bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A practical strategy for fabrication of transparent, robust and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic surfaces for toys and games
Authors: Kimura Arafumi , Nagashima Kentaro 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This work presents a practical strategy for fabrication of transparent, robust and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic surfaces for toys and games by a one-step spray coating method. A type of commercial stringed silica nanoparticles (NPs) is chemically modified by a mixture of two fluorine-free silanes, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DDTMS) via a sol–gel process with the aid of ammonia as a basic catalyst and a small amount of water in ethanol, resulting in the formation of an amphiphilic solution, suitable for coating a variety of substrate materials such as glass, ceramics, wood, metal, plastics and paper and so on. Polyarylic acid (PAA) is used as a binder to improve the mechanical robustness of the superhydrophobic coating. Effects of silica NPs concentration, mixing order, TEOS/DDTMS ratio, PAA amount and catalyst on the transparency, uniformity, mechanical robustness and superhydrophobicity of the resultant coatings deposited on the glass slides are investigated. The mechanisms for the superhydrophobicity and water-resistance as well as the effects of catalyst and mixing order are discussed. Furthermore, an example of the superhydrophobic surfaces as toys is presented. This work will pave the way for expanding wide applications of the superhydrophobic surfaces towards toys and games.

Article Highlights

A one-step spray coating method is developed to fabricate transparent, robust and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) plays an important role in improv-ing the uniformity and mechanical robustness of the superhydrophobic coating.

An example of practical application is presented for the superhydrophobic surfaces as toys and game
Assessment of potentially toxic elements in water and sediments in the drainage network of Lake Mariout, Egypt
Authors: Hassaan Mohamed A. , El-Rayis Osman , Hemada Engy , El Nemr Ahmed 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe present work investigated the distribution and assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the water and surface sediments of both Qalaa and Umum Drains. The water samples were taken from eighteen sampling sites covering the downstream part of the two drains before reaching Lake Mariout Main Basin (LMMB) and Lake Mariout Fishery Basin (LMFB) during the summer period. The samples collected were analyzed for Cu, Cd, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, Fe and Al. Pollution loading index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), Geo accumulation index (Igeo) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) were calculated as a criterion of possible contamination. Qalaa Drain is characterized by a low pH value of 6.93 compared to the other waters in the studied areas. The lowest Cl was always recorded in the water of Qalaa Drain with an average of 0.65 g Cl/L. The water of Umum Drain, LMMB and LMFB are continually aerated with O2 concentration, compared to the Qalaa drain, which constantly carries H2S. The outcomes revealed that the concentrations of the dissolved metals are at suitable levels according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Fe and Al are the two abundant metals in the sediment of the four studied areas. The order of abundance of the metals in the sediments of the present study areas was Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co > Cd. For the sediments, only cadmium and zinc concentrations in all sites during the study period exceeded the average shale rock concentration. According to the examined indices, the level of contamination in Qalaa Drain ranges from considerable to extremely high. Additionally, the four examined regions have higher Cu and Zn contents than SQGs.
Cowpea Living Mulch Effect on Soil Quality and Grain Yield in Smallholder Maize-Based Cropping System of Northern Ghana
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nurudeen , Larbi Asamoah , Berdjour Albert , Kizito Fred , Hoeschle-Zeledon Irmgard 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Low soil fertility is a major constraint for maize production in West Africa, the use of legumes as living mulch improves soil fertility and yield of main crops. However, there is limited literature on the appropriate time to plant living mulch in maize-based cropping system in West Africa. A 2-year (2017–2018) study was conducted to determine the effect of cowpea living mulch (CPLM) on soil quality and grain yield in maize-based cropping system of northern Ghana. A factorial treatment combination of three maize maturity types (extra-early, early and medium) and four CPLM methods (control, CPLM with maize planted on the same day, CPLM planted 1 week after maize and CPLM planted 2 weeks after maize) was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications in Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana. Principal component and correlation matrix analyses were used to select minimum data set for soil quality index (SQI) calculation. The SQI for CPLM improved by 50–100% relative to that of the control in both seasons and regions. The CPLM significantly increased maize grain by 34–37% during both seasons in Northern Region and 84% during 2017 in the Upper East Region compared with that of the control. The effect of time of planting CPLM on grain yield showed negative correlation with amount of rainfall received during vegetative growth of CPLM. The results suggest that smallholder maize-based farmers in northern Ghana and similar agro-ecologies in West Africa can plant CPLM 1–2 weeks after planting maize to improve soil quality and increase maize grain yield.
Systematic review and meta-analysis for the impact of rod materials and sizes in the surgical treatment of adult spine deformity
Authors: Bowden Dawn , Michielli Annalisa , Merrill Michelle , Will Steven 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To assess clinical and safety outcomes associated with different rod materials and diameters in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Methods
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis evaluated ASD surgery using pedicle screw fixation systems with rods of different materials and sizes. Postoperative outcomes (i.e., Cobb, sagittal vertical axis, and pelvic tilt angle) and complications (i.e., pseudarthrosis and rod breakage) were assessed. Random effects models (REMs) pooled data for outcomes reported in ≥ 2 studies.

Results
Among 50 studies evaluating ASD surgery using pedicle screw fixation systems, 17 described rod material/diameter. Postoperative outcomes did not statistically differ between cobalt–chromium (CoCr) vs. titanium (Ti) rods (n = 2 studies; mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] sagittal vertical axis angle: CoCr 37.00° [18.58°–55.42°] and Ti 32.58° [24.62°–40.54°]; mean [95% CI] pelvic tilt angle: CoCr 26.20° [22.87°–29.53°] and Ti 20.15° [18.0°–22.31°]). The pooled proportion (95% CI) of pseudarthrosis was 15% (7–22%) for CoCr and 12% (− 8–32%) for stainless steel (SS) (n = 2 studies each; Chi2 = 0.07, p = 0.79). The pooled proportion (95% CI) of broken rods was 12% (1–22%) for Ti (n = 3 studies) and 10% (2–19) for CoCr (n = 1 study). Among 6.0–6.35 mm rods, the pooled (95% CI) postoperative Cobb angle (n = 2) was 12.01° (9.75°–14.28°), sagittal vertical axis angle (n = 4) was 35.32° (30.02°–40.62°), and pelvic tilt angle was 21.11° (18.35°–23.86°).

Conclusions
For ASD patients undergoing posterior fixation and fusion, there are no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes or complications among rods of varying materials and diameters. Benchmark postsurgical outcomes and complication rates by rod material and diameter are provided.

Level of Evidence
III
An anatomy of the academic ranking of world universities (Shanghai ranking)
Authors: Docampo D. , Egret D. , Cram L. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractInternational academic rankings of research universities are widely applied and heavily criticised. Amongst the many international rankings, the Shanghai ranking has been particularly influential. Although this ranking’s primary data are generally accessible and its methods are published in outline format, it does not follow that its outputs are predictable or straightforward. In practice, the annual and time series Shanghai rankings rely on data and rules that are complex, variable, and not fully revealed. Patterns and changes in the ranking may be misinterpreted as intrinsic properties of institutions or systems when they are actually beyond the influence of any university or nation. This article dissects the rules that connect raw institutional data to the published ranking, using the 2020 edition as a reference. Analysing an ARWU review of ranking changes over 2004–2016, we show how exogenous or methodological changes have often driven changes in ranking. Stakeholders can be misled if they believe that changes are intrinsic to institutions’ performance. We hope to inform and warn the media, governments, and institutions about the merits and risks of using the Shanghai ranking to evaluate relative institutional performance and its evolution.
Accumulation of carotenoids in Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis by a high proportion of blue in the light spectrum
Authors: Frede Katja , Baldermann Susanne 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCarotenoids have the potential to improve the human health which leads to an increasing consumer demand for carotenoid-rich vegetables. The implementation of new, less energy-consuming vegetable production systems using artificial light such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is essential. In the present study, pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis ‘Black Behi’) sprouts were grown under a combination of blue and white LEDs, red and white LEDs or only white LEDs for 7 days. Total carotenoid levels of ~ 700 ng/mg DM were measured under white LEDs. The combination of blue and white LEDs increased the carotenoid levels by ~ 15% in comparison to only white LEDs, while red and white LEDs reduced them. The transcript levels of important carotenoid metabolism-related genes were enhanced under blue and white LEDs. Phytoene measurement after Norflurazon-treatment, a phytoene desaturase inhibitor, revealed that phytoene increased by 38% (37.5 µM Norflurazon) and by 56% (50.0 µM Norflurazon) after growth under blue and white LEDs in comparison to only white LEDs suggesting an up-regulation of the upper carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Thus, the transcript levels and the enhanced phytoene levels correlated well with the higher accumulation of carotenoids under blue and white LEDs. Furthermore, a comparison to sprouts grown under blue LEDs without additional white LEDs showed that blue light alone does not increase the phytoene levels after Norflurazon-treatment. Overall, this study demonstrated a beneficial effect of a higher blue light percentage in growing carotenoid-rich pak choi sprouts, and implies that an increased biosynthesis within the upper carotenoid biosynthetic pathway is responsible for the enhanced carotenoid accumulation.
Graphical abstract
Lignin derived carbon materials: current status and future trends
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Qiu Xueqing , Wang Caiwei , Zhong Lei , Fu Fangbao , Zhu Jiahao , Zhang Zejie , Qin Yanlin , Yang Dongjie , Xu Chunbao Charles 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDeveloping novel techniques to convert lignin into sustainable chemicals and functional materials is a critical route toward the high-value utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin-derived carbon materials hold great promise for applications in energy and chemical engineering, catalysis and environmental remediation. In this review, the state-of-art sciences and technologies for controllable synthesis of lignin-derived carbon materials are summarized, pore structure engineering, crystalline engineering, and morphology controlling methodologies are thoroughly outlined and critically discussed. Green chemical engineering with cost-effectiveness and precise carbonization tuning microstructure are future research trends of lignin-derived carbon materials. Future research directions that could be employed to advance lignin-derived carbon materials toward commercial applications are then proposed.
The Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Sleep Parameters: Data from a Prospective, Controlled Cohort
Authors: Wu Xu , Zhang Yuyang , Zhang Wei , Liu Guodong , Jiang Hui , Huang Houbao , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany studies have reported a possible strong relationship between poor sleep quality, sleep disruption, sleep disorders, and erectile dysfunction (ED).AimThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and ED.MethodsPatients diagnosed with ED by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and 72 healthy adult men were included. Participants completed the questionnaire, underwent a detailed physical examination, and provided blood samples. All enrolled subjects then wore the Fitbit Charge 2 that monitored sleep throughout the night.OutcomesPrimary outcome measures included scores on the IIEF-5, General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and sleep monitoring parameters obtained from Fitbit Charge 2.ResultsFinally, a total of 107 ED patients and 72 healthy adult men were enrolled in this study. Univariate analysis indicated that the GAD-7 (P &lt; .001), PHQ-9 (P &lt; .001), and PSQI scores (P &lt; .001) significantly differed according to the presence/absence of ED. Further multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the PHQ-9 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.227, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.070-1.407; P = .003) and PSQI scores (OR: 1.220, 95%CI: 1.116-1.334; P &lt; .001) were independent risk factors for ED. Analysis of objective sleep monitoring parameters showed that total sleep time (TST) (P = .001), sleep onset latency (SOL) (P = .026), deep sleep (N3) duration (P = .011) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration (P &lt; .001) were significantly differed between the 2 groups, with durations in the ED group significantly lower than those in the non-ED group. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the REM sleep duration had the highest area under the curve (AUC: 0.728) of all sleep parameters, with a P value &lt; .001, a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 73.8%.Clinical ImplicationsUrologists and andrologists should be aware of impacted sleep quality and depression in ED patients.Strengths & LimitationsThe strength of this study is that the relationship between sleep quality and ED was assessed with both a subjective scale and an objective sleep monitoring tool. However, our study only described an association between sleep quality and ED and did not establish a causal relationship.ConclusionSleep parameters are strongly associated with ED, indicating that poor sleep quality may increase the likelihood of ED.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Infection as a Public Health Tool
Authors: Beyrer Chris , McCormack Sheena , Grulich Andrew 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, with antiviral agents for prevention of HIV infection has been demonstrated in multiple randomized controlled trials and demonstration projects. These trials have studied prevention at the individual level. The effectiveness of PrEP as a public health intervention to reduce HIV incidence at community and population levels is being actively evaluated but is less well described. In reviewing the available data on PrEP as a public health intervention, three significant examples have demonstrated success, and all have been among communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
From Private Influence to Public Amendment? The Senate's Amendment Rate in the 41st, 42nd and 43rd Canadian Parliaments
Authors: McCallion Elizabeth 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRecent reforms to the Canadian Senate removed senators from the Liberal Party caucus and changed the appointment process to be more nonpartisan. This article asks: to what extent did the reforms affect legislative oversight in the Senate? By studying the Senate's legislative amendments, I find that the reformed Senate is more willing to amend bills than it was previously. The reforms led to sharp increases in the Senate's amendment rate, the number of amendments moved and the percentage of successful motions in amendment. In interviews, senators revealed that they see oversight differently following the reforms. Senators no longer have opportunities to advise the government in caucus, so they have begun using amendments to exercise oversight. This article concludes that the reforms shifted senators’ understanding of their function of oversight, leading to a higher amendment rate and increased visible scrutiny of government by the Senate.
Factors influencing the diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes on the relict tree Zelkova abelicea (Lam.) Boiss. (Ulmaceae)
Authors: Fazan Laurence , Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Fragnière Yann , Fałtynowicz Wiesław , Ghosn Dany , Remoundou Ilektra , Rusińska Anna , Urbański Paweł , Pasta Salvatore , Garfì Giuseppe , Kozlowski Gregor 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTrees have a crucial importance in the functioning of ecosystems on Earth. They are among the largest and longest-living taxa and provide habitat and shelter to numerous species belonging to diverse groups of organisms. Relict trees are of particular interest through their history of survival and adaptation, and because they potentially shelter rare or threatened organisms today. We investigated for the first time the diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes found on the Cretan (Greek) endemic and relict phorophyte Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae). Our results showed that Z. abelicea hosts a high number of epiphytes. The Levka Ori mountain range in western Crete seems to be a hot spot for epiphytic lichens on Z. abelicea. Bryophytes had the highest diversity on Mt Kedros in central Crete but were absent from several other sites. Moreover, 17% of the studied lichens were recorded for the first time for Crete and 5% have never been recorded for Greece. Geographical position and browsing intensity seem to be important factors influencing the epiphytic community encountered. Tree morphology (dwarfed or arborescent) was also significant in influencing community composition although it was not possible to dissociate this factor from the effect of topography. Dwarfed individuals were found to have as much epiphytic diversity as arborescent trees. Ecological indicator values showed that high epiphytic diversity was found in some sites despite signs of eutrophication and disturbance due to pastoral activities and suggest the co-occurrence of both disturbance tolerant and sensitive species. Our results show how little is known about the biodiversity of Cretan phorophytes and highlights the need for further research on the topic.
The hidden borderline patient: patients with borderline personality disorder who do not engage in recurrent suicidal or self-injurious behavior
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Becker Lena 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the significant psychosocial morbidity associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), its underrecognition is a significant clinical problem. BPD is likely underdiagnosed, in part, because patients with BPD usually present with chief complaints associated with mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. When patients with BPD do not exhibit self-harm behavior, we suspect that BPD is less likely to recognized. An important question is whether the absence of this criterion, which might attenuate the likelihood of recognizing and diagnosing the disorder, identifies a subgroup of patients with BPD who are ‘less borderline’ than patients with BPD who do not manifest this criterion.MethodsPsychiatric outpatients were evaluated with a semi-structured diagnostic interview for DSM-IV BPD, 390 of whom were diagnosed with BPD. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with BPD who do and do not engage in repeated suicidal and self-harm behavior.ResultsApproximately half of the patients with BPD did not meet the suicidality/self-injury diagnostic criterion for the disorder. There were no differences between the patients who did and did not meet this criterion in occupational impairment, likelihood of receiving disability payments, impairment in social functioning, level of educational achievement, comorbid psychiatric disorders, history of childhood trauma, or severity of depression, anxiety, or anger upon presentation for treatment.ConclusionsRepeated self-injurious and suicidal behavior is not synonymous with BPD. It is critical for clinicians to be aware that the absence of repeated self-injury and suicide threats/gestures or attempts does not rule out the diagnosis of BPD.
Why Do Poor People Not Take up Benefits? Evidence from the Barcelona’s B-MINCOME Experiment
Authors: LAÍN BRU , JULIÀ ALBERT 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNon-take-up, i.e. individuals not applying for a benefit they are eligible for, is a widespread problem limiting the reach of welfare and protection systems. This paper seeks to understand it by means of a theoretical framework comprising two levels of analysis: the claimants’ individual characteristics in relation to the information barriers they face, and the administrative logic and functioning regarding the communications strategy used by public institutions. To test the hypotheses of these two levels of analysis, the paper analyses the B-MINCOME pilot scheme, a cash transfer programme implemented in the city of Barcelona between 2017 and 2019. Findings indicate that, although claimants’ characteristics may play a significant role, the administrative functioning and the communications strategy are fundamental in determining take-up rates. The conclusions briefly address some of the technical and moral concerns raised by non-take-up.
‘In my end is my beginning’: Peter Grimes and Death in Venice
Authors: Lambert Sterling 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBenjamin Britten, gravely ill at the time of its composition, was surely aware that Death in Venice would be his last opera, and it is not surprising that the work should make reference to his first opera, Peter Grimes, as if to bookend his entire operatic career, and survey the enormous distance he had travelled, as a hallmark of what might be considered the composer's late style. Even so, the dramatic and musical relationships between the two works are unusually extensive. Both operas concern an outsider at odds with the society around him, in a strange reflection of the composer's particular situation as he wrote each work. Each is set in a place particularly special to the composer, where land borders sea in a metaphor for the boundary between life and death. Finally, the protagonist's interactions with a mysterious silent boy in each case hints at a part of Britten's character that dared not speak its name. These dramatic correspondences are paralleled in important musical connections between the operas, despite their ostensibly very different musical languages. Britten's final opera could therefore be understood to exemplify the famous words borrowed by T.S. Eliot from Mary, Queen of Scots: ‘In my end is my beginning’, an appropriate concept given the degree to which Britten was occupied with Eliot's verse at this time.