmo Noel , Arriens Cristina , Parikh Samir V. , Caster Dawn J. , Birardi Vanessa , Randhawa Simrat , Lisk Laura , Huizinga Robert B. , Teng Y. K. Onno 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveAURORA 2 evaluated the long‐term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of voclosporin compared to placebo in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) receiving an additional two years of treatment following completion of the one‐year AURORA 1 study.MethodsEnrolled patients continued their double‐blinded treatment of voclosporin or placebo randomly assigned in AURORA 1, in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and low‐dose glucocorticoids. The primary objective was safety assessed with adverse events (AEs) and biochemical and hematological assessments. Efficacy was measured by renal response.ResultsA total of 216 patients enrolled in AURORA 2. Treatment was well tolerated with 86.1% completing the study and no unexpected safety signals. AEs occurred in 86% and 80% of patients in the voclosporin and control groups, respectively, with an AE profile similar to that seen in AURORA 1, albeit with reduced frequency. Investigator reported AEs of both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease and hypertension occurred more frequently in the voclosporin than the control group (10.3% vs 5.0%, and 8.6% vs 7.0%, respectively). Mean corrected estimated GFR (eGFR) was within the normal range and stable in both treatment groups. eGFR slope over the two‐year period was −0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] −3.0 to 2.7) in the voclosporin group and −5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI −8.4 to −2.3) in the control group. Improved proteinuria persisted across three years of treatment, leading to more frequent complete renal responses in patients treated with voclosporin (50.9% vs 39.0%; odds ratio 1.74; 95% CI 1.00–3.03).ConclusionData demonstrate the safety and efficacy of long‐term voclosporin treatment over three years of follow‐up in patients with LN.image
Selective Construction of Borromean Rings andTweezer‐LikeMolecular Assembly Featuring Cp*Rh/Ir Clips forNear‐InfraredPhotothermal Conversion†
Authors: Zou Yan , Zhang Hai‐Ning , Mu Qiu‐Shui , Dang Li‐Long , Jin Guo‐Xin 
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive SummaryMaking full use of coordination‐driven self‐assembly strategy, we herein described the selective synthesis of a molecular Borromean rings and two cases of “U”‐shaped tweezer‐like molecular assemblies in high yield by using bipyridyl ligands based on biphenyl unit and half‐sandwich binuclear rhodium(III)/iridium(III) building blocks. The selective synthesis was realized by adjusting the length of dipyridyl arms. The utilization of curved U‐shaped bipyridyl ligandL1led to tweezer‐like molecular assemblies. Subsequently, olefinic bonds were introduced to elongate dipyridyl arms obtaining ligandL2. The ligandL2has two stable conformations, U‐shape and Z‐shape, which facilitated the formation of different topologies including the tetranuclear macrocycle and Borromean rings with different building blocks in this work. These structures in solid and solution all have been further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR analysis, and mass spectrometry. In addition, as an important driving force, π‐π stacking interactions not only played a significant role in the stability of structures but also further triggered photothermal conversion in solution. The experimental results demonstrated that compounds1aand2had good NIR photothermal conversion efficiency (11.83% and 17.76%), and further analysis found the photothermal conversion efficiency had a gradual increase in the trend with the π‐π stacking interactions increasing. This research expands the application of topological structures in materials science and provides a new idea for the synthesis of novel photothermal conversion materials.
Advantages of model averaging of species sensitivity distributions used for regulating produced water discharges
Authors: Binet Monique T. , Golding Lisa A. , Adams Merrin S. , Robertson Tim , Elsdon Travis S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Produced water (PW) generated by Australian offshore oil and gas activities is typically discharged to the ocean after treatment. These complex mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds can pose significant environmental risk to receiving waters, if not managed appropriately. Oil and gas operators in Australia are required to demonstrate that environmental impacts of their activity are managed to levels that are as low as reasonably practicable, for example, through risk assessments comparing predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) with predicted environmental concentrations of PW. Probabilistic species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approaches are increasingly being used to derive PW PNECs and subsequently calculating dilutions of PW (termed “safe” dilutions) required to protect a nominated percentage of species in the receiving environment (e.g., 95% and 99% or PC95 and PC99, respectively). Limitations associated with SSDs include fitting a single model to small (six to eight species) data sets, resulting in large uncertainty (very wide 95% confidence limits) in the region associated with PC99 and PC95 results. Recent advances in SSD methodology, in the form of model averaging, claim to overcome some of these limitations by applying the average model fit of multiple models to a data set. We assessed the advantages and limitations of four different SSD software packages for determining PNECs for five PWs from a gas and condensate platform off the North West Shelf of Australia. Model averaging reduced occurrences of extreme uncertainty around PC95 and PC99 values compared with single model fitting and was less prone to the derivation of overly conservative PC99 and PC95 values that resulted from lack of fit to single models. Our results support the use of model averaging for improved robustness in derived PNEC and subsequent “safe” dilution values for PW discharge management and risk assessment. In addition, we present and discuss the toxicity of PW considering the paucity of such information in peer-reviewed literature. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:498–517. © 2023 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).