bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antialzheimer performance ofHippeastrum hybridum(L.) using silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sher Naila , Ahmed Mushtaq , Mushtaq Nadia , Khan Rahmat Ali 
Published: May 2022

Nanotechnology is one of the modern techniques of material science which have received much importance in the last many years. Nanotechnology is concerned with the production of nanoparticles (NPs) with restricted sizes and shapes through a facile, straightforward, and medicinally active phytochemical route. This study aims to develop an easy and justifiable method for the green synthesis of HH AgNPs usingHippeastrum hybridum(HH) extract and then to investigate the effects of HH AgNPs as a free radical scavenger, and an inhibitor of the two enzymes i‐e Alpha‐amylase (α‐amylase) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). UV‐Vis spectrum at 432 nm with maximum absorbance at 1.98 confirmed the AgNPs formation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) conformed to the peaks for the functional groups of HH extract and on the surface of HH AgNPs that are involved in the synthesis and stability of the HH AgNPs. The average size of 13.3 nm for AgNPs was calculated using four major peaks at 37.92°, 43.79°, 64.27°, and 77.18° of X‐Rays Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical shaped, monodispersed, and huge density AgNPs with an average 40 nm size of AgNPs. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) confirmed the intense sharp peak at 3.1 keV showing that silver was the main element (22.75%). The HH AgNPs showed an excellent %scavenging of Ferric chloride (75.5 ± 0.014%), Ammonium molybdenum (72.1 ± 0.0021%), DPPH (69.6 ± 0.059%), H2O2(65 ± 0.001%), and ABTS (68.3 ± 0.07%). Statistical analysis indicated HH AgNPs caused a non‐competitive type of inhibition (Kmconstant andVmaxdecrease) against α‐amylase and AChE. Our results suggest that AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antialzheimer activities in a concentration‐dependent manner as compared to AgNO3and plant extract. However, further investigations are recommended to be able to minimize potential risks of application.
Resonant Ultrasonic Defoaming in Aqueous Evaporation/Boiling Processes at Different Size Scales
Authors: Thünnesen Julian , Gerstenberg Christoph , Heller Daniel , Leuner Hannes , Einfalt Daniel , McHardy Christopher , Gatternig Bernhard , Rauh Cornelia , Repke Jens-Uwe , Delgado Antonio 
Published: May 2022

AbstractUnwanted foam bears the risk of affecting different thermal industrial processes negatively, by reduced process efficiency, contamination, and total shutdown. Mechanical defoaming methods are difficult to implement, while chemical anti‐foaming agents are challenging in correct dosing. Ultrasonic defoaming actuators destroy foams purely mechanically from air‐borne, but their energy consumption per area is still excessive at 10 W cm−2. Results show that a frequency sweep between 40–168 kHz and a water‐borne sonication needs power densities of around 0.1 W cm−2 for a lab‐scale experiment to a copper column still. At this power level, ultrasound enforces the foam drainage, thus reducing the foam height and the process time of the column still by 20 %. The chosen frequency range indicates a resonant behavior of small liquid‐loaded lamella and plateau channels.
A new Stein estimator for the zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model
Authors: Akram Muhammad Nauman , Abonazel Mohamed R. , Amin Muhammad , Kibria B. M. Golam , Afzal Nimra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression models are mainly applied for count data that shows over‐dispersion and extra zeros. Multicollinearity is considered to be a significant problem in the estimation of parameters in the ZINB regression model. Thus, in order to alleviate the serious effects of multicollinearity, a new estimator is proposed which is called ZINB Stein estimator (ZINBSE). We also proposed various biasing parameters for the ZINBSE. A theoretical comparison is also conducted with some existing estimators in the literature. A Monte Carlo simulation study has been considered in order to judge the superiority of the proposed and other estimators, where the estimated mean squared error and mean absolute error are the evaluation criterion. An empirical application is also considered for illustration purposes. Based on the simulation and application results, it is observed that the new ZINBSE with proposed biasing parameters are superior over the other competitors' estimators.
Sodium Pre‐Intercalated Carbon/V2O5 Constructed by Sustainable Sodium Lignosulfonate for Stable Cathodes in Zinc‐Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Chen Junli , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Ziyan , Ma Jianhui , Zhao Lei , Jian Wenbin , Chen Suli , Yin Jian , Lin Xuliang , Qin Yanlin , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe aqueous zinc‐ion battery (AZIB) has been widely investigated in recent years because it has the advantages of being green, safe, and made from abundant raw materials. It is necessary to continue to study how to prepare cathode materials with excellent performance and high cycling stability for future commercialization. In this work, a strategy was proposed that uses sustainable sodium lignosulfonate as both carbon and sodium sources to obtain a sodium pre‐intercalated vanadium oxide/carbon (VO/LSC) composite as the cathode of AZIB. The carbon matrix could improve the electronic conductivity of vanadium oxide, while the sodium lignosulfonate could provide sodium ions pre‐intercalated into the layered vanadium oxide simultaneously. Through this strategy, vanadium‐based cathode materials with high stability and excellent rate capability were obtained. The VO/LSC cathode delivered high capacities of 350 and 112.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 4.0 A g−1, respectively. Zinc sulfate and zinc trifluoromethyl sulfonate were selected as electrolytes, and the influence of electrolytes on the performance of VO/LSC was analyzed. The oxygen in the environment was used to oxidize the low‐priced vanadium oxide to achieve a self‐charging AZIB. This paper provides a valuable strategy for the design of vanadium‐based cathode material for AZIB, which can broaden the research and application of AZIB.
Development of a triplex droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of three New Zealand native freshwater mussels (Echyridella) in environmental samples
Authors: Steiner Konstanze , Dyer Niamh , Lee Charles K. , Vandergoes Marcus J. , Wood Susanna A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe freshwater musselEchyridella(also known as kākahi) is the only freshwater mussel found in New Zealand's lakes and rivers and is endemic to the country. They play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems and have high cultural significance. The three putative species ofEchyridellaare all classified as at risk. Monitoring is required to enhance knowledge on their distribution and to provide management, but conventional approaches (diving, wading, or swimming and visually looking for mussels) are time‐consuming, costly, and require good visibility. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) in combination with PCR techniques offer advantages over conventional methods. In this study, we developed a triplex droplet digital PCR assay, targeting a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, that differentiates all three kākahi species. The limits of quantification using gblocks were 0.6 × 10−03–6 × 10−03 fg/µl, yielding 2–8 copies/reaction, and for tissue DNA 10,000–100,000 fg/µl, yielding 9–15 copies/reaction. The method was applied to water samples from 48 lakes, lagoons, or ponds and two samples from streams. A total of 58% of samples from lakes, lagoons, or ponds and all samples from the streams were positive for kākahi. Sediment samples (n = 15) were also tested. Only those collected in close proximity (<1 m) to living kākahi were positive highlighting the patchy distribution of eDNA in sediment. This new assay will assist in determining the current distribution of kākahi at large temporal and spatial scales and has the potential to be used for the assessment of historic distributions as well.
Days alive and out of hospital after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Roth Sebastian , M'Pembele René , Stroda Alexandra , Voit Josephine , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Sixt Stephan U. , Westenfeld Ralf , Polzin Amin , Rellecke Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Hollmann Markus W. , Boeken Udo , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Huhn Ragnar , Aubin Hug 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsImplantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy is increasing. The selection of suitable patients and outcome assessment belong to the key challenges. Mortality has traditionally been a focus of research in this field, but literature on quality of life is very limited. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors influencing patients' life as measured by days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) in the first year after LVAD implantation.Methods and resultsThis retrospective single‐centre cohort study screened 227 patients who underwent LVAD implantation at the University Hospital Duesseldorf, Germany, between 2010 and 2020. First, the influence of 10 prespecified variables on DAOH was investigated by univariate analysis. Second, multivariate quantile regression was conducted including all factors with significant influence on DAOH in the univariate model. Additionally, the impact of all variables on 1 year mortality was investigated using Kaplan–Meier curves to oppose DAOH and mortality. In total, 221 patients were included into analysis. As pre‐operative factors, chronic kidney disease (CKD), pre‐operative mechanical circulatory support (pMCS), and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) stadium < 3 were associated with lower DAOH at 1 year [CKD: 280 (155–322) vs. 230 (0–219), P = 0.0286; pMCS: 294 (155–325) vs. 243 (0–293), P = 0.0004; INTERMACS 1: 218 (0–293) vs. INTERMACS 2: 264 (6–320) vs. INTERMACS 3: 299 (228–325) vs. INTERMACS 4: 313 (247–332), P ≤ 0.0001]. Intra‐operative additional implantation of a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) was also associated with lower DAOH [RVAD: 290 (160–325) vs. 174 (0–277), P ≤ 0.0001]. As post‐operative values that were associated with lower DAOH, dialysis and tracheotomy could be identified [dialysis: 300 (252–326) vs. 186 (0–300), P ≤ 0.0001; tracheotomy: 292 (139–325) vs. 168 (0–269), P ≤ 0.0001]. Multivariate analysis revealed that all of these factors besides pMCS were independently associated with DAOH. According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, only post‐operative dialysis was significantly associated with increased mortality at 1 year (survival: no dialysis 89.4% vs. dialysis 70.1%, hazard ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.94; P = 0.031).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that there can be a clear discrepancy between hard endpoints such as mortality and more patient‐centred outcomes reflecting life impact. DAOH may relevantly contribute to a more comprehensive selection process and outcome assessment in LVAD patients.
Adoption of improved soybean and gender differential productivity and revenue impacts: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Kamara Amadu Y. , Oyinbo Oyakhilomen , Manda Julius , Kamsang Lucy S. , Kamai Nkeki 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDespite the considerable soybean varietal improvement and dissemination efforts in Nigeria and other parts of Sub‐Saharan Africa, empirical evidence on farm‐level yield and revenue impacts of improved soybean varieties (ISVs) from a gender perspective are limited. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the adoption of ISVs on soybean yield and net revenue, and the associated gender differential effects in northern Nigeria. We use the endogenous and exogenous switching treatment effects regression frameworks to estimate the impacts. We find that the adoption of ISVs significantly increased soybean yield and net revenue of the soybean‐producing households by 26% and 32%, respectively. In addition, we find that the gender gap in yield between male and female‐headed soybean‐producing households was small, with a yield gap of about 1%. However, we find a substantial gender gap in soybean net revenue, as the net revenue of female‐headed households was lower by about 20%, as compared to male‐headed households. Overall, our findings show that policymakers and their development partners can leverage varietal improvement to boost the yields of both male‐ and female‐headed households. However, closing the gender gap in crop income necessitates reducing the disparity in market linkages so that the female farmers can equally have better market access.
Heat transfer of couple stress fluid from a vertical funnel: Impedance boundary conditions
Authors: Umavathi J. C. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe present level of literature on the subject matter indicates that nothing is known on the heat transfer across the couple stress rheological fluid flowing over a vertical avenue with Robin (mixed) wall conditions. The obtained conservation equations of the model are solved through DTM (differential transform method) and RPM (regular perturbation method). The nondimensional parameters obtained are a couple stress parameter, Brinkman number, mixed convection parameter, and Biot number. The computations reveal that flow acceleration and thermal enhancement is induced with increasing mixed convection parameter and Brinkman number for symmetric and asymmetric conditions. Increasing couple stress parameters dwindle the velocity and temperature for symmetric and asymmetric cases. The large values of the mixed convection parameter and Brinkman number increase the Nusselt values at the left wall and reduces at the right wall. The mass flow rate is augmented with the mixed convection parameter and Brinkman number but it is reduced with the couple stress parameter. The DTM, RKSM, and RPM solutions are in good agreement.
Construction of a necroptosis‐related lncRNA signature to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Juntao , Xu Ziqian , Teh Bing Mei , Zhou Chongchang , Yuan Zhechen , Shi Yunbin , Shen Yi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have determined that necroptosis‐related genes are potential biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we established a novel risk model based on necroptosis‐related lncRNAs (nrlncRNAs) to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients.MethodsTranscriptome and related information were obtained from TCGA database, and an nrlncRNA signature was established based on univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate the model, and a nomogram for survival prediction was established. Gene set enrichment analysis, immune analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, correlation with N6‐methylandenosin (m6A), and tumor stemness analysis were performed. Furthermore, the entire set was divided into two clusters for further discussion.ResultsA novel signature was established with six nrlncRNAs. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) were 0.699, 0.686, and 0.645, respectively. Patients in low‐risk group and cluster 2 had a better prognosis, more immune cell infiltration, higher immune function activity, and higher immune scores; however, patients in high‐risk group and cluster 1 were more sensitive to chemotherapy. Moreover, the risk score had negative correlation with m6A‐related gene expression and tumor stemness.ConclusionAccording to this study, we constructed a novel signature with nrlncRNA pairs to predict the survival of HNSCC patients and guide immunotherapy and chemotherapy. This may possibly promote the development of individualized and precise treatment for HNSCC patients.
Computational design of immunogenic peptide constructs comprising multiple human leukocyte antigen restricted dengue virus envelope epitopes
Authors: Kaushal Neha , Jain Sahil , Baranwal Manoj 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDengue virus (DENV) is endemic in 100 countries with the ability to impact nearly 50% of world population. DENV envelope (E) protein is responsible for viral attachment to host cells and has been target of various countermeasure development efforts. The current study focuses on a consensus computational approach to identify cross‐reactive, immunogenic DENV‐2 E peptides displaying promiscuity with a wide array of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Four conserved peptides (FP‐1, FP‐2, FP‐3 and FP‐4) containing multiple CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes were identified by employment of various immunoinformatics tools. FP‐1, FP‐2, FP‐3 and FP‐4 were estimated to bind with 227, 1787, 1008 and 834 HLA alleles, respectively. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) values obtained by molecular docking (CABS‐Dock) with 20 HLA alleles (10 each of HLA classes I and II) resulted into comparable RMSD values of identified epitopes with native peptides, which represents the natural presentation of epitopes to HLA molecules. These peptides were also found to be part of previous experimentally validated immunogenic peptides. Further, a dengue immunogenic peptide construct was generated by linking the four peptides, an adjuvant and a 6× histidine tag. The construct showed strong binding and stability with Toll‐like receptor. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence in the support of the immunogenic potential of the dengue immunogenic peptide construct.
Bias correction of daily precipitation for ungauged locations using geostatistical approaches: A case study for the CORDEX‐Africa ensemble
Authors: Lorenz Manuel , Bliefernicht Jan , Kunstmann Harald 
Published: May 2022

AbstractClimate model simulations typically exhibit a bias, which can be corrected using statistical approaches. In this study, a geostatistical approach for bias correction of daily precipitation at ungauged locations is presented. The method utilizes a double quantile mapping with dry day correction for future periods. The transfer function of the bias correction for the ungauged locations is established using distribution functions estimated by ordinary kriging with anisotropic variograms. The methodology was applied to the daily precipitation simulations of the entire CORDEX‐Africa ensemble for a study region located in the West African Sudanian Savanna. This ensemble consists of 23 regional climate models (RCM) that were run for three different future scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5). The evaluation of the approach for a historical 50‐year period (1950–2005) showed that the method can reduce the inherent strong precipitation bias of RCM simulations, thereby reproducing the main climatological features of the observed data. Moreover, the bias correction technique preserves the climate change signal of the uncorrected RCM simulations. However, the ensemble spread is increased due to an overestimation of the rainfall probability of uncorrected RCM simulations. The application of the bias correction method to the future period (2006–2100) revealed that annual precipitation increases for most models in the near (2020–2049) and far future (2070–2099) with a mean increase of up to (18%). An analysis of the monthly and daily time series showed a slightly delayed onset and intensification of the rainy season.
DEFINING AND ASSESSING THE VALUE OF CANONICAL MIXED METHODS RESEARCH DESIGNS IN PUBLIC POLICY AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Richwine Chelsea , Luo Qian Eric , Thorkildsen Zoë , Chong Nicholas J. , Morris Rebecca , Barnow Burt S. , Pandey Sanjay K. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMixed methods research (MMR) designs are well suited for answering policy‐relevant questions, yet they remain underutilized in public policy and public administration scholarship. To provide a deeper understanding of the effective use of such designs, this article examines the prevalence of MMR in public policy and public administration journals, drawing a key distinction between “canonical” and “non‐canonical” MMR. Canonical mixed methods studies are characterized by (1) an explicit rationale for using mixed methods (i.e., a clear connection between methodological decisions and research questions), (2) effective integration of qualitative and quantitative strands, and (3) design transparency. We demonstrate the value of a canonical approach in public policy and public administration research by highlighting differences in quality between canonical and non‐canonical mixed methods studies. Our findings indicate that a canonical approach to mixed methods research makes positive contributions to methodological quality and knowledge development.
Induction and Maintenance of Local Structural Durability for High‐Energy Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Ma Quanxin , Wang Yuqin , Lai Fulin , Meng Junxia , Dmytro Sydorov , Zhou Lingfei , Yang Mengqian , Zhang Qian , Zhong Shengwen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNickel‐rich layered oxides are one of the most promising cathode candidates for next‐generation high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. However, due to similar ion radius between Li+ and Ni2+(0.76 and 0.69 Å), the Li+/Ni2+ mixing phenomenon seriously hinders the migration of Li+ and increases kinetic barrier of Li+ diffusion, resulting in limited rate capability. In this work, the introduction of Ce4+ to effectively improve electrochemical properties of Ni‐rich cathode materials is proposed. The LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (LNCA) is modified with an additional precursor oxidization process using an appropriate amount of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6. The Ce(NO3)62− easily obtains electrons and generates reduction reactions, while Ni(OH)2 is prone to electron loss and oxidation reaction. The participation of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 can promote the oxidation of Ni2+ to Ni3+, thereby reducing the Li+/Ni2+ mixing and increasing the structural stability of LNCA samples. Ce4+ cation doping can impede Li+/Ni2+ mixing of LNCA cathode materials upon the long‐term cycles. Both rate performance and long‐term cyclability of Li[Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05]0.97Ce0.03O2 (LNCA‐Ce0.03) sample are significantly improved. Besides, a practical pouch cell based on the cathode presents sufficient gravimetric energy density (≈300 Wh kg−1) and cycling stability (capacity retention of 81.3% after 500 cycles at 1 C).