bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between the penetration characteristics of methyl bromide and ethanedinitrile through the bark of pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) logs
Authors: Hall Matthew K.D. , Adlam Anthony R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDEthanedinitrile (EDN) is a fumigant being commercialized worldwide as an alternative phytosanitary treatment to methyl bromide (MB) for forest products. The penetration characteristics of MB and EDN were measured through the bark of wooden blocks (100 × 100 × 50 mm) cut from the upper (average bark thickness 5 ± 2 mm) and lower (average bark thickness 25 ± 5 mm) trunk of recently felled pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) trees. Doses of 48 g m−3 MB and 50 g m−3 EDN were applied to chambers at 10 and 20°C for 10 h.RESULTSPenetration of MB was influenced by the interaction between fumigation time and temperature, with concentrations increasing at a higher rate at 20°C compared with at 10°C. After 10 h, an average concentration of 8.05 ± 0.89 g m−3 had penetrated the bark of log sections at 20°C, whereas 5.20 ± 0.89 g m−3 was measured at 10°C. By contrast, the factors examined in this study did not significantly impact the penetration of EDN. Concentration × time (CT) values for MB under the bark were 35.20 ± 2.30 g h m−3 at 10°C and 55.85 ± 9.58 g h m−3 at 20°C; whereas for EDN, CT values were 19.50 ± 6.80 g h m−3 at 10°C and 19.08 ± 4.10 g h m−3 at 20°C.CONCLUSIONMB can achieve a higher concentration under the bark of log sections during simulated fumigations, but all of the factors examined affected the ability of MB to penetrate the bark of wooden blocks. By comparison, the penetration of EDN through the bark is more consistent than MB under laboratory conditions. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Progressive system safety and reliability analysis: A sustainable game theory approach
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad , Ding Yiyuan , Adumene Sidum , Shafie Parastoo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis research aims to study the applicability of game theory to system safety and reliability decision‐making problems and corresponding objective conflicts using non‐cooperative games. The non‐cooperative games would solve the games considering non‐cooperative cognitive decision‐makers behaviors, which are commonly ignored by other system safety and reliability analysis (SSRA) techniques, assuming that there would be perfect cooperation between the players (decision‐makers). Game theory can also recognize and understand the decision‐makers' behaviors and provide a “win‐win” situation for all players and the best broader system outcomes. The paper also shows the use of dynamic game theory in system safety and reliability decision‐making problems over time. The results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of game theory and show how this can better reflect decision‐makers’ opinions in system safety and reliability decision‐making problems.
Causes of death in stillbirth and quality of care—an example of a local audit
Authors: Rensfeldt Frida , Huber Malin , Tunón Katarina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionNeonatal deaths have decreased steadily in Sweden since the 1960s, but the stillbirth rate has been stable at around 4 per 1000 births, for the last 40 years. Risk factors of stillbirth are well studied; however, the cause of death is unclear in many cases. The purpose of this study was to examine causes of death in stillbirth using a classification system. In addition, we aimed to assess substandard care factors and identify areas for quality improvement.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective clinical audit of all stillbirths delivered between January 2006 and December 2019. We performed a detailed investigation of medical records and classified the causes of death according to ‘The Stockholm classification of stillbirth’. Unclear cases were discussed in a multidisciplinary local audit group. Substandard care factors were identified and classified as probable, possible, or unlikely, with respect to the cause of death.ResultsIn total, there were 64 cases of stillbirth. It was possible to determine a cause of death in 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.02–95.63) of the cases. The leading cause of death was intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)/placental insufficiency (45%) (95% CI: 33.73–57.43), followed by infection (13%) (95% CI: 6.47–22.8) and placental abruption (9%) (95% CI: 4.37–18.98). Factors of substandard care were identified in 49% (95% CI: 37.06–61.4) of the cases, but in only 10% the substandard care factor had a probable association with the cause of death.ConclusionIntroducing a local audit group and using a validated classification system made it possible to find a cause of death in about 90% of the cases of stillbirth. Since IUGR/placental insufficiency is the leading cause of death, it is important to improve current strategies to identify pregnancies at risk for IUGR, antenatally. Our results suggest that there is a possibility to improve the quality of care in many areas, particularly regarding symphysis‐fundus measurements.Tweetable AbstractA validated classification system and local audits are valuable tools to determine the causes of IUFD. This enables directed preventive actions toward IUFD.
Near‐Infrared‐Triggered On‐Demand Controlled Release of Adeno‐Associated Virus from Alginate Hydrogel Microbeads with Heat Transducer for Gene Therapy
Authors: Takatsuka Shuhei , Kubota Takeshi , Kurashina Yuta , Onoe Hiroaki 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGene therapy using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) has potential as a radical treatment modality for genetic diseases such as sensorineural deafness. To establish clinical applications, it is necessary to avoid immune response to AAV by controlled release system of AAV. Here, a near‐infrared (NIR)‐triggered on‐demand AAV release system using alginate hydrogel microbeads with a heat transducer is proposed. By using a centrifuge‐based microdroplet shooting device, the microbeads encapsulating AAV with Fe3O4 microparticles (Fe3O4‐MPs) as a heat transducer are fabricated. Fe3O4‐MPs generated heat by NIR enhanced the diffusion speed of the AAV, resulting in the AAV being released from the microbeads. By irradiating the microbeads encapsulating fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles (FP‐NPs) (viral model) with NIR, the fluorescence intensity decreased only for FP‐NPs with a diameter of 20 nm and not for 100 or 200 nm, confirming that this system can release virus with a diameter of several tens of nanometers. By irradiating NIR to the AAV‐encapsulating microbeads with Fe3O4‐MPs, the AAV is released on demand, and gene transfection to cells by AAV is confirmed without loss of viral activity. The NIR‐triggered AAV release system proposed in this study increases the number of alternatives for the method of drug release in gene therapy.
Silicon Cutting Waste Derived Silicon Nanosheets with Adjustable Native SiO2 Shell for Highly‐Stable Lithiation/Delithiation
Authors: Hu Tingjie , Zhou Haochen , Zhou Xiangyang , Tang Jingjing , Chen Song , Fan Sicheng , Luo Chucheng , Ma Yayun , Yang Juan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSilicon is an excellent candidate for the next generation of ultra‐high performance anode materials, with the rapid iteration of the lithium‐ion battery industry. High‐quality silicon sources are the cornerstone of the development of silicon anodes, and silicon cutting waste (SCW) is one of them while still faces the problems of poor performance and unclear structure‐activity relationship. Herein, a simple, efficient, and inexpensive purification method is implemented to reduce impurities in SCW and expose the morphology of nanosheets therein. Furthermore, HF is used to modulate the abundant native O in SCW after thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, realizing the mechanical support for the internal Si in the form of an amorphous SiO2 shell. Afterward, SCNS@SiO2‐2.5 with a 1.0 nm thick SiO2 shell exhibits a reversible capacity of 1583.3 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.8 A g−1. Ultimately, the molecular dynamics simulations profoundly reveal that the amorphous SiO2 shell is transformed into the extremely ductile LixSiOy shell to ditch stress and relieve strain during the lithiation/delithiation process.
Continuous Flow Microfluidic Production of Arbitrarily Long Tubular Liquid Crystal Elastomer Peristaltic Pump Actuators
Authors: Najiya Najiya , Popov Nikolay , Jampani Venkata Subba Rao , Lagerwall Jan P. F. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWhile liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are ideal materials for soft‐robotic actuators, filling the role of muscle and shape‐defining material simultaneously, it is non‐trivial to give them ground state shapes beyond simple sheets or fibers. Here tubular LCE actuators scalable to arbitrary length are produced using a continuous three‐phase coaxial flow microfluidic process. By pumping an oligomeric precursor solution between inner and outer aqueous phases in a cylindrically symmetric nested capillary set‐up, and by reducing the interfacial tension to negligible values using surfactants adapted to each phase, the tubular liquid flow is stabilized over distances more than 200 times the diameter or 2000 times the thickness. In situ photocrosslinking of the middle phase turns it into an LCE network that is flow‐aligned by the shear gradient over the phase. The reversible actuation of the tubes upon heating yields a reduction of the interior space, pumping out enclosed fluid, and the relaxation upon cooling leads to the fluid being sucked back in. By moving a local heat source along the tube, it acts as a peristaltic pump. It is proposed that the tubes could, pending functionalization for light‐triggered actuation, function as active synthetic vasculature in biological contexts.
Aerosol Spray Drying Guided Synthesis of Ultrasmall Alloyed Bimetallic Nanoparticles Supported on Silica for Catalytic Semihydrogenation
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yali , Li Yunqing , Wang Xiaoning , Wang Huifang , Wu Winston Duo , Bao Xiaoguang , Wu Zhangxiong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSupported bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with ultrasmall sizes and homogeneous alloying are attractive for catalysis. However, facile synthesis of this type of material remains very challenging. Here, the aerosol drying impregnation method for rapid, scalable, and general synthesis of silica‐supported bimetallic NPs is proposed. The method relies on aerosol spray drying to promote the mixing and dispersing of binary metal precursors on SiO2. It is capable of controlling the composition and size of bimetallic NPs and avoids the use of expensive metal complex salts and complicated experiment procedures. Twelve permutations combining a noble metal (Pd, Ru, and Pt) and a base one (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) with ultrasmall sizes (1.4–2.2 nm in average size), uniform dispersion, and good alloying are synthesized. Interesting activity and selectivity trends in catalytic semihydrogenation of phenylacetylene over the supported Pd‐based NPs can be observed. The silica‐supported PdNi NPs deliver both high activity and styrene selectivity. Spectroscopic and density functional theory calculation results reveal the improved chemoselectivity originated from the suitably down‐shifted d‐band center of the PdNi NPs inducing an increased energy barrier for overhydrogenation and a weakened styrene adsorption.
Small Molecules Functionalized Zinc Oxide Interlayers for High Performance Low‐Temperature Carbon‐Based CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhang Xiang , Guo Tonghui , Zou Junjie , Zhou Yuan , Jin Junjun , Zhu Zhenkun , Cao Qiang , Zhang Jing , Tai Qidong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe charge recombination resulting from bulk defects and interfacial energy level mismatch hinders the improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of carbon‐based inorganic perovskite solar cells (C‐IPSCs). Herein, a series of small molecules including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its derivatives (EDTA‐Na and EDTA‐K) are studied to functionalize the zinc oxide (ZnO) interlayers at the SnO2/CsPbI2Br buried interface to boost the photovoltaic performance of low‐temperature C‐IPSCs. This strategy can simultaneously passivate defects in ZnO and perovskite films, adjust interfacial energy level alignment, and release interfacial tensile stress, thereby improving interfacial contact, inhibiting ion migration, alleviating charge recombination, and promoting electron transport. As a result, a maximum PCE of 13.94% with a negligible hysteresis effect is obtained, which is one of the best results reported for low‐temperature CsPbI2Br C‐IPSCs so far. Moreover, the optimized devices without encapsulation demonstrate greatly improved operational stability.
Failure characteristics of concrete pipes with pre‐existing cracks
Authors: Liu Liping , Tan Fei , Tian Shugao , Hong Zhikai , Lv Jiahe 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUrban ground subsidence accidents have become frequent in recent years, mainly due to cracked concrete sewer pipes. Based on the discrete element method (DEM), the process from crack‐initiation to the formation of penetrating macrocracks were investigated and crack‐initiation load and failure load were calculated. The results showed that numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results, thus verifying the effectiveness of the DEM calculation results. The crack‐initiation load and failure load of concrete pipes varied when different parameters were involved. The diameter of pipe had the greatest impact on the crack‐initiation load and failure load, followed by the crack position. The crack dip angle did not show any significant influence on the failure load. The crack depth significantly affected the deformation characteristics prior to crack initiation. The diameter of pipe and crack depth had a minor impact on the failure mode of concrete pipes. However, the crack dip angle determined the path of crack propagation while the crack position determined the crack initiation location and failure mode of the concrete pipes.
An experimental study on bond behaviors of reinforced concrete under fatigue loading and corrosion
Authors: Zhou Haijun , Qi Xuan , Lin Zhiyao , De Filippo Michele , Liu Jian , Ma Cong , Xing Feng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCorrosion and fatigue loading would inevitably degrade bond between rebar and concrete. However, there were only a few related test results available, and confinement of rebar was different from case to case. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of corrosion and fatigue loading on bond behaviors between strong confined rebar and concrete. A total of 72 cube specimens with 13 target corrosion levels from 0% to 30% with a step of 2.5% were made and tested. Seven specimens were tested with monotonic pull‐out load. Sixty‐five specimens were tested with fatigue loads and divided into two groups according to corrosion level with two different loaded upper limits. Bond strength, corresponding slip value, residual slip value, and residual bond stress of tested specimens with different corrosion levels and stress levels are studied. Three typical failure modes were observed during fatigue loading processes: rebar fracture, bond fatigue failure, and pull‐out splitting failure, respectively. Test results indicated the residual slip continued to accumulate under fatigue load, and corrosion further increased the residual slip value. Specimens began to show bond fatigue failure when the actual stress level was >50%. The results of this study can provide reference for service life evaluation of reinforced concrete structures in coastal area under repeated loading.
Farm characteristics and sero‐prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies in pigs of Nepal
Authors: Prajapati Meera , Acharya Madhav Prasad , Yadav Prakash , Frossard Jean‐Pierre 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is a highly infectious disease of swine caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV).ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of PRRSV antibodies in the four districts of hilly and terai regions of Nepal. Toassess the farm characteristics through a questionnaire interview of farmersregarding management practices and PRRS.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 to determine the sero‐prevalence of PRRSV in pigs. A total of 180 porcine serum samples were collected from 23 pig farms and tested for PRRSV antibodies by ELISA. Alongside, farm characteristics were also assessed through questionnaire to determine the level of biosecurity measures in the farm, knowledge of the disease and possible control mechanisms.ResultsOut of 180 samples, 37 were tested positive resulting the overall sero‐prevalence of 20.5%. There was significant association between different districts (p< 0.05) and PRRS prevalence. Prevalence of PRRSV antibody was found higher in Kaski district (10.5%) followed by Sunsari (8.8%) district. Based on age groups, highest prevalence was found in age groups of above 18 months (9.4%), followed by 13–18 months age groups (7.7%). Regarding the knowledge level of the disease, 43% of the farmers responded that they have heard about the disease. Biosecurity practices in the farm was found very poor where only 40% of the farms had disinfectant at the entrance of the farm and 25% pig farmers were found using separate boots while dealing with pigs.ConclusionsThe findings of this study reveal the presence of PRRSV antibodies in pigs of Nepal. In addition poor biosecurity measures, management practices and poor knowledge level about the disease among farmers highly affect in the control and prevention of disease thereby affecting the pig production and productivity. Therefore, government should develop and implement effective control measures and biosecurity programs.
The effect of dietary pioglitazone supplementation on milk yield, insulin sensitivity and GH–IGF‐I axis in Holstein dairy cows during the transition period
Authors: Mirzaie Saeed , Yousefi Ali Reza , Masoumi Reza , Rostami Behnam , Amanlou Hamid 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐yielding dairy cows develop insulin resistance during late gestation associated with disruption of the growth hormone (GH)–insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I axis and cause metabolic and reproductive disorders.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effects of dietary pioglitazone (PIO) supplementation as an insulin sensitizer agent on milk yield, plasma metabolite status and GH–IGF‐I axis in transition Holstein dairy cows.MethodsTwenty multiparous cows were randomly assigned into two experimental groups (n = 10 animals per group) and either fed with a basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with 6 mg PIO/kg body weight (BW) from day 14 before parturition to day 21 postpartum. The BW and body condition score (BCS), non‐esterified fatty acids, beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin, glucose, GH and IGF‐I concentrations, milk production and composition were measured weekly.ResultsBW and BCS losses were lower in PIO than in control cows (p < 0.05). The percentage and amount of milk fat were decreased, and the amount of protein increased only in the first post‐calving week in the PIO‐treated cows compared to the control (p < 0.05). Dietary PIO supplementation increased glucose concentration at calving, but insulin concentration was increased at calving and in the first post‐calving week (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of IGF‐I and the ratio of IGF to GH were increased in the PIO group (p < 0.05). The mean revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index with BHBA, as an insulin sensitivity index, was greater in PIO‐supplemented cows (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results showed beneficial effects of PIO supplementation on improving insulin sensitivity and the GH–IGF‐I axis that may cause lower negative energy balance and better metabolic and health status in transition dairy cows.
Molecular screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dogs and cats from households with infected owners diagnosed with COVID‐19 during Delta and Omicron variant waves in Iran
Authors: Akhtardanesh Baharak , Jajarmi Maziar , Shojaee Mohammadreza , Salajegheh Tazerji Sina , Khalili Mahani Maziar , Hajipour Pouneh , Gharieb Rasha 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in dogs and cats in different countries worldwide raises concerns that pets are at a higher risk for spreading or transmitting of SARS‐CoV‐2 to humans and other pets and increased the research works about the zoonotic aspects and natural routes of infection in companion animals. The current study aimed to detect the SARS‐CoV‐2 in household dogs and cats living with COVID‐19 positive owners.MethodsDeep oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 30 household pets (20 cats and 10 dogs) living with COVID‐19 positive owners from April 2021 to 2022 in Kerman, Iran. All dogs’ and cats’ samples were tested by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2.ResultsTwo household cats out of 20 examined (10%) were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, whereas none of the examined dogs were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. The two cats positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were symptomatic and suffered from severe anorexia with maximum contact with their infected owners.ConclusionThis study reported the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in household cats in close contact with COVID‐19 positive owners during the circulation of new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants (Delta and Omicron) in Iran and suggested that the transmission may have occurred from owners to their cats. Therefore, infected owners should eagerly limit close contact with their pets during COVID‐19 illness.
Copromicroscopic study of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Central Zoo, Lalitpur, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Pitambar , Sharma Hari Prasad , Shah Rachana , Thapa Parbat Jung , Pokheral Chiranjibi Prasad 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundZoological gardens (Zoo) provide abode to various threatened animals or trafficked animals seized by the authorities, and injured and orphaned animals. Captive animals are more susceptible to infection as they are under significant stress due to diet and space which further dwindle their resistance to parasitic infections.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals housed at Central Zoo.MethodsFresh faecal samples from three orders of mammals including carnivora (n = 24), rodentia (n = 28) and artiodactyla (n = 35) were examined by direct smear, faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques, and the McMaster technique was applied to quantify parasite eggs per gram (EPG)/oocysts per gram (OPG) of a faecal sample.ResultsOne or more parasite taxa were detected in 19.54% of the examined samples and five types of GIPs including one protozoon (Eimeria spp.) and four helminths (Strongyloides spp., Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. and hookworm) were recorded. The protozoan prevalence (6.89 %) was lower than helminths (12.64%). The Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent parasite (6.89%) with the highest OPG (427.77 ± 25.45SD) in spotted deer (Axis axis), and the highest prevalence was noticed among artiodactyla (34.28%) followed by carnivora (12.5%) and rodentia (7.14%). Artiodactyla had both single infection (25.71%) and double (8.57%) infection. The percentage of single infection (16.09%) was found to be higher than double infection (3.44%) among the captive mammals. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) had the highest EPG of 383.33 ± 76.37SD (Strongyloides spp.), while the spotted deer had the lowest EPG of 216.66 ± 76.37SD (hookworm).ConclusionsDespite careful management practices, the parasitic infection may be attributed to the narrow enclosure, group housing and environmental contamination. The present finding provides baseline information on the parasitic infection in captive mammals, and can be used by zoo managers for the better life of captive animals.